Awaken your soul & body with a retreat in Costa Rica. Last week I divulged my top three picks in Hawaii for hosting transformational retreats and events. Now, in continuation of this series featuring amazing retreat centers in awe-inspiring locations, it’s time to travel to one of my favorite destinations of all time: Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is in many ways my second home. Not only did I live in the country for nearly six months, I continue to go back to Costa Rica year after year. Given all the country has to offer, it’s hardly any wonder why.
Costa Rica has some of the best weather in the world, with warm temperatures all year round. Even in “Green Season” (rainy season), the tropical rainforest is absolutely magical, with showers often lasting only 20 minutes to an hour. Plus you’ve got lush jungle-lined beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean Coast, national parks, diverse wildlife, fresh farm-to-table food, and more.
If you’re an entrepreneur thinking of hosting a retreat but you’re not exactly sure where to start, Costa Rica makes an excellent option. It’s easy for most people to get to Costa Rica, visas are rarely required, and yoga/retreats are already a massive part of this very eco-friendly country. From guest houses to eco-villages to treehouse hotels and mansions, you won’t have any shortage of choices when it comes to planning your entrepreneur’s retreat in Costa Rica.
I’ll likely have a Part 2 coming out soon as there are just so many amazing spots that warrant a feature. But to get you started, here are three of my all-time favorite place to host a retreat in Costa Rica:
Blue Osa is my tried and true. Located on the stunningly diverse Osa Peninsula, just outside of Puerto Jimenez on the secluded beach of Playa Tamales, Blue Osa are dear friends who know the ins and outs of yoga retreats. This is the resort I lived at for a bit, and I now consider the staff to be dear friends.
The Blue Osa property just underwent sweeping renovations, somehow succeeding in making the grounds even more beautiful than before. But my favorite part is still the ocean-view yoga deck boasting open-air windows, perfect for a fresh ocean breeze that is guaranteed to carry all of your worries away.
Blue Osa Yoga Retreat + Spa accommodates 28 people comfortably. They have a remarkable kitchen with three fresh and healthy meals a day. Much of the cuisine is farm-to-table, with produce grown in the garden and other ingredients sourced locally. If you’re lucky, you’ll be treated to one of my favorites, their mahi mahi.
At Blue Osa, the ocean is literally steps from your room, and there is a wonderful area specifically for bonfires and fire ceremonies. (Blue Osa can help set this up for you.) A large grass area for activities, a chlorine-free lap pool, and an authentic spa with homemade jungle treatments top off the facilities. Blue Osa is eco-luxury, so don’t expect air conditioning or hair dryers. Do expect serene nature and an ideal location to “disconnect so you can reconnect.”
Blue Osa gets booked out a year in advance, so it is recommended to contact them ASAP before your next retreat. Good marketing equals usually booked solid!
To arrive: Fly into Juan Santamaria San Jose Airport, then take a short flight on Nature Air or Sansa to Puerto Jimenez. Adventurous guests can also choose to drive or take public transportation. It’s a bit of a journey to the Osa, but the remoteness adds to the magic.
Pura Vida is a chain of three retreat centers. (The other locations are in Georgia, USA and Tulum, Mexico.) That means they are organized and know how to help you market your retreat for serious success. They’ll even print promotional cards for you to distribute, all included in the retreat booking price.
Nestled in the mountains of Alajuela and at the foot of a volcano, Pura Vida is located above San Jose with excellent views of the valley below. The retreat center offers three types of rooms, with everything from basic tentalows (similar to glamping) to private luxury suites. You’ll also find lovely double and triple rooms, some equipped with balconies that overlook the valley—don’t miss a sunset here!
Pura Vida can accommodate around 80 people. Smaller groups are welcome but will need to share the property with other guests. Expect amazing buffets, as well as a luxurious pool, hot tub, and a spa with some of the most amazing healers I’ve ever met. Additionally, quiet pagodas, fountains, benches and gardens provide plenty of opportunities for moments of contemplation.
There are three separate retreat spaces, two with mirrors and balconies, and one with an open view of the valley. Yoga props and mats are also available for use.
To arrive: Fly into Juan Santamaria San Jose Airport and then take Pura Vida’s shuttles to the property.
Finally, no article about retreat centers in Costa Rica would be complete without highlighting Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort.
At Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, you’ll find two beautiful pools, a juice bar (which I personally believe every retreat center needs), a lovely open buffet hall for community meals and shared laughter, as well as a gorgeous open-air yoga deck for workshops and classes.
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is nestled in the foothills of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula just a 5-minute walk from the Pacific Ocean. This is an extremely popular destination for yogis, and with good reason. Here you’re surrounded by pristine jungle, yet still only minutes from the ocean and epic surf spots.
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort has space for 44 people, as well as an additional five King Bungalows which can be rented.
I’m so in love with Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort that I’ll be hosting the next Trailblazer’s Retreat here! Stay tuned for more juicy insider details about the property or—better yet—join us and experience the magic of the property for yourself!
To Arrive: Fly into Liberia International Airport and then arrange transfers to the Nicoya with Bodhi Tree.
All of these retreat centers offer special prices for airport transportation to and from the retreat center. They can also arrange for once-in-a-lifetime adventures to area attractions. Costa Rica is known for its jungle zip lines, mangrove kayaking, waterfall rappelling, surfing, stand up paddle boarding, horseback riding… the list goes on and on! It is definitely worth it to include an epic nature adventure in your retreat/event package.
Most retreats request a 10% deposit to hold your group reservation, as well as 20% at set dates prior to actually hosting the event or retreat.
If you need a luxurious place to stay in San Jose before or after your event, I recommend the elegant Alta Hotel. This is a wonderful place to hold meetings or prepare for your retreat.
Stay tuned next week to discover which fantastic retreat destination I’m taking you to next!
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