Days at RusTeak Living are slow by default. The property is rural, surrounded by fields and native trees, and the yoga and meditation sessions run on site in that setting. Organised retreat weeks include daily yoga, guided meditation and sound bath healing, and you can also book a stay without joining a programmed week and use the space on your own terms.

What separates this from a purpose-built retreat resort is the accommodation. Every studio has a fully equipped kitchen, so you are not tied to set meal times. The two larger cottages are cabin-style buildings with private rooms, shared bathrooms and shared living space, and each sleeps around 12. The whole property holds roughly 30-plus guests, which makes it workable for a group that wants the place to itself.

The grounds cover three acres. There is a charcoal grill and picnic area with tables and chairs, a covered area with room for basketball, a laundry room with a washer for longer stays, and a creek with a deck behind the property that runs in the rainy season. Massage is available at the property for $50 per person per session, and pet accommodation is available for $30 per stay.

Beaches are close. Playa Langosta, Playa Bonita and Playa Mansita sit inside the Hacienda Pinilla complex about eight miles away, and Hacienda Pinilla itself has a beach club, wellness centre and spa, a golf course and a large resort pool. Surfing, ziplining, horseback riding and volcano excursions are all reachable from Cañafistula. Local restaurants are a short drive away, including a pizza place down the road that guests mention in reviews.

The property is run by Veronica, who is named in guest reviews of Studio Mango. Guests describe it as scenic, peaceful and away from the tourist crowds of Tamarindo. It suits people who want a base in Guanacaste with yoga on the doorstep and the beach a short drive out, rather than a resort with everything on a timetable.

What's included

- Accommodation in a private studio or cottage - Fully equipped kitchen in every unit - Free wi-fi - Access to the property grounds, picnic area and charcoal grill - Laundry room with washer - Gated community security - Daily yoga, guided meditation and sound bath sessions on organised retreat weeks - Pet-friendly accommodation (pet fee applies)

What's not included

- Flights and airport transfers (airport transfer is listed only on the entire-venue booking) - Meals and groceries - Massage treatments ($50 per person per session) - Pet accommodation ($30 per stay) - Golf, gym access and spa treatments at Hacienda Pinilla - Excursions such as surfing, ziplining and horseback riding - Travel insurance