Santa Teresa & Mal Pais

Gorgeous. Inspiring. Sensational. Words can't describe the incredible beauty of a Santa Teresa sunset.

The sun plops itself into the ocean directly over the horizon line, creating a surreal canvas of oranges, pinks, purples and yellows that morph into one another before reflecting off the shimmering surface of the Pacific. All the while, dozens of surfers ride wave after wave to the shore, enjoying the perfect end to a long day of surfing.

Surf’s Up

Santa Teresa and its sister town, Mal Pais, are surfing destinations above all else. Both renowned for their consistent and near-perfect waves, these two communities are connected by a long, dusty road in the Southern Nicoya Peninsula. The key difference is that Mal Pais features a rockier, more isolated coast in comparison to Santa Teresa’s popular sandy bottom breaks; although Santa Teresa is more often frequented, its beaches are so immense that they never seem crowded. The Mal Pais and Santa Teresa area is one of the few locations in Costa Rica that offers kite surfing. Lessons are available through the owners of Canaima Chill House and Pachamama, and include a few hours of theory followed by actual practice.

Unforgettable Stays

The steep hills above Santa Teresa and Mal Pais’ coastline are speckled with hotels characterized by unbelievable views. Flor Blanca has various luxury cabinas set up amid a heavily forested property that runs right up to the beach. Farther down the road, Latitude 10 boasts an elegant property with just five cabinas spread out among the oceanfront forest, all with outdoor bathrooms and a rustic asian motif. In Mal Pais, Pachamama is a laid back crash pad for backpackers and adventurers, with several cabinas and a large tepee-style camping tent.

Yoga and Surfing

Retreats Santa Teresa and Mal Pais’ tranquil surf goes hand in hand with yoga practice. Overnight excursions and wellness retreats at Latitude 10 include daily yoga classes with a certified instructor and lodging at the most luxurious sustainable ecolodge in the area. After sunbathing and yoga class you can finish the day with a relaxing visit to the wellness spa, where talented masseuses and estheticians are available to cater to your every need.

Delectable Dining

Dining in Santa Teresa and Mal Pais is nothing short of exceptional. Because of the large Israeli population here, restaurant options largely consist of Israeli and Mediterranean food. During high season, it would be criminal not to eat at the beachside restaurant by the crossroads at Playa Carmen; you would be hard pressed to find a better pizza, even in Italy. Toward the main road in the central plaza, Artemis Café fixes mouthwatering Panini sandwiches, crisp salads and refreshing smoothies.