Nosara (Playa Ostional, Guillones)

Located on the Northwest Pacific Coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara’s fame is growing as one of Costa Rica’s premier family and wellness vacation destinations. Set inland from the coast, the town connects the smaller villages and notorious surfer beaches of Playa Guiones, Playa Nosara, Playa Ostional, and Playa Pelada. It also borders the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, where Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Pacific Green sea turtles arrive yearly by the thousands to lay their eggs.

Nosara, Costa Rica, has earned its fame for several reasons. Originally a laid-back escape for surfers and expats looking for peace and quiet; today, Nosara is renowned as one of the country’s best retirement and second home destinations.

Surfing Nosara

National Geographic listed Nosara as one of the top 15 surf spots in the world for quality and cleanliness. The town’s four surf beaches – listed above – are recipients of the Blue Flag Award, which signifies that the beach, water, and surrounding wilderness have the highest cleanliness and ecological health levels.

Playa Guiones, in particular, is an excellent beach for beginner and intermediate surfers. Several surf schools and surfboard rentals, as well as tour providers, can be found in the beachfront town.

One of five Blue Zones of the world.

There are five regions in the world where the residents have a better quality of life and live considerably longer than anywhere else (generally over 100 years). They include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; and – you guessed it – Nicoya, Costa Rica.

National Geographic author Dan Buettner first coined the Blue Zone title to describe the combination of factors contributing to a Blue Zone’s geographic development and the high number of centenarians. They include a healthy diet low in processed foods, good water with high mineral content, a sense of purpose, physical activity, and good friends and family.

Wellness, spirituality, and Yoga in Nosara, Costa Rica.

Nosara’s reputation as Costa Rica’s wellness and spirituality hub is growing. Especially among U.S. and European expats seeking an alternative lifestyle. Environmental and sustainability-conscious living and vacation communities are multiplying along the Blue Zone coastline, attracting retirees and foreigners looking for investment real estate opportunities.

Nosara is also famed as one of Costa Rica’s most important yoga and wellness retreat destinations. World-renowned centers such as Blue Spirit Retreat Nosara, Nosara Yoga Institute, and even retreat centers for travelers on a tight budget are among the many choices.