We've led a group retreat to Horizons for several years now. The location is beautiful, the staff and owners friendly, and the food at the cafe is truly in a class by itself. For a couple, the 3 cabins at the top of the property are the places to be, with fabulous views. The only downside is that this property is up a steep hill, so be aware that those who are physically challenged may have difficulty. Otherwise, you'll love it! Another good thing is that Horizons is far enough up the hill to avoid the clouds of dust on the dirt roads down by the beach.

My husband and I just left Horizon Ocean View Hotel, otherwise known to us as "paradise". We stayed in the ocean view room #1 and it was much more than we had expected. It is a very cute cabin-like room with a full bathroom, nearly full-service kitchen, and most importantly, a view of the ocean even as you are laying in bed! As many previous reviewers have already stated, Gali and Yoav could not be more generous/gracious hosts. They are very kind, helpful, and efficient! We merely mentioned a few of our interests while we were in Santa Teresa and Gali was on the phone immediately arranging whatever activities we wanted. We took surf lessons with Ben at Nalu (wonderful!) and the Zuma tour to Tortuga Island (very enjoyable). Gali's veggie meals at the Teahouse were divine (all eaten while looking out on the ocean view and feeling the ocean breeze from the open air patio) and Yoav's yoga class was a unique and amazing experience. I could go on and on. If you email Gali and Yoav ahead of time, they will arrange transport from the airport in Tambor (Luis, right on time and comfortable ride). I've never before been able to come home from a trip and state that the accommodations were "perfection" but that is how I felt after a week at Horizon.

horizon is a very peaceful place, very laid-back, truly charming, simply: unique! not only because of the stunning views, the great bungalows, the amazing yoga sessions, the delicous food, blablabla, yeah, i know, i'm not the first to point that out, but foremost because of the owners who have an admirable way of 'embracing' their guests without forcing themselves on them. that really impressed me. i love having my privacy, and for that, surprisingly(!!), a yoga hotel has proven to be the perfect spot. but at the same time, when you leave your bungalow, you're so perplexed about this perfect vibe (and believe me, i've never ever even written the word 'vibe' before), that you go like 'wow, what's that feeling i'm having? something new, guess, no, yes, can that really be? i'm relaxed, yes, i'm totally relaxed', that the only thing that bugged me while staying with gali and yoav was to figure out 'how do they do it'? why do i feel so much more at ease with myself at horizon than in other places? why do i feel more welcomed and more taken care of than anywhere else in central america? what is their secret? what is it? damn, i'll definitely go back to figure it out!!

Every morning, you wake to the sounds of the ocean. That sound will be with you the entire time you're at Horizon, which is one of the many benefits of not being at sea level! (Another is not dealing with the dust, which is ubiquitous down in the town during dry season.) Perched up on the hillside, you look out into the clear sky, over green trees and blue water. It's the perfect place to rest, relax, reset.

The rooms are clean and minimal - it's kind of like staying in a grown-up tree house, actually. There's running water, a kitchen with a fridge, air conditioning (grown-up) but there's also a hammock, the sounds of nature all around you (and sometimes in your room, don't worry, it's harmless), and a rustic aspect (tree house), which makes it truly unique. The owners are lovely people and a big part of what will make your stay so wonderful. They provide helpful notes in the rooms, but they are also available throughout the day, whether to teach one of the top notch yoga classes in the most amazing place I've ever practiced yoga (in an open pavilion overlooking the ocean, wow), whip up a delicious smoothie, or to answer any questions about the many things to do in the lively surf town of Santa Teresa.

This review is actually depressing me, because I'm sitting behind a computer in San Francisco and not laying in a hammock at Horizon ... Hmmm. Go. Leave now. You'll have to fly into San Jose, take a commuter plane to Tambor, and then take a cab to Santa Teresa, but it is worth it. You will get there and you will instantly understand - it is worth it. Take me with you!

Notes:
- You have to pay the balance of your bill in cash or you can pay by credit card but there is a 10% fee.
- For the beauty of the view and the peace of being above it all, there is a slight trek to the beach (down a hill, to the right on a dusty road, across a little bridge, to a path leading to the sand - about 7 minutes).
- Other reviews reference a pool you can swim in, but I only saw the dipping pool beneath the Tea Pavilion. If you're interested in the grounds, be sure to ask!