Restorative Rainforest Retreat in Scenic Costa Rica

The piping-hot steam of a turkish bath recalls the nearby Poás Volcano, a landmark in this swath of Costa Rican rainforest. Natural elements and organically derived treatments are paramount to the mission at Asclepios Wellness & Healing Retreat, where guests ditch the stressors of daily life and indulge in some professionally administered R & R.

Whitewashed rooms named for Greek gods and goddesses overlook the resort’s 12,500-acre natural habitat. Asclepios promotes conservation by minimizing its impact on the surrounding acreage. Buildings take their shape from sustainable materials such as bricks, siding, and tofu cubes; thermal solar collectors, sustainably engineered ventilation, and natural lighting help to preserve the area wildlife.

A bevy of onsite wellness options await, from a dip in the ionized swimming pool to an introduction to the alternatively hot and cool hammam, vichy, or scottish showers. Master technicians de-stress clientele in four treatment rooms, and a licensed naturopath dispenses take-home supplements to sustain holistic well-being. Chefs at the resort’s organic restaurant work with ingredients plucked from their own organic garden to plate dishes such as oven-baked eggplant stuffed with cheese and pesto and ginger-glazed tofu with diced mango.

Costa Rica: Teeming Rainforests Opposite Bustling San José

Costa Rica represents a biological and cultural bridge between the Americas. A whole quarter of the country’s land, much of it covered by dense rainforests and mountain ranges, falls under government protection. About 16 miles (26 km) from Asclepios, San José sprawls as the country's capital, bustling with commercial enterprise, museums, and nightlife. The peaceful outlook on life is epitomized by the popular local expression "pura vida." Costa Ricans greet friends and visitors with the multipurpose phrase, which literally means "pure life," but it might be used to express anything from gratitude to indignation at an award-show snub.