01 · South
Mal País & Playa Carmen
Start at the southern end of the coast: a rocky-shore outing in Mal País, then a beach stop or meal around Playa Carmen.
Explore the southern coast
Surf mornings, places we love and the little details that make a stay easier. Explore Santa Teresa with our personal guide to the coast.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Villa Raya sits within a secure mountaintop community in Santa Teresa, Puntarenas Province. The beach, dining and surf are approximately five minutes away by car.
Start with the coast, find a table in town, then return to your own space above it all. For surfing, choose a local instructor and a break suited to your experience; conditions change with the swell.
Get your bearings
Use the south, town and north as a simple starting point. Plan your stops together, with time to enjoy the coast between them.
The Mal País coast · Photo: Francisco · CC0 1.0 
Santa Teresa · Photo: Lisa van Vliet · Unsplash License 02 · In town
Santa Teresa
Base a day around surf, cafés and the town’s restaurant scene. Mix a morning on the coast with errands, lunch and a table at sunset.
Find a place to eat
Coastal inspiration · nearby Santa Teresa · Photo: Christian Holzinger · Unsplash License 03 · North
Playa Hermosa
Head north for a beach-focused day. Plan a lesson around your experience and the conditions, then leave time for a walk and breakfast.
Plan a Hermosa day
Your little black book
Search 27 local favorites and 20 activities. Save a shortlist on this device and use the map to plan your days.
47 places · 0 saved
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Out into Santa Teresa
Surf mornings, forest trails and a different view from the water. Explore twenty activity ideas and planning guides, from outings in town to a day across the peninsula.
Surfing
Find your wave, at your own pace.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Atlantic Ambience · Pexels License Santa Teresa
Your first surf lesson
Start with a local instructor, a session suited to your experience and time for a relaxed breakfast afterward.
The Santa Teresa coast · Photo: Nathan Farrish · Unsplash License North of Santa Teresa
A day at Playa Hermosa
Make room for a lesson, a walk on the sand and time to watch the ocean at Santa Teresa’s northern end.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Fermin Rodriguez Penelas · Pexels License Santa Teresa & Playa Carmen
Choose your surf beach
Compare beach-day plans and let local conditions, your experience and your group’s interests shape the choice.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Jess Loiterton · Pexels License Santa Teresa
Surf coaching
Give a returning surfer’s trip a clear focus with a coach, useful feedback and space between sessions.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Elina Sazonova · Pexels License Santa Teresa
Rent a board locally
Travel lighter with a rental that suits your sessions. Plan equipment, board transport and collection before heading to the beach.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Jess Loiterton · Pexels License Santa Teresa & the peninsula
A surf week with friends
A flexible week for surfers and non-surfers, with shared meals, independent mornings and a few adventures together.
Outdoor adventures
A different way to see the coast.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Mike van Schoonderwalt · Pexels License Santa Teresa & Mal País
Horseback riding
Ride through beach, forest and hillside scenery with a local guide. Ollie’s Adventures offers group and private options; choose the route for your experience and confirm helmets, rider requirements and the meeting point.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Ditrich Oleg · Pexels License Montezuma · Day trip
Ziplining above the trees
Make a canopy tour the centerpiece of a day across the peninsula, with time to enjoy Montezuma afterward.
The Mal País shoreline · Photo: Jose Reñazco · CC BY-SA 4.0 Mal País
Coastal walks & tide pools
Look closely at the rocky shoreline and small details in the shallows. Choose access and timing with current conditions in mind.
Nature & wildlife
Leave a little time to look closer.
Cabo Blanco Reserve · Photo: Hans Hillewaert · CC BY-SA 3.0 Cabuya · Hiking day trip
Hike Cabo Blanco Reserve
Walk beneath the forest canopy from the Cabuya entrance. Choose the shorter Danés forest loop or the longer Sueco trail toward Cabo Blanco beach, with time to enjoy the trees, birds and coastal views.
