14 Days of Pura Vida: A Two-Week Wellness Journey Through Costa Rica

Costa Rica nurtures wellness not just through spas or yoga, but through its natural rhythm. The pura vida way of life—the kindness of its people, the simplicity of its food, the awe of its landscapes—acts as a powerful healer.

Photo courtesy of Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa.

There are few places on Earth where time seems to slow down, where your body instinctively rises with the sun, and your spirit softens under the rhythm of crashing waves and rustling palms. Costa Rica is one of them.

This is not just a destination—it’s a living, breathing experience in wellness. Over two weeks, you’ll traverse healing forests, dip into volcanic springs, and breathe with the tide in a land designed by nature to help you return to yourself.

Here’s what it’s like to spend two transformative weeks on a wellness journey in Costa Rica, our suggested trip itinerary, healing treatments, clean food, and intentional activities.

🛬 Day 1: Arrival & Grounding in the Central Valley

Base: Xandari Resort & Spa, Alajuela

• Check into your private villa surrounded by gardens and waterfalls.

  
  

• Enjoy a 60-minute welcome massage with essential oils to ease post-travel tension.

  
  

• Optional sunset Hatha yoga.

Food:

• Dinner: Grilled fish with turmeric rice and avocado salad.

  
  

• Drink: Chilled guanábana juice with mint.

🌿 Tip: Set a clear intention for your wellness journey—what are you letting go of, and what are you calling in?

Photo courtesy of Xandari Resort & Spa.

🌳 Days 2–4: Forest Healing in Bajos del Toro

Base: El Silencio Lodge & Spa

This serene lodge in the cloud forest is a sanctuary for slowing down.

Activities & Treatments:

• Forest bathing & meditation hikes to waterfalls.

  
  

• Sound healing session with crystal bowls.

  
  

• Coffee detox body wrap and volcanic mud facial.

  
  

• Nature-inspired journaling and optional digital detox.

Food:

• Organic, locally sourced meals: Pumpkin soup, garden salads, baked plantains, trout ceviche.

  
  

• Herbal teas with ginger and lemongrass.

🌫️ Let the misty mornings teach you how to be still.

Photo courtesy of El Silencio Lodge & Spa

💦 Days 5–7: Thermal Waters & Earth Energy in La Fortuna

Base: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa or Nayara Springs

Feel the fire and flow of Costa Rica’s volcanic region.

Activities & Treatments:

• Morning vinyasa yoga with volcano views.

  
  

• Daily soaks in natural thermal mineral pools.

  
  

• Couples’ volcanic mud massage or bamboo therapy.

  
  

• Night walk through Arenal rainforest to connect with nature’s rhythm.

Food:

• Tamarind chicken, yucca purée, cacao mousse.

  
  

• Fresh coconut water and smoothies from the spa bar.

🔥 This is where tension melts and transformation begins.

Photo courtesy of Nayara Springs.

🐒 Days 8–11: Blue Zone Retreat in Nosara

Base: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort or Blue Spirit Retreat Center

The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world's Blue Zones, where longevity and vitality are part of everyday life.

Activities & Treatments:

• Daily yoga and meditation in jungle shalas.

  
  

• Workshops on mindful eating, Ayurvedic nutrition, and breathwork.

  
  

• Surf therapy or stand-up paddle on the river estuary.

  
  

• Reiki energy healing and ocean-view massage.

Food:

• Plant-based buffet: Green papaya salad, quinoa-stuffed peppers, cacao-nut bliss balls.

  
  

• Fresh juices with ginger, spirulina, and pineapple.

🌊 You’ll sleep deeper, laugh more, and eat better without trying.

Photo courtesy of Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

🌅 Days 12–13: Sunset Magic in Santa Teresa

Base: Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience or Florblanca Resort

End your journey on the Pacific coast with soul-soothing sunsets and ceremonial closure.

Activities & Treatments:

• Sunset cacao ceremony & bonfire ritual on the beach.

  
  

• Final Thai yoga massage or intuitive massage.

  
  

• Optional ATV ride or hike to Montezuma waterfalls.

Food:

• Lobster risotto, sea bass ceviche, tropical sorbets.

  
  

• Smoothies with mango, turmeric, and cinnamon.

🔥 This is your integration space. Reflect. Release. Celebrate.

Photo courtesy of Florblanca Resort.

🌄 Day 14: Return to the World, Renewed

Morning: Gentle yoga or guided journaling.

Breakfast: Banana pancakes with almond butter and cacao nibs.

Private transfer to San José or Liberia for your flight home.

💌 Leave with a self-care toolkit: a few rituals, a favorite tea, or a mantra to carry your pura vida back with you.

🧘 Wellness Travel Tips for Costa Rica

Pack:

• Yoga wear (breathable)

  
  

• Swimwear & beach cover-up

  
  

• Hiking shoes or trail sandals

  
  

• Natural mosquito repellent

  
  

• Refillable water bottle

  
  

• Journal & pen

  
  

• Lightweight rain jacket

  
  

• Curiosity and an open heart

  
  

Best Time to Travel:

• Dry season: December–April (sunny and ideal for beach/wellness).

  
  

• Green season: May–July (lush, peaceful, with occasional rain—perfect for forest retreats).

🌺 Why Two Weeks in Costa Rica is Soul Medicine

A week may rest your body. But two weeks? It transforms your spirit.

You begin by letting go. Then nature takes over—calming your nervous system, reviving your senses, and guiding you gently back to joy. In Costa Rica, you don’t have to work for wellness. You just allow it to happen.

So exhale deeply. Costa Rica is waiting.

Feel free to browse through our choice of hotels in Costa Rica Luxury Travel Magazine's HOTEL DIRECTORY.

Food suggestions, as well as Activities and Treatments listed at each location, may be different upon your arrival. Be sure to check directly with each property!