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!