Curated collection of boutique hotels and eco-lodges, chosen for travelers who value calm mornings, thoughtful design and a sense of place.
Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
¿How to Plan Your Stay in Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa is more than a place you visit — it’s a rhythm you step into.
Where you stay, shapes your days: the morning routine, how you move around town,
and how deeply you rest at night. This guide helps you choose the setting
that best supports your way of being here.
The town stretches along the coast, with accommodations spread between the hills, the main road, and a limited number of beachfront hotels — and each area offers a very different rhythm of daily life.
Staying higher up in the hills brings privacy, jungle surroundings and open views, but usually requires a car. Sleeping along the main road places you within walking distance of the beach, cafés, restaurants and daily activities, making it easy to move around without planning much.
Beachfront stays offer direct access to the ocean, though they are fewer and come at a higher price point.
In this guide, we break down the main areas to stay in Santa Teresa — Hilltop & Jungle, Walking Distance (Main Road & Town Life), Walking Distance (Slightly Elevated Views), and Beachfront — explaining what daily life feels like in each one, what to consider before booking, and how to choose the option that best fits the way you want to live your days here.
Hilltop & Jungle - Car Required
Private stays, jungle surroundings, car required
Walking Distance – Main Road
Hotels and hostels close to cafés, beach and daily life
Walking Distance – Elevated Views
Walkable stays, short walk. views and a quieter feel
Beachfront - Premium Location
Hotels right on the sand, premium experience
Walking Distance – Elevated Views
Views, walkability, and balance — highly recommended
This is one of Santa Teresa’s most rewarding areas to stay. Some hotels sit just slightly above the main road, offering open views of the ocean or sunsets while still being within walking distance of the beach, cafés and restaurants.
Staying here offers a rare balance. You get a calmer atmosphere and a sense of space, without losing the practicality of being able to walk everywhere. Days tend to start quietly, with scenic mornings, and unfold naturally as you move down toward town and the beach.
This option works especially well for couples, longer stays, and travelers looking for comfort without isolation. It’s also one of the best value-for-experience areas in Santa Teresa.
Things to consider before booking
– Short uphill walks
– Better views than main road stays
– No car needed
– Excellent balance of comfort and location
“I stayed in this area during my last visit and it quickly became my favorite. The views made mornings special, but everything I needed was still just a short walk away.”
Mónica Gellar
Explore our selected stays with elevated views →
Hotel Casa Marbella
Slightly elevated hotel with beautiful views — walking distance to the beach and Santa Teresa’s main road.
Perched on a gentle hill above town, Casa Marbella blends peaceful surroundings with easy access to Santa Teresa’s beaches, cafés, and shops. Comfortable rooms, tropical charm, and open views make it an excellent choice for travelers who want balance: quiet mornings, scenic sunsets, and the freedom to walk everywhere.
Many guests choose this area for its balance between comfort, movement and ease.
Wondering more walking distance options? Read also 7 Splendours Walking Distance Hotels in Santa Teresa in Santa Teresa and picture your routine out!
Walking Distance – Main Road
The most practical and social way to stay
Staying along Santa Teresa’s main road places you right in the center of daily life. Hotels and hostels here are within easy walking distance of the beach, cafés, surf schools, yoga studios and restaurants.
This area offers flexibility and ease. You can move through the day without planning, walk to everything you need, and stay connected to the town’s energy. It’s especially practical for first-time visitors and solo travelers.
Things to consider before booking
– Livelier atmosphere
– Wide range of budgets
– Everything within walking distance. It may be laud during the day
“Being able to walk everywhere made my stay effortless. I felt connected to the rhythm of the town from day one.”
Paula Rimons
See places to stay along the main road →
Griss Lodge & Spa
Tropical bungalows in a leafy garden — an easy walk to the beach, cafés, and yoga studios. In the heart of Santa Teresa, run by its lovely local owners.
A peaceful tropical lodge surrounded by lush gardens and the gentle sounds of nature. Griss Lodge features charming bungalows within walking distance of the beach and Santa Teresa’s favorite cafés. A warm and welcoming stay for travelers who wish to slow down, stretch, and enjoy local life without depending on a car.
Hilltop Ocean & Jungle View
Private stays in Santa Teresa surrounded by nature — car required
Staying in the hills above Santa Teresa means privacy, jungle surroundings and wide-open views. Most accommodations here are private homes or villas, designed for travelers seeking space and quiet.
