The Center
Shankara Retreat Center lies in a very quiet residential neighborhood and is surrounded by nature. It consists of a Yoga Shala flanked by two streams with powerful jungle views, open air bathrooms (with proper toilets and hot water), a covered Chill out & Meal time area, a well equipped kitchen, a wooden cabin with two double rooms (can also be singles) & bathroom, three individual Glamping Tipis, one individual Glamping Tent or for two people who know each other, one double Glamping Tent & pathways connecting all of them throughout the property. All rooms/tents have high quality mattresses & pillows, electricity, mosquito nets, a table, a wardrobe space & stunning nature views.
A year-round stream with a swimming hole & a little beach give you a magical space for a refreshing plunge. You can even hike upstream to a beautiful waterfall and enjoy hidden magic in the middle of the jungle. There is plenty of chill-out spaces to rest, read a book or chat with other participants.
Toucans, hummingbirds and Morpho butterflies can be sighted daily. Sometimes we have other (not dangerous wildlife passing by). Be aware that this is the jungle and even though we have not yet seen any, spiders, snakes and scorpions are out there.
All rooms and tents have mosquito nets so if you keep them zipped or the doors closed, the rooms are a bug free sanctuary ;-) As Shankara Retreat Center lies in an ecological corridor, we avoid chemical products. Please only bring cosmetics, creams, sunscreens etc that are fully natural (and reef friendly) as we want to take care of Pachamama.
The next town, Platanillo, is about 15 minutes walking distance and has a bus stop, supermarket and organic store/cafe. Dominical, the closest beach town, is 20 minutes away by bus or car.
There is an airport shuttle available from the main airport SJO in San Jose with a company we can recommend. It is 59 USD and brings you to Dominical, the closest beach town. From there you can take a taxi to the center or you can take a direct private transfer from the airport for about 150$.
You can easily find us on Google Maps: just click here.
The Food
The food served at Shankara Retreat Center is fully vegan. Three freshly prepared, nourishing, and abundant meals will be served on every full day. The food is mostly sattvic and organic. It is refined sugar free, with little to no gluten & nightshades for it to support the practice of yoga best.
Shankara Retreat Center is a substance free place so no alcohol, smoking or drugs (also if they are natural) on the property. Smokers will have to follow their vice on the road outside the property.
Coffee is only offered on request in the mornings, not throughout the day as little to no amounts of caffeine supports the journey further.
Please let us know if you have any allergies, intolerances or dislikes, we will be able to cater to most wishes if we know about them beforehand.
Most of all though, we love food & enjoy it and we will make sure that you won't miss anything.
The Surroundings
Shankara Retreat Center is situated in the South Pacific Zone of Costa Rica which boasts some of the most lush tropical beaches, waterfalls & natural parks. The famous Nauyaca & Diamante Waterfalls are only 5 & 15 minutes away, Manuel Antonio & Bahia Ballena National Park only 40 minutes & the spectacular Osa Peninsula only 2,5 hours. The world famous surf beach Dominical with year round waves is just a 20 minutes drive and you can find plenty of surf schools. For those of you interested in plant medicine, there are many centers in close proximity.
Renting the Retreat Center
Shankara Retreat Center can be rented for your Retreats & Trainings.
With space for up to 10 guests, our space is designed for intimate and powerful retreats who want to immerse themselves in nature while still maintaining a high level of comfort. We are located in a secluded place only 20 minutes up the hill from some of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica, providing the perfect balance between retreating away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with the convenience of easy access to the best tours and excursions on the South Pacific coast.
For more photos, have a look at our IG: @shankararetreatcenter
Some highlights we feature include:
- A yoga shalas with a teak deck and epic jungle view where Morpho butterflies & hummingbirds roam
- High quality yoga mats, blocks, bolsters, and straps
- Mouth-watering meal plan options featuring vegan delights
- A refreshing river rock pool
- Nature & walking trails through rainforest and our vibrant tropical gardens
- An organic fruit forest with over 40 fruit trees (still growing)
- Stable Fiber Optic Wifi
- Rooms & Tents with good airflow & fans (due to hight altitude AC isn't needed) and orthopedic mattresses & bamboo pillows
- Hammocks & chill spaces
- Natural wildlife encounters such as toucans, coatis, sloth and so much more
- Many contacts for tours, massages (can come to the Retreat Center), and excursions available in the area
If this sounds like it aligns with your wonderful retreat offerings, I invite you to reach out - I so look forward to connecting with you!
We want to make it affordable and support you in bringing your Retreats alive so we offer lower rates if your Retreat doesn't fill up.
We do not host Plant Medicine Retreats.
Reach out for more details here.