Funky Monkey Surf & Yoga Lodge — Hotel in Cóbano

We had a great stay at the Funky Monkey Lodge. The hospitality of the team (Guido, Toby, Belan, Javier, and Gabriela) was fantastic. They were kind and very welcoming. The location is a 5-ish minute walk to the beach and off of the main road in Santa Teresa. We took a shuttle service there from the airport in San Jose, but there is some parking if you rent a car. The lodge team can set you up with multiple things to do, so it was pretty easy.

Surfing: They have a surf instructor that works for them. His name is Nacho. We took a surfing lesson with him, and he was great. I was shocked that I was able to stand up on the board and ride a wave or two by the end of it. Nacho was super nice and helpful. There are options for private, semi-private, and group lessons depending on the amount of people. The cost is between $75-$100.

Food: They serve an included light breakfast starting at 7:30am. The breakfast was different every day, but very yummy. Some we had were banana pancakes, chia seed pudding with fruit and a nut bread, and a traditional Costa Rican breakfast which consists of eggs, rice and beans, and fruit. Breakfast was very relaxed, so don’t think you’ll grab and go to the beach early. If you’re taking an excursion, you won’t have time for breakfast so go down to the main road and grab something at Eat Street restaurant which opens at 7am. Pictures and previous reviews talk about them having a restaurant for dinner/drinks and such, but that was not operational during our stay. We either went to local restaurants for dinner or had the option to cook in our room that had a kitchenette.

Excursions: They can set you up with excursions to Isla Tortuga to go snorkeling and then to the island, there’s a waterfall tour, and more. We did the snorkeling and trip to Isla Tortuga (one day). The tour is run by a local company ZUMA Tours. If you search that, you can see my review for it - it was a great time. Most people get around town in ATVs as the main road is not super wide. They can help you rent an ATV which we did not. We just walked everywhere.

Rooms: We stayed in two different rooms during our stay - the lower and the upper treetop rooms. A lot of their rooms are on the same level as the reception area (which is hillside when coming up from the main road), but the tree top rooms are at the top of the hillside and require a long staircase up to them. Do not book those rooms if you are unable or unfit to walk up stairs as there is no other way to get there. Both rooms were gorgeous and had amazing views of the ocean. Those are the only two with ocean views, I believe. The rest are more in the trees with a jungle-type feel. Both of those rooms had a kitchenette for cooking and a wonderful patio with a hammock. The upper treetop room (above the lower treetop room) has a jacuzzi, which we did not use because it was way too hot out. The rooms are great, pillows and bed comfortable, clean. The upper room had a bit of a firmer mattress than the lower. Keep in mind that you are in the tropics and not every nook and cranny in the rooms are sealed. Therefore there were some ants and a tiny gecko or two in our rooms. Unless you stay at a 5-star resort, I think you’ll have to deal with ants lol. Both of these rooms were air conditioned, so we didn’t have to deal with mosquitos in our room. Highly recommend bringing bug spray for when you’re outside in the evenings walking around or going to restaurants in town. Mosquitos weren’t too bad in March but we still got a few bites.

Pool - the pool is gorgeous. It’s nice and cool and relaxing. No ocean view from the pool though. It’s close to the reception area so more of the jungly vibes. We did see the monkeys when we arrived at the lodge and once in the trees near the pool.

Yoga - We did not try the yoga and other classes they had, but they have a board at reception with all the classes that run Monday through Friday. It was too hot out for us. I do like hot yoga, but it was still too hot.

Other - I recommend bringing cash to pay for things as places prefer...

