Your Oasis Among Surf Towns in Costa Rica
Disconnected Never Felt So Connected
Dreamy beaches. Lush jungle greenery. Thrilling surf breaks and waves that will rejuvenate your spirit. Paradise has a name, and it’s Costa Rica – the perfect place to disconnect from your everyday reality. Nestled on the edge of the jungle as it gives way to the sandy beach, you’ll find Villa Encanto. Both relaxing and energizing, this tropical villa has resort vibes while also offering the adventure that gets your heart racing. Whether you’re seeking surf towns in Costa Rica to surf, to explore, to escape the rat race for a while, or all of the above, you may just rediscover and reconnect to your true inner self at Villa Encanto.
Book your surf adventure at Villa Encanto today and experience the beauty of Costa Rica for yourself!
Luxury Accommodations in Santa Teresa
Villa Encanto is the ideal place for your family or group of friends visiting Costa Rica. In fact, it might be the very reason you decide to stay near the surf town of Santa Teresa. With its two wings featuring four bedrooms, an open floor plan, and indoor/outdoor community spaces, the Villa offers everyone as much together time – and privacy – as they want. The Boho inspired décor invites even the most stressed-out guests to let go for a while and allow the Pura Vida life of Costa Rica to soothe their souls. Villa Encanto is the epitome of quiet luxury, privacy, and laid-back charm. Here’s what you can expect from this beautiful property.
Four Bedrooms, Two Bathrooms
Villa Encanto offers four bedrooms and two bathrooms, divided between two wings. It comfortably accommodates eight guests, but can sleep up to 12. With two separate sides and four bedrooms, families, couples, or family members can all relax in their own spaces before heading to the kitchen or the terrace for together time.
On one side you’ll find the master bedroom with a king size bed, a guest room with a queen size bed, and the freshly renovated master indoor/outdoor bathroom. The other wing offers two guest bedrooms and a newly renovated guest bathroom with a large bathtub and walk-in shower. One bedroom has a king size bed that can be separated into two twin beds (if needed) to maximize bed space. The other features two custom bunkbeds with queen mattresses on the bottom and twin mattresses on the top. You’ll also find the laundry room conveniently located on this wing.
Relaxed luxury features can be found all throughout the bedrooms. All guest rooms include flat-screen TVs, in-room A/C, fans, and blackout curtains. You can also expect luxury linens, premium pillows, and top-quality mattresses for maximum comfort. This means you’ll enjoy cool, comfortable nights (and afternoon naps, too, if you’re not snoozing by the pool or in the hammock). After a day of visiting the beach, surfing, and exploring the best that Costa Rica has to offer, you’ll have nothing but the best waiting for you back at the Villa.
Boho Heaven
The open floor plan of Villa Encanto is made even more alive and filled with energy through Boho-inspired décor throughout the property. Think exposed wood beams, a soothing light color palette, and a minimalist yet luxurious ambiance. Large and plentiful windows bring the outdoors inside, and ceiling fans keep the air flowing as nicely indoors as they do outside.
The main living area offers ample seating and space to stretch out. You’ll find a flat screen TV, but with the large floor-to-ceiling windows inviting you out onto the garden terrace, you may not channel surf much. Wide sliding doors open up to the outside world, so even if you are indoors you can still enjoy the tropical breeze.
Included in the living area is the gourmet kitchen. Here, you (or your private chef) will have access to high-end appliances including an electric cooktop, dishwasher, refrigerator/freezer, and dishwasher. All of the essentials are also on site, such as a coffee maker, wine glasses, toaster, blender, and barbecue utensils. Imagine your family and friends seated at the long kitchen island bar for a leisurely breakfast, grabbing a quick bite before heading off to the beach to surf, into the jungle for an ATV adventure, or simply shuffling off to the private pool with a cup of coffee.
