Are you vacationing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, and looking for the best luxury hotels in Santa Teresa. This sleepy little beach town is on the western side of the Nicoya Peninsula – on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
Santa Teresa is a beach, surf, and nature lover’s paradise where not only families spend their summer vacations but also honeymooners and couples alike.
The white sand beaches and consistent surf have continually attracted a growing number of travelers each year.
Santa Teresa has a laid-back, surfer, backpacker, hippie kind of vibe here that offers a little something for every type of traveler including both luxury and budget travelers.
The hotels in Santa Teresa have luxury written all over them but there are a few budget-friendly accommodations as well along with delicious restaurants, nightlife, and modern-day amenities packed into this small town.
Santa Teresa has everything you will need for the ultimate getaway. Now that you booked your flight and packed your bags the last thing on your list to do is find the best hotels in Santa Teresa to make your trip complete.
Best Luxury Hotels in Santa Teresa
1. Latitude 10
Originally built as a private summer hang-out, Latitude 10° is the kind of place where you’ll trade stories with friends you’ve just met.
They are intentionally low-key and personal. A small boutique hotel with simple luxuries. That’s because there are only 5 casitas here, all open-air. Each one surrounded by overgrown palms and native plants.
The Clubhouse Restaurant, Bar, and Pool are exclusive to you and only a handful of guests so overcrowding will not be an issue at Latitude 10 if tranquility is what you are in search of for your vacation to Santa Teresa.
When you want to ease into Santa Teresa’s local life, you can. Then come back and settle into your hammock by the ocean and enjoy a little relaxation in Costa Rica.
Click here if Latitude 10 is right for you!
Photo Credit: Latitude 10
2. Florblanca Resort
Florblanca is a luxury Costa Rica resort on the shores of the Pacific coast, Florblanca is an award-winning destination for every adventurous traveler.
Located on the pristine beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula, in an unspoiled tropical jungle overlooking the world-famous surf of Playa Santa Teresa, Florblanca offers a vacation experience like no other.
At Florblanca, you will always enjoy fresh, healthy, and locally grown food prepared by our chefs at Nectar.
Stimulate your senses with surfing, hiking, horseback riding, or zip-line excursions, just to name a few of the many adventurous activities we make available to you.
Connect more deeply with the world around you with professionally guided sessions of Yoga or Pilates. And when you are ready to thoroughly indulge, try any of our relaxing and rejuvenating body treatments at the stunning Spa Bambu.
Retreat to your own private beachfront villa, enjoy our luxurious amenities, and marvel at the natural beauty, serenity, and energy of Florblanca.
Click here if Florblanca Resort is right for you.
Photo Credit: Florblanca Resort
3. Hotel Tropico
Tropico Latino is an intimate beachfront hotel located in Santa Teresa, a breathtaking white sand beach on the Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone.
Situated on four acres of an unspoiled tropical beach, you will find beautiful swimming areas and also outcroppings of rock where natural tide pools form.
Their exquisitely-designed tropical bungalows, built with exotic hardwoods, are surrounded by abundant tropical gardens under an old forest canopy, giving you the feeling of landing in paradise.
Immerse yourself in the most pristine natural environment and experience the wildlife of Costa Rica right outside your window.
Howler monkeys, hummingbirds, iguanas, and bright flowering heliconias are just a few examples of what you will see.
Your stay would not be complete without a delightful dining experience. Our open-air beachfront restaurant combines a relaxed, yet classy atmosphere with nationally-renowned organic international cuisine.
Click here if Hotel Tropico is right for you.
Photo Credit: Hotel Tropico
4. Tango Mar Resort
Have you been dreaming of a romantic getaway on a secluded beach – maybe a boutique spa resort with luxurious accommodations, a gourmet restaurant, seaside bar, even a golf course, and yoga studio?
Then, come to Tango Mar – your dream of a beachfront vacation comes true!
Located on a 150-acre private beachfront reserve along the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast, Tango Mar offers the intimate exclusivity of a small, deluxe beach resort on a vast site where you can find a space to call your own.
Here is a place that is charmed by a unique atmosphere, its own microclimate, and favorable all-year-round conditions.
Manicured grounds and fine accommodations blend with exuberant jungle vegetation and exotic birds and animals to create the perfect balance of nature and refinement.
Here you will encounter a living community with a pulse that beats in time with its natural surroundings and to the push-pull rhythm of the constantly breaking Pacific waves.
Click here if Tango Mar is right for you.
