The Backside House – Women Only –

The Backside House is a women-only hostel in Tamarindo, at the corner of Calle Cruz and Calle Cardinal, about a five-minute walk from the beach. Beds are for women only, but its surf lessons are open to everyone.

The hostel has shared dorm rooms with privacy curtains, large lockers, air conditioning, a shared kitchen and a courtyard with hammocks. Security includes exterior cameras and controlled access. Guests can use a small gym, and yoga classes are available for a small fee. Staff and volunteers organize group activities such as sunset outings, beach day trips and shared dinners.

Surf lessons are taught by ISA-certified instructors in small groups. Reviewers also mention Club 33, a surf school and shop next door, for boards and lessons.

The Backside House is consistently well reviewed. Guests, many of them solo female travelers, say they felt safe and welcome, and they praise the friendly staff, clean rooms, well-equipped kitchen, free coffee and central location near supermarkets and restaurants.