Lifestyle
A lifestyle
Immerse Yourself in the Jungle. Pura Vida Ecolodge sits within a thriving biological corridor where nature comes first. We have preserved the vast majority of our reserve as primary jungle, creating a sanctuary for Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity.
Wild by Design: Our Private Reserve. From the very beginning, our mission was preservation. We developed less than 5% of the Pura Vida Ecolodge Reserve, leaving the rest as a protected primary jungle corridor for over 850 animal species.
Forest Bathing tubs
Located right next to our Ranchito, our new contrast therapy tubs are the perfect spot to embrace nature while chilling out. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and magical Isla del CaΓ±o, this unique amenity is perfect for afternoon relaxation or a special sunset and star-gazing experience.
Eco-Friendly Hydrotherapy
Cold Water: Sourced directly from a fresh jungle spring.
Hot Water: Heated using the lodge's solar panels.
If forest bathing or contrast hydrotherapy is your passion, you'll love this unique and refreshing option.
For the ultra-adventurous: we can even arrange a full ice-bath experience after your jungle gym workout!
Sleep on Nature By cocomat
Both our Ocean View & Jungle Suites are kitted out with Cocomatβs eco-luxury products - beds, mattresses, toppers and even a pillow menu to indulge in! Guided by Mother Nature's wisdom, Cocomat have created our bespoke products made only of 100% natural materials. The beds are made of multiple layers, the hardest being made up largely of coconut fibres that provide bodyweight support, that then combine with more elastic layers of natural rubber that follow the body's shape, gently hugging each curve. The Sleep on Nature Experience has genuinely reinvented sleep for our guests. Love organic And sleep organic
At Pura Vida Ecolodge, our partnership with Cocomat is a commitment to your deepest well-being. We invite you to experience a new standard of regenerative sleep, crafted with all-natural materials. Cradled by nature-based fibers under the jungle canopy, you will wake up truly restored. Experience peace, plants & pura vida with true regenerative sleep.
Love organic and sleep organic
Our 'Sleep on Nature' experience is built on a handcrafted, organic architecture that utilizes 11 raw, sustainable ingredients, curated specifically for orthopedic support and a healthy sleep environment. Specialized layers of elastic natural latex contour perfectly to your body, while resilient coconut fibre and rugged cactus fibres act as natural springs for active ventilation and spinal alignment.
We prioritize total breathability and moisture control, layering hypoallergenic organic cotton alongside temperature-regulating wool and horsehair. For a holistic wellness boost, we unique incorporate purified seaweed, selected for its slow release of iodine to promote respiratory health. Completely free of metal springs and chemical glue, this pure amalgamation of natureβincluding linen, eucalyptus, and goose downβensures cool, breathable, and deeply restorative sleep.
Γ LA CARTE WELLNESS & DINING
Massages, Therapy & Yogaβ¦
Japhet is our massage therapist, originally from the Caribbean side of Costa Rica but now lives up the road near Dominical. She is qualified and very VERY good. She comes with a beaming smile and offers guests deep-tissue massages with a selection of organic essential oils (raw coconut oil seems to be the favourite for its well known health benefits), in the comfort of the lodge. She normally sets up her massage beds in the shade under the papaya trees by the plunge pool β the perfect vacation treat. A 60-minute session for a single person is $95 and a couples massage $190. Extended 90-minutes Coupleβs Massages are $280. Japhet also offers some really nice facials, body scrubs & wraps with a choice of organic coffee, chocolate & coconut or Green Tea & Apricot Seed ($150 per person including 60min approx Swedish massage). Payment goes direct to her on the day and sessions need to be booked a few days in advance.
