Nalu Nosara
Eight villas by Studio Saxe, open to the jungle and the sea. A private pool. Surf at sunrise, surf at sunset. A studio shared with locals. Time that moves differently.
We are a couple from New York City.
We kept coming back to Nosara — warm water surf, yoga in the jungle, a pace that felt like the opposite of everything we knew. Each visit got longer. Eventually, we stopped leaving.
We had our first child in New York. When our second arrived, we took the leap — a nine-month trial in Nosara. By the end of the first month, we knew we weren't going back.
We opened Nalu — a place where families and friends can stay, slow down, live well, and let the kids run free. We've called Nosara home for over 13 years, raising our family in the sun and surf.
What is Nalu?
Nalu means wave in Hawaiian — and to go with the flow. Here in Costa Rica, the locals say Pura Vida every day. It means eternal optimism, just go with the flow — or Nalu it. Which is how we strive to live our lives.
Sombra
Two bedrooms, a private saltwater pool, and a hanging bed in the garden. The trees press in close and the light inside stays green and cool all day.
- Sleep
- 2 bedrooms · both configurable as 1 king or 2 twins · 2 daybeds in the living room · sleeps up to 6
- Bath
- 2 baths · indoor and outdoor showers
- Outside
- Private saltwater pool · decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
- Inside
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, blender, coffee maker, toaster, pots, pans and dishes · washer and dryer · closets in every bedroom · high-speed WiFi · smart TV and cable · Bluetooth speaker · air conditioning in all bedrooms
- Families
- Toys and books provided · crib and high chair on request
- Included
- Linens, bath and Turkish beach towels
2 beach chairs and beach umbrella
Per night · 13% tax not included · 3-night minimum · cleaning fee applies
Mar
Two bedrooms, a private saltwater pool, and a circular hanging swing in a garden that wraps around the whole villa. Good for couples, great for kids.
- Sleep
- 2 bedrooms · both configurable as 1 king or 2 twins · 2 daybeds in the living room · sleeps up to 6
- Bath
- 2 baths · indoor and outdoor showers
- Outside
- Private saltwater pool · decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
- Inside
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, blender, coffee maker, toaster, pots, pans and dishes · washer and dryer · closets in every bedroom · high-speed WiFi · smart TV and cable · Bluetooth speaker · air conditioning in all bedrooms
- Families
- Toys and books provided · crib and high chair on request
- Included
- Linens, bath and Turkish beach towels
2 beach chairs and beach umbrella
Per night · 13% tax not included · 3-night minimum · cleaning fee applies
Sol
Two bedrooms, a private saltwater pool, close to the playground. Sunshine fills the home and pool area from early morning through the afternoon.
- Sleep
- 2 bedrooms · both configurable as 1 king or 2 twins · 2 daybeds in the living room · sleeps up to 6
- Bath
- 2 baths · indoor and outdoor showers
- Outside
- Private saltwater pool · decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
- Inside
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, blender, coffee maker, toaster, pots, pans and dishes · washer and dryer · closets in every bedroom · high-speed WiFi · smart TV and cable · Bluetooth speaker · air conditioning in all bedrooms
- Families
- Toys and books provided · crib and high chair on request
- Included
- Linens, bath and Turkish beach towels
2 beach chairs and beach umbrella
Per night · 13% tax not included · 3-night minimum · cleaning fee applies
Flor
Two bedrooms, a private pool, and a hammock strung between flowering trees. The most tucked-away of the five — the world gets a little quieter once you're inside.
- Sleep
- 2 bedrooms · both configurable as 1 king or 2 twins · 2 daybeds in the living room · sleeps up to 6
- Bath
- 2 baths · indoor and outdoor showers
- Outside
- Private saltwater pool · decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
- Inside
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, blender, coffee maker, toaster, pots, pans and dishes · washer and dryer · closets in every bedroom · high-speed WiFi · smart TV and cable · Bluetooth speaker · air conditioning in all bedrooms
- Families
- Toys and books provided · crib and high chair on request
- Included
- Linens, bath and Turkish beach towels
2 beach chairs and beach umbrella
Per night · 13% tax not included · 3-night minimum · cleaning fee applies
Jardín
Three bedrooms, a bunk room that sleeps four, a saltwater pool, and a covered pavilion in the garden. The one that gives every age group their own space.
- Sleep
- 3 bedrooms · bedroom 1: king bed · bedroom 2: configurable as 1 king or 2 twins · bedroom 3: 2 twin bunkbeds · 2 daybeds in the living room · sleeps up to 10
- Bath
- 3 baths · indoor and outdoor showers
- Outside
- Private saltwater pool · decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
- Inside
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, blender, coffee maker, toaster, pots, pans and dishes · washer and dryer · closets in every bedroom · high-speed WiFi · smart TV and cable · Bluetooth speaker · air conditioning in all bedrooms
- Families
- Toys and books provided · crib and high chair on request
- Included
- Linens, bath and Turkish beach towels
2 beach chairs and beach umbrella
Per night · 13% tax not included · 3-night minimum · cleaning fee applies
Ohana
Four bedrooms across two floors, a saltwater pool, an outdoor grill. A full-grown tree rises through the living room floor and disappears into the ceiling.
