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About Embody Costa Rica

Where is Embody Costa Rica located?

Our retreat center is located in Atenas, a charming town in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, known for having “the best climate in the world.” We’re conveniently situated just 25 minutes from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO).

What makes Embody Costa Rica unique?

Embody Costa Rica offers transformative experiences that nurture mind, body, and spirit. Our retreats and programs are carefully crafted to align with Costa Rica’s natural beauty and cultural richness. We work with skilled facilitators, select high-quality accommodations, and prioritize unity and harmony in all that we do. 

 What types of retreats do you offer?

We host various retreats including:

  • Bachelor/Bachelorette retreats
  • Healing and wellness retreats
  • Customizable group retreats
  • Private customized retreats
  • Yoga and Meditation Retreats
  • Transformational Workshops
  • Coporate Wellness Programs
  • Wedding and Celebration Retreats

Host and Customize Your Own Retreat

Do you rent out the space for external events or host other facilitators?

Yes! We welcome hosting external events and other facilitators’ retreats at Embody Costa Rica. Our stunning property provides the perfect setting for transformational experiences, workshops, and group gatherings.

Host your own retreat

If you’re interested in hosting your event or retreat with us, let’s connect. Book a call to share your vision and explore if Embody is the right fit for bringing your program to life. We’ll discuss available dates, space requirements, and how we can support your event’s success.

Book a Discovery Call

Planning Your Stay

How long are typical retreat stays?

Retreats typically range from 5 to 10 days, longer stays can be arranged upon request. 

What should I pack?

Essential items include:

  • Light, Breathable Clothing
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes
  • Swimwear
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • A Light Rain Jacket (especially during Rainy Season)
  • Any Personal Medications

When is the best time to visit?

Costa Rica is beautiful year-round:

Dry Season (December to April): Popular for tourism

 

Green Season (May to November): Lush landscapes and fewer crowds

Packing List

  • Original Passport
  • Original Valid Driver's License (if you are renting a car)
  • Credit Cards that you plan to use (make sure to tell your credit card company you are travelling)
  • Cash USD (American) - received everywhere. Make sure you have $20 bills that are newer (no rips and tears.)
  • Your return flight ticket out of Costa Rica (printed or saved on your phone) You will be asked when entering the country for this proof. 
  • Journal to Write in
  • We will have 3 balanced and nourishing delicious meals every day, if you feel you need snacks in between or something specific that you can’t live without, please bring for yourself. 
  • Hat(s)
  • A sport-based, ideally waterproof, sunscreen (at least 30-50 SPF). One that is mineral and does not harm the coral reef is best. I recommend this one. 
  • Bug Spray  
  • Small Flashlight or Head Lamp (Or can use your phone)
  • Bathing Suits
  • Phone Chargers
  • Shampoos, conditioners and body wash of your choice! Eco-friendly is best!
  • Sunglasses
  • Walking shoes or river shoes (if you have them)
  • Sandals
  • A day pack or small backpack
  • Hat(s)
  • A water-resistant jacket or poncho, or both (if it is rainy season - between May-Dec 1st, in this case, expect a few hours of rain daily)
  • Tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and other comfortable wear
  • A outfit that feels beautiful, handsome and fun for you - whatever outfit you choose, for a photo opportunity. Remember you are in the tropics, so light and airy 🙂 
  • Daily hygiene products including deodorant, a toothbrush, and toothpaste

Suggested Products to Pack

Sunscreen
Bugspray

What’s a typical day like at a retreat at embody costa rica?

A typical day Includes:

  • Morning yoga or meditation
  • Healthy, locally-sourced meals
  • Wellness workshops or activities
  • Free time for relaxation or excursions
  • Evening programs (such as sound healing or meditation)

Accommodations & Amenities

What types of accommodations are available?

We offer:

  • Shared room options on our main property
  • Private rooms in luxury homes within 5-10 minutes of walking distance
  • Some accommodations include air conditioning, but we usually don’t use or need it in this town due to the fresh air here.

Are meals included?

Yes, for retreats, we serve fresh, nutritious meals with options for:

  • Vegetarian

  • Vegan

  • Gluten-free

  • Other dietary restrictions (please inform us when booking)

What amenities are provided?

Our retreat center features:

  • Yoga and meditation spaces

  • Jacuzzi

  • Beautiful tropical gardens

  • Wi-Fi throughout the property

  • Laundry services (additional fee)

  • Basic toiletries

  • Yoga props (mats, blocks, bolsters, straps)

Retreat Program & Activities

What activities are included in retreats?

Standard activities include:

  • Daily yoga classes (various styles)
  • Meditation sessions
  • Sound healing
  • Nature walks
  • Wellness workshops
  • Community gatherings

What styles of yoga are offered?

We offer various yoga styles including:

  • Hatha

  • Vinyasa

  • Restorative

  • Tantra flow

  • Other styles depending on retreat program and instructor

Are private sessions available?

Yes, you can book additional private services:

  • Individual yoga sessions

  • Meditation guidance

  • Bodywork

  • Acupuncture

  • Massage therapy

  • Healing sessions

What excursions are available?

Popular excursions include:

  • Waterfall hikes

  • Organic Coffee Permaculture plantation tours

  • Beach trips

  • National park visits

  • Local market & Farmers market tours

  • Cultural experiences

  • Hot Springs

Travel & Transportation

What airport should I fly into?

Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica. 

Is airport transportation provided?

Yes, most retreat packages include transportation to/from SJO airport. If you need additional transportation, we can recommend reliable local services.

Do I need a rental car?

