All retreat deposits are nonrefundable. By registering, you are reserving a limited retreat space and committing to the full cost of your reservation. You are responsible for all remaining payments according to the payment schedule, even if you are ultimately unable to attend.

If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. You may find someone within your own network to take over your reservation, subject to approval by C.A.Y.A. If approved, you may arrange reimbursement of your deposit directly with the person taking your place, and they will assume responsibility for the remaining retreat balance.

If you are unable to find someone to take your place, C.A.Y.A. will make a reasonable effort to resell your spot. If we successfully fill your reservation, you will be released from any future payments, but your original deposit will remain nonrefundable. If we are unable to fill your spot, you remain responsible for the remaining balance.

Because unexpected circumstances can arise, we strongly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance shortly after booking. Please carefully review your policy’s coverage, eligibility requirements, purchase deadlines, and reimbursement terms.

Please fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica. Pura Vida Retreat & Spa is located approximately 25 minutes from the airport.

Roundtrip transportation between SJO Airport and Pura Vida Retreat & Spa is included in your retreat. Prior to the retreat, you’ll submit your flight information so Pura Vida can coordinate your transportation.

Upon arrival, collect your luggage, clear customs, and exit through International Arrivals. A Pura Vida driver will be waiting outside with a Pura Vida Retreat & Spa sign displaying your name or our group name. 

Check-in at Pura Vida begins at 2:00 PM. We recommend arriving early enough to settle into your room and join us for our first evening together. We’ll provide more specific arrival and retreat start-time details as we get closer to the trip.

Check-out is at 10:00 AM, but if you have a later flight, you’re welcome to remain on the property until your scheduled airport shuttle. Pura Vida has showers and changing rooms available for guests with later departures.

This is a retreat, not an intensive teacher training. Our days will include a morning vinyasa yoga classs, meditation or breathwork, one workshop, an evening restorative practice, and opportunities to learn and connect with one another, balanced with plenty of time to rest and enjoy Costa Rica.

Over our four full days together, our programming will move through the themes of Arrive. Connect. Reset. Reignite.Expect meaningful workshops and conversations around creativity, longevity in teaching, and the evolution of your practice and teaching-- all while earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

 Pura Vida offers a variety of optional excursions for anyone who wants to explore more of Costa Rica. Adventures may include waterfall hikes, coffee tours, ziplining, hot springs, wildlife experiences, and more.

Additional excursions are optional and not included in the retreat price. Availability and pricing vary, and activities can be arranged through Pura Vida.

You’re also more than welcome to skip the adventure and spend your free time at the pool, visiting the spa, taking a nap, or doing absolutely nothing at all.

Three nourishing, buffet-style meals are served daily and are included in your retreat. Pura Vida’s kitchen focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, with chicken or fish available at lunch and dinner.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice. Complimentary Costa Rican coffee, tea, filtered water, and seasonal fruit are also available throughout the day. Wine, beer, specialty drinks, smoothies, and additional snacks are available for purchase.

Many retreat guests travel solo, and this retreat is intentionally designed to foster connection and community. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get to know the other teachers throughout the week, while still having space for yourself when you want it. We will even pair you with other solo travelers when booking a shared accomodation. Come alone, you won’t feel alone!

If you’re traveling with a friend and booking shared accommodations, you can request to room together, just send us an email at cayayogaschool@gmail.com and let us know. 

If you’re coming solo and booking a shared room, we’ll do our best to thoughtfully pair you with another retreat participant.

Late March is one of the loveliest times to visit Costa Rica’s Central Valley. Expect warm, sunny days with temperatures generally in the 70s–80s°F and cooler mornings and evenings in the 60s°F. 

March falls within Costa Rica’s dry season, so rainfall is typically minimal. We recommend packing breathable clothing for the daytime along with a light sweater or layer for early morning and evening practices.

Yoga & Retreat Essentials

Costa Rica is warm and tropical, but Pura Vida’s mountain setting means temperatures can be cooler in the mornings and evenings. We recommend packing comfortable, breathable clothing and plenty of layers.

• Yoga clothes for daily practice
• Comfortable casual clothing
• Light sweater or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho
• Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
• Sandals or easy slip-on shoes
• Swimsuit
• Reusable water bottle
• Sunscreen, sunglasses & hat
• Insect repellent
• Small daypack for excursions
• Personal toiletries & medications
• Journal & something to write with
• A book for your downtime
• Passport & travel essentials
• An open mind and a little extra room in your suitcase for Costa Rican coffee!

Yoga mats and props will be provided, so there’s no need to travel with your own unless you prefer to.

Pura Vida’s yoga halls are fully equipped with Manduka yoga mats, blankets, blocks, straps, chairs, and bolsters, so you can leave your yoga gear at home. Of course, you’re welcome to bring your own mat if you prefer.

Wi-Fi is available throughout Pura Vida, with average speeds around 10 MB/s. Ethernet connections are also available near reception. That said, we encourage you to disconnect as much, or as little, as feels good while you’re away!

Gratuities are not included in the retreat price. Pura Vida recommends $10 USD per guest, per night if you are pleased with the service. These gratuities are pooled and shared among the Pura Vida team. For a 5-night retreat, that would be $50 per guest.

For spa treatments, a separate 15–20% gratuity is customary and is preferably given at the time of service. Cash in USD is preferred for gratuities, although tips can be added by credit card with a 3% processing fee.

This trip is nonrefundable. We advise purchasing trip insurance, which can be obtained HERE.

Costa Rica’s local currency is the Costa Rican colón, but there’s no need to exchange money specifically for your stay at Pura Vida. The retreat center accepts U.S. dollars, major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Pura Vida recommends bringing some small U.S. bills for gratuities and purchases made off property.