Photo Credit: Tango Mar
5. Mint Santa Teresa – Adults only
Mint Santa Teresa is a boutique hotel in the center of Santa Teresa, walking distance from restaurants, bars, and the beautiful beach of Playa Carmen.
The hotel has 4 rooms, all with an ocean view, a king-size bed, and private rooftop terrace, and a communal area with an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Every morning there is a breakfast buffet (included in the room price) served in the common area and around sunset everyone gathers in the bar, sharing stories over drinks.
Click here if Mint Santa Teresa is right for you.
Photo Credit: Mint Santa Teresa
6. Hotel Nya
Hotel Nya is encased in a tropical garden that merges into the jungle of Montezuma with.
With quirky and calming designs by young central American architects, Nya wishes to complement, rather than compete, with the exuberant beauty of Costa Rica’s nature, hoping that our clients get to enjoy at its most what nature has to offer in our setting.
Each room has been created with care to detail, allowing guests to have a peaceful and nourishing time while enjoying the healing sounds of the jungle and gaze at the acts of balance performed by the capuchin and howler monkeys.
Click here if Hotel Nya is right for you.
Photo Credit: Mint Santa Teresa
7. Pranamar Villas
Pranamar Villas is a gorgeous, intimate boutique hotel right on the water with luxury two-story villas built around a free-form saltwater pool and tropical gardens and elaborate beachfront villas.
Picture Balinese architecture with bamboo, hardwoods, stone, water, and plenty of windows and doors to let in fresh sea breezes.
Getting here is an adventure in itself! The best way to get here is by flight through our local domestic airline Green Airways or by private charter.
This is a short 25-minute scenic flight that will get you from Juan Santamaria Airport to Tambor.
From Tambor, you can either have a car rental company meet you or we can help you arrange a transfer to pick you up for the 50-minute drive to Pranamar.
You can also get here through the land. Keep in mind that any of the driving options from San José or Juan Santamaria airport takes minimum of 5 hours and involves a ferry crossing.
Click here if Pranamar Villas is right for you.
Photo Credit: Pranamar Villas
8. Selva Resort
Selva Resort is positioned in the lush Costa Rican jungle and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Surrounded by exotic wildlife including monkeys, exotic birds, and iguanas, coupled with a front-row seat to Costa Rica’s epic wilderness.
If you are after a jaw-dropping panoramic view and unmatched privacy, Selva Resort will not disappoint you.
Located in the heart of Playa Santa Teresa on a private, secluded hillside, surrounded by amazing views of the jungle.
The resort offers each guest a unique experience of both a natural environment, complete with vacation amenities. It’s a perfect luxury getaway for couples, families, and friends.
Click here if Selva Resort is right for you.
Photo Credit: Selva Resort
Mid Range Hotels in Santa Teresa
1. Casa Marbella
Casa Marbella is a boutique-style hotel that sits upon a hill overlooking the vast Pacific. The location is centrally located in town, close to supermarkets, restaurants, bars, shops, banks, etc., yet you still feel far removed from being above it all.
All rooms have ocean views as well as canopy views, great for watching wildlife.
Casa Marbella is a boutique hotel situated on a mountain slope in Santa Teresa. The hotel provides a panoramic ocean view and offers an infinity pool, Wi-Fi, and a free parking area.
It is a five-minute walk to the beach, restaurants, and stores.
The Casa consists of eight units with four different typologies of rooms for your different needs and group sizes.
It is an ideal venue for those seeking the privacy, services, and comforts of individual hotel rooms, yet the intimacy of a private villa.
Click here if Casa Marbella is right for you.
Photo Credit: Casa Marbella
2. Horizon Ocean View Hotel and Yoga Center
Horizon Ocean View Hotel is nestled into lush tropical gardens on a hillside above Santa Teresa Costa Rica, the magical Hotel Horizon awaits you! Facing the Pacific Ocean, we can see, hear, smell and feel its presence from dusk till dawn, dawn till dusk.
This energy is our blessed companion, day and night.
Accommodation is offered in comfortable wooden cabins and villas with a private bathroom, kitchenette, and balcony.
Guests can choose between 4 different types of lodging, from one-bedroom ocean view cabins for singles or couples to the larger one-bedroom villas, two-bedroom ocean view cabins, and a two-bedroom villa that can fit 4 guests.
All units in our hotel have air-conditioning and WIFI access.
The Horizon cabins have ocean views, and the villas are bigger, and have two floors, with their own gardens, pools, and parking.
Click here if Horizon Ocean View Hotel is right for you.
