Our Top Picks for Where to Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Looking for where to stay in Santa Teresa Costa Rica? Here’s our list of 12 epic hotels in Santa Teresa, that we’d consider our home away from home on the Punta Arenas coast.
Along the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica, in the last few years, Santa Teresa has emerged as a popular destination for travelers seeking the best of Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle.
This idyllic paradise, with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and a laid-back atmosphere, offers a perfect escape.
Santa Teresa is not just about its natural beauty; it’s also a haven for luxury accommodation, catering to those who seek comfort, exclusivity, and barefoot luxury amidst the wild charm of Costa Rica.
Santa Teresa’s accommodation blend seamlessly with the natural environment while offering top-notch amenities and services.
From private villas perched atop hills offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean to boutique hotels that provide personalized experiences, the options are as diverse as they are exquisite.
This is your guide to the best hotels in Santa Teresa Costa Rica, as we guide you through all the best boutique hotels, villa rentals and more. Keep reading to uncover that picture-perfect spot for your next Costa Rican escape.
*This ‘ where to stay in Santa Teresa costa rica’ guide might contain 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 content for free.
What are the Best Areas to Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa is a small town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula and before you go ahead and book your hotel, it’s worth knowing a little more about the different areas of Santa Teresa.
Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is a mosaic of distinct areas, each offering its unique vibe and charm.
In general, Santa Teresa follows the main road that runs along the coast and you’ll find most restaurants, hotels and amenities off this road.
The road is long and places in Santa Teresa are pretty spaced out so it helps to have a rental car, or if you prefer to rent transportation locally, there are many ATV rentals in the area which is a popular way of getting around.
The main areas of Santa Teresa are:
Hermosa Beach: A lovely, relaxed beach area just north of Santa Teresa. It has few places to stay and eat but makes a lovely escape from Santa Teresa.
Santa Teresa Norte: the main town hub. This area is the heart of local activity, where the streets are lined with a variety of shops, ranging from boutique clothing stores to local artisan markets, providing ample shopping and eating opportunities.
If you want to be within all the Santa Teresa action (which is far from crazy by any means) this is the best place to stay.
Santa Teresa South/Playa Carmen: This part of town is known for its stunning beaches where the waves beckon surfers of all levels. The vibe here is slightly more laid-back, with beachfront cafes and yoga studios dotting the shoreline, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and activity.
Carmen Beach used to be a separate fishing village but it’s now moulded into one.
Mal Pais: A serene escape that has successfully preserved its rustic, fisherman vibe amidst the growing popularity of its neighbors. Mal Pais is a haven for those seeking a quieter retreat, with its untouched landscapes and small fishing community offering a glimpse into the traditional Costa Rican way of life.
Note that when staying in Mal Pais, you’ll need your transportation to reach Santa Teresa. Beaches in Mal Pais get big waves, great for surfing but not so much for swimming.
Continue south and you’ll reach the stunning Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, where there isn’t much accommodation but visiting is one of the best things to do in the area for nature lovers.
Where to Stay in Santa Teresa: Best Luxury Hotels
Hotel Nantipa
One of the area’s finest stays is undeniably Hotel Nantipa. This boutique gem encapsulates the essence of Pura Vida, offering an intimate experience with nature, coupled with the highest standards of comfort and rustic elegance.
Hotel Nantipa’s beautifully designed accommodations, ranging from plush bungalows to spacious villas, all feature panoramic ocean views and earthy, natural interiors that harmonize with the surrounding environment.
Wake up with the sounds of the surrounding jungle, relax by the beautiful pool area, and endlessly take advantage of the sea views. Make sure to also take advantage of the lovely beachside restaurant serving a range of tico and international cuisine, which for a hotel, happened to be outstanding.
At sunset, you’ll be able to grab a cocktail and relax on the beach to some of the most magical sunsets in Costa Rica. You’ll want to book Nantipa Hotel Santa Teresa Costa Rica well in advance as rooms here book up fast, especially in high season.
OCiO by Casa Chameleon
We absolutely loved Casa Chameleon Hotel in Las Catalinas, so when we heard about OCiO Luxury Villas in Santa Teresa, we had to experience this spot for ourselves.
