Feeling burnt out? Longing for sunshine, soul nourishment, and space to breathe again? Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is more than a destination—it’s your invitation to reconnect.

If you’re dreaming of a wellness escape that combines surf, yoga, nourishing food, and tropical ease, look no further than Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Tucked on the Nicoya Peninsula (one of the world’s five Blue Zones), this boho-chic surf town is a wellness lover’s paradise—and after living here for years, I can promise you, it’s as magical as you’ve imagined.

In this wellness travel guide to Santa Teresa, I’ll walk you through the best places to surf, stretch, sweat, and savor. Whether you’re coming solo, with your partner, or your best friend, this guide will help you unplug, reconnect, and experience the soul of Santa Teresa.

What’s Inside:

• How to Get to Santa Teresa
• Best Surf Spots in Santa Teresa Costa Rica
• Yoga Studios in Santa Teresa Costa Rica
• Wellness Spas and Massage Therapy in Santa Teresa
• Cold Plunge & Sauna Wellness Experiences
• Best Vegetarian & Eco-Friendly Restaurants
• Social Spots with a Wellness Vibe
• FAQ
• Final Tips + Images

How to Get to Santa Teresa

To reach Santa Teresa, fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). From there, you can drive, take a shuttle, or hop on a domestic flight to Tambor, followed by a scenic drive.

One of the most popular and scenic options from San José is to take a shuttle or rental car to the town of Puntarenas, then hop on the Naviera Tambor ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera. The ferry ride takes about 70 minutes and offers gorgeous ocean views—often with dolphins and seabirds as your companions. From Paquera, it’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive through lush countryside to Santa Teresa.

If you’re arriving from Liberia, you’ll likely drive directly via the northern route—expect 4.5 to 5.5 hours depending on road conditions. Either way, plan for 4–6 hours total travel time. Book shuttles in advance, especially during high season.

Best Surf Spots in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is one of the top surfing destinations in the world, known for its consistent waves, pristine beaches, and vibrant surf culture. With surf spots for all levels—Santa Teresa has something for everyone. The welcoming local community and laidback “pura vida” vibe make it easy to embrace the Costa Rica surfing lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner looking to catch your first wave, Santa Teresa offers the perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and relaxation that keeps surfers coming back year after year. Santa Teresa enjoys two main surf seasons:

• Dry season (December–April): Clean offshore winds, smaller swells, and sunny skies—perfect for beginners.
• Green season (May–October): Larger, more powerful swells for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Most beaches have board rental shops and instructors available right on the sand.

• Playa Carmen – Great for beginners and intermediates. Friendly lineup and long whitewater rides.
• Playa Santa Teresa – Punchier, better for intermediates. Low tide offers steep drops and barrels.
• Playa Hermosa – Spacious beach, ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers. Great wave for all tides.

For more details on the different surf breaks in the area, read our blog Santa Teresa’s 5 Best Places to Surf in Costa Rica.

Looking for an all-inclusive surf and wellness getaway? Pura Vida Adventures offers expert instruction, daily yoga, oceanfront stays, and a warm, welcoming vibe to help you relax and recharge.

Yoga Studios in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Santa Teresa isn’t just knowna for its top class waves but also for its bohemian yogi vibe. The town pulses with a laid-back, open-hearted energy that attracts yogis, healers, surfers, and creatives from around the world. It’s common to see barefoot travelers walking to class with a mat slung over their shoulder, fresh juice in hand, or relaxing after practice with a sunset swim. Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery, healing, or just want to stretch after a surf session, the yoga culture here welcomes all.

From oceanfront shalas to hidden jungle platforms, you’ll find daily offerings across multiple styles, with international teachers and a deep connection to nature. Here’s a curated list of yoga studios in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica that support your wellness journey:

Whether you’re seeking dynamic flow or meditative stillness, Santa Teresa is home to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and inspiring yoga spaces. Here’s a list of popular yoga studios in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica:

• Natural Integrative Wellness at Tropico Latino – Oceanfront shala, daily Vinyasa and Yin classes.
• Flor Blanca – Emphasis on alignment, mobility, and deep body awareness.
• Believe Yoga – Offers a soulful combination of strength and mindfulness.
• La Posada Yoga – Casual, local space with intimate classes.
• Indigo Yoga Resort – Known for surf & yoga fusion retreats.
• Casa Zen Guesthouse & Yoga Center – Affordable drop-in classes and holistic offerings.

These studios offer everything from Hatha to Vinyasa, restorative yoga, and community meditations—ideal for wellness travelers.

Wellness Spas and Massage Therapy in Santa Teresa

One of the most rejuvenating things you can do while visiting Santa Teresa is indulge in its incredible variety of wellness treatments. From deep-tissue massage and energy healing to traditional Costa Rican herbal therapies, the town offers something for every kind of traveler in need of physical and emotional renewal. Whether you’re unwinding after a long travel day, easing sore muscles post-surf, or simply treating yourself to some self-care, these wellness spas will elevate your stay.

