Wellness Tourism in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is internationally renowned for its stunning natural environment as well as its efforts to conserve these natural treasures for future generations. Thousands of visitors are attracted yearly to this beautiful country, frequently opting for eco-friendly holidays, which is why over the past years Costa Rica has built a worldwide reputation as ecotourism pioneer.

Recently however, a new tourism trend has begun to emerge in Costa Rica, which can be summed up under the term of wellness tourism. The prevailing types of wellness tourism in Costa Rica can be summed up as Medical-, Spa- and Yoga Tourism.

Medical tourism is the increasingly popular practice of traveling internationally to obtain health care, frequently combining this medical treatment with a holiday. The benefits of this type of vacation abound, and so do the reasons for choosing Costa Rica:          

Medical facilities in Costa Rica are modern, medical staff is oftentimes trained in the United States, the travel time is shorter compared to other countries, while at the same time the prices are affordable (30-70 percent of US prices) and the country practically guarantees an unforgettable vacation. Moreover, a ranking of the world’s health systems by the World Health Organizations rated Costa Rica even above the United States and New Zealand. Currently there are three Joint Commission International accredited (JCI) Hospitals all of which located in San José, Costa Rica. And last but not least, a medical journey to Costa Rica. Besides, from April 26 through 28, the second Latin American Global Medicine and Wellness Congress will take place in San José. (http://www.globalmedicinecongress.com/)

The other two popular forms of wellness tourism in Costa Rica are Spa- and Yoga Tourism. 

There are different types of Spa Tourism such as medical spas, day spas as well as hotel or resort spas, latter of which are most prevalent in Costa Rica. The presence of a spa at an accommodation is a decisive criterion for a growing number of travelers, to which Costa Rica caters increasingly well. 

Yoga tourism is another type of tourism that has become increasingly popular in Costa Rica. From one- or two week retreats to occasional classes at the accommodation of choice, Costa Rica’s peaceful natural surroundings provide an excellent setting for rejuvenating retreats, or simply occasional yoga classes. As the official world’s happiest- and one of the “greenest” countries, Costa Rica has moreover become home to many international yoga teachers, who now share their yoga skills and experience at local hotels and resorts.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience Costa Rica’s rejuvenating wellness offer, its peaceful natural surroundings as well as its relaxed inhabitants!

Interview - Yoga at Florblanca Resort

Florblanca Resort, located in the beautiful area of Santa Teresa, is popular among both residents and tourists for its unique yoga setting and classes. To find out more about what makes yoga at Florblanca this special, we have conducted an interview with Stefano Alighieri, yoga teacher at Florblanca.

First of all, thank you very much for offering your time for this interview. Perhaps you could start by  telling us a little about yourself? 

I am originally from Italy, yet decided to come to Costa Rica because this country doesn't have an army. I have been working for Florblanca since its very first day. 

What inspired you to become a teacher and where did you absolve your training?

My first introduction to yoga was with a USA teacher here in Costa Rica. This inspired me to deepen my practice and eventually become a yoga teacher. I absolved my teacher training all over the world.

What is it that makes yoga at Florblanca unique? Could you tell us about your classes; their location, frequency and levels?

Florblanca is an amazing hotel. The "Shala" is right in front  of the ocean which means that one practices with "nature". I teach from Monday to Saturday and the classes are suitable for all levels.

We are interested in learning more about the yoga style you teach, how it has evolved over time and whether you incorporate the latest trends?

My background is in Ashtanga Yoga but I an Anusara-inspired teacher with an open mind. Yoga is about the practice - the style is not that important. It is however important to practice with love.

Florblanca Resort has been hosting yoga retreats in the past - what is it that makes this resort the perfect place to host a retreat?

The location, the ambiance, the contact with the sounds and smells of nature... Moreover the Shala is an incredibly intimate and beautiful place to practice yoga.

Why would you recommend yoga to guests of the Florblanca Resort?

