Nantipa is the best beachfront boutique hotel in Santa Teresa, with bungalows and suites set in gardens right on the sand of Playa Santa Teresa. It suits couples who want to surf in the morning, practice yoga in the afternoon and watch the sun set over the Pacific from the beach without needing to drive anywhere.
The hotel calls itself "a Tico Beach Experience". It leans into a relaxed, barefoot style with modern design and natural materials. The Ninta Beachfront Bungalows put you steps from the waves, while the Manti Bungalows are set up for privacy. Manzú, the open-air restaurant, faces the beach from breakfast to late evening. Numu Wellness in the gardens offers massages, yoga and meditation.
Santa Teresa is a small surf town with a big following, a long stretch of sand and some of the best sunsets in Costa Rica. Nantipa puts you in the best spot to enjoy it. Book at least four nights; getting here takes time and the town's pace makes short stays feel rushed. At night the beachfront bungalows hear surf rather than traffic.
Highlights at a glance
- Directly on Playa Santa Teresa
- Ninta Beachfront Bungalows facing the waves
- Manzú open-air beachfront restaurant
- Numu Wellness with yoga and massages
- Walking distance to Santa Teresa town
Why Couples Love Nantipa
Location is everything in Santa Teresa. Nantipa has one of the best. Most hotels sit along the dusty main road, a short walk from the beach. Nantipa sits right on Playa Santa Teresa, so the ocean is the view from the bungalows, the restaurant and the gardens.
The design is clean and modern, with plenty of wood and open-air spaces that make the most of the breeze. The staff are friendly and relaxed, true to the hotel's Tico spirit.
Couples often describe a simple rhythm: a surf lesson or swim at dawn, breakfast at Manzú, a lazy afternoon in the gardens, then sunset on the sand with a drink. Santa Teresa's restaurants and bars are a short walk away when you want them, but many guests find little reason to leave.
Rooms to Book
There are four room types.
- Ninta Beachfront Bungalows (about 80 square meters) sit directly facing the beach with a king bed, for two guests.
- Manti Bungalows (about 80 square meters) have a king bed and are designed for privacy.
- Nanku Suites (about 65 square meters) come with a king or two queens and can sleep up to three adults and a child.
- The Beachfront Villa (about 380 square meters) has three bedrooms, a private pool and a full kitchen, for groups or families.
For a honeymoon, book a Ninta Beachfront Bungalow. Waking up to the sound of surf and stepping straight onto the sand is the reason to stay here. If privacy matters more than a front-row view, a Manti Bungalow is an excellent alternative. Book early for December to April.
Food, Drink and Wellness
Manzú is the hotel's open-air beachfront restaurant, open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Expect plenty of fresh fish, tropical fruit, salads and Costa Rican flavors. Breakfast with a view of the waves is a good start to any day. Sunset cocktails here are a nightly ritual.
Numu Wellness is set in the gardens and offers massages, body rituals, yoga, meditation and other classes. A couples massage after a surf session is a good way to ease sore shoulders. Yoga at sunrise or late afternoon is popular with guests who are new to Santa Teresa's wellness scene.
For a change, Santa Teresa has a lively restaurant scene within walking distance, from sushi and Italian to casual sodas serving casados.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
Santa Teresa is one of the best surf towns in Costa Rica. Beginner lessons are easy to book. Experienced surfers have plenty of breaks along the coast.
- Take a beginner surf lesson at Playa Hermosa, a short drive north.
- Hike to the beaches of the Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve.
- Swim beneath the waterfall near Montezuma.
- Take a boat trip to Isla Tortuga for snorkeling and white sand.
- Rent an ATV to explore Mal País and its rocky coves.
One partner might want to surf every morning while the other prefers yoga or the spa, which is easy to arrange here. Watch for rip currents and swim only where locals or lifeguards say it is safe. Wear a helmet if you rent an ATV or scooter.
Getting There
The quickest route is a short domestic flight from San José (SJO) to Tambor (TMU), then about 45 minutes by car to Santa Teresa. Driving from San José takes about 4.5 to 5 hours, including the ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera. From Liberia (LIR), plan on about 4 hours by road. Nantipa can arrange private transfers from the main airports.
Roads in Santa Teresa are partly unpaved and dusty in the dry season, muddy in the wet season. Many couples skip a car and rely on walking, taxis and ATV rentals. Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses occur in Costa Rica, so pack repellent. If you're pregnant or hoping to be soon, check CDC travel health notices for Costa Rica.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who want a beachfront base in Santa Teresa, yes. Nantipa combines a prime position on the sand with modern bungalows, a good restaurant and a wellness program, at a price below many luxury hotels on the Pacific coast.
It is not a big full-service resort. If you want several pools, multiple restaurants and a large spa, look at the bigger resorts in Guanacaste, such as those on the Papagayo Peninsula. Couples who want total seclusion may prefer a private villa in the hills above Santa Teresa, with an infinity pool and sunset views. Those who want to be on the beach in a lively, laid-back surf town will find Nantipa one of the most romantic stays on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Insider tips
- Book a Ninta Beachfront Bungalow for the front-row ocean view.
- Take a surf lesson early in the morning when the wind is calmer.
- Fly to Tambor to save hours of driving and the ferry crossing.
- Walk into town for dinner one night to try Santa Teresa's restaurants.
