CasasPuraVida house rentals

Santa Teresa is a small surf town that in the last few years has grown quickly. The rough roads are still a reminder of Santa Teresa’s humble beginnings. Also, many of the basic services, that we now take for granted were once nonexistent.
There were no cars, TV’s, or even refrigerators. And electricity did not reach this remote point of the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula until the mid 1990’s. The first telephone dates back to the late 1990’s.
As we moved into the 21st century dial-up Internet became available, and within a few short years we have gone from dial-up to high speed wireless.
In the beginning, Playas Santa Teresa, Hermosa and Manzanillo were all considered one large “finca” (ranch) with cattle, horses and just a few local families like the Fernandez and Benavides living here and working the land.
In 1984 our next door neighbor was the first “outsider” to build a house on the beach, on one of the most pristine spots in the entire area. He needed to bring the supplies in from Cobano in 98 trips by Ox cart. At that time, there was only a horse path from Malpais to Manzanillo, and it took a good part of the day to make the 14 km trip. The local people lived mostly in thatch palm roof huts with mud floors and chickens running through the house. More recently, local families and businesses have benefited from the economic growth, especially in tourism in the last 5 years.
Now is a great time to visit playa Santa Teresa where you can still enjoy the beautiful, uncrowded natural surroundings, friendly people and relatively modern facilities. The southern Nicoya Peninsula has much to offer the adventurous traveler. It’s pristine beaches, undeveloped country side, abundant wildlife, warm water surf and glowing sunsets make this area a magical place.

If you are looking for the perfect vacation spot, look no further. CasasPuraVida in Santa Teresa Costa Rica offers something for everyone wanting to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you are a beach lover or not there is something for everyone in the entire family here on the Southern Nicoya Peninsula. Stunning pristine beaches and velvety smooth warm water are without a doubt the main attractions, yet upon closer inspection you'll find that the concierge like services here at CasasPuraVida can help you enjoy a wide variety of other vacation activities.

Discovered for being one of the cleanest and most consistent surf waves in all of Costa Rica and possibly anywhere in Central America, the Santa Teresa/Mal Pais area has grown exponentially from a rural town of a few hundred to a small bohemian surf mecca of perhaps 2-3000 full time residents, in the last decade or so. As a result of the recent tourism boom local residents and numerous entrepreneurs from many countries are riding this rising tide and fulfilling the needs of the increasingly sophisticated class of tourism that is attracted to this remote and pristine area. Visiters can enjoy a wide variety of tours and activities beyond the simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand.

Santa Teresa is synonomous with surf. Whether you are an inspiring first timer or sponsored pro there are abundant, uncrowded surf breaks for all levels. There are surf rental shops and instructors scattered all up and down the main road which runs a couple hundred meters inland, parallel to the beach. Most shops boast a wide variety of new, used and rental boards and accessories at great prices. Their friendly local staff will help you select what you need to make the most of your time in the water. Excellent, certified surf instruction and other activities can be arranged through our concierge like services, for no extra charge.

The main breaks are located a short walk from your terrace or private pool here at CasasPuraVida. You can surf right in front of our property! There are several spots along the 5km strip of Playas Carmen, Santa Teresa & Hermosa. Each beach offers slightly different conditions depending on the tides and season. Usually Hermosa is the most mellow, with a left point break at it's southern end. Playa Carmen has a consistent set of breaks with long rights and lefts, especially at the crossroads. Playa Santa Teresa is perhaps the best spot of them all, with numerous rights and lefts from the Lora to Suck Rock. The waves are easier for beginners at low tide and one can be guarenteed to stand up on a long board, at low tide in the white wash with some qualified help. Mid tide pushing in brings longer open face waves which often hold their shape for 100-200 meter long rides. As the tide drops the waves become more hollow and tubular, a paradise for the experienced barrel rider. Lajas, Cabuya, Mar Azul and Suck Rock are famous right and left point breaks in the area. The first three are known to work with Southern swells between April and October, and the latter with a good Northwest swell anytime between December and March. Best of all water temperatures are warm all year round and glowing sunsets melting into the sea come at no extra cost.

If surfing isn't for you, don't worry...there's plenty of other activities on and off the beach for you to enjoy. One of my favorites is the simple pleasure of taking a nice long walk in the cool, deserted, morning hours at low tide. The 100m plus wide strip of flat sand is perfect for a jog or casual stroll by the sea. Thanks to a strict zoning plan all you'll see from the beach is a big blue sea and sky and lush green mountains. There are no high-rises or beachfront construction here, just a few beach and mountain homes scattered sparcely amongst the jungle. Your toes will enjoy the soft white powdery sand as much as your eye will appreciate the scenic tropical splendor. During high season, especially Christmas and New Years you may see local "Tico" families enjoying a picnic with their kids or playing beach soccer. Others may be surfing, snorkeling, or playing with their dogs. You can enjoy and explore the many tide pools at either end of the beach, bursting with life at low tide, or simply watch the pelicans glide gracefully over the waves in groups of up to 70 or more. Occasionally, you may even spot the Olive Ridley turtles coming ashore to nest, or witness their tiny offspring struggle towards their first swim from their high tide nests.