A rental car isn’t necessary as most retreat packages include transportation. However, if you’d like to explore independently, we can recommend reliable local car rental services.

Driving Directions to Embody

Make sure you download your maps prior to your arrival and leaving the airport:

Our Address:

C. Boquerón, Provincia de Alajuela, Atenas, 20501, Costa Rica

Get Directions

Navigation from the Juan Santamaría International Airport

  1. Head South on Llegadas
  2. In about 400 m turn right onto the ramp to Autop. Gral. Cañas/Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route 1
  3. Merge onto Autop. Gral. Cañas/Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route 1
  4. In about 270 m take a slight left towaed Ruta Nacional Primaria 3/Route 3
  5. In about 130 m turn left toward Ruta Nacional Primaria 3/Route 3
  6. Turn left onto Ruta Nacional Primaria 3/Route 3
  7. In 90 m turn left toward Autop. Gral. Cañas/Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route
  8. Merge onto Autop. Gral. Cañas/Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route
  9. In 450 m keep right to stay on Autop. Gral. Cañas/Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route
  10. In 450 m keep left to stay on Autop. Gral. Cañas/Ctra. Interamericana N/Ruta 1/Route
  11. In 10 km take the ramp to Ruta Nacional Primaria 3/Route 3
  12. Turn left onto Ruta Nacional Primaria 3/Route 3
  13. In 10 km turn left onto Ruta Nacional Treciaria 720/Route 720
  14. In 1.4 km turn right onto Radial Atenas/Ruta Nacional Secundaria 134
  15. In 2.0 km turn left
  16. In 350 m Turn right onto C. Boquerón
  17. Arrive at Embody 500m on your right
Get Directions

How do I get around Atenas?

Options include:

  • Walking (our location is within walking distance)

  • Local taxis

  • Private drivers

  • Public buses

  • Most retreat activities include transportation

Health & Safety

Is travel insurance required?

While not required, we recommend travel insurance to cover:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Trip cancellation
  • Lost luggage
  • Other unexpected events

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe in Atenas and at our retreat center. We also provide filtered water throughout the property.

Are there medical facilities nearby?

Yes, Atenas has:

  • Local medical clinics
  • Pharmacies
  • Larger hospitals within 30 minutes
  • English-speaking medical professionals

What health precautions should I take?

We recommend:

  • Staying hydrated

  • Using sunscreen
  • Applying insect repellent
  • Getting adequate rest
  • Informing us of any medical conditions or allergies

We want you all to be showing up in your full selves, and ready to receive.

Here’s Some Travel Tips to Keep Yourself Healthy:

  • Get some vitamin D from the sun ☀️ 5 min Will do. Get the sunshine on your heart area. 🌞And if you’re up really early, as it’s rising, or when it’s going down — just a few seconds in your eyes. 
  • Wear a mask on the Plane ✈️ I put a tiny bit of Frankincense, or lavender on the outside of the mask 😷 
  • For immunity: zinc lozenges, elderberry syrup, vitamin C, Myco Shield mushroom spray, oil of oregano- few drops in water – great anti viral!
  • Omega 3’s – I like Ultimate Omega 3 by Nordic Naturals – one capsule daily, or a flax seed omega 3 if you are vegetarian
  • Electrolytes- there are lots of single packet options out there that make it easy to replenish on the go; coconut water has high levels of naturally occurring electrolytes as well.

Payment & Booking

How do I book a retreat?

You can:

  1. Book a video meeting to discuss your needs with our team
  2. Reserve your spot with a deposit
  3. Have a dance party to celebrate your choice!

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept:

  • Credit cards
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Zelle
  • Bank transfers

Are payment plans available?

Yes, we offer flexible payment plans. Contact us to discuss options.

What is your cancellation policy?

For direct bookings through Embody Costa Rica for retreat Lead by Hemalayaa or DTO:

  • Cancellations 50+ days before: Partial credit valid for one year

  • Cancellations under 50 days: No refund, No Transfers

  • Facilitator-led retreats may have different policies

Costa Rica General Information

What's the local currency?

  • Official currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

  • US dollars widely accepted (must be clean bills with no rips nor marks on them)

  • We recommend brining $500 USD in cash

  • Credit cards accepted at most businesses

  • ATMs available in downtown Atenas

What's the language situation?

  • Official language: Spanish

  • Many locals in tourist areas speak English

  • Embody staff is billingual

  • Basic Spanish phrases are helpful but not required

What's the weather like?

Atenas is known for its ideal climate:

  • Warm days (75-85°F / 24-29°C)

  • Cool evenings (65-75°F / 18-24°C)

  • Dry season: December to April

  • Green Season: May to November 

What’s nearby?

Within Easy Reach:

  • Local markets (15-minute walk)

  • Downtown Atenas (3-minute drive)

  • Pacific beaches (1.5 hours)

  • Organic Coffee Permaculture Plantation tour (25 min drive)

  • Various Waterfalls (20 – 35 min drive)

  • National parks

Staying Connected

Is wi-fi available?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the retreat center.

How can I stay in touch with home?

  • Wi-Fi for video calls and messages
  • WhatsApp is recommended for free international calls
  • Good mobile coverage (check with your provider about international plans)
  • Local SIM cards available

How can I stay connected with Embody after my retreat?

  • Join our WhatsApp community group

  • Follow us on social media

  • Subscribe to our newsletter

  • Book future retreats with returning guest discounts

For any questions not covered here, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support your journey to wellness and transformation at Embody Costa Rica.

*Note: Policies and offerings may change. Please confirm specific details when booking.*