The ultimate wellness escape in Costa Rica

As we increasingly look for holidays that do more than just entertain, Costa Rica emerges as a leading destination for true restoration. This Central American paradise offers an experience that rejuvenates the body, mind, and soul, all built around its famous philosophy of pura vida - the simple life. With its incredible landscapes and ancient healing traditions, it provides a holistic escape that feels a world away from the everyday.

The ultimate wellness escape in Costa Rica

Yoga and mindfulness in nature

Costa Rica is home to some of the world's most spectacular wellness retreats, offering yoga, meditation, and holistic therapies in breathtaking settings. You can find your balance with treetop yoga at Nayara Gardens, listening to the sounds of the rainforest, or practice mindfulness during a guided meditation at the Samasati Nature Retreat. For those seeking a more dynamic experience, resorts like the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort combine yoga with surfing, Pilates, and dance, creating a powerful blend of movement and stillness against a stunning coastal backdrop.

The healing power of volcanoes

The country's dramatic volcanic terrain creates naturally heated, mineral-rich hot springs, perfect for soothing tired muscles and calming the mind. Near the iconic Arenal Volcano and Rincón de la Vieja, you’ll find resorts offering hydrotherapy circuits and thermal pools set within the rainforest. Many of these natural spas enhance the experience with treatments that use local ingredients. Imagine a volcanic mud bath followed by a gentle exfoliation using local coffee or chocolate - it's a sensory journey that is deeply connected to the land.

Surfing for the soul

With over 900 miles of coastline, Costa Rica is a surfer's dream. But here, riding the waves is about more than just sport. In laid-back surf towns like Nosara and Playa Jacó, the act of surfing becomes a form of active meditation. The focus required to catch a wave and the rhythm of the ocean create a profound connection with nature. Whether you are a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, the experience of being in the water is both physically invigorating and mentally clearing.

The secrets of a blue zone

The Nicoya Peninsula is one of only five "Blue Zones" in the world - areas where people live significantly longer, healthier, and happier lives. What’s their secret? A lifestyle rooted in natural movement, plant-based diets, strong community bonds, and a deep sense of purpose. Visitors can immerse themselves in this unique way of life through local farm-to-table dining experiences, community visits, and specialised retreats that share the simple wisdom of the Nicoyan people. It is a rare opportunity to reset your own habits and priorities.

Spas and nature-based healing

From eco-luxury lodges to secluded jungle retreats, Costa Rica offers an incredible range of spas and wellness centres. The philosophy here is deeply intertwined with nature, and treatments often reflect this. You can enjoy volcanic body wraps, nourishing facials using tropical fruits, and deep-tissue massages in open-air treatment rooms with the sounds of the rainforest as your soundtrack. Activities like forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), guided hikes, and simply walking barefoot on the earth ('earthing') are popular ways to reconnect with the natural world and, in turn, with yourself.

If you’re ready to discover the rejuvenating spirit of Costa Rica, contact your personal Travel Counsellor today.

Why Shizuoka, Japan, deserves to be on your bucket list

10 February 2026

Shizuoka is one of those places that quietly delivers on everything people love about Japan, without the intensity that often comes with it. Perfectly placed on the Golden Route between Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s easy to reach yet rarely feels overrun. This is a region where everyday life and travel experiences blend naturally, giving you space to explore at your own pace, whether that’s over a long weekend or as part of a wider journey across the country.

A modern take on Kyoto tradition at Capella Kyoto

09 February 2026

Kyoto’s Gion district is well-known for its heritage and character. Capella Kyoto places guests right in the heart of this cultural scene, surrounded by genuine traditions and the real rhythm of Kyoto life. With celebrated landmarks on all sides - Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo, where geiko and maiko keep age-old performing arts alive, Kenninji Temple, a peaceful retreat and the city’s oldest Zen Buddhist temple, and Ebisu Shrine for good fortune - every walk from the hotel gives you an immediate sense of the history of this part of Japan.

A family-friendly way to experience Mount Fuji

09 February 2026

Japan has a way of rewarding travellers who slow down, and Hanz Outdoor Resort is especially well suited to families looking for space and ease. Set in the Lake Kawaguchiko area, it offers clear views of Mount Fuji while remaining straightforward to reach from Tokyo. Rather than packing days with long journeys, families can settle into one place and let the mountain become part of daily life, from relaxed mornings to evenings spent outdoors together. It’s a base that works just as well for first visits to Japan as it does for families returning to explore further.