Where to stay?

Costa Rica is known for its beautiful rainforests amidst volcanoes, yoga-centric or surf-centric coastal villages, and Pura Vida (pure life) vibes from its people everywhere. This is actually rural Costa Rica. Their bigger towns are not their greatest tourist destinations. 

You can decide to have it all and stay at more than 1 rural location, or choose between beach life and rainforest life. I happen to love beach life and this is where Ralia Retreats is located, on a one-of-a-kind stretch of heavenly sandy beach in the Guanacaste region. I particularly love our place because it is so close to the international airport, in Liberia, Costa Rica. I recommend your first retreat location be situated close to an international airport. Once you have grounded in the country, a place further away will not be as depleting to get to.



How to get around?

Getting around in rural Costa Rica demands a car. Costa Rican rural roads can also be a little rough. On my first trip, I took 2 hours to rent a car upon arrival. I had no idea there was a much better way than renting upon arrival. After my first mildly harrowing trip through back roads and the like I quickly learned some important lessons.

One, getting a driver to pick you up at the airport is both less expensive and saves you 2+ hours at a car rental location.

Two, when you choose the right place to retreat, you will not move the first day, you may not even go more than a town away on your own for the entire time if you have planned it right. This brings me to the best lesson I learned. Renting an electric golf cart is the BEST way to move around. I thoroughly enjoyed the open-air ride, the lack of car fumes, the ability to access special beaches around the peninsula from our place, and being more sustainable as much as possible. When we do want to do an excursion to a place farther away we hire a chauffeur. It is both helpful to contribute to the local economy while supporting nearby residents. It’s way more fun as you take in more of the sites, get more local guidance, and spend less on transportation! Win win win!

What to bring with you?

Costa Rica has a thriving economy with pharmacies, grocery stores, big and small shops, and restaurants. They use the US dollar and their currency, Colones. Credit cards are also widely accepted. If you forget something you will likely be able to purchase it there. In Costa Rica in their dry season you should expect scorching hot weather starting at about 9:30 AM until 3:30PM. The best outfit is a bathing suit, especially if you stay right on a beach with a pool. Second best outfits are light and airy dresses, shorts, and breathable tops. If you plan it right, a week's retreat could all fit in 1 carry-on luggage.

One important item to consider is sunscreen. It seems like such a little thing, but arriving to a hot sun you are not used to on that first day and not having enough sunscreen or a good sunscreen, you will regret you didn’t consider this little thing. I would be remiss if I did not mention that wildlife is saved every day by tourists who choose a biodegradable sunscreen, like a zinc based one.

What do you do about food?

Food is where most retreat leaders have difficulty. I was a little afraid of the food situation when I was first traveling to Costa Rica. There was so much trial and error.  Even though I am a nutrition expert  (with a literal masters degree in the subject) I kept having failed food experiences. I finally wisened up after about 5 trips to Costa Rica and I employed 2 techniques that worked out AMAZING.

One, I brought a travel food kit on our plane. A lunch box filled with dried items like dried fruit and nuts and a layered jar with veggies, protein, and grains. Water bottles for filling up after security and I was never hungry and my kids, who are usually travelling with me, were barely hangry.

Two, and this is the more epic must-do, I hired a professional chef to cook many home style Costa Rican dishes including an arrival dinner.… Just imagine you traveled all day and you arrive to a fresh fruit basket filled with the most delicious mangoes and bananas and a classic Costa Rican family dinner of handmade tortillas with all the fresh toppings imaginable.. Drool! A great local Chef will also be able to assist you to access the other amazing food options like less known restaurants, good wines, and organic farmers and fishermen!