Renew Yourself in Costa Rica: Yoga Eco-Retreat with Laurel

Your TourHero

Your TourHero
TOURHERO
Laurel Brennan
BIO
Hi, I'm Laurel. I live in Maryland with my husband, three children, octogenarian dad, and my furry hiking & chill-out partner, Rocco. As an occupational therapist, yoga instructor, and Apollo Health ReCODE 2.0 practitioner, I help people address root causes to optimize brain health. I seek to offer the "Just-Right Challenge" by meeting people where they are and walking alongside them on their health journey. This amazing week in Costa Rica is a trip I have been looking forward to for more than a decade. I am so excited to share this next-level health adventure with others on a similar path.
SOCIAL

Duration

5 days · 4 nights

Travel Date

Aug 3 – 7, 2024

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

6 – 15

Transportation

Bus

Tour Price

USD 1,997
/ person

Your Fellow Explorers

Age range

21+

Travel interest

Wellness, health, yoga, nature, sustainability

Fellow Travelers

GreerElizabeth ElaineJanetLaurelSheila

Your Local Guide

Best of Costa Rica DMC

With more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Best of Costa Rica endeavors to provide unique and memorable experiences on personalized trips for guests in Costa Rica. Committed to guaranteeing the best travel experiences while also ensuring a sustainable tourism operation, the team at Best of Costa Rica pride themselves on their reliability, professionalism, and environmental social responsibility. If you’re looking for unique, memorable and tailor-made trips in Costa Rica that match your interests and preferences, you can rest assured that the team will curate the perfect itinerary for you, and execute the trip in a seamless, safe, and sustainable way. Let them take care of all the little details and do what they do best!

Costa Rica>Renew Yourself in Costa Rica: Yoga Eco-Retreat with Laurel

We invite you on a very special journey to go off-grid in Costa Rica during this multi-day retreat that will detox your mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in the splendid tranquility of Alajuela's pristine wilderness and spend time connecting with yourself, wrapped up in lush nature and bliss. Our journey begins on the outskirts of San Jose, where we'll stay one night in the Central Valley at the delightful Buena Vista Chic Hotel, a beautiful sanctuary nestled amidst a working coffee plantation perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. Then, we head to the Arenal Volcano area to embrace the ways of sustainable living and healthy eating at the Rancho Margot Eco Lodge, where we will be surrounded by lush gardens, forest trails, flowing mountain rivers, and beautiful views. Here, we will come together for daily farm-to-table experiences to enjoy organic meals made 100% from scratch, partake in daily yoga and workshop sessions, and head out on spectacular excursions. Visit the Arenal Vida Campesina, trek to the La Fortuna Waterfall, and experience the magic of the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.

Cancellation policy

TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until May 24, 2024. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.

In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by May 24, 2024, for a refund, excluding the deposit amount. After this date, no refunds will be given. You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.

Your TourHero

Your TourHero
TOURHERO
Laurel Brennan
BIO
Hi, I'm Laurel. I live in Maryland with my husband, three children, octogenarian dad, and my furry hiking & chill-out partner, Rocco. As an occupational therapist, yoga instructor, and Apollo Health ReCODE 2.0 practitioner, I help people address root causes to optimize brain health. I seek to offer the "Just-Right Challenge" by meeting people where they are and walking alongside them on their health journey. This amazing week in Costa Rica is a trip I have been looking forward to for more than a decade. I am so excited to share this next-level health adventure with others on a similar path.
SOCIAL

Duration

5 days · 4 nights

Travel Date

Aug 3 – 7, 2024

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

6 – 15

Transportation

Bus

Costa Rica>Renew Yourself in Costa Rica: Yoga Eco-Retreat with Laurel

We invite you on a very special journey to go off-grid in Costa Rica during this multi-day retreat that will detox your mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in the splendid tranquility of Alajuela's pristine wilderness and spend time connecting with yourself, wrapped up in lush nature and bliss. Our journey begins on the outskirts of San Jose, where we'll stay one night in the Central Valley at the delightful Buena Vista Chic Hotel, a beautiful sanctuary nestled amidst a working coffee plantation perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. Then, we head to the Arenal Volcano area to embrace the ways of sustainable living and healthy eating at the Rancho Margot Eco Lodge, where we will be surrounded by lush gardens, forest trails, flowing mountain rivers, and beautiful views. Here, we will come together for daily farm-to-table experiences to enjoy organic meals made 100% from scratch, partake in daily yoga and workshop sessions, and head out on spectacular excursions. Visit the Arenal Vida Campesina, trek to the La Fortuna Waterfall, and experience the magic of the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.

