Costa Rica fitness and wellness are about finding gratitude, joy, and flow in an active lifestyle and the simple pleasures, like an evening beneath the stars. Pictured: Soul House
There are many ways to define wellness – from clean eating and meditative yoga to active afternoons and the great outdoors, there’s an entire world (and industry) dedicated to defining the many ways we hack our health through better, more purposeful travel. So today, we’re going to discuss Costa Rica fitness travel: A niche that doesn’t get much glory but that so many of us seek, whether we put this name to it or not.
Often hidden beneath the umbrella of active travel, fitness travel is an invitation to shake up your routine, seek physical challenge in new activities, and stretch our minds and bodies. Far from rote, it can be as wonderfully exciting, wildly challenging, and perfectly novel as our wildest dreams: Yes, you can absolutely plan for arm day in an ocean kayak, leg day while surfing, and get your cardio on a waterfall hike. That’s how we roll here in Costa Rica.
Of course, you can also go the more traditional route and book Guanacaste, Costa Rica vacation rentals with private gyms, yoga platforms, and lap pools. Your fitness is your own, as is your vacation! So, whether you’re looking to rejuvenate your body, refresh your mind, or build a little novelty into your fitness journey, here’s some inspiration for your travels:
Top Wellness and Fitness Destinations in Costa Rica
The truth is that you can pursue Costa Rica fitness and wellness travel just about anywhere. But if you’re looking for a little added boost, you’ll want to focus your energy on destinations that offer plenty of infrastructure, by way of challenging activities, well equipped vacation homes, a focus on healthy eats, and wellness services (ex. in-villa spa services).
Here are a few destinations with exceptional offerings:
Tamarindo
A vibrant beach town on the Pacific coast, Tamarindo is known world-renowned for its surf culture (a great starting point for fitness travel!) and wellness retreats (there’s that promised infrastructure!).
It’s also a hub for staying active while enjoying the sun and sea – whether you’re tackling the massive surf, kayaking the mangroves, stand-up paddle boarding, or participating in any number of other active tours and activities. Additionally, the area is dotted with yoga studios, surf schools, and luxury Guanacaste, Costa Rica vacation rentals with private fitness facilities.
Santa Teresa/Malpaís
Don’t let the super-chill vibes convince you otherwise: The twin towns of Santa Teresa and Malpaís (sometimes styled Mal País) are as tranquil as they come, while also being an absolute haven for surfers, yogis, and the most intrepid wellness and active travelers among us.
Located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula (one of the world’s only five Blue Zones!), these dual destinations are perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while staying active. The area’s pristine beaches, epic waves, and rugged terrain offer countless opportunities for surfing, beach workouts, and nature walks.
Nosara
Also located within the Nicoya Peninsula’s Blue Zone, Nosara may just take the prize as Costa Rica’s most wellness-forward town: A haven for Costa Rica fitness of the naturally active variety, Nosara promises a more laid-back vibe (as compared, say, to Tamarindo) while somehow, never letting up on the challenge.
This destination is particularly renowned for its yoga retreats and holistic health centers, which can be of particular interest if you’re looking as much to replenish your energy as you are to challenge your body. The town’s strong community focus on sustainability and mindfulness makes it an ideal destination for those looking to recharge both physically and mentally.
Dominical
Nestled in the southern Pacific region, Dominical is a smaller, less commercialized beach town – especially compared to its big sibling, Manuel Antonio to the north – that has become a favorite among those seeking a deeper connection with nature and self.
The area’s waterfalls, rivers, and dense jungles provide the perfect setting for adventurous workouts and fitness activities, including hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and meditation. There’s also a huge focus here on healthy eating, so you can nourish your body starting with the most essential building blocks.
Costa Rica Fitness and Wellness Experiences (aka, Only Here!)
Okay, okay – we know, it’s rare, if not impossible, for anything nowadays to be found “only here,” no matter where you are in the world…
But honestly, travel is a bit like alchemy: You add a little of this everyday thing, a little of that special ingredient and somehow, you’ve created a brand new thing that is wildly novel and deeply special. That’s how Costa Rica fitness travel makes us feel, when we mix in a bit of tropical birdsong (or monkey hoots) with warm sunshine, ocean views, and sand between our toes… It’s a whole new thing and we know you’ll love it!
