Villas Hermosas

Villas Hermosas means "beautiful houses" in Spanish. For the (mostly) American and Canadian travelers first arriving, the property will not look like much with its hidden gravel entrance and minimalistic signage. Of course, this fits in perfectly with Santa Teresa's natural surroundings -- a genuine (non-touristy) surfer spot in Costa Rica that attracts laid-back expats from all over the world. Trying too hard is not an option. Once pulled in, guests park themselves in the small lot and take a short walk to a house with traveler's palm trees and tropical vegetation. One assumes this is where reception is, and it is -- this is Brad and Tara's home where they, along with their kids, live full-time. A small office holds books for exchanging and clothing items for purchase. Beyond here is where the real "hermosa" begins: a jaw-dropping ocean view -- rugged with rock formations, and zero crowds. In the morning, locals walk their dogs or head out with a surfboard. If Brad is out and about, he will likely see a buddy or two and exchange a "Pura Vida."  Surfing is big here. There are steady waves along this part of the coast for all levels, and guests can walk in either direction to find serious locals, or instructors with a small group of beginners. Non-surfers and little kids have alternatives: ATV tours, horseback riding, or day trips to Tortuga Island, to name a few. There is an average of 15 guests staying at Villas Hermosas at a time -- it is very private and also great for a little socializing. After a few days of seeing each other over breakfast and sunset drinks, making new friends seems as easy as Brad and Tara running the place. It's no wonder so many keep coming back. 

This property is tucked away, down a gravel driveway, at the far end of Santa Teresa in the southwestern tip of Nicoya Peninsula. The out-of-the-way location is best suited for those seeking authentic Costa Rica, for the difficulty in arriving deters most conventional tourists who favor paved roads and bigger resorts, say in slightly commercialized Tamarindo or Jaco. Roads in this part of the peninsula -- a common conversation piece -- are dirt and gravel with some deep, jarring potholes, which pick up the dust in dry season. Some love it, some do not, but make no mistake, this is one of the area's defining cool characteristics -- which might take some getting used to.Guests will likely want to rent 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, or bicycles to explore and hit the grocery store, though it's not entirely necessary. There are several activities nearby with surfing taking front and center stage. In fact, this is the hottest spot in the country for international surfers, and there are excellent surf schools nearby. The town of Santa Teresa (with cool bars and restaurants) is a five-minute drive away; it attracts good-looking expats from all over the world. Arguably the town's best sushi is just a short walk away. Yoga classes can also be accessed simply by walking along the beach to Pranamar. Visitors can arrive via a multitude of ways, and no one way seems easier than the next. One option is to arrive to Liberia International Airport, rent a vehicle, and make the five-hour drive through a mix of paved and rough roads. Another way (perhaps the best one) is to take a commuter plane from Liberia or San Jose to the smaller Tambor Airport, and then a 45-minute taxi to the hotel. Once in town, rent an ATV for the duration of the trip. Other options include a ferry from the main land to Tambor, though ferry times are not always reliable. Another ferry makes rounds between Jaco and Montezuma, which is great option if looking to check out a few different parts of the country. 

This property has four standalone units. Three of the four are Poolside Family Villas -- with two bedrooms and two bathrooms -- situated within lush gardens near the pool, and yet still close to the beach (though no ocean views). Each of these has one master bedroom with a Queen-sized bed and a second bedroom with Twin beds. Units have central A/C, dining areas, living rooms with flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and pull-out sofas. Fully-equipped kitchens -- some show wear and tear -- have water coolers (free water is provided), coffeemakers, microwaves, blenders ,and toasters. Refrigerators are stocked with reasonably priced items for sale, like bubbly, wine, beer, Cuba Libres, and soda. Bathrooms have large walk-in showers and eco-friendly toiletries. Terraces have hammocks, Adirondack chairs, and neat wooden chairs shaped like surfboards. Cribs and other baby items are available upon request.One lone unit is further away from the others for more privacy. The Beachfront Honeymoon Suite is designed for couples with access (and views) of the beach. The open-concept has a four-poster King-sized bed, fully-equipped kitchen, dining table, living area, flat-screen TV, DVD player, and a large deck facing the ocean.

Playa Hermosa is a spectacular beach with some of the best surfing in the area. The break is very consistent with a range of conditions for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers in either direction. Rocks are directly in front of the property, which can be seen at low tide, a time when many come out for long walks. For safety purposes, it's best to ask the owners to point guests to the best rock-free spots, and they will also arrange instructors and rentals. Whether you're surfing or not, the beach is never crowded and guests will not have a hard time finding their own sunbathing and swimming space. At sunset, an unannounced tradition is when everyone convenes for a drink on the lawn before spreading out for dinner. The swimming pool is not very big, but has a pretty design with a waterfall and a separate kids' area. There are lounge chairs, umbrellas, and floating bean bags in the water. Near here is a small kids' playground area.Breakfast is included with the price and is served near the pool every morning for a couple hours. Guests can have eggs cooked-to-order or daily specials, and both options come with tropical fruit, toast, freshly squeezed orange juice, and local coffee. This covered rancho space has a wet bar and kitchen area where guests can arrange private parties or receptions. (Small weddings are common here.) The area itself has good restaurants and one of the best ones in town is Koji for sushi, right outside the hotel. Brad provides ATV tours that are quite popular and he can arrange other activities like horseback riding on the beach, and trips to Tortuga Island. Guests can walk barefoot down the beach to neighboring resort Pranamar for daily yoga classes. The front office sells surf and beach clothing items. There's also a book exchange and free Wi-Fi.