The Retreat

The Retreat, a wellness hotel in the mountains with Pacific views

The Retreat is a wellness hotel set on a mountain above the rainforest, looking down the valley to the Pacific. People come here for time to themselves: yoga, spa treatments, clean food and a calm place to sleep. It suits couples and solo travellers more than anyone looking for nightlife.

Why we choose it

• The view to the ocean. From the mountain the valley falls away to the Pacific, and the Luxury Lofts face the ocean.
• Wellness every day. Yoga and wellness activities run daily, and the Vida Mia Spa is on site, so you can build a whole stay around them.
• Food that teaches. Healthy cooking is central here, and the cooking class shows you how to keep eating that way at home.

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Rooms and views

There are five kinds of room. Deluxe Rooms open onto a private patio. Premium Rooms look out over the valley, and the Luxury Lofts have ocean views. The Santosha Luxury Loft and The Residence at Santosha are the most private options, for longer stays or for guests who want more space. Every room is set up for rest, with peace and quiet as the priority.

On the property

The Vida Mia Spa handles massage and healing treatments. Meals are at the Sol Terrace restaurant or up at Mystique, the rooftop restaurant, and La Diosa is the poolside lounge for the hours in between. The day is built around yoga and wellness activities, and the cooking class is a highlight for anyone who cares about what they eat.

The philosophy behind the place mixes physical activity, stress reduction, clean food, self care and time spent learning about Costa Rica, so you leave with habits as well as a rest.

Location and getting there

The Retreat is in the mountains west of the Central Valley, within reach of Juan Santamaría airport, which makes it an easy first stop to recover from the flight or a calm last few nights before home. Read more about the region around Alajuela.

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