This mid-range home-away-from-home offers just four standalone villas on the edge of Santa Teresa, and manages to be both kid-friendly and romantic. Canadian owners -- Brad and Tara -- have successfully created a relaxed environment that keeps visitors coming back. Breakfasts are served each morning, and then it's time for surfing, hanging by the pool, or perhaps an ATV tour given by Brad himself. Comfortable and clean units have air-conditioning, kitchens, and outdoor space, but luxurious they are not. The hotel lacks a fitness center, but offers free Wi-Fi and a small playground.
This mid-range home-away-from-home offers just four standalone villas on the edge of Santa Teresa, and manages to be both kid-friendly and romantic. Canadian owners -- Brad and Tara -- have successfully created a relaxed environment that keeps visitors coming back. Breakfasts are served each morning, and then it's time for surfing, hanging by the pool, or perhaps an ATV tour given by Brad himself. Comfortable and clean units have air-conditioning, kitchens, and outdoor space, but luxurious they are not. The hotel lacks a fitness center, but offers free Wi-Fi and a small playground.
The Red Palm Villas is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort on a fabulous Santa Teresa surf beach. It’s five air-conditioned villas and suites are rustically luxe with live-edged furniture, hardwood accents and built-ins, mosaic-tiled bathrooms, king-size beds, and plush futons. Two of the villas have ocean views, while the others have garden views. It’s a quiet and private property with villas spaced out throughout the sandy grounds. Red Palm can arrange surf lessons, yoga classes, tours, and also has free boogie boards to borrow -- but there's no pool or restaurant. For a luxurious eco-chic stay with a gorgeous pool, delicious (but expensive) restaurant, and an open-air spa, it’s worth pricing out the nearby Latitude 10 Resort.
The Red Palm Villas is a three-and-a-half pearl oceanfront resort on a fabulous Santa Teresa surf beach. It’s five air-conditioned villas and suites are rustically luxe with live-edged furniture, hardwood accents and built-ins, mosaic-tiled bathrooms, king-size beds, and plush futons. Two of the villas have ocean views, while the others have garden views. It’s a quiet and private property with villas spaced out throughout the sandy grounds. Red Palm can arrange surf lessons, yoga classes, tours, and also has free boogie boards to borrow -- but there's no pool or restaurant. For a luxurious eco-chic stay with a gorgeous pool, delicious (but expensive) restaurant, and an open-air spa, it’s worth pricing out the nearby Latitude 10 Resort.
An avid surfer and his wife (both American) opened this mid-range boutique property in 2007 to capitalize on stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Six Standard Rooms and Suites wrap around an infinity pool, while two enormous three-bedroom Condos are great for families or groups. Units have kitchens, kitchenettes or mini-fridges, and guests are a short, but steep, walk to the grocery store, dining options, and beach. The hotel's laid-back guests can rent from a large collection of surfboards and boogies boards, or use the open-air yoga deck for self-practice. Those looking for a beach locale within the same price point might consider Villas Hermosas.
An avid surfer and his wife (both American) opened this mid-range boutique property in 2007 to capitalize on stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Six Standard Rooms and Suites wrap around an infinity pool, while two enormous three-bedroom Condos are great for families or groups. Units have kitchens, kitchenettes or mini-fridges, and guests are a short, but steep, walk to the grocery store, dining options, and beach. The hotel's laid-back guests can rent from a large collection of surfboards and boogies boards, or use the open-air yoga deck for self-practice. Those looking for a beach locale within the same price point might consider Villas Hermosas.
Canaima Chill House is a three-pearl boutique hotel in the jungle-filled hills above Santa Teresa. Its eight air-conditioned rooms are a mix of suites and lofts with kitchenettes, stone-walled showers, and private balconies or patios. Canaima’s romantic pool is covered by a lush canopy and there’s also a big hot tub (an uncommon treat in Santa Teresa). The hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but they do have a menu book of restaurants that deliver. Freebies include tour booking, a bottle of water, Wi-Fi, and parking. It’s a quiet, Zenned-out spot, but with its hillside location and minimally-railed balconies, children under 8 aren’t allowed. For a more family-friendly stay with a yoga studio, tasty restaurant, and ocean views, it’s worth checking out Funky Monkey Lodge instead.
