Elevating the standard for destination wellness, The Retreat Costa Rica, an immersive wellness resort and spa in the heart of Costa Rica’s stunning rainforest, has unveiled an extensive $4 million expansion spanning 26,500 square feet. The resort’s new additions include a tranquil clubhouse, two distinctive restaurants and 10 luxury lofts designed for seamless indoor/outdoor living.
Diana Stobo – celebrity chef, bestselling author and founder of The Retreat – conceived the expansion and its new design based on the Sanskrit concept of santosha, a term evoking contentment and acceptance. “These luxurious new facilities are built to embrace the region’s verdant topography – offering more ways to experience peace, relaxation and connection,” Stobo says.
With this in mind, the new design embodies an ethos of restorative escape – with a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, resulting in a healing and luxurious experience
Santosha Clubhouse: A Communal Area to Relax and Unwind
Drawing inspiration from the area’s natural surroundings, the resort’s new 16,500-square-foot open-air clubhouse features a muted palette of pale woods and soft neutrals – accentuated by ancient indigenous relics, vintage pottery and rustic wood furnishings for an old world feel. An enormous guanacaste tree envelops the space, creating a tranquil and inviting ambiance, while natural wicker light fixtures and textured stone walls complement a dramatic handcrafted mandala wallcovering.
Designed for wellness seekers, the clubhouse houses a 5-by-50-foot single-lane lap pool with a striking mosaic design as well as a state-of-the-art gym and yoga shala – each with 1,600 square feet of open space and soaring 16-foot ceilings, accommodating up to 50 people for group classes. With serene tones and natural elements, the shala is a fluid and organic space – lined with white fabric, globe lights, meditation niches, rock wall trims and backlit mirrors – inviting inward focus. The new high-performance fitness studio features elliptical, stationary bikes, a whole-body weight machine and free weights.
Luxurious New Lofts
The 10 airy new 945-square-foot Santosha Lofts are designed to face unobstructed western views of the Nicoya Peninsula and Pacific Ocean – embracing feng shui principles to optimize the wellness experience. Capturing the resort’s nurturing and gentle environment, these open and ethereal spaces evoke harmony with nature – with a warm minimalist design motif and soft cream, warm taupe and crisp white palette to sooth the senses. Natural elements such as wicker light fixtures, natural teak wood furnishings and handcrafted stone wall accents further emphasize a theme of “quiet luxury in nature.” An abundance of muted recessed lighting continues a mood of relaxation, restoration and luxury – striking a balance with the lush natural surroundings.
Each loft has a large bathroom with an intricate old world door hand carved by local artisans, ample recessed lighting and an over-the-tub chandelier. The open closet, glass shower and oversized windows maximize natural light – furthering the indoor-outdoor feel.
Stobo’s signature artwork accents each room, complemented by handcrafted root carvings by local artisans and selenite crystals placed in the bathrooms – all designed to promote peace, encourage calm and enhance mental clarity.
A Duo of New Restaurants
Atop the clubhouse are two new distinct dining experiences: Mystique and La Diosa:
With sweeping views and an upscale coastal ambiance, the resort’s signature restaurant, Mystique, spans 1,000 square feet and seats 42 with booths and two- and four-top round marble tables. Large trees and plants hang overhead while a massive iron fireplace creates a warm and welcoming feel.La Diosa is a 1,250-square-foot rooftop lounge terrace featuring seating for 36, small plates and artisanal cocktails. The relaxed space includes a sunken sitting area with plush couches, lounge chairs and coffee tables positioned to overlook the surrounding jungle. Wooden floors, potted plants and a billowing fabric roof create an inviting, open-air setting where guests can unwind in nature while enjoying casual dining.
Beyond its new offerings, other resort highlights include a farm-to-table organic restaurant, an organic coffee plantation, two saltwater pools, a yoga studio, a meditation deck, organic gardens, river swings, jungle and river paths and sweeping views of the Gulf of Nicoya.
