April 22, 2019
Whether you choose to be pampered or you simply take some time for self-care, there’s something undeniably rejuvenating about taking a break from our busy lives and doing something for ourselves for a change.
And when it comes to relaxation, there’s no place in the world quite like Costa Rica. With its awe-inducing scenery, gentle tropical weather, and the natural peace of the pura vida lifestyle, it’s no wonder Costa Rica is a haven for vacationers and those seeking some inner calm.
The ideal Costa Rica travel itinerary should always include a splash of adventure and excitement, but also ample time to relax. Here are five of our favorite relaxation experiences in Costa Rica:
Explore Sensoria
Sensoria, the “Land of Senses,” is a private nature reserve in Guanacaste province, a little less than two hours from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia. This area features a rich green forest filled with life, a place that is home to howler monkeys, tropical birds, anteaters, coatis, iguanas, and even a few big cats like jaguars and pumas.
Sensoria offers a number of private nature walks to travelers, letting them see this beautiful natural wilderness in a practically untouched state. One offering that should be particularly interesting to relaxation seekers is the forest therapy tour, described by Sensoria as “a relaxed and gentle stroll through the forest, awakening all of your senses to connect to nature in a more intimate and personal way.”
This tour culminates with a bath in serene thermal springs in the middle of the forest — a way to very literally wash stress away.
Soak at Tabacón
Speaking of delightful springs in beautiful natural landscapes, Tabacón is a resort and spa located at the base of the Arenal Volcano. The magma flowing beneath the surface of this area warms the hot mineral springs at Tabacón, which are 100% natural — no artificial heating, pumping, or other tricks that often augment a hot springs experience.
Soaking in natural hot springs has been said to improve circulation, relieve pain, and improve your skin, among many other positive effects. There’s one thing that all experts can agree on though — you’ll never want to get out.
Wake Up with a Massage at Wake Day Spa
Las Catalinas, a beautiful beach community in Guanacaste province, offers a number of homes and villas for vacationers as well as walking access to a number of local restaurants and businesses. Among them is Wake Day Spa, a haven for relaxation which offers massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and a number of other treatments.
Wake’s massage and body treatments are a particular highlight — guests can opt for hot stone treatment using heated Himalayan salt stones, an all-natural body scrub, or even a full-body hydrating wrap.
And best of all, Wake offers in-house services, so you don’t even have to leave your front porch for your morning massage. We recommend setting up on a patio overlooking the Pacific as one of our favorite venues.
Meditate at Hacienda AltaGracia
A luxury resort in the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains, Hacienda AltaGracia offers a number of relaxing experiences for visitors and guests, including yoga classes and massages. For the truly unique experience here, we recommend attending the meditation sessions held in the forests surrounding the resort.
Meditation is an art that transcends many forms and practices, many of which have thriving communities in Costa Rica, but all provide a time of intentional peace, a nice reset from the rhythms of life that can often keep us occupied. And when you have the chance to meditate in a landscape like the tropical forests of Costa Rica, the effects can be truly transformational.
Whether you choose to enjoy calming meditation, participate in more active yoga sessions, or decide to pursue your own form of the practice, there’s a good chance Hacienda AltaGracia will be an excellent place to do so.
Rejuvenate at Los Altos de Eros
For a classic tropical Spa Day in Costa Rica, Tamarindo Spa in Los Altos de Eros is among the best in the country. They offer everything you’d expect from a luxury tropical spa, including beautiful views, facials, massages, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, and pedicures.
One unique service worth checking out is the Indonesian Soaking Tub. Surrounded by the fresh air of the forests, guests soak in an open-air tub with various soothing elements added to the water, like essential oils, fresh flowers and fruits, coconut milk, wholegrain oats — even chocolate.
For travelers interested in a little bit of pampering and self care, Costa Rica is home to unique relaxation experiences you won’t find anywhere else. So wherever you end up in the country, we hope that your next trip to Costa Rica brings an answer to the old question -- “so, just how relaxed can you get?”
