Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat, Santa Teresa

Pranamar Villas from @mvandersluis

Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat is an oceanfront 9-villa boutique hotel set on the pristine beaches of Santa Teresa in the heart of yoga country on the Nicoya Peninsula. With daily surf and yoga classes with views overlooking the ocean from a spectacular Yoga Shala, guests can slow down and reconnect with their surroundings. The spa at Pranamar has a variety of massage treatments and treatments focused on the release and relaxation of specific body areas or problems such as the traveler’s well-being package or the yogi’s path package.

Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort, Arenal Volcano

Located near Arenal Volcano, the highlight of Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort is its expansive hot springs naturally fed by the volcano. The hot springs are a true tropical paradise surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The Grand Spa has a multitude of memorable spa experiences that can be booked in outdoor bungalows surrounded by nature in complete privacy.

Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River, Guanacaste

A nice off-the-beaten-path alternative to Tabacon Resort is Rio Perdido Hotel & Thermal River in Bagaces, Guanacaste. The hotel is only about 1 hour from Liberia International Airport but has far fewer visitors than Arenal Volcano. It is situated on a 600-acre nature reserve with Rio Perdido Thermal River at its focal point. The river is naturally heated by the Miravalles Volcano. The lively landscape has created dozens of natural pools at varying temperatures and rich with minerals from the soil in which guests can relax. Additionally, Rio Perdido Hotel offers massages and their signature volcanic mud body-painting. Upon reservation of the mud body-painting treatment, guests are given the mineral-rich mud which can be applied to your partner, yourself, or your friends at a special hot river pool designated for treatments. The mud should set for about 10 minutes before rinsing in the river.

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, Nosara

Bodhi Tree Open-Air Shala

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is located in Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula just a short walk or shuttle ride from Guiones Beach. This luxurious boutique resort has 26 Balinese-style rooms and gardens and all levels of surf and yoga classes. The Bodhi wellness experience includes a fresh juice bar, in-house surf school, daily yoga and pilates classes, a full-service spa, and a gym. Not to mention the wild and pristine Nicoya Peninsula beaches are perfect for rest and rejuvenation!

The Retreat, Central Valley

“Every breakfast here begins with a bowl of fruit, freshly made juice, granola with goat milk yogurt, and something like a chia pudding… then we get coffee and omelets. Really loving this whole eating healthy thing over here!” via @lanababiy.personal

The Retreat is an 11-room boutique hotel and wellness center located in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. This lush escape nestled in the mountains with views extending out to the Pacific Ocean emphasizes well-being. Hatha yoga classes are offered every morning and Restorative yoga classes are offered every afternoon. The Retreat also has a pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, fitness room, and several hikes available on the property such as the Municipal Forest Hike, Desmonte Mountain Hike, and Goldmine Waterfalls Hike. Their farm-to-table restaurant and wellness cooking classes held by celebrity chef Diana Stobo is another highlight of The Retreat experience. Guests can even book a wine pairing dinner with a trained wine sommelier. Salud!

Amatierra Retreat & Wellness Center, Central Valley

Soaking in the natural beauty at Amatierra Retreat

About a 50-minute drive from San Jose, Amatierra Retreat & Wellness Center is a retreat focusing on holistic health. The property offers hatha yoga in the morning from an open-air teakwood pavilion surrounded by rainforest. The resort also offers holistic spa treatments with a certified herbalist. In fact, some of the herbs used in your treatments may be growing right on the property. Energy balance, vibrational healing, and sound therapy can all be included in your therapy treatments.

Samasati Nature Retreat & Rainforest Sanctuary, Southern Caribbean

Located a bit off the beaten path on the Southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Samasti Nature Retreat & Rainforest Sanctuary is a laid-back lodge set within a rainforest sanctuary with views overlooking the Caribbean. Wellness and health are at the forefront of the Samasati experience. The property focuses on natural remedies at their spa with treatments such as the mocha body scrub, Ayurvedic Yoga massage, and deep-tissue massage. Relax and unwind in the outdoor Jacuzzi following your spa treatment.

In need of a refresh? Check out our Wellness Vacation Packages for Rest & Relaxation!

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Nourished in Nosara

My journey started in the air, where I went from San Jose’s Central Valley to Nosara. It turned out to be one of the most gorgeous flights I’ve taken. Gliding across the Gulf of Nicoya was like an interactive 3D painting. The mountains were such a vibrant green that they didn’t seem real against the electric blue waters below. A typically nervous flyer, I was swept away by the scenery of the rugged coast. I didn’t want it to end.

