Nosara, Costa Rica
Our home away from home, Nosara, Costa Rica is a Blue Zone territory situated on the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the rare places on Earth where people consistently live longer, healthier, more connected lives. We’ve ventured to this slice of paradise each year since the pandemic and can’t get enough of the waves, the people, and the food.
It’s home to some of the best beginner surf breaks in the world; long, forgiving lines that roll in like clockwork, inviting you to paddle out again and again. The sun rises in soft gold and doesn’t quit until it melts into the Pacific, lighting up barefoot walks down Playa Guiones and salt-stuck hair after a morning session. As dusk approaches, the beach becomes a gathering place. Locals and travelers circle up to toast another perfect day, cold coconuts in hand, dogs sprinting through the sand, guitars appearing out of nowhere. Some nights turn into spontaneous meditations. Others unfold into collaborative jam sessions where strangers become friends by the second chorus.
When the heat peaks, you slip inland, ducking into jungle coves where howler monkeys call overhead and palm fronds cast shade like cathedral ceilings. Afternoons are for fresh smoothies made with fruit harvested down the road, for hammock naps that blur into dreams, for slow conversations that stretch longer than planned. Evenings wind down at Bodhi Tree with dusk yoga or a candle-lit sound bath, the air thick with incense and ocean breeze. Nervous systems soften. Shoulders drop. Breath deepens. Time loosens its grip.
This is the closest you can get to heaven on Earth.
Come for the waves.
Stay for the rhythm.
Leave changed; sun-soaked, salt-skinned, and carrying a little piece of that Blue Zone magic back into your everyday life.
This is Nosara.
How to Get There
Fly into Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, the closest major airport to Nosara and the easiest gateway to Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. From there, coordinate a private van or shared shuttle with your hotel or host, these fill quickly, especially during peak surf season, so it’s best to book a few months in advance.
The drive from Liberia to downtown Nosara takes approximately two and a half hours and offers a scenic transition from highways to countryside to jungle roads. Cell service is limited for long stretches of the journey, so download maps, playlists, and any shows you plan to watch before departing the airport. For the final 30 to 45 minutes, expect rough, rocky terrain, part of the adventure and a reminder that you’re heading somewhere wonderfully off-the-grid.
Where To Stay in Nosara
These properties lean into the town’s defining rhythms: surf at first light, yoga before breakfast, long barefoot walks between meals, and candle-lit dinners that stretch into stories and laughter. Each offers a slightly different lens on the same lifestyle, active, restorative, design-minded, and deeply connected to nature. Some put you steps from the break, where boards line walkways and post-session conversations unfold naturally around coffee and salt-streaked hair. Others tuck you deeper into the greenery, trading ocean noise for howler monkeys and rustling palms, perfect for nervous-system resets and slow mornings with tea on a terrace. What unites them all is an effortless balance between movement and stillness, adventure and ease, privacy and community, the kind of places that don’t just host your vacation, but quietly reshape how you imagine your days back home.
Gilded Iguana is a legendary surf hotel that feels like the unofficial clubhouse of Playa Guiones. With its prime location just steps from the break, relaxed courtyard vibes, and inviting pool, it’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over sunrise coffee and evening beers. The rooms are comfortable and stylish in that effortless surf-meets-jungle way, and the overall energy always feels welcoming, social, and perfectly in tune with Nosara’s laid-back pace.
Sendero is a boutique retreat hidden in the jungle that pairs minimalist design with peaceful seclusion, making it a perfect base for those who want a slower rhythm. Surrounded by towering trees and verdant foliage, the property feels like a quiet sanctuary where you can reset your nervous system and tune into nature. Whether you’re sipping tea on the terrace, walking the winding trails, or simply listening to howler monkeys drift through the air at dawn, Sendero captures that rare balance of calm and adventure.
Harmony Hotel is more than a place to stay—it’s a serene, restorative experience that invites you to unwind right from the moment you arrive. Lush gardens, winding paths, and handcrafted details create a sanctuary that feels both elevated and unpretentious, perfect for resetting after long days in the sun and surf. The on-site restaurant and juice bar add to the restorative vibe, making Harmony an ideal choice for date nights, family dinners, or slow mornings with fresh coffee and yoga.
