A lifelong surfer and skier, Jeff Grosshandler, the owner of The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel, drew inspiration from his experiences at ski resorts when creating The Gilded Iguana’s Surf Club, which blends innovation with local culture, offering expert surf instruction and social spaces for both visitors and locals.
A family-owned and locally run boutique beachfront hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica, The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel offers comfort off the coast of one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world.
The Gilded Iguana is one of the only surf hotels that offers a ski-resort type of structure including:
- Rentals & Experienced Staff: Just as you’d rent skis and ski accessories from a ski resort, you can rent high-end Channel Islands surfboards from The Gilded Iguana’s Surf Club. Depending on your skill level and previous surf experience, The Gilded Iguana’s Surf Club trainers will help you choose the correct surfboard for your expertise. The staff also offers a personal board caddy service – taking your board, washing it and putting it away for you so it’s ready for you next time you hit the waves.
- Lessons: Similar to taking ski lessons on different hills depending on your experience, at The Gilded Iguana’s Surf Club, guests (including children aged 6+) can receive surf lessons from local and experienced surf instructors who grew up riding Nosara’s waves. The instructor will offer you a rashguard for your lesson and guide you through the waves at specific high or low tide times, depending on your comfort level.
- Refreshments: While many skiers opt for hot chocolate, the Surf Club offers something more fitting for the hot Costa Rica weather – smoothies and juices. The hotel just launched a new juice bar menu including immunity shots packed with all the essential nutrients to kickstart your day, breakfast burritos loaded with fresh ingredients to fuel your morning, hearty sandwiches for the perfect post-surf treat and smoothies and acai bowls, topped with fresh fruit and all your favorite toppings (full menu: HERE).
Located on Playa Guiones North along the Pacific Ocean, The Gilded Iguana is Nosara’s original surf hotel since 1986 boasting premier accommodations, surf access, modern luxury, authenticity and a vibrant atmosphere. It has set a new standard in the surf industry with its focus on safety, education and accessibility. Looking towards the future, Jeffrey’s vision for the property includes expanding offerings, maintaining environmental commitments and fostering community through surf events and social projects. He sees potential for the Surf Club model to expand to other premier surf destinations globally.
