Villas Solar

What it's like

Villas Solar is a cluster of 4 independent villas right in the middle of Santa Teresa. Instead of a hotel with a lobby and restaurant, you get your own small house with a kitchen, a patio and a hammock, plus a caretaker living on the property. The villas are named after local trees and fruit: Almendro, Amapola, Papaya and Carambola.

The big draw is the location. The beach and one of the most consistent surf breaks in town are about a 3-minute walk away, and the supermarket, cafes, ice cream and restaurants are all within easy walking distance. Many guests manage without a car for most of their stay. Booking-site listings for the villas also mention a pool and a shared rancho with a barbecue, so ask about those when you book if they matter to you.

The villas

• Villa Almendro: a roomy 2-bedroom villa for up to 6, with a queen bed in one room and 2 full beds in the other. It has front balconies looking over the town and a back patio with a hammock under the almond trees.
• Villa Amapola: a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom villa for up to 5, with a queen in one room and a queen plus a single in the other. It also has a balcony and a shady back patio.
• Villa Papaya: a 2-story house with both bedrooms upstairs, 2 queen beds and 2 bathrooms, plus an open kitchen and living area downstairs and a patio over the garden.
• Villa Carambola: a cozy 1-bedroom house built mostly from local teak, for a couple or a solo traveler, with a hammock looking onto a garden of bananas, starfruit and papayas.

Every villa has air conditioning throughout, a full kitchen, a TV, high-speed wifi, a laptop-sized safe, a desk, a private patio and private parking.

Help during your stay

Each villa comes with a concierge guide, and the caretaker can point you toward quad rentals, private chefs, surf lessons and tours. The surf right in front of town can be powerful, so beginners often head to gentler spots for lessons; our surf guide explains the options. Booking-site listings say pets are welcome, but confirm before you travel with one.

Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It's a great fit for families, couples and small groups who want a private house, a kitchen and a walkable location in the center of town. Since it's in the middle of Santa Teresa, expect some street life rather than total seclusion. If you want daily meals, a spa or hotel-style service, browse our accommodation guide instead.

Getting there

Santa Teresa is reached by road via the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry, by a long drive south from Liberia, or by a short flight to Tambor followed by a drive of about 30 minutes. Shared shuttles also run to town from many parts of Costa Rica. Our travel guide covers each route.