Explore the Beauty and Tranquility of Costa Rica

Pura vida. Pure life. You’ll hear the expression frequently throughout your visit to Costa Rica, as a sincere wish for your time in this natural wonderland. It’s a valediction, an affirmation, and a state of mind, reflecting an appreciation for the awesomeness of nature and our role in it.

This concept – pura vida – is what makes Costa Rica a perfect destination to relax, rejuvenate, and renew your spirit. Here are some unique ways to embrace this philosophy.

Find Yourself in the Forest

‘Forest bathing’ may be the latest trend in wellness, but in Costa Rica, it’s as old as the ancient trees. This practice, originating from the Japanese shinrin-yoku, removes the need for a literal bath. Instead, it invites you to open your senses to the sights, sounds, and scents of nature; in other words, to be in nature, mindfully and sensually.

• Whether in the forest, on the beach, or in the mountains, you’ll be rewarded with wildlife sightings, flourishing flora, and spectacular scenery.
• Consider sleeping among the trees. There are numerous eco-lodges available that offer a luxury glamping experience, ensuring comfort without sacrificing ecological responsibility.
• Some unique accommodations include treehouse lodges in the cloud forests around Monteverde, and tropical hideaways south of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Soak Your Cares Away

While volcanic eruptions may not seem peaceful, Costa Rica’s more than one hundred volcanoes provide some of the country’s most soothing experiences. The volcanoes heat natural thermal pools and mud pots, allowing you to take advantage of therapeutic skin treatments and healing waters.

• The town of La Fortuna, at the base of Volcán Arenal, is a prime spot for hot springs, with many resorts offering luxurious thermal pools.
• In Rincón de la Vieja, hike through national parks featuring boiling mud pools and sulfurous fumaroles, followed by relaxation in private hot springs.
• For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, explore the Santa María sector of the park, which leads you to secluded natural hot springs.

Namaste in Nature

Embrace the calm by saluting the sun over the ocean, striking a tree pose in the forest, or finding serenity surrounded by primeval woods. Costa Rica’s stunning landscapes have transformed it into a world-renowned spot for wellness retreats.

• Many retreat centers across the country facilitate yoga, meditation, and wellness classes for practitioners at all levels.
• The Nicoya Peninsula is particularly popular, with towns like Nosara offering a vibrant community for surfers and yogis.
• For food enthusiasts, destinations combining wellness with farm-to-table dining are abundant.

Introspective souls can find restorative spiritual experiences at centers like PachaMama, which offers yoga and various earth-centered rituals, or explore the world’s largest labyrinth at La Senda near Tamarindo.

Good for the earth, good for the soul. Pura vida.