Casa Atrapasueños

Lush Jungle Getaway High in the Trees

Tucked into the teeming jungle vegetation where iguanas, howler monkeys and bright birds play, this balcony-lined coastal bungalow offers a wide window on the tropical pura vida vibe that’s put Santa Teresa on the map.

The hilltop home is all about its viewpoints, with wave watching possible from bed, balcony or even the private infinity pool equipped with its own outdoor bathroom. Located in the gated Mar-a-Mar community’s verdant El Bosque section, the white-and-light-wood beach house favors a punch of tropical flair in its interior décor, local Guanacaste wood stairs, and an easy, breezy atmosphere high above Santa Teresa’s white sands. Balconies extend from every bedroom and living area, putting the lush vegetation at eye level, and ensuring privacy even though it's only minutes from town and its trademark surf. 

AROUND

The Mar-a-Mar gated community is situated directly overlooking Santa Teresa’s prime surf spot, La Lora, and the villa’s wide vista takes in the bleached, sun soaked sands for miles. Walking distance to the heart of the small community of Santa Teresa, with its cafes, restaurants, specialty shops and supermarkets, the home also offers beach access on foot, though an ATV rental is recommended. Surrounded by dense tropical vegetation, the villa is a nature lover’s dream spot as its “Dreamcatcher” name suggests. Howler monkeys sound at night, vivid birds perch nearby, and Santa Teresa’s lively surf beach rolls below. Known for its laid back, beach bum-styled vibes and big waves, Santa Teresa was once a quiet, if industrious fishing village. Now a happening tropical outpost and world class surfing destination, the town offers family run cafes and beach taverns, creative restaurants and cocktail bars on its unpopulated sands accented by colorful, cabana-lined streets. Shops range from the designer to the low-key and kitsch, and the town is home to a thriving alternative lifestyle and wellness community of yogis, seekers, athletes, expats and sun worshippers who come to soak up the pura vida local life. 

Santa Teresa’s beaches attract expert surfers and it’s a great launch spot for beginners, too, with its warm tropical waters and constant waves that make it ideal for learning. The area is also a great place for hikers, who can explore the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, where guided tours lead through the lush rainforest to discover a dizzying variety of flora and fauna. A rainforest canopy tour to the Montezuma Waterfalls is the spot to grab a post-tour swim and visit of the village of Montezuma. Kayaking is available in the Curu Wildlife Refuge, a mangrove ecosystem of calm bays teeming with vegetation and wildlife.

LOCATION

Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Nearest airport: San Jose or Liberia, both accessible by a 25-minute flights to Tambor and a connecting 45-minute drive

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year-round, with October the rainiest month