Santa Teresa Travel Guide

A favorite of creatives and surfers with impeccable taste, Santa Teresa is all minimalist villas, sunset horse rides, and open-air dining under string lights.
Pack your breezy linen, book the private yoga class, and let the tide dictate your day.

  • Luxury meets barefoot boho on a palm-fringed surf coast
  • Home to some of the most stylish villas in the country
  • Daily yoga, beachfront brunches, and sunset cocktails
  • A-list hideaway with excellent surf for all levels
  • Remote but worth it — private plane access available

Situated on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, about 5.5 hours from San José International Airport (SJO) including a ferry crossing, or 5 hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR).

Near Mal Pais and Montezuma.

Where to Stay

Hotel Nantipa

A beachfront sanctuary with modern bungalows, farm-to-table dining, and direct access to Santa Teresa’s golden sands.

Vista del Alma

Dramatic cliffside villas with panoramic vistas, outdoor soaking tubs, and a design that blends rustic charm with modern luxury.

Casa Chameleon

Private villas with plunge pools and sweeping ocean views, offering adults-only seclusion on a jungle-covered hillside.

Vacation Rentals

Skip the overwhelm. We’ve pre-selected a few of the most exceptional homes in the area.

Casa Teresa

4 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms | Sleeps 8

This villa exudes barefoot luxury with thoughtful architecture, lush tropical gardens, and 5,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor living. With four king suites, a private pool, chef’s kitchen, and canopied daybeds steps from the surf.

Casa Caricaco

4 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | Sleeps 10

This brand-new beachfront villa is just 30 steps from the high tide line—offering uninterrupted ocean views, direct beach access, and an open-air design that defines barefoot luxury. Highlights include a private pool, expansive terrace, full concierge service, and four airy bedrooms.

Sea Wing

4 bedrooms | 5 bathrooms | Sleeps 10

Set on 5.5 acres of lush beachfront, this ultra-private Santa Teresa villa offers direct access to prime surf breaks, sweeping ocean views, and a serene, high-end escape. Highlights include two master suites with outdoor soaking tubs, a 20-meter pool, and a breezy open-concept layout.

Longitude Estate

6 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms | Sleeps 12

A true beachfront sanctuary in Santa Teresa, Longitude Estate merges two stunning villas into one ultra-private retreat perfect for multi-family escapes. With two pools, six en-suite bedrooms, expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, and direct access to the sand, this 8,000 sq ft estate blends barefoot luxury with oceanfront elegance.

Casa Lanui

7 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms | Sleeps 18

Casa Lanui is a chic and expansive 9,300+ sq ft villa with three oceanview master suites, two stylish kids’ bunk rooms, and a private studio with accessibility features. This modern-meets-bohemian escape offers space, serenity, and surf just steps from your door.

Casa Bell-Lloc

6 bedrooms | 7 bathrooms | Sleeps 12

Casa Bell-Lloc offers panoramic ocean views and sophisticated design just a short stroll from the surf. This 5,300 sq ft villa blends natural textures and minimalist lines and elegant indoor-outdoor living spaces.

Villa Divina

4 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms | Sleeps 8

Villa Divina is a tranquil, high-design hideaway just minutes from Santa Teresa’s surf and restaurants. This hilltop villa features four luxe en-suite bedrooms, a sleek infinity pool, indoor-outdoor living spaces, and a gourmet kitchen.

Casa Ohana

4 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms | Sleeps 8

A design-forward, 12,000-square-foot estate perched in the lush hills of north Santa Teresa. This luxury villa delivers cinematic ocean views, striking architecture, and indulgent touches—from the saltwater infinity pool and fire pit to the all-glass game room and private gym.

The closest international airport is the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. Book Your Flight ->

Jan

☀️
High: 86 °F / 30 °C
Low: 78 °F / 26 °C
0 in / 0 cm rain

Feb

☀️
High: 89 °F / 32 °C
Low: 78 °F / 26 °C
0.18 in / 0.46 cm rain

Mar

☀️
High: 89 °F / 32 °C
Low: 80 °F / 27 °C
0.04 in / 0.10 cm rain

Apr

☀️
High: 90 °F / 32 °C
Low: 80 °F / 27 °C
0.47 in / 1.2 cm rain

May

⛅
High: 85 °F / 29 °C
Low: 75 °F / 24 °C
3.70 in / 9.4 cm rain

Jun

🌧️
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 75 °F / 24 °C
4.80 in / 12.2 cm rain

Jul

🌧️
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 75 °F / 24 °C
2.60 in / 6.6 cm rain

Aug

🌧️
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 74 °F / 23 °C
3.70 in / 9.4 cm rain

Sep

🌧️
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 74 °F / 23 °C
6.60 in / 16.8 cm rain

Oct

🌧️
High: 82 °F / 28 °C
Low: 72 °F / 22 °C
12.02 in / 30.5 cm rain

Nov

⛅
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 71 °F / 22 °C
7.28 in / 18.5 cm rain

Dec

☀️
High: 84 °F / 29 °C
Low: 78 °F / 26 °C
0.78 in / 2.0 cm rain

Santa Teresa in Focus

See the beauty come to life. Here’s what you can expect to encounter.

epic waves, boho shops, jungle coast, golden sunsets

Santa Teresa Packing

Think a mix of beach and surf-wear in a relaxed style

  • Manzú Restaurant: A Mediterranean-inspired beachfront gem offering refined seafood, risottos, and grilled meats. Perfect for a golden-hour dinner with waves just steps away.
  • Katana Asian Cuisine: A lush, jungle-side spot serving bold Asian fusion paired with cocktails and candlelit garden ambiance.
  • Satori Sushi: Contemporary sushi bar known for its artistic maki rolls, tiradito, and poke bowls in a stylish, breezy setting. Ideal for a fresh and flavorful dinner.
  • Convivio: Minimalist-boho interiors meet global flavors in this elegant space designed for special dinners and slow, elevated evenings. This might be our new favorite restaurant in the area.
  • Nectar at Florblanca: An open-air garden restaurant blending Latin, Asian, and Mediterranean influences using organic, seasonal ingredients in a serene resort setting.
  • Ani’s Bowls & Salads: Bright and health-conscious, this garden café serves vibrant smoothie bowls, wraps, and plant-forward breakfasts and lunches. Perfect after yoga or beach walks.
  • Banana Beach Club: While the food is decent, it’s the laid-back beachfront vibe that steals the show. Grab a cocktail, sink into a lounge chair, and enjoy the relaxed, toes-in-the-sand setting.