Harmony Hotel

Less than an hour later I was poolside at Harmony Hotel, a place about which I had heard wonderful things about but could never get a feel for in pictures. When I arrived I realized it was the wonderful kind of place which, at the mercy of a photo, doesn’t seem extraordinary. It must be experienced first-hand.

Fresh Eats

Path leading to the Harmony juice bar

It was time for lunch and I certainly ordered well. A perfectly-seared tuna steak was my introduction to Nicoya cuisine. The food at Harmony was perfectly indicative of the area: simple but creative dishes of the freshest seafood, nourishing greens and vegetables, and sweet tropical fruit. You can find these things in most of Costa Rica, but here the flavors were elevated to a whole new level of freshness. The hotel is a 2-minute walk from some of the country’s best beaches – of course everything tasted fresh! I wouldn’t be surprised if the chef caught the fish himself and walked it out of the water just an hour earlier. Harmony’s juice bar is a fun retreat where the staff serves up nutrient-rich smoothies and juices made from carefully selected ingredients.

Happy Beaches

Playa Guiones

With a full stomach, I headed to Playa Guiones, one of the happiest beaches I’ve ever seen. There were couples in love, sun-kissed families with happy babies playing in the sand, dogs and their owners playing fetch, and no shortage of boards in the lineup. I could have spent the entire day people-watching, but I grabbed a boogie board and became part of the scenery instead. A low-flying Cessna dropped over the water to show off in front of all the beach goers, making even the most veteran surfers stop in their tracks and admire the brazen acrobatics. This place is fun.

Local Exploration

Playa Pelada

If that morning was all I saw of Harmony Hotel and Nosara I would still be in love. Luckily I got to explore the charming Playa Pelada, with its fishing boats bobbing gently after a day on the water. I enjoyed lunch at beachfront La Luna Restaurant and after, I walked the gravel roads to see what else I could learn. I found pilates and yoga classes, surf shops, backpacker hostels, and quaint houses. I refueled with guacamole at a local bar while watching a soccer match with a young fan.

La Luna Restaurant

Later I chatted with Harmony’s bartender during an evening storm. He listed all of the celebrities who enjoyed the simplicity of this low-profile corner of the world. He’d met Susan Surandon and Tim Robbins, Diane Lane, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, seen impromptu Sublime concerts, and served drinks to screenwriter Shawn Christenson as he worked on the movie “Abduction.” Then he said “Actually, Matt Damon is in Santa Teresa right now.” Perfect. That’s where I was headed next.

Revitalized in Santa Teresa

Another stunning flight linked me to Santa Teresa/Mal Pais on the southern edge of the Peninsula. Places like Mal Pais and Montezuma have become notorious as surfer-backpacker meccas.  I flew into Tambor, which felt like a dramatic entrance to Jurassic Park minus the John Williams score. After hugging the coast the plane descended quickly over the water and I wondered if we were even going to make it to land. Finally, right at the edge of the water, I saw the Tambor airstrip. We touched down. Whew.

I headed for Pranamar Villas, a 45 minute drive from Tambor on unpaved roads. With many of the peninsula’s roads still gravel, it is not uncommon to see more motorbikes and ATVs than cars. I needed some emergency items at the pharmacy and a local man was kind enough to squire me there on the back of his bike. I loved how casually everyone went about their daily tasks, and I appreciated their generosity.

Costa Rica Yoga Country

Despite all of the motor action, Pranamar Villas was appropriately serene. I was now in the thick of Costa Rica yoga country. Their selection of daily classes was more than enough to fit the needs of anyone interested in practicing. Between the villas and the beach was a whimsical playground of hammocks tied to random trees, just begging for someone to nap in them. I opted for one of the beach chairs closer to the water, where I watched the sun set while tired surfers trekked back home with their boards. I noticed the same laid-back, happy kind of people that I’d seen in Nosara. Maybe living in one of the world’s 5 Blue Zones really does lead to longer, happier life.

Friendly Locals

Santa Teresa has more than enough of what you need, including a pharmacy, ice cream shop, restaurants, and more. If you like meeting the locals, take a stroll through town and you’ll have no problem striking up a conversation, even at 8 am. A man stood on the side of the road drinking hot coffee out of a juice pitcher, and I wasn’t the least bit surprised when he reached out and invited me to join him. I was also not surprised by the old, long-haired surfers who told tales of dancing by the moon all night and riding waves all day.