To open  the body - mind - spirit with awareness and feel the vacation not only on the outside, but from the inside too.

Now that you have inspired everyone to visit your classes at Florblanca, what do your guests need to bring to the classes?

Just the present moment... And from that point onwards we will start the exploration.

Thank you very much for this interview, we hope that many guests will be inspired to participate in the special yoga classes at Florblanca Resort.

Yoga classes at Florblanca Resort are available free of charge from Monday to Saturday at the seaside open air Yoga Dojo. Private, couple or group sessions are available upon request. The planning staff at Florblanca moreover assists with the organization of yoga retreats.

For more information, please visit the corresponding section at www.florblanca.com.

Small Distinctive Spas of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is growing increasingly popular as a wellness destination with medical tourism and a multitude of hotels with spa as well as yoga facilities, Small Distinctive Hotels caters perfectly to that trend with an enticing offer of wellness facilities.

Our group comprises nine special boutique hotel members, located in the most naturally beautiful areas of Costa Rica. These accommodations are the ideal place to visit for a rejuvenating vacation, as you can read below:
 

Hotel Grano de Oro for instance, as an oasis in the middle of the bustling capital city San José which offers the ideal place for relaxing the first days after minor medical treatments. 

At a small distance from San José, the hotels Casa Turire in Turrialba and Peace Lodge close to the Poás Volcano, both offer perfect natural surroundings for a restorative retreat. Latter offers not only a peaceful rainforest walk to relax on, moreover in-room massages complete the wellness experience. 

The Veroliz Spa at Casa Turire hosts a team of registered physiotherapists offering a whole range of rejuvenating treatments. Moreover retreats and private yoga groups are welcomed and co-organized at this tranquil hotel.

Moving towards the beach, Hotel Villa Caletas in Jacó, Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort in Manuel Antonio as well as Cuna del Angel in Dominical and Playa Nicuesa on the Osa Peninsula form distinctive hotel highlights on the Pacific Coast. 

Beginning with Hotel Villa Caletas, located on a mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean - this setting alone would calms the senses... however the Serenity Spa absolutely perfects this luxurious stay. 

Arenas del Mar Beach and Nature Resort in Manuel Antonio combines the  serenity of the ocean with the tranquility of this popular national park... The "Las Brisas" Spa brings a fresh breeze into your life with a variety of repleneshing treatments.


Hotel Cuna del Angel is located close to Dominical, in the authentic South of Costa Rica and as the translated name "cradle of an angel" suggests, themed around angels. This of course includes the divine spa with heavenly treatments and promising packages such as "Angel`s Dreams" or "Celestial Energy".

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is the most Southern of the hotels, located in the stunning natural setting of the Osa Peninsula. With the rainforest in the backyard and the ocean in front, the yoga classes and massages (by the beach or in the room) take place in the most pristine natural settings imaginable.

Then last, but definitely not least, two hotels are located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the North Coast of Costa Rica:

Capitan Suizo is a Swiss-run beachfront hotel, an oasis close to the popular beach town of Tamarindo. Treatments are either available here in the rejuvenating Spa or... how about a massage right at the tropical beach?

Florblanca is a Balinese-style resort which is nestled in the lush natural surroundings of Santa Teresa and situated right at the beach. The Spa Bambú is "a highlight of those looking for a wellness experience at Florblanca" according to the general manager. A wide variety of treatments, different special packages as well as fresh and healthy foods, including for those with special dietary preferences such as vegan or vegetarian are offered here. Yoga is yet another highlight at Florblanca and forms part of the resort's culture, reflected in the specially constructed open air dojo, free daily yoga classes with internationally trained instructors, and regular retreats hosted, co-organized and personalized by Florblanca Resort.

For more information about the relaxing offer of the Small Distinctive Hotels' Spas, we invite you to visit our online sanctuary at:
http://distinctivehotels.com/spas.html