Bodhi Tree is a wellness haven where yoga, juice bars, sound baths, and community gatherings blend into one deeply restorative experience. Set back from the road in a lush, green estate, it’s the kind of place where you can float from a sunrise asana session into a cool juice bowl and spend the afternoon lingering by the pool, barefoot and sun-soaked. The spirit here is inclusive and intentional, drawing visitors who are as invested in internal harmony as they are in Nosara’s beaches and waves.
Surfing Nosara, Summer Wind Surf Villa
Summer Wind Surf Villa is the quintessential surf getaway—an open, breezy retreat that sits just a short stroll from the breaks of Playa Guiones. With its bright, airy living spaces, hammock-lined porches, and communal vibe, it feels like a home away from home built for waves, relaxation, and connection. Whether you’re rolling in from an early session, prepping boards for the next tide, or sharing cold drinks at sunset, Summer Wind embodies the effortless rhythm that makes Nosara feel like paradise.
Where To Eat in Nosara
Nosara’s food scene reflects its rhythm: slow, thoughtful, vibrant, and rooted in community. Mornings begin barefoot with sandy ankles and strong coffee, afternoons revolve around refueling between surf sessions, and evenings stretch long into candle-lit conversations beneath palm trees. These are the places we return to year after year—the ones that feed both body and spirit.
Breakfast / Brunch
Naked is the kind of place you stumble into once and then structure your mornings around for the rest of your trip. Their Tipico, Costa Rica’s classic breakfast of eggs, rice and beans, mixed greens, tortilla, and sweet plantains, comes with fresh fruit and coffee and hits every note after a sunrise surf. Everything feels colorful, nourishing, and intentionally simple, making it the perfect reset button for the day ahead.
Destiny brings a modern, wellness-forward lens to traditional flavors, starting with shelves of herbal elixirs, juices, and smoothies designed to hydrate and energize. From there, the menu opens into a thoughtful mix of sweet and savory breakfasts that can swing indulgent or protein-packed depending on your mood. It’s the type of place where you linger longer than planned, watching cyclists roll by while deciding whether to order just one more coffee.
Coyol feels like a destination rather than a pit stop, tucked just outside Nosara proper and perched in the jungle canopy. The climb isn’t pedestrian-friendly, so take a taxi or your rental car, but the payoff comes in sweeping green views and tree swings that set the tone before you even sit down. Brunch, lunch, or dinner here becomes an event—slow, scenic, and deeply transportive.
Rosi’s is the definition of local; unpretentious, warm, and deeply satisfying. Expect classic Costa Rican plates served quickly and generously, the kind of food that tastes like it came from someone’s home kitchen rather than a restaurant line. It’s perfect for travelers who want to eat like residents do and soak up a slice of everyday Nosara life.
By day, you’ll find expert baristas pulling exceptional espresso, pour-overs, and cold brews sourced from premium Costa Rican beans right in Nosara, the only commercial roaster in town, with every cup showcasing bright, citrusy notes that reflect the region’s fertile volcanic coffee heritage. The vibe here is easygoing and friendly: travelers and locals alike lean against the bar recounting morning waves, swapping tips, or simply savoring the moment in good company. But Olo Alaia doesn’t stop at coffee. It doubles as a curated surf shop with a thoughtfully chosen selection of boards, apparel, and gear tailored to the mellow yet consistent breaks of Playa Guiones, inviting both beginners and seasoned riders to explore what Nosara’s waves have to offer. Cooler afternoons might find you sipping a local IPA, browsing the carefully merchandised space, or chatting with staff about surf conditions — it’s one of those places where you go for a coffee and inevitably stay for the community and conversation.
Lunch / Dinner
Dining at Huacas feels like being lifted above the jungle, literally. The multi-course meals are thoughtful, beautifully plated, and hearty enough to refuel even the hungriest surfers, which is why this remains our personal favorite for a celebratory night out. Come hungry, come curious, and prepare to linger long after dessert while the canopy hums around you.
Harmony Hotel’s restaurant strikes that rare balance between refined and relaxed, making it equally suited for date nights or big family dinners. Sushi rolls share the spotlight with classic entrées, and the candle-lit setting feels tucked into the forest rather than part of a resort. Afterward, wander the grounds listening to frogs and birdsong, then pop into the gift shop for beautifully curated books and keepsakes.