Photo Credit: Horizon Hotel
3. Villas Hermosas
Villas Hermosas is located in Playa Hermosa of Santa Teresa on the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica.
“Playa Hermosa” literally means “Beautiful Beach”, and we agree. A stunning long and flat, sandy swimming beach, Playa Hermosa is the jewel of Santa Teresa, and is perfect for people of all ages, whether you prefer to swim, surf, suntan, or frolic in the white water.
Please come and share with us our thriving jungle, tropical gardens, inviting swimming pool, modern villas, and quiet beaches, while enjoying all the comforts of home!
With only four villas, we offer a uniquely intimate experience.
Click here if Villas Hermosas Hotel is right for you.
4. Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant
Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant is a three-pearl Zen-infused hotel across the street from gorgeous Santa Teresa Beach.
Its 11 air-conditioned rooms, Lodges, and stand-alone House are modern, with rustic touches like live-edge furniture, plus air-conditioning and rainfall showers.
The restaurant serves tasty local, international, and Italian cuisine and is open for breakfast and lunch. Free breakfasts are included with all stays. Otro Lado has a small spa and a tranquil yoga studio.
Yoga and Tai Chi classes are regularly offered (for a fee) and yoga mats are free to borrow. Other amenities include a big pool with bamboo lounge chairs, plus free Wi-Fi and parking.
For an equally yoga-inspired stay with lush grounds, panoramic ocean views, and a tasty restaurant, it’s worth pricing out Funky Monkey Lodge.
Click here if Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant are right for you.
5. Blue Surf Sanctuary
Blue Surf Sanctuary is a boutique surf hotel located near world-famous surf spots at Mal Pais and Santa Teresa Costa Rica.
We have 4 wonderfully equipped Bungalows and a beautiful open-air kitchen located a very short walk from the beach. Our front desk is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our surf resort not only offers Costa Rica surf vacation packages, but we also offer the ultimate beach retreat with local spa services, massage, and yoga! Let us build your perfect surf trip.
Many of our guests come to Costa Rica for the awesome surf. Santa Teresa / Mal Pais has become a world-famous surf location.
Not only is the surf great, but the beach is also consistently voted top in all of Central and South America. It really is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You will love the vibe.
We can help you build the perfect Costa Rica surf vacation!
Click here if Blue Surf Sanctuary is right for you.
Photo Credit: Blue Surf Hotel
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Santa Teresa
1. Fuego Lodge
Fuego Lodge is a family-owned business, located in Santa Teresa, about 2 kilometers (1.5Mi) from the Mal Pais main crossroad.
We are in the heart of Santa Teresa, at the end of a quiet Lane, 100m (300ft) North of the Soccer field, 120m (400ft) from the main road, and 200m (600ft) from the beach entrance.
Fully equipped units complete kitchen, living room, and dining area, bathrooms with hot water, and AC in every room.
Beautiful private gardens covered the gallery, spacious deck, and a swimming pool with a built-in kids’ area.
Included in all rentals:
- – High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the entire property
- – Large off-street parking area
- -Housekeeping service
- – Fresh towels and linens
Within walking distance, you will find clothing stores and Surf shops along with supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, vehicle rentals, and more.
Click here if Fuego Lodge is right for you.
2. Funky Monkey Lodge
Funky Monkey Lodge is located in the lovely beach town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica. Only 200 m from the white sand beach and set back from the main road, on a gorgeous jungle property.
Our hotel is the ideal place to relax, eat amazing food, meet new friends and enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by nature.
Wish to learn how to surf, improve your surf level, or practice yoga? Check out our special surf/yoga camps or build your own personalized package.
We love making the best of your vacation therefore our staff is always available and happy to suggest and arrange any additional tours and transportation to explore the area.
Featuring different types of accommodations, we can create the perfect setting for any group.
Click here if Funky Monkey Lodge is right for you.
3. Hotel Santa Teresa
Hotel Santa Teresa is a two-and-a-half-pearl hotel a short walk from Playa Carmen Beach, one of the many gorgeous Santa Teresa beaches.
The hotel recently changed ownership and is slated for a big overhaul. During our winter 2017 visit, its 23 available air-conditioned rooms were a mix of Suites, Standard, and Deluxe Rooms with flat-screen TVs, hardwood armchairs, and private balconies.
The Standard Rooms could use some TLC, as we spotted worn furniture. There’s also a small pool, and hotel freebies are limited to parking and Wi-Fi.
For a more tropical stay with lush grounds, a pool, a yoga studio, and a short walk to the beach, it’s worth pricing out Otro Lado Lodge and Restaurant.