Do This: Surf
If there’s one active pursuit you absolutely must experience in Costa Rica, it’s surfing. Even if you’ve never touched a surfboard, this is the place to change that. Skipping out on surfing in Tamarindo is like visiting Paris and ignoring the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Seine – it’s just not something you do.
Costa Rica’s waves are famous worldwide, and for good reason. The town offers a perfect mix of powerful swells and gentle waves, with challenging breaks and beginner-friendly spots alike. No matter your confidence or skill level, there’s a wave here for you. Yes, even for beginners.
Do This: Beach Workouts
While surfing is an excellent full-body workout that strengthens your core, arms, and legs while improving your balance and cardiovascular fitness, it’s not the only Costa Rica fitness activity you can enjoy in the sand.
If you want to kick it old school-but-tropical, then consider beach workouts like running on the sand, performing bodyweight exercises, oceanfront yoga, or engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack.
Do This: Kayaking
Kayaking (mangrove or ocean) takes you into a world where the known and unknown blend seamlessly. While you might expect towering mangrove trees, gentle waves, and abundant wildlife, the thrill comes when you find yourself face-to-face with curious monkeys, spiny iguanas, sea turtles, relaxed crocodiles, and a variety of water birds.
Do This: Hike a Volcano
Speaking of long hikes – one of our favorite is Rincon de la VIeja’s Las Pailas trail, which is guaranteed to thrill!
Visiting an active volcano is an invitation to embrace the wild and untamed. If you’re choosing just one, make it Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, a 1-million-year-old andesitic giant that lies about an hour from Liberia (the Guanacaste International Airport), offering a day full of exploration and discovery.
Rincón de la Vieja is truly a destination in itself, with enough to keep you captivated for an entire day (or more). Whether you’re spotting lagoons, hiking to waterfalls, soaking in mineral hot springs (only those designated for soaking, though, as many are unsafe!), slathering yourself in volcanic mud, or peeking into a mini-volcano, Rincón de la Vieja offers an unforgettable taste of Costa Rica fitness fun and wild beauty.
Do This: Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding is a fantastic way to challenge your balance and strength while enjoying our abundant natural beauty. Whether you’re paddling through the calm waters of a mangrove forest, navigating the waves of the Pacific, or exploring the coastline, SUP provides a low-impact, full-body workout that’s both fun and challenging.
Do This: Jungle Hikes and Waterfall Treks
Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems have created a hiker’s paradise. From the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the rugged trails of Corcovado National Park, there are boundless opportunities to explore the country’s natural wonders on foot.
Jungle hikes and waterfall treks are particularly popular, offering a unique combination of cardiovascular exercise and breathtaking scenery, with some leg and butt strengthening thrown in on the more strenuous uphill hikes! The reward at the end is often a refreshing dip in a natural pool beneath a cascading waterfall – a quintessential Costa Rican experience that’s good for both body and soul.
Do This: Outdoor Yoga and Meditation
There’s something incredibly grounding about practicing yoga and meditation in the great outdoors.
In Costa Rica, you’ll find numerous opportunities to connect with nature through outdoor classes that take place on the beach, in the jungle, on a mountain overlook, or even the privacy of your villa’s pool terrace or yoga platform. The natural sounds of the environment, from the chirping of birds to the rustling of leaves, enhance the mindfulness experience, making it easier to relax and focus on your practice.
Vacation Villas with Fitness and Wellness Options
If you’re more a machine-and-routine kind of person, then embrace your inner gym rat in paradise, and book one of our Guanacaste, Costa Rica vacation rentals with private fitness facilities.
Imagine starting your day with a sunrise session on a private yoga deck overlooking the ocean, a mid-day sweat sesh in the gym, and winding down with an in-villa massage after an intense day of fitness fun. Here’s what you can expect:
Private Gyms
Some high-end villas in Costa Rica come equipped with private gyms, allowing you to keep up with your fitness routine without having to leave your vacation home. These gyms often feature state-of-the-art equipment, including treadmills, free weights, and yoga mats, ensuring that you have everything you need for a full-body workout.
