Surf Simply

Surf Simply

The group our week - awesome people
Traveler (157)
walking out to the surf
Pool & Beach (62)
Daily schedule
Dining (17)

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About

#1 of 5 special resorts in Nosara
Location
5.0
Rooms
4.8
Value
4.9
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
5.0
Sleep Quality
4.9
Surf Simply has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Outside Magazine, The Wall Street Journal and CNN. Surf Simply offer one week, all-inclusive technical surf coaching courses which have revolutionized the way the sport is taught. You can get to know the coaches and coaching methodology by checking out Surf Simply’s video tutorials on Youtube or listening to the Surf Simply podcasts. Our team of 8 ISA and ILSF qualified coaches are surf geeks who work with just 12 guests each week, replacing ambiguous surf lingo with clear, concise, systemized coaching. A week at Surf Simply is all inclusive. So everything is taken care of for you from the moment you land in Costa Rica: transfers, food, drinks, massage, stretch classes, photos, custom video, surf coaching and accommodation at our beautiful new resort, designed by Gensler and completed in October, 2018.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Free airport transportation
Massage
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Laundry service
Wifi
Hot tub
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Airport transportation
Shuttle bus service
Room features
Air conditioning
Safe
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Luxury
Languages Spoken
Spanish

Location

Playa Guiones, Nosara Costa Rica
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 70 out of 100
70
Nosara Beach Airport
Liberia Airport
45.6 mi
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Traveler rating
  • 511
  • 3
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Detailed Reviews
Paul326 wrote a review Sep 2022
Englewood, New Jersey
5.0 of 5 bubbles
After an 8 year absence, I returned for my third visit to Surf Simply. This was my first experience at the "new" Surf Simply location, and it did not disappoint. The accommodations are incredible, and the overall experience at Surf Simply continues to be defined as "relentless consistency". The coaching continues to be fantastic, the food is phenomenal, the stretch classes and messages were outstanding, the location is perfect and the videographers/photographers help to capture your experience here for you to re-live as often as you like. The entire staff including the cooks, mixologist, servers, maintenance staff, stretch instructor, masseuse, behind the scenes logistic staff, and the coaches clearly behave like a family, and all 12 guest each week feel like they have been adopted as new family members. I will state without hesitation that Surf Simply sets the standard for what a surf/sport vacation should be, as the coaching and video review provides you with skills that will rapidly accelerate your surfing ability. If you are interested in learning to surf or wish to rapidly improve your surfing in an environment where the only thing you have to worry about is surfing, where everything is taken care of for you, where the food and accommodations are incredible, and you return from your trip with fantastic memories, improved surfing skills and video/pictures to prove it, Surf Simply should be your first choice!!
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Date of stay: September 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Room Tip: all the rooms are fantastic, but try to get something on the second floor
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Bass, Other at Surf Simply
Responded Sep 15, 2022
Paul, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. The team was excited to see you again and we're so happy you shared your week with us.
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David H wrote a review Jun 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was my second time at Surf Simply with my wife (who is not a surfer), and it was just as wonderful as our previous visit in August 2022, and perhaps more so this time, because I was able to share the experience with one of my sons. We are both beginner surfers despite a 44 year age difference, and Surf Simply's pairing of coaches with each of us couldn't have been better fits for our physical abilities, personalities, and spirits. Although it is all done "behind the scenes," the before you get there work that the Surf Simply team puts in reviewing the survey/questionnaire that they ask you to complete and return before arrival is obvious in the coach pairings, fellow student pairings, board selection for us beginners, meal prep, and virtually every aspect of your stay. (And my wife would attest to the same for the care and attention provided for non-surfers, as well.)

From the moment your Surf Simply driver picks you up at the airport to the moment a driver delivers you back to the airport for your trip home, there isn't a detail that is left to chance by the Surf Simply team. The meals are extraordinarily tasty, as well as healthy, the coaching with its attention to you as an individual is second to none, the selections for an activity on your day off have something for everyone, the media team provides photos and video of the highest quality, the massages offered help to relieve some of the achy surfing muscles, and an overall vibe of friendliness and camaraderie is ever present.

