PASSPORT & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• U.S., Canada, UK & EU citizens: No visa is required for tourist stays in Costa Rica. A valid passport is sufficient.

• Other nationalities: Please check with your local embassy for requirements specific to your citizenship.

• Proof of onward travel: Costa Rican immigration requires proof of a return or onward flight when you arrive, so keep your return flight confirmation handy (a screenshot or the airline app is fine).

• Important: We recommend your passport has at least 6 months' validity from your arrival date, as airlines can be stricter than immigration at check-in. We also recommend saving a digital copy or photo of your passport in your email or cloud storage in case it's lost.

FLIGHTS & GROUND TRANSPORTATION

We recommend flying into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José.

Group shuttle: Your retreat includes a group shuttle from SJO to our retreat home in Uvita, on the southern Pacific coast.

• Departing: The shuttle leaves SJO at 8:00am on October 31st. Because of the early start, we strongly recommend arriving in San José on October 30th so you can rest after your flight and have a buffer for any delays. Easy options near the airport include the Hampton by Hilton San José Airport, the Courtyard by Marriott San José Airport, or local Airbnbs (an Uber to the airport in the morning is simple).

• Returning: The return shuttle leaves Uvita at 9:00am on November 5th, arriving at SJO around 2:00pm (traffic dependent). Please book a return flight departing at 5:00pm or later to give yourself a comfortable buffer.

The drive to the coast takes about 4-5 hours, and it's a beautiful one. Mountains, jungle, and your first real taste of Costa Rica.

If your travel plans fall outside these times, just let us know and we can point you in the right direction for a private transfer. All official retreat activities taking place offsite are fully arranged and transportation is provided, so you won't need a car.

Closer to the retreat, we'll create a group chat so guests can coordinate travel plans, share hotel bookings for the night before, and connect before arrival. If you plan to arrive early or stay longer, we're happy to suggest places to explore. Just reach out and we'll help you map it out!

IN CASE OF TROUBLES ON DAY OF TRAVEL

If you experience any flight delays or last-minute travel issues on the day of your arrival, please contact one of your Retreat Leaders directly on the following number:

Simone Topel: +34 625 96 76 91

Devan Rylee, +1 (780) 554-4729

PACKING LIST SUGGESTIONS

To help you feel comfortable, prepared, and able to fully relax into the experience, we recommend packing:

• Clothing & Footwear

  • Activewear for yoga and movement (lightweight, breathable fabrics are best in the humidity)

  • Casual outfits for workshops and downtime

  • One nicer outfit for a special dinner evening

  • Swimwear

  • Trainers or hiking shoes with good grip for jungle walks

  • Sandals or flip flops for around the property

  • Water shoes (optional) for waterfall excursion if you have them

  • Light rain jacket or poncho (essential, afternoon showers may happen)

  • One light layer for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces

  • Sleepwear

  Sun & Outdoor Essentials

  • Sun hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunscreen + after-sun care

  • Mosquito repellent and bite cream if you’re sensitive to bites

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Small daypack for outings

  • Dry bag or zip-lock bags to protect your phone and valuables on excursions

  Toiletries & Personal Care

  • Toiletries

  • Hair ties or headbands

  • Your favorite conditioner (shampoo and body wash are provided)

  • Any required medications

  • Antihistamines if you’re sensitive to bites or have allergies

  Practical Items

  • Travel adapter for Costa Rica (Type A or B plug, same as the US, 120V)

  • Phone chargers and cables

  • Journal and pen

  • A book or relaxing hobby (drawing, knitting, music, etc.)

  • Optional comfort items: eye mask, ear plugs

  • Small amount of US dollars in cash (see Money below)

  Travel Documents (Important)

  • Passport (we recommend at least 6 months' validity)

  • Return flight confirmation (required by immigration on arrival)

  • Travel insurance

THINGS YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING:

The venue provides pool towels, beach towels for our group outings, yoga mats, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryers in each room, and clean drinking water. If you prefer to bring your own of any of these, of course feel free! There's also a laundry service available for an additional cost if you need it.

