Stock the villa. Then relax.

The little shops along the Avellanas road. Water, beer, ice, eggs, bread, tortillas, snacks, sunscreen, and usually a freezer with ice cream. Prices are higher than town but you're not driving 20 minutes for a bag of ice.

The crossroads at Villa Real is the closest real shopping. A couple of minisupers with produce, meat counter, dry goods, cleaning supplies and cheap local beer. This is the trip most guests make on day one.

Fresh chicken, pork and beef by the kilo, plus roadside fruit and vegetable stands. Way better and cheaper than supermarket produce — pineapple, papaya, mango in season, plantains, limes by the bag.

Mid-size Costa Rican supermarket. Solid selection, local prices, good for a full cart of groceries without the import markup. The Santa Cruz stores are the biggest in the area.

The upscale one. Imported cheese, good coffee, wine, gluten-free and specialty items, real deli, reliable air conditioning. Priciest option and the one to hit if someone in the group has specific needs. Plan a full charge and plug in while you shop or eat nearby.

Weekly morning market with organic produce, bread, kombucha, hot sauces, prepared food and local makers. Go early — the good stuff moves fast and the parking fills.

Fresh catch turns up at the small pescaderías and sometimes straight off the boats. Ask what came in today rather than what you want — that's how you end up with excellent mahi for the grill.