Timeline

  • Day 1 · San Jose
  • Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport
  • Meet & greet at airport
  • Transfer to accommodation
  • 2:00 pm: Check-in at Buena Vista Chic Hotel (or similar according to availability)
  • Free time
  • 7:00 pm: Dinner
  • Day 2 · San Jose and Arenal
  • 6:00- 7:00 am: Yoga session
  • 7:30 - 8:30 am: Breakfast and check out of accommodation
  • Before 9:00 am: Transfer to Vida Campesina
  • 11:30 am: Vida Campesina tour
  • 2:30 pm: Transfer to Arenal
  • 3:00 pm: Check-in at Rancho Margot Eco Lodge
  • 5:00 - 6:00 pm: Gentle yoga
  • 6:30 pm: Dinner
  • 7:30 pm: Gathering
  • Day 3 · Arenal
  • 7:00 am: Optional yoga session
  • 8:30 am: Breakfast
  • 9:30 am: Transfer to La Fortuna (1 hour drive; take packed lunch)
  • 10:30 am: La Fortuna Waterfall visit
  • Return to lodge
  • 4:30 pm: Forest bathing
  • 6:00 pm: Dinner
  • 7:30 pm: Gathering
  • Day 4 · Arenal
  • 7:00 am: Optional yoga session
  • 8:30 am: Breakfast
  • 9:30 am: Transfer to Místico (45 minutes; take packed lunch)
  • 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Visit Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park
  • 2:00 pm: Return to accommodation
  • 3:30 pm: Farm Tour/Hiking/Swimming at Rancho Margot
  • 6:00 pm: Dinner
  • 7:30 pm: Gathering
  • Day 5 · Departure
  • 7:00 - 9:00 am: Breakfast and check out of accommodation
  • Transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport
  • Journey ends

Details

Day 1

Welcome to Costa Rica, the gateway to volcanoes, waterfalls, lush rainforests, and pure tranquility amidst nature

Costa Rica welcomes you with open arms. It’s wonderful to have you on this exciting journey with us to this beautiful Central American country — a rejuvenating and memorable experience awaits! Once you have touched down at Juan Santamaría International Airport, we'll meet and greet you at the arrival hall. From here, we’ll whisk you away to your hotel in Alajuela, perched on a lush hilltop overlooking the capital city of San José. This kickstarts our incredible wellness escape, surrounded by the relaxing sounds of nature. As each day unfolds on this retreat, participate in various activities (from yoga sessions to excursions into the wilderness), enjoy delicious meals, and gain a wonderful appreciation of Costa Rica's hidden treasures. For today, get settled into your new home away from home — relax, unwind, and enjoy the hotel’s best amenities! In the evening, we'll come together for a delicious dinner — this is when we can break the ice and get to know each other better.

Costa RicaBuena Vista Chic HotelBuena Vista Chic HotelYoga

Day 2

Journey to the Arenal Volcano region, enjoy a guided tour at the Arenal Vida Campesina, and cocoon yourself in pure nature at Rancho Margot Eco Lodge

Rise and shine — we hope you had a restful sleep last night. This morning, awaken to a rejuvenating yoga session. Connect your mind and body through breathing and gentle movement as we work to strengthen our practice, wrapped up in our peaceful and tranquil surroundings. After, we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast before we check out of our hotel and journey to the Arenal region, located in the Northern Plains. Home to the majestic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano, this creation of Mother Nature is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes, standing at a grand 5,480 feet tall. The fertile land around it is a treasure trove of incredible wildlife, lush foliage, and steamy hot springs.

Our first order of business is a visit to the Arenal Vida Campesina, a self-sustained organic cultural center focused on preserving Costa Rican farming practices. During this insightful excursion, we'll enjoy a guided tour of this unique property. Here, learn about traditional and non-traditional crops, plant a tree, and participate in eco-activities — milk and cow, make tortillas, harvest vegetables from the garden, and grind cane sugar! During this experience, you will also have the chance to enjoy an organic lunch made with fresh produce cooked in a wood stove.

From here, we continue on to our accommodation. We'll be checking into the Rancho Margot Eco Lodge, an eco-tourism project nestled at the foothills of a rainforest near the shores of Lake Arenal. Rancho Margot is an eco-friendly off-grid gem surrounded by lush gardens, forest trails, flowing mountain rivers, natural pools, and stunning views of nature at its finest. Over the next few days, enjoy the simplicity of sustainable jungle living, dine on wholesome meals made using freshly-harvested ingredients, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere wrapped up in the sounds of nature.

