Santa Teresa is not just a paradise for surfers and backpackers – it’s also a playground for luxury travelers who want to experience the best of Costa Rica’s adventures in style. If you’re staying at a high-end villa like Soluna or a boutique resort, you’ll have access to personalized, exclusive versions of the area’s most exciting activities. Here are the top 5 luxury activities in Santa Teresa that cater to exclusive travelers:
1. Private Surf Lessons on World-Class Waves
Surfing is the heartbeat of Santa Teresa, and even luxury travelers should catch a wave here at least once. Instead of a crowded surf school, opt for private surf lessons with a veteran instructor who knows the breaks like the back of their hand. Your concierge can arrange sessions at the optimal time of day to avoid crowds and find the gentlest conditions (for beginners) or the most challenging waves (if you’re experienced). You’ll get personalized tips and the full attention of your instructor – plus, all the high-end gear you need is provided. After riding the Pacific swells, reward yourself with a chilled coconut or a fresh fruit smoothie waiting for you on the beach. It’s the VIP way to surf one of the world’s top beaches.
2. Sunset Horseback Riding Along the Beach
Picture this: golden light spilling over the ocean, a gentle breeze, and you riding a beautiful horse on the shoreline with not another soul in sight. In Santa Teresa, private horseback riding tours can make this dream a reality. Exclusive travelers can book sunset beach rides with top local horse guides, ensuring a safe and enchanting experience. The horses are well-trained and the pace is tailored to your comfort – walk, trot, or gallop as you wish. As you ride through the surf, you might spot seabirds flying overhead or bioluminescence shimmering in the wet sand. Some luxury packages even include a post-ride bonfire with champagne and gourmet snacks, turning a simple horseback ride into a romantic, storybook evening.
3. Private Yoga Sessions & Beachfront Wellness
Santa Teresa’s yoga scene is famous, and doing yoga here can be a transformative experience – especially when it’s just you, your instructor, and the sound of the waves. Treat yourself to private yoga sessions set in inspiring locations: on your villa’s ocean-view deck, directly on the sand at sunrise, or in a secluded jungle shala surrounded by nature. Exclusive travelers often have access to the top yoga and wellness instructors in town, who can also offer meditation guidance or even sound healing with crystal bowls if desired. Not into yoga? How about a personal trainer or Pilates instructor for a beachfront workout? The key is flexibility (no pun intended) – sessions are arranged around your schedule and preferences. And after a rejuvenating session, why not indulge in an in-villa spa treatment? A massage with the sea breeze and the rhythm of the ocean as your soundtrack is pure bliss.
4. Guided Waterfall & Nature Hikes by Helicopter or ATV
For a dose of adventure, explore the scenic waterfalls near Santa Teresa – but do it the exclusive way. Instead of going with a group tour, hire a private guide and consider unique transport like a helicopter ride to a remote waterfall or an ATV journey through the jungle trails. One popular luxury outing is a trip to Montezuma Falls: a helicopter can whisk you over the coastline, giving you an aerial view of the jungle, before landing near the waterfall. Your guide will lead you down to the cascades where you can swim in refreshing pools in utter privacy. Alternatively, take ATV quad bikes from your villa on a rugged path to a secret waterfall that few tourists ever see. Along the way, you’ll likely encounter wildlife like monkeys or parrots. With a private guide, you can set your own pace, stop for photos whenever you like, and even have a gourmet picnic laid out for you by the falls. It’s an adrenaline rush and a nature retreat rolled into one, tailored just for you.
5. Luxury Yacht Charter & Ocean Excursions
The beauty of Santa Teresa isn’t just on land – the Pacific Ocean beckons with its own treasures. Chartering a private yacht or catamaran is the ultimate way to explore the sea in style. Exclusive travelers can arrange a half-day or full-day voyage, complete with a professional captain, crew, and a catered gourmet lunch on board. Cruise along the breathtaking Nicoya Peninsula coastline, drop anchor at secluded bays, or head out to Tortuga Island, known for its white-sand beach and vibrant snorkeling. You can swim, snorkel with tropical fish, or even try stand-up paddleboarding in calm coves. Keep an eye out for marine life; dolphins often play in the wake of the boat, and if you’re lucky, you might spot sea turtles or rays gliding by. As the day winds down, nothing beats a Pacific sunset viewed from the deck of your yacht, a glass of champagne in hand. For fishing enthusiasts, a luxury fishing charter can be arranged as well – with high-end gear and an expert crew to help you reel in a sailfish or mahi-mahi. It’s the kind of exclusive ocean adventure that defines pura vida luxury.
Santa Teresa offers far more than laid-back beach days – it’s a destination where adventure and luxury intertwine. The top activities for exclusive travelers here all share one thing: they take the natural wonders of Costa Rica and elevate them with privacy, personalization, and premium service. Whether you’re carving through waves, finding zen on the sand, riding into the sunset, chasing hidden waterfalls, or sailing across the horizon, you can do it all with style. In Santa Teresa, luxury isn’t about distancing yourself from nature – it’s about experiencing it more deeply, without any hassle. So go ahead, dive into these experiences and make your Santa Teresa stay truly unforgettable.