costa rica – MLE Travel Diary https://mletraveldiary.com A travel blog by Marissa Ellsworth. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 17:08:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/mletraveldiary.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/cropped-IMG_0759.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 costa rica – MLE Travel Diary https://mletraveldiary.com 32 32 214466929 The Retreat Costa Rica: The Best Luxury Wellness Retreat Review https://mletraveldiary.com/hotels/the-retreat-costa-rica/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-retreat-costa-rica Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://mletraveldiary.com/?p=7322 All about The Retreat Costa Rica, the ultimate luxury wellness destination. Enjoy spa treatments, personalized meals, nature excursions, and more.

<p>The post The Retreat Costa Rica: The Best Luxury Wellness Retreat Review first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.</p>

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Looking for the best luxury wellness retreat in Costa Rica, or maybe ever? Overall, the experience that The Retreat Costa Rica provides to its guests is unreal and unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced! I highly recommend it if you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, going through a tough time, or want to treat yourself.

From the moment we arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home. Every single person greeted us by name and ensured we were enjoying every moment of our stay.

We opted for the Immersive Wellness Program, which included a Healing Touch massage, three personalized meals a day, a cooking class, a customized spa itinerary, and more! In this post, I’ll share my experience at The Retreat Costa Rica, highlighting my favorite aspects, the room options, dining experiences, and other amazing amenities.

This post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only link products and retailers that I use myself and recommend. Thank you for your support! Learn more.

The Retreat Costa Rica Highlights

Main Pool and Jacuzzi

The Retreat Costa Rica main pool with waterfall and view of the daybeds and rainforest

Just looking at The Retreat Costa Rica pool again brings me so much joy! I absolutely loved coming out here to relax, read a book or hang out with my friend and the other hotel guests.

You can also see the daybeds in the back, which side note – these sort of trap the sun during the day and can really heat up! So make sure to put on your sunscreen, or avoid these during the day!

The jacuzzi is located at the far side of the pool; you get a really great view of the rainforest when in the jacuzzi. I recommend coming here at night or before dinner time!

Tours & Excursions

The Retreat Costa Rica offers a variety of private excursions so you can explore the beautiful country of Costa Rica! As nice as the resort, is it was really fun to leave the property for a day and explore Costa Rica’s wildlife! 

If you’re staying at The Retreat Costa Rica for more than 3 days, I definitely recommend taking advantage of one of the many tours!

The great thing about each tour and excursion is that since it will be you / your group only, it can be customized fully to your preferences. So if you want to skip something, or see if you can add in something else, definitely let The Retreat Costa Rica team know and they can work with you to accommodate your preferences!

La Paz Waterfall Garden and Poás Volcano Adventure

Girl standing in front of La Paz Waterfall Garden with back to camera

We went on the La Paz Waterfall Garden tour. It was a full day, visiting the Arenal Volcano, grabbing lunch at a local restaurant, and exploring the La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Unfortunately when we were there at the end of November, it was really cloudy at the Arenal Volcano so we weren’t able to see anything! I would definitely recommend waiting until your trip gets closer to check the weather to make sure you will be able to see everything you want to. The front desk can help you with deciding on which excursion to choose, depending on the weather!

For more information on the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and my time there, check out my recent post with everything you need to know!

Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna And The Adventure

Based on what I heard from other resort guests and The Retreat Costa Rica front desk, this excursion tends to be the most popular!

You’ll get to spend a full day exploring the Rainforest, including seeing a volcano, crossing hanging bridges, admiring giant waterfalls, and relaxing in mineral-rich hot springs. The  thermal mineral pools come directly from a volcano, which is crazy and definitely worth checking out!

Beach Play Date and Surfing Adventure at Jacó Beach

This was another option that we really considered. The Retreat Costa Rica is located about in the middle of Costa Rica, so you aren’t able to just walk to a beach from the resort, which makes this excursion really appealing.

Jacó Beach is renowned for its world-class surfing and sustainable tourism. The tour goes through Orotina for fresh coconut water, then stops at the “Bridge of the Crocodiles” over the Tárcoles River to view large crocodiles. Then, you’ll get to enjoy beach time, relaxation, or pre-booked surf lessons at Jacó. After visiting Playa Hermosa and having lunch, you’ll return to Jacó to explore the local artist community, shop for souvenirs, or watch the sunset.