Another door opens up to connect the kitchen to the terrace as well, where you’ll have easy access to the outdoor dining area. Speaking of the outdoors…
Outdoor Haven
The outdoor terrace and pool area of Villa Encanto is truly breathtaking and is the star of the show at this property. Surrounded by professionally manicured gardens with plants native to Costa Rica, the terrace and pool are a private paradise you’ll never forget.
The terrace offers two different seating areas with both chairs and tables. The long dining table seats up to ten for large gatherings. A smaller area offers a center table and four relaxing chairs, but feel free to bring a few over from the dining table after dinner to make the party bigger. You’ll also find the nap-worthy hammock, barbecue grill, and plenty of shade. This is the best area for enjoying meals together, sipping cocktails in the evening, or relaxing with a book and a glass of tea in the afternoon.
Take the steps down to the private pool area and you’ll discover the tropical paradise that makes Villa Encanto so unique and highly sought after in the Santa Teresa area of Costa Rica. Properties with pools are not very common, and private pools this stunning are truly rare. Surrounded by the greenery of the plants and trees, the pool may just become your second home. Rinse off in the outdoor shower and take a dip, chill out on one of the loungers, or have a seat on the padded bench and bask in the simple joys of nature that define Costa Rica.
Premium Location
Villa Encanto is nestled in the sweet spot right where the jungle meets the beach. This puts the property in the perfect position to offer convenient access to all the things you want to do and places you want to see while visiting Costa Rica. Whether you’re looking to surf, explore the jungle, see the sites at the local beach towns, or simply relax on the beach, the Villa puts you in the best central spot.
While staying at the Villa, you can enjoy a short walk – just a few minutes – to Playa Hermosa, the closest beach. Playa Hermosa means “beautiful beach” in Spanish, and you’ll quickly see why. Don’t forget your surf board when you head out, as Playa Hermosa has exceptional breaks that appeal to surfing enthusiasts of all skill levels. If you’re brand new to surfing, ask us about taking surf lessons. You’ll be catching breaks and riding waves before you know it.
Nearby towns are Hermosa, a very small town, and Santa Teresa, which is a larger surf town that’s just a short drive down the road. You may be able to get some of your needs met in Hermosa, but Santa Teresa is where you’ll find more of the stores, restaurants, and other services you may be looking for. While it is a modern town, Santa Teresa is still small enough that you’ll avoid many of the large crowds and be able to maintain that laid-back Pura Vida vibe of Costa Rica that you’re looking for.
All the Conveniences of Home
Just because you’re in the jungle of Costa Rica doesn’t mean life is uncivilized. You’ll enjoy all the typical comforts of home while at Villa Encanto. There are flat screen TV’s in all of the bedrooms and the main living area. Laundry facilities are located in the bedroom wing opposite the master suite. The kitchen includes all the utensils, dishes, and typical small kitchen electronics. The entire property was recently renovated and it shows in all the little details that make a difference to the luxury traveler. Your U.S. charging cables will also work just fine – no need to purchase any type of adapter.
The property also features high-speed Wi-Fi so you can connect to the outside world (if you really want to – we understand if you don’t!) The nearby beach town of Hermosa does not have cellular service, but you can use Wi-Fi calling from your iPhone or WhatsApp’s calling feature so you never have to be completely out of touch while at the Villa. The larger town of Santa Teresa does have a stronger cell signal, and it’s just a short drive down the road.
Another convenience you’ll find in Santa Teresa and Costa Rica in general is that U.S. dollars are accepted all over. There’s no need to convert your money to local currency. You can also use your Visa or Mastercard, but you may want to leave your Discover or AMEX at home for this trip. They are less commonly accepted forms of payment in Costa Rica.
Private and Secure
In general, Costa Rica is considered a safe country for foreigners to visit. Specifically at Villa Encanto, you’ll find a high level of both privacy and security. The tropical garden surrounding the property provides a private and luxurious environment. There are also security coded gates to go through before getting access to the property, and there are security cameras throughout the community areas of the premises. (Of course, no cameras in private areas such as bathrooms or bedrooms.) You’ll be provided with your codes upon check-in, and the codes change with each new set of guests.
