The Retreat Costa Rica - Wellness Resort & Spa
Intentional digital-detox luxury. Organic modern architecture that dissolves the boundary between indoors and out. Calm, meditative energy — resident peacocks, bougainvillea-wrapped pools, Ayurvedic therapists from Kerala. The vibe is serious about wellness but never preachy about it.
Book spa treatments in advance — the Vida Mia books up fast, especially for Ayurvedic sessions with the resident therapist Amal from Kerala
Why It Matters
Named the #1 Best Destination Spa in the World by Condé Nast Traveler 2025. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Virtuoso. The property sits on a genuine crystal-quartz mountain — a detail that informs everything from the spa menu to the architecture. No phones, no TVs, no distractions.
The Retreat Costa Rica is an adults-only, 25-room luxury wellness hotel sitting atop a crystal-quartz mountain in Atenas, about 35 minutes from San José's international airport. Rooms have no TVs or phones. Views stretch over the rainforest canopy to the Nicoya Gulf and Pacific Ocean on a clear day. Founded by life coach and author Diana Stobo, it holds more than 25 international awards, including the #1 Best Destination Spa in the World from the 2025 Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Deluxe Room
The entry-level room and the most intimate option. King bed, private patio for outdoor relaxation, and clean-lined decor using organic materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers. Walls in soothing nature-inspired hues. Comfortable and calm, though smaller than the upper categories.
KingDouble Queen Premium
Larger space with two queen beds, a dedicated seating area, and cozy decor. Ideal for two friends or companions traveling together. Balcony access with Pacific views. Sleeps up to 5.
2 QueensLuxury Loft
High ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and the best ocean views in the original wing. A deep soaking bathtub sits inside the room as a design feature. Balcony with swing chairs. Expansive and light-filled with a true loft feel.
KingPremium Room
Spacious king room with views of the lush valley and Pacific Ocean. Features a balcony with swing chairs — a signature touch of the property. Pastel tones, clean organic lines, and biologically-sourced materials throughout. A step up in size and view quality from the Deluxe.
KingSantosha Luxury Loft
Part of the Santosha expansion — the newest rooms on property. Located steps from the yoga shala, state-of-the-art gym, Mystique Rooftop, and La Diosa lounge. Modern energy with a design-forward aesthetic. Terrace, rainfall shower, and proximity to the mosaic Santosha Pool under the iconic Guanacaste tree.
KingThe Residence at Santosha
The first villa-style accommodation on the property. A multi-room sanctuary with a full living area, dedicated dining area, kitchen, and multiple bedrooms. Designed for groups or those seeking the highest level of privacy and grandeur. Sleeps up to 6. Part of the Santosha expansion.
MultipleThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Curated day trips include visits to family-run coffee plantations, the Atenas farmer's market, Carara Adventure Park, zip lining and ATV tours at Los Sueños adventure park, and excursions to the Poas volcano crater. The Pacific Coast beaches (Playa Mantas) are about 45 minutes away.
Hands-on cooking classes, juicing sessions, mocktail mixology, ceviche tastings, and farm harvesting alongside the chef on the on-site organic farm. Costa Rican coffee cocktail mixology class is popular (herbs collected from the garden during the session).
Twice daily yoga classes held in the mountaintop yoga shala (Santosha Yoga Shala), which opens onto a large terrace overlooking the Pacific Valley. Styles include Hatha, Yoga Nidra, Kriya Yoga, and Surya Namaskar. Space accommodates 20 yogis and is stocked with all equipment.
Group sound healing sessions using gongs and singing bowls. Guided meditation on the dedicated Meditation Deck. Regular sessions built into the weekly schedule.
Group fitness and movement classes available daily through the Santosha Wellness Club. The state-of-the-art gym features panoramic views of the crystal mountain and is equipped for cardio, aerobics, strength, and endurance training.
Daily guided hikes on the property's mountain trails through rainforest canopy. Self-guided paths also available, revealing hidden rivers, jungle swings, and lookout points. The 50-acre crystal quartz mountain setting provides a dramatic backdrop.
Large saline infinity pool on the edge of the hillside with panoramic valley views. White parasols, plush loungers, and bougainvillea give it a Mediterranean touch. Features a therapeutic waterfall and central fire pit above. An elevated hot tub sits opposite the waterfall.
Mosaic-lined pool beneath the iconic Guanacaste tree, at the heart of the new Santosha expansion. A striking gathering place combining wellness, design, and social energy.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
At least one meeting room available for various table configurations.
Free fiber optic Wi-Fi throughout all hotel and room facilities.
Complimentary coffee in lobby / dedicated tea and coffee space.
Full fitness center with panoramic mountain views. Equipped for cardio, aerobics, anaerobic training, strength, and physical endurance. Part of the Santosha Wellness Club expansion.
The original saline infinity pool with valley views and waterfall feature, plus the new mosaic Santosha Pool beneath the Guanacaste tree.
Elevated hot tub near the original pool, available day and night.
Shared lounge area with an extensive lending library and board games.
Working permaculture farm supplying produce to all three restaurants. Zero-waste kitchen operations. Solar panel system powers the property. No single-use plastics.
Transfers available from Juan Santamaría International Airport with surcharge. Must be arranged at least 72 hours before arrival.
Dedicated yoga studio with large French doors opening to a terrace overlooking the Pacific Valley. Accommodates 20 yogis. Stocked with mats, blocks, bolsters, straps, and meditation pillows.
BUILD YOUR THE RETREAT COSTA RICA - WELLNESS RESORT & SPA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning