Hi, I'm Laurel. I live in Maryland with my husband, three children, octogenarian dad, and my furry hiking & chill-out partner, Rocco. As an occupational therapist, yoga instructor, and Apollo Health ReCODE 2.0 practitioner, I help people address root causes to optimize brain health. I seek to offer the "Just-Right Challenge" by meeting people where they are and walking alongside them on their health journey. This amazing week in Costa Rica is a trip I have been looking forward to for more than a decade. I am so excited to share this next-level health adventure with others on a similar path.
We invite you on a very special journey to go off-grid in Costa Rica during this multi-day retreat that will detox your mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in the splendid tranquility of Alajuela's pristine wilderness and spend time connecting with yourself, wrapped up in lush nature and bliss. Our journey begins on the outskirts of San Jose, where we'll stay one night in the Central Valley at the delightful Buena Vista Chic Hotel, a beautiful sanctuary nestled amidst a working coffee plantation perched on a hilltop overlooking the city. Then, we head to the Arenal Volcano area to embrace the ways of sustainable living and healthy eating at the Rancho Margot Eco Lodge, where we will be surrounded by lush gardens, forest trails, flowing mountain rivers, and beautiful views. Here, we will come together for daily farm-to-table experiences to enjoy organic meals made 100% from scratch, partake in daily yoga and workshop sessions, and head out on spectacular excursions. Visit the Arenal Vida Campesina, trek to the La Fortuna Waterfall, and experience the magic of the Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park.
Costa Rica welcomes you with open arms. It’s wonderful to have you on this exciting journey with us to this beautiful Central American country — a rejuvenating and memorable experience awaits! Once you have touched down at Juan Santamaría International Airport, we'll meet and greet you at the arrival hall. From here, we’ll whisk you away to your hotel in Alajuela, perched on a lush hilltop overlooking the capital city of San José. This kickstarts our incredible wellness escape, surrounded by the relaxing sounds of nature. As each day unfolds on this retreat, participate in various activities (from yoga sessions to excursions into the wilderness), enjoy delicious meals, and gain a wonderful appreciation of Costa Rica's hidden treasures. For today, get settled into your new home away from home — relax, unwind, and enjoy the hotel’s best amenities! In the evening, we'll come together for a delicious dinner — this is when we can break the ice and get to know each other better.
Rise and shine — we hope you had a restful sleep last night. This morning, awaken to a rejuvenating yoga session. Connect your mind and body through breathing and gentle movement as we work to strengthen our practice, wrapped up in our peaceful and tranquil surroundings. After, we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast before we check out of our hotel and journey to the Arenal region, located in the Northern Plains. Home to the majestic cone-shaped Arenal Volcano, this creation of Mother Nature is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes, standing at a grand 5,480 feet tall. The fertile land around it is a treasure trove of incredible wildlife, lush foliage, and steamy hot springs.
Our first order of business is a visit to the Arenal Vida Campesina, a self-sustained organic cultural center focused on preserving Costa Rican farming practices. During this insightful excursion, we'll enjoy a guided tour of this unique property. Here, learn about traditional and non-traditional crops, plant a tree, and participate in eco-activities — milk and cow, make tortillas, harvest vegetables from the garden, and grind cane sugar! During this experience, you will also have the chance to enjoy an organic lunch made with fresh produce cooked in a wood stove.
From here, we continue on to our accommodation. We'll be checking into the Rancho Margot Eco Lodge, an eco-tourism project nestled at the foothills of a rainforest near the shores of Lake Arenal. Rancho Margot is an eco-friendly off-grid gem surrounded by lush gardens, forest trails, flowing mountain rivers, natural pools, and stunning views of nature at its finest. Over the next few days, enjoy the simplicity of sustainable jungle living, dine on wholesome meals made using freshly-harvested ingredients, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere wrapped up in the sounds of nature.
Good morning! Rise with the sun and partake in a rejuvenating morning yoga class before breakfast, surrounded by the peace and tranquility of nature. Then, engage in another workshop session before lunch. In the late morning, we'll head out on an excursion to see the glorious La Fortuna Waterfall! Once we arrive at the trailhead, we'll set off on a short downward trek, during which we’ll be able to observe the valuable flora and fauna that sits within the rainforest. Enjoy the true color of nature and embrace the adrenaline that you'll feel as you venture up and down the 480 steps during the tour. Eventually, we'll come to an area that gives us a clear view of the waterfall and its clear waters. Fall in love with this gorgeous sight, and don't forget to snap some photos!
When we return to the lodge, we’ll continue to deepen our connection with nature through a Forest Bathing session. Close out the night with dinner and communal time to bond, share, and simply relax in this gorgeous setting.
Today, we will embark on a peaceful nature walk at the magical Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Here, you’ll be able to view the lush forest from a different angle via the many suspension bridges. Explore the 1.5-mile trail that winds through different levels of the diverse ecosystem and get up-close and personal with the flora and fauna of the forest canopy. After our visit to the Hanging Bridges Park, we’ll journey back to our accommodation for some optional activities on the property, free time, food, and well-deserved rest.
It’s the final day of this retreat — we hope you have had a wonderful journey in connecting with your mind, body, and spirit. After one last breakfast, it’s time to leave our eco lodge behind and depart for the airport. We hope to see you again — travel safe!
