HGTV slates Costa Rica–set “Betting on Paradise” for January debut

By Justin Anderson, Realscreen

HGTV has set a January 7 premiere for a new six-episode tropical reno series based in Costa Rica.

Betting on Paradise stars Luke Shantz (pictured left) and Steph Sitt (right), who risk it all on a high-stakes hotel transformation while seeking the “Pura Vida” way of life in idyllic Costa Rica. The couple, with two young daughters in tow, will embark on their biggest and scariest adventure yet, moving sight unseen to the coastal town of Jacó and buying a crumbling piece of prime real estate with the dream of creating a luxury boutique hotel.

With the financial backing of friends and investors on the line, Shantz will employ his construction background and years working in trades, and Sitt will tap into her high-end hospitality experience to overcome massive structural issues, frustrating delays and shocking budget increases in order to bring Hotel Amavi to life in time for peak tourist season.

Betting on Paradise is produced by Cineflix Productions.