Soulara Hotel

The Blue Iguana Is Now Soulara Hotel

image of orange sunset at Samara beach near Soulara Hotel

Sunrise vs. Sunset: Finding Your Rythmn by the Water

Finding Your Pace By The Water

There is a distinct magic to coastal living, but to truly experience it, you have to tune yourself to the daily rhythm of the ocean. In Sámara, the day doesn’t begin with an alarm clock; it begins with the first low rumble of the incoming tide and the soft shift of light through the jungle canopy.

For travelers arriving from fast paced lives, one of the most beautiful adjustments to make is deciding how you want to meet the day. Are you drawn to the still, fresh clarity of the morning, or do you find your peace in the golden, celebratory warmth of the late afternoon?

Both offer completely different versions of the Pura Vida spirit. Here is how to find the rhythm that speaks to you.

The Dawn Ritual: Quiet Clarity and Empty Sands

There is an untouched, sacred feeling to Sámara Beach at 5:30 AM. The air is still cool, the sand is completely unmarred by footprints, and the ocean often looks like a sheet of glass reflecting pale pinks and soft lavenders.

Waking up early here isn’t a chore; it’s an invitation. This is the hour for the thinkers, the movers, and those seeking solitude.

  • The Experience: Walking the wide stretch of the shoreline with nothing but the sound of small, lapping waves. Watching the local fishermen push their boats out into the calm water as the sky brightens.

  • The Vibe: Internal, peaceful, and restorative. It sets a tone of mindfulness that carries through the rest of your afternoon.

  • Best For: A quiet beach yoga session, a solo run, or enjoying a thermos of locally roasted chorreado coffee on a driftwood log before the rest of the world wakes up.

The Twilight Ritual: Community, Connection, and Gold

If sunrise is a private meditation, sunset in Sámara is a shared celebration. As the clock nears 5:00 PM, the energy of the town shifts toward the water. The heat of the midday sun breaks, replaced by a warm, golden breeze.

The sky becomes a dramatic canvas of fiery oranges, deep crimson, and silhouette palms. It’s a visual cue for the community to pause, gather, and breathe.

  • The Experience: Strangers and locals alike lining the sand, kids playing in the gentle shore break, and horses trotting along the edge of the water.

  • The Vibe: Social, vibrant, and deeply connected. It’s a reminder that you are part of something larger.

  • Best For: Grabbing a cold Imperial or a fresh pipa fría, pulling up a beachfront chair at a local spot, and simply watching the sun dip cleanly below the Pacific horizon.

Which Rhythm is Yours?

You don’t have to choose just one, but noticing which hour feeds your soul is part of the joy of staying at Soulara.

If your goal is to decompress and clear a crowded mind, give yourself at least one early morning by the water. If your goal is to celebrate being alive, present, and immersed in local culture, make the beachfront sunset your non negotiable daily anchor.

Step out of your room, look to the water, and let the ocean dictate your clock.

Also Interesting...

photo of a casado plate

Local Sodas in Samara You Can’t Miss

Eat Like a Local: The Best Casados in Town There is a distinct comfort in a traditional Costa Rican casado after a long morning in the ocean. Sámara isn’t a town of sterile franchises; it’s a community fueled by family …

Read More
photo of farmers market fruit

Navigating the Samara Farmers Market

Saturday Morning Rituals: Fresh Fruit, Local Crafts and Community Vibes! If you want to feel the true pulse of our town, set your alarm a little early on Saturday morning. The local organic market is where Sámara truly comes alive. …

Read More
Photo of Costa Rican jungle

The Hidden Trails of the Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve

Hiking Sámara: What Lies Behind the Jungle Canopy While it’s easy to spend your entire trip looking out at the Pacific, some of Sámara’s greatest magic is hidden just behind the tree line. The Werner-Sauter Reserve is a protected tropical …

Read More
image placeholder for person

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 is 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.

Headshot of Bryan Mora

Bryan Mora Venegas

My name is Bryan Mora. I am Costa Rican – Originally from Playa Sámara, Guanacaste and a Christian committed to living each day guided by principles of honesty, integrity, and service.

I have over 10 years of experience in the tourism industry, dedicated to providing quality service and creating memorable experiences for those visiting our beautiful country. My greatest satisfaction comes from sharing the natural richness, culture, and hospitality that make Costa Rica a unique destination.

I deeply love my country and am passionate about showing every visitor the beauty of Playa Sámara and the surrounding area. I believe every guest deserves to feel welcome, safe, and treated with respect, warmth, and professionalism.

It will be a true pleasure to welcome you and do everything possible to ensure you have an unforgettable stay. Costa Rica awaits you with open arms, and we look forward to providing you with the best possible service. Welcome!

Headshot of Skip Bendrien

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 coexist, and everyday feels like an opportunity to discover. This is the ultimate reward after working for 4 decades in the oil & gas sector of Alberta, Canada.

Photo of Luci from CR Dive Buddies

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.

Headshot of Kami

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!

jodiheadshotcropped

Jodi 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 is 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.

Headshot of Bryan Mora

Bryan Mora Venegas

My name is Bryan Mora. I am Costa Rican – Originally from Playa Sámara, Guanacaste and a Christian committed to living each day guided by principles of honesty, integrity, and service.

I have over 10 years of experience in the tourism industry, dedicated to providing quality service and creating memorable experiences for those visiting our beautiful country. My greatest satisfaction comes from sharing the natural richness, culture, and hospitality that make Costa Rica a unique destination.

I deeply love my country and am passionate about showing every visitor the beauty of Playa Sámara and the surrounding area. I believe every guest deserves to feel welcome, safe, and treated with respect, warmth, and professionalism.

It will be a true pleasure to welcome you and do everything possible to ensure you have an unforgettable stay. Costa Rica awaits you with open arms, and we look forward to providing you with the best possible service. Welcome!