• Natural Integrative Wellness – Ocean-view treatments, deep tissue and holistic options like cupping, acupuncture, massage, and reiki all under one roof.
• Florblanca Spa Bambu – Open-air spa suites surrounded by tropical gardens. Book a full spa journey.
• Essential Santa Teresa Spa – Deep tissue, trigger point therapy, reflexology, and Thai massage.

Sessions typically range $60–$120 USD. Book in advance and consider pairing with a surf session or yoga class for full-body renewal.

Cold Plunge & Sauna Wellness Experiences

Contrast therapy (hot/cold exposure) is gaining popularity in Santa Teresa for immune support, circulation, and stress relief.
Looking for a hot & cold therapy session? Here are some recommendations:

• Natural Integrative Wellness – Cold plunge + sauna overlooking the ocean.
• Kula Shala – Guided contrast therapy with sound healing and breathwork.
• Blue Mist – Boutique-style wellness with intentional community sessions.

Schedule at sunset for a grounding way to end the day.

Best Vegetarian & Eco-Friendly Restaurants

Santa Teresa has evolved into a paradise for food-conscious travelers seeking flavorful and sustainable options. Many restaurants here emphasize organic ingredients, local sourcing, and environmentally friendly practices—from solar-powered kitchens to zero-waste packaging. Whether you’re looking for vegan comfort food or nutrient-dense fuel for your next surf session, this town delivers.

Looking for vegan cuisine in Santa Teresa or sustainably sourced meals?

• The Bakery – Local eggs, sourdough, smoothies.
• Drift – Plant-based bowls, adaptogenic lattes, compostable everything.
• Zula – Mediterranean flavors, vegan-friendly, low waste.
• Somos Cafe – Seasonal, solar-powered, organic-focused.
• Shambala at Tropico Latino – A true farm-to-table experience, Shambala offers power bowls, Costa Rican produce, and gorgeous ocean views. Much of the restaurant’s ingredients come from its own orchard, located just 2 kilometers away—meaning what lands on your plate was likely harvested that same morning.
• Ani´s Bowls & Salads – Smoothie bowls, granola, eco-packaging.

Many of these spots emphasize local sourcing, minimal plastic, and community connection.

Social Spots with a Wellness Vibe

Looking to unwind after a long day of surf and yoga without breaking your wellness flow? Santa Teresa offers a variety of social hangouts that combine vibrant energy with a health-conscious twist. These spots offer the perfect balance between community connection, good food and drinks, and inspiring ambiance.

• Banana Beach – Sunset cocktails and mellow music with oceanfront view.
• Couleur Café – Organic wines, outdoor vibes.
• Katana – Innovative Asian fusion, great for groups.
• Shambala at Tropico Latino – Weekend live music events and special menus with fresh, local produce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When is the best season to visit Santa Teresa?
A: Dry season (Dec–April) offers sunny skies and calm conditions. Green season (May–Oct) brings lush scenery and fewer crowds.

Q: Are there wellness retreats for solo female travelers?
A: Yes. Pura Vida Adventures specializes in retreats tailored for solo travelers—safe, empowering, and supportive.

Q: What yoga classes are available in Santa Teresa?
A: You’ll find beginner to advanced Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha, and fusion classes at Shambala, Yoga Dojo, and Casa Zen, among others.

Q: Can I eat healthy and vegetarian in Santa Teresa?
A: Absolutely. Santa Teresa offers many vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants with organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Q: Is Santa Teresa good for first-time surfers?
A: Yes. Playa Carmen and Playa Hermosa are ideal for beginners, and you’ll find experienced local instructors ready to help.

Q: Are there wellness spas or massage services in town?
A: Definitely—Natural Integrative Wellness, Spa Bambu, and others offer top-tier holistic treatments.

Q: How do I get to Santa Teresa from San José or Liberia?
A: You can drive, take a shuttle, or fly to Tambor then taxi. Plan 4–6 hours from either city.

Final Tips to Plan Your Wellness Trip to Santa Teresa

• Stay beachside: There’s nothing more grounding than waking up steps from the ocean.
• Rent an ATV or bike: Santa Teresa is spread out—having wheels = more freedom.
• Book in advance: Especially during dry season (Dec–April).
• Pack light: Flip flops, swimsuits, yoga gear, and a good hat. That’s it.

Visit the Coolest Beach in Central America!

Whether you’re seeking transformation, connection, or simply time to breathe and recharge, Santa Teresa offers a blend of nature, community, and healing that few places on earth can match. From sunrise yoga by the sea to nourishing meals and the thrill of riding your first wave, every moment here is designed to support your well-being. We hope this guide helps you plan the ultimate escape—one filled with soul, sunshine, and pura vida vibes.

Ready to plan your surf and yoga retreat in Santa Teresa?

Join our all-inclusive wellness retreats at Pura Vida Adventures and experience Costa Rica’s best surf camp and yoga escape.

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