14 Swoonworthy Places to Stay in Nosara, Costa Rica
Planning a trip but not sure where to stay in Nosara Costa Rica? Keep reading to find our round-up of the best places to stay in Nosara Costa Rica for the perfect trip.
Nosara is one of Costa Rica’s most vibrant destinations. A haven for surf, this small town is slowly developing far past just the surf schools and shacks. A place to experience Costa Rica’s verdant jungle, wildlife, and stunning wild beaches with a pretty solid wellness offering, Nosara is a vacation hotspot you can’t pass up easily.
With abundant options for where to stay, you’ll be able to choose from luxury jungle hideouts to surf and yoga hotels with a relaxed and friendly vibe.
For those who need a little more help deciding on where to stay in Nosara Costa Rica, keep reading. We’ve shortlisted 14 of our favorite swoon-worthy places to stay in Nosara to help you make the right choice for you.
*This ‘places to stay in Nosara Costa Rica’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality, curated content for free.
Read more: Nosara, Costa Rica: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide
Best Areas to Stay in Nosara
Even though it’s small, Nosara is actually pretty spread out. There are three main neighborhoods that contain most of the top places to stay in Nosara Costa Rica that you can base yourself in during your time in this cute surf town.
Each neighborhood has a very different atmosphere and offers something different so it really depends on what you’re looking for from your stay.
The main areas to stay in Nosara are Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada and Nosara Town Center. A little further south you’ll also find the tiny beachside village of Garza which is another option for where to stay in the Nosara area, especially if you’re looking for something off the beaten path.
Further north, there’s the tiny Ostional, most well-known for the Ostional Wildlife Refuge- a must-visit spot in Nosara for learning about the local sea turtles and watching them be released back into the ocean.
Playa Guiones
Playa Guiones is by far the most popular of all the places to stay in Nosara Costa Rica. When most talk about Nosara or staying in Nosara, it’s actually the Playa Guiones area they mean. Most first-time visitors base themselves here as you have almost everything Nosara has to offer within easy reach.
In Playa Guiones you’ll find most of the best hotels in Nosara, Costa Rica as well as some of the best cafes and restaurants. Playa Guiones is also Nosara’s main surfing beach so if you plan to surf it’s handy to be close.
If you don’t have a car and aren’t planning to hire one or an ATV I highly recommend staying in Playa Guiones, particularly the North Playa Guiones area where most of the best spots will be walkable.
It’s worth noting that Playa Guiones is a very long beach and the best hotels, restaurants and cafes are quite spread out along it.
Playa Pelada
Another fantastic area in Nosara is Playa Pelada. Playa Pelada is located just north of Playa Guiones and it’s also a popular place to stay. Accommodation options here are a little more limited but there some some fantastic restaurants and cafes close by as well as Pelada Beach itself.
Playa Pelada is one of the best spots in Nosara to watch the sunset. It’s also a great beach to relax on, have a picnic and swim.
Playa Pelada makes a great place to stay in Nosara Costa Rica, especially for those who aren’t fussed about surfing but want to have a nice and relaxing stay.
As it can take up to an hour to walk from Playa Pelada to the southern end of Playa Guiones, it’s best to have a car when staying in the area.
Nosara Town
Nosara Town itself is situated northeast of Playa Pelada. The town is still a very local place where ticos live in traditional houses and you generally don’t find many restaurants or chic cafes focused on travelers.
Nosara town isn’t particularly attractive and I highly recommend staying on one of the beaches over the town itself, however, Nosara is expensive, and for those on a budget, staying in town is a much more affordable option.
There aren’t many hotels here but the town does have some of the best places to stay in Nosara Costa Rica for those looking for budget-friendly B&Bs and Airbnbs.
If you want to stay in Nosara town but still want to access the beaches and the best cafes in the area you will need a car or some kind of transportation. From Nosara town to Playa Guiones it’s a good 7 km / 4.3 miles.
The Best Hotels in Nosara Costa Rica
1. The Nomadic Hotel
The Nomadic Hotel is possibly Nosara’s most chic stay. This stunning boho-chic retreat is designed for the modern nomad seeking a blend of comfort, community, and adventure.
The boutique hotel presents a fusion of laid-back luxury and sustainable living with its minimal yet eco-friendly design and contemporary style.
Rooms and suites here are a perfect balance of elegant and rustic with king beds and desks while the communal spaces invite interaction among guests, fostering a sense of community.
Onsite you’ll find a large pool, great healthy dining options, and daily yoga sessions in a gorgeous yoga shala and if that’s not enough you’re just a 5-minute walk from the best surf breaks on Playa Guiones.
