If you’re looking for the perfect destination for your next mother-daughter wellness getaway, consider The Retreat Costa Rica. I recently surprised my mom with a night at this luxurious hotel and spa, and it was truly a memorable experience, especially since it was her first spa visit. To set the stage, this spa is ranked among the best in Central America!
Why The Retreat Costa Rica Is Unique
The Retreat Costa Rica is a lavish wellness boutique and spa just 30 minutes from San Jose Airport, located in the charming town of Atenas. This area is renowned for its exceptional weather and is considered by the National Geographic Society to have one of the best climates in the world. After living there for several months, I can confirm that it lives up to the hype. Even on the hottest days, a refreshing breeze flows across The Retreat, making it an ideal destination for a mother-daughter wellness journey.
What sets The Retreat Costa Rica apart is its unique energy. This wellness resort radiates a captivating vibe that you feel as soon as you step inside. Nestled atop a 50-acre quartz mountain with breathtaking views of rolling green hills and the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by organic gardens, lush landscapes, chirping birds, and vibrant sunsets, it is truly a magical place. Plus, there are six resident peacocks wandering about, adding to its charm. It’s the ideal location for unwinding and revitalizing.
A Familiar Retreat
This was my third visit to The Retreat for a wellness vacation. My first stay was a two-night solo retreat where I could unwind away from my husband and child—absolutely delightful! I highly recommend that every parent takes time for themselves with occasional solo trips to recharge.
My second visit was with my husband, Siya. We enjoyed a two-night escape, indulging in pampering and reconnecting with each other. I recommend taking a couple’s getaway at least once a year to nourish the bond you have as partners, in addition to being parents.
This visit was especially meaningful as I surprised my mom with her first spa experience. I have a history of planning surprise trips for her—like that time I secretly took her to Mexico for a surprise birthday celebration. I genuinely love creating unforgettable moments for my loved ones.
Accommodations
The Retreat Costa Rica offers 18 beautifully designed rooms, each with unique features. Mom and I stayed in the “Maca” room which features two queen beds, luxurious organic hypoallergenic bedding, plush organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, organic body care products, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and a balcony showcasing breathtaking views.
When you return to your room in the evening, you’ll find freshly baked cookies waiting for you, complemented by the delightful scent of cinnamon wafting from an aroma diffuser. Your next day’s itinerary will be elegantly laid out on your bed, showcasing the thoughtful touches that make the overall experience truly memorable.
The Healing Center and Spa
Within the premises, the Vida Mia Healing Center and Spa is just a stone’s throw away from accommodations, the restaurant, yoga studio, and other facilities. The spa boasts breathtaking views of the valley and mountains extending to the Pacific Ocean. You can easily spend your days here indulging in incredible treatments, soaking in the Epsom salt pool or jacuzzi, meditating on the deck, working out in the fitness center, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a hot beverage or organic biodynamic wine from the coffee and tea bar.
The Vida Mia Healing Center and Spa blends innovative organic remedies with the wisdom of ancient practices and the metaphysical powers of the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. The treatment menu is extensive, offering everything from Ayurveda and detox therapies to crystal healing, acupuncture, massages, and facials. Each treatment room features large windows or open-air designs to connect guests with nature and enhance the healing experience, with rooms named after various indigenous healing crystals.
I have had the pleasure of experiencing various treatments here, including the Ayurvedic Kansa Facial with Marma, Royal Facial, and Couples Crystal Healing. On this visit, I opted for a Heart-Opening Deep Tissue Massage and a Smoothing Collagen Facial, while my mom enjoyed a 60-minute Thai Massage and a Hydro-Facial. Both treatments were beyond incredible! My mom emerged from hers glowing and completely amazed, proclaiming it the best massage she had ever received!
When choosing your treatment, remember that you can’t go wrong with any option. Determine which part of your body you feel needs the most attention, and go from there!
Culinary Delights
Prepare for a culinary experience that will engage all your senses! The kitchen staff puts so much love into their dishes that your body will feel amazing after every meal.
The food and beverages at The Retreat Costa Rica are fundamental to your experience. They cater to all dietary preferences including vegan, raw vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore diets, with menus focusing on plant-based, anti-inflammatory options. This means their offerings are mostly grain and dairy-free (with some exceptions for goat yogurt and cheese), and they avoid refined sweeteners while sourcing items locally and sustainably. All meals incorporate organic produce, primarily grown on-site, along with locally-raised fish, poultry, beef, and lamb available upon request.
There is no fixed menu; instead, you’ll enjoy whatever the chef chooses to prepare. However, if you have a particular dish in mind, you can certainly request it. This approach makes dining at the restaurant exciting since you can be confident that every meal will be delicious—just take my word for it!
The dining area has recently been renovated and is now even larger and more beautiful than before. They maintain an open kitchen policy, allowing guests to watch chefs in action, ask questions, and even request recipes via email. If you’re interested, you can partake in one of their many cooking classes offered weekly!
Other Amenities
If you need any more reasons to choose The Retreat Costa Rica for your mother-daughter wellness trip, here’s a few more…
This venue features a Yoga & Meditation Temple, an organic coffee plantation, river swings, jungle and river trails, a beautiful library and reading room, and offers excursions to breathtaking locations including Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, La Paz Waterfall, Poás Volcano, Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park, Jaco Beach, and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Clearly, The Retreat has everything you need to create an unforgettable mother-daughter getaway. Are you ready to pack your bags?