Burrito Amor is the unofficial uniform of post-surf hunger, and for good reason. The burritos are hearty, fast, and endlessly customizable, perfect for grabbing between wave sets or before a dusty scooter ride back to your rental. It’s casual, efficient, and exactly what you want when your body is asking for carbs and protein immediately.
La Luna is pure romance: a beachside restaurant where sunsets steal the show and dinner feels secondary for the first ten minutes. It’s not walkable from central Nosara, but the journey is part of the experience—just be sure to book well in advance and time your reservation with golden hour so you catch the shoreline glowing before dark. Bistro lights flicker on as the sky fades, and suddenly you’re lingering over cocktails surrounded by strangers who feel like friends.
Posada Margherita delivers a slice of Italy straight into the Costa Rican jungle, and somehow makes it feel perfectly natural. Handmade pastas, blistered pizzas, and gluten-free options for our celiac friends all come from a kitchen that clearly cooks with love. Save room for dessert—specifically the pistachio gelato—and let the magnetic energy of the place carry you through the rest of the evening.
10Pies is where groups inevitably end up when no one can agree on dinner but everyone wants pizza, and then nobody regrets it. The wood-fired pies are crisp, generously topped, and ideal for ordering family-style while recounting the day’s surf sessions. It’s buzzy, social, and tailor-made for long tables and louder laughter.
Juice, Smoothies & Quick Stops
Orgánico is Nosara’s ultimate pantry stop, whether you’re stocking a villa kitchen or building the perfect beach-day snack lineup. The shelves are filled with fresh produce, specialty goods, and healthy indulgences, while the takeaway counter turns out sandwiches, bowls, and salads for days when cooking feels like too much work. Think Erewhon energy, jungle edition.
Bodhi Tree’s juice bar is legendary for a reason, functioning as both a post-yoga refuel station and social nucleus. Sip a cold-pressed juice or açaí bowl poolside while steam rises from the jungle around you, then wander the property barefoot to let the afternoon stretch on. Its wellness culture is distilled into a single, sun-dappled corner.
Hidden among the pathways of Harmony’s lush grounds, this serene juice bar feels like a secret garden workspace. Locals and visitors alike set up with laptops and coconut waters, turning it into a quiet hub for collaboration and creative plotting. Order something green, take a deep breath, and let the surrounding foliage reset your nervous system.
What To Do in Nosara
Wellness & Movement
Alinativa is a holistic wellness clinic in Nosara that brings the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine to your journey of balance, vitality, and self-care. Led by a certified practitioner with years of clinical experience, Alinativa offers tailored treatments including acupuncture to support energetic alignment and overall wellbeing; individualized Chinese medicine consultations that address root causes of imbalances; and therapeutic lymphatic massage to encourage circulation, detoxification, and relaxation. Whether you seek relief from stress, want to enhance your body’s natural healing responses, or are drawn to gentle, restorative care, this serene healing space blends traditional modalities with personalized guidance to help you feel renewed and energized in both body and mind.
Bodhi Tree Yoga is the spiritual and wellness heart of Nosara, offering a world-class yoga experience set within a tranquil jungle sanctuary. Renowned for its open-air studios, lush tropical surroundings, and exceptional international instructors, Bodhi Tree blends movement, mindfulness, and community in a setting designed for deep restoration and personal growth. Daily classes span a wide range of styles, from dynamic vinyasa and power yoga to restorative practices and meditation, making it welcoming for both seasoned practitioners and first-timers. Thoughtfully curated amenities, including a spa, organic restaurant, and wellness programs, elevate Bodhi Tree Yoga into a destination in itself and a defining part of the Nosara experience.
Harmony Hotel Healing Centre is a serene wellness haven nestled within lush gardens steps from Playa Guiones, offering restorative treatments that blend Costa Rica’s natural bounty with holistic therapeutic practices. Designed to nurture body and mind, the Healing Centre features a curated menu of massages (including deep tissue, prenatal, and the signature surfer’s massage), tailored facials, and integrative therapies such as acupuncture and lymphatic-stimulating Harmony Restoration Massage. Guests can also enjoy guided breathwork, Zen Shiatsu, and other traditional modalities for energetic balance and stress relief. With its peaceful open-air setting and personalized wellness consultations, this spa experience invites you to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with your sense of well-being in a tropical retreat atmosphere.
