Curator’s statement
Costa Rica holds a special place in my heart because it delivers something most destinations can only promise—a genuine, full-body reset that you feel before you even check in. The concept of pura vida isn’t marketing. It’s a lived philosophy that slows you down and reconnects you to what matters. From the mineral-rich thermal waters of Arenal to the crystal-quartz mountain perch of The Retreat, every corner of this country is designed—by nature itself—to restore you. For my clients who lead hard and give everything to their work and families, Costa Rica is where I send them first.
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Things to do
Soak in the Arenal Hot Springs: The volcanic thermal waters of the Arenal region are mineral-rich and naturally heated, making them one of the most restorative experiences in the world. Tabacón Thermal Resort offers the most beautiful access—multiple pools, cascading waterfalls, and lush jungle surroundings at every turn.
Sunrise yoga in the jungle: Most wellness properties in Costa Rica offer open-air yoga pavilions where you practice with nothing but jungle sounds and morning light around you. It’s the kind of movement session that resets your nervous system in a way no studio back home can replicate.
Visit the Nicoya Blue Zone: The Nicoya Peninsula is one of only five places in the world where people measurably live longer, healthier lives—and spending time there feels like an immersion in that philosophy. The pace, the food, and the community all teach you something about how to live better.
Waterfall hikes at La Fortuna: The La Fortuna Waterfall near Arenal is a breathtaking 70-meter cascade surrounded by lush rainforest, accessible via a short jungle hike. The pool at the base is cool, clear, and genuinely one of those places that makes you feel completely alive.
Surf or stand-up paddleboard in Santa Teresa: Santa Teresa’s consistent waves and laid-back energy make it one of the best places in the world to try surfing for the first time—or to reconnect with the ocean in a low-pressure, joyful way. It’s active, freeing, and impossible to take too seriously.
Wildlife spotting in Manuel Antonio: Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on earth—sloths, monkeys, toucans, and sea turtles share the space with pristine white-sand beaches. A guided morning walk here is genuinely one of the most grounding and humbling experiences Costa Rica offers.
Farm-to-table dining with local ingredients: Costa Rica’s wellness resorts take food seriously—meals built around local cacao, tropical fruits, plantains, and fresh fish that are as nourishing as they are delicious. At properties like The Retreat and Hacienda AltaGracia, dining is part of the healing, not just a break between treatments.
A traditional sobada massage: The sobada is a traditional Costa Rican healing massage rooted in Indigenous practice—deeper and more intentional than a standard spa treatment, focused on releasing tension that has built up over months of stress. It is, without question, one of the most restorative things you can experience in the country.
Places to eat & drink
Dinning view at Huacas
Huacas Restaurant at Tierra Magnifica, Nosara: An elegant open-air restaurant perched with the best view in Nosara, serving creative dishes and mixology crafted with ingredients sourced from the surrounding community—the real flavors of Costa Rica. All dietary needs are accommodated including vegan, keto, and gluten-free, making it an easy choice for wellness-focused groups.
Sentido Norte at Hotel Casa Chameleon, Las Catalinas: A hilltop restaurant helmed by Costa Rican chef José López that showcases a mix of local tastes and modern classics, from sunrise until sunset—with standout dishes like French toast with plantains and shrimp, octopus, and avocado ceviche. The sunset views and fresh-forward menu make it a natural fit for wellness travelers.
Ronny’s Place, Manuel Antonio: A hidden gem perched above the ocean in Manuel Antonio, known for fresh seafood, daily specials, inventive cocktails, welcoming staff, and sunset views that draw families and groups of friends with its genuinely laid-back feel. An ideal spot for an unhurried dinner after a day at Manuel Antonio National Park.
Soda & Restaurante Rodríguez, La Fortuna: A beloved family-run spot near Arenal with treehouse-style seating, colorful hand-painted walls, traditional Costa Rican meals made from fresh ingredients, and large servings at fair prices—rated 4.8 stars across more than 1,400 reviews. A grounding, authentic experience that perfectly complements a stay at the thermal springs.
Namaste Indian Restaurant, Manuel Antonio: A standout vegan and vegetarian restaurant with broad ocean views, offering tandoori dishes and curries made from fresh produce with a perfect 5.0 rating across nearly 1,900 reviews. A must-include for clients following plant-based or ayurvedic wellness practices.
El Hicaco, Jacó Beach: A classic Costa Rican seafood restaurant directly on Jacó beach where the sound of waves reaches every open-air table—serving excellently selected fresh ocean fish, shellfish, and crustaceans with a decent wine cellar and perfect sunset views from every seat. Ideal for coastal wellness itineraries in the Central Pacific region.
Luigi’s Restaurant, La Fortuna: A well-loved La Fortuna staple steps from the town center, serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and hearty Costa Rican dishes after a long day of hot springs and waterfall hikes. It’s casual, warm, and exactly the kind of place your clients will want to land after a full day in nature.
OSA Santa Teresa: A beloved beachside restaurant serving fresh local seafood and hearty vegetarian meals in traditional Costa Rican style—with standout dishes like mango coconut ceviche, lemon-ginger mahi-mahi, and a happy hour that starts just as the sun hits the water. It’s widely considered one of the best restaurants in all of Santa Teresa and works beautifully for both solo travelers and groups after a day of surfing or paddleboarding.
Need to know
Best time to visit: Costa Rica has two distinct seasons. The dry season runs December through April, and is the most popular time to visit, with sunny skies and easier road conditions. The green season (May through November) offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower rates—and for wellness travelers who want solitude and stillness, it can be the better choice.
Getting around: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if your itinerary spans multiple regions like Arenal and the Nicoya Peninsula. A 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended—many roads to the best wellness properties are unpaved and can be rough, particularly during green season.
Packing for wellness travel: Pack light, breathable clothing, solid reef-safe sunscreen, and sturdy walking sandals alongside your hiking shoes. Most wellness properties provide robes, yoga mats, and toiletries—but bring any specific supplements or personal wellness products you rely on daily, as they can be difficult to source locally.
Tipping culture: A 10% service charge is typically included in restaurant bills in Costa Rica, but leaving an additional tip for exceptional service is always appreciated. For spa treatments, therapists, and private guides, tipping 15–20% is standard and goes a long way for local workers.
Health and safety: Tap water is safe to drink in most of Costa Rica—one of the few Central American countries where this is true—which is a meaningful plus for wellness-focused travelers. Travel insurance that covers adventure activities is strongly recommended, especially if your itinerary includes surfing, hiking, or zip-lining.
Arrive a day early: If your clients are flying into San José before transferring to their wellness property, I always recommend building in an extra night in the capital. Travel days are long. Transfers can be bumpy, and arriving at your retreat already exhausted defeats the purpose. A slow arrival sets the tone for everything that follows.
Digital detox opportunity: Many of the best wellness properties in Costa Rica have intentionally limited wifi—lean into it rather than fighting it. I advise clients to set an out-of-office before they leave and give themselves permission to be unreachable. The jungle will do the rest.
Travel Advisor
Jenny Johnson
Jenny Johnson
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