Click here if Hotel Santa Teresa is right for you.
Best Things to do in Santa Teresa
There is so much to do while staying in Santa Teresa; it’s a great destination for those who are seeking action-packed adventure days, as well as those who are seeking a more zen-like escape complete with yoga, massages, and long sunset walks.
Maybe the perfect Santa Teresa day is complete with action and relaxation. Whatever you are seeking on your Costa Rica trip, it is likely that you will be able to achieve it in Santa Teresa.
Go surfing in Santa Teresa
There are three main surf breaks in Santa Teresa and several more just south in Mal Pais. Playa Santa Teresa has a variety of beach breaks and point breaks.
The waves here tend to be faster, hollower, and more powerful. Playa Santa Teresa is great for experienced surfers, especially when there is a good swell.
Just north of Playa Santa Teresa is Playa Hermosa, which is a gentler wave and perfect for beginners, especially when the waves are on the smaller side.
Do yoga in Santa Teresa
There is no shortage of yoga available in Santa Teresa and the setting couldn’t be any more ideal. While there are several different options, one of the best is yoga at Florblanca Resort.
The yoga shala is a beautiful open-air space where the ocean is just steps away. There are daily classes offered here by a variety of teachers.
A real treat, though, is signing up for a yoga and spa retreat at Florblanca along with a few excursions which include horseback riding, ziplining, ATV, and a Montezuma waterfall excursion.
Not only is Florblanca an incredible place to stay, but a week of yoga, surfing, delicious food, and new friends will have you returning to Florblanca year after year.
Hike to the waterfall in Santa Teresa
Just a short ATV or car ride away is the entrance to the Montezuma waterfalls. This is a great day activity for those looking to hike to and swim beneath a giant cascade.
The hike can be a bit hot, so make sure to bring water and wear sunscreen, but the cool pool at the end is a wonderful and refreshing reward.
For the daredevils out there, you can actually climb up the waterfall and jump off of it. Be careful of the rocks below though.
Explore a nature reserve in Santa Teresa
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is one of the oldest nature reserves in Costa Rica and is a spectacular place to visit.
Cabo Blanco is home to a large variety of birds, mammals, and other animals, among which are anteaters, white-tailed deer, capuchin monkeys, coyotes, and elusive wildcats.
There are also over 150 different types of trees that have been identified here. Don’t miss this beautiful reserve when planning your vacation to Santa Teresa.
When to go to Costa Rica
The answer to these questions depends on what exactly you are seeking.
The green season months are typically better for surfing, but there is the risk of rain, mosquitos, and muddy roads.
The dry season months are prime beach weather, but also more expensive and dusty where the road doesn’t have a coat of molasses on it.
For experienced surfers, there are definitely world-class waves to be had at several different breaks in the area during the swell season, which is May through December.
If you don’t mind a little rain or dust, any month is a good month.
Conclusion of the Best Hotels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
I’ve hand-picked the very best boutique and luxury hotels in Santa Teresa to bring you my favorite collection of stylish romantic retreats.
Find your perfect hotel and get the low-down on where to stay in Santa Teresa Costa Rica – just choose your hotel from the list above.
Santa Teresa is a beautiful, untouched and rugged little piece of heaven tucked away in Costa Rica. ATVs are the preferred mode of transportation for travelers on potholed roads.
Santa Teresa is all about connecting with nature and even the most luxe resorts—like my favorite hotel in Santa Teresa which is the intimate and Edenic beachfront resort Florblanca.
You will see howler monkeys, iguanas, pygmy owls, and other vocal critters from the comfort of the crocheted hammock on your private patio encircled by verdant jungle.
All of the hotels listed above in Santa Teresa will be able to point you in the right direction if you are looking for adventure or just relaxation.
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If you’re coming into town and trying to decide where to stay in Santa Teresa consider staying at one of these unique hotels to fully enjoy your time in Costa Rica. You will not want to leave.
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Kim Finley says
Wow I love all this information so much. I own a boutique travel agency and I always try to find the most on unique and boutique hotel accommodations for my clients. Your post was very helpful for me to plan my client’s one-of-a-kind escape to Costa Rica.
I was curious what the name if of the waterfall is?
Thank you so much,
Kim
Tomiko says
It is Montezuma Waterfall and below is a link to the fall. It is stunning and there are some great luxury hotels in Santa Teresa, It is really undeveloped so guests shouldn’t expect to see a starbucks.
https://goo.gl/maps/SEVgUCEydruabyH98