- Usual schedule: Wednesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Confirm access and the trail-entry cutoff before leaving.
- Bring walking shoes, water and sun/rain protection. Allow extra effort and return time for the longer beach hike.
Wildlife at Curú · Photo: Leyo · CC BY-SA 2.5 ch Southern Nicoya · Day trip
Explore Curú Wildlife Refuge
Discover forest, mangroves and coast on a nature-focused outing, with time to observe wildlife on its own terms.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Enrique Hidalgo · Pexels License Nicoya Peninsula
A birdwatching morning
Begin with curiosity and a knowledgeable guide. Curú and Cabo Blanco offer places to explore a new interest.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Ron Lach · Pexels License Santa Teresa area
Join a beach cleanup
Connect with Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper about current opportunities to help care for the beaches you came to enjoy.
On the water
See another side of the peninsula.
Isla Tortuga · Photo: micah420 · CC BY 2.0 Gulf of Nicoya · Day trip
Tortuga Island snorkeling
Plan a boat journey, snorkeling and island time, with clear arrangements for the land transfer and the return to Santa Teresa.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Lindsay Madelo · Pexels License Paquera · Evening excursion
Bioluminescence after dark
Explore an evening kayak outing to look for the natural glow in the water. Check moon conditions and arrange your return in advance.
Activity inspiration · Photo: kk b · Pexels License Paquera · Day trip
Sea kayaking
Paddle along Gulf of Nicoya shorelines on a guided outing whose route follows the conditions and your group’s ability.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Mariya Eskina · Pexels License Paquera · Peninsula excursion
Stand-up paddleboarding
Consider a change from the surf coast. Choose suitable water, instruction and support before arranging a paddleboard outing.
Activity inspiration · Photo: buse kaleo · Pexels License Mal País
Fishing with a local captain
Plan a half-day or full-day charter with a local captain. Compare inshore and offshore routes, then confirm boat capacity, equipment, permits, pickup and the weather policy. Santa Teresa Sport Fishing is one local operator to contact.
Slow living
Make space for a quieter day.
Activity inspiration · Photo: olia danilevich · Pexels License Santa Teresa
Yoga in Santa Teresa
Find a class that matches the morning you want, then leave room for breakfast and a little time to yourself.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Anete Lusina · Pexels License Santa Teresa
Massage & a day to unwind
Pair a separately booked treatment with a long lunch and an unhurried afternoon on Villa Raya’s terraces.
Compare the day trips to choose an outing for your group. Activities are arranged separately with their providers. Each story includes sources and planning notes; confirm current access, availability and conditions before booking.
The Villa Raya address book
27 personal favorites, from breakfast in town to dinner by the sea. Our own recommendations and Alina’s travel notes, with additional detail from Google listings, traveler reviews and the venues themselves.
Find a place by name27 local favorites
Breakfast & brunch
Slow mornings, good beginnings.
Our favorite ways to start a day in Santa Teresa, from a quick bowl to a long, unhurried brunch.
Photo: NAMORÉ · Used with venue permission Breakfast · Santa Teresa
NAMORÉ
One of our breakfast favorites, with a bakery menu and a space that makes it easy to linger over the first meal of the day. It also serves lunch and dinner, so a morning visit can turn into a place you return to throughout your stay.
Google reviewers highlight the thoughtfully designed setting, attentive team and atmosphere.
Photo: Eat Street · Used with venue permission Breakfast · Something for everyone
Eat Street
A dependable breakfast stop when everyone in the group wants something different. Smoothie bowls are a good place to start; later in the day, the choices extend to poke bowls, Asian dishes and plenty of other options.
Google reviews mention the variety, quick service and easygoing setting for groups.
Photo: COYOTE Brunch · Used with venue permission Brunch · Santa Teresa
COYOTE Brunch
Our pick for a proper brunch: a relaxed café, fresh food and time to settle in. Açaí bowls and matcha are among the things guests discuss, alongside more substantial savory options. Check the current menu for what is new.
