The Retreat
Altos del Monte, Costa Rica
Overview
Nestled on a mountain ridge in rural Costa Rica, The Retreat is the brainchild of celebrity chef, best-selling author, and health and wellness life coach, Diana Stobo. Her goal? To create a transformational, adults-only wellness escape in the heart of the rainforest. And this is exactly that – more than a spa resort, it’s a holistic sanctuary inspired by nature.
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Retreat has just 13 stylish rooms, so it feels more like a home from home than a resort. That is, with the addition of an impressive list of facilities, including saltwater pools and meditation nooks that overlook the surrounding greenery, studios for sound, movement and yoga, and restaurants serving organic, anti-inflammatory cuisine that looks as good as it tastes. The spa is superb and was voted the Best Destination Spa in the World at the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
When to go
What we love
- The retreat is small and personal, so you'll feel like you're in Diana’s beautiful home
- The healing, nourishing and healthy food is delicious and so well presented
- The yoga here is top-notch – enjoy Vinyasa Flow right through to Restorative yoga
Who should go
- Solo travellers who want to be in a sociable, group environment
- Yogi’s will absolutely love it here, with twice-daily yoga classes taught by some of the best teachers
- Anyone looking for a luxury wellness escape in an exotic setting
Wellness
The ethos here is to provide an experience of peace and harmony, and nourish both the mind and body with exercise, nutritional food, meditation and breathing exercises. Programme focuses include menopause, weight loss, sleep and emotional healing.
Diana Stobo is a real inspiration, with a mission to provide everything you’d want in a wellness holiday. That includes physical activity, stress reduction, spiritual connection, organic whole foods and cultural involvement.
Wellness facilities include the award-winning Vida Mia Healing Centre, an infrared sauna, steam room, two outdoor whirlpool baths, a choice of pools, a meditation and yoga deck, a fitness studio and reading room.
- Ayurveda treatments and consultations
- Massage
- Facials
- Acupuncture
- Watsu (water-based therapy)
- Crystal healing
- Farm to spa rituals
- Vinyasa yoga
- Restorative yoga
- Meditation
- Wellness cooking class
Activities
- Tree plantation ceremonies
- Nature hikes
- Bird watching
- Wine tasting
- Forest bathing
Sample Weekly Class Schedule
Please note - Classes are subject to change and seasonal adjustmentsRooms
The Retreat has just 13 rooms, named after the plants and superfoods that are grown on the property. There are no phones or TVs to keep the surroundings peaceful.
Size: 20 square metres
Guanabana and Guapinol are cosy and comfortable rooms with a lush mountain backdrop. Guanabana features a queen bed and Guapinol a king. Also in the Deluxe category are Cacao, Chan, Curcuma, Maracuya, and Cas, which are airy, spacious and located in the garden. These rooms feature a king-size bed and twin beds.
Deluxe room facilities include luxury organic hypo-allergenic bedding with 400 thread count sheets, organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, organic toiletries, a safe, Wi-Fi and a hairdryer. Most rooms have a private outdoor patio to make the most of the views, and some come with air-conditioning.
Known as the Casitas, these three spacious rooms, Maca, Mucuna, and Moringa, have a fresh ocean breeze flowing through and a view of the valley and the Pacific Ocean. Guests have a private balcony with a hanging chair to relax in. These rooms feature two queen beds and a luxury twin, making them perfect for friends traveling together.
Also in the Premium category are the new Spa Collection rooms, Café and Mandarina. These come with a king-size bed, large bathtub and spacious balcony and sitting area with hanging chairs. There’s also Coco, our King Suite situated near the yoga studio, with a large, covered balcony for enjoying the views of the mountain, valley and ocean.
Facilities include luxury organic hypo-allergenic bedding with 400 thread count sheets, organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, organic toiletries, a safe, Wi-Fi and a hairdryer. Most rooms have a private outdoor patio to make the most of the views, and some come with air-conditioning.
Nestled on a mountainside with sweeping views of lush greenery, with the Pacific Ocean shimmering on the horizon.
With king size bed.
Bathroom has a bathtub and a rainshower.
Facilities: Air Conditioning, WiFi, Essential oil diffuser, Organic Cotton Bathrobes and Slippers, Luxury Organic Hypo-Allergenic Bedding, Raw, organic body care products, Toiletry essentials including bamboo toothbrush & toothpaste, Hair Dryer and Get Naked Fast book by Diana Stobo.
Located in prime spot within the retreat, only a short walk to all main amenities including the yoga pavilion, Sol Terrace restaurant, and spa.
With king size bed. Bathroom has a bathtub and a rainshower.
Facilities: Air Conditioning, WiFi, Essential oil diffuser, Organic Cotton Bathrobes and Slippers, Luxury Organic Hypo-Allergenic Bedding, Raw, organic body care products, Toiletry essentials including bamboo toothbrush & toothpaste, Hair Dryer and Get Naked Fast book by Diana Stobo.
What’s on the menu
Location
Families, Children & Infants
Due to the nature of this retreat, kids are not allowed. The retreat is adults only.
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
