“Pura vida” is the Costa Rican cultural motto meaning “pure life,” and this one simple phrase aptly sums up the peaceful nation’s laid-back and healthy attitude to existence.
On the tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Nantipa is a resort that truly embodies this lifestyle. Although the property looks and feels luxurious — with whitewashed, Scandinavian-style interiors, beachy-boho rattan shades and cream sofas — there’s still a relaxed feel to everything, from the service to the spa and the experiences on offer.
This two-year-old beachfront hotel that faces the Pacific Ocean is perfectly placed in forest-flanked Santa Teresa, an up-and-coming surf destination with a long sandy beach and consistent waves. The Nicoya Peninsula is also one of the world’s five Blue Zones, where locals live longer than average thanks to a winning combination of plant- and protein-rich diets, strong social networks, exercise in sun-kissed nature and a sense of purpose. There’s a free-spirited feel here, with “sodas” — small, family-run restaurants — and shops selling yoga clothes, handmade candles and jewelry.
Activities and Amenities at Nantipa
Nantipa taps into the Blue Zone lifestyle, offering farm visits where clients can feed the chickens, watch farmers make cheese and process sugar cane and enjoy the special Tico breakfast — "gallo pinto" (rice and beans), plantain, fried egg and white cheese.
Nantipa offers interactive farm visits for guests.
Credit: 2025 NantipaI lived in Costa Rica during my Spanish-degree year abroad, and I tried to surf once then, but I never got up on the board. Returning to the country in my mid-50s, I was determined to surf all the way to shore. Thanks to the dedication and encouragement of the young surf team that works with Nantipa, I did it. Exhausted but exhilarated after a couple hours in the warm water, I celebrated with a local Imperial beer.
And there was no nicer place to relax in my post-surf glow than my light-filled villa with a blue-tiled swimming pool steps from the palm-fringed beach. Two-story, three-bedroom villas are perfect for groups of friends or families, while 800-square-foot bungalows keep the same beach-luxe atmosphere with patios and plunge pools. I loved the leafy views framed by vast picture windows that made the outdoors the main attraction.
But Nantipa isn’t just a pretty face. Sustainability efforts range from energy sensors to locally made furniture and solar water heaters. If clients spend 10 minutes picking up plastic from the beach and bring it back to the property, they are rewarded with a freshly blended juice or smoothie. And, each room category features Nantipa’s own brand of natural shower products, hand wash, lotion and mosquito repellent.
The pool is surrounded by tropical foliage.
Credit: 2025 NantipaFramed by giant palms and tropical foliage, the freeform pool can be a place to chat with fellow guests or engage in mindfulness while swimming laps. Everything on site is easily accessible via tree-lined winding paths: From the pool, it’s mere minutes to the open-air Numu Wellness Center, where massages employ local ingredients such as coconut, and classes range from yoga to sound healing.
But my favorite spot at Nantipa was Manzu, the beachfront, palapa-roofed restaurant, where the friendly staff remembered that I liked oat milk in my morning coffee and my friend preferred her water at room temperature. The eatery serves a menu of local and traditional dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including gallo pinto, steak and fresh seafood. As the day headed toward sunset, we often returned to Manzu for spicy sundowner margaritas.
I felt I could stay at Nantipa forever, enchanted by its winning combination of an off-the-beaten-path destination and relaxed luxury.
