—  A lifestyle  —

hard to find, but even harder to leave…

Up at Pura Vida Ecolodge guests soon find out that organic is just as important as stylish as we endeavour to follow in Costa Rica’s green footsteps (they were recently titled ‘Champions of the Earth’ by the UN). Understanding that many of our guests want to leave the brash & bling of hotels behind, we wanted to offer a Pura Vida Lifestyle that has a more personal, natural and understated approach – and everyone benefits.

Less than 5% of the Pura Vida Ecolodge Reserve is used for architectural structures. The combination of the location of the jungle villa and the abundant landscaping has been determined with your privacy in mind. This guarantees a beautiful and spacious setting for your entire stay. Dawn is greeted by sounds of playful howler monkeys, toucans and parakeets and dramatic sunsets kick off with an unforgettable jungle orchestra accompanying sweeping panoramic views. All this only minutes from the charming village of Ojochal and some of the most pristine beaches in the world.

His & Hers Contrast hydrotherapy tubs

And right next to the Pura Vida Alfresco Lounge (overlooking the Pacific Ocean & the magical Isla del Caño, we’ve recently added a new little treat for our guests enabling them to really embrace the surrounding nature while chilling in the tub! The cold water comes direct from a fresh jungle spring while the hot water from the lodge’s solar panels, so if contrast hydrotherapy is your thing then you’ll love this little number. A really unique and refreshing option for those sunny afternoons or particularly special with a dreamy sunset and at night under the stars. And if you’re keen on a full ice-bath experience after a workout in the jungle gym perhaps, we can even offer a full ice-bath experience.

Sleep on Nature by Cocomat

Both our Ocean View & Jungle Suites are kitted out with Cocomat’s 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

The Private Chef Experience provide guests with a bespoke gastronomic experience with a special emphasis on locally inspired cuisine and 100% organic ingredients, for guests to enjoy in the comfort of Pura Vida Ecolodge… whether you don’t fancy cooking in or eating out, or are looking for something a little bit special. Royner and his team of private chefs come packed to the brim with fresh ingredients and oozing culinary ideas, offering authentic Tico inspired menus. The dreamy dinners and breakfasts include a wonderful array of appetizers, main courses and desserts. Prices vary depending on bespoke menus but based on two people, start from around $250. (3 people $300 approx, 4 people $350 approx, 5 people $400, 6 people $450). The price includes preparation, fantastic set up and presentation and an impressive array of locally sourced organic ingredients.

Planetary health & plant-based living

In keeping with the sustainable and eco-conscious foundations on which Pura Vida Ecolodge is built, we have decided to focus on vegetarian and plant based variations. But for the carnivores among you, fear not, Royner & Giovanni and their team at The Private Chef and (for larger groups and retreats) Maria and her team at Artisan Foods can create a plethora of super tasty ‘platos fuertes’ y’ entradas’, full of all the colours and nutrients your bodies crave, so you won’t be going hungry! For testimonials and tasting menus check out their website and social media channels and do book early to avoid disappointment.

Welcome meals & Breakfasts

If you’re looking for something a little less gourmet but don’t fancy cooking in or eating out, we can arrange for tasty home-cooked meals by our budding chef friend Yorly to be delivered up to guests to enjoy in the comfort of the lodge. In keeping with our #greenliving ethos, we specialise in both plant-based & vegetarian cuisine and all dishes are made with locally sourced, fresh organic ingredients that are in season.

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. 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 we’re blessed to have on our doorstep. Welcome meals also come with home-made juices (Tamarind and sugarcane & lime are the favourites) and chilled Pipas when available (coconut water)

Breakfasts can also be delivered for lazy mornings up at the lodge while you’re 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! ($25 per person per meal).

Pura Vida Pantry

We’ve always believed that a big part of travelling is trying out local cuisine and discovering new tastes & flavours. So we include a selection of locally sourced, organic goodies for guests to tuck into whilst staying up at the lodge. The idea is that every bite is a celebration of health, sustainability and the incredible variety of nature's bounty. Included in the Pura Vida Pantry, along with all the basics (rice, beans, herbs & spices, sugar & salt, coconut oil, overnight oats etc), you’ll find a variety of organic coffee beans ready to grind, ceremonial grade cacao, jungle honey, superfood seed mix, homegrown canela and a tropical fruit basket for guests to enjoy for breakfasts or an afternoon smoothie. Other treats that we try and arrange for guests that are staying for longer are homemade oat milk and coconut milk, mango and mint sorbets and freshly chilled pipas are always a big hit. NOTE: Please kindly remember that the Pura Vida Pantry is complimentary and dependent on availability and season

Naturally everything up at the Pura Vida Pantry comes from local farmer’s markets and is seasonal, but being Costa Rica, there are generally tasty treats year round. Also worth checking out is the PURA VIDA STORE where you can pre-order locally produced organic foods, beverages, healthy treats & artisanal souvenirs via our online store, all delivered to the lodge for your arrival. Please kindly take note to order 10 days prior to arrival.

Massages, Therapy & Yoga…

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 – the perfect vacation treat. A 60-75 minute session for a single person is $85 and a couples massage $170. 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.

Anna’s 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

Our coffee bar is by Coffea Diversa and provides guests with a selection of hand-picked organic coffee beans and blends for guests to enjoy as they start their days 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).

Costa rican coffee

The organic blends come from the coffee plantations scattered in the lush hills of Fladas del Parque Nacional La Amistad in the small town of Biolley. Our partners Coffea Diversa even offer a wonderful tour of their gardens. This authentic and eye-opening experience offers guests the chance to see the world's largest private collection of coffee plants (with around 700 botanical varieties of coffee). The tour includes walking round the seemingly endless plantations seeing the differences between the varieties being cultivated, learning how to make a coffee seedling, picking and harvesting coffee, seeing how coffee is processed, dried, stored and picked and enjoying the lovely aromas and tastes as you learn on site how coffee is roasted and you discover the many different ways of brewing. For more information, availability and prices please get in touch with them by email or whatsapp +506 8457 6814 or visit Coffea Diversa