I may return for a third visit, and, if you have an inkling that you might want to try surfing, or if you'd like to hone your skills, I highly recommend that you book a week at Surf Simply.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Bass, Other at Surf Simply
Responded Jul 8, 2024
Thank you for trusting us with your week and your incredibly thoughtful review. We so greatly appreciate it and hope to have your family join us again.
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kristine wrote a review Mar 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Incredible experience. From the food, to the rooms, the communal spaces, classrooms, proximity to the beach, thoughtful scheduling, abundance of gear, and of course the technical coaching and dry land curriculum, Surf Simply is above and beyond. What the Surf Simply team creates for their guests is magical, seamless. The business feels well run and the team is enthusiastic about what they do. I learned a lot and had a great time. The a.m. and p.m kitchen staff, Jessie, Derek, Lau, Diego, Gabby, and Jamie were the team members I most interacted with and they never ceased to surprise and impress. Was easy to be a solo guest. It was expensive but Surf Simply delivered, and there were no surprise costs. It’s been harder to write this review than I would’ve thought—keep getting lost in the memory high of wading into a warm, clear ocean, being handed the just right smoothie in the hot tub after a surf, and the outrageous indulgence of the coconut fridge…
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Bass, Other at Surf Simply
Responded Mar 27, 2023
Kristine, we are so glad that you were able join us. Thank you for trusting us with your weeks vacation and your kind words.
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Colleen H wrote a review Nov 2022
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
As a beginner surfer, my goal for the week was to stand up on the surf board and ride a wave. With the incredible program at Surf Simply and my coach Justin with assist from Gabriele I was able to develop a foundation from which to build on and by the end of the week, I was catching my own waves and consistently riding the white water!!
The entire staff from hospitality, culinary, photographers, massage therapists and coaching were super positive, extremely knowledgeable, kind and patient. The small boutique resort was very well appointed with beautiful rooms each with private balcony, very comfortable beds, a beautiful shared indoor/outdoor lounge, kitchen and pool area and the functionality of the design to allow for classroom and yoga studio space, exceeded all of my expectations. Not to mention my incredible massages I received from Jamie . This week not only exceeded my expectations, but I left having fallen in love with surfing.
Thank you Surf Simply - See you soon!!
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Date of stay: November 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Bass, Other at Surf Simply
Responded Nov 24, 2022
Colleen, we're so glad you enjoyed the week and thank you so much for coming to stay with us. We'll look forward to seeing you again.
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Hugh C wrote a review May 2024
Toronto, Canada
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you wanted to design the perfect surf school experience, you would end up with Surf Simply. The beautiful facility is purpose-built to host each class of 12 surfers and a few non-surfers. The instructors/coaches are the best and the “off the water” experience is just so enjoyable as well. The food, facilities, instruction and their attention to organizing everything for you so you can just concentrate on improving your surfing is second to none. Steps to the beach for reliable year round waves. Just really really well thought out and designed. A five star experience.
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Date of stay: May 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Bass, Other at Surf Simply
Responded May 27, 2024
Hugh, thank you for your note and appreciation to detail - I'll be sure to share with the whole team as they'd love to hear from you.
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Joe P wrote a review Mar 2024
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I just completed a bucket list trip to Nosara, Costa Rica for one week of surfing, living, working out, and enjoying life with ten unknown solo surfers all with one expectation and common goal that “life is short and precious”!

It’s emotional to express the impact that Surf Simply has provided to myself and ten total strangers who just embraced to say goodbye to this slice of paradise while providing impeccable service, a true culinary experience, but more importantly a bond and friendship that could last my lifetime. Never has my body been hurting this bad from being in the water four hours a day but my outlook in life has never been so positive and changed forever! I completely missed my family, but this kind of trip is so inspiring to simply appreciate living life and valuing true friendships and new experiences!

