Mal Pais Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Opened
2008
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Casa ChameleonJungle cliffside villas
Ten villas are carved into the coastal ridge above Mal Pais, looking out over the jungle canopy toward the Pacific.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The sleepy fishing village of Mal Pais sits down the ridge, while Santa Teresa's surf breaks lie a short drive north.
The rooms
Each villa opens onto a private plunge pool on the deck, looking straight through the canopy to the sea.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A stone terrace holds the shared infinity pool, looking straight across the jungle canopy toward the ocean.
At the table
The open-air teak bar sits beside the pool, serving cocktails and fresh dishes from an open kitchen.
How it began
The hotel began in 2008, when the founders discovered three solitary villas in the jungle and developed the hillside site.
Santa Teresa
More like this
Mint Santa Teresa
“Minimalist hillside hangout”
Hotel Fermata
“Beachfront surf hideaway”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.