When you’re out and about, you can feel good about the general Villa Encanto area as it tends to be less crowded than other surf towns you might visit on your trip. The area has much less of a problem with petty beach theft on Playa Hermosa and other beaches close by compared to many beach areas of Tamarindo. Of course, you’ll want to take common sense precautions while on excursions or visiting any towns to best protect yourself, your travel group, and your personal property.
At Villa Encanto, you’re secluded, but you’re never alone. If you need help or are experiencing challenges of any kind during your stay, our property managers are available to assist. We want you to feel safe and relaxed so you can have the best rejuvenating luxury travel experience here in Costa Rica.
The surf scene is just the beginning of your dream vacation. Experience all the best of Costa Rica at Villa Encanto. Book your stay now.
The Total Resort Experience
We know the surf is calling, but during your stay at Villa Encanto, we invite you to experience the best of everything Costa Rica has to offer, on or off the surf board. This includes connecting to nature and connecting back to yourself while disconnecting from everything else. Here is a guide to the many different ways to relax and restore at Villa Encanto. Please ask us about setting up any or all of these activities.
Flights & Transfers
Getting to and around Costa Rica can be confusing, especially for first time visitors. Sometimes an ATV is the best way to go; other times a rental car will do. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure out the best way to get from one place to another on your own. We can guide you in arranging your travel including flights, transfers, and transportation while staying at the Villa – just ask. That way you’ll have more time to focus on your plans to surf.
Yoga Classes
You might find many hours’ worth of play therapy on your surf board, but there are other avenues to relaxation. Yoga is one of the best ways to quiet the mind, engage the body, and reconnect to your inner self. With an experienced teacher as a guide, stretch your physical boundaries and start de-stressing your mind. Your Villa Encanto management team will be happy to arrange yoga classes for you and your travel companions. Or, you can find a new way to enjoy the sand and surf with yoga on the beach.
Meditation & Breathwork
The best accompaniment to yoga for doing deep inner work is meditation and breathwork, and your visit to Costa Rica is the best time to establish a new practice or recommit to your old one. Your guide will help you reach deep within through tried and true breathwork techniques and guided meditations to achieve maximum relaxation. We can’t promise nirvana, but you can certainly get on the road to better mental health during your trip to Costa Rica, both on your surf board and off of it.
Organic Food & Private Chef Services
If you worked up an appetite on your surf board, are looking to eat healthier, or simply want to take a break from cooking during your trip to Costa Rica, private chef services are the best way to achieve your goal. Utilizing local and organic food sources, your private chef will prepare meals to your dietary specifications right in the gourmet kitchen at Villa Encanto. Whether you need one meal or many, ask the Villa’s management team about taking advantage of private chef services.
Massage Therapy
Does the idea of a massage already send you into beach vacation mode? Don’t deny yourself this relaxing and rejuvenating treatment during your trip to Costa Rica. Even if you’re not spending all day surfing, a massage will soothe sore muscles, improve circulation, and leave you feeling more alive for the rest of the day. You can set up a one on one massage or a couples massage right at the Villa. Just let us know and we’ll help make the arrangements.
Surf Lessons
With Costa Rica being famous for surfing, you won’t want to miss out on the waves of fun just because you don’t know how to surf. If you have never gone surfing before, don’t worry. You can take a surf lesson during your trip and get the basics down in less time than you might think. Head out to the beach with your surf board and get a few expert lessons from an experienced guide, and you’ll be catching breaks before you know it. We are happy to arrange your surf lessons for you and your group, and you can all take your surf lessons right there at Playa Hermosa.
Fishing & ATV Adventures
Costa Rica offers some of the best fishing and ATV nature adventures in the world. Leave your surf board back at the Villa and enjoy the natural world in a different way. Head out onto the waves to catch fish instead of breaks. You might score some Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, or Blue Marlin, some exciting species common to Costa Rica that you won’t find back home. Or leave the beach behind and explore the jungle of Costa Rica on an ATV. Either way, you’ll get up close and personal with the native wildlife and go home with memories of your unforgettable adventure.
