6 eco-friendly hotels in Santa Teresa: Surfing Costa Rica
Looking for the best eco-friendly hotels in Santa Teresa? Get inspired with our top picks to help you plan a sustainable surf trip to Costa Rica.
Set along the sun-drenched Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has long drawn surfers with its Pacific Ocean swells. Including us!
For decades, this laid-back beach town has lured wave riders from around the globe with its “Pura Vida” ethos. It’s a carefree, easygoing lifestyle that embodies the essence of Costa Rican culture.
In recent years, Santa Teresa has expanded its appeal beyond the surfing community. It now attracts a steady stream of bohemian travellers with its untamed charm.
Santa Teresa is dotted with eco-lodges, yoga retreats and farm-to-table restaurants, attracting the wellness-minded and culinary adventurers.
With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that a growing number of sustainably designed hotels are popping up in the area. This has transformed Santa Teresa into the perfect destination for an eco-conscious escape in Costa Rica.
In this article, we’ll highlight 6 of the best eco-friendly hotels in Santa Teresa to help you plan a sustainable surf trip to Costa Rica. We’ve found something for all styles, whether you’re a back-to-basics budget traveller or craving a luxurious stay.
Want to explore further afield? Discover more of Costa Rica’s best sustainable hotels for surfers.
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Luxury eco-friendly hotels in Santa Teresa
Hotel Nantipa
Nantipa is a beachfront boutique hotel that offers a serene escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Its name “Nantipa” translates from Chorotegan as “Blue”. It’s a nod to the hotel’s stunning ocean vistas and the calming, restorative energy that permeates the entire property.
In addition to the gorgeous bungalows, suites and villas at this eco-friendly Santa Teresa hotel, there’s an open-air restaurant serving Costa Rica-inspired cuisine. Most of the dishes are crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
At the Numu wellness centre, you can immerse yourself in holistic treatments and experiences. These are designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and restored post-surf.
From the initial design and construction to the ongoing operations, Nantipa has been planned with a commitment to environmental protection and the preservation of local resources.
The hotel’s sustainability efforts include ongoing initiatives aimed at minimising waste and supporting the Nicoya Peninsula community.
“Like a dream and counting the days til I return. Pura Vida!” – Stuart (read more reviews here)
Thinking about heading to Tamarindo? Discover our top picks for sustainable stays in this Costa Rican surf town.
Casa Chameleon
Casa Chameleon is an adults-only hotel in Santa Teresa that immerses guests in the natural beauty of the area.
Accessible only by a 4×4 road, this enchanting property features 10 completely unique private pool villas. Each is designed to blend with the surrounding jungle. Trust us when we say the tranquility at this eco-friendly Santa Teresa hotel is unmatched!
The architects behind Casa Chameleon had a clear vision. It was to create a retreat that exists in perfect harmony with the natural world that envelops it.
To achieve this, they made the bold decision to let the outside in, removing walls and utilising expansive windows that frame panoramic views of the ocean beyond.
When staying at Casa Chameleon, you’re invited to slow down, disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures of this magical place. Perhaps that’s indulging in a spa treatment or observing the abundant wildlife that inhabits this wild corner of Costa Rica.
Casa Chameleon is a hidden gem that effortlessly balances luxury and environmental stewardship. In our opinion, it does it in a way that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.
“The room was one of the most amazing rooms we’ve ever stayed in. Huge private pool in the jungle, super private, so much space, amazing bath, and you can even see the sea!” – Hunt (read more reviews here)
Want to dive during your Costa Rica surf trip? Discover some of the country’s best scuba destinations here.
Florblanca Resort
Florblanca is an award-winning Costa Rican eco-resort overlooking the surf breaks of Santa Teresa. Surrounded by tropical jungle, it offers an exclusive holiday for adventurous travellers seeking to connect deeply with nature.
Begin your days with yoga or pilates on the beach before taking advantage of the nearby waves.
If you’re not an experienced surfer, Florblanca provides beginner and intermediate boards free of charge. Plus, they work with the best surf instructors in the area.
Aside from surfing, you can go sport fishing, trekking and SUP-ing or simply relax in your beachfront villa.
The stunning Spa Bambu offers a range of rejuvenating post-surf experiences. Meanwhile, the onsite restaurant will keep you refuelled throughout the day.
