Mal Pais Surf Camp
Lista de Correo, Mal Pais 00611 Costa Rica
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About
#3 of 16 Specialty lodging in Mal Pais
Location
4.6
Cleanliness
4.6
Service
4.6
Value
4.5
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Internet
Pool
Outdoor pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Bar / lounge
Airport transportation
Restaurant
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Room features
Safe
Kitchenette
Refrigerator
Location
60Somewhat walkable
Grade: 60 out of 100
22Restaurantswithin 0.75 miles
1Attractionwithin 0.75 miles
Contact
Lista de Correo, Mal Pais 00611 Costa Rica
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Mal país surf camp gave me and my friends an incredible experience visiting Santa Theresa. The hostel is filled with interesting, vibrant and kind people and the facilities are great. Everything is as advertised and the staff are more than willing to help with anything needed. There is a true family vibe when you stay and it is hard to leave. Location is also prime.
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Date of stay: March 2021Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Awesome place to stay! We rented two cabinas with the outdoor kitchen. The view from the outdoor kitchen was spacious and relaxing. You don’t feel cooped up like at most hotels. Our area was nice and private. The rooms were clean and the camp was beautiful! A great place to relax after surfing and exploring around town! Douglas the owner and his staff were super friendly and helpful. We rented a buggy to get around but it is also close to the beach and shops/restaurants if you don’t mind walking. We will definitely stay there again next time we are in the area. No complaints here!
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
There are multiple places to stay in Costa Rica but if you are looking for someplace off the beaten path that has personalized service, relaxing atmosphere, surf, beach, close to town, good food, several lodging options and local wildlife then we highly recommend you try this spot. Doug and his family make this a great place to stay. Because Mal Pais Surf Camp is more remote, do not hesitate to reach out to Doug and he will help you arrange transportation to and from the camp.
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We had another wonderful stay at the surf camp. Douglass and his staff provided personalized, thoughtful attention to our needs. The grounds were beautiful, the pool amazing and Juan Carlos is an incredible cook. It's a safe, peaceful oasis in the booming town with a laid back, chill vibe.
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Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
I do not no where to even start! When ritmo tropical lossed our booking of 8 nights we did not have a place to sleep until we check out the surf camp and resort and the manager said we could stay a few nights! This was incredible because we can plan out where we can sleep for the next 6 nights. Also the food there was incredible as well as the pool and the staff.There was pool table and a ping pong table that you can use also the beach was close and the place felt very safe for us and a relaxed atmosphere. We returned here for 3 nights when a room became available and the villa was amazing. Very clean and comfortable. I highly recommend this to every family who comes to mal pais.
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Date of stay: January 2019Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Stayed for 2 nights , brilliant breakfast and pool , kids spent most of the time either hunting lizards or imitating the bowler monkeys , great vibe , Douglas extremely helpful and knowledgable about the area
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Date of stay: December 2018Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
We stayed here for a month and were overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Surf Camp family. Doug and JC went out of their way to help us book tours, shuttles, and surf lessons at a good price. The landscaping on the camp is beautiful and the accommodations are simple, clean, and comfortable. Loved having the pool, being across the street from an amazing beach, and just down the road from lots of places to eat. The camp also has some of the fastest wifi in town!
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Date of stay: December 2018Trip type: Traveled with friends
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
First of all this place has rooms for a family of 5! This is the most important aspect to us! The pool was beautiful, the food was great, and the staff were incredible! We loved this place and would gladly come back! They helped connect us with a great fishing trip and then the chef prepared us a feast with our catch. It was a memorable couple of days!
