7 Day Detox and Yoga Holiday in Arenal, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Detox Retreat in Costa Rica
Escape to the serene landscapes of Costa Rica and embark on a transformative journey of renewal. At Essence Arenal, they believe in holistic wellness, nurturing not just the body but also the mind and spirit. Their detox retreat is designed to gently cleanse and restore balance, helping you reconnect with nature, nourish your body with wholesome meals, and reset your inner harmony.
Meet the instructors
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Highlights
- Rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul at Essence Arenal
- Daily 75-minute yoga classes on all mornings
- Regenerative afternoon yoga classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays
- Spa circuit access - one hour a day (Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna)
- Detox consultations and daily support
- Ionic detox / once per stay
- 6 nights accommodation in a private room with a bathroom
- 3 daily meals with one natural juice (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) or detox program
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (US$ 150 per person)
Juan Santamaría International Airport (US$ 150 per person)
Accommodation
Facilities
- Hot spring
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Spa
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Temazcal
- Café
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Luggage room / storage
- Multilingual staff
- Restaurant
- Terrace
- Yoga deck
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry
- Tour assistance
During this retreat, you will be staying in a private room with a private bathroom at Essence Arenal.
All beds have orthopaedic mattresses and anti-allergic pillows. The eco-hotel has majestic views of the Arenal Volcano, the Arenal Lake, and the El Castillo Valley.
All rooms have free Wi-Fi, hot water in the shower, a small desk, and a safe. Essence Arenal also provides free parking and a laundry service (for an additional cost).
Program
Step away from the demands of daily life and into a space designed for reflection, rejuvenation, and personal growth. At Essence Arenal, they invite you to embrace stillness, reconnect with yourself, and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose.
Over the next few days, you will experience moments of tranquility, inspiration, and transformation. Surrounded by nature and supported by a community of like-minded individuals, you’ll find the freedom to explore new perspectives, nurture your well-being, and awaken your inner strength.
With lush rainforests and breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano, you'll also indulge in nourishing organic foods, revitalizing wellness activities, and deep relaxation.
Whether you seek rest, clarity, or connection, this retreat is an opportunity to realign with what truly matters. Open your heart, embrace the journey, and let this experience guide you toward renewed energy and insight.
Whether you're looking to refresh your energy, embrace a healthier lifestyle, or simply unwind from daily stress, Essence Arenal Wellness Center's retreat provides the perfect sanctuary. Let go, breathe deeply, and allow yourself to heal - because wellness begins from within.
Welcome....Essence Arenal Wellness Center will be honored to have you there!
Retreat itinerary:
- 07:00 - 08:15 Morning yoga practice
- 08:15 Optional forest walk from yoga shala to restaurant
- 08:30 - 09:00 Daily breakfast
- 09:00 - 12:00 Activities or free time
- 10:00 - 11:00 Ionic detox / once per stay
- 12:00 - 15:00 Daily lunch (none on arriving and departure day)
- 15:00 Free time: Connect with nature, explore Essence Arenal Wellness Center's permaculture farm, hike in the rainforest, or book a treatment at their jungle spa
- 16:00 - 17:00 On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, you will have sunset yoga
- 16:00 - 18:00 1 hour at the spa circuit (Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi, and Turkish bath); you will be able to enjoy this lovely and healing place with a beautiful view and aromatherapy
- 18:30 - 20:30 Daily dinner
- 21:00 Early to bed (recommended)
More activities can be included in the itinerary on site, or the schedules for the inclusions can change after the meet and greet.
Instructors
Nico Botefur
In 2008, Essence Arenal project began through destiny and universal guidance. Nico ended up in this rainforest paradise, where he immediately knew this was his place on earth to live. It has opened his eyes and he needed that change. He was 80 pounds overweight and had a wide collection of emotional wrecks stored in his soul. In a short time of balancing nutrition, emotions, and bad life habits, through learned techniques, these problems disappeared! Nico has found emotional, physical, and spiritual balance through the creation of this wonderful place. And he wants to share it with you!
Alejandro Camacho
Born in 1988 in the South of Costa Rica. In 2013 he received holistic therapy, who led him to a state of introspection about his life. It gave him the opportunity to reach a higher level of conscience, and he dedicated the following years to have a better understanding of the way he had followed. Now, he is a holistic therapist in integral balance, sound therapist, and certified Hatha yoga teacher (300 hours). He is known for his kind and soft approach to healing through energy and vibrational therapies, yoga, and integral massage, including also Reiki, Shiatsu/Thai, and Watsu.
Location
Costa Rica is a country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the east and south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is home to a rich variety of plants and animals.
The retreat will take place in El Castillo, which is a charming village located near Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano. It's known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings, making it a hidden gem for travelers seeking peace and adventure.
The village offers breathtaking views of the volcano and lake, and it's surrounded by lush rainforest teeming with wildlife. The property spans 22 hectares and features hiking trails, a permaculture farm, and a variety of wellness amenities, including yoga classes, a spa circuit (Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna), and holistic therapies like Reiki and detox treatments.
Guests can also enjoy vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals made with local and farm-grown ingredients at the onsite restaurant.
Essence Arenal is not just a place to stay, it's an immersive experience designed to connect visitors with nature and promote relaxation and rejuvenation.