OCiO by Casa Chameleon is an exclusive retreat, perched atop the rolling hills, that epitomizes the luxury of seclusion and personalized hospitality in the enchanting landscape of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
OCiO Private Villas, are essentially two private villas located on a 14,500 sq ft estate of pure Costa Rican jungle. You can rent an entire villa or even the whole estate for larger parties. The smallest of the two, Villa Numu accommodates up to four people while the largest of the two, sixteen.
OCiO’s private villas are the perfect option for where to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica for families and larger groups looking for privacy. These villas are an ode to rustic-chic and local design, blending modern aesthetics with touches of local artistry, all while emphasizing sustainability and harmony with nature.
Mint Santa Teresa
Mint Santa Teresa is a modern, stylish retreat nestled atop the hills of Santa Teresa, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Designed by Costa Rican architects at Studio Saxe, this design-fueled stay is beautifully curated. There are only 5 rooms so you’ll need to snatch one up early, and you’ll be able to spend your days enjoying the ocean views from the infinity pool and mingling with the other guests.
For a boutique, curated and community-filled stay right in Santa Teresa, this is one of the best hotels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
Vista del Alma Boutique
Located in the southern area of Santa Teresa at Carmen Beach, Vista del Alma is a charming, adults-only, boutique hotel.
Offering breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, this exclusive boutique resort is designed for tranquillity and intimacy.
With a collection of elegantly appointed suites that blend modern luxury with natural elements. Each suite boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, private plunge pools, and spacious terraces that overlook the majestic coastline or the verdant jungle.
Florblanca
Florblanca is a beautiful set of luxury villas located amongst Santa Teresa’s verdant jungle. Providing elegant villas of varying sizes, Florblanca is the place to come to kick back, relax and enjoy a dream vacation.
With thoughtfully designed villas with contemporary furnishings, there is still a sense of rustic charm that blends in with the natural landscape.
Apart from their gorgeous villas, we also love Florblanca for their yoga and pilates. On site, you’ll find a beachfront pilates studio and yoga shala with daily yoga classes so you needn’t go far to get your daily movement in.
Florblanca is also great with organising activities in the area such as surfing and fishing.
Ventura Santa Teresa
Further down the coast towards Mal Pais, you’ll find Ventura Santa Teresa, a resort complex offering well-furnished studios, ample lounge space as well as a swimming pool.
Ventura provides a tranquil haven with beautifully crafted accommodations, where comfort meets the simplicity of beachfront living. Guests can unwind by the pool overlooking the ocean, indulge in local cuisine, or explore the vibrant ecosystem of Santa Teresa.
Ventura Santa Teresa is the ideal getaway for those seeking a peaceful escape, offering a blend of adventure, relaxation, and the warmth of Costa Rican hospitality. At Ventura, the beach is always close by and no request seems to be too big for the staff here.
Lua Villas
Lua Villas is another great option for where to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. bringing the essence of tropical tranquility and barefoot living Lua Villas is a simple and well-crafted place to stay.
The heart of Lua Villas is its inviting pool and jacuzzi area, designed for ultimate relaxation and enjoyment amidst lush surroundings.
Adding to the serene ambience is the yoga deck, a peaceful space where guests can engage in mindful practice, overlooking the verdant landscape.
With a variety of apartments and villas on offer, it’s easy to make yourself feel at home and settle in. Equipped with air conditioning, garden views, free private parking and an outdoor swimming pool, this spot features all the essentials and more, all in close proximity to Playa Hermosa.
Blue Mist Hotel
Another gem for design lovers, this adults-only retreat is one of the best luxury hotels in Santa Teresa. Located a little north of Santa Teresa, near Hermosa Cobano Beach, Blue Mist offers beautifully designed, private bungalows, a stunning pool area and better-than-average yoga facilities.
Integrating well with the surrounding jungle, it’s only a short walk to the beach here where you’ll be able to indulge in surfing, beach sunsets and long walks.
Blue Mist Hotel is best for couples looking for a quieter stay in Santa Teresa, with their own car rentals since the town is 12 minutes away by car. Make sure to indulge in their spa and wellness center too as they offer some sublime spa treatments and massages on site.
ARjAU Boutique Hotel
For those wanting to stay in the heart of Santa Teresa, ARjAU Boutique Hotel provides a hip respite from the town’s liveliness.
