Blue Surf Sanctuary

Toro was a fun, laid-back and knowledgeable teacher. He tailored the surf lessons to our abilities, helped us make real progress as smarter and safer surfers, and worked them around our schedule, which made the vacation relaxing. We had a great surf experience and would love to return. The bungalow was clean, comfortable, and well kept, with a kitchen that had everything for making a good meal. I stayed alone for two nights before my partner arrived and felt very safe. Restaurants and a grocery store were easy to walk to. Yoga was at a resort five minutes down the road, and you could even get there along the beach.

We had a great week in August with three friends. Toro was a patient, knowledgeable surf instructor, and our small group lessons had just two or three people. The cabins were clean and nice, with AC, and the price was good for what we got.

My wife and I first stayed in Mal Pais in 2004 and had wanted to return to the Nicoya Peninsula ever since. Blue Surf Sanctuary was a great find. We spent five days there before meeting extended family for a vacation in Jaco. We enjoyed Jaco, but Santa Teresa has a whole other level of chill: great restaurants, nearby remote beaches, and friendly, welcoming people. Laleska and Maykol, apologies if I've spelled those wrong, were so helpful and friendly. They chatted with us about the area and helped with restaurant ideas, ATV and surfboard rentals. When Laleska heard our son loved skateboarding, she offered to find a board and take him to the skatepark. Maybe next time, since we spent our time surfing and wandering. With our son so attached to us these days after COVID, etc., he felt comfortable going down to talk or hang out by the communal kitchen while we got ready to head out. We felt comfortable with that too, since they were so good with him and us. Before we arrived, Kelly and the staff answered questions quickly and helped with some last-minute accommodations. I wrote a separate recommendation for surf lessons with Toro. He was great with both our son and me. Our son popped right up, and Toro gave me tips that helped shake off the rust. By the time we got to Jaco, we were both catching waves left and right. There are comments about noise, and yes, the bungalows are by the road, so you hear vehicles. There was road construction one night too. But it's near the end of Santa Teresa, where there are way fewer vehicles, and the beach is an easy, quick walk away. So is Rocamar, with SUPER friendly staff, great vibes, and delicious quality food right on the beach. We loved the place, the location, and the friendships we made. We've already talked with friends about renting all four bungalows and taking over the fun compound! We also loved the communal open kitchen hangout area and pool.

It was the quiet pool that stood out most for me, a lovely place to unwind in the Costa Rican sun. The property was very clean and carefully styled, with a calm feel from the coordinated colors. The staff were excellent too. Doris, the housekeeper, brightened my mornings with her charm and humor, and made incredible coffee. When I arrived, Rafa, the property manager, helped arrange transport from Liberia airport. He also shared a detailed list of places to eat and lovely beaches around Santa Teresa. I'd never thought I'd take a surf lesson since I'm not especially athletic, but Toro, their in-house instructor, made me comfortable in the water and encouraged me to try. His clear, patient teaching helped me catch some waves in my first lesson. I enjoyed it enough to book another one the next day, and somehow caught 40 waves! That experience gave me confidence and sparked a real interest in surfing. I plan to return to Blue Surf Sanctuary every year, or more often if I can, to keep improving and enjoy the place again. I spent a week there and had an incredible time. I'm a beach lover, and both Blue Surf Sanctuary and Santa Teresa stole my heart. It feels like a little piece of paradise, with attentive staff, beautiful, peaceful surroundings, and a memorable surfing experience. I highly recommend it for a Costa Rica getaway.