Nantipa - A Tico Beach Experience

Truly a magical place. Lush tropical gardens, calm atmosphere, well appointed “bungalows”, a restaurant (Manzu) which hits the target each time (… special shout-out to Rafael, Luis, Irwin, Maikol, Francisco, Salvatore and Gensis), what can we say more… ahhhh yeah, the sunsets at Nantipa are something you will never forget. The visual setting combined with the right musical and laidback atmosphere. Basically, a perfectly coordinated “show” from mother nature and “assisted by the tasteful management” from the folks at Nantipa and Manzu.

Our stay at Hotel Nantipa was amazing. The staff was attentive, the grounds were beautiful and relaxing, and the food was fantastic. I especially loved the complimentary yoga class offered each morning.

What a fabulous hotel ! We all absolutely loved our 4 night stay at Nantipa, as part of a family vacation travelling around Costa Rica (2 adults and 3 kids in their early 20’s). It’s well located in a beautiful prime position on the beach (best place for sunsets) , with gorgeous tropical oasis grounds & pool, restaurant where you can eat with your feet in the sand, yoga sala and brilliant staff . Truly some of the best service we’ve had anywhere - genuine, courteous and very well trained. Special thanks to Alina for sorting out a very complex luggage situation for us so brilliantly, and Emma and the concierge team too. My one comment would be that the hotel looks much better and more wonderful in real life than it does on the website… Also, the bungalow rooms with plunge pool are definitely worth the extra spend.

I don’t think I can find the right words to express how perfect and amazing Nantipa and its staff are, but I’ll try my best. If I could give Nantipa more than five stars, I would. We stayed for ten nights to celebrate our anniversary and birthday, and it turned into the best trip we’ve ever taken. We always pick a new place every year, but nothing has ever made us feel the way Nantipa did. Santa Teresa is beautiful on its own, but this hotel and its people make the entire experience unforgettable. Leaving hurt. Our mornings were sacred here. Yoga and Pilates became the perfect way to start the day. Camila is one of those rare human beings who carries a calming presence with her. Being around her made everything feel grounded. She truly is special. Valentina was amazing too, and her classes always lifted our mood. Erica gave us a private Pilates class that felt personal and tailored to exactly what we needed. Manzú deserves an entire chapter. We tried almost every restaurant in Santa Teresa, but nothing even came close. Manzú became our home base. The sunsets, the stargazing, the sound of the ocean… and the food was better than anything else we found. They took my seed oil allergy seriously every time. The staff felt more like family, and we found ourselves missing them whenever we ventured out. The Pura Vida tasting menu is an absolute must. You get a full cultural experience with the history of each dish, and every course is both delicious and meaningful. Luis made it unforgettable with how passionately he explained everything. The romantic dinner on the beach was one of the most magical nights of our entire trip. The food was incredible, the portions were generous, and the whole setup made us feel like we were the only two people on earth. Rafael made the night so thoughtful and special. It’s something we’ll remember forever. Manzú wouldn’t be what it is without the people behind it. Salvador’s warmth made meals feel comforting. Emanuel checked on us with genuine care. Irvin always brought good energy. Maikol was fast, attentive, and kind. Alvarado made us feel like part of the Nantipa family. And Genesis, one of the hostesses, has the kind of contagious smile and personality that lights up the whole place. Edgar, the manager, deserves recognition all on his own. You can tell he sets the tone because the entire team operates with heart. And Harry, the owner, was incredibly kind and hospitable every time we saw him. You can feel his vision in every corner of the property. The concierge team made our entire stay seamless. Emma and Daniela were on top of everything from the moment we arrived. Their WhatsApp check-ins throughout the day made us feel truly cared for. Every recommendation they gave was spot on. Andrey and Anthony were always ready to help, and Diego made sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes. Even before we arrived, we experienced what makes Nantipa special. On the flight over, we met Tatiana, who calmed my nerves instantly. We kept bumping into her at the resort, and she was just as sweet every time. The pool is another highlight. Absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and the best part is that there are no chemicals. You can swim for hours without your skin feeling irritated or smelling like chlorine. It’s such a small detail, but it makes a huge difference. The rooms were everything we could’ve hoped for. Spacious, tastefully designed, spotless, and calming. You step onto your private patio and feel like you’re in the jungle even though the beach is steps away. I never unpack on vacation because hotel drawers gross me out, but this room was so immaculate that we fully moved in. Housekeeping cleaned twice a day, left chocolates during turn-down, and always kept everything perfect. They were honest, warm, and incredibly thoughtful. And then there’s Pinto, the sweetest dog at the hotel. The heart and soul of the property. Seeing him around just adds to the charm and makes Nantipa feel even more like home. Nantipa is rare. Not just because of how beautiful it is, but because every single person here puts their heart into what they do. You can feel it in the details, the service, the energy, everything. This wasn’t just a vacation. It was an experience that stays with you long after you leave. We’ll be back. No question. Leaving was the hardest part. Love Nadja & John

From the moment I arrived, I knew this boutique hotel was something special. The atmosphere blends elegance and comfort effortlessly — every detail feels personal and thoughtfully designed. The staff were genuinely warm, anticipating needs before I even asked, and the room itself was a perfect mix of modern luxury and cozy charm. The breakfast was exquisite, featuring fresh, local ingredients beautifully presented. It’s rare to find a place that feels both refined and deeply relaxing — a true gem that makes you wish you could stay just a little longer.