Welcome to the Five Parks Yoga Nosara Retreat!
We have created this page to help guide you through the process of making final plans and what you can expect on your retreat experience
The Basic Information
The Retreat will be from April 12, 2025 – April 19, 2025
Location: Casas Kismet
Check-In Time starts at 4:00 pm
Check-Out Time is at 11:00 am
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Information We Need From You
Final Payments & Information about your Travel Plans
As a reminder, we will send you an email request for your second payment around 01/15/25
(if you did not pay in full when you registered)
Please complete the Forms below as soon as possible
Travel Information
If you are flying to Costa Rica, we highly suggest that you fly to Liberia (LIR) as it is much closer than the airports in San Jose.
You will need to make arrangements (we can help!) for transportation to and from the airport to Nosara. Here are the basic options:
1) Take a Shared Private Shuttle to Nosara (best option)
Shared Private Shuttles will be scheduled for the best times based on multiple attendees’ arrival times. The shared shuttles are $60 in each direction ($120 round trip) and that includes all taxes. If your flight does not land between 10:45 am and 3:30 pm, or if you are not being picked up at the Hilton Garden Inn the morning of your retreat, there will be an additional charge if your shuttle has less than 5 people. Departure flights should be between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm or there may be an additional fee as well. The maximum rate will be $180 for an individual traveling alone on a shuttle.
2) Fly to Nosara from Liberia on a Sansa Flight
The LIR to Nosara Flights are typically around 3:00 pm – Once you arrive in Nosara, the ride to Casas Kismet is around 5 minutes and will cost around $10 with local transportation.
3) Arrange your own transportation to Nosara
We are happy to provide names and information for our suggested local transportation options if you need to arrange transportation outside of our standard timeframes.
If you would like to be booked on one of the shared private shuttles to the retreat the Travel Form above will ask about that information.
For our Private Shuttles, it is common to tip around $5 per person, but this is completely optional and up to you and your group.
If you are taking a private shuttle, you can also ask the driver to stop at a convenience store on the way to pick up some water, snacks, etc. They would be happy to make a quick stop for you.
The drive to Nosara from Liberia (LIR) will be between 2.5 and 3.5 hours depending on road conditions, weather, and traffic. It’s a beautiful drive and you are sure to enjoy it.
If you arrive in San Jose (SJO) the drive to Nosara is around 4.5 to 5 hours.
Arriving From Other Locations
If you will be coming to Nosara from a different location or timeframe we can provide you with contact information and details on suggested transportation options. Just let us know if you need help with transportation options and we’re happy to send you information!
Travel Day Planning & Timing Information:
We know that not everyone can arrive and depart at the “perfect” time, so here is a quick schedule for the first and last day to help with your travel planning.
The first day will begin around 5:00 pm with an introduction to the yoga spa, then dinner at 6:30 pm, and the first Yoga Class will be around 7:30 pm.
The final morning will start with a 7:00 am final Yoga Class and then 8:30 am Breakfast.
Shuttles will typically depart approximately 5 hours ahead of the first departure in your shuttle group. So for example, your shuttle will leave around 8:00 am for a 1:00 pm departure from Liberia Airport (LIR).
Lodging Information for Pre & Post Retreat
If you are flying in early or staying a day or two longer, here are a few lodging options we highly recommend looking at
Many of our attendees fly into Liberia the day before due to flight schedules or pricing options and a number of our attendees fly out of Liberia a day or two after the retreat for the same reasons. If you are in need of a few suggestions for either pre or post retreat, these hotels are our top suggestions to consider.
The Hilton Garden Hotel at Liberia Airport
The Hilton Garden Hotel at the airport is a very convienient place to stay if you have a flight arriving in the evening or departing in the early morning. It’s just across the street from the airport. We can arange to have our shuttles pick you up or drop you off at the Hilton at no additional charge, so it’s very convienient as well. Note that the Hilton (and the airport) are not near the beach, so there is not a whole lot to do at this location as far as attractions & activities go.
