Home to some of the world’s most amazing nature, wildlife and biodiversity, Costa Rica has become one of the world’s most popular destinations for eco-tourism and the incredible wellness and yoga retreats in Costa Rica are among the best in the world.
Costa Rica is famous amongst travellers that want to see the country’s spectacular flora and fauna, go trekking and enjoy bird watching. It’s also a hot spot for healing, wellness and yoga retreats thanks to the amazing backdrop it provides.
There are so many excellent Costa Rica yoga retreats you are spoilt for choice, but how do you make sure you choose the best one for you. In this post I’ll explain what makes Costa Rica a top wellness and yoga destination and give you my recommendation for the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica.
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The Best Places For Yoga In Costa Rica
Costa Rico literally translates to “Rich Coast”, but the stunning beaches are just the start – the volcanoes, jungles, mountains, lakes and waterfalls are also spectacular. It is truly is a magnificent country, and one of the best places in the world to practice yoga surrounded by the healing vibes of nature.
Whether you are looking for a luxury yoga retreat, an eco friendly wellness retreat in nature, or a fun yoga and surf on the beach, there’s so many option for yoga vacations in Costa Rica. It’s also one of the best surfing destinations in the world.
Beach lovers should head to Guanacaste, the Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas, Puerto Viejo and Limon. And if you want to experience Costa Rica’s amazing surf then head to the laid back surf towns like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Nosara, and Montezuma. Here you’ll find plenty of surf camps and yoga retreats, many of which combine yoga and surfing – the perfect combination!
If you’re after unspoilt rainforests, waterfalls, hot springs and volcanoes the area around La Fortuna and the Arenal volanco is home to some of the best wellness retreats in Costa Rica.
You could combine your yoga vacation with exploring the rest of this stunning country – this detailed Costa Rica itinerary should give you all the tips and info you need to plan your trip.
How to Choose a Costa Rica Yoga Retreat
There is such a wide range of yoga retreats in Costa Rica offering different types of yoga classes and other wellness activities from surfing to hiking, horseback riding to ziplining so it can be confusing figuring out which retreat is the best for you.
Take some time to think about your experience level, your preferred style of yoga, your budget and what other activities you want to try. There are plenty of yoga retreats suitable for beginners, yoga and surf retreats are very popular and there’s even yoga teacher training retreats in Costa Rica if you want to deepen your practice or change your career.
Also consider the location – do you want a beach yoga retreat or to be immersed deep in the jungle? And what facilities are important to do – is an all inclusive luxury retreat center complete with swimming pool and spa essential?
Do you have any special dietary requirements, or are you looking for a budget retreat and don’t mind sharing a room? Once you consider all these factors you should be able to find the perfect Costa Rica retreat for you.
Whatever you decide, always check the reviews from previous guests. I find bookyogaretreats really useful, it’s like the Booking.com for yoga retreats where you can read reviews from people who’ve already been there themselves.
After all, like hotels, not all yoga retreats are created equal and you want your yoga retreat to be relaxing and memorable for all the right reasons!
To help you choose your perfect Costa Rica yoga vacation, here’s my pick of the best….
The Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica
Peace Retreat, Los Pargos, Guanacaste
A boutique-style sanctuary, Peace Retreat can be found in a remote location surrounded by the Costa Rica jungle. It’s the perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and practice five days of yoga. Enjoy an Ashtanga, Vinyasa or Power Yoga morning session and a relaxing Yin evening yoga class.
There’s plenty of free time in between to go surfing, head to the beach, go on a volcano excursion or waterfall hiking. You can also book a massage, a private meditation session or a private yoga session. If that’s not enough, Peace Retreat also has a pool, a lounge area and a spa
Another great thing about Peace Retreat is that there are numerous accommodations to choose from. Stay in a cabina constructed with reforested teak wood, a private room above the yoga studio, or a private suite complete with a kitchen and private rooftop deck. Combining yoga, spirituality and the amazing healing power of the nature this is one of the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica.
Read More: Best Yoga Retreats in Nicaragua
Essence Arenal, La Fortuna
This Costa Rica yoga retreat is off the beaten path in a small village on top of a hill overlooking Lake Arenal and Arenal volcano. The spectacular views are something out of a National Geographic, making it one of the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica for the setting alone.
