Tucked along the coast of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa has become one of the most sought-after surf towns in Central America.
Known for its consistent waves, raw beauty, and laid-back energy, it strikes a rare balance between wild and refined. But it’s not only for surfers. People come for more than the surf or wellness—they come for a feeling.
With a growing reputation as a sanctuary for surfers, creatives, food lovers, and slow-living seekers, Santa Teresa continues to captivate those who value space, style, and a deeper connection to nature. Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth, this town has a way of making you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere that matters.
A Place Where Nature Sets the Pace
Palm-lined dirt roads wind past stretches of wild jungle and glimpses of turquoise surf, giving Santa Teresa a raw, unfiltered beauty that feels increasingly rare. Despite its growing popularity, the town still moves at its own rhythm. Mornings often start with the sound of waves or the call of howler monkeys in the trees. There’s no rush here, only flow, dictated by tides, light, and the hum of the natural world. It’s this organic pace that makes the town feel like a retreat, even before you’ve booked a massage or stepped on a surfboard.
Effortless Balance: Surf, Wellness, and Style
Santa Teresa’s charm lies in its ability to offer both movement and stillness. Days often begin with surf sessions or open-air yoga, followed by slow breakfasts and long walks on the beach. Whether you’re drawn to the waves, the warm breeze, or the community energy, there’s a sense of alignment that’s hard to ignore.
The Art of Living Well
For a remote surf town, Santa Teresa surprises visitors with its elevated food scene and refined design sensibility. Here, beachfront cafes serve dishes as vibrant and fresh as the surrounding landscape, while hidden dining spots embrace slow, farm-to-table philosophies. It’s this mix of authenticity and attention to detail that makes Santa Teresa feel both grounded and elevated—an ideal place to reset.
Architecture across the town balances modern aesthetics with natural materials, creating spaces that feel sophisticated yet deeply rooted in nature. Hotel Fermata, our luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Santa Teresa, captures this spirit effortlessly. Designed to flow with the jungle and ocean around it, Fermata offers a quiet, elegant base for travelers who want to connect with the town’s style without losing touch with its raw essence.
Preserving the Town’s Soul
One of the defining traits of boutique hotels like Fermata is our commitment to the local character. Rather than overpowering their surroundings, we work to reflect and protect them. Fermata was built with that in mind—low-impact design, native landscaping, and a thoughtful scale that respects the rhythm of the town. As Santa Teresa grows, it’s places like this that help preserve its identity, offering an alternative to overdevelopment and mass tourism.
A Place People Return To
It’s easy to arrive in Santa Teresa with a long weekend in mind and leave already planning your next stay. The town has a way of pulling you in, not with flash, but with feeling. Its pace, its beauty, and its quiet confidence make it more than a destination. It becomes a way of life.
Ready to book your first stay? It probably won’t be your last.