For all of the tours and excursions that The Retreat Costa Rica offers, make sure to check out their website.

Nature Hike

View of the lush rainforest from The Retreat Costa Rica

The Retreat Costa Rica has a hiking path on-site, with the full route taking you 2 hours through The Retreat Costa Rica’s organic coffee plantation down to a waterfall! It is also said that the hike has a palpable energetic impulse.

We did not get the chance to explore the hiking path, but heard good things. You can take a self-guided tour whenever you would like; just make sure you tell the front desk when you are heading out on the hike so that they are aware since there is not great cell reception on the entire path.

Alternatively, there is a group hike offered during the week with a guide that will point the fauna, indigenous plants and trees, and different bird species you encounter. Make sure to ask the staff when you check in when this is so you can plan accordingly!

Daily Yoga Classes

There are daily Yoga (morning) and Yoga Nidra (evening) classes that are included with your stay held at the Yoga Pavilion and Yoga Room. The Pavilion overlooks The Retreat Costa Rica with views straight to the Pacific Ocean on a clear day!

I went to a couple Yoga Nidra classes for the first time ever, and they were really transformative. It was very meditative, with a bit of light stretching.

This was the perfect way to wind down before dinner! And definitely something I want to incorporate more of into my daily life at home, although it is much less peaceful here in Los Angeles.

Loose Leaf Herbal Tea Bar

There is a loose leaf herbal tea and coffee bar right between the Library and the Dining Room! I have never seen anything like it; they had so many different herbal teas like chamomile, lavender, peppermint, green, earl grey, and detox teas. 

We probably drank like 3-4 cups of tea every day, it was amazing! The tea leaves are so fresh and flavorful; it’s really cool to see how much of a difference it makes.

The Retreat Costa Rica loose leaf herbal tea shelves

The Retreat Costa Rica Rooms

When booking on The Retreat Costa Rica’s website, you can choose from three room options: a Deluxe Room, a Premium Room, or a Luxury Loft. Each room is a bit different and they all have their own names. We stayed in Mandarina, a Premium Room and loved it! 

The view was incredible, and the hanging chair was so fun to lounge on in the morning. Check out the view from our room in the morning:

The Retreat Costa Rica room view of the balcony patio

The Retreat Costa Rica Dining

I would really recommend opting for a package, or a room with meals included. There is essentially a personal chef on-site that crafts unique meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner! 

The culinary experience is outstanding, with all food being organic, fresh, and anti-inflammatory. Most ingredients come directly from the farm on the property, ensuring a farm-to-table experience that enhances the quality and flavor of every dish.

What sets this place apart is the personalized meal service tailored to your dietary restrictions. I have a severe tree nut allergy that they were able to accommodate, which was a huge relief and added to the enjoyment of my stay.

The dishes were not only healthy but also incredibly creative and delicious. Here are some photos to give you a glimpse of the fantastic meals I enjoyed:

organic salad with lettuce and tomato at the Retreat Costa Rica
Ice cream and gold dusted cake at the retreat costa rica

The Amenities

Vida Mía Healing Center & Spa

The Spa is world class, offers Ayurveda services and is located on top of a quartz mountain which gives it an additional powerful healing energy.

There are so many different service options, like acupuncture, massages, facials, Ayurveda treatments, crystal healings, scrubs, and even introspective workshops.

The Retreat Costa Rica Vida Mia Spa pool

One healing touch experience was included as part of our package, and we also added on a bunch of different treatments like other massages, facials, etc. I tried Reiki for the first time and it was magical. I felt like a different person coming out of my treatment!

Hotel Gym

One of my favorite amenities at any hotel I visit is the hotel gym. I love being able to keep up my routine as much as I can when I travel.

The Retreat Costa Rica’s gym was small but had everything I needed to work up a sweat each morning. You can also pay for personal training sessions!

Reading Room and Crystal Display

When you’re at The Retreat Costa Rica, there are a couple of rooms inside that you can relax in. One of these is the Reading Room, which has various books and games that all hotel guests have access to at any time.

