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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: Travelled 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.
Myself, my husband and our 2 sons just returned from a great family vacation in Mal Pais! I was surprised to see that Surf Camp wasn't listed in this forum, so I decided to write the first review. We had a great time and Mal Pais Surf Camp was so perfect for us. It is not just a surf camp but a hotel with a nice variety of rooms and little houses to rent. Our sons couldn't get enough surfing in. Especially after lessons with Ross. My husband and I had fun relaxing by the pool, watching the boys surf, and exploring. The restaurant was the perfect meeting place at the end of the day for dinner. We all had a great time and will return as soon as possible!
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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.
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 2018
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Trip type: Travelled 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.
At first I thought this place was great. Not until my third night there when our room got broken into when we went out for dinner. Not only was it broken into but whoever did it must have been watching us come and go because they saw our vehicle gone when we left for our dinner out. I believe this had to be an inside job as we always dead bolted our door and they have 3/8 round stock bars around all there windows which I thought was very safe. The people who broke into our room had to bend this metal rod back and then only had a small 16 inch window opening to crawl through ( must likely a child working with an adult). I work as a welder and know that this metal would have not been easy to bend the way they did. After we had realized we had been broken into the staff didn't really seem to care and wanted us to wait for the morning to do anything about it. The manager didn't even come out to talk to us and not until I finally hunted him down. The next morning they fixed the window and seemed all was good. Unfortunately for my friends and I, we had over $4000.00 of stuff stolen from the room. The manager comped us our stay after much complaining but told me he couldn't do anything for the b.n.e as they were not insured. I have travelled Nicaragua and costa rica and had 24 hour security everywhere but this place and they could have prevent all of this by having someone there. I do not recommend this place to anyone avoid by all means and stay somewhere with better hosts and security for the guests.
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Date of stay: April 2011
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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 MalPaisSurfCamp, Owner at Mal Pais Surf Camp
Responded Feb 23, 2012
Hello fellow travelers, We would like to finally take a chance to respond to some of the reviews we are seeing for Mal Pais Surf Camp. First, we would like to thank all of you beautiful people who bring a large amount of joy, and a bit of prosperity, into our lives. We are blessed. In response to a break-in we had…we have recently installed commercial safes in all of our houses, cabinas, and villas. Costa Rica has a 2 percent conviction rate for apprehended thieves. So even if one is caught, they are normally released the next day. Our theft rate is ZERO since installing the new security features. We will continue to do our best to adjust to the times. Costa Rica, and Mal Pais in general, is a safe place to travel. We enjoy a very free lifestyle, without daily violence. The Mal Pais community is growing in very good ways, but may experience a few bumps on the road. We hope that wherever you chose to travel, that you take simple precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. And most importantly….Enjoy the Journey. Douglas Packman and the Surf Camp Crew
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just arrived in Mal Pais, checked into Surf Camp,,Just got to room,put things down,,went to take look at beach....Came back in 15 mins....Everything was Stolen,Backpack Stolen, with passport,Ipod,cameras cash,shoes.....What a heartbreaking way to start vacation. This is a inside job,locked the door when left, the door was locked when got back,after reading review this has happen to others....
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Date of stay: May 2010Trip type: Travelled 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.
We arrived here after emailing loads of places - we were so lucky that Douglas has some space for us...... We stayed in the rancho style accommodation - open air beds with just netting sides for walls - but don't let this put you off - it's great!!!! Really comfy bed and brilliant high security lockable bins for all you stuff. Communal kitchen is very useable and cleaned daily - I suppose the maybe should have been a better labelling stayed for the fridge but hey ho.... The bar/restaurant is well stocked and professionally run, surfboard hire on site too. And then the pool - wow what a gorgeous chilled out area, complete with small gym if you are so inclined...... We will be back for sure
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Date of stay: January 2015Trip type: Travelled 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.
TripAdvisor hides this place under specialty lodging; was not listed when I looked under hotels. Luckily I discovered it via the sign on the street. I pre-paid at Blue Jay Lounge. Mal Pais Surf Camp, just up the street, became my adopted home base. You can rent boards there, pick them up at any hour (key if you like a sunrise surf), they have wifi, their food is good, their atmosphere is totally chill. I get nervous in new surf spot by myself. Spend a touch of time here and you will know people throughout the surf lineup. Lots of solo travelers, people are super friendly. Many come back year after year or just scrap the rest of their Costa Rica tour and stay here for longer and surf. Really special place Doug and team created. Rent a bed, rent a room, they seem pretty flexible.
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Date of stay: February 2015
Value
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:Ask what types of rooms are available (shared room, solo room, etc - they seem to have a variety...
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.
we decided to spend 2 weeks in costa rica and ended up spending the majority of it at the Mal Pais Surf Camp! For the unfortunate traveler who lost her money and camera, i feel for you, but this happens anywhere, and be advised that the staff suggests your leave all valuables (including passport, money, camera, credit cards) with them in the main lodge. that aside, the surf camp is beautiful, and everyone there is friendly and laid back. Can you think of a place where howler monkeys wake you up every morning, and there is hot dark costa rican coffee brewing at sunrise? Surfboard rentals that are cheaper than starbucks, and surfing coaches that seem to have leaped out of the movie “Endless Summer?” Mal Pais Surf Camp is by far the best bang for your buck, and actually to everyone I met from England to LA, NYC, to Amsterdam would all agree.
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Date of stay: August 2008
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.
The staff and very relaxed but helpful. We stayed in the one of the ranchos. There was five beds and there was only two of us. The price was still only 50 dollars a night. Overall it was a good value, even better if you have more people. The food was great, although you can find better priced food in the downtown area. The rooms are simple and have a summer camp feel. I would stay here again. The beach is beautiful and the pool is nice and refreshing after a day of sun and surf. This place is great for friends, families, and single travelers.
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Date of stay: January 2008
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Trip type: Travelled 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.
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 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Travelled 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.
San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic2 contributions1 helpful vote
I only spent one night in one of their open air bungalows with lockers. I did, however, note that were tents and campers on a cleaning just below the restaurant and bungalows. You would have to ask if campers have access to lockers. I'm pretty sure you could leave your tents up overnight, but again, I would ask contact them via their website.
Hope this helps!
Saludos! El lugar tiene un área muy grande de camping pero por las fechas creo que es mejor reservar, aunque dudo que no haya campo, más talvez por que les reserven un buen lugar cerca de la piscina y baños. Que disfruten!
There are more places to choose from in the Mal Pais area.
PRICE RANGE
C$62 - C$79 (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
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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