Your stay at Sol Sanctuary‍ ‍directly contributes to:

Optional Activities include:

kayaking
surf lessons
sea turtle excursions
horseback riding
boat tour
waterfall & hot springs excursion
additional birding tours

Frequently Asked Questions (Costa Rica)

• Can I arrive early or stay longer?

Yes!  However, please be aware that winter is high season, so planning well in advance is best to be able to secure additional accommodation of your choice.  

• Can I bring a non-participating partner or friend?

Yes, they are welcome (please indicate their non-yoga status on the registration form–there are places to add notes).   There is plenty for folks who don’t wish to take the yoga classes or growth workshops to do (or NOT do!  Extra downtime on the beach, anyone?).  Non-yoga guests are also welcome to book excursions and optional activities. 

• What’s Mindful Birding?

Also known as ornitherapy or slow birding, mindful birding applies a mindful approach to birdwatching. Rather than focusing on identifying as many birds as possible (an exciting challenge and useful for science), this practice involves using observation of birds as a way to engage the senses and connect with nature. There are many health benefits of mindful birding; learn more at: https://www.themindfulbirdingnetwork.com/.

• Can I bring a child?

Children over the age of 13 are OK–younger than that would need to be in the context of being looked after by a non-participating partner or guardian who is prepared to be 100% responsible for them.  Kindly reach out to check in if you’d like to bring a child under 13, thanks!

• What’s the retreat schedule?

There will be morning and evening yoga classes (of different types such as Hatha, Slow Flow, Restorative, Aqua Yoga, and Yin.  Beautiful locations (open-sided yoga shala, pool, beach, forest) enhance the practice experience.  In general, we will have one optional “special activity” per day.  The intent is to have a rich experience in an unhurried atmosphere.

• What are the options for food?  Can special diets be accommodated?

Three tasty and nutritious farm-to-table meals each day are provided. Special diets can be catered for with advance notice. In addition, in case you’re hungry while exploring the town, Playa Grande has a variety of restaurants, from taco trucks to fine dining.

• Can you drink the water?

Generally in Costa Rica everyone (locals included) drinks purified water (provided at the lodge).  If in any doubt while eating out, ask for bottled water. 

• Do I need to speak Spanish?

While efforts to speak a few phrases in Spanish are appreciated, most providers of travel and hospitality services speak some English, and often are fluent.

• What travel insurance should I get? 

This is a very individual decision, since travelers have different characteristics (age, participation in high-risk sports, etc) and may be traveling to multiple destinations on the same trip, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.  That being said, here are some informational resources:  Trawick InternationalNomadic Matt Travel Insurance ArticleSeven Corners

• What’s the cancellation policy?

More than 6 months before retreat start date = full refund (minus deposit). Between 6 months and 2 months = credit on a future trip or 50% refund (minus deposit)   If need to cancel within 60 days of retreat start date, no refund unless the spot can be filled by an alternate guest.

• What should I pack?  

Comfortable lightweight beach and yoga clothes, swimsuit, walking/hiking shoes, a daypack or beach bag, sunblock, bug spray, any personal medications/ vitamins, journal.  There’s a pharmacy nearby, so if you forget a basic item like a toothbrush, not to worry!.