I can not thank the owners, the coaches (especially Amaya), the chefs, Diego’s specialty cocktails, Laura’s stretch classes, Jaime’s awesome massages, and my fellow solo surfers for an unforgettable life changing experience. I am clearing my calendar for the next two years if they will take me back! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Joe Piazza
Los Gatos, Ca

SurfSimply.com
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Bass, Other at Surf Simply
Responded Mar 4, 2024
Joe, thank you for your kind words - I'll be sure to share with the whole team, they'll be so excited to hear. We look forward to having you join us again in the coming years.
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Christine wrote a review Nov 2020
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I recently attended SS as a returning guest. After an extended 2020 lockdown, I was both eager to return to activities I love, but also nervous about venturing out in the post COVID world. I chose SS because of their reputation for attention to detail, and I think that trait has carried well in these unusual times. Everyone was required to have a negative COVID test prior to arrival. The staff was exceptional - the cleaning, the care with which meals were presented, unobtrusive temperature checks, etc. While this visit was certainly different, none of it felt “weird,” or detracted from the experience. The outdoor orientation of the new resort proved ideal for comfortable social distancing. Nearly all of the extensive common areas are outdoors, with lounge furniture, ceiling fans and roofs to shelter from the sun / rain. And of course the coaching remains top notch. Highly recommended!
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Date of stay: October 2020
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Kerianne Kreger, Other at Surf Simply
Responded Nov 12, 2020
I was so pleased you could make it down and I know the entire team was happy to see you again. Thank you so much for coming down, especially during this unusual time.
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web8976 wrote a review Feb 4
Boston, Massachusetts
5.0 of 5 bubbles
As a non-surfing participant, I want to report that this is a beautiful, tranquil place to relax and enjoy the joyful community of Nosara. The Surf Simply team made great suggestions for fun activities and scheduled fantastic massages and more for me to enjoy while my husband surfed. The community of staff and surfers at the hotel was so incredible- it was such a bonus to meet such wonderful and interesting people from all over the world. The food at Surf Simply was fantastic and the accommodations were luxe and totally comfortable. Highly recommend!!!
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Date of stay: January 2025
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maddy wrote a review Mar 2023
London, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I had high expectations for Surf Simply after reading reviews but I was completely blown away. The team make you feel at home and completely welcome. They have thought of every single detail to make your experience unforgettable. I have been surfing for a few years but never consistently enough to improve and I never felt I was given the right sort of information to understand how to surf independently. Through my incredible coach Amiya and the lectures you receive throughout the week, I left the week feeling like a confident, independent surfer. The team balance lots of information and a tiring week of surfing with time to relax and recharge. The food is healthy, delicious and perfectly tailored to any dietary requirements, and the massages prepare you for the next surf session! Shout out to Diego for the most delicious cocktails which hit the spot after a long day. My week at Surf Simply was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. Still dreaming of it.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip: The long waitlist is the only downside
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Bass, Other at Surf Simply
Responded Mar 26, 2023
We are so glad to have you join us. Thank you for trusting us with your weeks stay and your kind words.
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Susie M wrote a review May 2024
Melbourne, Australia
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This was our second visit to Surf Simply and once again it was exceptional. The team at SS manage to keep a level of excellence week in week out. From the moment you are met at the airport to the time you are returned to the airport for onward travel, everything is taken care of. We go for the surf coaching, but the accommodation, food, resort, massages, stretch classes are all wonderful. We will be back hopefully in 2026.
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Date of stay: April 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Bass, Other at Surf Simply
Responded May 20, 2024
Susie, thank you for your kind words and we hope to have you back in 2026.
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Answer from RuHill
Nosara, Costa Rica2 contributions5 helpful votes
The surf in Nosara is good year round but below is a more detailed description of the average surf conditions throughout the year. It's important to remember however that these are based on statistical averages made up on many days which are exceptions. So while you can predict the average for a time of year, it is impossible to predict the conditions for any given week. In Nosara, the dry season months of December to March can be a more crowded as North American tourists escape the winter. The most popular months at Surf Simply however are June, July and August. These months offer the most consistent swell window of the year also the pleasant afternoon showers keep the heat down and mean that the jungle is at it’s most beautiful. A typical season sees knee to head high surf from November to March, then shoulder to overhead surf between April to September. This is a mean average however, so it is perfectly possible for any given week in August to be smaller than any given week in December. The wind, which blows mechanically off shore every morning from November until May, usually turns on shore mid morning and then offers an evening glass off about 50% of the time. In the greener months of June to October the wind is less predictable but the surf is glassy in the morning about 75% of the time and a lunch time shower will often cause the wind to die off in the afternoon, giving us smooth conditions once again. This is another advantage these months have over the more arid months of Dec – Apr.
Answer from Ron D
Tsawwassen, Canada39 contributions9 helpful votes
It's a great care down there. Our wives did the yoga and we went for a day excursion zip lining. We had an amazing experience. The surfing was new for me as I primarily kitesurf and windsurf. The instruction was first rate and our experience was great. It's a boutique setting so it was very intimate. It is a very well run and organized place. We will definitely go back. Hope that helps. Good luck.
Answer from Jennifer L
Waterford, Connecticut, United States7 contributions1 helpful vote
There are level 5 surf instructors at Surf Simply. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. They practically guarantee it!
Answer from Sarah T
Columbus, Ohio3 contributions1 helpful vote
I did not have a problem at all and have very bad allergies to mold. Surf Simply is very clean and the bedrooms are simple. I would not think you would have a problem but may not be as sensitive to mold as you. Hope that helps. I normally stay in very high end hotels and was happy with the room at Surf Simply! Sarah
Answer from TripShawn
San Jose, California84 contributions59 helpful votes
Hi Christina, I never noticed any issues at all with their facilities. It is a jungle, literally, and there are some critters around the grounds and it is hot & humid, but they are really good with their facilities and maintenance. We've been there twice and going a third time in December and all visits have been uneventful and well done. Do you have experience in this time of climate (Costa Rica, Hawaii, etc.)? If so, and if your question is how well they run their business, it's very well run. If you've never been to this type of climate, then I'd say you need to be really diligent in the bathroom/shower and I'm not sure if "natural mold" just in the jungle would be a problem..?
Linda G wrote a tip Dec 2024
Clermont, Florida32 contributions13 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"You do have to book in advance but it’s worth it"
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William U wrote a tip Jul 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"They have everything you need there"
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Dennis G wrote a tip Feb 2024
Middletown, New Jersey1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The weekly Surf Simply YouTube videos give a great overview of the guest experience."
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Scenic187420 wrote a tip Aug 2023
Dallas, Texas1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The chefs managed my partner’s tricky food allergies incredibly well at every meal and snack. "
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Mickey B wrote a tip Jun 2023
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"They provide great tips on how to prepare for your trip. Keep in mind that you don't need to pack much."
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There are more places to choose from in the Nosara area.
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacasteNosara
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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SURF SIMPLY - Updated 2025

Frequently Asked Questions about Surf Simply
Which popular attractions are close to Surf Simply?
Nearby attractions include Playa Guiones (0.5 miles), Nosara Kids Camp (0.5 miles), and Jenstones Gallery (0.4 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Surf Simply?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
What food & drink options are available at Surf Simply?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Surf Simply?
Conveniently located restaurants include Rosi's Soda Tica, El Manglar Restaurant In Nosara, and Beach Dog Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Surf Simply?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Surf Simply have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Surf Simply offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Surf Simply have airport transportation?
Yes, Surf Simply offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
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