If you’re dreaming of Christmas in Costa Rica or ringing in the New Year in Santa Teresa, there’s one key thing to know: the festive season is the most in-demand time of the year and it sells out fast. Planning ahead is essential to secure your spot in this tropical paradise, especially if you want to stay in one of the highly sought after boutique hotels that make the country special.

Why Santa Teresa Is the Perfect Festive Season Destination

From mid-November to early January, Santa Teresa shines at its very best. Located on the stunning Nicoya Peninsula, this coastal gem offers warm sunny days, crystal-clear waters, and world-class surf  all wrapped in Costa Rica’s signature “Pura Vida” spirit.

During the dry season, which runs from mid November to early May, the weather is ideal: endless sunshine, perfect beach conditions, and breathtaking sunsets. It’s the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations, whether you’re with family, friends, or on a romantic getaway.

At Nantipa, A Tico Beach Experience, guests enjoy barefoot luxury with a Costa Rican soul: beachfront villas, curated holiday menus, special events, and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like home  only better.

When to Book for Christmas & New Year in Costa Rica

The festive season is peak travel time across Costa Rica, and Santa Teresa hotels fill up 6 to 12 months in advance. To secure your preferred dates and room category, the best time to book is by January or February of the same year. This ensures the widest availability and allows you to plan special experiences, from private surf lessons to sunset dinners on the sand.  The same holds true for most smaller hotels around the country.

What to Expect During the Festive Season at Nantipa

Expect perfect tropical weather with warm days, cool breezes, and unforgettable sunsets. Enjoy world-class surf just steps from La Lora, one of Santa Teresa’s most iconic breaks. Savor festive dining and events with seasonal menus, holiday cocktails, and beachfront celebrations. Experience a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, where an international crowd blends seamlessly with the town’s signature laid-back charm.

Make This Holiday Season Unforgettable

Whether you’re escaping winter, celebrating a milestone, or simply seeking a holiday filled with nature, wellness, and connection, Nantipa offers the ultimate Costa Rica festive season experience. Located in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, every visit is an invitation to embrace a lifestyle rooted in health, joy, and community.  Remember, it is never too early to make your festive plans for 2026.

Ready to plan your dream festive getaway? Check availability here and secure your Christmas and New Year dates at Nantipa.

Picture this: you and your partner waking up to a slow, peaceful morning, the sound of the ocean in the distance, birds serenading the day, and everything moving at nature’s own pace. This is the magic of Santa Teresa—an idyllic destination for your next romantic getaway.

Imagine savoring breakfast with your toes in the sand, the ocean providing a breathtaking backdrop to every conversation, smile, and quiet moment you share. In Santa Teresa, routines fall away, and life becomes simple, calm, and profoundly real.

Located on Costa Rica’s stunning Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa isn’t just another beach town. It’s one of the world’s few Blue Zones—a region where people live longer, healthier, and happier lives. It’s the perfect place to escape with your partner, free from distractions, surrounded by nature, and immersed in a laid-back atmosphere known for its effortless romance.

At the heart of this coastal paradise is Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience, a boutique resort designed specifically for couples seeking barefoot luxury and an authentic connection.

A Place to Reconnect

Nantipa’s bungalows, nestled right on the beachfront, offer a private retreat with plunge pools, open-air terraces, and lush gardens. It’s the ideal setting for a honeymoon, anniversary, or just a special getaway to reconnect with each other.

But it’s not just the accommodations that make Nantipa unforgettable—it’s the little moments that truly elevate the experience. Picture a couples massage at the Numu Spa, a candlelit dinner under the stars at Manzú, or simply strolling hand-in-hand along the endless beach as the sun sets into the ocean. Here, romance feels natural, spontaneous, and deeply personal.

True Luxury, With Heart

At Nantipa, luxury isn’t defined by formality. It’s about meaningful experiences, the warmth of the local community, and the unique energy that flows through Santa Teresa.