YogaBreakfastArenalArenal Volcano, Costa Rica

Day 3

Embark on an excursion to the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall

Good morning! Rise with the sun and partake in a rejuvenating morning yoga class before breakfast, surrounded by the peace and tranquility of nature. Then, engage in another workshop session before lunch. In the late morning, we'll head out on an excursion to see the glorious La Fortuna Waterfall! Once we arrive at the trailhead, we'll set off on a short downward trek, during which we’ll be able to observe the valuable flora and fauna that sits within the rainforest. Enjoy the true color of nature and embrace the adrenaline that you'll feel as you venture up and down the 480 steps during the tour. Eventually, we'll come to an area that gives us a clear view of the waterfall and its clear waters. Fall in love with this gorgeous sight, and don't forget to snap some photos!

When we return to the lodge, we’ll continue to deepen our connection with nature through a Forest Bathing session. Close out the night with dinner and communal time to bond, share, and simply relax in this gorgeous setting.

Morning yogaLa Fortuna Waterfall, Costa RicaLa Fortuna WaterfallForest bathing

Day 4

Traverse the depths of the lush tropical rainforest at the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

Today, we will embark on a peaceful nature walk at the magical Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Here, you’ll be able to view the lush forest from a different angle via the many suspension bridges. Explore the 1.5-mile trail that winds through different levels of the diverse ecosystem and get up-close and personal with the flora and fauna of the forest canopy. After our visit to the Hanging Bridges Park, we’ll journey back to our accommodation for some optional activities on the property, free time, food, and well-deserved rest.

MísticoMistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, Costa Rica

Day 5

Say goodbye to this Costa Rican paradise

It’s the final day of this retreat — we hope you have had a wonderful journey in connecting with your mind, body, and spirit. After one last breakfast, it’s time to leave our eco lodge behind and depart for the airport. We hope to see you again — travel safe!

Accommodation

  • Buena Vista Chic Hotel (or similar according to availability)

    Buena Vista Chic Hotel is a tranquil sanctuary nestled amidst a working coffee plantation, perched on a lush hilltop overlooking the city of San Jose. The property offers guests a secluded getaway cocooned in 2.5 acres of manicured gardens, surrounded by the natural beauty of Alajuela. Featuring 30 rooms designed in a modernist tropical style with nature-inspired hues and plush textures, you can expect a relaxing ambiance and a soothing stay. Room amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, a coffee machine, and all-natural bath products to enhance your experience. Enjoy panoramic views of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the outdoor swimming pool, and delicious international cuisine at the hotel’s elegant restaurant. Room type: Superior Room with Balcony; breakfast included.

  • Rancho Margot Eco Lodge

    The Rancho Margot Eco Lodge is an eco-tourism project nestled at the foothills of a rainforest near the shores of Lake Arenal. An eco-friendly off-grid gem surrounded by lush gardens, forest trails, flowing mountain rivers, and beautiful views, this is the perfect location from which to enjoy a yoga and wellness retreat, steeped in the principles of sustainability and conservation. Each day, enjoy carefully-prepared meals made from the organic ingredients harvested from the property's farm, and delight in amenities such as the on-site bar and restaurant, Wi-Fi center, toucan lounge, yoga studio, and spring-fed natural pools. Room type: TBD; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Buena Vista Chic HotelBuena Vista Chic HotelRancho Margot Eco LodgeRancho Margot Eco LodgeRancho Margot Eco Lodge

Included

  • 1 night at Buena Vista Chic Hotel (or similar)

  • 4 nights at Hotel Rancho Margot Eco Lodge

  • Shared occupancy in accommodation

  • All airport and activity transfers (with accompanying guide)

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • Yoga and workshop sessions

  • All meals

Not included

  • Flights

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities (recommendation – tour guide USD 5 per person; driver USD 3 per person)

  • Departure tax (USD 29 – included in majority of airfares)

FAQ

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

Please check the cancellation policy section on this itinerary page for specific details.

Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?

Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.

If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.

Do I need a passport for this trip?

A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.

What's included in the price?

Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.

Cancellation policy

TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until May 24, 2024. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.

In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by May 24, 2024, for a refund, excluding the deposit amount. After this date, no refunds will be given. You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.

USD 1,997
Per person