Retreat Centers
Playa Hermosa Lodge
Playa Hermosa Lodge was a small hilltop bed and breakfast above Playa Hermosa, just south of Jacó on the Central Pacific, offering vinyasa yoga classes and quick access to one of Costa Rica's best-known surf beaches. Its website no longer works and we couldn't confirm it's still open, so check before planning a stay.
By Monirul Hoque · Published · Updated
Update, November 2026: We couldn't confirm Playa Hermosa Lodge is still running. Its old website no longer works and we found no current listings or recent reviews, so check directly before planning a visit.
Playa Hermosa Lodge was a small bed and breakfast on a private hilltop above Playa Hermosa, about 5 minutes south of Jacó on the Central Pacific coast. It suited surfers and independent travelers who wanted a quiet room with an ocean view, a yoga class in the morning and Jacó's restaurants close by.
What it offered
There were two houses side by side: the Lodge, built in a Costa Rican style, and the Villa, which mixed Costa Rican and Caribbean design. Rooms had air conditioning, private bathrooms and views over the forest to the sea. There was no restaurant; breakfast was included, and guests could use a shared kitchen, an outdoor barbecue area and the garden.
The yoga
The lodge offered daily vinyasa classes for all levels, taught at the lodge, on the beach or in Jacó, as well as private lessons. If you're looking for a dedicated yoga place on this stretch of coast, Vida Asana is also in the Playa Hermosa area, and our guide to where to do yoga in Costa Rica covers the Central Pacific.
Playa Hermosa and around
Playa Hermosa is a long, dark-sand beach with a strong, consistent beach break that's better suited to experienced surfers than beginners; Jacó's main beach is gentler for learning. Part of the beach is a protected wildlife refuge where sea turtles nest. Nearby you can book horseback rides to waterfalls, ATV tours and sportfishing from the Los Sueños marina at Herradura, about 25 minutes north. Manuel Antonio National Park is about 1 hour south by road.
Getting there
Jacó is about 1.5 hours by road from San José airport on the paved Route 27 and the coastal highway, which makes this one of the easiest beach areas to reach from the capital. Playa Hermosa is a few minutes further south.
Frequently asked questions
Is Playa Hermosa Lodge still open?
We couldn't confirm it. Its website no longer works and we found no current listings, so contact the lodge before planning a stay.
Is Playa Hermosa good for beginner surfers?
Not really. It's a powerful beach break known for competitions; beginners usually learn at Jacó beach, a few minutes north.
How far is Playa Hermosa from San José?
About 1.5 hours by road from San José airport, a few minutes past Jacó.
[Updated on: 4 November 2026]