Google reviewers praise the welcoming owners, fresh ingredients and pretty café setting.
Mantarraya Café · Photo: Mantarraya Cafe · Used with venue permission Breakfast · Coffee & brunch
Mantarraya Café
A breakfast stop from our personal guide, with specialty coffee and a relaxed brunch menu. Pair a slow morning here with time on the coast, or make it a pause between the beach and the rest of your day.
Host tip: a lovely option when the morning is about breakfast, conversation and taking your time.
Photo: The Bakery · Used with venue permission Breakfast · Pastries & lunch
The Bakery
Come for croissants and coffee, then stay for breakfast or lunch. The menu ranges from eggs and shakshuka to sandwiches, salads and fruit bowls, making it an easy stop when everyone wants something different.
Alina’s pick: the croissants. It is also a useful stop before a day out on the peninsula.
Sunsets & sea views
Stay for the last light.
Tables near the water, a drink in hand and dinner that starts before the sun disappears. These are places we love for the setting as much as the meal.
Photo: Ranchos Itauna · Used with venue permission Beachfront · Brazilian-inspired dining
Ranchos Itauna
A favorite for an easy evening on Playa Carmen. The beachfront restaurant pairs Brazilian-inspired food with cocktails and a front-row view of the ocean. Come with time to enjoy the sunset, and check ahead for a table close to the sand.
Google restaurant reviews mention Brazilian dishes, seafood, warm service and sunset dinners.
Shambala · Photo: Restaurante Shambala - Santa Teresa, Costa Rica · Used with venue permission Sunset dinner · Fish
Shambala
Our choice for fish and a sunset dinner with your feet close to the sand. The beachfront setting is the draw, with an extensive menu that also works when the group has different tastes.
Google reviewers describe tables on the sand, atmospheric evening lighting and live music on some visits.
Photo: Rocamar · Used with venue permission Tacos · Sunsets
Rocamar
Our tacos-and-sunsets stop. A casual beachfront meal here is a lovely way to finish a beach day; fish tacos and ceviche feature prominently in the Google listing and reviews. Take your time and enjoy the view.
Google reviews repeatedly mention the waterfront setting and sunset views.
Photo: Blue Mist Hotel and Beach Club · Used with venue permission Beach club · Dinner
Blue Mist Hotel and Beach Club
A beautiful spot for dinner and a change of scene along the coast north of Santa Teresa. We come for the atmosphere: tropical greenery, the beach and a setting that invites you to make an evening of it.
Google reviewers describe the lush surroundings, peaceful feel and beachfront location. Check dining reservations and current beach-club access directly.
BRUKAS · Photo: BRUKAS RESTAURANT · Used with venue permission Ocean views · Grill
BRUKAS
A favorite for beautiful views and a memorable meal above the coast. Fish and steak are among the dishes guests talk about most. Plan dinner around the evening light, and reserve ahead if a sunset table is the priority.
Google reviewers highlight the ocean panorama, sunset dinners, flank steak and whole fish.
Banana Beach · Photo: Banana Beach Restaurant · Used with venue permission Sunset · Drinks & music
Banana Beach
Our pick for sunset drinks and a lively beach gathering. Come for the oceanfront setting and check the venue’s current events before choosing your evening. It works well as a place to meet after everyone has spent the day their own way.
Host tip: we recommend it especially for drinks, sunset and atmosphere.
El Carmen · Photo: El Carmen Beach Café Restaurant · Used with venue permission Playa Carmen · Beachfront dining
El Carmen
A beach restaurant at Playa Carmen for a relaxed meal with the sea in view. Our guide highlights the pizzas; the venue also offers a broader lunch, dinner and drinks menu. A good option for gathering the group at the southern end of town.
Host tip: combine it with a Playa Carmen beach afternoon and reserve ahead for a larger table.
