Asclepios Wellness & Healing Retreat

Asclepios, a wellness retreat in the hills of Alajuela

Asclepios is a small retreat built around one idea: rest, clean food and treatments, in a quiet setting with pure air and water. It is in the hills of Alajuela, not far from the airport, and it suits travellers who want a few days to recover, detox or simply sleep well before or after the rest of their trip.

Why we choose it

• A real wellness programme. Massage, holistic treatments, yoga and meditation are the reason to stay here, with the rest of the day planned around them.
• Food from the garden. The kitchen cooks mostly vegetarian food with vegetables from its own garden, and it adapts the menu to what each guest needs.
• Quiet, close to the airport. You get a calm mountain setting without a long drive on your first or last day.

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Rooms and views

The rooms are simple and comfortable, with detail in the decoration and a strong focus on good beds and pillows, which is what a retreat like this should get right. They have a TV, Wi-Fi and a safe. The climate up here is mild and the rooms are naturally ventilated rather than air conditioned, which is part of the point.

On the property

The grounds cover about 5 hectares. The pool is ionized instead of chlorinated, and there is a hammam and sauna, a flotation chamber, a gym and a room for yoga and meditation.

The restaurant serves organic, mostly vegetarian cooking, with fish and chicken for anyone who wants them, and the chef works from what the garden produces. Treatments range from Swedish, lymphatic and deep tissue massage to stone and Thai massage, and the house runs short programmes such as an anti-stress escape for guests who want a set plan.

Location and getting there

Asclepios is on the side of Alajuela that leads up towards Poás Volcano and the Waterfall Gardens, so both make an easy outing if you want to see something between treatments, and Juan Santamaría airport and San José are not far. It fits well at the start of a trip to recover from the flight, or at the end, before you go home. Read more about Alajuela.

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