Another room is the Crystal Room, where there are a lot of these healing crystals on a shelf. The energy all throughout The Retreat Costa Rica, and especially in this room, is just magical.

Various crystals on shelf at the retreat costa rica

Photo Gallery

there were lots of peacocks roaming the property - we got lucky and saw this one all puffed up!
there were lots of peacocks roaming the property - we got lucky and saw this one all puffed up!
some pretty flowers outside of the spa!
some pretty flowers outside of the spa!

Overall, The Retreat Costa Rica is an incredible luxury wellness resort that I highly recommend you stay at the next time you visit Costa Rica, or if you are looking for a wellness retreat. It has everything you could ever want out of a retreat, plus a variety of wellness packages to tailor your experience to exactly what you are looking for.

Make sure to follow along on Instagram for more, and send me a DM if you are going to Costa Rica soon and want any more tips on where to go!

💙mariss

<p>The post The Retreat Costa Rica: The Best Luxury Wellness Retreat Review first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.</p>

]]> 7322 La Paz Waterfall Gardens In Costa Rica: Everything You Need To Know https://mletraveldiary.com/destinations/la-paz-waterfall-gardens/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=la-paz-waterfall-gardens Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://mletraveldiary.com/?p=7325 La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is a MUST for when you visit Costa Rica! With over 100 animal species, it’s the biggest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica!

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La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is a MUST for when you visit Costa Rica! With over 100 different animal species, it’s the biggest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica!

I’ll be sharing everything you need to know from what the gardens entail, how to get there, and other important things to note. 

They’re open every day from 8 AM – 5 PM. This was so beautiful; I highly recommend coming for a visit!

This post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only link products and retailers that I use myself and recommend. Thank you for your support! Learn more.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

 There are 5 different waterfalls you can walk to; each next one somehow more impressive and astounding than the first! 

From the top of the park, you are able to hike down to see each of the waterfalls. The hiking paths are paved and there railings the entire way, so it is pretty easy to hike for people of all ages.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Costa Rica
La Paz Waterfall Gardens Costa Rica

Fair warning: there are a LOT of steps and our legs were shaking after walking down to all of the waterfalls.😂 I recommend wearing hiking shoes, since the stairs can be slippery at times, especially if it’s raining.

Luckily, there is a shuttle that takes you back to the top from the end, so you don’t have to walk all the way back up! The last shuttle departs at 5 PM, so make sure you are at the gift shop shuttle stop by then.

stairs to get to all the different waterfalls

Animal Sanctuary

The Park is an animal sanctuary for all sorts of species that cannot live in the wild for various reasons. It’s so amazing to be able to see so many different beautiful animals.

You can see everything from butterflies, macaws, hummingbirds, sloths, frogs, snakes, monkeys, to bigger animals like jaguars and pumas! Some of my favorites are featured below:

butterflies in the Butterfly Observatory
White-throated Capuchin
Puma
Jaguar

You can get pretty close to a lot of the animals. Especially in the Butterfly Observatory and Aviary, you will literally be walking through their habitat with the animals!

Tickets

As of 2023, admission is $50 for adults, and $34 for children under 12! Make sure to check their website for the most current rates.

You do not need to book admission tickets in advance; you can buy them when you are there if you prefer. We took a tour offered by our hotel, and they handled the ticket purchases.

The Park also offers a buffet lunch that is reasonably priced and includes many local different Costa Rican dishes! This is something else you will be able to purchase in person only.

Getting There & Parking

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is the perfect day trip from San José. It’s about an hour away by car, and under 2 hours by bus. 

There are also a lot of tours offered, some of which combine attractions if you are looking to hit multiple spots in a day. We took a private tour offered by our hotel, and also stopped by the Arenal Volcano on our tour!

Parking is free and very easy; there is a big lot right outside the front entrance.

Most people spend around 2 hours in the Park checking out all of the animals and the waterfalls. This is about how long we spent here. However, you could easily spend longer, especially if you’re going to the buffet, or even a full day here!

Ox Cart - you can go for a ride!

Heading to Costa Rica soon? Make sure to check out my Costa Rica highlight and follow along on Instagram for more!

💙mariss

<p>The post La Paz Waterfall Gardens In Costa Rica: Everything You Need To Know first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.</p>

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