Features
Activities
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Kayaking
- Massage
- Mountain walking
- Reiki
- Spa
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Temazcal
General
- Environmentally friendly
- Garden
- Hammock
- Restaurant
- Yoga deck
Services
- Free Wi-Fi
- Tour assistance
- Wireless internet
Food
During this retreat, you'll enjoy three daily vegetarian or vegan meals at Essence Arenal Wellness Center's onsite restaurant, accompanied by refreshing natural drinks.
At Essence, they take pride in their farm-to-table philosophy, crafting mindful, nourishing meals straight from the earth. Essence Arenal Wellness Center offers an organic, vegetarian, and vegan kitchen, using consciously sourced local ingredients to honor both the planet and your body.
The chef, passionate about creating wholesome and flavorful dishes, prepares meals that are not only delicious, but are also nutritious and well-balanced. Most ingredients come directly from farm to table, inspiring creative recipes that showcase the tropical bounty of Costa Rica - sourced from local farmers as well as their own land.
They cater to various dietary preferences and detox needs, ensuring that every guest receives a fulfilling and personalized culinary experience.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Tea
- Detox juices
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Lacto-ovo Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Organic
- Fruitarian
- Lactose Free
- Other dietary requirements on request
Things to do (optional)
There is a wide variety of activities and tours available in the area:
- Canopy
- Rafting
- Canyoneering
- Kayak and boating on Lake Arenal
- ATV tour
- Hanging bridges
- Waterfall hike
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Horseback riding
- Butterfly observatory
- Thermal hot springs
Spa treatments
Pamper yourself at Essence Arenal Wellness Center's jungle spa, located in the middle of a permaculture farm with a unique view of the volcano and lake. Enjoy a range of treatments and therapies at their spa, including:
- Reflexology
- Swedish massage
- Deep tissue massage
- Meditation sessions
- Ionic foot detox
- Temazcal sweat lodge and mud detox
- Nutritional consultation
- Thai massage
- Reiki
- Sound healing
The treatments mentioned above have an additional cost.
Spa circuit
Essence Arenal Wellness is humbled to announce the opening of their negative carbon footprint Hydro Therapy Spa Circuit, consisting of the following:
- Turkish steam bath: An aromatherapy experience with herbs from their organic permaculture farm
- Finnish sauna: A treatment where you will be surrounded by fragrant natural laurel wood, known for its antiviral properties and naturally fragranced water
- 36-jet Jacuzzi: Delivers massages to different regions of the body
General benefits of the spa circuit:
- Stronger immune system
- Better sleep
- Glowing skin
- Reduction of cellulite
- Flushing out toxins
- Relief from arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia
- Quicker recovery from a muscle injury, back pain
- Decrease in anxiety and stress
You will have a complementary hour every day to access this healing place with beautiful views and aromatherapy.
What's included
- Daily 75-minute yoga classes on all mornings, from 07:00 to 08:15
- Regenerative afternoon yoga classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, from 16:00 to 17:00
- Detox consultations and daily support
- 1 ionic detox
- Spa circuit access for one hour per day (Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna)
- Daily access to the permaculture farm, trails, pool, and other facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Parking lot
- 6 nights accommodation in a private room with a bathroom
- Healthy cuisine (breakfast-lunch-dinner) with coffee, tea, or natural juice of the day, or six daily detox juices, shots, and broth
What's not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Other excursions / activities
- Other spa treatments
- 13% goverment taxes
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
88 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 150 per person
Juan Santamaría International Airport
76 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 150 per person
Arrival by plane
Please book your flight to arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). If you need transportation on your arrival from the airport to Essence, they can offer you two options:
The costs from the SJO airport by a private transfer are 150 USD per way, and 150 USD from and to Liberia airport. The payment will be directly to the driver, in cash. As this will be a private transport, it can be anytime. The trip takes approximately three hours.
Between 19:00 and 04:00, the transport will have an additional cost of 20 USD. Additional pax cost is 10 USD. In this case, Essence Arenal Wellness Center will just need to know the flight details and your contact number on WhatsApp.
Arrival by taxi / bus
Take a taxi to the terminal bus station 7-10. There is a direct bus to La Fortuna once a day, but if you can't take this bus, you will have to take one to San Carlos (Ciudad Quesada). Buses depart approximately every two hours. Get off at the bus terminal in Ciudad Quesada and take another bus to La Fortuna.
From La Fortuna, you can take a taxi or an Uber to Essence Arenal, or the other public bus at 17:15 that comes to El Castillo. From where the bus will drop you off, you will have to walk 600 meters to Essence Arenal Wellness Center's place.
Arrival by shuttle
The cost per way per person is 67.8 USD, but shuttles have specific schedules. From Liberia to Essence is at 09:00, and from SJO airport to Essence, it is at 07:00 - 08:15 or between 13:10 - 14:15, depending on the location. The payment shall be in advance, through a link that the company will send.
On the departure day, from Essence to the airports, you will have the option to use the private transfer or shuttle transfer that costs 67.8 USD per person.
To SJO airport the pick-up time at Essence will be at 07:00 or 12:10 (the trip takes around four hours), and to Liberia airport, the pick-up time in Essence will be at 07:00 (the trip takes around four hours).
If you need transportation from or to another place in Costa Rica, let Essence Arenal Wellness Center know. Also, if you have any questions, they will gladly assist you!
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 22% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.