Canaima Chill House is a three-pearl boutique hotel in the jungle-filled hills above Santa Teresa. Its eight air-conditioned rooms are a mix of suites and lofts with kitchenettes, stone-walled showers, and private balconies or patios. Canaima’s romantic pool is covered by a lush canopy and there’s also a big hot tub (an uncommon treat in Santa Teresa). The hotel doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but they do have a menu book of restaurants that deliver. Freebies include tour booking, a bottle of water, Wi-Fi, and parking. It’s a quiet, Zenned-out spot, but with its hillside location and minimally-railed balconies, children under 8 aren’t allowed. For a more family-friendly stay with a yoga studio, tasty restaurant, and ocean views, it’s worth checking out Funky Monkey Lodge instead.
This secluded, 45-room upscale boutique hotel exudes European elegance and sits atop a 1,100-foot-high cliff. Stunning rainforest and Pacific Ocean views are the highlight -- especially from the jaw-dropping Greek amphitheater and the martini bar popular at sunset. There are also two beautiful restaurants (with more views). Guests can spend the day using the infinity pool, private pebble beach (bring hiking shoes!), open-air fitness center and spa, or partaking in one of the dizzying array of excursions. Most guest are couples. A smaller but no less spectacular area next door called Zephyr Palace offers seven themed suites and has its own amazing infinity pool. Wi-Fi and parking are free. Those seeking a boutique closer to Manuel Antonio National Park should compare rates with Makanda by the Sea.
This secluded, 45-room upscale boutique hotel exudes European elegance and sits atop a 1,100-foot-high cliff. Stunning rainforest and Pacific Ocean views are the highlight -- especially from the jaw-dropping Greek amphitheater and the martini bar popular at sunset. There are also two beautiful restaurants (with more views). Guests can spend the day using the infinity pool, private pebble beach (bring hiking shoes!), open-air fitness center and spa, or partaking in one of the dizzying array of excursions. Most guest are couples. A smaller but no less spectacular area next door called Zephyr Palace offers seven themed suites and has its own amazing infinity pool. Wi-Fi and parking are free. Those seeking a boutique closer to Manuel Antonio National Park should compare rates with Makanda by the Sea.
The mid-range Hotel Fonda Vela has a lovely, garden setting a 10-minute drive from central Santa Elena. The location is secluded enough to guarantee excellent bird- and wildlife-watching yet close to town for access to dining and shopping. Noteworthy amenities include a lovely, fireside dining room and a modern, covered pool complex with two hot tubs and a bar. The 42 rooms are a little bit cabin and a little bit old school, and while they are well kept, they are undeniably dated. In-room amenities include cable TV and mini-fridges, but not much else. As a nearby alternative, the similarly priced Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers nicer amenities -- including a gourmet restaurant and a butterfly garden -- in a more sophisticated package.
The mid-range Hotel Fonda Vela has a lovely, garden setting a 10-minute drive from central Santa Elena. The location is secluded enough to guarantee excellent bird- and wildlife-watching yet close to town for access to dining and shopping. Noteworthy amenities include a lovely, fireside dining room and a modern, covered pool complex with two hot tubs and a bar. The 42 rooms are a little bit cabin and a little bit old school, and while they are well kept, they are undeniably dated. In-room amenities include cable TV and mini-fridges, but not much else. As a nearby alternative, the similarly priced Monteverde Lodge & Gardens offers nicer amenities -- including a gourmet restaurant and a butterfly garden -- in a more sophisticated package.
The three-and-a-half-pearl El Establo offers an extensive list of resort-style amenities in a stunning, hilltop setting overlooking the rainforests of Monteverde. A full-service spa, mountain-view pool, zip-lining canopy tour, and a reasonably priced gourmet restaurant are among its most notable highlights. This is one of the larger hotels in the area, with 155 rooms that are spacious and simple and include rustic details, modern bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces with lovely views. While the hotel serves a decent free breakfast buffet, the lack of free in-room Wi-Fi -- and a steep, expansive layout that requires a shuttle to navigate -- may discourage some guests. Check rates at the nearby Monteverde Lodge & Gardens for a cheaper boutique alternative with just slightly fewer amenities.
