The Retreat Costa Rica - Wellness Resort & Spa

just got back from a 5 night stay and i have serious withdrawal! i loved this place so much and am already planning to go back next year. first off, it's just a really beautiful resort. especially loved the santosha building which is a new construction with a brand new yoga room. by far this is the prettiest yoga room i've ever been in, and it was completely breathtaking. just inhabiting the space was therapeutic because i love being in pretty spaces. santosha also has new guest rooms, and i was able to take a peek-- they look absolutely divine. i'm totally staying here on my next trip. double sink bathrooms (the one complaint i had about my room was the bathroom size-- i stayed in a 2 queen bed unit called moringa which had a breathtaking view out the balcony but a small bathroom) plus really high ceilings. loved santosha and spent most of my lounging time here. secondly, loved the yoga classes! truly loved jen endicott and her soothing vibes. the resort has a rotation of yoga teachers throughout the year. please make sure you have jen back every year! i loved the 2x daily sessions with her and want to follow her around wherever she goes. i loved that the resort is able to find such high quality teachers like this which really speaks to their commitment to all aspects of wellness. taking jen's restorative class in the yoga room with the midday showers was truly cathartic and soothing. extra special. third, the food here is EXCELLENT. admittedly, i don't always eat super healthy, but this trip has made me want to experiment with some aspects of my eating (for example, i may cut out all dairy in my diet going forward inspired by my time here). we had a chance to do a small group session with the executive chef sergio (who by the way was really nice and seems very commanding / efficient in the kitchen) which was wonderful. i loved the portion / sizing for each meal, and the chocolate chip almond cookies that are laid out with turndown service. every meal during our stay was phenomenal. i've never known gluten free, vegan cooking to be this special and kudos to sergio and his staff for this. literally everything we ate was so well-seasoned and refined. my particular favorites included this squash / eggplant wrapped lentil with tomato sauce (a la italian) for lunch and the skirt steak at dinner (it's extra $$ and not the standard choice of protein you're given, but it's really completely worth it). also random, but i loved the hot sauce here and asked for it every meal. it's "homemade" and it is exquisite! we had rented a car, but didn't venture much outside the resort other than a brief excursion on our own to playa mantas (a beach nearby which was nice) and the coffee plantation El Toledo (also on our own, but the resort does these excursions if you request it for additional fees). also got the spa treatment here twice (heaven on earth), and both emilia and lucia were great! shoutouts to a few people who were extra warm and provided great

The Retreat has been amazing. Service levels are off the charts. The food is amazing. Jonathon the som is extraordinary. His knowledge is outstanding. He took us on a tour of the organic farm. He is very passionate about the local fare and how it is used in the resort. I would highly recommend you visit and experience this spa and retreat

Johnathan, Juan, and Fabio were the best! They were attentive from start to finish. The Retreat is truly Heaven on Earth! The Retreat is hands down the epitome of relaxation. The amenities, the food, and service combined make this place unforgettable!

Perfect feel good getaway. Staff was so friendly and helpful, amazing spa experiences and beautiful property. High-end feel without the pretentiousness. Surrounded by nature- I loved the hiking trails and wildlife soothing sounds off my balcony everyday. Perfect size retreat - opportunity to meet other guests if interested but also never felt like too many people at pool or spa or anywhere. Entire experience was relaxing and tranquil. I’ll definitely be back!

Johnathan was an exceptional server. When my husband informed him that we were celebrating our anniversary, he went above and beyond to prepare a private dinner just for us. He and the other hostess even sang “Happy Birthday” to my wife. Throughout all the meals, he was attentive and present, and at our last dinner, he prepared his favorite cocktail for us, which was absolutely delicious. We eagerly anticipate our return to see him again. Paris and Terri McClain

Beyond gorgeous, staff was so wonderful, food was out of this world. Such a special place to unwind and reset- will definitely be coming back!