I found myself very fortunate for having stayed at Casa's place. It's a retreat within a retreat. The atmosphere was very relaxing as well as inviting. The place was quiet, warm, and pristine. It felt like being on vacation while on vacation, seems the best way I can describe staying at such a beautiful place. Santa Teresa isn't too out of the way, I rented a car, which I found wasn't at all necessary if staying within Rio, but there was safe street parking nearby. Taking a cab or an Uber would suffice, and the rates are very inexpensive. The scenic hillsides offered great views of the bay. Their place, close to quaint eateries and bars, where a lot of the locals are really nice. Staying in Santa Teresa gave me an experience of being amongst the locals, which is what you would want when visiting another country, total immersion into the culture, while at the same time, having a place that offered a great deal of privacy and safety as well. I definitely plan on staying at such an awesome place again, and chatting with the amazing owners of this place. Enjoy.