Pura Vida Blog

How to Clean a Yoga Mat: Simple Care Tips So It’s Ready for Your Next Retreat!

Your yoga mat sees a lot. Sweat, skin oils, dirt, dust. Over time, all that buildup can leave the surface

Why Your Sleep Improves on Retreat: The Science Behind Restorative Getaways

Have you ever noticed that after just a few days on retreat, you’re sleeping deeper, falling asleep faster, and waking

Do You Know Where Your Coffee Comes From?

Mornings in Costa Rica have a distinct rhythm. The air feels cleaner, the jungle is already awake, and the first

Father’s Day Wellness Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Rest, Renewal, and Adventure in Costa Rica

Father’s Day is often marked with familiar gifts—gadgets, tools, or something quickly wrapped at the last minute. Yet what many

The Science Behind Cognitive Restoration: Why Your Brain Feels Clearer in Nature

In today’s hyperconnected world, mental fatigue has quietly become the norm. Endless notifications, packed schedules, screen time, and constant stimulation

Why Doing Nothing Is Actually Productive: The Wellness Retreat Mindset

Productivity has a branding problem. It’s been narrowly defined as constant output—more emails, more meetings, more effort. But real productivity,

Recipe: Pura Vida Spa Rice and Chicken (Arroz Con Pollo) Recipe

Ingredients: 1 whole chicken boiled with onion, sweet pepper, tomato, a stalk of celery and a bay leaf 3 cups

Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

This Wild Rice Salad (Ensalada De Arroz Salvaje) will give the Costa Rican Flavors you desire! Ingredients: 2 cups of

Ultimate Wellness Retreat from American Airlines Celebrated Living

We were thrilled to open the latest issue of American Airlines Celebrated Living Magazine and see Pura Vida Retreat &

Recipe: Port Wine Strawberries

Ingredients: • 5 cups of strawberries (remove the greens) • 115 grs of butter • ½ cup of orange juice

Recipe: Green Papaya Salad

Ingredients: -300 grs green papaya, grated -8 units cherrys tomatoes, halved – 1 cup of green beans, previously poached -1

Minced Green Plantain

Ingredients: 2 green plantain, diced into small squares ½ yellow onion, chopped ½ red pepper, chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped

L Weldy

If you're looking for a great place to have a yoga retreat, this is it. The staff is attentive, and the location in the Costa Rican mountains is wonderful.

Wanderer4Life

Our entire experience was a 10/10. The service was top notch. The yoga classes were amazing. Food was great. Rooms were clean, excursions and guides were perfect and the massage therapists are all excellent. I arrived stressed from life and left relaxed with a completely different mindset. If you’re on the fence about visiting, I am here to tell you to go! You won’t regret it!

G Kao

Easy to get to via Uber, which is easy to book from the airport or nearby town of Alajuela. It's about 20m drive, uphill, from town. Ubers here are quite affordable and abundant. You can also schedule Uber in advance via the app. Excellent wifi reception. I was pleasantly surprised at being able to work in one of multiple delightful locations throughout the grounds. Beautiful, peaceful, green place! The rooms were so-so compared to the photos: the website photographer should win many awards ;-) We stayed in late February and were pleasantly surprised that we didn't encounter a single mosquito the whole week! No roaches or any other unpleasant bugs. If you're sensitive to morning light and noise (loud birds start at around 6am) bring ear plugs (or ask the front desk for some) and eye mask. Bed was comfortable enough, and the pillows are decent. They already have extra blanket in the room. Hair dryer available upon request. Bring a bathing suit for the delightful pool and hot tub! Food was good the whole week. They always had dairy-free and gluten-free options. And can accommodate additional dietary needs if you request in advance. The staff were all very nice and helpful. A peaceful place to spend a few days!