Spend four blissful days enjoying a daily 75-minute Vinyasa or Yin yoga classes, daily guided meditation, daily personal hydrotherapy, three healthy vegetarian meals per day made with organic produce from the onsite permaculture farm and naturopathic teas.
Even though this rainforest retreat is surrounded by nature you don’t have to compromise on comfort. You will be staying in a private room complete with orthopaedic mattresses and anti-allergic pillows. As well, Essence Arenal is surrounded by jungle trails and just up the road from the Butterfly Conservatory. It truly is the perfect spot for a quick yoga getaway in spectacular nature.
AmaTierra Retreat, San Jose
Surrounded by mango trees and rainforest ambience, AmaTierra retreat invites you to heal and reset in nature. As well as daily hatha yoga and meditation, this experience is rich in optional activities, from soothing spa treatments to invigorating adventures.
Thrill seekers can zipline over jungles and waterfalls, hike the volcano, or take a surf lesson at the nearby beach. Balance this by exploring the nearby stream, floating on a raft in the outdoor pool, or enjoy a quiet moment on your private terrace.
Your suite has a queen-sized bed and bath, encouraging relaxation at every opportunity. All meals are included, making this one of the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica and leaving you to relax and focus on doing whatever feeds your soul.
Read More: Best Yoga Retreats in Mexico
Casa Zen Guest House and Yoga Center, Santa Teresa, Puntarenas
Sitting just 50 meters from the stunning Santa Teresa beach, Casa Zen Guesthouse and Yoga Center is a boutique hostel and super affordable yoga retreat that’s surrounded by lush gardens and offering stunning views of the beach. You can even hear the relaxing sound of the waves while practicing yoga on the open air balcony of this Costa Rica yoga retreat.
There are numerous Hatha and Vinyasa yoga classes offered each and every day, and when booking this yoga retreat in Costa Rica, you have access to as many classes as you would like, so you can practice yoga in the morning, afternoon and evening or you can choose to spend your time hiking, biking, surfing or just relaxing on the beach.
Accommodation is provided in a shared dorm or private room, depending on your budget. Breakfast is also included and there’s two well-equipped communal kitchens for guests to use to prepare other meals. You can also enjoy exploring the nearby local cafes and restaurants.
This is one of the most affordable yoga retreats in Costa Rica with a 5 day retreat starting at only $120! Being able to take unlimited yoga classes makes it even better value for money!
El Sabanero Eco Lodge, Cañafistula, Guancaste
El Sabranero Eco Lodge is located in the remote village of Cañafistula. It’s a stunning property that’s completely surrounded by the lush vegetation that the country is known for, making it one of the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica to get back to nature. It’s also a top choice for solo female travellers that want to experience a yoga retreat in Costa Rica in a friendly and non judgements atmosphere.
There are two yoga shalas; one indoors and one outdoors, where you will enjoy two Vinyasa yoga practices a day alongside pranayama, meditation, and chakra balancing workshops. You will also get three gourmet vegetarian meals as well as diet and nutrition tips for living a healthy life.
Five nights accommodation in a private room and airport transfers are included. When you’re not practicing yoga, you can relax at the infinity pool, get a massage or take the free shuttle bus to one of the nearby stunning Pacific coast beaches.
I hope this post has helped you to find your ideal Costa Rica yoga retreat and that you have an amazing time.
This is just a small selection of the numerous yoga and wellness retreats in Costa Rica, I wanted to keep it short and sweet because having too many choices can just be overwhelming.
Whatever you are looking for, from a luxury eco retreat immersed in nature to a fun yoga and surf retreat on the beach I’m sure you’ll find it in Costa Rica.
Have you been on an amazing yoga retreat in Costa Rica?
I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below
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- Best Yoga Retreats in Thailand
- Best Surf Camps and Yoga Retreats in Hawaii
- Best Yoga Retreats in Florida
- Best Yoga Retreats in California
3 comments
Hi Anna,
I haven’t been a big fan of Yoga before 2020 but I am looking to practise yoga from 2021 onwards. Costa Rica is among the places that I don’t know anything about. But Yoga retreat had urged me to learn about Costa Rica more than before.
Hi , I am David
The amazing place which is best to learn yoga and spend our vacations in Costa Rica. Natural beauty ,peaceful and mesmerizing view is attracting the people all over the world. Thank you for giving the knowledge about the Costa Rica.
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