Mountain Biking & Trail Running
If you’re ready to hang up the surf board for a bit and get your heart rate up without the beach, mountain biking and trail running are some of the best ways to experience the beautiful jungle of Costa Rica. Your guide will take you through thrilling tropical trails, point out interesting animal and plant species, and stop at particularly fascinating points along the trail to let you appreciate the view. Costa Rica may be famous for the beach, but you just may come to love the wilderness more than the waves!
From surf culture to local cuisine to jungle journeys, you’ll rediscover your heart for adventure at Villa Encanto. Reserve your stay now.
Surf Insider: Santa Teresa and Other Surf Towns in Costa Rica
How does Santa Teresa compare to other popular surf towns in Costa Rica? Let’s explore Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, Jaco, and Nosara when it comes to the surf, the privacy and accessibility, and other attractions and see how you can get the best out of Costa Rica during your visit.
While Tamarindo, Nosara, and Jaco all offer exceptional surfing, it’s hard to match the variety available to Santa Teresa visitors. Just a short walk from Villa Encanto is Playa Hermosa, one of the very best beginner breaks for those new to surfing. Playa Hermosa is attractive for both surf newbies and experienced surfing visitors to Costa Rica because of its sand bottom and consistent Pacific Ocean waves – and of course, the blissfully warm water year-round. Surf loving tourists from around the world love Playa Hermosa and the surrounding area, with the regular offshore winds that create such beautiful swells. You’ll find half a dozen surf breaks within a short ATV drive from the Villa that hit the spot, no matter your surfing skill level. You may also try Playa Carmen if your surf skill is a little more advanced to take advantage of its overhead waves that don’t often close out.
In the Tamarindo area, Playa Langosta and Playa Grande in Tamarindo are particularly noted for their solid, consistent, and powerful breaks, ideal for more experienced surfers. However, if you have guests in your party who do not surf or are less experienced, Tamarindo may be too overwhelming for them. Tamarindo is a very popular spot, but this also means quite a bit of crowding. This is less than ideal if you’re looking for a more laid back experience.
Nosara provides a variety of waves for those on a surf focused trip, and gets both North and South facing waves. However, accessibility can be a problem as many of the best spots require a 4×4 to get to. It’s also less developed, meaning limited infrastructure, which could be a problem if anyone in your party is looking for a few more amenities.
Jaco is a larger and more developed surf town. Jaco offers short but stronger breaks that appeal to a variety of surf skill levels. Like Tamarindo, Jaco is quite popular, and that means more crowds. If you’re looking to appreciate more of a natural surf environment with less time waiting for waves, Jaco may not be for you.
When it comes to privacy, accessibility, and convenience, you have your options when it comes to surf towns in Costa Rica. Many travelers looking for a surf vacation love the natural vibe of surfing, and that’s why they choose Costa Rica in the first place – it is truly a tropical paradise where nature is king. But how well nature – and convenience – come together varies from surf town to surf town.
Tamarindo and Jaco are two of the bigger surf towns dotting the coastline of Costa Rica. In both of these towns you’ll have lots of accessibility to stores, restaurants, and other blessings of modern life. You’ll also have much larger crowds to contend with, meaning competition for those waves. There are also problems with petty theft happening on the beach, so if you choose to visit either of these surf towns be sure to keep an extra close eye on your belongings left back on the beach.
Nosara is on the other end of the spectrum. The varied waves are a favorite for surfers, but as mentioned earlier there are accessibility problems. On the plus side, this means less competition for breaks. However, the remoteness may be a problem for those who want to surf and connect with nature but also prefer to have at least some modern conveniences. Access to medical care around Nosara could also be a problem in the unfortunate event of an emergency.
