Blue Surf Sanctuary Bungalows & School

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Overview

Blue Surf Sanctuary is a wonderful upscale surf school and an ecologically minded luxury boutique hotel. They pride themselves on their stellar customer service, use of organic products and consciousness about the beautiful ocean and planet in general. They offer accommodation in beautiful bungalows and all-inclusive packages for surfers who want to stay at the best break in the area. Blue Surf Sanctuary is a surfer's dream come true for anybody... whether you are a beginner, an experienced surfer, single, with family or a group of friends.

With your choice in breaks, pristine white sand, warm water, ' pura vida ' attitude, culture, amazing accommodation and positive cool, like minded people, they guarantee your visit with be simply unforgettable and you will leave them STOKED!

Features

eco bungalows
sleeps 4/5
aircon

all-incl packages
pool/yoga/massage
internet

Location

Santa Teresa is a Robinson Crusoe's dream tucked away on the edge of the rainforest in the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula on the west coast of Costa Rica. There are long sweeping beaches with consistent surf and lush tropical rainforests that line the shoreline for miles.

The magical province of Malpais extends for approximately 6 km. Not too long ago, Santa Teresa was a small fishing village but is quickly becoming the new trendy hot spot. Small beach bars and restaurants dot the coastline and trickle into the rainforest offering excellent local hospitality. Mal Pais is by all accounts one of the hidden jewels of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica...

Santa Teresa has an international "flavour". In the last few years there has been an insurgence of yoga and wellness minded people and businesses that have built their presence in the area. All of these cosmopolitan newcomers add their spices and styles to the local flavor, so that now there is an amazing choice of international restaurants and the mixture of international and local vibe is one of a kind.

The Surf

Blue Surf Sanctuary is sponsored, not only as a surf camp, by Billabong, but also as a surf destination!

They are located right at Suck Rock, a famous surf break in Costa Rica and are within steps of stunning white sand beaches hosting some of the best variety of surf and breath taking sunsets in Costa Rica .

Also making them stand out as a unique operation, they are the only surf school in Costa Rica offering multi-location packages at their flagship location in Santa Teresa~ Mal Pais & their brother location in Nosara. Both locations are off of the beaten path. Unlike such places as Jaco, Tamarindo, and Playa Hermosa, in these locations you will feel like you are in the jungle and not trampled by the tourist scene.

Accommodation

They offer 4 luxurious bungalows that uniquely appeal to all of your senses and can accommodate up to 4/5 people. Each Bungalow features gorgeous, thoughtfully chosen decor, lovely balconies that offer tree top views, ocean breezes and the exotic sounds of the jungle.

BUNGALOW ARMONIA its decor provides a chic ethnic flair with an eclectic mix of hard carved Indonesian hand woods and a cozy tropical seagrass sofa.

A king size bed with pillow top mattress and a single bed provide ample sleeping arrangements ( an extra single bed can be ordered). A/C, ceiling fan, room safe, over sized hot water shower with rain can shower head and cozy bedding complete this bungalow. Very stylish and comfortable chairs adorn the balcony that overlooks the lush gardens of Villas las Allemendras and the pool.

BUNGALOW PACIFICO has a cool relaxing design in keeping with the tropics. Two queen beds with gorgeous seagrass headboards sleep 4 and an additional single bed can be placed in the room by request to sleep 5.

This room has a Balinese vibe and will feel very peaceful. A/C, ceiling fan, room safe, over sized hot water shower with rain can shower head and cozy bedding complete this bungalow. Comfortable and well designed chairs are featured on the balcony for relaxation.

BUNGALOW SERENO also offers two queen beds, this time with stunning mahogany and rattan furniture that lends itself to the sophisticated beachy feel of this room. A single bed can be placed in the room by request to sleep 5.

A/C, ceiling fan, room safe, over sized hot water shower with rain can shower head and cozy bedding complete this bungalow. Stylish rattan chairs will make you want to never leave the veranda.

BUNGALOW TRANQUILO is a delightful blend of dark woods and colorful accessories. This room has a smooth tribal feel with a queen platform bed and a bunkbed that has a single top and full bottom, rendering it ideal for families with kids.

You will feel calm and relaxed as you sink into the pillow top mattress' and light the Moroccan lantern while taking in some interesting tribal art. A/C, ceiling fan, room safe, over sized hot water shower with rain can shower head and cozy bedding complete this bungalow. Cozy balcony furniture increase the enjoyment.

Packages

SUPER SAVER SOON TO BE STOKED SURFER PACKAGE - 7 nights
Included:
- Airport transfer to/from Tambor to Mal Pais / Santa Teresa
- Lodging at Blue Surf Sanctuary~shared accommodation
- Once daily surf instruction by experienced instructors
- Use of equipment during entire camp stay
- Two Dinners during the week at awesome restaurants
- Pre surf fresh fruit and coffee
- Post surf breakfast ~ Costa Rican style
- 2 Yoga sessions
- Billabong rash guard to use and take home!
- Billabong goody bag and T-shirt!!

