ABOUT VISTA NALUOur Story
Born from a dream. Shaped by nature.
Built with persistence. Created with care.
VISTA NALU began with a shared wish to create a place where life could feel a little slower, closer to nature and more connected to what truly matters. Today, it is a personal ocean-view hideaway above the surf in Santa Teresa — made for unhurried mornings, days outdoors and time that feels truly your own.
Bringing that vision to life took years of planning, change and hands-on work. It tested our patience more than once, but also strengthened our determination to create a place that feels considered, personal and true to what we originally set out to build.
2019 · THE BEGINNINGA place that stayed with us
We first came to Costa Rica in 2019, and Santa Teresa stayed with us long after we had left.
It was the raw nature, the rhythm of the ocean and the way everyday life seemed to move differently here. We returned, spent more time in the area and slowly began to imagine creating a place of our own.
Not simply somewhere to stay, but somewhere that reflected what we valued in travel: closeness to nature, freedom, movement and the space to slow down.
2022 · FINDING THE LANDFrom an idea to a real place
In 2022, we found the land that would become VISTA NALU.
Set above Santa Teresa, it offered panoramic ocean views, privacy and the rare feeling of being close to everything while still surrounded by nature.
Buying the land turned a distant idea into a real commitment. For the first time, VISTA NALU had a place of its own.
2024–2026 · BUILDING VISTA NALUBuilt with persistence
What followed was a long and hands-on journey. Construction began at the end of 2024, after years of planning, permits and preparation.
We made countless decisions ourselves — from practical planning and materials to finishes and the way each space should feel.
Not everything followed the original plan. Timelines shifted, details evolved and some decisions had to be revisited more than once. The process demanded patience, flexibility and a fair amount of persistence.
But every challenge helped shape VISTA NALU into something more thoughtful, more personal and truly ours.
2026 · OPENING THE DOORSA new chapter begins
In 2026, VISTA NALU begins welcoming its first guests.
The four stays each have their own atmosphere, while sharing the same intention: to offer privacy, a close connection to nature and the freedom to experience Santa Teresa at your own pace.
They bring together Swiss attention to detail and reliability with the warmth and ease of Costa Rica.
Opening the doors does not feel like the end of the journey. It feels like the moment VISTA NALU finally begins to live.
THE FOUNDERSA shared vision
We are Melanie and Silvan, a Swiss couple with different backgrounds and a shared love of nature, movement and meaningful travel.
Together, we have shaped VISTA NALU hands-on from the beginning, bringing different perspectives, strengths and ideas into every stage of the journey.
We believe good hospitality is not about formality or perfection, but about care, reliability, thoughtful details and giving people the freedom to feel at ease.
We hope to welcome kind, curious and respectful guests who appreciate nature, value the local community and want to experience Santa Teresa with openness.
The meaning behind
VISTA NALU
Vista means “view” in Spanish.
Nalu means “wave” in Hawaiian.
The name reflects what first drew us to this land: the open view across the Pacific and the constant movement of the waves below.
The name also carries a deeply personal meaning through Nalu, our dog and companion, who has been part of this journey from the beginning. Her joyful energy, loyalty and curiosity have become part of the spirit of VISTA NALU.
The view brings perspective.
The wave reminds us that life is always moving.
Together, they express the feeling at the heart of VISTA NALU:
Stillness in Motion.
Find your place at VISTA NALU
Four individual stays above the surf, each with its own atmosphere and connection to Santa Teresa.