You wake up to howler monkeys in the canopy, not hallway chatter. Coffee tastes better when you can hear the jungle breathing around you, and your first decision of the day is simple: beach town today, or a slow morning on the terrace.

That is the real pull of a nature villa stay in Costa Rica – privacy, space, and wildlife close enough to feel, while still being a short drive from the surf, restaurants, and sunset spots everyone comes for.

This guide is for Canadian travellers who want the best of both worlds around Santa Teresa: a calm base that feels immersed in nature, plus easy access to Santa Teresa, Montezuma, and Manzanillo without the noise and traffic of staying right in the busiest strip.

What “nature villa stay” really means here

In the Santa Teresa area (Río Negro/Cóbano, Puntarenas), “nature” is not a theme – it is the setting. A true nature villa stay Costa Rica guests end up loving is usually defined by a few practical realities.

First, you are surrounded by living forest. That means you can expect birds at dawn, geckos on walls at night, and the occasional troop of monkeys moving through the trees. It is beautiful, and it is also a reminder that you are sharing space. If the idea of seeing a beetle inside now and then is a deal breaker, a jungle-edge villa may not be your perfect match.

Second, the trade-off for that immersion is that you are not walking to everything. Santa Teresa and the beaches are close, but you will likely be driving, taking a taxi, or using an ATV. For many travellers, that is actually the point – you get quiet nights, better sleep, and a more restorative pace.

Third, nature stays can still be modern. You can absolutely have A/C, Wi‑Fi, hot showers, a full kitchen, and comfortable beds while being tucked into a green pocket away from the main road. The key is choosing a place that is built and maintained for that environment.

Picking the right base: Santa Teresa region vs. “in town”

If you have never been to this part of Costa Rica, it is easy to underestimate how much your base shapes your trip. Santa Teresa itself is spread out, and the vibe changes quickly between the busier beachfront stretches and the quieter inland roads.

Staying closer to the action can be great if your plan is surf lessons at sunrise, cafés after, then nightlife. You will be able to move on foot more often, and the energy can be fun for a short stay.

A nature-immersed base slightly outside the busiest strip suits a different style of travel: couples who want privacy, families who need calm evenings, and remote workers who need consistent sleep and a place that feels like a home. It is also a strong fit if you want to explore multiple towns, not just Santa Teresa. Montezuma waterfalls, Manzanillo beaches, and quieter coves become easier when you are already positioned for day trips.

It depends on your priorities. If you know you will be out late most nights, choose convenience. If you want mornings that start slow and nights that end early, choose nature.

What to look for in a villa (beyond the photos)

A good villa listing should make you feel confident about the basics. In this climate, the basics matter more than a trendy design detail.

Wi‑Fi that can handle real work

If you are a digital nomad or even just taking a few calls, ask directly about typical speeds and stability. Remote work in Costa Rica is very doable, but the difference between “Wi‑Fi included” and “Wi‑Fi you can rely on” is real.

Air conditioning and screens

You may not run A/C all day, but you will appreciate it at night during warmer weeks. Screens on windows are also a quiet luxury in the tropics. When a place is designed for airflow and comfort, you can enjoy nature without feeling like you are camping.

A kitchen you will actually use

A nature villa stay often means you will cook at least some meals. Look for a full-size fridge, decent cookware, and a layout that makes it easy. In the Santa Teresa area, groceries are available, but you will be glad you are not improvising every meal.

Laundry for longer stays

If you are staying more than a week, laundry shifts your whole trip. Fewer bags, fewer errands, more freedom to take spontaneous beach days.

Clear access info

Road conditions can change with rain, and some properties are better suited for certain vehicles. Ask about the last stretch of road, parking, and whether a 4×4 is recommended for your dates.

How to plan a nature-first week without missing the beaches

A peaceful villa stay does not mean you are far from the ocean. It just means you choose your beach time with intention.

Give yourself one “easy beach” as your default. Many travellers use Santa Teresa for this because it has lots of access points and a wide range of surf breaks. Then pick one day for Montezuma if you want a different vibe – a little more bohemian, with the waterfall hike as a built-in adventure.

Save Manzanillo for a quieter, slower beach day. Bring water and a small snack, and commit to leaving your phone in your bag for an hour. This is the kind of place where nature does the entertaining.

If you surf, plan around conditions rather than the clock. If you do not surf, sunset is still your anchor. A nature villa stay pairs beautifully with a simple routine: quiet morning, explore mid-day, beach and sunset late afternoon, then back to the calm.

Packing for comfort in the jungle (without overpacking)

Canadian travellers often pack either too much “just in case” or too little because they expect a resort setup. A villa in nature sits in the middle.

Bring lightweight long sleeves and pants for evenings. It is not about heat – it is for mosquitoes and comfort. Add a good bug spray, and consider a small after-bite treatment if you are sensitive.

Footwear is usually simple: sandals for daily life, runners or hiking shoes if you plan to do Montezuma waterfall or longer walks, and something you do not mind getting dusty. Rain gear is worth it in green season, even if it is just a compact rain jacket.

If you are working remotely, bring a laptop stand or at least a way to set up ergonomically. A villa gives you the space to create a good routine, and your body will thank you.

Wildlife expectations: the magic and the boundaries

Part of the appeal of a nature villa stay is being close to wildlife. You might see monkeys, coatis, iguanas, colourful birds, and more insects than you are used to back home.

The best advice is simple: enjoy, but do not feed. Feeding wildlife changes behaviour and can create problems for guests and animals. Keep food sealed, rinse dishes, and take out garbage regularly.

If you are travelling with kids, it helps to set expectations. Make the wildlife a highlight, and teach a couple of house rules: no chasing animals, no leaving snacks out, and doors closed at night.

Getting around: what most first-timers wish they knew

Santa Teresa area travel is not complicated, but it is different. Distances look short on a map, yet travel time can stretch because of road surfaces, rain, and slow traffic.

If you want maximum flexibility, a rental vehicle helps. If you prefer not to drive, you can still do well with taxis and local drivers, especially if your plan is a couple of main excursions plus beach days.

ATVs are popular, and they can be fun, but they are not for everyone. If you are not confident, skip it. A calm holiday is not the place to learn the hard way.

Also, plan for earlier nights. Many nature-immersed villas feel best when you return before it is very late. You will still get dinners out – you will just do them without turning every night into an event.

Choosing a place that feels hosted, not handled

There is a difference between a key code and a welcome.

For a nature villa stay, having an attentive host matters because the environment has its own rhythm. You want someone who can advise on road conditions, beach access, where to buy groceries, and what to do when the rain changes your plans.

If you are looking for that style of calm, owner-hosted experience near Santa Teresa, you can browse modern, fully equipped villas at Villas Pura Vida. It is a small collection, which tends to mean more consistency and a more personal touch.

When a nature villa stay is not the best choice

It is worth saying plainly: nature stays are not for every trip.

If you are travelling for a big celebration and want to be steps from nightlife, you may feel too far out. If you are only in the area for one or two nights, the time spent settling in can feel like a trade-off.

And if you are very uncomfortable with tropical bugs or animal sounds at night, you might be happier in a more central, hotel-style setup where the building is designed to feel more sealed off.

The good news is that Costa Rica gives you options. Choosing what fits your real preferences is what makes the trip feel easy.

A quiet way to make the trip feel bigger

If you want your Costa Rica memories to include more than a checklist of beaches, give yourself at least one day with no agenda. Make breakfast slowly, listen for the birds, and let the heat decide your pace.

A nature villa stay works best when you stop trying to “use” every hour – and start letting the place meet you where you are.