Soulara Hotel

The Blue Iguana Is Now Soulara Hotel. Welcome To Our Reimagined Experience!

Soulara Hotel

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Coastal Simplicity For The Soul

Your authentic beachside retreat in Samara Costa Rica

OUR HOTEL

Soulara Hotel is an authentic beachside space designed for you to Relax, Rejuvenate and Recharge your soul. The perfect vacation isn't about excess. It’s about having exactly what you need to unwind.Nestled right into the heart of Sámara’s tranquil beach vibe, our 34 room boutique hotel offers an elevated, thoughtfully curated escape without the traditional luxury price tag. We believe a true sanctuary is built on a few essential elements: bright and airy spaces, cleanliness, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at ease.We’ve stripped away the noise to create a streamlined, authentic home base where the ocean breeze does the talking. It is a nice, honest, and beautifully simple place to return to...giving you a quiet, immaculate haven to recharge while you experience the absolute best of the Sámara dream.And we are in the heart of downtown and walking distance to everywhere you want to go. Leave the car behind and find your Pura Vida!

FIND YOUR PARADISE

Sámara is the kind of beach town that makes you forget the rest of the world exists. It’s a vibrant, laid back paradise where horses stroll along the shore at sunset, local sodas serve up fresh casados, and the gentle, reef-protected waves of the bay invite you to slow down to a true Pura Vida pace. There are no high-rises or frantic tourist traps here. Just raw coastal beauty, a welcoming community, and an infectious rhythm that connects you directly to the ocean.That authentic, uncomplicated magic is exactly what we captured when building Soulara. It's a peaceful home base designed to mirror the town's effortless charm, giving you an attainable sanctuary to return to after a day of exploring the beaches, surfing the local beginner friendly breaks, or simply breathing in the salty Pacific air.

Golden Hour, Unlocked

ROOMS & SUITES

Our budget friendly accommodations are perfect for world travelers and families alike, with a variety of room options to suit every need. From private suites with air conditioning, to cozy rooms with a walkout balcony.

$61.95
/night

Economy Room

1 Double bed, Wall mounted fan

Budget conscious room overlooking the local soccer field. Features street energy, a comfortable double bed, clean bathroom, and wall mounted fan.

$100
/night

Standard Room

1 Double,1 Single, A/C

Bright, uncomplicated space for duos or families. Features one double and one single bed, A/C, hot water, and close proximity to the beach.

$110
/night

Double Standard

1 Double, 1 Queen, A/C

Airy room designed for friends or families. Features one double and one queen bed, crisp air conditioning, and clean, modern finishes to unwind.

$139
/night

Queen Suite

2 Queens, Mini Fridge, A/C

Spacious family haven offering extra breathing room. Features two queen beds, refreshing air conditioning, clean ensuite bathroom, and a mini-fridge for cold drinks.

$149
/night

King Suite

1 King, Mini Fridge, A/C

Our largest couple’s sanctuary. Features a comfortable king bed, refreshing air conditioning, an ensuite bathroom, and a mini-fridge for your local refreshments.

$149
/night

Penthouse

2 bedrooms, 2 Double beds, Living Room, A/C

Modern, two-bedroom layout with double beds and a relaxed living room. Fully air-conditioned, offering families an uncomplicated launchpad moments from the beach.

$199
/night

Casa

3 Bedrooms, 1 Queen, 2 Doubles, Kitchen, Living Room, A/C

Ultimate beachside sanctuary for groups, featuring one queen bed, two doubles, a dedicated living room, and a full kitchen for home-cooked meals.

JUST STEPS FROM THE SAND

You don’t need to deal with a complicated trek or coordinate rides to get to the water. We are located just steps from the pristine shores of Samara Beach, putting the ocean directly at your doorstep. Whether you want to catch an early morning surf, take a sunset stroll, or just breathe in the salty Pacific air, you can transition from your room to the beach in just minutes.

MODERN UNCOMPLICATED SPACES

We believe that the best stays are built on clarity and space to breathe. Our 34 rooms are designed to be a pristine, minimalist sanctuary free from overcomplicated, pretentious resort noise. You get an attainable, beautifully simple home base with exactly what you need to relax, unwind, and transition effortlessly from a day of adventure to a peaceful night's rest.

