Horizon Ocean View Hotel & Yoga Center, Santa Teresa

Yoga retreat meets romantic boutique hotel at Horizon Ocean View Hotel & Yoga Center. Opened in 2005 and run by a friendly Israeli couple, the property is enveloped in tropical gardens and jungle foliage on a hill above the ocean in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. The complex features a natural, rustic design with lots of wood, stone, and plants. The small property has four cabins (three singles and one double). A yoga deck with spectacular ocean views is a major highlight of the property. With its proximity to the beach and the town's cozy shops, art galleries, and diverse restaurants, you'll be perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of the Santa Teresa area.

 

Pros

• The hotel's restaurant and yoga deck both have ocean views.
• The beach is within walking distance.
• It's common to see howler monkeys, iguanas, and parrots on the property.
• The restaurant serves Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine, which is unusual in the region.

Cons

• The hotel has three pools, but only one is open to all guests (the other two are for guests at the villas).
• The walls are thin, and some travelers report hearing music at night from neighboring guests.
• This hotel isn't ideal for travelers with limited mobility. 

Authenticity

The hotel's gardens are rich with native plants and attract wildlife. The rustic architectural design is consistent with local tradition. Since the owners are Israeli, it's fitting that the restaurant serves Israeli and Mediterranean cuisine.
 

Location

It's a 13-minute walk to Playa Carmen and a quick drive to other local beaches like Santa Teresa, Cocal, and Hermosa. Guests can easily explore the beach and the surrounding Santa Teresa area on foot; a rental car or taxi will be helpful in venturing further afield. The thriving beach town of Santa Teresa, where the hotel is located, is home to many small shops, including art galleries, gift shops, and grocery stores. Several restaurants nearby serve local and international cuisine within a short walk of the hotel. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel has one- and two-bedroom cabins, all air-conditioned. Each room is designed with wood, stone, and abundant natural light. All accommodations include a fully equipped kitchenette, a separate seating area, and a private balcony or patio—perfect for spotting howler monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. Upgraded villas offer additional amenities like private or shared pools and garden views.

Wildlife

The tropical gardens surrounding the hotel are a natural habitat for various wildlife. Travelers regularly see animals, birds, and insects from their balconies at Horizon Ocean View Hotel, including howler monkeys, iguanas, and parrots. The howler monkeys often call at sunrise, and travelers can enjoy hearing this chorus and the chirping of tropical birds around the grounds.

Amenities

Guests can relax in the outdoor pool, indulge in on-site massages, or join one of the daily yoga classes held on a deck overlooking the ocean. Horizon has three pools. One, a triangular-shaped infinity pool, is open to all guests, while the other two are for villa guests only. The main pool features umbrellas, plenty of lounge chairs, and scenic views. Due to the hillside location, this hotel isn't the best choice for travelers with limited mobility. 

Family-Friendliness

This hotel has been highly rated by families with children. One of the cabins is adults-only, while the others can accommodate families. Children 12 and up are considered adults; those 11 and under stay for free when using existing beds. The restaurant menu has many simple options that kids would like. Past guests say the hotel offered children's movies and boogie boards. There's also a playground next to the villas.

Other Highlights

The hotel's vegetarian restaurant offers organic a la carte meals made with homegrown herbs and seasonal produce. It serves a range of Israeli and Mediterranean dishes, including shakshuka (eggs poached in tomato and bell pepper sauce), sabich (fried eggplant, boiled eggs, and potatoes served in a pita), Greek salad with homemade tahini, and more. The scenic terrace offers views over the ocean. There isn't a bar on-site, though guests will find many nearby in Santa Teresa.