If the mid-day sun is too much for you to handle, take a break. Perhaps a dip in your private pool or some quality time with the family. Maybe it's time to get into a good book, or a siesta in the hammock may be in order. If that doesn't sound relaxing enough, you can have a masseuse come to the house and give you a massage, or try one of the many excellent local spas. Massages, Yoga, Pilates, Reflexology, Acupuncture and Esthetics can be found at many local hotels. Deep tissue, Thai, Four hands, hot stone and Reiki treatments are a great way to get your vacation off to a positive start. Tropical citrus oil & sea salt, sweet coconut, almond & spices, papaya carrot & honey, volcanic clay, and warm seaweed wraps & exfloliations are also available. If the spa just isn't your thing, no worries...how about some adventure! Ever been on a Canopy Tour through rich tropical forests adjacent to the Cabo Blanco Absolute Naure Reserve? Here you can experience over 1 mile of cables traveling between nine (9) platforms including 500 & 300 meter rides overlooking the ocean. Also, the Monezuma waterfall is a short hike to a crystal clear fresh water oasis & natural swimming pool. Cabuya Island Kayak and snorkeling trip is a beautiful 45 minute paddle (each way) from Rio Lajas to Cabuya Island, a remote and pristine spot off of the beaten path. Horseback riding adventures along unspoiled beaches at sunset are offered as 2 & 3 hour, half or full day rides in undeveloped Manzanillo beach or around the Montezuma countryside, rivers and beaches. Mountain bike tours in the hills or on the beaches of nearby Manzanillo to the magnificent Rio Bongo is another great option for exploring the Southern Nicoya Penninsula.

The Southern Nicolya Penninsula is also home to Costa Rica's first and oldest National Park. Established in 1963 by Kare Mogensen and Olf Wessberg, this 1172 hectares (2,812 acres) of mixed primary and secondary dry and moist tropical forest is a must see sanctuary for the nature conservationist and enthusiast. The 3-4 hour hike to the beach and look out point to Cabo Blanco island is best done in the early morning hours, when the park opens around 7:30 am. Numerous endangered hardwoods such as Espavel, Zapote, Guanacaste, Pochotes are common throughout the park. With a little luck Howler, White Faced Capucine monkeys, deer, wild boar, ocelots, cotomundi, armadillos, tamandua (anteaters) and numerous birds and reptiles can be spotted in the early morning hours by quiet hikers. The Curu Wildlife Resrve is another wonderful spot where the forest meets the sea. This protected bay has pristine beaches accessible only by boat or sea kayak, available for rent on site. The numerous short hikes will take you through a wide variety of terrain in a very short period of time. Anything from Basilic (Jesus Christ) lizards which "walk" on water to giant Iguanas, Centasaurs and Crocs can be spotted in the rivers, beaches and mangroves in the Reserve. There is also a Spider Monkey rescue and rehabilitation program and area to view these playful creatures in their natural habitat swinging from branch to branch while striking a pose for the camera. If that sounds like a bit much, you can also opt for a leisurely stroll through the Butterfly Gardens which will surely delight your senses with the sights of Costa Rica's famed Blue Morpho and sounds of melodic tropical birds. You will learn about the Morphos entire life cycle from mating to metamorphosis.
Isla Tortuga, voted one of the 5 most beautiful beaches in all of Latin America (by E-entertainment Television), is a breath-taking 50 minute boat ride from Montezuma and a perfect spot to snorkel or scuba dive crystal clear tropical waters. On a good day you may spot larger sea creatures such as turtles, dolphins, manta rays and whales.

After a long day of surfing, spas and National Parks you may be ready to head back to the comforts of your Casas Pura Vida Luxury Beachfront Villa. But, how about one or two more stops on the way. First you can check out the many artisan street vendors or funky souvenir shops along the 100m strip of Montezuma center, or if you're looking for something a bit more sophisticated perhaps you'll find it at the new commercial center at the crossroads in Mal Pais. While you are there you can find many cool gifts and surf shops, have a gourmet coffee and pastry or fresh squeezed juice at the indoor-outdoor cafe. Try one of the hundreds of delicious items on the menu at the fantastic Sushi restaurant, a must stop for the serious sushi connoseur. There is also a bank & ATM, pharmacy and fish vendor with gourmet treats including ceviche and fresh oysters. But save some room because Santa Teresa for it's relatively small size has some BIG quality Eaterys. Born out of the 5 star formally trained European and North American chefs who have moved to the area, Santa Teresa has quickly become a foodies paradise. You'll find dozens of excellent world class continental, local and fusion flavors for every budget and taste buds. Many of our guests from the big cities including NYC have told us that the local restaurants here are every bit as tasty as they've found at home, or anywhere for that matter and at a fraction of the price. Fresh tuna steaks, jumbo shrimp, lobster and a wide variety of surf and turf abound. With such a strong international community you can eat Argentinean style BBQ, fresh homemade real Italian Pizza and Pasta, organic raw foods or middle eastern Isreali specialties, not to mention the fresh local catch or traditional Costa Rican favorites, casados and gallo pinto, all at a surprisingly wide variety of venues in the area.

Casas PuraVida in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica offers the most luxurious beachfront homes, at the most reasonable prices, in the area. In addition our concierge style services, at no extra charge, are available for you to get the most out of your vacation time here on the Southern Nicolya Penninsula. Santa Teresa is a tropical paradise with abundant natural resources and activities for the entire family. The miles of beautiful, pristine white sand beaches, warm glassy surf, abundant wildlife, Parks, tours, adventure activities, spas, yoga classes, shopping, fantastic restaurants and glowing sunsets over the ocean will surprise and delight you. Come visit us here at Casas Pura Vida, and let us share the magic and mystery of this beautiful tropical paradise. Best of all you can come and relax, rejuvenate and enjoy all of these activities from the private comforts of your own beachfront home with a private swimming pool, A/C, WiFi and more. Remember, once you get here, to relax and leave the details to us. We'll be happy to help you make the most of your time here for no extra charge. Your tropical beachfront home, the warm sun, deep blue sea and powdery white sand are all here waiting for you, any time of the year. So come visit us here at Casas Pura Vida and experience PURA VIDA (pure life) Costa Rican hospitality at it's best .