At the heart of the resort’s sustainability policy is a commitment to responsible waste management, which is crucial for preventing pollution of the water, air and soil.
The resort optimises the use of water and energy resources, employing water-saving technologies and renewable energy sources wherever possible. Any organic waste generated on the premises is composted while organic fertilisers are used to nourish the soil and vegetation.
Planning a surf trip to Central America? Get inspired with our collection of articles highlighting the best surf spots + sustainable stays.
Mid-range eco-friendly hotels in Santa Teresa
Mint Santa Teresa
Designed by the acclaimed Studio Saxe architecture firm is Mint Santa Teresa.
This contemporary coastal retreat seamlessly blends modern European aesthetics with traditional Costa Rican craftsmanship. The result is a harmonious atmosphere that draws sustainability seekers and eco-conscious travellers from across the globe.
Perched atop a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Mint’s beautifully appointed rooms are thoughtfully scattered across the property, ensuring a sense of privacy and exclusivity.
Whether relaxing on your private terrace or taking a dip in the shared infinity pool, stays at this eco-friendly Santa Teresa hotel are all about relaxation.
Each room boasts a king-size bed and a private rooftop terrace from which you can soak in the awe-inspiring ocean vistas.
The furnishings and decor, all locally sourced from skilled Costa Rican artisans, lend a rustic charm. At the same time, the captivating artworks pay homage to the country’s rich cultural heritage.
“The room was very aesthetically pleasing and the property was beautiful.” – Teiler (read more reviews here)
Affordable eco-friendly hotels in Santa Teresa
Ventura Santa Teresa
For surfers seeking a community vibe, Ventura is a perfect match. Situated a three-minute stroll from the beach, this eco-friendly Santa Teresa hotel allows you to fully soak in the area’s natural beauty while being on the doorstep of all the action.
The Aroma restaurant serves up healthy yet inspiring meals in a casual setting – we hear the gallo pinto is the best in the area!
The contemporary rooms at Ventura are clean and comfortable. In the spacious suites, you’ll find working desks for digital nomads and kitchenettes for self-caterers. Each is designed to serve as a haven after days spent surfing Santa Teresa’s legendary waves.
Beyond its picturesque setting, Ventura Santa Teresa preserves the Nicoya Peninsula’s ecological wonders through a variety of sustainability initiatives.
As an ocean-friendly business certified by the local Nicoya Waterkeeper organisation, the hotel has implemented a state-of-the-art Bionest wastewater treatment system. It also has plans for an off-grid solar energy setup.
This eco-friendly Santa Teresa hotel also partners with Raw Botanicals to provide 100% organic bath and body products.
“Loved my stay at Ventura Santa Teresa! The place is really well located, close to all the shops, restaurants, and to the beach.” – Laura (read more reviews here)
Havana Lodge
The Havana Lodge blends rustic charm with modern amenities, all just a stone’s throw from one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches.
It boasts a lagoon-like infinity pool, surrounded by a wild tropical garden dotted with hammocks. Honestly, this is the perfect place to lounge post-surf with a good book.
This eco-friendly Santa Teresa lodge sits on the edge of the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve, a protected area that provides a vital habitat for native wildlife.
When you’re not out surfing, you can spot colourful birds, playful monkeys and iguanas from the comfort of your room or cook up a feast in the fully equipped guest kitchen.
Each of the spacious suites and bungalows is fully air-conditioned and comes with an ensuite bathroom. We love the combination of Costa Rican and Mexican influences in the interior design.
Each morning, a complimentary breakfast is served, fuelling you up for a day of adventure.
“We loved the warm cozy feeling of being in a big family home with a pool.” – Leonard (read more reviews here)
Planning a sustainable surf trip to Costa Rica
With its free-spirited ambiance and world-class surf breaks, Santa Teresa has become one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after destinations.
Its “Pura Vida” lifestyle draws adventurous travellers from across the globe, with not only blissful beaches and legendary waves but an ever-increasing number of yoga studios and organic cafes where you can live your best life.
By staying at an eco-friendly hotel in Santa Teresa, you can help to maintain the Nicoya Peninsula’s natural wonders and contribute towards a sustainable future.
We hope this collection of sustainable stays in Costa Rica helps you to do just that by inspiring your next vacation.
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH OUR FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
Find hotels and resorts via Booking or Agoda
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Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
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About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
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