Annaβs practice is inspired by the use of movement as medicine. Drawing from her experience as a lifelong athlete, Anna brings a balance of building fire and surrendering to stillness in her practice, embracing the forces of Yin and Yang. After living on a sailboat, Anna was drawn to study at InnerSea Yoga Academy to deepen her understanding of the healing powers of breath and movement while aligning her life with the ocean. Synthesizing energetic movement and mindful concentration, Anna emphasizes in Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin. Take some time to align the mind and body in the vibrant Costa Rican jungle. Sessions are tailored to all levels, beginners to advanced yogis and held in the grounds of Pura Vida Ecolodge. Private Yoga sessions (1-4 people) $115
Dance therapy sessions can also be arranged with individuals, couples or groups. No dance or movement experience is necessary. Founded on the idea that motion and emotion are connected, dance therapists guide each client toward authentic expression. Through movement and play, dance therapy supports you in releasing limiting beliefs, clarifying your desires and embodying new ways of being. Private Dance Therapy Sessions (1-4 people) - $100 plus $25 per additional person
Ancestral Wisdom & Consciousness Expansion
If youβre looking for a life changing experience, the organic design and wild setting of Pura Vida Ecolodge and the surrounding nature reserve provides the perfect setting for what might be the next step in your life. Ancestral wisdom & consciousness journeying, done in ritual and reverence, and guided by an intention and curious heart, can prove to be a very potent tool for self-discovery, healing and re-wilding. We have recently started working closely with a couple of very experienced facilitators & therapists who are committed to providing excellent healing services to make sure that each participant feels the needed support and protection during their journey of inner discovery, transformation and healing.
A journey guided by ancestral plant wisdom and sacred botanicals can be a profound, life-changing experience. In collaboration with our expert facilitators, we offer space for participants to awaken their true potential and expand their consciousness. Our goal is for each guest to return to their daily life with a renewed body, mind, and spiritβfully integrated after a deep 're-wilding' (and 're-childing') experience.
Facilitated Inner Journeys: From $150 per person
Ancestral Ceremony: From $200 per person
Vibrational Sound Healing: $90 per person
For a fully bespoke itinerary tailored to your intentions, please reach out to our partners Carolina & Mario at Sowa Nete, to discuss their holistic retreat offerings.
Clean & Mindful living
Weβre so excited to share that Non-Toxic Steps is now in Uvita - a true haven for all things wellness and biohacking! Whether you're diving into your health journey while in Costa Rica or a seasoned pro, this store is a goldmine of tools and products to elevate your wellness game. Milda at Non-Toxic Steps stocks the shelves of her family ELEV8D Lifestyle Products, along with incredible offerings from Anima Mundi and a host of other brands that support every facet of health. From red light therapy devices, gua sha tools, and water filters to castor oil therapies and colon health support, Non-Toxic Steps has just about everything to help you become the healthiest version of yourself.Theyβre on a mission to uncover simple #nontoxicsteps to optimize wellbeing and are dedicated 100% to clean & non-toxic living. You can also book a Cold Plunge Session as you embrace the amazing health benefits of immersing yourself in 1-2C (33.8-35.6F) degrees cold water. This experience is really nice combined with healing the body with heat, as they also offer Infra-Red Sauna Sessions, a unique way to help your body to up-regulate cellular function. Mildaβs Full Spectrum Sauna combines the best of many worlds: sauna, full-spectrum infrared therapy, negative ions and earthing. Offering customers the full-spectrum of red light therapy is a real game-changer in anyoneβs healing process. Book healing combos online for around $25 per person and health consultations start from $60
Private Chef Experience
Enjoy a bespoke, locally inspired, 100% organic gastronomic experience without leaving the comfort of your lodge. The Private Chefs bring their culinary ideas and fresh, authentic Tico ingredients right to you for dreamy dinners and breakfasts.
Includes: Preparation, setup, presentation, and all organic, locally sourced ingredients.
Pricing: Starts around $250 for two people, 3 people $300 approx, 4 people $350 approx, 5 people $400, 6 people $450
Planetary health & plant-based living
πΏ Aligned with Pura Vida's eco-conscious foundation, we prioritize vegetarian and plant-based variations. For those craving meat or fish, The Private Chefs craft an abundance of vibrant, nutrient-packed platos fuertes and entradas. You won't be going hungry! Check their website and social media for testimonials and menus. Book early!
Welcome meals & Breakfasts
If you prefer something a little less gourmet, and donβt fancy cooking or dining out, we can arrange Home-Cooked meals to delivered up to the lodge prepared by our budding chef friend Yorly. Meals align with our #greenliving ethos, specializing in plant-based and vegetarian dishes made with fresh, locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients. All Organic, Fresh & Plant-Powered! ($30 per person per meal). PLEASE NOTE: To ensure safe transport up our scenic jungle road, meals are delivered in secure, eco-friendly containers; we invite you to plate your meal using our handcrafted coconut bowls, bamboo mugs & straws and ceramic ware for an authentic tropical dining experience.
