Barefoot vs. Traditional Luxury: Where to Stay on the Beach in Costa Rica
Planning the perfect Costa Rica vacation often means exploring more than one destination. Many travelers start inland, perhaps in the Arenal Volcano region or the cloud forests, before heading to the coast for a few relaxing days by the ocean. But with so many beautiful beaches to choose from, how do you decide where to stay?
One key question: Do you prefer traditional luxury or barefoot luxury?
What Is Traditional Luxury?
Costa Rica is home to several high-end resorts, many of them part of global brands, especially in the northwestern province of Guanacaste. Along the stretch from Tamarindo to the Papagayo Peninsula, you’ll find large resorts with golf courses, marinas, and multiple dining options.
These resorts are designed for comfort and convenience. Guests often stay on property for most of their visit, only leaving for curated excursions or spa treatments. It’s a classic luxury experience: polished, predictable, and relaxing.
What Is Barefoot Luxury?
Beyond Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s coastline offers a very different experience. Independent boutique hotels are the norm, often much smaller and deeply connected to their natural surroundings. Some are tucked away in quiet, remote areas, while others are steps from surf towns known for great food, wellness, and a laid-back vibe.
Santa Teresa, located on the Nicoya Peninsula, is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic barefoot luxury destination sand for good reason. The Nicoya Peninsula is recognized as one of the world’s five Blue Zones, regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. Many attribute this longevity to a strong connection with nature, fresh local food, daily physical activity, and a lifestyle centered around community and well-being.
Nantipa A Tico Beach Experience in Santa Teresa is one of the best examples of barefoot luxury. With just 29 rooms and 150 meters of beach frontage, Nantipa offers a blend of costarican authenticity, sustainability, and comfort. Guests can walk to restaurants, shops, and yoga studios while enjoying high-end accommodations, gourmet dining at Manzú, and wellness treatments at the Numu Spa. All this within the unique cultural setting of a Blue Zone, where health, happiness, and simplicity are part of daily life.
So, Which Beach Stay Is Right for You?
If you love staying in a resort where everything is taken care of and you rarely need to leave, traditional luxury in Papagayo might be perfect.
But if you’re looking for a more immersive, authentic, and sustainable experience with the same level of comfort, Nantipa and Costa Rica’s barefoot luxury properties, especially those within the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone might be calling your name.
There’s no wrong choice, just the right one for your style of travel.