Why Nantipa is the Perfect Romantic Getaway:

• Private Bungalows: Enjoy plunge pools and ocean views for the ultimate intimate escape.
• Beachfront Dining: Indulge in fresh, local cuisine at Manzú Restaurant, just steps from the waves.
• Wellness Experiences: Rejuvenate with yoga sessions and couples’ spa treatments.
• Magical Sunsets: Witness awe-inspiring sunsets, surrounded by lush nature and tranquil beauty.
• Adventure Awaits: From horseback riding at sunset to zip-lining, hidden waterfalls, and secluded beaches, there’s no shortage of adventures to share together.

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply longing to reconnect, Nantipa in Santa Teresa, nestled within the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone, offers the perfect backdrop for a romance that feels both effortless and unforgettable.

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.

In anticipation of the upcoming high season, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is thrilled to unveil the completion of the stunning renovation of 23 Orchid Rooms. Half of these rooms feature a luxurious king bed, while the rest boast two queen beds, with many offering connecting options.

“During the pandemic-induced closure, Tabacon seized the opportunity to embark on extensive renovations. The first phase saw the transformation of the Tabacon and Arenal Two Bedroom Suites, followed by the rejuvenation of the first 22 Orchid Rooms, Honeymoon Suites, and Rainforest Rooms. We’re excited to announce the recent completion of an additional 23 Orchid Rooms,” shared Andrey Gomez, Tabacon’s General Manager. “This marks a crucial step in our ongoing commitment to excellence and improvement, with even more exciting projects scheduled for 2024.”

A Commitment to Sustainability and Community

On July 25, 2023, Tabacon initiated its groundbreaking “Excellence in Education” program, encouraging guests to contribute $5 per room night. We’re delighted to share that initial success rates exceeded 70% buy-in from our loyal customers. To support this initiative, Tabacon is matching the initial $30,000 in donations. Look forward to announcements in early 2024 regarding our investment schedules and programs in community, education, and sustainability.

Furthermore, Tabacon’s dedication to sustainability, coupled with our exceptional food and beverage operations, has resulted in the launch of new menus across all outlets by mid-November 2023. Guests who have experienced these culinary delights are raving about the quality, creativity, and authenticity. Plans are already in motion to elevate the Ephemeral Table, our resort’s unique take on a chef’s table.

For seminars, inquiries, and FAM opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to redefine excellence in 2024.

This November has been full of excitement at Nantipa as the latest updates elevated the hotel experience just in time for the upcoming high season. Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience is delighted to announce its most recent enhancements.

These include the addition of 8 new luxurious Nanku Suites, providing guests with an even wider array of options for their stays. This expansion divides the Suite category into Nanku King Bed (8 units) and Nanku 2 Queen Beds (8 units), ensuring each reservation aligns perfectly with guests’ preferences.

In addition to these new accommodations, a state-of-the-art rainforest yoga studio has been introduced to enrich wellness experiences at Nantipa. This exciting addition enhances the capacity to host larger groups for wellness retreats, corporate meetings, or other special group travel occasions. With a team of skilled yoga instructors and the introduction of new 2-bed suites, Nantipa can now provide accommodation and services to small groups of up to 8 rooms.

Furthermore, the former Garden View Ninta Bungalows have been rebranded as Manti Bungalows. These tranquil garden settings immerse guests in Costa Rica’s natural beauty. This name change was initiated to ensure clarity for both agents and guests.

Whether guests choose the opulent Nanku Suites, serene Manti Bungalows, charming Ninta Bungalows, or the spacious 3-Bedroom Beachfront Villa, Nantipa is unwavering in its commitment to delivering an extraordinary stay.

These expansions at Nantipa create new avenues for offering unforgettable group travel experiences. For inquiries or to explore group packages and retreat options, please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected].

Stay tuned for more updates and special offers as Nantipa continues to enhance its guest experiences.