How Much Does a Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica Cost? (Real Numbers)
Too long, didn't read
- Most Costa Rica wellness retreats are advertised from about $1,000 to over $5,000 per person for a week. The spread comes from location, group size and what's actually included.
- At Casa Del Soul, a 5-day, 4-night retreat costs from $2,250, $2,750 or $3,500 per guest, for groups of 3 to 6.
- Every level includes the house, one chef-prepared meal a day, daily yoga, meditation and breathwork, red light therapy, the private pool and three excursions.
- Budget on top for flights, travel insurance, the transfer from San José, your other meals, drinks and tips.
The honest answer to "how much does a wellness retreat in Costa Rica cost?" is "it depends on what's included." Two retreats with the same price can give you very different weeks. This guide shows our real prices, what they cover, and what you should budget on top, so you can compare any retreat line by line.
What does a wellness retreat in Costa Rica usually cost?
Week-long wellness retreats in Costa Rica are commonly listed anywhere from about $1,000 to more than $5,000 per person. Three things drive most of that gap:
- Resort or private house. Big resorts spread costs across many rooms but charge for spa time, classes and meals one by one. A private retreat house folds more into one price, with fewer people.
- Pacific or Caribbean coast. The Pacific side (Guanacaste, Nosara, Santa Teresa) has more luxury resorts and higher prices. The Caribbean side around Cahuita and Puerto Viejo is quieter and more local.
- What "included" means. Some retreats include every meal and transfer; others include only the room and classes. Always ask for the list.
What's included in a 5-day retreat at Casa Del Soul?
Our wellness retreat runs 5 days and 4 nights for a private group of 3 to 6 guests. You never share the house with strangers.
| Package | Price per guest | Excursions |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | from $2,250 | Set for you: Cahuita National Park guided hike, chocolate tour, guided waterfall visit |
| Signature (most popular) | from $2,750 | Choose 3 of 5: waterfall tour, chocolate tour, national park hike, horseback riding, beach experience |
| Premier | from $3,500 | Choose 3 of 10: the 5 above plus ATV tour, whitewater rafting, ziplining, couples massage, sunset boat experience |
Every package includes:
- 4 nights in a private house with a pool and an open-air yoga deck
- One chef-prepared meal each day
- Daily yoga, meditation and breathwork
- Use of a red light therapy mask and blanket
- Time in the rainforest, and help coordinating your transport
The biggest difference is privacy. At this price, many retreats put you in a shared lodge with other groups. Here the whole house is yours.
For a group of 6 at the Essential level, the retreat itself comes to $13,500 in total. At Signature it is $16,500, and at Premier $21,000.
What isn't included, and what should you budget on top?
These costs are on you at almost every retreat, including ours. Plan for them from the start:
- Flights to San José (SJO). Prices change a lot by city and season. Book early for December and Easter week.
- The transfer to Cahuita. The drive from San José takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. A private shuttle, the public bus or a rental car are your options. Our guide to getting from San José airport to Cahuita compares them.
- Your other meals. One meal a day is chef-prepared at the house. For the rest, Cahuita and Puerto Viejo have small local restaurants (called sodas) and cafés at every price.
- Drinks, extra treatments and shopping. Alcohol, extra spa sessions and anything you buy on excursions are extra.
- Tips for guides, drivers and staff, if you choose.
- Travel insurance. Strongly recommended for any trip abroad. The U.S. State Department's Costa Rica page covers entry rules and insurance.
Updated November 2026: how far does your dollar go?
Your package is priced in U.S. dollars, but local purchases are in colones. In early November 2026, a dollar bought about 450 colones, roughly 9% fewer than in January (Tico Times). Budget your extras with a small cushion.
Why one chef-prepared meal a day?
It keeps the price lower and gives you freedom. You share one meal at the house each day, then eat out in Cahuita or Puerto Viejo for the rest. Caribbean cooking here is its own thing: rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, fresh fish, plantains and tropical fruit. Eating in town is part of the trip, not a gap in it.
What do people get wrong when comparing retreat prices?
- Comparing the headline number only. A cheaper retreat that charges for every class, meal and transfer can cost more in the end.
- Missing "per person" vs "per group." Our prices are per guest.
- Forgetting the minimum group size. Our wellness retreat needs at least 3 guests.
- Ignoring the travel time. The Caribbean side is a full travel day from San José. Plan to arrive, not to rush.
Private retreat house or big resort: which is better value?
A resort is better if you want room service, a big spa menu and nightlife on site. A private house is better if you want quiet, privacy and a group that is only yours. For small groups of friends, couples or families, the house usually gives more of the retreat for the money, because nothing is shared and the practices are built around you.
Which package should you choose?
- Essential if it's your first retreat and you want everything planned for you.
- Signature if you want to pick your own three adventures. It's our most chosen level.
- Premier if you want bigger days out (rafting, ziplining, ATVs) or the couples massage and sunset boat.
When is the best time of year for value?
September and October are usually the Caribbean coast's driest months, while they are the Pacific side's wettest, and they fall in Costa Rica's quieter travel season. That makes them a smart window for good weather and easier flights. December holidays and Easter week are the busiest; book those early.
How do the deposit and balance work?
A 50% nonrefundable deposit confirms your dates. The balance is due 14 days before arrival. If you book within 14 days of arrival, you pay in full at booking. The full terms are on our reserve page.
Quick answers
Is $2,250 all-inclusive?
No. It covers the house, one chef-prepared meal a day, daily practices, red light therapy and three excursions. Flights, transfers, other meals and drinks are extra.
Is the price per person or per group?
Per guest.
What's the minimum group size?
3 guests. The most is 6.
Do I need travel insurance?
It isn't required by us, but we strongly recommend it.
Can you help with the ride from San José?
Yes. We help coordinate transport; the cost is separate.
Ready to plan it? See the full wellness retreat packages, compare all our retreats, or go straight to reserve your dates.