Plot Synopsis

BETTING ON PARADISE is a one-hour docuseries that follows Luke Shantz and Steph Sitt, as they embark on their biggest and scariest adventure yet -- moving sight unseen to the coastal town of Jaco, Costa Rica, 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, Luke employs his construction background and years working in trades and Steph taps into her high-end hospitality experience to overcome massive structural issues, frustrating delays and shocking budget increases to bring Hotel Amavi to life in time for peak tourist season.

In the series premiere, Luke and Steph tour the decrepit property for the first time, discovering damage at every turn. To kick start the daunting renovation process, they hire a local builder to help Luke navigate construction nuances in a foreign country, as well as a designer to capture Steph's vision for an upscale tropical oasis in eclectic boho style. Once they receive unsettling news that most of the hotel's guest rooms are beyond repair, the duo also contends with the start of the country's rainy season as they re-imagine the layout and design of the spaces. As the episodes continue, Luke and Steph balance the colossal hotel overhaul, including nine guest rooms featuring a honeymoon suite and two casita suites, a lobby, a pool with outdoor bar and a giant exterior mural, with raising their daughters and exploring Costa Rica's beauty through hiking, surfing and ATV riding. Ultimately, they not only celebrate the completion of the hotel but also their own intimate seaside wedding.