Tucked gently along Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara feels less like a destination + more like a state of mind. Here, life slows to a rhythmic flow dictated by the tides, the rustle of palm trees, + a whole myriad of bugs who take on more of a heard-but-not-seen presence. Known as one of the world's five Blue Zones — pockets of land + specific space in Italy, Greece, California, Japan + here in Costa Rica where centenarians live not just longer, but more vibrantly — Nosara offers more than just idyllic beaches or world-class surf, it extends to those who journey this far, a way of feeling truly connected.
There’s a particular kind of luxury that defines this place. And truthfully, upfront, it’s not quite as inexpensive as one might expect, given that it’s geared toward a more Western clientele who have found their way here in recent years. Think a lot of tech-bro-billionaire-living-his-best-surfer-life-post-being-aquired energy. Yet, it’s not so showy or manufactured either. The luxury for me, in my very much NOT tech-bro-billionaire-living-his-best-surfer-life-post-being-aquired era, lies in the natural cadence + values Nosara so naturally exhibits from the ground up. The luxury is discovered in the understated beauty of waking with the sun, of barefoot walks to morning yoga or a grounding practice with a front row seat to some of Mother Nature’s greatest manifestations of beauty. It’s the kind of rugged luxury maybe not all seek but for those who find bliss in nourishing yourself with food grown within arm’s reach of the jungle + a type of fresh air that brightens your eyes + flushes out your lungs, Nosara is luxury personified. It’s the deep, almost cellular knowing that wellness isn’t an appointment to squeeze in while on a call while running between meetings. It’s what’s found in places like Nosara, right here amid the jungle, by the sea. It’s what’s found in the simple, the natural, somewhat unspoken foundation of everything this land offers.
Nosara has long drawn a soulful mix of surfers, yogis, creatives + seekers — those craving something a little more elemental, a little less prescribed or excessively obvious. The dirt roads remain mostly unpaved, a conscious decision to keep the pace + scale slow, the spirit grounded + steady. Wifi may flicker (in fact it most definitely will), power outages occur (regularly), + schedules may blur but that's all part of the point. Here, you don't just visit to tick it off the list of cool places to see in the world — it’s more than that, you soften, you return to yourself a little more deeply. Nosara has a spirit that embeds itself in you, offering you something new within to take home. It’s something to become somehow.
I travelled here with one of my most beautiful friends; a first time in this idyllic part of the world for us both. We travelled the long distance to attend a retreat of another dear friend Camilla who’s philosophy + method, The Practice, I fell in love with while on honeymoon in Stockholm some years ago. Camilla has spent a lot of time in Nosara over the years so we were like locals as she guided us into the depths of it’s magnificence, sharing the best spots to eat, surf, yoga, + bliss out. We discovered wellness practices typically unavailable or often shut down by Big Pharma back home. We got to have the best massages by locals who work with the body in unbelievable ways + of course practice (pun intended) The Practice each day.
Whether it’s sunrise meditation at a cliffside shala, afternoons spent weaving through boutique shops, or long, salty dinners under the stars, Nosara offers a life measured not in checklists, but in moments. Those sacred, simple, beautifully unhurried. Moments that remain memories long after you return home.
Keep reading to discover my favourites in no particular order of appreciation..
HOTELS
Sendero Hotel — This is where we stayed, + I’d go back in a heartbeat. In fact it felt near impossible to leave. Tucked near the main surf break, it’s effortlessly elegant. Think earthy luxury done just right. Clean lines, natural textures, + a feeling of space to unwind. Morning coffee by the pool, the soft soundtrack of howler monkeys in the background, the scent of salt + suncream in the air. Sendero is heaven on earth // Harmony Hotel — A Nosara icon. It’s more than a hotel — it’s an age old philosophy. We didn’t stay here but the smoothie bar is reason enough to drop by, along with the chicest little book store La tiendita (our little store). The property is lush, calm, + grounded in sustainability with owners John Johnson + Susan Short’s focus on investing their love + efforts into nurturing the heart of Nosara. A little older, a little wiser , it’s like your barefoot jungle guide with great skin who’s been around for long enough to know what’s really cool // ESH Hotel — Modern, minimal, quietly luxe. We stayed here as well + loved the intimate feel. A true boutique gem, hidden amid the trees of the jungle just enough to feel private but still within reach of it all. Think low-slung architecture, soulful design, + the best outdoor showers. I loved early morning yoga with Dominique here too, her energy to help you start the day is just pure bliss.
Where to Eat
Nosara nourishes, deeply. Everything is fresh, local, full of life — and the scene is as relaxed as it is refined.
Sendero Kitchen — Our favourite. Full stop. It’s unbelievably good we repeated here a little too much to admit. The menu dances between tropical vibrancy + thoughtful comfort. Cocktails at dusk, the scent of wood smoke, a sky slowly slipping into stars // Organico + their Bakery — Your daily ritual. Coffee, fresh bread, coconut yogurt, turmeric tonics — the kind of place that makes you feel both healthy + held. Think mini Erewhon of Nosara // Smoothie Bar at Harmony Hotel — An institution. Order a Green Goddess or the Cacao Mint smoothie. Sit under the palms and let time melt. This little nook is such a fun spot to let the day move beyond you as you people watch + overhear some weird + wonderful conversations from all over the world // La Luna — This is pure beachside magic. Mediterranean-Costa Rican fusion, laid-back glamour, + a front-row seat to some of the most incredible sunsets I’ve bared witness to. Stay a while. Order everything. We sure did // Howler’s Beach Lounge — Classic surfer café, here it’s all about the sand underfoot + the surfers that live here post the waves. Its casual cool, smoothie bowls + good vibes // Coyol — Off the beaten track, elevated jungle dining under the stars. Book ahead. Go hungry. This is one of the most elevated dinning experiences Nosara has on offer // Destiny Café — Bright, airy, + plant-forward. Perfect for a post-yoga brunch // Naked Foods — Clean, vibrant, intuitive cooking. You can feel the love in every bite.
What to Do
Move, rest, surf, repeat.
Chorotegas Surf School — Whether it’s your first wave or your fiftieth, this school gets it right. Thoughtful, patient instructors, + that dreamy Nosara swell. The team here, as part of Sendero Hotel, are just amazing. // Yoga at Bodhi Tree — One of the most beautiful yoga spaces I’ve ever moved in. Jungle on all sides, elevated wooden shala, breathwork that lingers // Book a Retreat at Blue Spirit — If you're craving deeper transformation, Blue Spirit hosts some of the world’s best teachers + thinkers. You can only access this as a retreat attendee but the list of incredible movers + shakers in the wellness world is pretty epic to check out as often, whoever is in town will be doing a talk or workshop elsewhere // Wellness Day at TIERRA ENCANTADA — Don’t miss this. Spend a day with Ann, a true angel on earth — massage, healing treatments, rituals tailored just for you. A portal to something divine right there in the trees // Massage at Harmony Hotel — Deeply intuitive bodywork in the heart of the jungle. Pure bliss // Talks + Workshops — Check local boards or ask around — Nosara is a magnet for health gurus, biohackers, + spiritual seekers. You never know what magic is happening while you're there // Sunset + Sunrise Beach Walks —
• Playa Guiones — Soft sands, gentle waves, epic sunsets. The beating heart of Nosara.
• Playa Pelada — More intimate, rockier, + perfect for a sunrise moment or tide pool exploration.
• Ostional (for the adventurous) — Come during turtle season for something unforgettable.