Welcome Simplicity

Next I headed to Latitude 10, just down the road in Santa Teresa. This small hotel doesn’t even have a sign – just a symbol. Here I was at another ocean-front hotel with fresh food and gorgeous rooms, and refreshing simplicity.

Latitude 10 Resort

Now back to Matt Damon. Remember when a little bartender birdie told us Matt would be in Santa Teresa around this time? He was right. Confirmed by Tico sources on the scene. I wondered if a walk along the beach would put me in his general vicinity. Maybe we’d become friends and he’d invite me to family barbeques. Maybe he’d see my star power give me my big break. Maybe he’d ignore me and beg for his privacy. Beach-combing for celebrities; what have I become?

Tropical Tranquility

Playa Santa Teresa

I walked up and down the long stretch of sand, stopping along the way for photos of tropical plants and angry rocks jutting out of the sea. The sun crossed the sky as I took my time skimming the coast before eventually stopping to rest. As my lucid body sank lower into the sand I felt the euphoria of total relaxation. I had no idea what time it was because I was too busy enjoying the beauty around me to care. At that moment, all that mattered was nothing. You got lucky, Matt Damon.

A Santa Teresa Beach sunset

Why did I ever think I had to conquer the Nicoya Peninsula? It is rough and rugged but also very gentle and beautiful. Over three days I realized that there is nothing to conquer here, but everything to love.

Ready to be well? Plan your own Wellness Vacation!

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To some, “digital detox” sounds like another yuppie fad with a high price tag. It is a trend, but one with major benefits. The decision to “unplug” often leads to a clearer, sharper mind and improved well-being, overall. Serious detoxers are choosing to immerse themselves in nature as a way of de-cluttering mind and soul, and Costa Rica’s natural wonders make it one of the most ideal escapes for those looking to disconnect with the tech world and re-connect with their own senses. With non-stop flights from many major US cities, a tech-free getaway is easier than ever.

El Silencio Lodge | Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest

Just 2 hours outside of San Jose is a cool, misty forest in the clouds. Its dream-like atmosphere will immediately ease you into a state of relaxation. El Silencio Lodge and Spa in Bajos del Toro is the premiere Digital Detox destination in Costa Rica’s central highlands.

“El Silencio Lodge & Spa is an eco-luxury hotel that showcases the best of Costa Rica’s tropical cloud forest. Silencio, Spanish for “silence,” befits a destination where daily stress is hushed by nature’s melodic symphonies.”

There are no televisions at the hotel, but guests find entertainment in many forms. Extensive trails meander over serene rivers, leading hikers to 3 different waterfalls, each one more magnificent than the last. Yoga enthusiasts can center themselves on an al-fresco deck amidst the cloud forest, and foodies will appreciate the fresh, local fare prepared daily. A series of cultural experiences and adventure activities are offered to give visitors a glimpse into life in the small town of Bajos del Toro.

Aguila de Osa Inn | Osa Peninsula

For a tropical rainforest detox, travel down to one of Costa Rica’s most remote treasures, the Osa Peninsula. The region remains relatively untouched and is home to some of the best relaxation hideaways in the country. Visitors tend to forget about checking emails when they become absorbed in the awe of the surrounding paradise. At Aguila de Osa Inn in Drake Bay, Costa Rica, guests are welcomed into a blissful haven teeming with wildlife.

“A true rainforest and marine adventure lodge, Aguila de Osa overlooks a panorama of Drake Bay from the mouth of the Aguijitas River and is only a short distance from two of Costa Rica’s most precious natural gems, Corcovado National Park and Caño Island Marine Reserve”An alarm clock won’t be necessary here with a variety of tropical birds willing to do the job each morning. Between hiking the property’s trails to remote beaches and kayaking up the Agujitas River, it is easy to forget that you even own a phone. Even the most tightly-wound detoxers will find themselves drifting off to the sound of the ocean in their balcony hammocks.

If you’re worried about digital withdrawal, many hotels do have WiFi in the lobby, but guests are always encouraged to focus on refreshing.