The Nomadic Hotel is one of the best hotels in Nosara, Costa Rica and the perfect place to base yourself for an adventure-filled yet relaxing stay.
2. Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel – Best Place to Stay in Nosara
Tierra Magnifica is probably the best luxury hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica. This swoon-worthy property is located high up in the hills above Nosara, giving guests some of the most privileged views over the entire coast.
Rooms at this intimate resort are private and the rustic-chic design blends in beautifully with the natural surroundings.
Dining at Tierra Magnifica is also spectacular. Its main restaurant Huacas is one of the best fine dining options in Nosara showcasing all the most authentic local Costa Rican ingredients. Make sure to order a few cocktails too and stay for the Friday night live music.
Stays here include daily yoga sessions in an open yoga shala to the sublime views and morning calls from the local birds and howler monkeys.
For surfers, it’s just a short 2km to Playa Guiones where you’ll have a waxed board waiting for you to jump in. You won’t find any big-name resorts here but this property is still one of the best resorts in Nosara Costa Rica- on a smaller and more boutique scale.
3. Olas Verdes Hotel
Olas Verdes is another fantastic hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica. It’s strategically located right by Playa Guiones, accessed by a 5-minute jungle path yet not far from all the best spots in Nosara.
Olas Verdes has a large variety of rooms, suites and casitas to suit any party size. Design here is modern, bright and eco-friendly with many of the rooms and suites facing out towards the lush outdoor swimming pool area or around the jungle-filled property.
There are great dining options at their on-site restaurant and for those who surf the hotel also provides board rental and surf lessons out of their own small on-site surf school.
There are daily yoga sessions, and the staff here couldn’t be friendlier or more helpful. There’s free parking and free bikes for you to use to get around Nosara too.
Olas Verdes was where we stayed in Nosara and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better stay. Find out more and book here.
4. Sendero Hotel Nosara – best design hotel in Nosara
Olas Verdes isn’t the only gem right on Playa Guiones; for those looking for an uber-sleek design-focused stay, Sendero Hotel in Nosara Costa Rica is easily one of my top choices.
Embracing those seeking respite from the surf’s thrall, Sendero stands as an oasis for the wave-watchers. Enveloped by lush foliage, each room unveils its serene haven, adorned with private terraces overlooking a verdant canopy, inviting quietude.
A Mediterranean-meets-Bali haven, communal spaces and rooms here are light, bright and well-designed, ideal for the surfer, young couple or digital nomad.
A crystal-clear pool sparkles amidst tropical flora, offering solace under the Costa Rican sun and a state-of-the-art yoga shala allows you to find your flow each morning.
Their restaurant serves some of the best Mediterranean-style grub in Nosara and the hotel’s location is just walking distance from everywhere you want to be in Nosara.
5. The Gilded Iguana
A Nosara institution, The Gilded Iguana has for a long time been one of the best places to stay in Nosara. Located right in the center of Playa Guiones town you’re just a short walk away from the best restaurants, cafes and bars Nosara has to offer.
With a contemporary rustic chic design, this friendly, palapa-roofed hotel in Nosara has everything you need for a wonderful stay. Rooms and suites are spacious and well-lit with a private bathroom and all the amenities.
Onsite you also have a great restaurant, pool, athletic center, and co-working space, and a short walk away, the Gilded Iguana Surf School on Guiones Beach caters to all your surfing needs.
For those looking for a touch of wellness throughout your stay, there’s also a brilliant spa offering relaxing massages, facials and more using organic and locally sourced Costa Rican products.
If you’re looking to stay in one of the original surf hotels in Nosara, the Gilded Iguana is it. Find out more and book your stay here.
6. Harmony Hotel
The Harmony Hotel is another spectacular place to stay in Nosara. Located just minutes from Playa Guiones in a splendid location close to all the action, this swoon-worthy eco-friendly stay is one of Nosara’s most cozy options.
With lush jungle surroundings, a relaxing pool area and plenty of rooms, bungalows and villas to choose from, The Harmony Hotel makes a great base in Nosara.
The decor is sophisticated jungle-chic, the food is tasty and there’s yoga and surfing on offer too. To boot, their famous smoothie bar – known all over Nosara- is just steps away.
7. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is where to stay in Nosara Costa Rica for those looking for a spot of wellness, surf and yoga. As one of the best yoga retreat centers in Costa Rica, Bodhi Tree makes the perfect place to make the most out of Costa Rica’s excellent waves as well as get in some yoga and wellness.
This haven hosts year-round signature retreats that harmonize yoga practices but with a daily yoga schedule, you can also just check in and take each day as it comes.