Dinners & Welcome Meals. Tuck into a Costa Rican Casado comprised of Arroz y Frijoles (rice and beans lightly infused with garlic and onions), Patacones con Ceviche de Mango o Mamon Chino (fried green plantain with a mango or rambutan ceviche ), Chimichurri, Green Salad, Seasonal Vegetables, Corn or Flour Tortillas, Chilera & Salsas (a range of home-made dipping sauces & dressings) and sometimes an additional dish made of legumes. Welcome meals also come with home-made juices (Tamarind and sugarcane & lime are the favourites) and chilled Pipas when available (coconut water). Please note that ingredients vary depending on season/availability but every bite is a celebration of health, sustainability and a reminder of the incredible variety of nature's bounty weβre blessed to have on our doorstep.
PLEASE NOTE: To ensure safe transport up our scenic jungle road, meals are delivered in secure, eco-friendly containers; we invite you to plate your meal using our handcrafted coconut bowls, bamboo mugs & straws and ceramic ware for an authentic tropical dining experience.
Breakfasts can also be delivered for lazy mornings up at the lodge while youβre tucking into the complimentary organic coffee-menu up at the lodge and are generally a fusion mix of a traditional Costa Rica breakfast of Gallo Pinto (rice & re-fried beans with onion, garlic and cilantro), Platano Maduro (fried sweet plantain) and a selection of pastries (typically almond croissants or cinnamon rolls) from the local French Bakery. Breakfasts come with home-made juices (Tamarind or Chan are early morning favourites) and when available, chilled Pipas (coconut water). All Organic, Fresh & Plant-Powered! ($30 per person per meal).
Pura Vida Pantry
We believe travel is all about discovering local tastes. That's why we include a complimentary selection of locally sourced, organic goodiesβa true celebration of health and sustainability.
The Pantry is stocked with basics (rice, beans, pasta, pulses, spices, etc.) plus highlights like organic coffee beans, ceremonial grade cacao, jungle honey, a superfood seed mix, homegrown canela, overnight oats & granola and a tropical fruit basket. Longer stays often feature homemade oat or coconut milk, mango sorbets, and chilled pipas.
Note: All items are complimentary and dependent on seasonal availability.
Pura Vida Store
In addition to the Complimentary Pura Vida Pantry, visit our new online store to pre-order an exclusive range of plant-based, locally grown, and organic foods, beverages, healthy treats & artisanal souvenirs. To ensure everything is waiting for you at check-in (as we stock very few perishables), all orders must be placed 10 days before your arrival date.
Coffee & Cacao
As you wake with the sounds of the jungle, enjoy our Zero KM Coffee Bar. All of our organic coffee grains come from our friendβs Finca at Coffea Diversa and provide coffee-lovers with a selection of hand-picked organic coffee beans and blends for guests to enjoy as they start their morning rituals up at the jungle retreat. Served in our handcrafted bamboo mugs, choose from a strong espresso, a creamy Cappuccino, or a Costaricano (bamboo pour-over).
Green & Clean Living
Guided by a deep commitment to responsible travel and preserving this pristine jungle refuge, our "green and clean living" philosophy ensures we tread as lightly as possible on the surrounding rainforest and oceans. We are proudly a zero-plastic sanctuary; you wonβt find a single-use plastic bottle, bag, or straw anywhere on the property. Instead, we embrace mindful, earth-born alternativesβlike the handmade coconut bowls and bamboo straws pictured aboveβand furnish the lodge exclusively with eco-friendly products, from our locally sourced, plant-based shower gels to our all-natural, biodegradable detergents. To eliminate plastic entirely, our state-of-the-art water filtration system provides pure, crisp drinking water on tap, alongside complimentary reusable bottles for you to use throughout your stay and on your daily adventures. At Pura Vida Ecolodge, true luxury and deep environmental stewardship flow hand-in-hand.
plant-powered foodies Faves
There are new places popping up all the time but here are a few of our current favourite eating experiences that youβll find in Tres Rios, Ojochal, Uvita and beyond
NuRaw Restaurant & Cafe (3.1 KM Tres Rios) πΏ An inspired vegan & vegetarian menu celebrates locally-sourced and natural ingredients.