IGUANA ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE - 7 nights
Included:
- Airport transfer to/from Tambor to Mal Pais / Santa Teresa
- Lodging for 7 days and 7 nights @ gorgeous Blue Surf Sanctuary
- Pre-surf coffee and fresh tropical fruit
- Full post surf breakfast. Tico syle eggs, rice and beans, plantains, toast, yogurt, granola, fresh tropical fruit, coffee and juice.
- Nightly dinner: 4 at a different awesome restaurant each night~ including 1 complimentary beer, wine and unlimited juice & soft drink with meals
- 2 Surfing classes daily including all equipment (max 3 to 1 student to teacher ratio)
- Use of equipment during your entire stay
- 1 hour complimentary full body massage
- 5 Yoga classes as schedules allow (or if you prefer not to take the yoga classes you may substitute the yoga for (1) extra full body massage.
- Still water photographs on a (CD) ~professionally shot, of you surfing!
- Billabong rash guard to keep and use during your stay
- Billabong T-shirt & goody bag!

ZANCUDO ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGE - 7 nights
Included:
- Lodging for 7 days and 7 nights @ gorgeous Blue Surf Sanctuary
- Presurf coffee and fresh tropical fruit
- Full post surf breakfast. Tico syle eggs, rice and beans,plantains, toast, yogurt, granola, fresh tropical fruit, coffee and juice.
- 2 Surfing classes daily including all equipment (max 3 to 1 student to teacher ratio)
- Use of equipment during your entire stay
- 1 hour complimentary full body massage OR (5) Yoga classes as schedules allow
- Still water photographs on a (CD) ~professionally shot, of you surfing!
- Billabong rash guard to keep and use during your stay
- Billabong T-shirt & goody bag!

Other Custom Packages on Request !!!

Facilities

Individual bungalows all have A/C, ceiling fan, hot water, gorgeous, breezy verandas and pillow top mattress'. In each room, they also provide, a digital lap top size room safe, rain can shower heads , beautiful furnishings, organic soap and aromatherapy candles.

Other Amenities include their rich Costa Rican coffee service, daily house keeping, cool sparkling pool, security guard, open air rancho kitchen, internet access, communal direct TV and access to phone.

In the inviting, cozy outdoor rancho kitchen and communal area , infamous delicious coffee is always brewing and you are welcome to utilize their fully equipped kitchen...or one can watch direct TV, DVD'S or even better.... videos of yourself catching the waves of the day!

Perhaps you will choose a book from the book exchange library or enjoy the company of other guests. You might find yourself playing backgammon, cards or a relaxing game of chess. Bring your laptop if you would like to keep in touch with family and friends using their free dial up internet.

Most impressive, they are just steps away from one of Forbe's " Top ten most breathtaking beaches in the world."

Activities

They offer lots of activities besides surfing and will assist you in arranging everything ....

ATVs / Quad Bikes
Quads are for sure the funnest mode of transportation to explore the back roads and to find the gorgeous beaches and great tucked away restaurants in Santa Teresa/Mal Pais.
Massage & Spa Services
They are happy to arrange a wide variety of luscious spa services in the privacy of your bungalow.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Grab a snorkle and explore the deep tide pools in Mal Pais.
Horse Tour
A wonderful way to take in this wonderful countryside is on horseback. The tour is probably the most natural way to experience the jungle and beaches of Santa Teresa/Mal Pais.
Fishing
Local guides will take you to some of the best fishing spots the area has to offer. Sport fishing and tours to Tortuga Island can easily be arranged as well.
Canopy Tours
The local zip line operator is Canopy Del Pacifico. They will pick you up from the hotel and bring you into the heart of Cabo Blanco National Park. You will then experience zip-lining through and above thick rain forest on lines extending as long as 500m. You will delight in the views of the Pacific Ocean as you shoot across 9 platforms.
Bird Watching
There are over 894 species including 19 globally threatened species in Costa Rica.
Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve
The first National Park to be established in Costa Rica.

The manager & partner in the surf school, Pia, has years of experience in hotel management and has dedicated herself to make sure all of your needs are met. A local, originally from Argentina, she speaks perfect English and Spanish and has the most beautiful energy and Pura Vida vibe. Pia and her staff are more than happy to help you with arranging all your holiday wishes...

Multi-Location

Blue Surf Sanctuary is stoked to be able to offer what no other surf school or camp outfitter is currently providing... two locations for your one vacation! Now you get the chance to enjoy two of the most beautiful locations in all of Costa Rica in one vacation.

The allure of Nosara is that their beach (Playa Guiones) and the outer lining area is a wild life refuge protected from development of any kind. Nosara is truly "where the junglemeets the beach"! Nosara is also home to a very large yoga community including The Nosara Yoga Institute and Omega Yoga. If yoga and surfing are your thing there is no better place to visit.

ZANCUDO PACKAGE SANTA TERESA (3n) / NOSARA (3n) - 6 nights
Included:
- Shuttle taxi from Nosara to Santa Teresa & from Santa Teresa to Tambor for departure
- Lodging 3 days/3 nights at The Hotel Casa Tucan (Nosara)
- Lodging 3 days/3 nights at Blue Surf Sanctuary (Santa Teresa)
- Breakfast daily
- (2) Surfing classes daily including all equipment (max 3 to 1 student to teacher ratio)
- Choice of (1) 1 hour full body massage OR 4 yoga classes
- Still water photographs on a (CD) professionally shot by Now Films (Note: SSS will shoot video sessions to use as a teaching tool during your stay!)
- Safari Surf School T-shirt for each client
- Blue Surf Sanctuary T-shirt for each client
- Billabong rash guard to keep and use during your stay
- Billabong T-shirt & goody bag!

