Tucked along the southern edge of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is where barefoot luxury, wild nature, and conscious living collide. What was once a quiet surf village has become one of the country’s most magnetic destinations—attracting surfers, yogis, creatives, and travelers in search of more than just another beach vacation.
Here, the energy is tangible. Golden coastlines stretch endlessly. The jungle hums with life. Sunset marks a sacred moment each day. And everything—from food to architecture to the way people move—flows with purpose.
Santa Teresa is not only a place to visit. It’s a place to return to yourself.
Where to Stay: Laid-Back Luxury with Soul
Accommodations in Santa Teresa balance comfort, design, and a deep respect for nature. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a private villa for a group, or something truly off the beaten path, the town’s boutique hotels and luxury homes create spaces where guests feel both held and free.
- Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience: A beachfront sanctuary offering design-forward bungalows with private plunge pools, impeccable service, and a connection to local culture.
- Blue Mist Hotel: An adults-only boutique hotel known for its laid-back elegance, beachfront access, and vibrant beach club experience.
- Selva Resort: Tucked into the jungle with a modern aesthetic and wellness focus, Selva is a retreat-style property with soul.
- Florblanca Resort: One of the original luxury resorts in Santa Teresa, with private villas, a yoga shala, and a spa surrounded by nature.
- Blooma Escape: A boutique wellness sanctuary designed for intentional travelers seeking peace, privacy, and a deeper connection with nature.
Adventures: From World-Class Surf to Jungle Exploration
Santa Teresa’s unique geography—where tropical forest meets the Pacific—makes it an ideal playground for both adrenaline and exploration.
- Zuma Tours: Trusted for boat tours, island hopping, snorkeling, and adventure experiences along the Nicoya coastline.
- Iguana Divers: A PADI-certified dive center offering courses and excursions to reefs and ocean life.
- Ario Tours Horseback Riding: A local favorite for jungle and beach rides with a conservation-minded approach.
- Surfing: Santa Teresa’s consistent breaks are perfect for all skill levels. Surf schools and rental shops line Playa Carmen and Playa Hermosa.
Wellness: Movement, Stillness, and Earth Energy
Santa Teresa is a wellness hub not because of a trend, but because the landscape demands presence. Locally rooted and internationally recognized wellness offerings are integrated into daily life.
- Numu Wellness Center: Located within Nantipa, Numu offers yoga, massage, sound healing, and plant-based wellness in a calm, curated space.
- Florblanca Yoga & Spa: A jungle-shaded studio and holistic spa with private classes and signature therapies.
- Horizon Yoga Hotel: Known for ocean-view yoga, healthy cuisine, and panoramic hillside tranquility.
Dining: Where Local Ingredients Meet Global Inspiration
The culinary scene in Santa Teresa is vibrant, elevated, and deeply rooted in sustainability. From barefoot cafes to fine-dining restaurants, food here reflects the fusion of local produce and international creativity.
- Manzú Restaurant: Beachfront dining that emphasizes Costa Rican flavors, seasonal seafood, and curated cocktails.
- Blue Mist Restaurant: Located at Blue Mist Hotel, this restaurant blends global flavors with local ingredients and a chic, open-air atmosphere.
- Satori Santa Teresa: Sushi and fusion cuisine nestled under a jungle canopy—one of the town’s most beloved culinary gems.
- The Bakery: A legendary café offering breakfasts, smoothies, pastries, and great coffee in a relaxed garden setting.
- Katana Asian Cuisine: Jungle chic and wildly flavorful, Katana is known for its Pan-Asian sharing plates and lively evening vibe.
Shopping & Culture: Santa Teresa’s Artisan Spirit
Between surf sessions and sunset dinners, visitors explore a curated selection of boutiques, artisan markets, and wellness stores. While many don’t yet have websites, their presence adds to the slow-living, discover-it-yourself spirit of the town.
- Cove Concept Store: Offers sustainable fashion, wellness products, and elegant beachwear. (Instagram-only presence)
- Caracoles Artisan Market: A collective of local artists and vendors selling handmade jewelry, textiles, and crafts. (No online presence)
- Saturday Organic Market: Santa Teresa’s weekly feria where locals gather to sell organic produce, handmade goods, and eco-conscious creations.
Sustainability: A Community That Protects What It Loves
Santa Teresa’s growing popularity is met with a fierce commitment to protect its wild essence. Many local businesses and residents lead grassroots sustainability initiatives, including:
- Somos Congos: A wildlife education program promoting coexistence with howler monkeys and preserving tree canopy habitats.
- Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper: Working to protect rivers, beaches, and watersheds through education, testing, and advocacy.
- Lifeguards Costa Rica: A community-funded beach safety program providing lifeguard training and ocean rescue coverage.
- Fútbol Mi País: Using soccer as a tool for youth empowerment and community development across the region.
Getting There: Why Charter Is the Smartest Choice
While Santa Teresa’s remote location is part of its charm, reaching it by land often requires a long ferry ride or winding mountain roads. CarmonAir Charter offers the fastest, safest, and most scenic way to arrive—especially during green season.
- Direct flights from San José land at our private airstrip in Playa Manzanillo, just minutes from Playa Hermosa, Blue Mist, Selva Resort, and northern Santa Teresa.
- Travelers heading to Montezuma, Mal País, or the southern end of Santa Teresa may prefer flights into Tamboror Cóbano for closer access.
- Charter allows you to bring surfboards, pets, and luggage with ease—no ferry lines, no long transfers.
- Flights can be scheduled to your preferred time and adapted for weather conditions and travel plans.
In under an hour, you’ll soar above volcanoes, forests, and oceans—touching down just moments from your accommodation and adventure.
Plan Your Santa Teresa Stay
Whether you’re planning a surf retreat, romantic escape, wellness journey, or beachside honeymoon, Santa Teresa offers a rare combination of authenticity and sophistication. There’s something magnetic about this corner of Costa Rica that keeps travelers coming back again and again.
Let your journey begin with intention. Contact CarmonAir Charter to book a private flight and arrive the way Santa Teresa deserves—effortlessly, consciously, and inspired by nature.
Phone/WhatsApp: +506 8942 6900
Email: info@carmonair.com
Website: www.carmonair.com
Santa Teresa: Where surf, soul, and sustainability live in harmony.
