COSTA RICA WELLNESS
San Jose. La Fortuna . Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park . Playa Carrillo
If there is an ideal world destination, Costa Rica might be it. The 'rich coast' lives up to its name and delivers in so many ways: diverse scenery, healthy activities, farm-to-table cuisine, and sustainable tourism. One of the world's most biodiverse countries, home to half a million species, Costa Rica protects a fourth of its wild lands.
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Rainforest hiking trails and hot springs, morning yoga stretches and meditation, beach walks and ocean dips: Costa Rica offers a dizzying array of wellness activities as well as opportunities to relax by a pool or indulge in a spa treatment.
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National parks allow visitors to experience both rainforest and cloud forest, volcanoes and waterfalls. Commune with wildlife such as keel-billed toucans, scarlet macaws and sloths. Spot troops of white-faced capuchins or howler monkeys. Spy blue morpho butterflies flitting amid orchid-festooned trees, while, underwater, colorful tropical fish, dolphins and whales are ready to say ‘Hola!’
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Costa Ricans live longer, healthier lives than people on the rest of the planet, and it all comes down to pura vida (pure life). Pura vida means hello, goodbye, all is well, take care… and always carries the spirit of optimism. After our week in Costa Rica you'll be living it, too: pura vida, mae. Relax and enjoy.
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GRACE NOTE:
Giveback: Community Coffee enterprise
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ITINERARY:
Duration:
8 days / 7 nights
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Price:
From $1879 per person sharing
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Includes:
Airport transfers
Transport within Costa Rica
7 nights accommodation
Daily yoga stretches and walks
Community coffee plantation visit
Stand up paddleboard class
Latin Dance lesson
Surfing lesson
Hanging Bridges Canopy Walk
Hot Springs Visit
Free time for rest and meditation
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
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Departures:
Day 1: San Jose
Welcome to San José, Costa Rica. We will meet you at the airport and transfer to our hotel.
Art and architecture are highlights of the Xandari experience in Costa Rica. Spacious villas nestled on a 40-acre plantation are surrounded by lush gardens, with terraces facing spectacular vistas of Costa Rica's majestic Central Valley. A
private forest reserve with rivers, five natural waterfalls, and three miles of trails offers excellent hiking, birding, and communion with nature. Three pools, each with a unique view of coffee plantations, provide added incentive for a morning or sunset swim. A wide range of natural treatments are offered in private jalapas at the Spa Village, each featuring a hot-tub overlooking forest and valley.
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Xandari's terrace restaurant features healthy choices, from Costa Rican specialties to Mediterranean cuisines. The farm-to-table menu features produce sourced locally.
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Included wellness activity: Yoga stretch
Optional wellness activity: Spa services
Day 2: Arenal
Morning at leisure to enjoy the amenities at the resort. Perhaps join our morning walk and yoga stretch. Or sign up for the resort’s guided birder’s walk. The spa is open for those who prefer to enjoy a treatment.
Later, we will head to the town of La Fortuna, the gateway to the Arenal Volcano, a magnificent cone-shaped crater. On a clear day, majestic Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline of this peaceful town. La Fortuna is a bustling commercial center with cafes, shops and a charming central park in which to stroll and observe local life.
After lunch, we will check in at our accommodation for the following two nights. Arenal Kioro Resort and Spa is a fabulous place with views of Arenal Volcano. The restaurant offers exquisite local and international cuisine by an award-winning chef who specializes in seafood.
In the evening, visit Tabacon Springs, a luxury thermal springs resort. As the underground Tabacon River flows through magma in the volcano, the water absorbs minerals. This water then flows through the resort, filling in-river pools, cascades and swimming pools. Hot springs provide many benefits stemming from various chemical, physical and biological effects, the most notable is relaxing tense and tired muscles. An eco-friendly and carbon neutral resort, Tabacon makes the guest experience a close encounter with nature. (B)
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Included wellness activity: Yoga stretch and morning walk
Tabacon hot springs experience
Optional wellness activity: Spa services
Day 3: Arenal
For those who would like an early morning soak, our resort has its own hot springs pools for guests to enjoy.
After breakfast, we will head to Mistico Park to experience the rainforest and the Hanging Bridges. Hiking trails are designed for all ability levels. As we walk, the diversity of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna will be evident. Our photos will be of exotic flowers, birds and perhaps some cheeky monkeys. To fully appreciate the rainforest, traverse the rainforest by hanging bridges which overlook the tree canopy and afford views of Arenal Volcano.
In the late afternoon, we’ll take in a bit of Costa Rican culture as we participate in a chef-led cooking lesson followed by dinner and dancing to some of Costa Rica’s favorite latin beats -- salsa, merengue, cumbia y bachata! (B,D)
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Included wellness activity: Yoga stretch and morning walk / morning hot springs soak
Hanging Bridges rainforest canopy hike
Cooking lesson and dance class
Day 4: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Morning at leisure to enjoy the amenities of the resort. Then, drive to Rincon de la Vieja and our accommodation for the following two nights, Borinquen Mountain Resort & Spa, offering beautiful rooms with a rustic flare and private decks or balconies with views of the mountains and sunset. The thermal springs hot pools, the volcanic mud and the natural steam-room add to the relaxing experiences available at this highlands retreat. Take advantage of the curative properties that have long been attributed to mineral-rich waters and mud.