Pacuare Lodge | Pacuare River

Settled between a sprawling wilderness preserve and the roaring Pacuare River, Pacuare Lodge is perfect for detoxers looking for a splash of adventure. Half the fun is getting there, as most guests raft their way down the river to the lodge. The adrenaline rush of the Pacuare’s rapids is enough to distract you from your Blackberry for at least 3 days.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge | Osa Peninsula

The Golfo Dulce is a Costa Rican gem not to be missed, giving visitors to Lapa Rios Ecolodge every advantage for a successful digital detox. Guests fly to Puerto Jimenez on the remote Osa Peninsula for a uniquely personal experience with nature. Gorgeous open-air bungalows treat visitors to sweeping tropical breezes throughout the day. Lapa Rios boasts an extensive list of on-site guided tours and adventure excursions offered by the community.

Harmony Hotel | Nicoya Peninsula

Harmony Healing Center

A favorite in the Costa Rica Experts office, Harmony Hotel promotes itself as an “ideal space for contemplation and deep relaxation.” Surfing and yoga are Harmony’s specialties, but the hotel’s Healing Centre promises ultimate tranquility:

“Designed as a place of restoration, nurturing and peace, the Healing Center offers a menu of treatments inspired by Costa Rica’s natural bounty and beauty. The Centre is operated by experienced therapists who soothe tired travelers and sore surfers. Healing services are enjoyed in a freestanding facility surrounded by peaceful gardens and a lily-filled pond”

Visit our Wellness Vacations page for more detoxing trip ideas.

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As the chaos of life forges on without ever seeming to break, it can be hard to find the time or place to get in touch with yourself. You may not think that you’re “one of those” people who needs an occasional escape in order to function in real life – but actually, you do:

The Importance of Wellness

According to the The Framingham Heart Study (2000), women who don’t take vacations are much more likely to suffer from heart disease than women who take time off. Up to 8 times more likely, actually. More recent studies suggest similar statistics for men. But who can find the right time to escape? It can be hard to convince yourself to take time off of work and invest in a getaway. Many people feel like they’re dropping the ball or they’ll fall behind, but taking a brief rest period to recharge is crucial to maximizing your performance, both at work and at home.

Costa Rica Wellness Experiences

Costa Rica is one of the world’s best wellness travel destinations because of the multitude of natural wonders it offers to travelers. You can do all of your relaxing amidst dense rain forest, on sprawling white sand beaches, or serenely misty cloud forests. Costa Rica is home to one of the world’s 5 “Blue Zones,” which are classified as regions of the world where the natural atmosphere and way of life allows for residents to live longer, happier lives:

Beach massage from Harmony Hotel on the Nicoya Peninsula

The Nicoya Peninsula, in the northwest region of the country along the Pacific coast, is a favorite among surfers, yogis, and wellness enthusiasts alike. It is home to some of the most active, well-nourished, hard-working people on earth thanks in part to the stunning natural environment around them. The abundance of nutrient-rich fruits is a staple of the Nicoyan diet, and may explain why the region’s cancer rate is the lowest in the country. Spending a week there could do wonders for your mind, body, and soul.

Pranamar Villas | Nicoya Peninsula

The Pranamar Villas in Santa Teresa is the ultimate relaxation escape with only 9 units and an open-air yoga pavilion, providing an intimate experience in a tranquil setting. The serenity pool is chlorine-free and the open-air restaurant features seasonal, organic ingredients. The famous Santa Teresa break gives surfers everything they could ask for and more, while sea breezes feed wellness travelers the purified, energized air they crave.

Tabacon Grand Spa & Thermal Resort | Arenal Volcano

Tabacon Adults-Only Shangri-La Hot Springs

For those looking for a more mainstream experience, Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort in the Arenal Volcano region offers a tried and true relaxation retreat. The spa is one of the most varied in the country. Their most acclaimed treatments include volcanic mud baths and exfoliations with coffee and coconut that refresh your senses. The property’s renowned hot springs are perfect for relaxing tight muscles and clearing cluttered minds.

Staying Well

Think about how much better you feel after one of those rare and precious 3 day weekends – now multiply that by 1000. That’s the level of rejuvenation you can expect out of 7 nights in one the most biologically pure countries in the world. A week away can do wonders, with benefits that extend far past the reach of your vacation. Taking just a few days out of the year to recharge allows you to return to your duties at work and home with some pep in your step! We recommend taking it one step further and doing a digital detox, putting all of your electronics to rest while you get back in tune with your own frazzled mind. With so many different destinations to explore, Costa Rica is the perfect combination of scenic serenity and eye-opening adventure.

Check out our Wellness Vacations for more trip ideas!

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