ABOUT OUR RETREAT HOME

Our retreat home is Selva Armonia, an eco-luxury jungle resort set on a mountainside above Uvita, on Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast. The property overlooks the rainforest all the way down to the ocean and the famous Whale's Tail of Marino Ballena National Park, and it's fully solar-powered and off-grid, with organic permaculture gardens that supply the kitchen.

The property is designed for both connection and downtime, with plenty for you to enjoy during free time. You'll find:

• An infinity pool and hot tub with ocean views

• An open-air yoga shala framed by jungle and panoramic ocean views

• A poolside bar and lounge

• Hammocks, outdoor lounge areas, and quiet corners for reading or journaling

• Jungle trails and a nearby waterfall

• Wildlife everywhere: toucans, howler monkeys, morpho butterflies, and if we're lucky, a sloth or two

There's a relaxed feeling here, so during open time you can be as social or as private as you like.

Address: Selva Armonia, Calle La Union, Uvita, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

LOCATION AND TIME ZONE

Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (GMT-6) year-round, with no daylight saving. For those of you coming from Mountain Time in Canada, that means Costa Rica is on exactly the same time as home when you arrive, then one hour ahead once clocks fall back in Canada on November 1st. In short: basically no jet lag, just a one hour shift mid-week that Costa Rica won't even notice. For those coming from Europe, that's 6 hours behind the UK and 7 hours behind mainland Europe.

One lovely quirk of the tropics: the sun rises around 5:30am and sets around 5:30pm all year. Early mornings here are golden, and evenings come alive early.

CLIMATE

Late October and early November sit at the tail end of Costa Rica's green season, when the coast is at its most lush and alive. You can expect:

• Warm, humid days around 84–88°F (29–31°C)

• Evenings around 72°F (22°C)

• Sunny mornings with rain showers most afternoons or evenings, sometimes heavy but usually short

The rain is part of the magic here. It keeps the jungle green, the waterfalls full, and the air fresh. Mornings are typically the clearest part of the day, which is exactly when we'll be out and about. Pack that rain jacket and embrace it!

SAFETY

Uvita is a relaxed, friendly coastal town, and our retreat home is in a quiet and secluded spot. As with travelling anywhere, we recommend staying mindful of your belongings in public spaces such as airports and markets, and being respectful of local customs and surroundings. If this is your first time travelling internationally, just use the same awareness you would when visiting any new place. We're always here if you need support or guidance during your stay.

FOOD & WATER

All meals are included, made fresh each day by the venue's on-site kitchen team using organic ingredients, many grown right there in the property's own gardens. [CONFIRM: menus at Selva Armonia are plant-based/farm-to-table, decide how you want to communicate this to guests] All dietary restrictions shared with us in advance will be accommodated. Clean drinking water is provided at the property. Please remember to bring a reusable water bottle for excursions!

INTERNET / TELEPHONE SERVICE

There will be wifi available at the house, but we would also like to encourage you to disconnect as much as possible. Remember to get any international plans you may need if you would like calling/text/data during your trip. I personally like GoMo World for easy and affordable eSims. You can get 10% off with this referral link here. 

*Please note that some excursions may take place in areas with limited reception.  

INSURANCE

Held Retreats is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical expenses, and lost baggage.

MONEY

Everything on the retreat schedule is covered, however you may want some cash for shopping, tips, or extra activities during your free time. Costa Rica's currency is the colón, but US dollars are widely accepted almost everywhere (you'll often receive change in colones). Cards are accepted in most places, though smaller vendors and markets prefer cash. There are ATMs at SJO airport and in town.

If you're bringing dollars, smaller bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) are easiest to use.

We hope this fully prepares you for an exciting trip to come! We are so excited to welcome you to Costa Rica.

If you have questions before your trip, don’t hesitate to reach out at any time.