Costa Rica: Refresh Your Soul Hatha Yoga Retreat

Saturday, February 6 – Saturday, February 13, 2027

Imagine yourself relaxing in one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Enrich your yoga practice surrounded by rain forest, tropical flowers, toucans, iridescent blue butterflies, the sounds of birds in the morning, and the cacophony of cicadas as the sun goes down. Enjoy your privacy in the boutique hotel’s modern, comfortable, and stylish villas. In addition to the luxury ocean view villas, there is also the option of having a private room of your own at one of the recently acquired Garden View Villas. The Garden View Villas connect to Vista Celestial via an inclined forest path.

Situated high up on the mountainside, you will love the dramatic Pacific Ocean views. The high elevation offers cool breezes that relax your mind and body and enhance deep sleep. The boutique hotel has been designed with heavenly views in mind. During the day, cool down in the infinity pool, while enjoying the panoramic views. There are two settings where you will enjoy your sunrise and sunset yoga sessions, led by yoga instructor, Fran Gallo. Fran will also lead an exhilarating variety of cardio and strength workouts in the early mornings before the Hatha yoga practice. Set aside a week to focus on total body health and spiritual well-being. De-stress. Rejuvenate. Enjoy. Rediscover your inner peace.

Location:

The retreat site is at Vista Celestial, a boutique hotel located in Uvita, on the Osa Peninsula, about a four-hour drive (211.4 km/132 miles) from San Jose’s SJO Airport. The main roads are in great condition, but the landscape is mountainous so driving speeds are slow. The hotel is one and a half miles up a mountainside. We will have the resort all to ourselves. Please note that there are many steps (like stair climbing) going from your villa to the pool, evening yoga platform, bar, and dining area. You should be able to walk up and down steps to take part in this retreat. There is also an inclined gravel road that can be walked as an alternative to the steps.

Costa Rica is a global go-to spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Volcanic hills, lakes, and plummeting waterfalls shape the lush, vibrant landscape. Tropical rain forests teem with species of wildlife that exist nowhere else on the planet.

Your Stay will Feature:

7 nights in one of the Ocean View Villas (double accommodation) with panoramic views & open terrace OR 7 nights in one of the newly acquired Garden View Villas Private Guest Rooms.
Ocean views, including the famous Whale’s Tail sand formation (part of Marino Ballena /Whale’s Tale National Park in Uvita).
Dedicated Yoga Space: Covered jungle yoga platform, all yoga props, including bolsters and sanitized mats provided!
Swim-up bar and beautiful infinity pool with waterfall
Tropical setting with flora and fauna all around
3 fresh, healthy, organic, and locally sourced delicious meals daily

Highlights

Fresh organic locally-sourced cuisine, including tropical fruit grown on the property
Two daily multi-level yoga sessions with Fran, with inspiring sunrises and sunsets (morning Hatha Yoga, evening Yin Yoga)
Fran will also offer daily Fitness classes (schedule permitting), which will include strength building and calorie-burning workouts on the sea view terrace.
Enjoy free time to relax poolside or in your personal accommodation, read, book a superb spa service, or sign up for one of the many extra day tours available.
Lovely healthy spa drinks offered after our sunset yin yoga sessions.
Saturday: There will be a group pick up on Saturday morning at 10am. The group pick up vehicle/driver will make a stop at your hotel if the hotel is near the airport (see Courtyard Marriott Hotel suggested below), or you can make your way to the SJO Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica for the group pick up at 10am on 2/6. This year, we are asking everyone to arrive at least one day early: arrive on or by Friday, February 5 so that the whole group can be picked up at 10am on Saturday, March 6. This way, we will have more time to enjoy Day One at the resort on our arrival day. Late afternoon Yin Yoga and Welcome Dinner on Day One.
Sunday: Visit the nearby Uvita Waterfall where we can see the live butterfly exhibit (morpho butterflies) and we can swim in one of the refreshing waterfall pools.
Monday: Optional early morning Birding in Hacienda Baru. (Hacienda Baru experience is a custom experience which Vista Celestial has put together for guided birding with one of our best guides.). Evening Beach Bonfire & Cocktail/Mocktail Hour at Playa Hermosa.
Tuesday: A fun 3-hour morning Cultural Experience: Chocolate Tour with Ronald (included in retreat fee) And it is on Chocolate Tour on Instagram
Wednesday: Beach Outing to Playa Uvita within the Whale’s Tale National Park .(Here you can swim or walk along the beach.) Our goal is to get to the beach early to avoid the strongest sun. We are waiting to see the low tide chart. We may change the schedule so we can walk during low tide. Time permitting, a visit to the local Farmer’s Market. PM Optional Night Walk Tour.
Thursday: Day Trip with a Nature Guide to Corcovado National Park (included in retreat fee) We are sure to see a variety of wildlife, and yes, we will most likely see Costa Rica’s Scarlet Macaws!
Friday: Take part in a Garden-To-Table Cooking Demonstration at the resort and enjoy this culinary creation at lunchtime. Farewell dinner in the evening

Sample of a Day in Paradise

6:30-7:10am Fitness Class with Fran (It sounds like an early hour, but the toucans and other exotic birds will wake you up!)

7:30-9:00am Hatha Yoga with Fran on the Jungle Platform

9:15am Breakfast

Local outing

1:00pm Lunch

5:00-6:30pm Hatha Yoga on the Ocean View Terrace (Yin Style, deep stretch and relax) Enjoy a healthy spa drink after your yoga session.

