TOP PICKS- Where To Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
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You’ve finally narrowed down where you are going in Costa Rica, and now you have to decide where to stay. It can be overwhelming to find where to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, but hopefully, this post will help you to find the best place to stay that fits the number of people in your party AND your budget.
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About Santa Teresa
The town of Santa Teresa and its beautiful beach is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s one of our very favorite Pacific Coast Beaches. Santa Teresa has been put on the map because Gisele Bündchen has a home here. This is one of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica as well, although you might find as many yoga studios as you do surf schools. The restaurants in Santa Teresa vary from high-end farm-to-table restaurants to small Costa Rican sodas that are the hallmark of a Costa Rican beach town.
It’s a bit rural- you’ll have to rent a car to get here. It’s equidistant from both the San Jose Airport and the Liberia Airport. You can also take a domestic flight to the nearest airport which is the Tambor airport, about 8 miles away. Your closest big beaches are Playa Mal Pais and Playa Hermosa. Playa Carmen is considered part of the larger Santa Teresa area.
The Santa Teresa area is known as much for luxury hotels as it is for small hotels and people shopping at grocery stores and cooking their own food. Room prices vary widely, so it’s best to do your research. You’ll often save money in the rainy season (or green season) from June-November. There are quite a few family-friendly hotels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, and this list has several for you to check out.
Whether you do Santa Teresa as a luxury traveler, a budget surfer, or a family trip, there’s something for everyone here.
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Where To Stay In Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Hotel Nantipa
Hotel Nantipa is a boutique hotel featuring a beautiful swimming pool, an upscale restaurant, a wellness spa, and sumptuous suites, villas, and bungalows. This hotel delivers a unique luxury experience to its privileged guests.
The boutique beachfront property is surrounded by lush vegetation and places you within walking distance of the magnificent Playa Santa Teresa, making it the perfect place for nature and beach lovers.
From sunrise to sunset, you’ll have the sound of roaring waves in your ears and the fine, golden sand between your toes. Of course, you could just relax beside the pool and soak up the sun, but why settle for just that when you could also go horseback riding, take a surf lesson, or delight in a canopy tour?
There are so many ways to take your vacation to the next level at Nantipa, so go ahead and treat yourself.
Book now: Hotel Nantipa
Fuego Lodge
The gorgeous Fuego Lodge sits only 5 minutes from Playa Carmen, and it’s another fantastic hideaway for travelers looking for some peace and quiet. Offering a beautiful garden, a wellness center, an outdoor pool with a dedicated kids’ area, and spacious air-conditioned rooms with a TV, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom, this place delivers everything you need to feel right at home.
The shopping center is a walking distance away, making it effortless to access clothing stores, restaurants, local bars, supermarkets, and car rentals. There are several surf shops around, too for those who would like to catch a wave.
Offsite tours can be arranged including snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, kayaking, ATV tours and horseback riding.
Book now: Fuego Lodge
Hotel Santa Teresa
Less than a mile from Carmen Beach is the incredible Hotel Santa Teresa that offers guests sun terraces, an outdoor swimming pool, and modern decorated rooms with cable TV, air conditioning, and ocean or garden views.
The beach and the surrounding area provide a plethora of activities for travelers of all ages including surfing, swimming, and horseback riding. For foodies, the El Carmen Restaurant & Beach Club serves some of the best dishes in the city. Sample their flavorful cuisines as you enjoy spectacular sunsets and live music.
Book now: Hotel Santa Teresa
Casa MarBella
Perched atop a hill surrounded by lush forest and providing panoramic ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, Casa MarBella is one of the leading destinations for families, groups, and solo travelers who seek to reconnect with nature. Clean, spacious rooms feature air-conditioning, private balconies, and ocean views.
Take a plunge in the dazzling infinity pool, visit a yoga class, or swing in a hammock and watch howler monkeys hanging out in trees – there are certainly plenty of ways to relax.
But there are also lots of fun activities off the property to fill your time such as surfing, hiking, and canopy tours. After a day of adventure, replenish your energy levels at the restaurant next door.