- Sleep
- 4 bedrooms · 3 king bedrooms · 1 queen bedroom · premium sleeper sofa in master · sleeps up to 10
- Bath
- 4.5 baths · 2 outdoor showers
- Outside
- Private saltwater pool · poolside grill and mini fridge · decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
- Inside
- Fully equipped kitchen · washer and dryer · closets in every bedroom · high-speed WiFi · smart TV · Bluetooth speaker
- Families
- Crib and high chair on request
- Included
- Linens, bath and Turkish beach towels
2 beach chairs and beach umbrella
Per night · 13% tax not included · 3-night minimum · cleaning fee applies
Skai
Three floors, bedrooms that convert between kings and twins, a pool terrace at the base. Each level climbs a little higher into the canopy. The top floor is its own world.
- Sleep
- 3 bedrooms · 2 bedrooms configurable as 1 king or 2 twins · 1 bedroom configurable as 1 king or 2 twins with 2 trundles · sleeps up to 8
- Bath
- 3.5 baths · 2 outdoor showers
- Outside
- Private saltwater pool · poolside mini fridge and dining table · decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
- Inside
- Fully equipped kitchen · washer and dryer · closets in every bedroom · high-speed WiFi · smart TV · Bluetooth speaker
- Families
- Crib and high chair on request
- Included
- Linens, bath and Turkish beach towels
2 beach chairs and beach umbrella
Per night · 13% tax not included · 3-night minimum · cleaning fee applies
Lani
Three floors, a rooftop terrace, a saltwater pool, a bunk suite that sleeps eight. The largest villa we have — generous enough that a big group never feels crowded.
- Sleep
- 4 bedrooms · 3 bedrooms configurable as 1 king or 2 twins · 1 bunk bedroom sleeping up to 8 · sleeps up to 14
- Bath
- 4.5 baths · 2 outdoor showers
- Outside
- Private saltwater pool · poolside grill and mini fridge · decks with hammocks and lounge chairs
- Inside
- Fully equipped kitchen · washer and dryer · closets in every bedroom · high-speed WiFi · smart TV · Bluetooth speaker
- Families
- Crib and high chair on request
- Included
- Linens, bath and Turkish beach towels
2 beach chairs and beach umbrella
Per night · 13% tax not included · 3-night minimum · cleaning fee applies
Private
Concierge
Our concierge team lives in Nosara. They know the surf instructors worth booking, the restaurants that don't have websites, and the back roads that lead somewhere worth going. Tell us what you're after — before you arrive or while you're here.
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- Private Surf LessonOne instructor, one student. Whether it's your first wave or your fiftieth, we know who to call.
- Zip LineThe jungle from above. You'll be laughing by the second run.
- ATVDirt roads, hidden waterfalls, and the kind of afternoon you can't really explain to people back home.
- Horseback on the BeachSunrise, low tide, no crowds. We'll arrange everything.
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- Family PhotoshootNatural light, the jungle as your backdrop. You'll be surprised how good they turn out.
- ChildcareTrusted, local, and genuinely good with kids. So you can disappear for the afternoon.
- Cooking TogetherLocal ingredients, a big kitchen, the whole family around one table. Relaxed, and better than going out.
- Kids in the WaterSurf lessons and ocean time paced for children. They'll be begging to go back the next morning.
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- Coffee FarmA half-day up in the mountains — how it grows, how it's harvested, lunch included. People always say it's their favourite day of the trip.
- Local CookingA Tico kitchen, fresh market ingredients, and recipes you'll actually try to replicate at home.
- DanceSalsa and cumbia with a local instructor. No experience needed — that's the whole point.
- Turtle Nesting (Seasonal)A guided night walk when turtles come ashore to nest. The kind of thing people talk about for years.
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- MassageYour villa, your therapist, your table. Block out two hours and don't make plans after.
- Sound HealingWorth trying even if you're skeptical. One hour. You'll feel it for the rest of the day.
- Private Chef DinnerYour kitchen, your table, someone else doing the cooking. We'll match you with the right chef for the group.
- Studio AccessYoga, movement, and breathwork steps from your door. Show up whenever — the studio is yours.
Nalu Studio
An open-air studio surrounded by jungle. Howler monkeys, birds, the rustle of the canopy. All equipment provided. No shoes required. Come as you are.
@nalu.studioLast-minute changes posted to @nalu.studio
$20 / class
Drop-in. All classes, all levels.
$10 for Costa Rican residents — present your cédula.
$150 / 10 classes
Valid 6 months from purchase. Non-transferable and non-refundable. 13% sales tax added at checkout.
Nalu Retreats
Whether you're a seasoned retreat leader or planning your first in Costa Rica, we're here. From logistics to local knowledge, we'll take care of everything — so your guests feel it from the moment they land.
Sustainability
Nosara is one of the world's Blue Zones — a place worth protecting. We employ local staff, support local businesses, and build with materials that belong here. We keep our footprint small — enough room for the jungle to thrive and the animals to roam.
Solar-powered. Rainwater recycled. Built by local hands, from local materials.