Canaima Chill House
8 jungle suites with a pool above Santa Teresa
Canaima Chill House is a quiet boutique hotel of 8 suites in the jungle on the hill above north Santa Teresa, about 400 m up the road from Eat Street. It suits couples and small families who want a peaceful base with a kitchenette, a pool and jungle sounds, and don't mind getting to the beach by car or a walk downhill.
At a glance
- Location
- Santa Teresa north, Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Type
- Hotel
- Best for
- Couples and small families wanting a calm, small hotel in the trees
- Setting
- Jungle hillside, about 400 m uphill from Eat Street in north Santa Teresa
- Rooms
- 8 suites: 4 for up to 2 people and 4 loft suites for up to 4
- In the room
- Air conditioning, kitchenette, private deck, bamboo hanging bed
- Facilities
- Pool, jacuzzi, free parking, Wi-Fi
- House rules
- Quiet after 9 pm, registered guests only
- Official website
- canaimachillhouse.com
What it's like
Canaima is a small hotel set in the jungle on the hill above north Santa Teresa. With just 8 suites, it's calm and personal, and the setting is the point: you hear the jungle instead of traffic, and each suite has a bamboo hanging bed on its deck for doing nothing at all. A pool and jacuzzi give you somewhere to cool off between beach trips.
It's the opposite of the busy main road below, which is exactly why people choose it.
Rooms
There are 2 types of suite, 4 of each:
- Suite Room: a queen bed for 2 people.
- Suite Loft Room: a queen bed plus 2 singles, for up to 4.
Both types come with air conditioning, a kitchenette with a fridge, toaster and coffee maker, a shower with a jungle view and hot water, a safe, a private deck, Wi-Fi and free parking. The kitchenettes make it easy to do your own breakfasts and simple meals; the hotel doesn't list a restaurant for guests.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It's a good fit for couples, small families and anyone who wants quiet nights and a nature feel at a smaller scale than the big hotels. The house rules ask for silence after 9 pm, so it really is calm in the evenings. Pets are allowed on a leash in the garden and common areas, with a deposit.
It's not for people who want to walk out onto the sand or party late. The beach is about 400 to 500 m away, back down the hill, so you'll walk down and climb back up, or drive. Without a restaurant on site, you'll be heading out for most meals. The rules are firm too: no unregistered visitors, and children under 12 need an adult with them at the pool.
Getting there
From the main crossroads at Playa Carmen, drive north along the main road to Eat Street, turn right onto the road that climbs the hill, and continue about 400 m; Canaima is on the right. That puts you close to the shops and restaurants of north Santa Teresa and a short trip from Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa. For flights, shuttles and the ferry, see our travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Canaima Chill House from the beach?
About 400 to 500 m, down the hill from Eat Street on the main road.
Does it have a pool?
Yes, there's a pool and a jacuzzi. The pool is open from 8 am to 9 pm.
Is breakfast included?
The official site doesn't describe a breakfast service, but every suite has a kitchenette. Ask when you book.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, with rules: pets must be leashed in common areas, can't be left alone in the room and aren't allowed in the pool area. A deposit applies.
Do the rooms have air conditioning?
Yes, both suite types have air conditioning. Check current availability on the official Canaima Chill House website.
