Dear Nosara
our affair may have been brief
but you left an impression.
You charmed me
with your endlessly
expansive shore.
You satisfied my every longing for home
with Vietnamese vermicelli bowls
bulk raw nuts
and organic healthy smoothies.
You inspired me to become the surfer girl
on the outside
we both know I am
on the inside.
You grounded me
by helping me move
with the flow
of your incredible yoga.
You brought peace to my heart
by allowing me to hypnotically stare
as the sun set
behind your beautiful sea.
Thank you Playa Guiones, Nosara.
I think I love you.
Playa Guiones, Nosara, Costa Rica
Sleep
$18 for a dorm bed, $25 for a private, $40 for the cabin
Don’t let the silly name fool you, 4U Hostal in Playa Guiones is the nicest hostel I have ever stayed in. In the world. The owners put attention on every detail when designing this space (and this is coming from an interior design people!) The bathrooms have large roomy hot water showers with individual cubbies for each guest’s towel and toiletries. Dorm rooms have ample storage for clothes including hangers and shelving. The large kitchen has every tool you would ever need to concoct a gourmet meal. Out in the garden is a space for your morning yoga, a terrace with hammocks, and big plush outdoor sofas for reading. The owners, Marco and Carole are sweet as mangos. Simply put, it is budget traveler heaven.
$13-15 for a dorm bed
For the best budget option, stay at Kaya Sol Surf Hotel. Dorm rooms are simple and come equipping with a kitchen and dining area. The hostel is steps from the beach and has a great restaurant in front.
$350 for a private bungalow
If luxury is what you seek, find it at Harmony Hotel. Bungalows sit in a beautiful zen garden surrounding a swimming pool. The restaurant serves healthy, delicious, organic food and fresh juices. Find relaxation at the spa, or in one of their world class yoga sessions.
Eat
$7-15 for entrees
Many of you may know that it can be impossible to find good Asian food traveling in Central and South America. Being from Seattle I often experience withdrawal and long for Thai, Vietnamese, and sushi from back home. Dos Pochotes, new to the restaurant scene in Playa Guiones, offers not only delicious Asian food for Costa Rica, but for anywhere. I ordered the tofu vermicelli bowl, which rivaled the ones served at Green Leaf and Long Provincial in Seattle, with fried crispy shallots, bright spicy fish sauce, and satisfying crumbles of peanut. The fish salad was even better, with a fresh piece of seared, glazed mahi mahi atop a salad of shaved miso dressed veggies.
$5-15 for entrees
Fresh salads, delicious grilled seafood, and a BBQ on Thursday nights, Kaya Sol offers delicious, healthy, affordable gringo fare.
Stock up on organic produce, all natural nut butters, handmade pasta, and bulk foods at this little market at the top of town.
Do
Yoga
Surf
Yoga
Surf
Surf
Yoga
$10 for a drop in class
Up in the hills away from the main road is the Treetop Studio at the famous Nosara Yoga Institute. NYI put yoga on the map in this little Costa Rican town. Walk the winding path through the forest into their beautiful, intimate space for drop in classes. Come for sunset flow and watch the sky light on fire through the jungle.
$12 for a drop in class
Across from the zen pool covered in lotus flowers is the open air yoga studio at Harmony Hotel. They offer a wide variety of courses including Yin and an incredible Dynamic Flow class led by Shayna. The location is prime, right in the center of town.
$15 per day to rent a surfboard, $45 for a 1.5 hour lesson from a certified instructor
Want to create a truly life changing trip to Costa Rica? My eBook, The Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica will show you how!
Thank you for the accomodation links. They are super for me to follow up when I put my plan into action!
Of course! This place really is incredible, you must must go!
OH MAN i have been waiting for an update! i wanted to pack my bag and head your way as i was reading! i don’t think i’ll ever be able to live out such a huge adventure, so once again, thank you for sharing. have fun. be safe.
Jamie, it is amazing in Nosara! A little on the expensive side but nothing compared to destinations like Europe or Hawaii. You must must must make it down. I insist 🙂
Just reading this post left me glowing. I’ve got to get to Nosara in my lifetime–what a dream location!
I am considering moving there. Really. And if I do, you will obviously be packed in my carry on luggage.
After reading your post, I’m kind of wanting to move there too!! Do you have any idea what a monthly rental would run for a 2 bedroom place? Need a roommate? Haha
I’m not sure! It’s definitely pricey compared to the rest of the country but I will let you know what I find out 🙂
Perfect!! Thank you! What else did you like it about it? Are there any open air markets? And what kind of people live there? LOL sorry for all the questions!
I was only there for a few days, so I didn’t experience a ton. There MUST be open air markets, and there is an organic grocery store. It’s no whole foods but it does the trick! The people there are mostly Americans. Lots of yogis and surfers, 30’s and 40’s, families. The community is very health focused. It’s a really mellow town with little to no partying. And it feels very very safe.
HI, I love your story! Please tell me, I am wanting to book at 4You Hostal for two nights, and they require me to wire them a transfer of $100, as they dont take credit cards. Makes me think they a re not legit, ….
It look s like a fantastic place! Do comment, thank you!
Thank you Sophie! Hm I stayed there so I can tell you they are definitely legit but I can understand your hesitation in wiring the money. I too have experienced this with vacation rentals in Costa Rica. Perhaps they can accept paypal? I think we just showed up with no reservation and they had space. Otherwise check out Kaya del Sol.
Such beautiful pics! I’m going to live in Nosara at the beginning of March. I was already pretty darn excited, but this post has tipped me over the edge! I can hardly wait! Thanks so much. You made my day 🙂 Bryony
Awesome! I have WAY more recommendations on Nosara in my Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica eBook 🙂
https://www.thisamericangirl.com/ultimate-guide-costa-rica/
Great photos! I was just in Nosara — absolutely love this cute boho beach town.
Thank you, so glad you liked it! Any new gems you want to share with us?? 🙂
Hi I am heavily debating my 3 day stay in either Nosara vs samara. I am going w 2 kids ages 3 & 7 and we are coming from a3 day stay in la fortuna. Ant thoughts would be appreciated!
Hey love you can find all of my recommendations for Costa Rica in my ebook The Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica 🙂 Hope you have a wonderful trip! xoxo
Going to Nosara next week for a week but can’t decide where to stay. I’m 34 and traveling solo. Want to be around like-minded travelers but not a college hangout. Would you recommend staying at a hostel or one of the hotels? Let me know! Thanks!!!
Hey Jen, I recommend you stay in one of the nicer hostels, Hostel 4U has more mature travelers for sure. Not a party hostel by any means.
Hey love the blog, I’m currently in Liberia and want to make my way slowly towards Santa Teresa. I’m just wondering how did you travel between the small towns on the Pacific coast ? The public buses seem to be really awkward to get around there
Hey Jack, ya it’s a tough one! If you want to get to the smaller beach towns you’re best bet is to rent a car. I hope you find all that you seek <3
Do you have any suggestions for long term rentals in nosara/playa garza?