Nosara, Costa Rica

NATURECENTRAL AMERICA
Written By Anna Simeonova

Has it happened to you to visit a place that you love so much that you keep coming back to it over and over again even as your wish list of new destinations continues to grow? The beachside town of Nosara on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica has become this place for Ani.

By now, Nosara is a well-known surf and yoga destination that’s a more peaceful and relaxed counterpart to Santa Teresa and Tamarindo. Lots of Canadians and Americans have bought second homes here or moved to Nosara altogether. It’s not cheap. And yet, it keeps drawing Ani back after four visits.

Nosara offers a lot of the elements that we envision in an ideal future life: smaller place close to nature, slow living, community of people who know each other and show they care about each other’s lives. By Ani’s fourth visit, the locals said to her, “Welcome back!”. She had her coffee shop, her bar, her trainer. She shares her highlights from Nosara below.

Experiences

Playa Guiones is an ideal location for beginner surfers and you’ll see lots of people learning. The local surf schools are well-run and the teachers, very nice. Rent a board at Juan Surfo’s if you are comfortable on your own. If surfing isn’t your speed, the yoga offerings are endless.

Playa Pelada is another awesome beach with smaller waves that you can get to by walking from Guiones or via tuk tuk. Grab an afternoon aperitif at La Luna and stay for the sunset.

Costa Rica is known for its coffee, so we highly recommend visiting a coffee plantation to learn about the local coffee growing culture. We’ve taken multiple friends to the family-owned Sabor de la Montana. Get the tour through the plantation and definitely grab lunch at the restaurant - best espresso martinis and one of the best tuna crudo dishes of our lives! For extra adrenaline, you can rent an ATV and make your way up the mountain via red soil covered paths.

Rent a boat for a pleasant day on water. We sailed with Kaya Nosara and had a perfect afternoon. The owners have hospitality backgrounds from Italy and know how to create a magical atmosphere, complete with a gorgeous new katamaran, cocktails, and relaxing tunes.

Walking through Nosara

Food & drinks

Locally caught fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, and delicious corn tortillas on repeat - that’s how we would summarize Nosara’s food scene. The tuna carpaccio (paper thin, generously garnished with olive oil, jalapeños, and avocado) is the best we’ve ever had, especially at Howler’s and Sabor de la Montana.

Destiny Cafe and Sendero are our favorite brunch / lunch spots, though Sendero is also excellent for dinner. Blue Zone Brewery has the best Mexican-style tacos, and Posada Margherita the #1 pizza (cousin of the original Tulum location). Al Chile is another go-to of ours for tacos and casados. La Brasa is your place if you’re craving Argentinian-style meat.

You MUST make a reservation at Coyol. It’s a stunning restaurant at the top of a mountain overlooking the coast. The Mediterranean inspired cuisine specializes in grilled and smoked meats, though our personal favorite is the fire-roasted eggplant with tahini. Dining at Coyol is a whole experience - make sure to arrive before sunset so you can enjoy a cocktail while watching the light dwindle over the valley. Pro tip: book a van to take you up the steep mountain.

Nosara is the type of place where you wake up with the sunrise to surf and go to bed early. Still, if you want to snag the occasional juicy passion fruit margarita, Howler’s is the place to be. The owner, Carlos, knows how to create the perfect vibe for mingling and getting to know some locals and fellow travelers. Pura Vino has you covered if you’re craving wine with charcuterie. And if you’re in the mood for a proper party, keep an eye out on Perhoza’s event calendar. It’s also an ideal spot to spend a leisurely afternoon lounging by the ocean.

Last, but not least, Rolling Waves is our absolute favorite coffee shop. Jarin and Jesus are the coolest owner and barista, respectively, and you can always count on starting a pleasant conversation with someone new while sipping on your ridiculously good iced latte. We make sure to snag a few packets of Bocanegra to brew at home every time we reluctantly leave Nosara.

Views from Coyol

Stays

There are plenty of casitas to rent, but if you’re looking for more of a pampered stay, try one of the following:

  • Yaxa: simple suites, pleasant decor, and amazing vibes thanks to the French / Italian owners who sometimes host a communal dinner.

  • The Nomadic: excellent pool area, delicious breakfast, and impeccable low-key design.

  • Sendero: favorite hotel with its Mediterranean-inspired design and mouth-watering restaurant food; we haven’t stayed at Sendero, but it’s likely at the top of the luxury spectrum in Nosara.

Anna Simeonova
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