There are some places in the world that don’t just welcome you—they change you. On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I found myself in one such place. Nestled on the Nicoya Peninsula, the twin towns of Nosara and Playa Guiones offered an experience that was far more than a vacation—it was a reconnection with a slower, more intentional rhythm of life. This region combines laid-back surf culture, lush jungle landscapes, and a deep-rooted wellness ethos into a destination that’s as soulful as it is scenic.
I came to Nosara looking for sun and surf, but what I found was something deeper. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the town’s raw natural beauty and the peaceful vibe that seems to infuse everything—from the unpaved roads lined with blooming hibiscus to the rhythmic sound of waves crashing in the distance.
A Haven for Surfers and Soul-Seekers
Nosara has built a global reputation as a surfer’s paradise, and Playa Guiones is its crown jewel. This beach is known for its consistent year-round waves, long sandy shores, and a laid-back crowd of international surfers. But even if you’re not chasing the perfect wave, there’s something captivating about the surfing culture here. Sunrise and sunset bring out longboarders of all ages, gliding gracefully across warm Pacific waters under pink and gold skies. There’s no competitiveness—just a shared appreciation for the ocean, for movement, and for nature itself.
Watching surfers in Guiones is like watching a dance with the sea—fluid, intentional, and free. And even if you’re new to the sport, the local surf schools make it incredibly easy to get started. Instructors are patient, experienced, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their love for the waves. It’s no wonder so many visitors arrive intending to stay a week and end up extending their trips indefinitely.
Where to Stay: Finding the Perfect Vibe
One of the most surprising aspects of this trip was discovering the wide range of accommodations that cater to every kind of traveler—from barefoot yogis to design-savvy digital nomads and everyone in between. Each place had its own vibe, its own pace, its own magic.
If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates being close to nature without sacrificing comfort, you’ll love properties like Olas Verdes Hotel and the Harmony Hotel. These eco-conscious stays exude a kind of rustic luxury that feels deeply connected to the environment. Think open-air lounges, saltwater pools shaded by palms, and organic breakfasts featuring tropical fruits picked that very morning. Harmony Hotel, in particular, has a low-impact philosophy that feels sincere and inspiring. Their on-site juice bar and yoga pavilion make it easy to live well without trying too hard.
For something a bit more modern and refined, Sendero Hotel & Villas and Silvestre Hotel & Residences offer a more contemporary take on tropical living. These boutique hotels blend high-end design with relaxed elegance, creating the kind of spaces where every corner seems Pinterest-worthy. Sendero, for instance, places a strong emphasis on sustainability and art, with open courtyards and beautifully curated rooms that open onto jungle paths just minutes from the beach.
And if you’re looking to **elevate your stay—literally—**you’ll find plenty of stunning options perched in the hills above Playa Guiones. Lagarta Lodge offers panoramic ocean views and a stunning infinity pool, perfect for unwinding after a day in the sun. The sunsets here are nothing short of cinematic, best enjoyed with a craft cocktail in hand from their open-air restaurant. Meanwhile, Esh Hotel, a newer minimalist boutique property, focuses on clean lines, natural materials, and a less-is-more aesthetic that somehow enhances your connection to the surrounding jungle.
Then there’s Tierra Magnifica Boutique Hotel—an experience in and of itself. Sitting atop a hillside with sweeping views, this boutique retreat blends the comfort of luxury hospitality with the soul of Costa Rican warmth. The team here goes out of their way to make you feel like part of a community rather than a guest. Their restaurant is a culinary standout in the region, drawing visitors from other hotels for sunset dinners that highlight local ingredients and fresh seafood. And now, with the addition of their beach club and convenient shuttle service, guests can effortlessly transition between poolside serenity and oceanside adventure.
More Than a Destination—A Way of Life
Nosara and Playa Guiones are more than beautiful places—they embody a way of life that many of us crave but rarely find. Days start slowly, often with a surf session or a sunrise yoga class, and unfold at a pace dictated not by clocks or calendars, but by tides and light. It’s a place where strangers smile at each other on dusty roads, where Wi-Fi exists but doesn’t dominate, and where meals are savored—not rushed.
Wellness is a central theme here, not in a trendy or performative way, but in a deeply integrated one. Juice bars, plant-based cafés, and yoga studios aren’t add-ons—they’re part of the lifestyle. Whether you’re practicing vinyasa under a thatched roof at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort or enjoying an ayurvedic massage at a local spa, you’re constantly reminded of the body-mind connection. And it’s not uncommon to meet travelers who’ve come for a week and ended up staying for months, swept up in the gentle current of Pura Vida.
The town itself has kept a charmingly off-the-grid feeling, thanks in part to strict development laws that protect the natural landscape. You’ll notice the absence of high-rises, chain restaurants, and the typical tourist trappings. Instead, you’ll find artisanal boutiques, surf shacks, farm-to-table restaurants, and plenty of green space. This balance of preservation and progression gives Nosara its unique soul—modern but grounded, welcoming yet wild.
Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Be Back
As my trip came to an end, I realized that I hadn’t just visited Nosara and Playa Guiones—I had felt them. They had seeped into my skin like saltwater, into my breath like warm breeze, and into my mind like a long exhale. There’s a rhythm here that invites you to slow down, to reconnect—with nature, with others, and perhaps most importantly, with yourself.
Whether you’re seeking surf, sunshine, or a little bit of serenity, these coastal towns have a way of delivering far more than what you came for. They’re not just destinations; they’re invitations—to live more simply, more presently, and more freely.
I left Nosara with sandy toes, a sun-kissed glow, and a quiet promise to myself: I’ll be back. Not because I didn’t see enough, but because I know there’s always more to discover—not just out there, but within.
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