Four-Star Health-and-Wellness Retreat in Costa Rican Rainforest
Asclepios Wellness & Spa founder Marisia Jiménez has studied the holistic arts all over the world. She’s learned about energy medicine in Paris, homeopathy in London, and flower-essence systems in Costa Rica. Her passion for creating harmony between the body, soul, and mind laid the foundations for Asclepios Wellness & Spa, a relaxing retreat just 30 minutes north of San José, Costa Rica. Set on a grassy plain surrounded by rainforest, the resort offers ancient therapeutic treatments, organic meals, and instruction in yoga and tai chi.
While here, you’ll stay in an all-white room overlooking the resort’s 12,500 lush acres. The buildings were constructed from sustainable materials, and throughout the property are thermal solar collectors, sustainably engineered ventilation, and natural lighting, all of which help minimize the wellness center's impact on its precious surroundings.
Onsite, there are countless ways to relax and heal: take a dip in the ionized swimming pool, or request a shiatsu massage or acupuncture treatment. Should you opt for the wellness package, you’ll enjoy two hammam sessions in a turkish steam bath believed to clear the respiratory system and wash away dead skin cells, plus two Asclepios massages with aromatherapy. Depending on which option you choose, you can also take part in four or six yoga classes.
Chefs at the resort's organic restaurant work with ingredients plucked from their own garden to create dishes such as oven-baked eggplant stuffed with cheese and pesto and ginger-glazed tofu with diced mango.
Alajuela Province, Costa Rica: Tropical Inland Region with Famous Volcanoes
Just northwest of San José, Costa Rica’s inland capital, is the country’s second largest city, Alajuela. It has a lush tropical landscape, which you can explore via canopy tour or jungle hike. If you want to get out for a night, head to San José for shopping, restaurants, and lively nightlife.
The picturesque region is best known as the home to Poás Volcano, one of Costa Rica’s five active volcanoes. It’s not far from the hotel, and features an acid crater lake filled with smoke fumaroles and hot lava. For the best views, hike up to the summit in the early morning before the clouds start moving in.
Costa Rica is one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world, and is best observed at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Though it’s about two hours from the hotel, the 25,000-acre refuge is well worth a day trip: it comprises eight ecological zones, more than 2,500 plant species, and 400 bird species, including the rare quetzal bird.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
