Experience Pura Vida: A Wellness Journey in Costa Rica

On the peninsula, embrace early to bed, early to rise. You can follow my proven Costa Rica routine for an amazing day in Costa Rica, living on “Tico time”:

• 7:00 AM — Rise and head to a morning yoga class

• 8:00 AM — Grab breakfast and then head out for an activity. Only pick one for the day! On your wellness journey it is best not to over schedule yourself.

• 12:00 PM — Eat a light lunch and then find the pool or beach.

• 2:00 PM — Take a walk for a fresh juice or smoothie. Perhaps more yoga.

• 5:00 PM — Have an early dinner and then hop into bed to read a great book until you fall asleep.

Nosara is one of the best regions in the world for surfing, especially if you’re a beginner! If you have never tried surfing before book a lesson during your trip.

If you like your ocean current a little calmer, rent a stand up paddle board instead for a guided tour through the mangroves

There is so much great hiking along the peninsula and there is probably a waterfall nearby for swimming (or a jumping off of if you’re feeling brave!)

Horseback Riding on the beach, especially at sunset can be a particularly serene experience.

A really unique tour experience is seeing the bioluminescence at night. You can book a tour by boat or kayak off Montezuma Beach.

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort in Nosara offers yoga, pilates and other fitness classes to community members and other non-hotel guests.

Book a zip line canopy tour! It’s a fun way to see the dense rainforest and get a few cheap thrills between tree top platforms.

Getting There

Fly into Liberia if you want to spend your time only on the peninsula. Fly into San Jose if you’d like to explore more of Costa Rica, including the more mountainous or rain forest regions in central Costa Rica.

I could survive on Gallo Pinto, Costa Rican beans and rice, but there are so many delicious cuisines to try in Costa Rica. Prioritize fresh fruit and juice as it doesn't get any better than on the peninsula.

In Tamarindo, be sure to have a cup at the Nordico Coffee House and eat at El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market.

In Nosara, don't miss a sunset dinner at La Luna. If you can't make it for dinner, try a leisurely lunch that includes a walk on the beach.

Beach Blend Coffee in Nosara is another great coffee roaster nearby. A bit off the beaten path, but grab a few bags of beans to take home with you.

10 Pies restaurant and El Jardín are tucked away in a trendy market-style street with lots of options, but these are the best!

Blue Zone Brewery is aptly named and another great spot on the street.

Montezuma Beach is a sleepy beach town on the southern part of the peninsula. Wander into any beach bar for a beverage and a great place to listen to the waves.