Is Pura Vida near the beach?

No, Pura Vida is a mountain retreat center. The nearest beach is about 2 hours away on the Pacific coast.

Is airport shuttle service included?

Yes, for Group Retreats and Mind+Body+Spirit (MBS) Packages. Nightly package guests may add shuttle service for $17.50 per person each way (SJO airport only).

Where do I meet my shuttle driver at the airport?

Outside SJO’s International Arrivals area, near the Malinche Restaurant. Look for a “Pura Vida Retreat & Spa” sign with your name or your group’s name.

What should I do if my flight changes?

If the flight number remains the same you don't need to do anything as the drivers track your flight. If the flight # changes, then please contact the retreat center at frontdesk@puravidaspa cr .com or WhatsApp +506 8701 4031.

What are check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is at 2:00 PM. Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

What if I arrive early or depart late?

For arrivals before 7 AM, please reserve the prior night. For late departures, guests must check out by 10 AM but may stay on the property until shuttle time. Showers and changing rooms are available.

Can I rent a car or use Uber?

Yes. While you may not need a car during your stay with us, there are several rental car companies near the airport including Adobe, Economy, and Payless. We recommend that you book your rental car in advance. The front desk can call for a taxi or guests can book an Uber. Rates vary depending on destination.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept USD, all major credit cards, Apple and Google Pay. We do not exchange currency.

Yes. USD cash is recommended for tipping and offsite purchases. Local buses require colones.

Are gratuities included in my package?

No. We suggest tipping $10 USD per guest per night if you are pleased with your service. Tips are pooled and shared among the team.

Should I tip my massage therapist separately?

Yes, 15–20% is customary, preferably at the time of service.

Can I tip using a credit card?

Yes, but a 3% processing fee applies. Cash is preferred.

Bring layers (temps range 58–88°F), swimsuit, rain gear, hiking shoes, toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, reusable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and any medications. A full packing list is available upon request.

What type of electrical outlets are used?

Standard US 110v outlets. Tentalows also have outlets. European guests will need a converter.

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes. Our water is filtered and UV-treated. Refill stations are available throughout the property.

Are hair dryers provided?

Hair dryers are available at the front desk.

Are laundry services available?

Yes. $8 per load for wash, dry, and fold.

What amenities are in the rooms?

Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a coffee maker (except in Tentalows). Floor fans are available in all rooms. Suites have ceiling fans.

Is English spoken at the retreat?

Yes, our front desk staff, yoga instructors, and spa therapists all speak English.

Is there air conditioning or heating?

No. Our mountain climate remains spring-like year-round with temperatures in the 70s–80s°F during the day and 60s°F at night.

What are the meal times?

Breakfast: 7:30–9:00 AM Lunch: 12:30–2:30 PM Dinner: 6:30–8:00 PM

Are meals included and what kind are served?

Yes, meals start with dinner on arrival day and end with breakfast on departure day. They are mostly plant-based meals served buffet-style with chicken or fish at lunch and dinner. Please notify us of dietary allergies in advance.

Are alcohol, specialty drinks, or snacks included?

No. Wine, beer and other non-alcoholic specialty drinks and snacks can be added to your room tab and paid before departure.

What is the Wi-Fi like?

Free Wi-Fi is available with average speeds of 10 MB/s. Ethernet connections are available near reception.

Is there a boutique onsite?

Yes. Open Sunday–Friday, 12 PM–8 PM. Offers crafts, snacks, toiletries, yoga gear, and gifts.

Are linens and pillows hypoallergenic?

Yes, we use 100% cotton sheets and pillowcases with no feathers or down.

How do I book excursions?

Onsite only. Sign-up sheets are available at the front desk. Minimum of 4 people required per tour.

What excursions are available?

Options include Waterfall Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Zip-lining, Coffee Tour, Hot Springs, Blue Falls Hike, and White Water Rafting. Half-day tours are $70; full-day tours are $140.

Are yoga classes offered?

Yes. Included and available for guests on MBS packages. However, with our Nightly Package, classes are subject to availability and cost $20 per person per class.

How much do spa treatments cost?

$120–$190 per service. Book once onsite. Sample menus are available. No advance reservations allowed.

Will my cell phone work?

Most likely, but check with your provider. WhatsApp or Signal are recommended for free international communication.

Is the retreat center safe?

Yes. Gated with 24/7 security. Safes are in every room (fit a 15” laptop). Avoid walking outside the gates after dark.

Yes, but few mosquitoes due to elevation. Bug repellent is recommended just in case.

US Reservations: (678) 248-6412 (888) 767-7375 WhatsApp US : +1678 248 6412 reservations@puravidaspa.com Costa Rica Front Desk: ▪ WhatsApp Front Desk: +506 8701 4031 ▪ From the US/Canada: (678) 661-2140 ▪ Within Costa Rica: +506 4082 1122 ▪ Email: frontdesk@puravidaspacr.com ▪ Physical Address: Calle Puente Negro 800 Mts SW of CENCINAI Pavas, Carrizal, Alajuela, Alajuela, 20103 (Can be used for SJO Airport Immigration)

Do I need travel insurance?

Strongly recommended. Options include Allianz, Trawick, Travel Guard, and Manulife (Canada).

Do I need vaccinations?

Only if you are arriving from countries with Yellow Fever risk. Check with your doctor.

Is medical help nearby?

Yes. Staff is trained in basic first aid. EMTs can be called; hospitals and clinics are ~20 minutes away.

Do I need a visa or passport?

A valid passport (6+ months from entry date) and return ticket are required. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa.

FAQs ⋆ Pura Vida Spa

General Travel & Arrival

Is Pura Vida near the beach?

No, Pura Vida is a mountain retreat center. The nearest beach is about 2 hours away on the Pacific coast.
Is airport shuttle service included?