IGUANA PACKAGE SANTA TERESA (3n) / NOSARA (3n) - 6 nights
Included:
- Shuttle taxi from Nosara to Santa Teresa & from Santa Teresa to Tambor for departure
- Lodging 3 days/3 nights at The Hotel Casa Tucan (Nosara)
- Lodging 3 days/3 nights at Blue Surf Sanctuary (Santa Teresa)
- Breakfast and Dinners daily (Dinner includes 2 beers OR 1 cocktail/glass wine)
- (2) Surfing classes daily including all equipment (max 3 to 1 student to teacher ratio)
- (1) 1 hour complimentary full body massage
- (5) Yoga classes (or if you prefer not to take the yoga classes you may substitute the yoga for (1) extra full body massage
- Still water photographs on a (CD) professionally shot (Note: SSS will shoot video sessions to use as a teaching tool during your stay!)
- Safari Surf School T-shirt for each client
- Blue Surf Sanctuary T-shirt for each client
- Billabong rash guard to keep and use during your stay
- Billabong T-shirt & goody bag!

Surf School

Blue Surf Sanctuary is extremely proud to be the only Billabong sponsored, upscale surf school and surf destination in Costa Rica's Nicoya Penninsula!

They are honoured to be sharing their love and respect for the art of surfing in the beautiful & tropical, warm waters of Santa Teresa~Mal Pais.

They believe that surf is not just a sport but a lifestyle and attitude, one of peace, health and pure joy... having fun in the water and respect for Mother Earth when out of her seas. Surfing is healing and magical and limitless~ for anyone and everyone~ to enjoy and they wish to offer you the skills to join this world wide community and begin a life transforming experience!

At Blue Surf, you will experience all this in a stunning environment with like minded souls! You will leave them changed for the better, relaxed and looking forward to your return!

Their packages can be customized to suit your needs, desires and level, but must include two surf lessons daily with experienced and CPR certified instructors. When they have guests that are advanced, they arrange your transportation to secret spots!

Their student ratio is never more than 3 to 1, and often times less as your skills progress during the week, you may be instructed privately as they base your program solely on your individual needs. With several gorgeous beaches in the area each offering different breaks, they always have suitable fun waves and safe place to teach you.

Not only do we teach you all the skills to surf, they also teach you ocean awareness, environmental awareness, basic pre-surf stretching exercises and, most importantly, safety.

All of your equipment will be supplied unless you prefer to bring your own.

There are two sessions each day, one at approximately 7:30 -8:00 am and the afternoon lesson will be at approximately 3:30 - 4:00 pm. Please note that lesson times may vary depending on wind and tide conditions.

Reviews

Long before I even arrived on the grounds I had numerous conversations with both Gloria Armond (owner of the hotel) and Tim Marsh. Both of them were incredibly hospitable, helpful and warm. They accurately described the experience, property and location and when I arrived I was not disappointed.

Upon arrival at the hotel I was instantly struck by the warmth of the place and the people staying there. It might sound cheesy, but as there are so few guests (7 total during my stay) everyone becomes instant friends and u end up spending a lot of time chilling with each other. Although I am a very friendly guy who doesn't have problems meeting people, i never really expect to hang with strangers on vacation. At this place, its not only inevitable, its actually one of the perks of your stay.

Blue Surf Sanctuary does an amazing job creating a great overall 'vibe'. Its hard to explain, but you will feel it the moment u arrive. So much of the appeal of surfing to me is not just the activity itself (which is completely transforming and addictive) but the lifestyle that accompanies it. This hotel completely fosters that feel with the Balinese style 'cabinas', the flora, the open air kitchen, and the staff they employ. I felt completely at home and completely relaxed.

Activities between surfing can include yoga, pilates, hiking, zip line tours, the nature preserve, eating at the many excellent and affordable restaurants in santa teresa or just chilling at the hotel by the small but attractive pool. We engaged in a combination of all of the aforementioned activities.

A few word about the instruction and staff: uniformly excellent! Pia who manages the place runs a very tight ship and is a terrific host (and surfer). She knows everything and everyone in santa teresa and can help you with whatever you need. She handled our ATV rental and also booked by transfers, had advice for restaurants, etc. She was also my favorite surf instructor as she possessed the best technical skills in my opinion. This is not to say the rest of them were not great too, as I did learn something different from each. That has largely been my experience with surfing instruction: every one has a different style of riding, thus every teacher has something different to offer.

I don't think you can have a bad time at this hotel. I have stayed at many 5 star hotels around the world (I usually travel at the Four Seasons level when on vacation) and to be honest this was as wonderful an experience as any I have stayed at--for 1/5th the price. I am an avid surfer, but even if you have never touched a board, I think your experience could be equivalently great.