Asian culture is popular in Costa Rica. This Thai-inspired guest house in Santa Teresa was a gem: the rooms were cheap, the Thai food was delicious, and the bar area attracted friendly locals and travelers. Readers will appreciate the copious amounts of books in the lounge area. Hammocks hang upstairs; and, best of all, the hostel is a 5-second walk from the beach.

When I arrived, musicians were strumming guitars in the central tree house. Magical.