In a surprising twist, Luke Shantz and Steph Sitt, the popular duo from HGTV’s hit show “Betting on Paradise,” announced they are leaving behind their tropical dream in Jacó, Costa Rica. Just six months after viewers watched the Canadian couple transform the rundown Hotel Amavi into a boutique gem, the family is heading back north, marking the end of their Costa Rican adventure.
Bittersweet Goodbye to Costa Rica
The couple took to Instagram on June 2, 2025, to share their heartfelt decision to leave Jacó. Posting an emotional video montage filled with cherished memories, Shantz and Sitt wrote, “Leaving isn’t easy, but it’s time. Time for change, reflection, and whatever’s next.”
Their departure closes a significant chapter that began in 2021 when they bravely moved their family, including daughters Mia and Luna, from Canada to Costa Rica. Their ambitious project—renovating the neglected property into the picturesque Hotel Amavi—captured global attention, thanks to HGTV cameras documenting every dramatic twist.
Time for a New Direction
Explaining their move, Steph Sitt shared via Instagram Stories, “We made the difficult decision to step away from Hotel Amavi. There came a moment when we realized it was time to move in a new direction—one that aligns closely with our next chapter, both personally and professionally.”
Reflecting further, the couple expressed immense gratitude for their time in Costa Rica, noting, “We came to Jaco with a dream and left with something even greater—community, connection, and a place that changed us forever.” They extended warm wishes to their former colleagues, hoping the spirit of Hotel Amavi continues thriving.
From Toronto to the Tropics—and Back
Luke and Steph’s journey has always been one of bold moves and adventurous spirits. Meeting in Taiwan during their early twenties while teaching ESL, the pair returned to Toronto, Canada, dedicating over a decade to their professional careers—Steph notably excelling in hotel management with prestigious Four Seasons Toronto.
When the pandemic hit and severely impacted hospitality, the pair seized the moment, trading urban Canada for the lush landscapes of Costa Rica. Leveraging Steph’s hospitality expertise and Luke’s background in construction and landscaping, they created a stunning reality captured vividly in “Betting on Paradise.”
Returning to Canadian Roots
Since their departure from Costa Rica, the family has relocated back to Canada, settling into a more familiar, albeit colder, environment. Sharing lighter moments, Steph humorously remarked on Instagram about the joy of wearing hoodies to the beach in June, contrasting their tropical past with the cooler Canadian climate.
Reflecting on their journey back home, she captured their experience poignantly, “Now we’re back at the cottage after 4 wild, beautiful years abroad. The kids are bigger, the memories are deeper, and somehow, it all feels so familiar and normal.”
What’s Next for the Popular Duo?
As the couple recalibrates back in Canada, fans eagerly await their next adventure. Given their proven flair for dramatic transformations and entrepreneurial spirit, it’s certain Luke Shantz and Steph Sitt will soon embark on yet another captivating chapter.
For those longing to revisit their tropical triumphs, “Betting on Paradise” continues to stream on HBO Max.
