Believe Surf & Yoga Lodge Santa Teresa - Hostel

The water filter was useful, the yoga deck was beautiful, and the showers had shampoo, body wash, and conditioner. I didn't take a yoga class, but someone in our group said it was the best she'd ever had, and we heard very good things from other guests too. Those positives didn't make up for the problems during our February 20-26, 2026 stay. The hostel is near the beach and several restaurants, though quite far from the city center, and we can't recommend it. The biggest issue was how little help we got during a city-wide power outage. The receptionist was unfriendly and unhelpful from the start. We had to go to a nearby supermarket ourselves for essentials. After two hours without power, we asked for candles and water. He said there were none and wouldn't go buy any, even later in the rain. We found about twenty tea lights on the yoga deck and set them up ourselves. When we asked about toilets, he first said they couldn't be used. Another guest found buckets, but staff didn't help distribute or fill them or organize a solution. At least three staff members lived on site but didn't help. At 9 p.m. the receptionist left, with no one remaining there, while the outage continued and electrical hazards were visible outside. That felt unsafe and unprofessional. Security was poor even apart from the outage. Each dorm had one key that had to stay in the door, so the rooms were effectively unlocked. The road gate was often open, and the lockers couldn't fit even a small bag. One night another guest took my charger, though we got it back the next morning. The dorms were uncomfortable and badly maintained. Shelves hadn't been cleaned, beds were oddly placed, and there were no privacy curtains. The AC was fixed at 25°C and unevenly distributed: one person in a corner was extremely hot, while I slept in front of the unit and the strong airflow made me sick. Rain later leaked into our dorm and onto a bed. Gaps in the poor insulation led straight outside. Sleep was hard because the rooms were so noisy. Yoga classes started around 6-7 a.m.; afterward, guests gathered in the restaurant and reception to buy smoothies and socialize, while staff spoke very loudly. Since the dorms weren't insulated, all the noise carried straight into the rooms. The kitchen was dirty, with shelves and cupboards that didn't seem to be cleaned, and ants got into the food. Along with the leaking roof, it felt unhygienic and unpleasant to use. There were ants in my bed too, and the showers and toilets weren't clean or fresh. A cat living on the property often walked across the kitchen shelves where pans, plates, and glasses were stored. The pool and surrounding area were dirty as well, adding to the neglected feel. The hostel fell short on basic service, cleanliness, safety, and comfort.

The laundry was a real problem. The hotel's service ruined four items of my clothes, then said they took no responsibility because I shouldn't have put a new red item in with the rest. They admitted they don't separate laundry since they wash everything in cold water, and again told me "that's how it is in Costa Rica." After I pushed, they refunded the $20 laundry fee, but nothing more. We stayed four nights at Believe Surf & Yoga, and I really don't recommend it. Our room had no proper blanket; when I asked, the receptionist said, “That’s the blankets in Costa Rica,” which isn't true based on the three weeks I'd already spent traveling around the country. Cleaning was poor too, and the sheets weren't changed until we specifically asked. Overall the staff weren't kind or helpful, aside from the cleaning ladies, who were genuinely very sweet. You can find much better hotels nearby for the same price.

Kristen's yoga class today was off the charts. She gently guided me into poses I didn't think I could do, and her energy was so caring and lovely. What a treat, I really appreciated the class!

Really nice stay, nothing to complain about. The room was clean, and the staff were always friendly and helpful with any questions. I'd especially recommend the yoga classes.