Manzú at Nantipa · Photo: Manzú a Beachfront Restaurant · Used with venue permission Beachfront · Dinner & cocktails
Manzú at Nantipa
Nantipa is one of the places highlighted in our personal guide. Its open-air Manzú restaurant brings the visit to the beachfront, with locally inspired food, cocktails and an ocean outlook for a long lunch or sunset dinner.
Planning note: contact the restaurant directly about a table; hotel facilities and wellness sessions have separate arrangements.
Dinner favorites
A table worth finding.
Seafood, sushi, Asian flavors and the places we recommend when someone asks where to eat tonight.
Fermata Kitchen · Santa Teresa · Photo: Kirsten Ellis / Hotel Fermata · Official editorial media kit Mediterranean · Hotel Fermata
Fermata Kitchen
Dinner at Hotel Fermata’s restaurant comes with ocean views and dishes designed for sharing. Its current menu brings Mediterranean flavors together with French influences—a lovely choice for a relaxed, more polished evening with the group.
The restaurant’s own description emphasizes shared dishes, sea views and its Mediterranean approach.
SARGO — restaurante de mar · Photo: SARGO - restaurante de mar · Used with venue permission Seafood · Small plates
SARGO — restaurante de mar
One of our favorites for exceptional food. This intimate spot suits an evening of ordering several plates for the table and trying something new. Seafood, shareable dishes and natural wines are recurring themes in the Google reviews.
Google reviewers describe a small, charming setting and highlight the fish sandwich and thoughtful flavors.
Photo: Kooks Smokehouse and Bar · Used with venue permission Barbecue · Stock up for the grill
Kooks Smokehouse and Bar
Come for a meal, or pick up steaks for a barbecue back at Villa Raya. The smokehouse is a good choice when the group is in the mood for brisket, burgers and a lively bar setting. Ask about the day’s selection of meats to take home.
Google reviews mention smoked brisket, live music and the shop’s premium meats, cheeses and wines.
Photo: Satori Sushi Santa Teresa · Used with venue permission Sushi · Cocktails
Satori Sushi Santa Teresa
Our sushi pick for an evening in town. Creative rolls, seafood and Asian-inspired small plates make it easy to share a few different dishes. Add a cocktail and settle into the tropical setting.
The business describes Japanese fusion with local ingredients; Google reviewers mention the sushi rolls, tuna bites and cocktails.
Photo: Katana Asian Cuisine · Used with venue permission Asian cuisine · Dinner
Katana Asian Cuisine
A favorite for Asian food when everyone wants to try something different. The range spans sushi, dumplings, curries and other dishes, making it a useful choice for a group with several cravings.
Google reviews highlight spring rolls, sushi, pad Thai and vegetarian options, including samosas and mango sticky rice.
Photo: La Cevicheria · Used with venue permission Ceviche · Fresh fish
La Cevicheria
Our go-to for ceviche. Start there, then see what fish is available that day if you want a fuller meal. It is a good stop for bright seafood flavors and a casual lunch or dinner in town.
Google reviewers praise the ceviche, grilled fish and seafood combinations; the tropical ceviche is one guest favorite.
Photo: Koji’s · Used with venue permission Japanese cuisine · Sushi
Koji’s
A Japanese dinner recommendation from our personal guide, especially when the group is in the mood for sushi. Make an evening of it and leave room to ask what is available for dessert.
Alina’s pick: the ice cream and desserts. Book ahead, particularly for busy holiday dates.
El Facón · Photo: El Facon Grill & Bar · Used with venue permission Argentine grill · Steak
El Facón
Our steak recommendation, with Argentine asado at the heart of the kitchen. Wood-fire cooking and a casual setting make it a good change of pace after seafood, sushi or a day spent on the beach.
Host tip: choose it for a proper grill dinner; check the current menu and reserve with the restaurant.