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Date of stay: March 2018Trip type: Traveled with family
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
This is a review of MPSC and some extras about being in Santa Teresa. We stayed at MPSC for 6 nights. They organized our pickup from San Jose Airport ($50pp, which is the going rate), and that went without any issues - driver to ferry at Puntarenas, easy Ferry ride, driver waiting at the other side. The whole trip was about 6-6.5 hours. We were greeted warmly when we arrived about 8:30p and shown our room at Villa 2. It was spacious, tons of hot water and a comfortable bed. Villa 2 which actually had a queen and 3 twins, so we used two of the beds as our dressers. In addition to 2 ceiling fans, there was a stand-up oscillating fan, which was completely fine for this time of year (actually was quite cool by the AM and my wife needed a blanket). The daily cleaning staff left us nice surprises of uniquely folded towels/sheets with decorative flowers - nice touch! We used the small fridge a lot, too, and there were plenty of outlets for charging our devices (really good WiFi!). Outside the villa were a couple of outdoor Adirondack chairs and two hammocks. It was nice to have the outdoor area to dry our wet surf gear. The only down side to the room is that there are no windows, just screens, so you could hear the guests talk and shower at the adjacent Villa. There are no TVs in our Villa, which we appreciated to stick with the casual vibe – and the TV in the bar area plays a lot of surfing/travel videos. As for the service, they should clone Laura because she was the best!! She was kind, caring, friendly, super-helpful... I could go on and on... she really wanted to ensure that the guests were having a great experience. She helped me with all types of tips for our stay (at MPSC and touring); made the call for us to rent an ATV (more later); helped us reserve the water taxi back to Jaco (for a quick day trip before heading back to the airport that nite... but Santa Teresa is soooooo much a better experience than the kitschy, overly touristy Jaco, IMHO). Whatever you needed, Laura was willing to help! I didn't interact much with the other folks in the reception area, but they were all very friendly and helpful as well. So, great staff! Expenses at MPSC: So great that they take credit cards! Our bill was very straight forward and separated into a) the lodging portion (add 13% tax), b) the surf lessons (no additional fees), and c) the food portion (add 10% service charge). The food prices are similar to that of in-town, but many places in town only take cash (dollars or colones). The food was very fresh, delicious and plentiful. And, if you want, they have a separate kitchen for the guests to prepare your own food and refrigerators to share. Good deal for any budget travelers staying at MPSC. They also have an honor system for drinks, so you just take what you want, mark it down, and pay later when your bill is due. This avoids having to constantly carry cash with you. They had a really good selection of surf boards for rent. It's short walk (3-5 mins?) to Playa Carmen and then another 5+ min walk to the surf spot. Good, consistent waves for beginners and intermediates. Sometimes a little crowded, but we still found plenty of waves to catch. Playa Hermosa also has really good waves for beginners and intermediates, but will require some form of transport there. FYI - Really strong sun and sunblock is expensive in Santa Teresa, so buy some plastic 3 oz empty bottles and transfer your larger bottle of sunblock into the smaller bottles so they go thru airport security. Location is nice and quiet - we were amused by the howler monkeys a couple of early mornings at 5am, but that was not each day, so it was part of the Costa Rican experience. It's a short walk to town, and a grocery store is about a 10-15 min walk. The roads are really dusty (mostly unpaved), so bring sunglasses and a bandana to cover your face. At first I found it to be annoying, but I think that if the roads were fully paved, then it might be more Jaco-ish. I would strongly suggest transport during your stay – either 4x4 or an ATV (great to have - 3 days for $150, otherwise $70 per day, but you’ll NEED eye protection and the bandana!). It was nice for us to take the ATV over to Chabuya and to Montezuma. Laura helped us get surfboard racks, so we took it to Playa Hermosa as well. There are more places to go with transport, so you might want to consider that as part of your stay. Safety: We always felt safe. However, you basically cannot leave anything other than flip flops on the beach. No phones, money, or anything of value. So, we didn’t have all the pics we wanted. Even the ATV’s locking “trunk” was opened (we had nothing worth taking). Car doors get opened as well because the petit thieves look for stuff worth cash. So, once you get yourself in the mindset that you don’t take anything that would suck to lose, then you’ll have peace of mind. Do your research, read the reviews and make sure you go to Costa Rica to enjoy the sun, beaches, surf, experience!…
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Date of stay: February 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Excellent accommodation and resort. Staff are so friendly and helpful. We loved the laid back vibe of the place. All other guests were friendly too, many have been coming back for years. Great that you set up an honesty tab on arrival so you don’t have to walk around with your wallet and can pick up a drink yourself if staff are busy or not around, same goes for surf board rentals Our poolside villa with private bathroom was very spacious and clean. No air con but ceiling fans which worked just fine for us. Hot water in the showers. Safe deposit box in the room. 2 hammocks and seating outside our cabin. Pool is lovely and very few people around when we used it. Well used rental surfboards for $15 full day $10 half day. Food was ok we had nice meals and average meals there. Located 5-10 mins walk from the beach which had surf each morning for the 5 days we were there. Best to go early to avoid the crowds and predominant onshore wind. A family of Howler monkeys were in the trees behind our cabin and you could hear them every morning. We had a great stay here.…
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Date of stay: January 2018Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
PRICE RANGE
$54 - $85 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
mal pais surf camp hotel mal pais, mal pais surf camp and resort
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasMal Pais
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mal Pais Surf Camp
Which popular attractions are close to Mal Pais Surf Camp?
Nearby attractions include Playa Carmen (0.4 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Mal Pais Surf Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Mal Pais Surf Camp?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Mal Pais Surf Camp?
Conveniently located restaurants include El Tercer Ojo Costa Rica, Las Piedras Santa Teresa, and The Bakery.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Mal Pais Surf Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness center during their stay.
Does Mal Pais Surf Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, Mal Pais Surf Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.