8 top wellness destinations in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, wellness takes many forms, from exceptional yoga retreats to spas blending modern techniques with ancient practices, all complemented by an incredible surf culture.

This all unfolds against breathtaking backdrops of lush rainforests, palm-lined beaches, and volcanic national parks. It's no surprise that Ticos embrace the phrase pura vida (meaning 'pure life').

Follow the example of the long-living Blue Zone inhabitants: unplug from technology, reconnect with the natural world, and nurture your mind, body, and spirit.

Whether you have a weekend or a fortnight, Costa Rica offers a wellness retreat tailored for you. Here are our top recommendations.

1. Nantipa

Ideal for immersing yourself in the Blue Zone experience

Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is renowned as one of the globe’s five Blue Zones, celebrated for its populations known for exceptional health and longevity.

Nestled along the beachfront of Nantipa in Santa Teresa, a relaxed bohemian surf town in Nicoya, the resort embraces local wellness practices and introduces the concept of Blue Mind—highlighting the healing power of water—into its Blue Wellness journeys.

Globally, Blue Zones share key traits: a diet rich in plant-based foods (think abundant beans), regular physical activity, strong social ties, and ample time spent in nature.

At Nantipa, your tailored wellness experience may feature yoga sessions, volunteering at a turtle hatchery, and either a rainforest hike or a beach horseback ride, followed by savoring seasonal local ingredients. The Numu spa incorporates superfoods into its treatments—how about an avocado wrap?

2. Finca Luna Nueva Lodge

Perfect for reconnecting with nature

Experience the essence of pura vida at Finca Luna Nueva. Located near La Fortuna, the gateway to Volcán Arenal, this expansive biodynamic farm leads the way in regenerative agriculture, featuring accommodations crafted from fallen trees and bamboo, along with a wellness program that includes yoga retreats, holistic workshops, and nature-centered activities.

Venture along the rainforest trails, uncover the healing potential of various herbs, and participate in the farm tour to see—and sample—the outcomes of the biodynamic practices.

Afterward, indulge in chocolate therapy at the spa, relax in the solar-heated hot tub or ozonated pool, and practice sun salutations on the bamboo yoga platform before enjoying a farm-to-table meal.

3. Bodhi Surf + Yoga

Ideal for relaxed beach yogis

Yoga and surfing create a perfect synergy for wellness, enhancing balance and core strength while reducing stress levels.

At certified B-Corp Bodhi (which means 'awakening' in Sanskrit), located in Bahia Ballena near the charming beach town of Uvita, you can ride the waves year-round.

The seven- or 14-night surf-and-yoga retreats accommodate up to 10 guests, focusing not only on improving your yoga poses and surfing skills (all levels are welcome) but also on creating memorable experiences.

Take a walk to the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, renowned for its migrating humpback whale pods, and enjoy the secluded beach shaped like a whale's tail. You'll leave feeling refreshed and with a deeper commitment to environmental sustainability.

Planning tip: Non-guests can arrange beginner and intermediate surfing lessons, body surfing sessions, and both group and private two-day clinics.

4. Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa

Ideal for balneotherapy

Nestled at the base of the perfect cone of Volcán Arenal, Tabacón boasts a rainforest reserve with naturally flowing hot springs that supply its twenty or so lush pools.

Guests can enjoy the therapeutic mineral waters, with temperatures varying from 22 to 40ºC (72 to 105ºF), or embark on a thermal circuit to enhance the benefits of contrast balneotherapy.

This ancient therapy is reputed to improve circulation and alleviate joint and muscle discomfort—perfect if you’ve signed up for the resort's hiking, biking, white-water rafting, canyoning, and horseback riding adventures. Additionally, the warmth and humidity are thought to alleviate respiratory issues and strengthen the immune system.

Visit the spa for treatments featuring coffee and coconut exfoliators, or indulge in a detoxifying volcanic mud massage followed by a refreshing thermal mineral shower amidst the rainforest.

Planning tip: Non-guests can purchase a day pass (starting at US$89) to access the natural pools and waterfalls from 10 AM to 10 PM.

5. The Retreat Costa Rica

Ideal for holistic healing

Nestled in lush greenery, The Retreat is perched atop a quartz mountain believed to radiate healing energy.

Although it's only a 45-minute drive from San José airport, the surrounding wild nature is always within reach, whether you're hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying Pacific valley views through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

This luxurious boutique seamlessly integrates the five elements of feng shui: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, offering personalized wellness programs that range from detoxification to overcoming burnout and revitalizing your fitness through a holistic lens.

Prepare for a variety of treatments, including ayurvedic massages, infrared sauna sessions, spa therapies enriched with crystal energy, and organic farm-to-table meals that emphasize anti-inflammatory ingredients.

6. Rio Perdido Hotel and Thermal River

Perfect for a deep connection with nature

Nestled in a unique ecosystem in Guanacaste, featuring dwarf forests and volcanic canyons, this sanctuary caters to eco-conscious wellness enthusiasts seeking rejuvenation in a natural setting, free from intense workouts and strict diets.

There are minimal barriers to the vast expanses of untouched nature here; rustic buildings invite the elements or feature sweeping views of the jungle.

Begin your day with tranquil yoga by the riverbank, or if you're in the mood for adventure, tackle the 30km (20 miles) of hiking and mountain-biking trails, conquer the river rapids, or zipline through canyons and over waterfalls in true Tarzan fashion.

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the geothermal Río Perdido (Lost River) and its soothing mineral-rich springs—remember to cover yourself in volcanic mud for an extra treat.

7. ONDA Spa

Ideal for nature-inspired spa experiences

Nestled on a hillside of lush jungle, the Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo offers stunning views of the vibrant Culebra Bay and recently hosted the inaugural Blue Zones-sponsored retreat.

Its rustic-chic ONDA Spa draws inspiration from nature and incorporates elements from the Chorotega people (indigenous Costa Ricans) in its organic treatments.

Experience scrubs with purple corn or gallo pinto (rice and beans), immerse yourself in local herbs, or rejuvenate sun-damaged skin with an aloe and tropical fruit wrap.

Experience sound healing while gently suspended in an anti-gravity hammock. The spa rooms are enveloped in lush tropical forest, allowing the soothing Pacific breeze to flow through, accompanied by a natural soundtrack of birdsong—just watch out for any curious capuchin monkeys peeking in.

Planning tip: The Peninsula Papagayo is conveniently located only 45 minutes from Liberia Guanacaste International Airport.

8. Hacienda AltaGracia

Ideal for a restorative retreat

Escape the ordinary at this luxurious wellness resort, featuring 50 private casitas nestled in the stunning greenery of the Pérez Zeledón mountains.

A four-day experience at THE WELL offers a customized program that integrates Eastern and Western practices with principles from Blue Zones.

This includes Maderoterapia, a traditional massage technique aimed at balancing energy and alleviating stress, craniosacral therapy to ease emotional tension, and a soothing herbal bath along the banks of the Calientillo River.

Beyond the spa, guests are encouraged to engage in mindfulness and outdoor activities. Ride one of the resident horses to explore the expansive grounds, climb a towering ficus tree for a panoramic view of the forest, or enjoy a mindful forest bathing experience followed by a restorative sound bath.