AUTHENTIC SAMARA EXPERIENCE

We love this town, and we built Soulara to be a seamless extension of it. Instead of isolating you in a sterile tourist bubble, our location with a welcoming relaxed vibe, connects you directly to the genuine feel of the local community. We are always here to guide you toward the best hidden trails, local dining spots, and authentic coastal experiences that make Sámara so unforgettable.

QUESTIONS?

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Jodi & Don Bendrien

Welcome to Soulara Hotel and Retreats, the dream brought to life by me & three generations of my family; amidst the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica. My roots have been intertwined with this vibrant land since first visiting, and it’s always been my visions to share its magic and warmth with others.

We have poured our hearts into creating a place where guests don’t just stay but truly connect with the natural beauty and rich culture that surrounds it. At our core, we believe in genuine hospitality. When you step through our doors, you’re not just a guest; you become a part of our story.

We personally oversee every detail, from the comfort of your room to the authentic flavors served in our bar and restaurant. Ensuring your stay is filled with a lifetime of memories, we are here to make sure every step of your vacation is perfect. Our passion for Costa Rica shines through in everything we do, and we love sharing our favorite local spots, hidden gems and tips & tricks we know.

We invite you to experience a true essence of “Pura Vida” with us. Whether your seeking adventure, relaxation or a deep dive into our local traditions, our family if here to make your Costa Rican getaway truly special. We are committed to providing a peaceful sanctuary where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of this incredible country embraces you. The greatest discoveries are made when we allow ourselves to get lost in the natural world, only to emerge feeling more centered and whole.

Bryan Mora Venegas

Over fact all son tell this any his. No insisted confined of weddings to returned to debating rendered. Keeps order fully so do party means young. Table nay him jokes quick. In felicity up to graceful mistaken horrible consider.

Skip Bendrien

I fell in love with Costa Rica the moment my toes touched the sand – and never left!

I’ve been living in this beautiful country since 2024 and you will find me at the hotel , on our boat; or enjoying a cold beer on the beach. Retiring in Costa Rica isn’t just about moving to a new country, it’s about stepping into a whole new way of life. Imagine waking up to the sound of monkeys, the scent of the tropical air, and the feeling of warm sunshine each and every day I can. 

This is a place where life slows down, where vibrant greens of the rainforest meet the endless blue of the Pacific Ocean, and where the philosophy of “Pura Vida” isn’t just a saying, but a principal of life. I found my dream in a place where peace and adventure co-exist, and everyday feels like an opportunity to discover. This is the ultimate reward after working for 5 decades in the oil & gas sector of Alberta, Canada.

 

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Minor Sanchez Garcia

Over fact all son tell this any his. No insisted confined of weddings to returned to debating rendered. Keeps order fully so do party means young. Table nay him jokes quick. In felicity up to graceful mistaken horrible consider.

Lucia Murcia Cordero

Hi, I’m Luci – a diver, mom, and passionate believer in the kind of adventures that ignite the soul.

Although I grew up in the city, I’ve been in love with the ocean for as long as I can remember. That passion led me to study Marine Biology and Natural Resource Management, and for over ten years I’ve dedicated my career to sustainable tourism, creating meaningful nature based experiences, and developing environmental education and marine conservation programs.

I founded my own dive center, Dive Buddies, in the beautiful coastal town of Sámara, Costa Rica. Here, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the incredible marine life that calls these waters home while also discovering the warmth, tranquility, and genuine sense of community that make Sámara such a special place.

My goal is to inspire people to discover just how extraordinary the ocean truly is, to experience its beauty safely, and to show that there are countless ways to appreciate and protect it. Whether it’s through diving, education, or simply spending time by the sea, I hope every experience fosters a deeper connection with the ocean and a desire to care for it for generations to come.

Kamila Garro Moretti

Hi! I’m Kami, and I’m an Argentinian that Samara caught with her beautiful lifestyle.

I am the face behind the bar & event coordinator at Soulara Hotel and Retreats.

I love hosting and meeting people from all places!

The Blue Iguana
is now
Soulara Hotel!

We’ve rebranded to bring you an elevated, reimagined hospitality experience in Sámara.

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