Guilded Iguana Atheltic Center serves as Nosara’s premier fitness hub nestled within the iconic Gilded Iguana surf hotel, offering visitors world-class training facilities just minutes from Playa Guiones. Designed for both dedicated athletes and casual visitors, the Athletic Center features professional-grade equipment, expert-led group classes, and personal training options that help you stay strong between surf sessions or maintain your regular training routine on the road. With a supportive community atmosphere, flexible membership and drop-in options, and a focus on functional performance and conditioning, the gym seamlessly complements the adventurous, active lifestyle that defines Nosara. Whether you’re aiming for strength, endurance, or recovery work, this well-rounded fitness space invites you to train, connect, and thrive in one of Costa Rica’s most dynamic beach towns.
Bodhi Tree Gym in Nosara isn’t just a world-class yoga and wellness destination—it also offers a well-equipped fitness experience for guests and visitors looking to maintain or elevate their training while in paradise. The resort features two gym facilities, including an indoor, air-conditioned main gym with cardio machines, free weights, and functional training equipment, plus an open-air Community Gym that brings movement into the tropical surroundings. Both spaces are designed to accommodate a range of goals, from strength training and conditioning to surf-specific preparation or a revitalizing sweat session. Open daily with flexible pass options, these fitness amenities complement Bodhi Tree’s broader wellness offerings, yoga, pilates, spin classes, and more, making it easy to integrate intentional movement into your Nosara retreat.
Adventure & Exploration
An ideal introduction to surfing in one of Costa Rica’s most consistent and welcoming beach towns. Located steps from the sandy shoreline of Playa Guiones, the school specializes in personalized instruction for beginners through intermediate surfers, pairing expert local knowledge with a calm, confidence-building teaching style. Warm water, gentle beach breaks, and year-round waves make Nosara an exceptional learning environment, while the school’s emphasis on safety, ocean awareness, and proper technique ensures a rewarding experience both in and out of the water. Whether you are standing up for the first time or refining your form, Nosara CR Surf School delivers an authentic, pura vida surf experience in one of the country’s most beautiful coastal settings.
An exhilarating way to explore Nosara’s rugged backcountry and untouched landscapes beyond the beach. Guided ATV tours take you through jungle trails, river crossings, mountain viewpoints, and remote coastal paths that showcase the region’s raw natural beauty. The experience balances adrenaline with local insight, making it accessible for first-time riders while still thrilling for seasoned adventurers. With high-quality equipment, knowledgeable guides, and a strong focus on safety, Off Road Adventure ATV delivers an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience that reveals a side of Nosara most visitors never see.
One of the most thrilling and scenic zipline experiences in Costa Rica, offering a true bird’s-eye view of Nosara’s dramatic jungle landscape. This expansive canopy tour features a series of long, high-speed zip lines that glide over forested valleys, rivers, and waterfalls, combining adrenaline with breathtaking natural beauty. Designed for both adventure seekers and first-time zipliners, Miss Sky pairs state-of-the-art safety equipment with experienced guides who ensure a confident, exhilarating ride. The result is an unforgettable outdoor experience that captures Nosara’s wild spirit from an entirely new perspective.
Malanoche Waterfall Hike located just 15–20 minutes from town, the trailhead is easy to find with GPS and leads you through verdant landscape that showcases Costa Rica’s vibrant biodiversity. This serene cascade offers a refreshing reward after a scenic trek through winding forest paths, where the only soundtrack is the rush of water and the calls of birds overhead. Whether you’re looking to cool off in the crystal-clear pool or simply soak in the tranquility of this tucked-away oasis, Malanoche feels almost unbelievable for how close it is to town, yet worlds away in atmosphere.
Nosara has a way of recalibrating you without ever announcing that it’s doing so. Somewhere between the first paddle-out at sunrise and the last candle flickering after dinner, your nervous system remembers a slower tempo, your body remembers how good it feels to move every day, and your mind gets quieter without being asked. This guide isn’t meant to be a checklist—it’s an invitation to follow curiosity, say yes to conversations with strangers, linger longer than planned, and let the days unfold with just enough structure to keep you grounded and just enough freedom to surprise you. Come open-hearted, leave lighter, and carry this rhythm back into your everyday life, proof that perfect days aren’t reserved for faraway places, they’re a way of living.
Stay tuned for upcoming retreats to magical Nosara exclusively with Perfect Days Collective.