Santa Teresa is renowned as a Blue Zone area and a sacred place, where a unique cultural revolution unfolded over 20 years ago, intertwining with Tico life. This evolution is epitomized by a subculture of robust, healthy, independent, free-spirited surfer women and men. The Funky Monkey Lodge encapsulates this enchanting essence, radiating with the spirit of Santa Teresa's original founder and inspirational leader, Gabi. For admirers of strong, successful businesswomen, Gabi is a beacon of admiration, embodying the town’s ethos of individuality, freedom, and the pura vida lifestyle.||Located away from the bustling ATV activity of the main strip, the Funky Monkey Lodge is a haven for nature enthusiasts who cherish Santa Teresa's authentic vibe. The lodge's café exudes tranquility, creating a sanctuary-like ambiance amidst the jungle. Hosted by Guido, guests are welcomed as family, with personal care and assistance. Guido organized an exciting dune buggy excursion for us, outlining a map for us to drive and experience ziplining, visiting Cabo Blanco beach, enjoying lunch at Calala, and hiking to Montezuma falls. Interactions with the lodge's staff like Crystal, Toby, Belen and Pelon were always warm and engaging.||The breakfast offerings at Funky Monkey, ranging from crepes to banana pancakes to gallo pinto and eggs with green mango, are prepared with love and reflect the pura vida lifestyle. Each day brings a delightful surprise as the menu varies. The lodge comprises of three sanctuaries, each offering a unique experience that unfolds as guests explore deeper.||There is quite deliberately no map here of the property – as this place is created for the independent wanderer. The second sanctuary you’ll discover is your lodging. . With ranges for all affordability with and without air conditioning – it’s your choice – all rooms have the quaintness of wood that makes one feel truly in the right place at the right moment, in nature. Having stayed in different rooms here on different occasions, each has their own charm, but each are immersed in original jungle haven. They were cleaned immaculately with fresh towels, daily. During our stay we were close-up with wildlife, including capuchins jumping from tree to tree, the famously gorgeous quetzals, huge blue jays, and Rusty, the friendly iguana by the pool. And in case you’re wondering, yes you’ll find ants sometimes but it’s to be expected if you want to experience the jungle! The best was waking up each morning to the symphony of howler monkeys, ocean waves and kiskadee birds, when your eyes first open to the jungle foliage, beautiful skies and view of the ocean, all from the treetop balcony views from bed! ||With its rustic, luxury feel, Funky Monkey attracts travelers seeking a departure from mainstream resorts or bustling hostels, fostering a community of like-minded individuals focused on embracing the pura vida ethos and connecting with nature.||The lodge's amenities, including a pristine pool and Santa Teresa's only jungle-surrounded yoga studio, cater to physical and spiritual relaxation. Surf Sup Yoga, owned by local surf expert Nacho Gomez, adds to the allure, offering surfing lessons and there are also aerial and yoga experiences that deepen the mind-body connection.||The journey from the lodge to the beach entrance, passing charming shops and eateries, is a rewarding experience reminiscent of the Blue Zone lifestyle's emphasis on walking. Despite changes in Santa Teresa's main strip, Funky Monkey preserves its original charm and warm hospitality.||For many, including us who honeymooned here a decade ago and returned with our children, Funky Monkey holds a special place in our hearts. Gabi, the heart and soul of the lodge, continues to captivate and inspire with her dedication to preserving Santa Teresa's magic. We were sad to leave, but are eagerly anticipating our next visit to this...

Santa Teresa is renowned as a Blue Zone area and a sacred place, where a unique cultural revolution unfolded over 20 years ago, intertwining with Tico life. This evolution is epitomized by a subculture of robust, healthy, independent, free-spirited surfer women and men. The Funky Monkey Lodge encapsulates this enchanting essence, radiating with the spirit of Santa Teresa's original founder and inspirational leader, Gabi. For admirers of strong, successful businesswomen, Gabi is a beacon of admiration, embodying the town’s ethos of individuality, freedom, and the pura vida lifestyle.

Located away from the bustling ATV activity of the main strip, the Funky Monkey Lodge is a haven for nature enthusiasts who cherish Santa Teresa's authentic vibe. The lodge's café exudes tranquility, creating a sanctuary-like ambiance amidst the jungle. Hosted by Guido, guests are welcomed as family, with personal care and assistance. Guido organized an exciting dune buggy excursion for us, outlining a map for us to drive and experience ziplining, visiting Cabo Blanco beach, enjoying lunch at Calala, and hiking to Montezuma falls. Interactions with the lodge's staff like Crystal, Toby, Belen and Pelon were always warm and engaging.

The breakfast offerings at Funky Monkey, ranging from crepes to banana pancakes to gallo pinto and eggs with green mango, are prepared with love and reflect the pura vida lifestyle. Each day brings a delightful surprise as the menu varies. The lodge comprises of three sanctuaries, each offering a unique experience that unfolds as guests explore deeper.

There is quite deliberately no map here of the property – as this place is created for the independent wanderer. The second sanctuary you’ll discover is your lodging. . With ranges for all affordability with and without air conditioning – it’s your choice – all rooms have the quaintness of wood that makes one feel truly in the right place at the right moment, in nature. Having stayed in different rooms here on different occasions, each has their own charm, but each are immersed in original jungle haven. They were cleaned immaculately with fresh towels, daily. During our stay we were close-up with wildlife, including capuchins jumping from tree to tree, the famously gorgeous quetzals, huge blue jays, and Rusty, the friendly iguana by the pool. And in case you’re wondering, yes you’ll find ants sometimes but it’s to be expected if you want to experience the jungle! The best was waking up each morning to the symphony of howler monkeys, ocean waves and kiskadee birds, when your eyes first open to the jungle foliage, beautiful skies and view of the ocean, all from the treetop balcony views from bed!

With its rustic, luxury feel, Funky Monkey attracts travelers seeking a departure from mainstream resorts or bustling hostels, fostering a community of like-minded individuals focused on embracing the pura vida ethos and connecting with nature.

The lodge's amenities, including a pristine pool and Santa Teresa's only jungle-surrounded yoga studio, cater to physical and spiritual relaxation. Surf Sup Yoga, owned by local surf expert Nacho Gomez, adds to the allure, offering surfing lessons and there are also aerial and yoga experiences that deepen the mind-body connection.

The journey from the lodge to the beach entrance, passing charming shops and eateries, is a rewarding experience reminiscent of the Blue Zone lifestyle's emphasis on walking. Despite changes in Santa Teresa's main strip, Funky Monkey preserves its original charm and warm hospitality.

For many, including us who honeymooned here a decade ago and returned with our children, Funky Monkey holds a special place in our hearts. Gabi, the heart and soul of the lodge, continues to captivate and inspire with her dedication to preserving Santa Teresa's magic. We were sad to leave, but are eagerly anticipating our next visit to this...