Costa Rica Vacation Planner - LUXURY TRAVEL, Wellness & Surf - La Fortuna (Arenal), Santa Teresa, Nosara

Here’s the Ultimate Costa Rica 8-Night, 9-Day Luxury Surf and Wellness Trip Vacation Package - La Fortuna, Santa Teresa, and Nosara. This itinerary focuses on luxury, wellness, and surfing, while incorporating the best activities and natural attractions in each area.

Itinerary Overview

• Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days

• Region: Costa Rica (Arenal, Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste)

• Locations: La Fortuna (1st), Santa Teresa (2nd), and Nosara (3rd)

• Focus: Luxury, wellness, surfing, and nature

• Budget: $250–$500 per night for accommodations, $100–$500 for tours and wellness options

• Airport: Liberia International Airport (LIR)

Day 1: Saturday – Arrival and Travel to La Fortuna

• Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (120 km / 75 miles) from Liberia International Airport (LIR)

• Activity: Settle into your hotel, enjoy the views of Arenal Volcano, and relax in the hot springs.

Days 2-3: La Fortuna (2 Nights)

Why La Fortuna?
La Fortuna is a wellness paradise, offering luxury accommodations, natural hot springs, and breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano. While not a surf destination, it’s perfect for relaxation and adventure.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels/Wellness Retreats (Breakfast Included):

1. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa: Luxurious resort with natural hot springs and breakfast included.

2. The Springs Resort & Spa: High-end resort with multiple pools, hot springs, and breakfast.

3. Nayara Gardens: Boutique luxury hotel with a focus on wellness and breakfast included.

4. Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa: Stunning volcano views, private hot tubs, and breakfast included.

5. Amor Arenal: Adults-only luxury retreat with jungle views and breakfast.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Don Rufino: Upscale Costa Rican cuisine with a modern twist.

2. Chifa La Familia Feliz: Peruvian-Costa Rican fusion dishes.

3. La Fortuna Pub: Casual spot with great craft beer and local dishes.

4. Soda Viquez: Authentic Costa Rican food at great prices.

5. Restaurante Benedictus: Farm-to-table dining with stunning views.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Sloths

2. Howler monkeys

3. White-faced capuchin monkeys

4. Toucans

5. Iguanas

6. Coatis

7. Poison dart frogs

8. Scarlet macaws

9. Agoutis

10. Hummingbirds

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Arenal Volcano National Park: Hiking trails with stunning views of the volcano.

• La Fortuna Waterfall: A breathtaking 70-meter waterfall surrounded by lush jungle.

• Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park: Walk through the rainforest canopy on suspension bridges.

Top 5 Wellness/High-End Options ($200–$500):

1. Private Hot Springs Experience at Tabacón Resort

2. Luxury Spa Treatment at Nayara Gardens

3. Private Yoga and Meditation Session at Amor Arenal

4. Guided Nature Walk in Arenal Volcano National Park

5. Gourmet Farm-to-Table Dinner Experience

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Hanging Bridges Guided Tour at Mistico Park

2. La Fortuna Waterfall Hike

3. Arenal Volcano Guided Hike

4. Chocolate and Coffee Tour

5. Kayaking on Lake Arenal

Day 4: Travel from La Fortuna to Santa Teresa

Travel Details:

• Drive Time: ~4.5 hours (200 km / 124 miles) to Puntarenas, followed by a ferry ride to Paquera, and then a ~1.5-hour drive to Santa Teresa.

• Details: The journey includes a scenic ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya, offering beautiful views of the coastline.

Days 5-7: Santa Teresa (3 Nights)

Why Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa is a vibrant surf town with world-class waves, luxurious accommodations, and a bohemian vibe. It’s also a wellness hotspot with yoga and spa options.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels/Wellness Retreats (Breakfast Included):

1. Hotel Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience: Luxurious beachfront bungalows with breakfast included.

2. Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat: Beachfront villas with a focus on wellness and breakfast included.

3. Casa Chameleon at Mal País: Adults-only boutique hotel with stunning views and breakfast included.

4. Florblanca Resort: High-end beachfront resort with wellness options and breakfast.

5. Latitude 10 Resort: Eco-luxury resort with private bungalows and breakfast.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Santa Teresa: Consistent waves for all levels.

• Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa): Beginner-friendly with long, gentle waves.

• Mal País: Quiet reef breaks for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Koji’s: Renowned for its sushi and fresh seafood.

2. The Bakery: Popular spot for breakfast and pastries.

3. Habanero Mex-Grill: Beachfront Mexican cuisine with a great vibe.

4. Mary’s Restaurant: Farm-to-table dishes with a local twist.

5. Katana Asian Cuisine: Fusion Asian dishes with a creative twist.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Howler monkeys

2. White-faced capuchin monkeys

3. Iguanas

4. Coatis

5. Scarlet macaws

6. Sea turtles

7. Parrots

8. Anteaters

9. Hawks

10. Butterflies

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Montezuma Waterfalls: Stunning waterfalls perfect for a refreshing swim.

• Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: Costa Rica’s first national park with lush trails and wildlife.

• Mal País Tide Pools: Great for exploring at low tide.

Top 5 Wellness/High-End Options ($200–$500):

1. Private Yoga and Meditation Session at Pranamar Villas

2. Luxury Spa Treatment at Florblanca Resort

3. Private Surf Coaching at Playa Santa Teresa

4. Guided Nature Walk in Cabo Blanco Reserve

5. Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Gourmet Dinner

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Montezuma Waterfalls Tour

2. Snorkeling at Tortuga Island

3. Horseback Riding on the Beach

4. ATV Adventure Tour

5. Group Surf Lessons at Playa Santa Teresa

Day 8: Travel from Santa Teresa to Nosara

Travel Details:

• Drive Time: ~4.5 hours (150 km / 93 miles)

Days 8-9: Nosara (2 Nights)

Why Nosara?
Nosara is a tranquil surf and wellness haven, known for its eco-friendly vibe, yoga retreats, and beginner-friendly waves. It’s surrounded by lush jungle and abundant wildlife.

Top 5 Luxury Hotels/Wellness Retreats (Breakfast Included):

1. The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel: Stylish, surf-focused, and includes breakfast.

2. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort: Luxurious wellness retreat with yoga classes and organic breakfast.

3. Olas Verdes Hotel: Eco-friendly, steps from Playa Guiones, and offers a hearty breakfast.

4. Lagarta Lodge: Boutique hotel with stunning ocean and jungle views, includes breakfast.

5. Harmony Hotel: Eco-luxury hotel with a focus on wellness and organic breakfast.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Guiones: Long, gentle waves perfect for beginners and intermediates.

• Playa Pelada: Smaller, fun waves and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Playa Ostional: Advanced surf spot and famous for turtle nesting.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. La Luna: Beachfront Mediterranean cuisine with stunning sunset views.

2. 10Pies: Casual spot for fresh, local dishes and smoothies.

3. El Chivo: Tex-Mex with a lively atmosphere.

4. Beach Dog Café: Healthy, organic meals near Playa Guiones.

5. Rosi’s Soda Tica: Authentic Costa Rican food at great prices.

Top 5 Wellness/High-End Options ($200–$500):

1. Private Yoga and Meditation Session at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

2. Luxury Spa Treatment at Harmony Hotel

3. Private Surf Coaching at Playa Guiones

4. Guided Forest Bathing Experience at Lagarta Lodge

5. Organic Farm-to-Table Dinner Experience

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Turtle Nesting Tour at Playa Ostional

2. Guided Wildlife Walk at Nosara Wildlife Refuge

3. Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour

4. Canopy Zip-line Adventure

5. Group Surf Lessons at Playa Guiones

Day 9: Travel from Nosara to Liberia International Airport (LIR)

·        Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (120 km / 75 miles)

Be sure to check out our Surf Costa Rica page for more Costa Rica surf and travel info. And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. For sure! A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, so does repping the local team to start a conversation, make some friends, and let everyone know you want to be here and you’re here to surf. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.

Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you get your bearings, find your right spot, and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for rad event invites, news, real good discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We’re not trying to crowd the lineup in your email or drop in on your inbox, just trying to let you know what’s out the back and help you time it up for your set wave. Pura Vida!

Keep the stoke alive, ride with respect, and enjoy the pura vida every wave delivers. See you in the lineup!