Book now: Casa MarBella
Hotel Tropico Latino
Hotel Tropico Latino is an exquisitely designed beachfront hotel that offers a calm, yet classy atmosphere within a short distance of the white sand beach of Carmen. Accommodation features standard rooms, studio apartments, and bungalows, with modern conveniences and garden or ocean views.
The lounge area provides the perfect spot for relaxation and meditation. You can come here and read a book or go to the spa and treat yourself to a massage. Yoga classes are also available for guests of all experience levels. At the unspoiled beach, you’ll find gorgeous swimming and surfing areas.
Surf lessons are also available for those who wish to ride their first wave. But of course, your day wouldn’t be complete without pleasant dining, and the hotel’s farm-to-table dining experience is one you don’t want to miss.
Book now: Hotel Tropico Latino
Somos
Sitting only a few steps from Santa Teresa Beach, Somos offers accommodation with a garden, outdoor pool, restaurant, and a shared lounge. Private rooms will offer seclusion and shared quarters will get you interacting with other travelers. Fitting, as “Somos” means “We Are” in Spanish.
The wild landscapes surrounding the area are the best place to satisfy your craving for adrenaline-pumping activities – hop on a motorbike and visit some waterfalls! If you seek something more gentle, there is no shortage of hiking trails; keep an eye out for monkeys and toucans along the way.
Don’t forget to surf; there are plenty of beach breaks and reef breaks waiting to be explored, and surf camps are available to make sure you have the right gear and coaching.
What I love about this property is that it’s really reasonably priced for a beachfront hotel. They have a family suite that sleeps up to 5 for just under $200 a night if you book directly through them. And with the beach just steps away, that’s a bargain.
Book now: Somos
Casa Cecilia
Casa Cecilia is yet another charming small hotel that will place you right at the beach. It’s a well-maintained 3-star property that can be rented both by the unit or for larger groups and features clean and comfy beds, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, patios, a kitchen, and a private bathroom. Some rooms offer stunning views of the sea.
Some of the best surfing in the area is a stone’s throw away from the hotel. But you can organize many other activities including snorkeling, fishing, canopy tours, hiking, yoga, massages, and horseback riding. A complimentary Costa Rican breakfast (think: gallo pinto) is served every morning to fuel you up for the day.
Book now: Casa Cecilia
Selina, Santa Teresa South
Offering calm and seclusion, close proximity to nature, and a host of fun activities to enjoy both onsite and offsite, Selina is a popular destination for travelers seeking a relaxing yet exciting vacation.
On the property grounds, you will find a gorgeous pool area, a wellness center, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable, luxurious rooms to make your stay enjoyable.
The food truck on the premises will keep your taste buds dancing with delicacies. But if you would rather make your own food, a shared kitchen is available where you can show off your culinary skills.
The CoWorking space is perhaps one of the most popular amenities on the property. Here, you’ll find a carefully designed room with hot desks and large windows where business travelers and remote workers stop by to catch up on emails or recharge their creativity. Drop in and make new acquaintances.
But all work without play makes Jack a dull, sad boy – take a yoga class, go catch some waves, or rent an ATV and adventure the rugged roads of Santa Teresa too!
Note- there is also a Selina Santa Teresa North- its prices tend to be quite a bit higher and it is right off the main road in Santa Teresa. I think the South location is more family-friendly- but it still has a definite hostel vibe.
Is Santa Teresa worth visiting?
If you want to find a quintessential Costa Rican beach town, look no further than Santa Teresa. With a laid-back surf vibe and world-class restaurants, you’ll find everything you need here.
How long should I stay in Santa Teresa?
A minimum of three nights is best as it can be difficult to get to Santa Teresa given its location on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. I would stay a week if I were visiting.
Is Santa Teresa cheap?
Santa Teresa may very well be one of the most expensive towns in Costa Rica. Cost of food and lodging is high.
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Christa Jimenez
Welcome! I’m Christa, a Spanish teacher married to a handsome Costa Rican and mother of two bilingual daughters. We’ve spent over 25 years living in and traveling to Costa Rica with our daughters, and this website is my love letter to all things Costa Rica- and to bilingual parenting too. You can read my full story here. Thanks for stopping by!
