Hotel Fermata
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Vibe
Barefoot luxury shaped by Pacific tides, where surf days wind down around the garden pool and breezy open-air lounges.
“Beachfront surf hideaway”
Whitewashed walls, warm neutrals, and light timber joinery crafted to invite constant Pacific ocean breezes.
Airy casitas with outdoor showers, plush linens, and attentive boutique service right beside the Pacific.
Convivial open-air dining spaces and an oceanfront lawn hosting regular sunset aperitivo rituals with music.
On Santa Teresa Beach along the Nicoya Peninsula, directly fronting the famous La Lora surf break.
“This is a plush and beautifully designed boutique hotel, offering a graceful and civilized version of Costa Rican beach life.”
Rooms
Standalone casitas and villas feature warm neutral palettes, light timber, and private terraces with covered outdoor showers.
Wellness
Chorotegas Surf School provides video coaching right at La Lora break, alongside outdoor yoga sessions and Swedish massage treatments.
Eat & drink
Fermata Kitchen serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes in an open-air dining room, while the beachfront Beach House pours craft beers and fresh smoothies.
The neighborhood
Tucked along the Nicoya Peninsula's bohemian Pacific coast, Santa Teresa balances rugged dirt roads, jungle cafés, and world-class breaks.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.