Costa Rica: a surfer’s paradise

Experience Central American jungles and glorious beaches

By Eva Stelzer

Costa Rica offers an abundance of beaches for every style of travel. From the luxury resorts of Guanacaste to the rain forest parks of Manuel Antonio to the surfers’ paradise in Santa Teresa, there is a beach environment to suit every traveler.

Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica have a wonderful mix of hippies, surfers, scuba divers, yogis and nature lovers.

Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica have a wonderful mix of hippies, surfers, scuba divers, yogis and nature lovers. My daughter lives in the yogi/surfer town of Santa Teresa, and in addition to the incredible blue waters protected by reefs on both sides, you’ll finish your days with some of the most gorgeous sunsets you’ll ever see. I am told by Ticos — local Costa Ricans — that Santa Teresa is the next up-and-coming destination. For now, you can still find pristine beachfront and low-cost accommodations. If you are traveling between December and February you will either have to book six months in advance or join one of the yoga retreats that have grabbed virtually all of the rooms in the town. Lauren Rudick offers retreats and daily classes at the stunning Pranamar Villas. At the Villas you step right off your patio into a swimming pool like nothing you have ever seen, with the exotic plants leaning over the water and hammocks beckoning from the edges.

At the Villas you step right off your patio into a swimming pool like nothing you have ever seen, with the exotic plants leaning over the water and hammocks beckoning from the edges.

Manuel Antonio is a world-class ocean beach nestled between monkey- and sloth-filled jungles, not to mention the numerous birds. A photographer’s paradise and a beach-lover’s dream destination! It’s got year-round warm waters that are good for snorkeling and kayaking, surfing and swimming. If you want a break from the sand, visit the area’s waterfalls and cool off with a natural shower. While most of the hotels are not on the water, they have shuttles to take you to the ocean beaches. If only beachfront will do, I recommend Hotel Arenes del Mar. Manuel Antonio has popular beaches next to the national park, and you can get chair and bar service. For those who like the pristine and less crowded beaches, there are plenty of hidden and lesser known ones such as Playa Biezans.

Luxury travelers will love the Gulf of Papagayo in Guanacaste. Hotel Andaz is one of my preferred resorts, a boutique hotel located on the edge of the sapphire-blue waters of Culebra Bay. The resort captures the native spirit of Costa Rica with its distinctive “Pura Vida” (pure life) philosophy and offers a breathtaking setting in the best of both worlds — a mix of relaxing ocean and a mountainous background. This tropical paradise with spectacular gold sand beaches and a championship golf course is perfect for the luxury traveler. The Monkey Bar is a fun stop to enjoy the trees filled with monkeys — and they don’t intrude at your table. There are few mosquitoes, which is a big plus on any traveler’s list, and you can enjoy scuba, fishing and snorkeling in the warm, calm waters. A day away from the beach could include day trips to any of a half dozen national parks to enjoy the wildlife and unique flora of the jungle.

A day away from the beach could include day trips to any of a half dozen national parks to enjoy the wildlife and unique flora of the jungle.

Another popular destination along the Pacific coast is the beach area of Tamarindo. In this more developed area, the beaches still offer white sand and spectacular sunsets. You’ll find all-inclusive resorts in Tamarindo as well as restaurants and souvenir shops.

Visit one or all of these beaches. Whether your style is eco travel or all-inclusive holidays, Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Images: LMA communications and Lauren Rudick

To benefit from concierge service and plan a tailor-made travel experience just for you call Eva at 514 485-2050 or email her at info@eviactive.com. Check out Costa Rica holiday ideas at eviactive.com/costa-rica-volcanoes-and-beaches/