Bajo el Árbol Tapas Bar · Photo: Restaurante Bajo el Árbol · Used with venue permission Spanish tapas · A quieter dinner
Bajo el Árbol Tapas Bar
A tapas recommendation from our personal guide for an evening of sharing smaller dishes. The restaurant describes a garden setting away from the road, with Spanish cooking, seafood and vegetarian options.
Planning note: reserve directly and ask about the day’s menu when arranging your table.
Pizza & Italian
Pizza night, sorted.
Three of our pizza favorites, whether you are heading out for dinner or bringing something easy back to the villa.
Photo: Amici Santa Teresa · Used with venue permission Pizza · Italian dinner
Amici Santa Teresa
One of our favorite pizza spots, with pasta and cocktails to make it a full evening out. The setting is relaxed and lively—an easy choice for a family meal or a table of friends.
Google reviews and review topics highlight pizza, pesto pasta, gnocchi and cocktails.
Photo: Muzza · Used with venue permission Pizza · A relaxed evening
Muzza
Another pizza favorite for a casual dinner in Santa Teresa. Thin-crust, wood-fired pizza gets plenty of attention in Google reviews, alongside pasta and generous portions. It is also a useful option when the plan is takeaway.
Google reviewers mention the pizza, relaxed atmosphere and takeaway meals.
Pronto Piccola Italia · Photo: Pronto Piccola Italia | Italian Restaurant · Used with venue permission Pizza · Italian classics
Pronto Piccola Italia
A reliable choice for a pizza craving or a table that wants a few Italian classics. Focaccia, lasagna and cocktails also feature in the Google review topics, giving the group plenty to choose from.
Google reviewers mention the friendly team, cocktails and air-conditioned dining space.
Montezuma day trip
Waterfalls, then Playa de los Artistas.
Make Montezuma a day trip from Santa Teresa: a waterfall hike through the forest, followed by a leisurely seaside meal at Playa de los Artistas. Leave time for the drive and confirm the trail conditions and restaurant opening before setting out.
Montezuma Waterfalls · Photo: LOG83 · CC BY-SA 4.0 Montezuma · Forest trails & waterfalls
Montezuma Waterfall Hike
Trade the surf coast for a forest walk to the three cascades of the Montezuma River. Choose a route suited to your group: the saved map pin marks the river trailhead and parking area, while Sun Trails offers a separate trail-and-bridge approach. Pair the hike with a meal at Playa de los Artistas.
Google reviews describe tree roots, rocks and river crossings; visitors report that rain can change the trail conditions.
- Choose your entrance first: ask Sun Trails about its bridges, waterfall access and options with a guide and transport. Confirm the meeting point when booking.
- Bring shoes with grip, water and insect repellent. Expect uneven ground; check current access and river conditions, especially after rain.
- Keep time for the return walk and a change of clothes before lunch. Confirm conditions locally before entering the water.
Photo: Playa de los Artistas · Used with venue permission Montezuma · Seaside dining
Playa de los Artistas
One of our favorites for a meal beside the sea in Montezuma. Mediterranean cooking, seafood and tables beneath the trees make Playa de los Artistas a lovely stop after the waterfall hike. Leave time to enjoy the setting and confirm opening hours and table availability before planning the day around lunch.
Google reviewers highlight the shaded waterfront setting, tuna carpaccio, ceviche and relaxed atmosphere.
Menus, hours and availability change. Open each Google Maps link for current details, directions and more reviews; reserve ahead when you have a particular evening in mind. Guide updated September 2026.
Stock the villa
Our personal guide’s grocery and delivery suggestions, for easy breakfasts, poolside lunches and dinner at home.
Fresh produce inspiration · Photo: iKshana Productions · Unsplash License Produce & pantry
Green World Store
Our guide’s pick for eggs, produce and ingredients for breakfast at the villa. Ask the store about current stock and whether delivery is available for your dates.
Find Green World (opens in a new tab)
Grocery inspiration · Photo: Anya Richter · Pexels License The main grocery shop
Super Ronny’s
A practical stop for a larger grocery run. Pick up the basics for your first morning, beach-day snacks and the ingredients for an evening around the villa’s table.