The three-and-a-half-pearl El Establo offers an extensive list of resort-style amenities in a stunning, hilltop setting overlooking the rainforests of Monteverde. A full-service spa, mountain-view pool, zip-lining canopy tour, and a reasonably priced gourmet restaurant are among its most notable highlights. This is one of the larger hotels in the area, with 155 rooms that are spacious and simple and include rustic details, modern bathrooms, and private balconies or terraces with lovely views. While the hotel serves a decent free breakfast buffet, the lack of free in-room Wi-Fi -- and a steep, expansive layout that requires a shuttle to navigate -- may discourage some guests. Check rates at the nearby Monteverde Lodge & Gardens for a cheaper boutique alternative with just slightly fewer amenities.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is a quaint, off-rustic hotel an intimate, garden setting high in Monteverde's mountains. The lovely, rainforest-view pool area, excellent local food in the restaurant, and indoor butterfly garden are all noteworthy. Each of the 27 rooms is modern and bright, with amazing jungle views, free Wi-Fi, and contemporary bathrooms, plus many rooms have balconies or terraces. Keep in mind that there are no televisions or air-conditioning to keep with the hotel's quiet, eco-friendly focus. Santa Elena’s dining and shopping are less than 10 minutes away on foot while the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest is 15-minute drive from the hotel. It's also worth considering the nearby El Establo, which offers more amenities in a larger, resort-style setting at similar rates.
The three-and-a-half-pearl Monteverde Lodge & Gardens is a quaint, off-rustic hotel an intimate, garden setting high in Monteverde's mountains. The lovely, rainforest-view pool area, excellent local food in the restaurant, and indoor butterfly garden are all noteworthy. Each of the 27 rooms is modern and bright, with amazing jungle views, free Wi-Fi, and contemporary bathrooms, plus many rooms have balconies or terraces. Keep in mind that there are no televisions or air-conditioning to keep with the hotel's quiet, eco-friendly focus. Santa Elena’s dining and shopping are less than 10 minutes away on foot while the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest is 15-minute drive from the hotel. It's also worth considering the nearby El Establo, which offers more amenities in a larger, resort-style setting at similar rates.
This small, mid-range hotel, more like a home-away-from-home, has five villas on a hillside, where the highlight is an infinity pool (said to be the first in Nicoya Peninsula) from which guests can watch surfers in the distance. Owned and operated by a lovable, eccentric family of four, along with their team of expats, the hotel encourages guests interaction, including eating the free breakfast together. Anyone is able to use the pool and swim-up bar for a buzzy happy hour designed for meeting friends -- and yes, it will happen. After sunset, guests can enjoy prime steaks on the grill or head to Santa Teresa for more options. Spotlessly clean, but simple, villas come with Egyptian cotton sheets, empty mini-fridges, and outdoor bathrooms. Two sons (both easy on the eyes) offer surf lessons, ATV tours, and airport transfers. For more privacy and romance, consider Casa Chameleon down the road.
This small, mid-range hotel, more like a home-away-from-home, has five villas on a hillside, where the highlight is an infinity pool (said to be the first in Nicoya Peninsula) from which guests can watch surfers in the distance. Owned and operated by a lovable, eccentric family of four, along with their team of expats, the hotel encourages guests interaction, including eating the free breakfast together. Anyone is able to use the pool and swim-up bar for a buzzy happy hour designed for meeting friends -- and yes, it will happen. After sunset, guests can enjoy prime steaks on the grill or head to Santa Teresa for more options. Spotlessly clean, but simple, villas come with Egyptian cotton sheets, empty mini-fridges, and outdoor bathrooms. Two sons (both easy on the eyes) offer surf lessons, ATV tours, and airport transfers. For more privacy and romance, consider Casa Chameleon down the road.