5-Day Jungle & Ocean Wellness Retreat: Yoga, Breathwork, and Surf in Costa Rica

The retreat is based at Selva Sagrada, a wellness centre set on a lush property with a main house, three private casitas, and a rustic wooden cabin for larger groups. There's a saltwater infinity pool, a yoga shala, sauna, and a small gym. The owners, Astara and Michael, live on site, along with their young child, which gives the place a warm, lived-in feel.

Each morning begins with a guided practice designed to wake the body up gently—yoga, qigong, or breathwork on the yoga shala as the jungle comes alive. After that, you'll head out for the day's adventure. Often that means surfing at one of the nearby beaches, with instructors on hand for beginners. Other days might involve a hike to the Nauyaca waterfall for a swim, or time in the river. Breakfast comes after you get back, cooked by the private chef, followed by free time to rest by the pool or book a massage.

The afternoons are intentionally unstructured. You can swim, use the sauna or ice bath, work out in the gym, or simply read in a hammock. Some days there's a group workshop—breathwork ceremonies, somatic movement, or light bodywork. The schedule bends to the group's energy rather than the other way around. Evenings often involve a trip to the beach for sunset, sometimes with surfboards. Dinner is shared family-style, and the sauna gets turned on in the evenings so you can warm up after a day in the water.

Ben Holt is the lead breathwork facilitator, with six years running retreats and a background that includes work with indigenous communities in Mexico and Peru, plus meditation intensives in India and East Asia. Astara specialises in tantric somatics and kriya yoga, and her partner Michael holds certifications in massage therapy and chi nei tsang abdominal massage. Together they create a container that feels safe enough for deep personal work to happen naturally.

The group is capped at ten people, which keeps the atmosphere intimate. You'll be sharing meals, sitting in circle, and likely forming real connections with the other guests. It's a place for people who want a proper break—not a bootcamp, not a silent retreat, but something in between that balances adventure with genuine rest.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in shared or private rooms - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by a private chef - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Daily yoga classes - Daily pranayama (breathwork) classes - Daily meditation classes - Transportation during the retreat - Surf lessons with instructors - Specialized workshops - Group excursions and activities - Nature hikes with a trusted guide - Sauna and ice baths - Access to the gym and yoga shala - Free parking on site - Luggage storage

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Additional treatments (e.g., massage) - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary