The Retreat
Relax & Rejuvenate with massages, yoga and nature hikes where the views are beautiful, vibe is serene.
Yoga & Wellness in the Rainforest
Our sanctuary is situated amidst 250 acres of pristine Costa Rican rainforest on the unspoiled Caribbean side of the country. While you enjoy nature’s healing embrace, you’ll also enjoy all the comfort and conveniences of a modern retreat designed to maximize your serenity, peace and connection to nature and to your deeper self.
- Dine on locally sourced gourmet food at our restaurant and sip tropical drinks in our lounge
- Enjoy signature treatments in our wellness spa
- Rest Comfortably in our accommodations with running water and electricity (yes you are in the Rainforest but you do not have to rough it!)
- Relax in our jacuzzi or lounge in your hammock on your terrace
Because the rainforest regulates the temperature naturally, you’ll breathe clean, fresh air without the need for air conditioners. And we encourage you to fully unplug, put down your electronic screens and recharge your personal batteries. Let the natural light of sun, moon and stars illuminate your face and elevate your spirit.
Your Days at Our Retreat
Samasati literally means awareness and balance. Our tranquil environment is perfect for reflection, relaxation and rejuvenation for a naturally supported return to wellness.
At Samasati, you move at your own pace, exploring and delighting in our abundant surroundings with guided nature treks, waterfall hikes, dips in a natural pool, bird watching and daily yoga classes. Feel free to master the art of doing nothing but relaxing in your hammock or taking a long, leisurely soak in the jacuzzi. And rest assured your adventures will be fueled by delicious, fresh meals and around-the-clock coffee and tea served in our open air restaurant.
While the retreat is its own serene sanctuary, you are by no means isolated – so if you enjoy exploring local culture, beaches and shops, we’ll shuttle you to nearby Puerto Viejo. Here you’ll find pristine Caribbean beaches with aquamarine waters that are home to both world-class surf and incredible snorkeling. In addition to sun and sand, this laid back yet lively town features an array of outstanding restaurants, boutiques, bars, coffee shops, and even local farms.
A Premier Yoga Retreat Destination
Founded in 1997 by yoga and meditation students intent on sharing the benefits of this ancient practice, Samasati is a leading pioneer of sustainable tourism in Costa Rica and among the first to host yoga teacher training and retreats. Today we are privileged and honored to continue this tradition by hosting world class yoga teacher training and retreats and also offering daily classes to retreat guests.
Samasati yoga classes are held every day at at 6:30 a.m. and at 5:00 p.m. in custom-crafted, hexagonally shaped spaces that are oriented and designed to facilitate transformation, breakthroughs, celebrations and moments of bliss. Your practice will be in our yoga studio or meditation hall, which both are bathed in the energy of our surrounding thriving jungle and gardens.
Our resident Yoginis and Yogis host sessions and customizes them to your needs. Come as you are, no prior experience is necessary – we cater to yoga students at all levels.
Additionally, we have a constant flow of Guest Artists throughout the year. You are welcome to attend classes or retreats led by these world renowned yoga practitioners. These offerings can include: stand-up paddleboard yoga, acro yoga, martial arts, movement therapy, tai chi, Qigong, bodywork, energy work, seva (community service) and more.
Revitalizing “Forest Bathing” (“Shinrin-Yoku”)
Developed in Japan in the 1980s, Shinrin-yoku is a preventative healthcare and wellness practice that literally means “taking in the forest atmosphere” or “forest bathing.” And what better place to enjoy the restorative benefits of Shinrin-yoku than in the 250 acres of primary rainforest that surround Samasati?
Japanese and Korean researchers have produced an impressive body of research that scientifically proves the benefits of immersively walking in nature, which include boosting your immune system, lowering your blood pressure, diminishing your stress levels and improving your overall mental health. And it’s not just about the fitness benefits of walking – trees release phytoncides, which are airborne antimicrobial chemicals that help protect them and surrounding, supportive plants against germs and insects. This benefit extends to humans, as research shows inhaling phytoncides lowers stress hormones and supports natural killer cell activity. You can enjoy this holistic anti-aging practice every day during your stay at Samasati.
Restorative Massages and Wellness Treatments
Experience unique relief and rejuvenation with our Samasati Signature treatments, delivered by acclaimed Guest Therapists and gifted local practitioners. Rooted in nature and unique village healing practices, our treatments feature all-natural Caribbean superfood ingredients derived from the flowers, leaves, bark, roots, seeds and fruits of indigenous, naturally cultivated plants. We use only the finest virgin coconut oil, local salt crystals (for exfoliating body scrubs), Aloe Vera and Costa Rican cacao to maximize treatment efficacies.
You’ll emerge from each treatment with results you can see, thanks to the antioxidant, rejuvenating, hydrating, healing and anti-aging properties of this nutrient-rich living food for your skin that our beauty and wellness experts artfully create and apply.
Please see our treatment menu for each season:
Dining – Farm To Table Delicacies
Sitting in the mountain overlooking the lush Rainforest and Caribbean Sea below, our covered but open-air restaurant provides a dramatic and unique dining experience. We serve 3 buffet style, organic, locally sourced meals daily. Our selections range from Caribbean fusion, Mediterranean Asian to Central American. We bake our breads and pastries fresh daily. Be ready to indulge in our delectable desserts, which often feature chocolate made from organic, local cacao. If you have any day trips or tours planned we are happy to pack your lunch for you.
Farm to table, sustainable and organic have long been a way of life especially on the Caribbean side of the country, which is among the least modernized. This means the fishermen still catch fish while the farmers still grow their livestock, fruits and vegetables the way their great grand parents did. We purchase fish from the fishermen the same morning they are caught and nearby farmers deliver produce to us multiple times a week. You just cannot get any closer to farm to table than this. Most of our cuisine is vegetarian, although fresh fish and chicken preparations are available upon request.
Our restaurant also includes a specialty bar, which serves rich Costa Rican coffee, tea, wine, beer and fresh cold-pressed juices. Our staff will happily accommodate any requests requests made in advance such as raw, vegan, gluten-free, dairy- free, or soy-free dishes.
Retreat Map
Getting Here
Airport Transfers
Most guests arriving to Costa Rica will fly into Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) in San Jose. This international airport is a 4-7 hour scenic drive from Samasati or 90 minutes of travel via domestic flight to Limon airport with a shuttle ride to Samasati.
- 4 – 6 hour scenic drive with local food along the way
If you are in a road trip / exploration mood you can drive, take a private taxi or a shuttle service. The middle part of the drive is quite scenic as you will go through the mountains in a national park and you will get to stop over at spots serving local food. This drive duration will vary on traffic and how long you stop.
The shuttle ride is about $52 per person and the private taxi is $200. If there are more than 6 of you we would charter a private shuttle for you which would be more cost effective.
Please check https://www.caribeshuttle.com/ for the latest schedule for departures from San Jose Airport to Samasati ( enter Puerto Viejo as the destination to get the schedule). Caribe recommends that you land 90 – 120 mins before the departure of the shuttle as it could take time to go through customs and collect luggage. However, our guests have made it with an hour to spare if you want to take that chance.
- Local plane (https://flysansa.com/en/#.W80v4GhKj50)
If you would rather just land and get here as quickly as possible there are local flights available. The flight itself is about 30 mins to Limon airport. and we can arrange a shuttle for you to drive to our retreat which will take about 45 minutes. Again, Sansa recommends you land at least 90 minutes before the departure of the flight, but our guests have made it with an hour to spare if you want to take that chance. This option is totals about $110 per person.
Overnight Stay before heading to Samasasti
If you land too late to make the shuttle or the flight then a private taxi is the best option. Otherwise, you can stay overnight at our partner hotel https://www.adventure-inn.com/ – they will give you a discount if you mentioned Samasati Yoga & Wellness Retreat referred you.
For more information, sample pricing and help booking airport transfers please click here.