The Hampton Inn Hotel at Liberia Airport
The Hampton Inn at the airport is another very convienient place to stay if you have a flight arriving in the evening or departing in the early morning. It’s just across the street from the airport. We can arrange to have our shuttles pick you up or drop you off at the Hampton at no additional charge, so it’s very convenient as well. Note that the Hampton (and the airport) are not near the beach, so there is not a whole lot to do at this location as far as attractions & activities go.
The Hotel Santa Ana near Liberia Airport
The Hotel Santa Ana is close to the airport but will require a taxi. It is the most economical option in the airport area. We can arrange to have our shuttles pick you up or drop you off at the Santa Ana at no additional charge, so it’s very convenient as well. Note that the Santa Ana (and the airport) are not near the beach, so there is not a whole lot to do at this location as far as attractions & activities go.
The Mangrove Hotel in Papagayo
The Mangrove Hotel in Papagayo is one of our favorites and very popular with our attendees for a post-retreat treat luxury stay before hopping on your plane. It is located about 20 minutes from the airport on a beautiful black sand beach with lush tropical gardens and jungles surrounding the property. They have fantastic food, tropical drinks and impressive service for their guests. They can arrange a quick shuttle for you to the airport the next day at the front desk. There is an additional fee for the shared shuttle to be dropped off in Papagayo if you would like the group shuttle to bring you to this amazing hotel. This is not your cheapest option, but it’s extremely nice.
Arriving in Nosara early? or staying a few extra days after the retreat? Here are a few recommendations for lodging.
The Lagarta Lodge
Right down the street from Casas Kismet, this is a beautiful hotel with views to die for.
The Living Hotel
Always a hit with our guests, the Living Hotel is a small boutique environment forward hotel.
The Guilded Iguana Surf Hotel
Super close to the best beach breaks for surfing, the Guilded Iguana is a great option.
What to Bring to Your Retreat
Here are a few ideas and suggestions of things you might want (or need to) bring with you to Costa Rica
All of these items are suggestions and ideas of what you might want to bring with you to Costa Rica for your retreat. We hope you will find this list helpful and please let us know if you have questions about any of this.
The Basic Needs
- Yoga Clothing of your choice
- General Clothing – expect weather between 75 and 85 degrees most days
- Light Jacket / Long Sleeve for a cool evening
- Rain Jacket (or other protection from rain)
- Swim Suit & Sandals (beachwear)
- Yoga Mat (optional, the Retreat Center provides mats as well to our guests)
- Shoes for walking/hiking/adventuring
- Small Bag or Pack to bring to the Beach
- Bug Spray (you’ll want this, especially in the morning and sunset)
- Passport (with at least 90 days remaining before expiration)
- Visa/Paperwork if traveling from a Country requiring additional info
- Flashlight / Headlamp (here’s our favorite headlamp)
- A Mala for chanting (if you have one, we will provide you one also)
- Hair Dryer (not provided if you need one)
- A Great Book
- Good Water Bottle (Hydro Flask is our Favorite)
- Cash (USD) to pay for adventures, massages, tips and shuttles
We will provide you with:
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A Journal, so that you can participate in writing activities throughout the retreat. We will provide you with pens and a mala to keep as a souvineer.
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The Retreat Center has yoga mats available to you if you do not want to bring a mat. And of course, your own mat is always welcome! They also have blocks, straps & blankets that you are welcome to use in your practice.
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The Retreat Center will provide you with shower towels, pool towels, and beach towels each day, you do not need to bring your own.
- Costa Rica uses the same plugs as the United States so adaptors are not needed if you are from the USA.
Financial & Monetary Items to Consider:
- Costa Rica accepts US Dollars or Colones (local currency) equally, so no need to exchange cash if you are bringing USD.
- If you are booking your own transportation, more than likely you will need to pay your invoice in cash.
- You may need cash for your dinner out on Wednesday. (USD or Colones)
- We suggest a tip of around $75 to $100 that is shared amongst the Casas Kismet Staff (kitchen, maids, grounds, etc) – this can be paid in cash at the end of the retreat when you check out. This tip is optional.