Yes, for Group Retreats and Mind+Body+Spirit (MBS) Packages. Nightly package guests may add shuttle service for $17.50 per person each way (SJO airport only).
Where do I meet my shuttle driver at the airport?

Outside SJO’s International Arrivals area, near the Malinche Restaurant. Look for a “Pura Vida Retreat & Spa” sign with your name or your group’s name.
What should I do if my flight changes?

If the flight number remains the same you don’t need to do anything as the drivers track your flight. If the flight # changes, then please contact the retreat center at frontdesk@puravidaspacr.com or WhatsApp +506 8701 4031.
What are check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is at 2:00 PM. Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
What if I arrive early or depart late?

For arrivals before 7 AM, please reserve the prior night. For late departures, guests must check out by 10 AM but may stay on the property until shuttle time. Showers and changing rooms are available.
Can I rent a car or use Uber?

Yes. While you may not need a car during your stay with us, there are several rental car companies near the airport including Adobe, Economy, and Payless. We recommend that you book your rental car in advance. The front desk can call for a taxi or guests can book an Uber. Rates vary depending on destination.

Payments & Gratuities

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept USD, all major credit cards, Apple and Google Pay. We do not exchange currency.
Should I bring cash?

Yes. USD cash is recommended for tipping and offsite purchases. Local buses require colones.
Are gratuities included in my package?

No. We suggest tipping $10 USD per guest per night if you are pleased with your service. Tips are pooled and shared among the team.
Should I tip my massage therapist separately?

Yes, 15–20% is customary, preferably at the time of service.
Can I tip using a credit card?

Yes, but a 3% processing fee applies. Cash is preferred.

Packing & Essentials

What should I pack?

Bring layers (temps range 58–88°F), swimsuit, rain gear, hiking shoes, toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, reusable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, and any medications. A full packing list is available upon request.
What type of electrical outlets are used?

Standard US 110v outlets. Tentalows also have outlets. European guests will need a converter.
Is the water safe to drink?

Yes. Our water is filtered and UV-treated. Refill stations are available throughout the property.
Are hair dryers provided?

Hair dryers are available at the front desk.
Are laundry services available?

Yes. $8 per load for wash, dry, and fold.
What amenities are in the rooms?

Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and a coffee maker (except in Tentalows). Floor fans are available in all rooms. Suites have ceiling fans.

On Property

Is English spoken at the retreat?

Yes, our front desk staff, yoga instructors, and spa therapists all speak English.
Is there air conditioning or heating?

No. Our mountain climate remains spring-like year-round with temperatures in the 70s–80s°F during the day and 60s°F at night.
What are the meal times?

Breakfast: 7:30–9:00 AM
Lunch: 12:30–2:30 PM
Dinner: 6:30–8:00 PM
Are meals included and what kind are served?

Yes, meals start with dinner on arrival day and end with breakfast on departure day. They are mostly plant-based meals served buffet-style with chicken or fish at lunch and dinner. Please notify us of dietary allergies in advance.
Are alcohol, specialty drinks, or snacks included?

No. Wine, beer and other non-alcoholic specialty drinks and snacks can be added to your room tab and paid before departure.
What is the Wi-Fi like?

Free Wi-Fi is available with average speeds of 10 MB/s. Ethernet connections are available near reception.
Is there a boutique onsite?

Yes. Open Sunday–Friday, 12 PM–8 PM. Offers crafts, snacks, toiletries, yoga gear, and gifts.
Are linens and pillows hypoallergenic?

Yes, we use 100% cotton sheets and pillowcases with no feathers or down.

Activities & Wellness

How do I book excursions?

Onsite only. Sign-up sheets are available at the front desk. Minimum of 4 people required per tour.
What excursions are available?

Options include Waterfall Gardens, Botanical Gardens, Zip-lining, Coffee Tour, Hot Springs, Blue Falls Hike, and White Water Rafting. Half-day tours are $70; full-day tours are $140.
Are yoga classes offered?

Yes. Included and available for guests on MBS packages. However, with our Nightly Package, classes are subject to availability and cost $20 per person per class.
How much do spa treatments cost?

$120–$190 per service. Book once onsite. Sample menus are available. No advance reservations allowed.

Communication & Safety

Will my cell phone work?

Most likely, but check with your provider. WhatsApp or Signal are recommended for free international communication.
Is the retreat center safe?

Yes. Gated with 24/7 security. Safes are in every room (fit a 15” laptop). Avoid walking outside the gates after dark.
Are there bugs?

Yes, but few mosquitoes due to elevation. Bug repellent is recommended just in case.
Contact Information

US Reservations:
(678) 248-6412
(888) 767-7375
WhatsApp US: +1678 248 6412
reservations@puravidaspa.com

Costa Rica Front Desk:
▪ WhatsApp Front Desk: +506 8701 4031
▪ From the US/Canada: (678) 661-2140
▪ Within Costa Rica: +506 4082 1122
▪ Email: frontdesk@puravidaspacr.com
▪ Physical Address:
Calle Puente Negro
800 Mts SW of CENCINAI
Pavas, Carrizal, Alajuela, Alajuela, 20103
(Can be used for SJO Airport Immigration)

Health & Travel Requirements

Do I need travel insurance?

Strongly recommended. Options include Allianz, Trawick, Travel Guard, and Manulife (Canada).
Do I need vaccinations?

Only if you are arriving from countries with Yellow Fever risk. Check with your doctor.
Is medical help nearby?

Yes. Staff is trained in basic first aid. EMTs can be called; hospitals and clinics are ~20 minutes away.
Do I need a visa or passport?

A valid passport (6+ months from entry date) and return ticket are required. U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need a visa.

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