Los Manglares (7KM Punta Mala) Fresh Ceviche with patacones & fruit batidos are the house specialities, great location overlooking the mouth of Rio Terraba
Citrus (11KM Ojochal) An interesting 'fusion' of Mediterranean and world cuisine set in an idyllic open setting right by Rio Ojochal. Vegan options. πΏ
Exotica (12KM Ojochal) Quintessentially French and gourmet fusion cuisine
Heliconia (12KM Ojochal) Lovely little place tucked away off the Costanera, offering both vegetarian & vegan options and Kombucha! Vegan options. πΏ
Tilapias El Pavon (12KM via Punta Mala) Up past Pura Vida Ecolodge (towards Punta Mala) there is a great 'eat what you catch' fish restaurant. Donβt miss a dip in the adjacent waterfall afterwards!
Pancito Cafe (13KM Ventanas) Organic pastries, breads and desserts. Lovely bakery with dine-in and vegan options, great for breakfasts. Vegan options. πΏ
The Bamboo Room (14KM Ojochal) Up in the Hills of Ojochal, this place offers great food, live music and super friendly owners with stunning views
Los Gatos Locos (13KM Ojochal) Loads of tasty vegan options, spacious restaurant with Alfreso dining options and live music on weekends. πΏ
Hotel Three-Sixty (14KM Ojochal) High-end dining with stunning views to match. Get there before sunset and enjoy some awesome cocktails. Vegan options. πΏ
Tagua Coffee (15KM Ojochal) Really cute alfresco coffee shop with plant-based milks and vegan cakes & snacks. Vegan options. πΏ
Origin (15KM Ojochal) Organic market & shop and a great place to pick up some local goodies. Right next door to Tagua Coffee Shop
The Bakery (26KM Uvita) Great place for a lazy breakfast, smoothies and some delicious pastries and cakes (plus bigger hot plates).
La Fogata (26KM Uvita) Excellent authentic wood-oven pizzas and 'pollo asado' restaurant run by our friends Felippe & Patricia
Make Y Que (26KM Uvita) Lifestyle Food, Natural Juices, Protein Shakes & Energy Snacks. 100% Natural (Vegan, Keto & GF options) πΏ
Feelovesophy (26KM Bahia Ballena) πΏ Small vegan cafe & brunch restaurant serving sweet & savoury options in a green & peaceful environment.
Indomitos Cafe & Bar (27KM Uvita) πΏ Great little plant-based breakfast & lunch option walking distance from Uvita crossroads
Awake (27KM Uvita) πΏ Community centre focused on workshops & retreats for the body, mind & spirit. Serves plant-based GF, organic home-made food sourced locally.
Phat Noodle (25KM Uvita & 44KM Dominical) Asian Fusion restaurants located in both Dominical & Uvita. Vegan options. πΏ
Por Que No (42KM Dominicalito) Oceanside Dining day & night on Playa Dominicalito - great sunsets and cocktails (*Currently Closed, hopefully re-opening soon!)
Lori Restaurant & Deli (44KM Dominical) πΏ 100% Vegan nourishment right near the beach. Use WAZE to locate. (Sat-Thurs 10am-8pm)
Cafe Mono Congo (44KM Dominical) Waterfront eatery in the jungle. Strong coffee, yummy food, good vibes. Vegan options. πΏ
Fuego Brew (44KM Dominical) Beautifully designed & constructed largely out of bamboo in a nice garden setting. Tasty food with a great selection of home brew beers and live music in evenings. Vegan options. πΏ
Selva Organica (56.8KM Platanillo) Health food store & cafeteria. Also a great a co-working space, eat & drink yummy organic foods & beverage and shop all the local goodies: πΏ
Gratitud (79KM San Isidro) πΏ Fully vegan cafe offering a range of internationally-inspired plant-based cuisine in a funky bamboo inspired setting
Sunnyβs Caffe (143KM Hermosa Beach) Really cute pitstop right near the beach with poke bowls, smoothies, juices & great coffee and plant-based milks πΏ
El Chante Vegano (237KM San Jose) Great option in Alajuela if youβre staying near the airport on your first or last night in Costa Rica πΏ
Live the Rhythm. Taste the Wild.
Once you tune into the slow, intentional pace of the South Pacific, the rest of the journey falls into place.
See Where Youβll Wake Up Explore the bioclimatic design, sustainable luxury, and breathtaking ocean-view sanctuary of our off-grid villa. π Step Inside The Retreat
Venture Into the Untamed Transition from inner alignment to outer adventure with our hand-picked, local-led eco-excursions. π Explore the Experience