The restaurants at Borinquen serve national and international cuisine. Excellent cuts of meat, fresh fruits, vegetables and even the sumptuous desserts are prepared with health in mind. (B,L)
Included wellness activity: Yoga stretch and morning walk
Optional wellness activity: Spa services
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Day 5: Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Today is a free day to enjoy the amenities of the resort, or to relax and reflect. Adventure seekers can opt for a zipline experience, and there are horses to ride, and guided waterfall hikes to join. (B)
Included wellness activity: Yoga stretch and morning walk
Optional wellness activity: Spa services
Zip lining / Horseback ride / Guided waterfall hike
Day 6: Playa Carrillo
A trip to Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without a beach break. This monring, we'll head to the Pacific coast, perhaps stopping in the charming village of Guaitil where we can watch how traditional Chorotega pottery is crafted. There are many craft shops and artisan stands selling beautiful pieces with indigenous design motifs.
Costa Rica beaches are known for their white sand, palm tree forests and clear waters. The beach at Playa Carrillo is no exception. Our accommodation for the following two nights are the Nammbú Beachfront Bungalows. The intimate resort has thatch-roofed bungalows and a sapphire infinity pool just a short stroll from Carrillo Beach. All rooms have ocean views. The village of Puerto Carillo is known for its laid-back vibe and is considered a choice vacation spot by Costa Ricans. We’ll enjoy genuine Tico culture during our visit. Those who are ready for some nightlife can take the resort’s shuttle to the town of Sámara.
This afternoon, ride horses along the beach, look for sea turtles, try kayaking or just walk along the sand. (B)
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Included wellness activity: Yoga stretch and morning walk
Optional wellness activity: Spa services / Horseback ride / Kayaking
Day 7: Playa Carrillo
Today, you can relax at the resort or on the beach, or opt for an Ocean Safari.
Cruise offshore and look back on coastline scenery during this marine safari. Be on the look out for spotted dolphins, Central American Spinner dolphins, Common Bottlenose Dolphins, and Humpback whales. Drop anchor near the shores of Isla Chora, the delightful white-sand beach home to hermit crabs and iguanas. Cool off in the clear blue sea while continuing your search for underwater life. Beneath the surface teems a lively, colorful world normally hidden from view.
Enjoy a snack of fresh fruits and tropical drinks. (B)
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Included wellness activity: Yoga stretch and morning beach walk
Optional wellness activity: Ocean Safari / Spa services / Horseback ride / Kayaking / Surfing lesson
Day 8: San Jose
After a last, leisurely morning at the beach, we’ll drive back to San José, where our adventure began. This evening, we’ll gather for a sunset cocktail to reflect on our journey and set our intentions for the future, one of which will certainly be to pursue more Pura Vida. (B)
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Included wellness activity: Yoga stretch and morning beach walk
Day 9: Depart San Jose
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight (B)
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Day 1San Jose
Arrive at any time for your included transfer to the hotel. This evening, meet the group for a welcome gathering. Take this opportunity to set your intention for the trip ahead.
Stay: Hotel Radisson (or similar)
Day 2 La Fortuna
Drive to Sarapiquí to visit the Mi Cafecito Community Coffee Plantation enterprise. Learn about the impact this project has had on the community and sample some of the products they sell. Continue on to La Fortuna, an outdoor paradise and the adventure capital of Costa Rica. Join the group for the first included yoga session on the hotel grounds overlooking Arenal Volcano.
Stay: Magic Mountain (or similar) (B,L)
Day 3 La Fortuna
Visit nearby Lake Arenal this morning for a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) class. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to take part in optional activities around La Fortuna – opt to go canyoning, hiking, or use the time for rest and meditation. In the evening, visit nearby hot springs for a relaxing soak in the thermal waters.
Stay: Magic Mountain(or similar) (B,L)
Day 4 Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Travel to the Guanacaste province and head to Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Join an afternoon yoga session on the way to the eco-lodge before free time to relax or explore the great outdoors.
Home to two volcanoes, Rincón de la Vieja is the epitome of Costa Rica: lush jungle, extensive flora and fauna, bubbling mud pools next to volcanic thermal waters, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Stay: Hotel Hacienda (or similar) (B, D)
Day 5 Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park
Enjoy a day of exploring Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Start by taking a short hike to one of the volcanic mud pools in the area. After a rejuvenating exfoliation with the volcanic mud, rinse off at nearby thermal pools. This afternoon is free to explore the park, or spend time enjoying the lodge.
Stay: Hotel Hacienda (or similar) (B, D)
Day 6 Playa Carrillo
Travel to Playa Carrillo on the Nicoya Peninsula, a laidback beach town on the Pacific Coast. Take part in a sunset yoga class near Playa Carrillo to really relax and tap into the laid-back vibes on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Known for being less busy than other beaches along the coast, Playa Carrillo is perfect for rest and relaxation as there are few distractions and minimal noise. The beach itself has no buildings, hotels or restaurants, and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
Stay: Hotel Nammbu, (or similar) (B)
Day 7 Playa Carrillo
Head to the beach to learn how to hang 10 at an included surf lesson. Take the rest of the day to do beach activities, meditation, or reflect on the journey of the past week. In the evening, take part in a sunset yoga class and enjoy the ocean breeze.
Stay: Hotel Nammbu, (or similar) (B)
Day 8 Depart San Jose
Bid farewell to the coast and travel back to San José. Trip ends on arrival at San José Airport.
(B)