M Humlum

We had an incredible stay at Pura Vida Retreat & Spa. The grounds and gardens are serene, lush, and deeply peaceful, with a beautiful view over the valley. Our nervous systems let out a collective exhale during the week we spent here. The food deserves a special mention - exceptionally tasty, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared. We were a little worried about maintaining a healthy lifestyle while traveling, but those concerns quickly disappeared. Three times a day, the kitchen team served healthy, fresh, delicate, and wholesome meals. You can request gluten-free and other dietary options. We would happily return for the food alone. We also truly enjoyed yoga with Tamara - she is a sweetheart, with a creative, effective teaching style. I treated myself to massages with both Jenny and Rodrigo, each offering their own unique and wonderful approach. Jenny has a nurturing, deeply healing presence while still being very effective at releasing tension. Rodrigo is a fascia specialist and skillfully unraveled several long-standing imbalances in my body. A big shoutout to José and Martia, who sprinkled daily joy throughout our stay and were incredibly helpful with suggestions and arrangements. While the area around the site is quite secluded, we highly recommend a walk through the coffee plantation across the road. The tours organized through the Pura Vida also offer excellent opportunities to explore Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty.

A Humlum

We had an absolutely fantastic stay at Pura Vida. We loved every bit of it—from the scenic views over the valley and the beautiful surrounding nature to the delicious, nourishing meals and the extremely helpful, cheerful staff. José’s warm spirit at the reception and Tamara’s creative yoga classes were two of our daily highlights. We very much look forward to returning to Pura Vida soon!

S Simmons

We took a group of 15 for a spiritual retreat and EVERYONE wants us to return next year. The food was amazing, fresh , healthy & plentiful. Resort was SUPER clean and staff was there to meet our every need. Cocao cermeony was amazing! Trip to Paz Waterfall was well organized and our guide Jerkey was incredible.

D Hexiao

One warning for those not used to insects is that if you stay in a tent, be prepared to encounter spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, even cockroaches, and many other insects in the common bathroom at night. You are in a tropical country that’s a biodiversity hotspot after all :) A nice getaway from the city, this resort was quiet (other than the chirping of birds and insects, and the rustling of leaves and lush vegetation), peaceful, and calm. If you stay in a tent, you’ll find yourself falling asleep to the gentle tapping of the rain (if you go during their rainy season) and waking up with the magical sound of birds. The spa treatments were luxurious, at least the one I had that was a whole body exfoliation and polishing + facial that was called “Head to Toe.” The staff were also super friendly and helpful, and being able to speak Spanish, at least a little bit, goes a long way. The front desk staff are fluently in English tho.

D DeGilio

From the moment we stepped foot on the grounds, we knew we'd want to return. The resort is absolutely beautiful, I already miss the energy of that place so much!!!! From the layout, to the different room types, the landscaping, and shared spaces...Pura Vida Retreat and Spa exceeded our expectations. And then there were the staff- everyone from the grounds keepers, cleaning staff, dining staff, spa staff and front desk (shoutout to Katya and Jose) were so incredibly welcoming, kind, and supportive each day. We loved our Latin Dancer Instructor, and of course, working with Nicole and Eduardo to plan our retreat was such a joy. Thank you a million for everything you have all done for/with us- we're already locking in our retreat for 2026 and are all excited to return!!

Pura Vida Blog

How to Clean a Yoga Mat: Simple Care Tips So It’s Ready for Your Next Retreat!

Why Your Sleep Improves on Retreat: The Science Behind Restorative Getaways

Do You Know Where Your Coffee Comes From?

Father’s Day Wellness Gift Guide: Give the Gift of Rest, Renewal, and Adventure in Costa Rica

The Science Behind Cognitive Restoration: Why Your Brain Feels Clearer in Nature

Why Doing Nothing Is Actually Productive: The Wellness Retreat Mindset

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Recipe: Pura Vida Spa Rice and Chicken (Arroz Con Pollo) Recipe

Recipe: Wild Rice Salad

Ultimate Wellness Retreat from American Airlines Celebrated Living

Recipe: Port Wine Strawberries

Recipe: Green Papaya Salad

Minced Green Plantain

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