Horizon Ocean View Hotel and Yoga Center

Horizon's recognizable pale-blue signage starts along the road in Santa Teresa and continues uphill to another gravel area where guests are either dropped off, or where they park. The journey is not over yet: More signs point upwards, towards the reception area, along stone steps that pass tropical foliage and Buddhist statues. Health nuts will love this added dose of exercise; with the consistent humid weather, guests are sure to get a little sweat here, especially carrying luggage. A rustic wooden structure near the top holds the reception area, tea house, and restaurant. Everything has an Asian touch to it, which makes sense considering owners Gali and Yoav had originally planned to move to Sri Lanka before landing in Santa Teresa somewhat unexpectedly. Although Sri Lanka was not in the stars, their original dream carried over with the liberal use of stone, bamboo, and pine (the hotel opened in 2005). Rooms with ocean views are tucked into the landscape along narrow pathways, and three larger villas are situated below the parking area next to a garden with mango and starfruit, which can be plucked straight from the tree.

Back at the hub, water is offered on arrival -- hydration is big here -- and the tea house has an easygoing vibe with simplistic but contemporary furniture both indoors and on the deck. There is a nice buzz from both locals and guests -- especially before and after classes -- that other hotels of the same size lack. When not surfing or doing yoga, guests may be napping by the pool or exploring town. Some are here on a juice cleanse, some are here on romantic trip, and some are here with yoga groups. One thing everyone seems to have in common is good energy and wellness that adds to the vibe -- Gali and Yoav wouldn't have it any other way.

Horizon is located in Santa Teresa at the southwestern tip of Nicoya Peninsula. The out-of-the-way location is suited for those seeking authentic Costa Rica, for the difficulty in arriving deters most conventional tourists who favor paved roads and bigger resorts, say in slightly commercialized Tamarindo or Jaco. Roads in this part of the peninsula -- a common conversation piece -- are dirt and gravel with some deep, jarring potholes, which pick up the dust in dry season. Some love it, some do not, but make no mistake -- this is one of the area's defining cool characteristics, which might take some getting used to.

Guests may want to consider renting a 4x4 vehicle or ATV to get around the area -- both preferred by the locals -- but it is not necessary, especially for surfers. Playa Carmen, down the hill, is the hottest spot in the country for international surfers, and instructors can be arranged from the hotel. The beach and town of Santa Teresa (with cool bars and restaurants) attracts good-looking expats from all over the world: South American (many from Argentina), European (especially Scandinavians) and Americans here all seem to have been plucked out of a surfer magazine. 

Visitors can arrive via a multitude of ways -- and no one way seems easier than the next. One option is to arrive to Liberia International Airport, rent a vehicle, and make the five-hour drive through a mix of paved and rough roads. Another option (perhaps the best one) is to take a commuter plane from Liberia or San Jose to the smaller Tambor Airport, and then a 45-minute taxi to the hotel. Another is to arrive via San Jose and take the Puntarenas ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera. Another ferry makes rounds between Jaco and Montezuma. 

This is a small hotel with just eight units in four different types. The property was built from scratch and opened in 2005, so construction is newer with an intentional rustic design of log-style pine wood walls mixed with ceramic floors, contemporary furnishings, and splashes of color from bean bags and abstract paintings. All units come with balconies (often more than one), kitchenettes equipped with the basics, purified drinking water, walk-in showers, and eco-friendly toiletries.

The One- and Two-Bedroom Ocean View Cabins (there are five total) have partial ocean views from the balconies and Queen-sized beds. The Two-Bedroom units have two separate entrances and bathrooms -- great for couples traveling together. These units share a small infinity pool that is shaped like a triangle, with more views of the ocean. 

Three villas are in another section of the property that is more secluded. Though these do not have ocean views, they have more space as well as DVD players. There are two One-Bedroom Villas (with two double beds) taking up two floors with two balconies each. These two units share a bigger outdoor pool with lounge chairs. The largest unit of the hotel is the Two-Bedroom Villa with a private pool for this unit only. Each bedroom in the Villa has a Queen-sized bed and a private balcony.  

Food, taxes, and yoga classes are not included in the rates.

The hotel's most standout feature is the wooden yoga studio, which sits on the highest point of the hotel above reception. There are daily yoga classes for Vinyasa or Sivananda (Traditional), and occasional Pilates. The classes have mats and accessories that are open to all levels, though intermediates should plan on being challenged by the quality instructors -- which are sometimes the owners themselves. On Sundays, there is a sunset yoga class that is very popular. Single classes are offered for reasonable rates. They also offer bulk passes for a lowered rate. Private instruction, prenatal yoga classes, reflexology, and massages can also be coordinated. There is an open-air treatment room steps from the triangle pool offering relaxation, deep-tissue, Thai, Reiki, reflexology, and Shiatsu.

The vegetarian tea house is underneath the yoga deck in a charming and sunlit indoor/outdoor space with contemporary seating areas for working on the laptop, reading, or playing a game of chess. Organic health food and drinks are served here in the mornings and early afternoons, Monday through Saturday. The owners grow herbs and veggies, and use items from the organic market in Santa Teresa for toasts, muesli, omelets, cookies, and breads. They also offer fresh juices, shakes, espresso drinks, and -- as the name implies -- a selection of herbal teas.

The walk to town is by way of a somewhat steep hill, but it does not take long to get to Playa Carmen for surfing and several dining and bar options. There's also a restaurant up the same hill that is popular and has great views. The staff is more than happy to arrange surf rentals and instructors, excursions, and restaurant recommendations. 

Parking and Wi-Fi is free.