# Hotel Manalá: 8 garden bungalows near the beach in Santa Teresa

> Hotel Manalá is a small boutique hotel in north Santa Teresa with 8 private bungalows spread through tropical gardens around a large pool. It's about 100 m from the beach, and guests often mention the friendly staff and the breakfast. It suits couples and small families who want a quiet, comfortable base close to the surf.

Source: https://www.santa-teresa.com/hotel-manala/
Last checked: 2026-10-21
Location: Santa Teresa north, Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Type: boutique hotel, hotel
Official website: https://manalahotel.com/
Best for: Couples and small families who want quiet and comfort
Setting: Tropical gardens about 100 m from the beach, north of the soccer field
Rooms: 8 private bungalows, 1 designed for guests with disabilities
In the bungalows: A/C, fan, TV, minibar, laptop-sized safe, porch
Facilities: Large pool, breakfast, front desk from early morning to evening
Extras: Massage, surf lessons, board and quad rental, laundry

## What it's like

Hotel Manalá is a small, calm hotel in the north part of Santa Teresa, made up of 8 bungalows scattered through a lush garden of banana plants, heliconias and palms. The buildings are white with rounded walls, wooden porches and arched doors, which gives the place a Mediterranean feel. In the middle of it all is a large pool shaded by a big mango tree, with loungers along the edge.

The beach is about 100 m away, across the road, so you can walk down for a surf or a sunset in a couple of minutes. Recent guests tend to praise the staff, the gardens and the breakfast, and some mention that breakfast can be brought to your bungalow. A few say the rooms could use some updating, so set your expectations at comfortable rather than brand new.

There's a longer write-up of the hotel on [Mal País Beach's Hotel Manalá page](https://malpaisbeach.com/hotel-manala/).

## The bungalows

Each of the 8 bungalows stands on its own for privacy. Inside, you'll find queen beds, a seating area, air conditioning, a fan, a TV, a minibar, a laptop-sized safe and a roomy bathroom with a shower. Every unit has an outdoor porch looking onto the garden. One bungalow was built specifically for guests with disabilities, which is rare in this area, so mention it when you book if you need it.

Housekeeping comes daily, and the front desk is staffed from early morning until evening.

## Services and things to do

The hotel can set up massages, yoga, surf lessons, surfboard and quad rentals, laundry and local tours, and it says it can handle special diets if you let the front desk know. Several languages are spoken. Santa Teresa's beach breaks are right on your doorstep; our [surf guide](/surfing/) covers the main spots. For dinner out, see our [restaurants](/restaurants/) page.

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

It's a good choice for couples and small families who want a quiet garden setting with a pool, close to the waves but away from the busiest stretch of town. If you're comparing places to stay near the surf, this [list of Santa Teresa hotels for surfers](https://www.malpaissurfing.com/category/accommodation/hotels-santa-teresa) is a handy cross-check. If you want a big resort, nightlife on site or a sleek modern design, there are better fits in our [accommodation guide](/accommodations/).

## Getting there

From the Playa Carmen crossroads, turn right toward Santa Teresa and follow the main road about 2 km, past the soccer field. Keep going roughly 300 m past La Lora Amarilla, and you'll see the hotel's sign. Most visitors drive via the Puntarenas to Paquera ferry or fly into Tambor and take a taxi or shuttle. Our [travel guide](/travel/) has the details.

## Frequently asked questions

### How close is Hotel Manalá to the beach?
About 100 m, just across the road.

### Is breakfast available?
Yes. Guests regularly mention the breakfast, and it can be served at your bungalow.

### Is it accessible?
One of the 8 bungalows is designed for guests with disabilities. Confirm your needs when you book.

### Can the hotel arrange surf lessons?
Yes. The hotel lists surf lessons and surfboard rental among its services.

Check current availability on the [official Hotel Manalá website](https://manalahotel.com/).