- We suggest a small tip ($5 or so) when you go on any adventure outings (turtle tours, surf trips, etc) that is paid directly to the guide/driver in cash. We suggest the same for any massage services you schedule. This is optional.
- Adventure outing fees (Surf Lessons, Zip Line, Turtle Tours, SUP), are paid directly to the tour operators and require cash (USD) and any smoothies, wine or beer you purchase at meals will be paid directly to Casas Kismet when you check out. These invoices can be paid in cash. Massages will be paid in cash only. Most adventure trips run between $60 and $130 and most massage services are in the $140 range. The Turtle Tour is around $35. These prices are not completely accurate but will give you an idea of the range.
- Laundry Services are available at the Retreat Center for a small fee.
- Beer & wine are available in the evening and can be added to your invoice at the end of the week. No need to bring cash to meals.
Plan Ahead, Bring Cash for Some Expenses
Many of the extra optional fee’s (Adventure trips, massages, shuttles) will require cash payments. This list should give you a good idea of what you might need to bring and which payment methods are available.
This is a sample list of things you might want to prepare for before you come, as they may require payment other than a credit card. PLEASE NOTE, THE CLOSEST ATM MACHINE IS NOT WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE, so please plan ahead. Nosara does have a few ATM machines, but they are not within walking distance of the retreat center. We can help arrange a ride for you to visit an ATM, but please plan ahead accordingly.
AIRPORT SHUTTLES: The Airport shuttles we arrange can be paid directly to Five Parks Yoga via Cash, Paypal, Venmo or Zelle.
IN NOSARA TRANSPORTATION: Any additional shuttles or Tuk Tuk’s (taxis) you hail for rides in and out of town will be paid via cash (USD)
ADVENTURE TOURS: All tours (SUP, Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Turtle Tours, Nature Walks, Surfing Lessons, etc) are paid directly to the tour operator and always in CASH (USD)
MASSAGES: We have an incredible team of massage therapists that will come directly to your room for treatments. All massages are paid in CASH (USD), and approx prices range from $100 to $150
KISMET TIPS: If you would like to tip the incredible staff at Casas Kismet at the end of your stay, they ask that those staff tips be paid in CASH (USD) to be distributed immediately to their crew.
BAR INVOICE: If you purchase smoothies, fancy coffee drinks, mixed drinks, beer, wine, etc., that invoice can be paid at the end of your stay in either Paypal, Venmo or CASH (USD)
FIVE PARKS MERCHANDISE: We occasionally offer a variety of merchandise from Five Parks Yoga, if you would like to make a purchase, you can pay with CASH, Venmo, Zelle or Paypal.
NOSARA STORES & RESTAURANTS: While you are exploring town, there is a huge variety of stores and restaurants. The majority of these stores will take credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand just in case.
What to Expect Your Days to Look Like
Each Day will be different during your retreat, but this will give you an idea of what a typical day might look like during your retreat.
Every day will be a different adventure, but if you are curious about the basic structure of our days during the retreat, this should give you an idea of what you will experience.
6:30 am – Morning Meditations
7:30 am – Morning Yoga
9:00 am – Breakfast
10:00 am – Beach Trip / Massages / Free Time or Adventures
1:00 pm – Lunch
2:00 pm – Spa / Free Time / Beach Trip
5;00 pm – Yoga
6:30 pm – Dinner
7:30 pm – Evening Program / Free Time
Wine & Beer – Meals – Dietary Needs – Allergies
Wine and Local Beers will be available at dinner and in the evening for a small fee from the Retreat Center.
You can pay for any specialty drinks at the end of your stay with CASH, Venmo or Paypal.
As you have probably seen, the food is incredible at Casas Kismet. Our Dietary Survey (see above!) will provide you the opportunity to specify any dietary restrictions and/or allergies you may have in order to customize the menu’s as needed.
We can’t wait to meet you in Nosara!
We are so excited to spend a week with you in Costa Rica and to spend time getting to know you and enjoying yoga and Nosara together. See you soon!