Occasional creative exchange at our boutique hideaway above the surf in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Details

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  Description

  Hi from Santa Teresa, Costa Rica 🌊🌿
  
  We are Melanie and Silvan from Switzerland and the founders of a small design-led boutique hideaway above the surf with ocean views and a deep love for detail.
  
  After a long build journey, we are now slowly opening and focusing on bringing the last layers of warmth, flow and functionality into the spaces. This is not a classic hotel, but a calm and intentional place shaped by nature, design, surf culture and the pura vida rhythm of Costa Rica.
  
  Santa Teresa is a unique mix of jungle, ocean, creative energy, small cafés, yoga, surf and sunsets. Everything is close by, and the beach is around a 5-minute walk away.
  
  We may occasionally welcome one person or a couple/friends during quieter months, especially around May, October or November, when we have space available and feel there is a good fit.
  
  We’re especially interested in open-minded, reliable people who enjoy calm environments, thoughtful details, creative exchange and light hands-on support around a boutique property.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Help around the house

  Hospitality/Tourism

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Self development

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Plant care

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Animals

  

  Water sports

  

  Fitness

  

  Hiking

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Beach

  

  Adventure sports
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We believe cultural exchange is about sharing skills, perspectives and everyday life.
  
  You’ll experience a mix of Swiss precision and Costa Rican pura vida energy. We’re happy to share what we’ve learned about building a boutique project from scratch — from design thinking and organisation to hospitality, branding, guest experience and entrepreneurship.
  
  Outside of the exchange, Santa Teresa offers surf sessions, sunset walks, yoga classes, small local cafés, nature trails and a strong international community.
  
  You’ll naturally connect with locals, craftspeople, creatives and travellers in town.
  
  We’re also curious to learn from you — your skills, your culture, your way of working and your way of seeing the world.

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  Help

  We are slowly opening and are currently not looking for general volunteers or basic travel help.
  From time to time, especially during quieter months, we may be open to a very specific skills exchange with experienced craftspeople who can bring practical knowledge, precision and a professional eye for detail.
  
  This could be interesting if you have solid professional experience or training in one of the following areas:
  • lighting knowledge
  • carpentry / woodworking
  • furniture making or cabinetry
  • tiling or surface finishes
  • painting and finishing details
  • plumbing or small technical repairs
  • general renovation, maintenance or property improvements
  • practical problem-solving around interiors, materials and guest-ready spaces
  
  At this stage, we are mainly interested in people who already know their craft well and enjoy sharing knowledge, ideas and practical experience. We are not looking for beginners, general helpers or people who simply want to stay near the beach.
  Possible contributions could include small finishing details, light repairs, maintenance ideas, optimisation of existing spaces, improving functionality, or helping us think through practical solutions with a trained eye.
  
  Important: All structural, regulated, safety-relevant or licensed work is handled by local professionals. Workawayers are only involved in light, safe and appropriate tasks as part of a cultural exchange.
  
  This is not a job position and not a replacement for professional labour. It is a cultural exchange for experienced, hands-on people who enjoy contributing thoughtfully to a small boutique project.

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  Languages spoken

  German: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate
  French: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  Depending on availability, we offer a private room or sometimes one of our units.
  
  Because we are now in a slow opening phase, the space is already beautiful, clean and comfortable, but there may still be small finishing details, improvements or adjustments happening around the property.
  
  The highlight is the ocean view, the peaceful atmosphere and the location above the surf, just a short walk from the beach.
  You’ll have access to a bathroom and kitchen setup. The exact accommodation depends on the timing, the unit availability and what we agree on before your arrival.
  
  We have a dog, Nalu, so you should be comfortable around dogs.

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  What else ...

  A few important things to know:
  • We only host occasionally and mainly when we have a suitable space available.
  • Quieter months such as May, October or November are usually the most realistic.
  • We work in a structured and focused way during the day. Reliability and punctuality matter to us.
  • This is not a party house — we value a respectful, calm atmosphere.
  • You should be independent, responsible and comfortable in a warm tropical climate.
  • We prefer people who truly want to contribute, not just stay near the beach.
  
  When you write to us, please include:
  • Your possible dates
  • Whether you travel alone or with someone
  • Your practical or creative skills
  • What kind of exchange you are looking for
  • A portfolio, Instagram handle or examples of your work, if relevant
  
  If that resonates with you, you’re welcome to reach out and we’ll see if the timing and energy match.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  For digital nomads: We have Starlink internet with reliable high-speed connection. There are several desk options available, and the setting is ideal for focused work with ocean views. Please note that this is a calm place, not a party house. It works best for people who enjoy a slower rhythm, nature, creativity and meaningful exchange.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Nalu (1 year)

  Nalu is our rescued dog and the unofficial site supervisor. She’s energetic, curious and always in the middle of things.
  She loves people, attention and sunset walks — and occasionally tries to “help” with the build.

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