Santa Teresa, on the other hand, provides a satisfying blend of rugged nature and access to civilization. The area is still very pure and natural, but the town offers the amenities we like to have close by, including stores, restaurants, and medical care. Because it is a smaller surf town, there is reduced competition for waves and less of a problem with petty theft on the beach compared to Tamarindo and Jaco (although it’s always a good idea to keep tabs on your belongings regardless of which beach you’re surfing on.)
No matter which surf town you travel to in Costa Rica there won’t be a shortage of things to do – or not do, if you please. Beyond the beaches themselves (Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa, Playa Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, or Playa Grande in Tamarindo, Playa Guiones or Playa Nosara in Nosara) you’ll have plenty of other ways to enjoy your trip.
Tamarindo will be the most touristy and crowded surf town, but it also offers a diverse dining and nightlife scene. You can also get a chance to witness turtle nesting near Playa Grande. Similarly, you’ll find a more urban vibe in Jaco with many restaurants and nightclubs, and the crowds to match it.
However, if you’re looking to connect with nature and have a more private or rejuvenating travel experience, Nosara and Santa Teresa are your best bets compared to Jaco and Tamarindo. These surf towns offer more nature and wildlife tours, ATV or trail running excursions, zip lining, waterfall tours, tide pools, caves, and other ways to get in touch with the overwhelming majesty of the natural environment in Costa Rica. When staying at Villa Encanto, ask us about setting up some of these tours and events for you. We’re happy to be your guide to the best of all things Costa Rica during your stay.
Blue Zone Living in Costa Rica
“Blue Zone” living refers to lifestyle and environmental characteristics observed in certain regions worldwide where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. These areas, termed “Blue Zones,” were identified and popularized by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and author. He and a team of demographers and scientists found five distinct geographic areas with a high concentration of centenarians (people aged 100 or older). These areas are Ikaria in Greece, Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and Loma Linda in California, USA. While these areas are geographically and culturally diverse, their inhabitants share common lifestyle traits that contribute to their longevity.
During your trip to Costa Rica, you can learn about and incorporate these lifestyle factors into your routine, then take them back home with you when you leave. Purposeful and locally based eating is one popular feature of Blue Zone living. Overconsumption is discouraged, emphasizing instead the satisfaction of the experience of dining with family and friends and enjoying the natural flavors of real, unprocessed, fresh food.
Physical activity is another factor that is emphasized. Rather than structured exercise, Blue Zone inhabitants tend to get their workout in by an overall active lifestyle including chores, farming, and of course playful activities like catching some waves at the beach (at least in surf havens like Costa Rica). Their physical activity also brings them closer to nature, strengthening their connection with the land, the wildlife, and the plants and trees.
Alongside time in nature, community is also critical. Living in harmony with their community and having strong social bonds is common across all Blue Zones. This also flows right into another one of the lifestyle elements of stress management. The people of Costa Rica and other Blue Zones have ways of effectively reducing and managing stress, including spending lots of valuable time with friends and family, as well as in religious and community activities. This includes an overall slower pace of life.
You can enhance your ties with your own small community, de-stress and embody the Pura Vida life of Costa Rica while staying at Villa Encanto. Round out your stay with yoga and meditation, a private chef to cook those delicious and healthy meals, and don’t forget to hit the beach with your surf board for a healthy dose of non-structured exercise.
From surf culture to local cuisine to jungle journeys, you’ll rediscover your heart for adventure at Villa Encanto. Reserve your stay now.
Costa Rica Smart Travel Tips
Especially if you’re visiting Costa Rica for the first time, you’ll want to brush up on some important travel tips and information to make your visit even more smooth and restorative. Here is a short guide.
Villa Encanto: Discover the Best of Costa Rica
Surf, sun, and adventure. Surf euphoria, beach bliss, and poolside paradise. And did we mention the surfing? Villa Encanto truly captures the essence of everything Costa Rica has to offer with easy access to the beach and the jungle, all while providing a rejuvenating and luxurious place to stay. Gather your closest friends and family and book your stay at Villa Encanto today. Your oasis in Costa Rica is calling.