Maria Poddie
Meet Maria Jose Poddie
Global Real Estate Advisor | Costa Rica
Maria left Costa Rica to find the world. The world sent her back to Playa Grande.
Maria grew up in Costa Rica with a deep love for the land, the ocean, and the people who call this country home. Curious by nature and driven by an adventurous spirit, she traveled the world and put down roots in Colombia, Mexico, and India along the way — gathering a global perspective that few who work in this market can claim
She studied Arts, Communication Studies, and Psychology, disciplines that shaped the way she listens, understands, and ultimately connects each client to a home that truly fits their life.
When Maria returned to Costa Rica, it was not a compromise — it was a calling. She channeled everything she had seen and learned into building a career in luxury real estate along the Guanacaste coast, and over the past decade she has become one of the most trusted advisors in the region. Her greatest strength is her ability to find the right property for the right person — part instinct, part experience, and entirely personal. She has built homes herself in Playa Grande and brings a builder’s eye to every client conversation: a genuine passion for architecture, landscaping, and design that goes far beyond the transaction. Her deep roots in the local community, combined with her knowledge of Costa Rican law, culture, and coastal life, mean her clients move through the process with confidence and ease.
Today, Maria lives in Playa Grande with her three sons. Mornings begin with a walk on the beach alongside her Belgian Malinois, Mako — often watching her boys surf the same breaks she has known her whole life.
She practices yoga, swims, stand-up paddles, and finds her way onto a longboard in Casitas when the day allows. She tends her garden with care, loves the way a thoughtfully designed space can hold a life, and carries a deep reverence for the bond between people and the natural world they inhabit. High moral values, a warm sense of humor, and an unwavering commitment to those she serves make Maria not just a real estate advisor, but a trusted guide to one of the most extraordinary places on earth.
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Beaches
The beaches of 30A just might be the best in the world. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a “beach person” before moving here. But there is something ethereal about the Appalachian quartz particles that make up our sand. I find the beaches of Dune Allen to be some of the quieter public access points. There is a calmness and laid-back feel there. Grayton Beach State Park also has great beach access for just $5 per vehicle. It’s a great place to post up for the day with a Pub-Sub.
WaterColor and WaterSound have my favorite beaches of the planned communities. WaterColor is my go-to spot for a bustling afternoon, and WaterSound for a quieter solace. You can’t go wrong just walking to a public access point and taking a walk. The beaches here have made even me a “beach person.”
Trails
My absolute favorite place to wander are the trails in WaterColor. There are over five miles of walking trails that weave throughout the neighborhood – terrain ranging from pavement to pebbles to earth. I enjoy the variety. Whether I’m looking for an intense workout or a leisurely stroll, I can do it all there.
If I’m on a bike, I love the trails at Grayton Beach State Park. The weaving through pine trees and overlooking Dune Lakes keeps the ride exciting, and the shade offers a nice reprieve from the sun.
Breakfast
My ideal morning consists of a trip to Blue Mountain Bakery for an iced coffee, breakfast burrito, and cinnamon roll shared between Randy and me. If I have a hankering for French toast, Fish Out of Water has my favorite.
Black Bear in Grayton Beach has an excellent avocado toast, and a biscuit that will melt in your mouth. I’ve been trying to recreate their homemade Pop-Tart for a while now. Theirs is still better.
Every now and then I drive to Miramar for a Parlor Donut. See the “trails” tab for how to work off all these yummies.
Coffee
My ideal morning consists of a trip to Blue Mountain Bakery for an iced coffee, breakfast burrito, and cinnamon roll shared between Randy and me. If I have a hankering for French toast, Fish Out of Water has my favorite.
Black Bear in Grayton Beach has an excellent avocado toast, and a biscuit that will melt in your mouth. I’ve been trying to recreate their homemade Pop-Tart for a while now. Theirs is still better.
Every now and then I drive to Miramar for a Parlor Donut. See the “trails” tab for how to work off all these yummies.
Lunch
Chanticleer Eatery in Grayton Beach is hands-down my favorite lunch spot. Their ‘Pick-Two’ option lets me get half a chicken Salad sandwich and a summer salad, and they are to die for.
I also love the buffalo chicken wrap at South of Philly, or a hot dog from Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs. Their Reuben hot dog is unbelievable. It comes on TEXAS TOAST! See my instagram for more hot dog content.
Dinner
This is tough. There are so many options spanning several types of experiences. For an upscale meal, I’m going to Basmati’s or Ambrosia for the bacon sampler appetizer. Cafe 30A is a staple and sure to provide an excellent meal (and a fantastic dirty martini). Mimmo’s has a fantastic house-made Pappardelle.
For a more laid-back evening (aka a dive bar experience), Johnny McTighes Irish Pub has the best reuben sandwich, and their pizza is Mellow Mushroom’s recipe…so it’s a crowd favorite. I’ve almost had everything on their menu, and have yet to have something I didn’t like. Grace Pizza for the best sit-down pizza meal.
Roux 30A for an upscale and exclusive meal and wine pairing with two evening services available daily. There is a small plate and sharables option earlier in the evening, or a six-course tasting menu later in the night with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Foodies – this one’s for you.
Shopping
Summer of Spivey in Grayton Beach is a must-visit if you want to be the chicest person on the beach. It is only for women for now – but they have beer and a cool patio for guys to enjoy! Randy likes this.
Indigo in WaterColor always has something I enjoy. If I make my way to Rosemary Beach, Ex Voto Vintage, Disco, and Luminary are some of my favorites. Between the three, everyone can find something they love.
For the Kids
Camp WaterColor is probably the greatest place in the world for kids to play. Between the Lazy River, the slides, and the ice cream cookie sandwiches, they will be entertained all day. There is a playground just outside the Camp for continued play after they’ve dried off.
We are a highly competitive family, so we like to go to Destin to the bumper-boats, race tracks, or put-put courses for a little competition. Duckies in Seaside is, of course, a staple for a new toy. Padgett Park in Blue Mountain Beach is a great public playground with soccer fields and picnic tables to let the kids run around.
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We are a team that believes in candor and good conversation. People work with people that they Know, Like and Trust. We want to be in a relationship that shares a mutual value for each other and who we are and why we are all doing what we do. We help people achieve life affirming goals.