Playa Hermosa — The Best Beach in Costa Rica

For those of you who have yet to visit the area, Shaka's surf retreat is located in sleepy Playa Hermosa, 10 minutes north of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. Now, you should know that Costa Rica does have two other Playa Hermosa's (translates to “Beautiful Beach”). One in the central region near Playa Jaco, and another north of us in the region of Guanacaste. However as mentioned, ours lays just minutes outside the small town of Santa Teresa.

So what makes this Playa Hermosa the best you might ask? Here’s what we think…

First off, its location makes it the ultimate place to live (Mike knew he’d eventually move here minutes after first arriving). We have the added advantage of being close to the main restaurants, markets, and bars in Santa Teresa, while still being able to be tucked away from it all at the end of the day. With Costa Rica being a popular destination, it's nice to know that you can escape the crowds when you’re staying in Playa Hermosa.
The “vibe” here is just different. We can't say if that’s better or worse by everyone’s standards, but members of the community who lives here, we love the small community feel. It's nice to know that even in an area that caters to and thrives from tourists, there’s still a sense of community between all those who call it home. One of the best things about our location is that guests will feel that same energy. Even over the course of a week’s stay you’ll start to recognize the local faces and will share a quick wave or exchange a "Pura Vida" on your way out to the waves.
It quite honestly might be one of the most stunning beaches… ever! Beautiful Beach indeed. Yes, we’re biased, but there’s something magical about it. Of course, there are other amazing beaches in Costa Rica, or the world for that matter, but this is different. Playa Hermosa not only offers a great beach, but its backdrop is jaw-dropping. Lined with untouched jungle, with no buildings beachfront to obstruct the view. It’s a spectacular sight. Oh, and did we mention the surf? This might be what makes it the full package.
It's no wonder that we decided to put the surf retreat just a few minutes walk away (3 to be exact). Playa Hermosa offers some of Costa Rica's most consistent waves, for the beginner to more advanced surfer. It's a swell magnet based on it’s positioning and if you're willing to surf a variety of boards throughout the year to match the conditions, then you can literally surf every single day. We also have to mention that the water’s temperature is consistently 28 degree Celsius; if that’s not a cherry on top, we don’t know what is.

5. Finally, it’s a “Blue Zone.” That’s right, this region of Costa Rica makes up one of the world’'s five “Blue Zones” where people are meant to live longer and healthier lives than the average, many becoming centenarians. Does that mean vacationing or even moving here will guarantee a longer life? We can’t promise that, but there’s a great feeling you get seeing all the souls, young and old, living life to the fullest on the beach and in the surf.

Trust us when we say, we could go on for hours about all the reasons that our beach is so special, but sometimes you need to experience a place to understand. Words cannot always express the way a place will make you feel. Here’s hoping you all get a chance to experience it yourself someday, and hopefully with us here at Shaka! Nothing makes us happier than walking a new guest down to the beach on a little tour and seeing it all over again through fresh eyes. Wow!