This boutique hotel stands out for its elegantly designed rooms that are both comfortable and stylish, with each space curated to ensure privacy and relaxation. With a small, chilled pool area and an incredible rooftop for relaxing and watching the sunset over Santa Teresa Beach, it’s hard to go wrong staying here.
The service here is personalised and welcoming and the breakfast is varied and healthy. Everything you need is close by including all of Santa Teresa’s many cafes and boutiques as well as a supermarket. The beach is just a short walk away.
Ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking tranquillity, ARjAU Boutique Hotel combines impeccable service, exquisite accommodations, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it one of the best places to stay in Santa Teresa for those looking to indulge in the laid-back luxury of Costa Rica.
Akwa Resorts Ocean View
For those looking for a bright, stylish and contemporary space with ocean views in Santa Teresa, Akwa Resorts won’t disappoint.
With larger and smaller villas as well as well-appointed suites, Akwa Resorts offers privacy, comfort, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
With onsite infinity pools, wellness activities, and gourmet dining experiences, there’s little reason to leave these dreamy villas. For those wanting a design-led stay with ocean views not far from all the action in Santa Teresa, this is a great option.
Selina
Even as a digital nomad myself, I’m not the biggest fan of Selina properties but I have friends who swear by them, especially the ones in Santa Teresa.
Santa Teresa is blessed with two Selina properties, both of which cater to the traveling digital nomad passing through Santa Teresa.
Selina Santa Teresa North offers a relaxed vibe with dormitories and private rooms all of which come with a coworking space. There’s also a swimming pool, restaurant and bar as well as yoga and surf lessons available.
Selina Santa Teresa South offers a very similar setup but we love the cabins they have for their standard rooms which add a bit more privacy here too. The decor is also more design-focused.
Without a doubt, staying in one of the two Selina properties in town will allow you to meet people and get involved with activities like group yoga and surfing much easier than any other property.
Paradise Beach Lodge, Mal Pais
For those wanting to stay a little outside the hubbub of Santa Teresa, look into escaping to Mal Pais, a quiet, serene town a little further down the coast. One of the best hotels in Mal Pais is the gorgeous Paradise Beach Lodge, a stunning, Mediterranean style lodge with a community atmosphere.
The quintessential beachfront retreat, Paradise Beach Lodge offers guests an intimate connection with the natural wonders of this serene coastal town.
Located just steps from the beach and the Pacific Ocean, the lodge has a prime location that combines the tranquil beauty of pristine beaches with the lushness of Costa Rica’s famed tropical forests.
The design of Paradise Beach Lodge is a thoughtful blend of rustic charm and modern simplicity, creating an ambience that is both inviting and harmonious with its surroundings. Built with sustainability in mind, it’s crafted using mostly local materials.
Facilities include a shared lounge, large double rooms with a private bathroom, an outdoor pool that mirrors the azure of the nearby ocean, a yoga deck on the beach for serene meditation and yoga sessions, and while there isn’t a restaurant there’s a shared kitchen and breakfast served each day.
We loved our stay here, the perfect anecdote to the energy of Santa Teresa. This is the perfect place to stay for those looking for something a little off the beaten path.
Casa Chameleon Hotel Mal Pais
Another stunning property we couldn’t help but add that’s now top of our hotel wishlist for the Santa Teresa area is Casa Chameleon Mal Pais. After staying at their Las Catalinas hotel, it was impossible not to also want to experience this barefoot luxury spot in Mal Pais.
This stunning adults-only destination is an exclusive and intimate getaway for travellers to get to know the best side of Costa Rica.
Casa Chameleon Hotel beautifully captures the essence of luxury and privacy, with individual villas that provide guests with their own private plunge pools and panoramic views of the lush surroundings and the Pacific Ocean.
Guests also receive a personalised service, bespoke experiences in the local area as well as superior dining services which is perfect as there aren’t that many other options in the area.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Santa Teresa, that’s off the beaten path, elevated and private make sure to check this spot out, one of the best hotels in Santa Teresa.
Have you decided where to stay in Santa Teresa Costa Rica? Let me know all your questions and comments below. I always love hearing from you!
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Planning a trip right now? These are just some of my favourite websites I use to book everything from hotels to rental cars!
Rental Cars and Discover Cars for quick and easy car rentals worldwide
Booking.com and Agoda for great deals on hotels
Viator and Get Your Guide for tours and adventures around the world
BookAway for local transportation on the ground
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