Casa MarBella is a small boutique hotel on the hillside above Santa Teresa, about 300 m east of the Super Ronny 1 market. It has 8 units with kitchens or kitchenettes around an infinity pool, plus an open-air yoga deck with ocean views. It suits couples, families and groups who like to cook for themselves, and retreat leaders who want the whole place.
What it's like
Casa MarBella sits up the hill behind Santa Teresa, so the first thing you notice is the view: ocean on one side, green hills on the other. It's a small place, just 8 units arranged around an infinity pool, and it feels more like a well-run apartment complex than a full-service hotel. There's an open-air yoga deck looking out to the Pacific, daily cleaning and an on-site concierge who can line up excursions, local catering or a private chef.
What it doesn't have is a restaurant. Most units come with a kitchen or kitchenette, and the idea is that you shop in town, cook when you feel like it and eat out the rest of the time. If you want breakfast brought to you every morning, this isn't that kind of place.
Rooms
The unit types range quite a bit in size:
- Three Bedroom Condo: 2 levels, about 130 square meters, 2 full bathrooms, a big kitchen and a private terrace facing the ocean. It sleeps up to 6.
- Two Bedroom Suite: an apartment-style layout with a king room, a queen room, a kitchen and an ocean-view balcony. It sleeps up to 4.
- Standard Room with Kitchenette: a king bed and a kitchenette for light cooking, looking over the pool.
- Standard Room: a queen and a twin, a small fridge, air conditioning and wifi.
The hotel says the standard rooms are for guests aged 12 and up. If you're traveling with younger kids, ask about the condo or suite when you book.
Groups and events
You can rent the whole hotel for a retreat, wedding or family gathering, with space for up to 30 people across the 8 units. The yoga deck makes it a natural fit for a yoga teacher running a small group, and the staff can help arrange catering, wellness sessions and tours.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It's a good fit for families and friends who want space, a kitchen and a pool with a view, and for groups who'd like a property to themselves. Couples will find the standard rooms comfortable and quiet.
It's less suited to anyone who wants to roll out of bed onto the sand. The hillside position is the trade-off for the view: the hotel says the beach and town are just minutes away, but guests often mention that the walk back up the hill is steep, especially in the midday heat. A car, ATV or scooter makes life easier. Travelers who want on-site meals should look elsewhere or plan on the private chef.
Getting there
The hotel gives its address as 300 m east of Super Ronny 1, one of the town's supermarkets, which puts it on the hill above the southern part of Santa Teresa. From the main beach road, you head inland and uphill. Most visitors reach Santa Teresa by shuttle or car via the Paquera ferry, or fly into the small Cóbano airstrip and take a short transfer. Our travel guide covers the options.
Frequently asked questions
Does Casa MarBella have a restaurant?
No restaurant is listed. Most units have a kitchen or kitchenette, and the hotel can arrange local catering or a private chef.
Can I walk to the beach?
Yes, it's a short walk downhill, but the return climb is steep. Many guests rent a car or ATV.
Is it good for kids?
The standard rooms are for guests 12 and older. For younger children, ask about the condo or suite when you book.
Can I book the whole hotel?
Yes. Full-hotel rental is offered for retreats, weddings and group trips of up to 30 guests. Check current availability on the official Casa MarBella website.
