There’s something inexplicably special about Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, a dusty beach town that lines the lush, dense jungles of the Puntarenas province, just under 100 miles west of Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose.
An entrancing energy pervades the place — probably a product of the surfer sanctuary’s blonde beaches, artsy cafes, artisanal bars, beautiful boutiques and relaxing yoga retreats. Put simply, Santa Teresa satiates the spirit.
If there’s one thing clients will hear the barefoot and bathing suit-clad residents saying, it’s “pura vida.” (Followed, of course, by a shaka sign.) It means “pure life” — and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Santa Teresa, where adventure awaits behind every palm.
What to Do in Santa Teresa
Shop: Support small businesses and go boutique hopping
Santa Teresa is teeming with boutiques, selling everything from handmade jewelry to beautiful beachwear. All a visitor has to do is take a stroll down the main road, Calle Cobano.
Pacific Wolf Factory (PAWO), for example, is the perfect place to spruce up a summer wardrobe. The fair-trade clothing brand is full of the Barcelonian owner’s own designs, plus art, jewelry and homeware. In need of a new suit? Santa Swimwear is owned by sisters whose feminine and functional designs are inspired by Santa Teresa itself.
Meanwhile, Studio Colectiva showcases both local and global designers with a curated collection of womenswear, menswear, apothecary, art, books and more — all with an emphasis on small production and quality. The shop also collaborates with designers and artisans around Central and South America to offer exclusive and in-house designs.
Get Wet: Surf, stand-up paddleboard, snorkel and swim
Santa Teresa is world-renowned for beach breaks that draw in surfers from across the globe. There are a few main breaks in the area, such as Playa Carmen, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa. About a half hour away (depending how fast you’re driving on those rocky roads), travelers can reach Cabuya, a beautiful point break that’s more protected than the open beaches on the other side.
If clients are looking for lessons, advisors can easily book some with any of the dozen surf shops in town. Or consider committing them to a few days at a surf camp such as Pura Vida Adventures, a surf and yoga retreat by and for women. Monkey Adventures also offers surf and yoga packages — some of which are combined with stand-up paddling boarding (SUP), tide pool tours and more. Clients have the option to design their own package or add-on to existing options (including fishing and apnea classes). They can even lather up with the cofounder’s very own consciously created sunscreens before diving in.
If surfing isn’t your clients’ thing, there’s so much more to do. Day trips to Tortuga Island (about 45 minutes by boat from the Santa Teresa area) also offer the chance to snorkel in azure waters. Or there’s always a simple swim at Hotel Vista de Olas’ infinity pool, which sits pretty just up the road in Mal Pais. There, guests will find the most unobstructed, panoramic view of the sunset — arguably, the best sunset spot in all of town.
All Terrain: Go birding, ziplining, hiking and four-wheel driving
Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species, positioning it among the countries with the highest biodiversity in the world. And travelers can find a lot of this biodiversity in Santa Teresa. If clients are bird lovers, suggest a hike at Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, a protected conservation area and seabird sanctuary with more than 240 bird species. At Canopy Mal Pais Del Pacifico at the entrance of the reserve, clients can zipline through the jungle’s 200 different tree types. The course is nearly a mile long.
Nantipa hotel in Santa Teresa is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Credit: 2021 NantipaIf they would rather chase waterfalls, book them a day trip to Montezuma on an all-terrain vehicle. There, they can hike to the cascading Montezuma Waterfalls that plunge into natural pools, where they can cool off after a day’s adventures.
Find Your Zen: Yoga, pilates, reiki and beach hopping
Santa Teresa is the sort of place that makes travelers feel like being the best version of themselves. Perhaps it’s because it’s peppered with reiki retreats, yoga and pilates classes, meditation centers and so much more. Whether clients pay a visit to Fisiq to break a sweat or do some deep-healing yoga, or prefer to try their hand at aerial silks with Monkey Adventures, they are sure to become a little more connected to their mind and body.
Likewise, clients can always practice focusing their mind on one of Santa Teresa’s beautiful, quiet beaches. No one ever said self-work has to be tough work. It can also look like a good book and a bit of solitude in a sun-swathed jungle oasis. Or getting lost in the market on Playa Carmen every Saturday afternoon — because a little shopping therapy is always healthy.
Where to Eat and Drink in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa offers a melting pot of cuisines from all over the world. Of course, guests will find unparalleled Latin food at many of the town sodas (traditional, local eateries). Otherwise, tacos? Taco Corner. Asian fusion (and the best bao in town)? Katana. Italian (hello, truffle arancini balls)? Pronto Café. Sushi? Koji.
Steak? El Facon Bar and Grill. Smoothie bowls? Earth Café. Salads? Ani’s. Ceviche? Eat Street. Pizza? La Doña Pizzería. The world’s best banana bread? Cafe Social. A hearty bowl with a side of hand-painted art? Zwart Cafe. Everything from savory sandwiches to baked goods galore? The Bakery. Clients are spoiled for choice for when it comes to satiating their appetite.
For such a small surf town, Santa Teresa knows how to party. A night out might start with a local beer at Kooks or a cucumber watermelon margarita and tapas at Drift Bar (which also happens to offer everything from Indian food to mac and cheese).
From there, clients can head down the street to Kika for some live music. And music may continue late into the night at Discobar La Lora Amarilla.
Sunset spots guests shouldn’t miss include Banana Beach, Ranchos Itauna and the beach bar and lounge, El Carmen.
Where to Stay in Santa Teresa
Whether clients are in search of luxury accommodation such as Nantipa or Florblanca, a jungle oasis like Funky Monkey Lodge, a simple surf shack like Mal Pais Surf Camp, a tropical garden-engulfed private villa like those at Pranamar Villas, a social hostel like Selina or Somos or a chilled-out guesthouse like Casa Zen, there’s something for everyone. Guests will find a place to unpack their bags, toss on their swimsuit and, ideally, spend very little time indoors.
Note that travelers don’t need to stay at each place to enjoy them all, either. For example, Selina and Somos boast buzzing bars frequented by locals and tourists alike. And Funky Monkey Lodge offers up what’s arguably some of the best dinner in town, including a very popular weekly sushi night.