Guests can stay in a number of their well-appointed rooms, take daily surf lessons and join yoga classes as well as enjoy their vast facilities which include an outdoor pool and a brilliant spa, ready for any treatment to help enhance your stay.
When it comes to wellness, yoga and surf, this is one of the best places to stay in Nosara, Costa Rica.
Read more: Our Top Picks for Where to Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
8. Hotel Boutique Lagarta Lodge
Located just north of Playa Pelada, Lagarta Lodge is the perfect spot for those looking for an escape in nature. A perfect fusion between luxury and eco-friendly, this spot is surrounded by lush jungle and only minutes from the beach.
At the lodge, you’ll find a variety of different types of accommodations from simple but cozy rooms to large, family suites. Many of which have incredible sea and jungle views as far as the eye can see.
The lodge’s facilities include a serene infinity pool overlooking the estuary, a spa offering rejuvenating treatments amidst the sounds of the jungle, and a restaurant serving locally sourced delicacies.
9. La Negra Surf Hotel
For those in Nosara specifically for surfing, one of the best Nosara Costa Rica hotels is La Negra Surf Hotel.
This small, boutique hotel, positioned just steps away from Playa Guiones, makes the perfect on-land abode. Rooms here are small and simple but comfortable and on-site, you’ll also find a lovely communal pool area, a casual restaurant, and a bar perfect for evening hangs with new friends.
You’ll also find a brilliant surf school at La Negra where you can book private or group lessons or just rent a board to dive right in. Wellness also takes center stage here with lots of massage and bodywork on offer as well as meditation and qigong.
10. Selina Nosara
Known for its modern comforts and vibrant communal spaces, Selina Nosara caters to the wanderers seeking both adventure and a thriving social scene. Perfect for digital nomads, it’s the ideal place to meet people and get some work done on the go.
Selina Nosara intertwines with the lush landscape, offering a range of accommodations from cozy dormitories to stylish private rooms and comfortable suites, each designed with a local and modern fusion.
An inviting pool promotes relaxation under the tropical sun, while the open-air common areas serve as gathering spots for sharing stories and making connections.
You’ll also find a yoga studio here, a co-working space, a shared lounge, a lively bar and a restaurant. They also offer surfboard rentals and lessons for those wanting to have a go at surfing or take their skills to the next level.
Read more: 18 Best Nosara Restaurants You Have to Try
11. Norte Nosara
Another swoon-worthy, jungle-chic property is Norte Nosara. Just steps away from Playa Guiones, this chilled spot features an outdoor pool, simple but beautiful, eco-friendly guest rooms, a lush garden, a yoga shala and a restaurant.
It’s one of the most perfect places to stay in Nosara, Costa Rica as a base for a relaxing few days making the most of the beautiful beach close by.
12. The Sunset Shack
Perched along the stunning coast of Playa Guiones, The Sunset Shack is another casual, laid-back hotel from which to enjoy Nosara. This intimate haven offers rustic beachside cabins and rooms with gorgeous sunset views, inviting guests to unwind in simple yet comfortable accommodations.
The Shack’s facilities include a beachside lounge perfect for savoring sundowners, a casual eatery dishing out fresh seafood delights, and hammocks scattered along the property for lazy afternoons. It’s the barefoot tropical lifestyle at its finest.
13. Yaxa Hotel Nosara
One of the best hotels in Nosara, Yaxa Hotel is a simple yet dreamy place to stay. It’s one of the top new hotels in Nosara Costa Rica.
With decor that’s an eclectic blend of Meditterean meets gypsy-jungle-chic, Yaxa Hotel has a relaxing atmosphere perfect for those who want to rest yet make the most of their stay in Nosara.
Rooms are simple and pretty and make a great no-thrills base.
The hotel also offers many activities and things to do during your stay including surfing, wildlife encounters, yoga, paddle boarding, horseback riding and more, so, there’s little need to go elsewhere.
14. Nosara Beach Hotel
Situated right between Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada, Nosara Beach Hotel is probably one of the most architecturally unique of all Nosara hotels. With a tall, pagoda-esque structure, the hotel’s architecture stands out like a palace against the natural landscape.
The cozy hotel features open-air spaces, inviting rooms and spacious suites that allow the ocean breeze and showcase panoramic views everywhere you go.
Nosara Beach Hotel also boasts a large, spacious pool area, restaurants offering a range of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and a variety of different experiences to make the most of during your stay in Nosara.
From horse riding along the beach at sunset to ATV tours and surf lessons, there is little need to leave this cozy, home away from home.
Which one of these top places to stay in Nosara Costa Rica are you going for? Let me know your questions and comments below.
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