Find Super Ronny’s (opens in a new tab)
Fresh produce inspiration · Photo: RDNE Stock project · Pexels License Plan ahead with the hosts
Kura produce delivery
A produce-delivery contact from our personal guide for stocking up before a relaxed week at the villa. Ask Alina for current ordering details, delivery days and availability.
Ask about produce delivery
Wine for an evening in · Photo: Joao Vitor Marcilio · Unsplash License Wine for an evening in
Tipsy
A Santa Teresa wine shop with a selection of wines, spirits and craft beer. Browse its delivery menu or contact the shop when planning a long dinner at the villa.
Visit Tipsy (opens in a new tab)
Planning a barbecue? Our Kooks recommendation includes a stop for steaks to grill at the villa. Read our groceries, wine and villa dinner guide for a plan that includes chef arrangements for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Confirm stock and delivery directly with each business.
A little local help
For the personal contacts in our guide, ask Suren and Alina for an introduction and current availability.
Activity inspiration · Photo: Victoria Marzullo · Pexels License Surf instruction
Ask about Lorenzo, a surf teacher recommended in Alina’s guide. Arrange your lesson early and discuss your experience, equipment and the beach for the day.
Read the surf lesson guide
Activity inspiration · Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko · Pexels License Massage at the villa
Our guide includes therapists for a massage at home, including options for couples. Ask us for current recommendations, then agree the treatment, timing and price with the provider.
Plan a slower day
Activity inspiration · Photo: ArtHouse Studio · Pexels License Yoga, breathwork & sound
Make room for a quieter morning. Ask about our guide’s local breathwork and sound-session contacts, or explore yoga classes around town.
Explore yoga in Santa Teresa
These are separate services, arranged with each provider.
Ask Suren & AlinaWhen to visit
Costa Rica’s tourism board describes a dry season from mid-December to late April and a green season from May to mid-December. Use that as a planning framework, not a forecast: microclimates differ.
Dry season
The busiest periods fall around the year-end holidays, spring break and Holy Week. Settle dates and sleeping arrangements early.
Green season
Rain and lush landscapes, and some businesses close for part of the wetter period. Keep outdoor plans easy to change.
Before you arrive
Choose your route, arrange transport and leave room for the unexpected. We share the final property directions through your booking.
Do we need a car in Santa Teresa?
We recommend arranging a 4×4 in advance for a stay at Villa Raya. The villa is on a hill, so plan transport between the house, beaches and restaurants. Confirm the final route, rental requirements and any transfer arrangements with Suren and Alina before arrival.
Plan transport with the hostsWhich airport should we use?
Compare international arrivals into San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR), then plan the onward journey before booking. SANSA and Green Airways list flights from San José to Cóbano (ACO). From Cóbano, arrange a separate transfer or rental car to Villa Raya; schedules, baggage rules and connections vary.
Check SANSA flights (opens in a new tab)How does the ferry route work?
When approaching from San José, travel to Puntarenas on the mainland and take the ferry to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. Continue by road toward Cóbano and Santa Teresa. Check Naviera Tambor’s current sailing schedule and vehicle-ticket availability before you set out.
Check the ferry schedule (opens in a new tab)Should we reserve restaurants?
Reserve ahead for a large group, a special dinner or busy holiday dates. Koji’s and Katana are two places highlighted in our personal guide for advance planning. Contact each restaurant for current hours, menus, events and availability.
Choose a restaurantHow should we plan a beach or surf day?
Choose the beach and session with a local instructor who knows the day’s conditions. Rip currents and surf can change; a beach that suits a lesson is not automatically suitable for casual swimming. Ask locally about conditions before entering the water, and keep valuables with someone in your group.
Plan a first surf lessonFree parking is available at the villa. Travel times depend on the route, weather and road conditions. Transport, treatments and excursions are arranged separately from your stay.
