When one dreams of Costa Rica, visions of lush rainforests, sun-drenched beaches, and untamed adventure spring to mind. But for travelers, Costa Rica also holds a subtler kind of magic—an understated, barefoot luxury found not in sprawling resorts, but in boutique coastal enclaves where wellness, style, and nature intertwine effortlessly.

Welcome to Santa Teresa and Nosara—two beach towns where bohemian energy meets quiet opulence, and surfers, yogis, and international tastemakers blend seamlessly into the rhythms of the Pacific. These luxury Costa Rica travel destinations offer all the hallmarks of high-end travel—exclusivity, tranquility, and curated indulgence—without ever feeling ostentatious. Let’s dive into the allure of Costa Rica’s chicest hidden gems.

Santa Teresa: Wild Beauty, Refined Soul

Perched on the Nicoya Peninsula’s rugged Pacific coast, Santa Teresa is the epitome of barefoot elegance—a town where the roads may be dusty and the dress code perennially casual, yet the lifestyle is undeniably upscale. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has evolved into a magnetic hideaway for surfers, creatives, wellness travelers, and global nomads who appreciate the finer things, cloaked in a vibe of laid-back charm.

Santa Teresa’s main draw is its awe-inspiring natural beauty: golden beaches with crystalline waves stretch for miles, framed by dense jungle and dramatic cliffs. The surf here is world-renowned, attracting seasoned wave-chasers year-round, but you don’t need to surf to be swept away. Days unfold effortlessly—perhaps starting with a slow morning coffee on your villa’s terrace, followed by a guided horseback ride along the shore or a private beach yoga session with the sound of crashing waves as your soundtrack.

What sets Santa Teresa apart is the intimate luxury experience. There are no mega-resorts or high-rise hotels here. Instead, you’ll find Costa Rican boutique villas and private residences, many with personal chefs, infinity pools, and jungle views that feel like scenes from a dream. Interiors are curated with organic materials, neutral palettes, and a harmonious balance between indoor and outdoor living.

Dining is a highlight. The town’s culinary scene is refreshingly global—think wood-fired seafood cooked steps from the ocean, inventive plant-based dishes, and sunset cocktails crafted from locally distilled spirits and exotic fruits. Art galleries and concept stores dot the town, offering unique pieces that reflect the region’s coastal aesthetic and artisanal heritage.

But perhaps Santa Teresa’s most luxurious quality is its deliberate disconnection. With patchy Wi-Fi and no real need for a schedule, visitors are encouraged to slow down, reconnect with nature, and indulge in the simple pleasures of good company, fresh air, and wild, unfiltered beauty.

Nosara: Where Sophistication Meets Serenity

If Santa Teresa is the untamed beauty of Costa Rica’s coast, Nosara is its serene, polished counterpart. Nestled further north along the Nicoya Peninsula, this wellness-centric beach town is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a luxury wellness retreat in Costa Rica that has tranquil sophistication, holistic luxury, and a sense of spiritual retreat.

What makes Nosara so alluring is its seamless harmony with nature. Built with sustainability in mind, the town has strict zoning laws that prevent overdevelopment, ensuring that wildlife and jungle remain central to the landscape. Expect to share your morning coffee with howler monkeys, watch sea turtles nest on untouched beaches, and catch sight of scarlet macaws soaring overhead.

Nosara’s beaches, particularly Playa Guiones, offer expanses of powdery white sand and warm Pacific waters that beckon both novice surfers and those content to stroll along the tide line on a true luxury Costa Rica vacation. The ocean here is gentler than in Santa Teresa, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and beachside lounging with a touch of elegance.

The town has long been known as a global hub for yoga and wellness, attracting a sophisticated community of expats and travelers who prioritize mindfulness, health, and conscious living. Wellness centers and open-air yoga studios are integrated into the jungle, offering classes, workshops, and retreats focused on everything from Vinyasa to sound healing and Ayurvedic cuisine.

Accommodations in Nosara exude a modern rustic aesthetic—think minimalist design with natural materials, plunge pools overlooking the jungle canopy, and open-concept spaces that let the outdoors in. Privacy and tranquility are the standard here, often paired with white-glove service and bespoke experiences curated just for you.

Dining in Nosara is equally elevated, with a focus on seasonal, farm-to-table cuisine and elegant presentations. From intimate wine tastings to multi-course private dinners under the stars, gastronomy here is approached with artistry and intention.

For those who appreciate slow luxury and meaningful experiences over flash, Nosara offers a sanctuary for renewal—both physically and spiritually. Whether you’re reconnecting with yourself through meditation, exploring the mangroves by kayak, or enjoying a chef-prepared lunch after a private surf lesson, Nosara gently invites you to elevate your senses without ever rushing the process.

Insider Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Costa Rica Escape

To truly unlock Costa Rica’s hidden luxury, a bit of strategic planning goes a long way. Here are a few expert tips for crafting an unforgettable, seamless experience:

1. Private Transfers Are Worth It

While rental cars are common, they’re not always comfortable or reliable on remote roads. For luxury travelers, private ground or air transfers (including helicopters or domestic charters) are a chic and time-saving way to arrive in style.

2. Plan Around Microclimates

Costa Rica’s weather varies greatly by region and season. The dry season (December to April) is ideal for beach travel, but certain areas like Nosara and Santa Teresa still enjoy great weather in the “green season” (May–August), with fewer crowds and lush scenery.

3. Embrace the Local Pace

Things move slower here—and that’s part of the charm. Don’t overschedule. Leave space for spontaneous discoveries, long beach walks, or a surprise visit from wildlife near your terrace.

4. Use a Local Concierge or Luxury Travel Planner

Insider connections make a huge difference in Costa Rica. From securing a private chef to booking early morning wildlife excursions with expert naturalists, working with a luxury travel agent, such as 58 Stars Travel, with on-the-ground knowledge ensures everything runs smoothly and discreetly.

5. Book Early for Peak Seasons

Santa Teresa and Nosara are beloved by international travelers and have a limited number of high-end properties. For peak travel times (especially holidays and January–March), booking six months or more in advance is highly recommended.

Discover a New Kind of Luxury

Santa Teresa and Nosara are not your typical luxury destinations—and that’s exactly what makes them extraordinary. Here, indulgence comes not from extravagance, but from intention, tranquility, and connection to the land. Whether you’re meditating in a yoga shala at sunrise, sipping a handcrafted cocktail under swaying palms, or drifting to sleep to the sound of the ocean, Costa Rica’s hidden beach towns offer something far more rare than excess—they offer essence.

If you’re seeking a getaway that restores your spirit as much as it pampers your body, let Santa Teresa and Nosara be your guide to elevated coastal living, Costa Rican style. Contact us to book your next vacation!