Anamaya Resort

Anamaya Resort, on the hill above Montezuma

Anamaya is a yoga retreat on a hilltop above Montezuma, at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula, surrounded by rainforest with the Pacific spread out below. It suits travellers who come for yoga, rest and healthy food, and who like the idea of getting to know the people around them.

Guests and staff share the main house, the meals and the views, so a stay here feels more like a home than a hotel. Howler monkeys and roosters announce the sunrise.

Why we choose it

• Yoga with the ocean in front of you. The yoga deck is set into the hillside facing the Pacific, so the morning class comes with a view of green hills and open ocean.
• A small, social retreat. Anamaya is built around sharing: the main house, the table and the conversations. For a solo traveller or a couple who enjoy meeting people, that is the charm. For anyone who wants total privacy, we would suggest somewhere else.
• Rooms that look out to sea. The rooms and cabinas are listed with ocean views, and each has ceiling fans and air conditioning for the warm Nicoya nights.

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Rooms and views

The rooms carry names from yoga and Hindu tradition: the Ganesh, Shiva, Dharma, Anahata and Mantra rooms, and the Prana, Lotus, Jungle, Hanuman, Gaia, Bali and Ananda cabinas, each for 2 guests. For a family or a few friends, the Casita sleeps up to 5.

The cabinas are private and simple, with organic decor and every room has ceiling fans and air conditioning.

On the property

Days run on yoga and good food. There is a pool for sunset, a spa for massages and bodywork, and a restaurant that leans healthy and vegetarian, with fresh fruit, coffee and tea through the day. Many guests come for a week-long retreat, and others simply join the classes during a longer trip.

A waterfall with stacked pools is a short distance from the hotel, and the town of Montezuma has snorkeling, surfing, zip lining and kayaking.

Location and getting there

Anamaya is above Montezuma, and the town is not an easy walk: it is a long, dusty road down to the coast, so plan on a ride. Coming from San José or the Central Pacific, the drive includes the Paquera ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya, which takes a real part of the day, so we time your transfer around it.

Check-out is at 11:00 am. Expect the jungle to be part of the stay: birds, monkeys, lizards and harmless insects all live here too.

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