Wellness Amenities
In addition to gyms and massage services, some villas offer other wellness-focused amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs. These facilities are perfect for unwinding after a day of physical activity, helping to relax both your body and mind.
Yoga and Meditation Spaces
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your practice, many of our villas feature outdoor spots and dedicated spaces for yoga and meditation. These areas are often designed to maximize tranquility, with views of the ocean, jungle, or mountains serving as the perfect backdrop for your sessions. We can even arrange for a private yoga instructor to guide you through personalized practices.
In-Villa Massage Services
After a day of surfing or hiking, there’s nothing better than a relaxing massage to soothe tired muscles (and minds…). We are happy to arrange in-villa massage and spa services, where professional therapists will come to your villa to provide treatments tailored to your needs.
Where to Stay
Speaking of homes that offer opportunities for Costa Rica fitness, here are a few recommendations:
Casa Galanga
Tamarindo | 8 Beds | 8 Baths | 19 Guests
Where sky meets sea meets pool, Casa Galanga is a Balinese-style home and, at 15,000 square feet, one of our largest luxury vacation rental options, idea for when you’re brining along friends and family to join in your relaxation. It’s also one of the most remarkable, thanks to its, two pools, a Jacuzzi, eight spacious bedrooms, and breathtaking Playa Grande and Tamarindo beach-estuary views. Stand on the terrace, on a blue-skied day, and your eyes may not know where the pool ends and the view begins.
Because as stunning as are its interiors, Casa Galanga truly stands out for its outdoor spaces. Here, weaving between sun-dappled terraces and thatched shade, you’ll find yourself in hammocks and lounge chairs, overlooking the Pacific and watching for monkeys, gazing at the mountains and relaxing to epic sunsets and an inky sky, swaths of stars. It’s
Casa Serena
Hacienda Pinilla | 5 Beds | 5 Baths | 10 Guests
A beachfront mansion within the upscale golf resort and community of Hacienda Pinilla, Casa Serena spares no beachy luxury. Designed to delight and awe, the home welcomes you with a bridge over a koi pond: cross into the majestic great room, featuring an eye-catching spiral staircase and views to the Pacific Ocean.
Casa Serena’s labyrinthine interiors and exteriors weave through living spaces that spare no exquisite detail, no comfort, no luxury – no amenity to sweeten, improve, or perfect your stay. There’s the custom infinity pool, built into a sprawling terrace and surrounding a shady tree. There’s the spacious chef-ready kitchenand four independent ensuites. And of course, there’s the view to the sea and walk to the sand – the two real reasons you’re here. Enjoy!
Villa Buena Onda
Playas del Coco | 8 Beds | 10 Baths | 20 Guests
Escape to Villa Buena Onda, an exclusive all-inclusive micro-resort nestled within gorgeous natural surrounds. This private luxury destination caters to groups of up to 20 people, offering gourmet cuisine, attentive staff, and top-notch amenities.
Relax by the infinity pool or indulge in spa treatments while soaking in the tranquil ambiance of Playas del Coco. Elevate your wellness routine in the state-of-the-art fitness center, designed to keep you energized and balanced during your stay. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Spa Milagro, a rejuvenating sanctuary for mind, body, and soul.
Adjacent to the pool area is an open-air lounge, perfect for relaxation and socializing in the tropical ambiance. The swim-up bar provides a refreshing retreat within the pool. The two-tiered infinity pool, with wade-in access, features a cascading waterfall for added charm. Villa Buena Onda offers the perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, with a promise to make your stay an unforgettable experience.
Need Help Planning Costa Rica Fitness Travel?
When you reserve a luxury vacation rental with us, you’re booking more than just a spectacular home; your reservation also includes full vacation planning and concierge services.
So, what does that mean? Well, when you make your reservation, our skilled in-house concierge will get in touch. She is an expert in all things Costa Rica and her job is to get to know you that well, too. Share your desires and preferences, peruse our recommendations, and start building your must-haves, can’t-miss lists.
Our concierge will tailor your retreat to your specific needs and interests. From the little details – airport pickup and a private chef – to all your activities and transportation, our concierge services are absolutely and always free for our guests. You dream, we take care of the details.
Please get in touch for more information about our Costa Rica luxury vacation villas and our concierge services.
