Casazul

Pacific Kaleidoscope: Stylish Modern Surf Shack

High on a hilltop surrounded by tropical forest, in Santa Teresa’s exclusive Mar-a-Mar gated eco-community, this balcony-surrounded, contemporary glass perch is alive with a panoply of color.

Vivid pop art, punchy textiles, and boldly patterned furnishings brighten the angling white structure, creating a fun, artsy, ocean view estate. Floor to ceiling slide-away windows open out to deep, sheltered living areas and provide ventilation, ensuring that outdoor living is an all-season pursuit. Vine-tangled jungle trees practically camouflage the home, the arboreal playground of howler monkeys and squirrels, iguanas and a variety of tropical bird life. Built across three levels with a spiraling staircase, the villa is accessed via ATV or on foot, ensuring privacy despite the jungle-cloaked, hilltop home's privileged siting just 250 meters from the beach with direct views on the village’s main surf point.

AROUND

Insulated by jungle vegetation, with views of the Pacific, the villa is situated in “the Bosque” of the private, Mar-a-Mar community about fifty meters from a parking area from which you can access the home on foot or via ATV. The property’s concierge service is on hand for vehicle rentals, tours, instruction/guide services, and meal coordination (private chef, restaurant reservations) though Santa Teresa and its beaches and famed surf breaks are walking distance from the property. There's a pool on site for kicking back. And when it's time to hit the waves, Santa Teresa’s lively beach community is a world-class surf destination known for its laid back, beach bum vibes and big waves. Once a quiet fishing village, Santa Teresa now offers a happening tropical scene where family run cafes and beach taverns are joined by creative restaurants and cocktail bars on unpopulated sands along the 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 and also open up smoothie shacks and poke bowl shops. Santa Teresa’s beaches attract expert surfers and beginners, too, with warm tropical waters and constant waves ideal for learning. Beyond wave catching, the area is a great place for hikers, too, 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 Province, Costa Rica. Nearest airport: San Jose or Liberia, both accessible by 25-minute flights to Tambor and a connecting 45-minute drive.