In November, I had the privilege to take part in in my dear friend’s wedding. We called it the “destination of destination weddings” — and for good reason.
Located 2.5 hours from Liberia, Nosara isn’t the easiest destination to visit. My wedding date (ahem, boyfriend) and I made the journey from LAX to Houston, then Liberia to Nosara. Spoiler alert: the sixteen hour journey was well worth it.
Why I love Nosara
Raw beauty! Think: unpaved, gravel roads and boutique surf hotels en lieu of global chains like the Marriott.
Good food! I take that back. Great food. I was not expecting to be wowed in this category; however, I was pleasantly surprised by the town’s fabulous culinary scene. If you’re into fresh, local produce and just-caught seafood, you will love Nosara.
Good vibes! Srsly tho. The locals are incredibly friendly and hospitable. The moment we arrived at our hotel, we were greeted with sorbeteras (sorbet) and eucalyptus towels. The vibe was high.
Above all, the top reason I love Nosara is because it’s where my sweet Jamie got married.
That said, should Costa Rica be on your travel radar? Absolutely. Keep it scrollin’ for where to stay, dine, and play in Nosara.
Stay: The Gilded Iguana
The Gilded Iguana was absolutely pristine. We debated the super Instagrammable Nomadic hotel (pictured below), but ultimately booked the Gilded Iguana based on recommendations. After touring both properties, I am confident we made the right decision.
Dine: La Luna, Coyol, The Gilded Iguana
La Luna Great for groups, La Luna is a beachside restaurant and outdoor lounge offering tropical drinks, sweeping ocean views, and excellent Mediterranean food like felafel platters and Greek flatbreads.
Tip: Make a reservation online in advance and plan to arrive before sunset to soak in the view.
Coyol Up a winding mountain, Coyol is located about 30-45 minutes outside of town. While the restaurant is certainly a hike, it offered our most memorable meal in Costa Rica. Every dish is local, organic, and grilled over an open fire.
Gilded Iguana The food and drinks at our hotel were so good, I genuinely looked forward to waking up to the hotel’s iced lattes and complimentary breakfast each day. The poolside cocktails, ceviche, and calamari are also a must.
Play: Surfing, Hiking, Yoga
We spent our days exploring the raw terrain as well as hiking, swimming, and yoga. We also loved whipping around in ATVs!
Have you visited Costa Rica? Let me know in the comments below!
Xx