7:00pm Dinner

VIEW SLIDESHOW From February 2026 (3 and 1/2 minutes long)

VIEW BLOG POST from March 2019

Included

Round trip ground transportation from/to the San Jose International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica (or from your hotel near the airport).
Three meals per day (all meals organic, many options available for vegan, veg, and non-veg, chef caters to dietary restrictions)
Two daily yoga sessions with Fran, all yoga props and sanitized mat provided.
Daily Morning Fitness Classes with Fran (schedule permitting, some days, fitness classes cannot take place due to early outings).
Round-trip up/down the mountain group transportation. The once per day group transportation can be to/from the beach, into town, to a local tour, etc.
One Garden-To-Table Cooking Demonstration
7 nights in one of five Ocean View Villas, double occupancy, king-sized bed (plus a Murphy Queen Bed in each villa if two friends want to book the Ocean View Villas). All Ocean View Villas have stunning views and include a spa bathtub/jacuzzi OR 7 nights in a Garden View Villa Private Room with queen bed (most rooms have ensuite bathroom and some have a large private bathroom adjacent to your private room).
Facility Privately Booked, no other guests
A visit to the nearby Uvita Waterfalls and Butterfly Aviary
Beach outing to Playa Uvita in the Whale’s Tale National Park
All villas and private rooms have AC.
Great internet connection (high speed internet) in the villas and private rooms, the dining area, and the office area.
Evening Beach Bonfire & Cocktail/Mocktail Hour at Playa Hermosa
Corcovado National Park Full Day Excursion with Guide, includes lunch
An all day Cultural Experience: Cultural Experience: Chocolate Tour

Not Included

International airfare is not included.
One or more extra nights at your hotel before the group pick up on Saturday, February 6. And we are asking everyone to arrive at least one day early so we can be picked up on Saturday, Feb 6 at 10am.
Alcohol not included, available for purchase
Non-group activities/day trips and Spa Services are not included. You may book your spa and extra outings at the hotel.
The optional Night Walk Tour.
The optional Birding Experience (more details coming soon)
Personal expenses and tips for staff and drivers

Cost/Registration Information

Ocean View Villa: $3745 per person, double occupancy. King-sized bed. Spacious luxury villa. Ocean View Villas have a Queen Murphy bed for a second person if sharing with a friend. (If sharing with friend or spouse/partner, let Fran know who your villa-mate will be.) Link to view Ocean View Villas

Garden View Villa with Private Room & Bath: $2745 per person Link to view Garden Villas Private Rooms These villas/private room accommodations have recently been added to the Vista Celestial property. They are connected to the resort by an inclined walking path. NOTE: There are three Garden View Villas. Each villa contains three private rooms, each with their own bathroom. They are lovely. PLEASE NOTE: ALL GARDEN VIEW VILLAS ARE RESERVED AS OF 3.29.26. WAITLIST AVAILABLE. CONTACT FRAN.

50% (Deposit) Due June 26, 2026. Your villa is reserved as soon as your deposit is received. Deposit nonrefundable from July 6, 2026 (unless we can get someone to take your place).

50% (Balance) Due October 1, 2026 Balance payment is nonrefundable from October 10, 2026 (unless we can get someone to take your place).

Contact Fran to see if space is available. Please let me know if you are requesting an Ocean View Villa (double accommodation) or a Garden View Villa with Private Room & Bath. Payments may be made via Venmo @FranGalloYoga, PayPal, Zelle, International Money Wire (perfect for those living outside of the US), or by Check. Upon request, Fran will send you information needed to make your payment.

Your deposit payment holds your spot.

I strongly urge you to purchase TRIP INSURANCE to protect your retreat and flight investment at the time of making your deposit and flight arrangements.

Booking Your Flights

ARRIVAL AIRPORT: Book flights to San Jose (SJO), Costa Rica.

ARRIVAL TIME: Please arrive by Friday, February 5 (earlier if you like). Though our retreat officially starts on Saturday, February 6, 2027, we are asking everyone to arrive at least one day early so that you are in Costa Rica for our group pick up at 10am on Saturday, February 6. There is a one-time group ground transportation Pick Up from the San Jose (SJO) Airport or from your hotel (recommended Courtyard San Jose Airport Alajuela) to Vista Celestial, our retreat site.

DEPARTURE TIME: For the return date, make sure to book flights departing after 2:00pm on our departure day, as we need to allow 6 hours (4 for the drive + 2 hours needed prior to your departure for international check in). Some people opt to stay one extra night near the airport and book flights for the next morning on Sunday, Feb 14. Departure day from Vista Celestial is Saturday, February 13, 2027. We leave the resort at 8am on 2/13/27.

Notes about booking flights:

If you book flights arriving on 2/6/27 or departing before 2:00pm on 2/13/27, you will incur the cost for ground transportation. It is around $250 each way for a private car.
I found that if it is difficult to book flights to fit our group shuttle pick up and departure times, it is worth while to arrive one day early and stay at a hotel near the airport. And this year, I am requesting everyone arrive ONE DAY EARLY, arrive at the latest by Friday, February 5 so that we can leave at 10am on Saturday, February 6 and enjoy extra time at Vista Celestial.
A hotel near the airport that comes highly recommended near the San Jose Airport (free shuttle service every 30 minutes to and from the hotel): Courtyard San Jose Airport Alajuela

Our scheduled driver will pick us up from our hotel on Saturday, February 6 at 10am.

A review:

This place is seriously AMAZING! Vista Celestial really blew me away! Everything about it is modern, elegant, natural and beautiful. There is a lovely infinity pool with a swim up bar, overlooking the ocean and Whale’s Tail on the coast line. You’re surrounded by nature: tropical birds and butterflies and heavenly old growth jungle. The villas have these drop dead views – you’re greeted every morning by an ocean view. The owner and staff are sweet and hospitable! All of my students were over the moon about the accommodations and the hosts and frequently asked about returning next year. Perfect, perfect, perfect!