Frequently Asked Questions

Good to Know

A few helpful details to guide you through the experience.

A Costa Rica wellness retreat is a guided travel experience that combines restorative activities like yoga, Pilates, meditation, surfing, hiking, nourishing cuisine, and nature immersion. Rather than focusing on sightseeing alone, wellness retreats create space for rest, movement, self-discovery, and meaningful human connection.

Costa Rica offers a unique combination of biodiversity, warm weather, healthy cuisine, beautiful beaches, mountains, rainforests, and a culture that values nature and well-being.

Many travelers choose Costa Rica because they can:

  • Practice yoga overlooking the ocean
  • Surf warm Pacific waves
  • Explore rainforests filled with wildlife
  • Eat locally grown tropical foods
  • Disconnect from busy routines
  • Experience the country’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle

Most wellness retreats include a balance of structured experiences and free time.

Typical activities include:

  • Morning movement sessions
  • Yoga or Pilates
  • Guided meditation
  • Nature excursions
  • Surf lessons
  • Healthy meals
  • Workshops
  • Recovery sessions
  • Cultural experiences
  • Time for relaxation

Each retreat has its own focus, but the goal is helping guests return home feeling healthier, more present, and inspired.

Retreats are ideal for people who want to:

  • Reduce stress
  • Improve physical wellness
  • Travel with purpose
  • Meet like-minded people
  • Spend more time in nature
  • Develop healthy habits
  • Disconnect from technology
  • Explore Costa Rica in a meaningful way

Many guests travel alone, while others attend with friends, partners, or family members.

Absolutely.
Solo travelers often make up a significant portion of retreat guests. Retreats naturally create opportunities to build friendships through shared meals, activities, and experiences while still allowing plenty of personal space.

Many women specifically choose Costa Rica retreats because they feel welcoming, supportive, and safe.

Usually not.
Most retreats welcome beginners and adapt activities for different experience levels. Experienced instructors provide modifications so everyone can participate comfortably.

Some specialty retreats involving Reformer Pilates may recommend previous experience.

While every retreat is different, many include:

  • Boutique accommodations
  • Daily meals
  • Guided wellness classes
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Transportation during the retreat
  • Local guides
  • Group activities
  • Community gatherings

Flights and travel insurance are often booked separately.

A vacation is usually designed around entertainment.

A retreat is designed around transformation.

Instead of trying to fit as many activities as possible into each day, retreats intentionally create opportunities for rest, reflection, movement, learning, and genuine connection.

Costa Rica offers retreat opportunities throughout the year.

December through April generally provides the driest weather, while May through November offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and incredible wildlife viewing.

The best season depends on the retreat location and experiences included.

Most retreats last:

  • 5 days
  • 7 days
  • 8 days
  • 10 days

Week-long retreats are especially popular because they allow enough time to settle into a new rhythm without requiring an extended vacation.

Recommended items include:

  • Comfortable activewear
  • Swimsuits
  • Sandals
  • Hiking shoes
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Sun protection
  • Light rain jacket
  • Journal
  • Daypack
  • Insect repellent

Packing recommendations may vary depending on the destination.

For many travelers, yes.
Unlike traditional vacations, wellness retreats combine accommodations, activities, meals, expert guidance, and community into one experience. Many participants describe returning home with renewed energy, stronger habits, lasting friendships, and a deeper connection to themselves and nature.

Del Mar Adventures is run by local Maria del Mar Alfaro, a Costa Rican tourism professional with more than thirty years of experience. She’s worked in hotels, travel agencies, organized surf competitions and explored her country firsthand while studying Tourism & Hotel Management.

Each retreat focuses on intentional travel through movement, meaningful local experiences, boutique accommodations, and genuine connection.

Rather than filling every hour with activities, the retreats create space for presence, personal growth, and authentic engagement with Costa Rica’s landscapes and culture.

Del Mar Adventures combines local Costa Rican expertise with intentional travel design. Every itinerary balances movement, nature, cultural connection, boutique accommodations, and time to slow down, creating experiences that are both adventurous and deeply meaningful.

Good to Know

Payment & Cancellation FAQs

A non-refundable deposit of $500 USD is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. Your reservation is not confirmed until this deposit has been received.

After your deposit, the remaining balance is split into three payments:

— 50% of the balance, due 6 months before your retreat

— 25% of the balance, due 3 months before your retreat

— Remaining balance, due 1 month before arrival

All payments must be completed before arrival. All transfer or processing fees are the responsibility of the guest.

We accept credit card (a secure payment link is available upon request) and PayPal, sent to

maria@delmaradventures.com.

No. The $500 deposit is non-refundable. It confirms your spot and covers the planning costs, and because we immediately begin securing reservations with our trusted local partners throughout Costa Rica.

You’re covered. Any payments made beyond your deposit are 100% refundable if you cancel more than 90 days before your retreat’s start date. Your deposit remains non-refundable.

No monetary refund is available within 60 days of your retreat. That said, your spot may be transferred to

another participant with prior approval from Del Mar Adventures.

Yes. If you’re no longer able to attend, we’re happy to transfer your reservation to another participant with prior approval — available even inside the 60-day window.

In the rare event that we must cancel or postpone — due to minimum participant requirements, natural events,or other unforeseen circumstances — you’ll be offered either a full credit toward a future retreat or a full refund of all payments made, including your deposit. We’re not responsible for additional costs such as airfare,transportation, or travel insurance.

 

Yes. We strongly recommend that every guest purchase comprehensive travel insurance before traveling.

Coverage should ideally include:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Medical emergencies
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Flight delays
  • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Travel disruptions

Because every itinerary involves multiple destinations and independent partners, travel insurance provides valuable protection if unexpected events affect your trip.

Each Del Mar Adventure is built with independent local businesses, including boutique hotels, guides, transportation providers, farms, and activity operators. Many of these services require advance payments and have their own cancellation policies, making it difficult to recover costs after reservations have been confirmed.

Yes. Some hotels, activity providers, or transportation partners may have cancellation terms that are stricter than our standard policy. When this happens, the supplier’s cancellation policy applies.

Del Mar Adventures carefully coordinates every itinerary using a trusted network of independently owned hotels, transportation providers, local guides, farms, wellness practitioners, and activity operators throughout Costa Rica.

Del Mar Adventures coordinates your experience and works closely with trusted local partners, but we are not the direct operator of accommodations, transportation, or activities. While we cannot assume liability for a supplier’s services or actions, we will always advocate on your behalf and work to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

Travel delays can affect scheduled transfers and activities. Comprehensive travel insurance can help cover unexpected expenses related to flight cancellations or delays. If your travel plans change, our team will do everything possible to coordinate with local partners and help adjust your itinerary where feasible.

Depending on availability and how close you are to departure, some itinerary changes may be possible. Because reservations are confirmed with multiple local partners, changes may result in additional costs or be subject to supplier policies. Contact us as early as possible if you need to make adjustments.

Booking early gives you the best availability for boutique accommodations, guides, and unique experiences while allowing plenty of time to prepare for your trip. It also gives greater flexibility before final payments are due.