ABOUT OUR REVIEWS // We love what we do! We travel often. It’s essential to stay up to date on the hotels we sell. Truth + transparency in travel is our goal, so if we don’t enjoy our stay at a hotel, we won’t write about it. If you’re reading this – the hotel below was a hit! 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS // “Would you like a fresh coconut?” After the 5-hour journey from the country’s interior to the coast, an icy cold fresh coconut is exactly what we wanted. Nantipa’s roadside presence in the eclectic surfer town of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is minimal. One beautiful sign, one small drive that feeds into a small parking lot, and one small walkway to a covered open-air reception. But the second you start walking towards your bungalow or villa, the property opens up, and you begin to understand why this property is aptly named – Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience. The experience starts as soon as you check in.

ROOMS // Hotel guests have their choice of private bungalows or suites at Nantipa. The beach and garden bungalows are perfect for 1 couple or 2 friends. The garden suites can sleep up to 3, which is ideal for a small family. There are also two three-bedroom beachfront villas that would be perfect for families or friends traveling together. Nantipa is considered one of the larger hotels in Santa Teresa, even with only 21 rooms. Want more info on Nantipa? Click here! 

I stayed in the Ninta Beachfront Suites, chic rooms you can’t wait to return to after a day on the beach. Raw, natural materials are crafted in a way that makes for little separation from the abundance of nature waiting outside.

These beachfront suites come with a private plunge pool tucked into the corner of the terrace and ensconced in palms and ferns that provide just enough privacy while allowing a sliver of an ocean view.

The best part? I was up close and personal with a family of howler monkeys that came down to the beach to eat every morning. The number one reason travelers visit Costa Rica is for immersion in nature. Nantipa delivered.

WHAT TO DO // Nantipa’s location on one of Costa Rica’s most well-known surfing beaches makes for an excellent opportunity if you are looking to learn the sport. If you prefer to keep your feet on the sand, you will still come to appreciate the surfing culture by watching amateurs and pros alike take to the waves. 

When your focus isn’t fixated on the azure blue horizon of the sea, the front desk is available to quickly arrange other immersive activities that have helped put Costa Rica on the tourism map, such as horseback riding and hiking. 

We enjoyed breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Manzu multiple times during our stay, and every meal was fabulous. The menu had plenty of options to accommodate our group of vegetarians and non-veg friends. While more innovative options were available for every course, I stuck to dishes full of local ingredients. My favorites were traditional gallo pinto for breakfast, fish tacos for lunch, and fresh fish + mango ceviche for dinner. (I have a running list of the best fish tacos worldwide, and I can easily say these were up there with some of the best I’ve ever tasted.)

Some of the other restaurants we enjoyed in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica were: Katana – order the fresh fish bao buns, The Bakery – croissants, shakshuka, paddle out pancakes – all insanely good. Satori – sushi tastes better by the sea. (The main road through town felt a bit precarious as we attempted to walk to dinner – so plan on driving or arranging a ride.)

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VIBE // The vibe at Nantipa is a blend of beach-chic meets wellness + well-being. The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s five blue zones, a region of the world where locals live far beyond the average life expectancy. A sense of well-being comes easy here.

The remoteness of Santa Teresa is one of its most appealing factors. Mass tourism hasn’t found its way to this part of the country, adding to the feeling of a true escape.

WELLNESS //  The lack of a traditional spa at Nantipa did not prevent us from indulging in self-care. We enjoyed fresh, healing juices with every meal and daily 90-minute massages under the jungle canopy that lines the shore. In addition to massage services available on the beach or in your room, Nantipa offers an inclusive wellness travel package. If you want to expand your wellness journey and get the most out of your time spent here, the hotel offers a 4 night/5 day package that includes everything from guided meditation to Ayurvedic marma point therapy sessions.

Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience, in their own words:

“Escape to an exclusive and enchanting oasis to find peace in paradise and also within yourself.” 

Who is Nantipa best for? Nantipa is best for active adults of every age. The hotel does allow and welcome children; there are no specific kid activities. It is a trek to reach this area of Costa Rica, which is often a deterrent for parents traveling with small children. Nantipa is the perfect hideaway while still having easy access to an active beach town. Nantipa is also best for those with an appreciation for sustainable luxury.

FINAL THOUGHTS // What I loved most about my stay here was how relaxed I was the entire time. As soon as the receptionist handed me the keys to my beachfront suite, the fatigue that plagued me from months of working 24/7, began to melt away. Any stress I had on arrival was quickly replaced with a sense of fulfillment that THIS was where I was supposed to be. That feeling never left me the entire time I was on property.

When we would venture out to try other dining experiences, as soon as we returned to Nantipa, we were greeted by that same feeling. It is hard to describe in words. When you’re ready to plan a trip to Nantipa and find out for yourself, my team and I are ready to help! 

Cheers,

Laura Sangster