W8167ZGthomash
July 17, 2024
My 8th visit to CR and 3rd to Santa Teresa. I came to Horizon to restore and reset after a long tough time recovering from a difficult family loss. My main objective has been to kickstart my wellness routine after a year and a half of being out of synch - exercise, healthy living, kind people with good vibes, fresh food prepared with love, surf, hike and priceless sunrises and sunsets. So far, I have found all of that at Horizon. Horizon is a quaint and charming mountain retreat, located a short walk up the mountain side of town. A trail interconnects all of the various element of this boutique resort. Gali and Yuav offer the perfect balance of being available while also maintaining privacy. There has not been a request that I have made that hasn’t been met in a very timely manner. Yuav is the best kept secret in ST - a true Renaissance man. I’m 100% straight, by the way. Yuav is a 5 star chef, while also maintaining a demanding resort management role. Did I mention that he is also a top notch yoga instructor? He also maintains many hobbies that most would find very interesting. I would be very surprised if there was a request made by a guest that he could not, or would not, satisfy. Gali is hands on and doesn’t miss much. She truly loves and breaths this hospitality experience. A few points of note: - If you are looking for a chain hotel, Horizon is not for you. You will not find staff that went to a brand name HRIM college or University. Frankly, you will find better here. - If you don’t like the charm of an old bohemian town that has evolved quite a bit since my first visit 30 years ago, this is not for you. - Costa Rica has evolved and is now a town that is represented globally. Not everyone here is a Tica. There are many cultures represented in ST, and the language and cultural shifts can create a disappointment if you’re not able to communicate properly. This is okay, in my opinion, by the way, as the food options here are more diverse and authentic than any big city in America, while still maintaining that beach side bohemian charm. Just be sure to choose your body language and words wisely as there can be a risk of gross misinterpretation and/or losing a friendship over same. - This is Costa Rica. The first thing I do when I arrive is obtain an ATV for my entire stay. Taxis are available and the drivers are super friendly and informative. But if you are a slave to taxis and walking everywhere, you may miss out on some of the charm and experiences. Full disclosure - I grew up on horses, dirt bikes and ATVs. I have been all over the world and have stayed at top 20 rated resorts in many countries, but Horizon is right there with the best of them. The website doesn’t nearly do justice to this place.