Life in this area feels slower and more secluded. Because distances are longer and roads are steeper, having a car is essential for daily movement.
Things to consider before booking
– Car required
– Limited walkability
– Strong sense of privacy and retreat
“The views were incredible, but we definitely relied on the car. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quiet, private stay.”
Anabel Valentin
Explore hilltop & jungle stays →
Outsite Santa Teresa
Modern co-living in the jungle hills — remote work meets surf lifestyle.
Coworking, pool, and treetop terraces above Playa Carmen. Quiet energy and community vibe. Steep road — 4×4/ATV recommended.
Bohemia Experience
Design-forward hilltop suites, infinity pool, and sunset skyline.
Modern lines wrapped in tropical greenery. Elevated views, gentle breezes, serene privacy. Access uphill; we recommend a car or ATV.
Surf Vista Villas
Jungle-view suites above Santa Teresa’s surf — sunrise decks & ocean breeze.
Perched on the hillside with sweeping Pacific views. Natural wood, open terraces, and golden sunsets. Access is steep — 4×4/ATV recommended — but the panorama makes it worth it.
Canaima Chill House
Rustic-chic jungle lodge with bamboo decks and canopy hammocks.
An eco-friendly hideaway that feels like a treehouse. Quiet, bohemian, immersed in green. The hillside road is steep — 4×4/quad recommended.
Vista del Alma Boutique Resort
Cliffside villas between jungle treetops and the endless horizon.
Elegant design meets raw nature. Private villas, birdsong mornings, golden-hour sunsets. Steep approach ensures privacy — best reached by 4×4 or ATV.
Not sure which stay fits your rhythm?
Read more about different types of accommodation styles in Santa Teresa and how they shape your experience.
Beach Front Hotels in Santa Teresa
Hotels right on the sand — premium experience
Beachfront stays in Santa Teresa are limited and consist mostly of hotels located directly on the beach. Staying here means immediate access to the ocean and a strong connection to the natural rhythm of the coast.
These properties come at a higher price point and are best suited for travelers who prioritize direct beach access above all else.
Things to consider before booking
– Higher budget
– Limited availability
– Hotels only
“Waking up with the ocean right in front of us was unforgettable. It’s a very specific kind of stay.”
Martin Sinamer
Explore beachfront hotels →
Hotel Casa Cecilia Beach Front
Authentic beachfront hotel — just 50 steps from bed to sand. Exceptional location between the best surf waves and the natural tide pools.
A small and authentic beachside hotel that perfectly captures Santa Teresa’s laid-back soul: barefoot mornings, ocean breeze, and golden sunsets. Simple yet cozy rooms, surrounded by palm trees and the sound of the waves. Ideal for travelers who want to stay right on the beach and walk everywhere — no car needed.
Hotel Tropico Latino
Beachfront wellness retreat — palm-shaded hammocks, ocean breeze, and a walk-everywhere location.
A Santa Teresa classic with direct beach access and a naturally elegant vibe. Hammocks under palm trees, open-air yoga, and a serene tropical garden by the waves. Perfectly located to walk to surf spots, cafés, and restaurants — a timeless favorite for comfort, connection, and wellness by the ocean.
Planning your trip?
A concise guide to moving through Santa Teresa with ease — when to arrive, how to get around and what to prioritize.
Open Guide →
Are you hotel or eco-lodge?
We collaborate with sustainable stays aligned with our values.
Collaborate →Santa Teresa is more than a beach — it’s a rhythm, a way of being.
At Feeling PURA VIDA, we curate moments of connection guided by local facilitators in Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica. From sunrise surf sessions to breathwork circles in natural tide pools, we independently select every featured stay. When you trust our taste and book something we mention on our website, we hopefully receive an affiliate commission — at no extra cost to you.
Travel Essentials in Santa Teresa
These are practical services and experiences we personally recommend to complement your stay — from movement and ritual to seamless transportation.
Cacao and Static Dance | Feeling PURA VIDA
A ceremonial cacao and ecstatic dance experience in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica....
Book here
Surfing Experience in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica | Feeling PURA VIDA
A conscious surfing experience in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Beginner-friendly surf sessions...
Book here
Yoga and Meditation Session | Feeling PURA VIDA
A mindful yoga and meditation session in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Private...
Book here
Taxi from Cóbano Airport
Transportation from Cóbano Airport to hotel. Book a taxi with our trusted...
Book here