5 Day Self Care Wellness Retreat Costa Rica

Situated on the top of a mountain with 22 acres of jungle surrounding its pristine beauty lies Tamarindo’s Los Altos De Eros Small Luxury Hotel and Spa. Los Altos De Eros means “the heights of love” in Spanish, which truly embodies the compassionate culture of Costa Rica that prioritizes wellness, tranquility, and connectedness. Located in one of the 5 "Blue Zones" in the world, Costa Ricans have mastered the secrets to living a longer, happier life:

Drink hard water.

• Nicoyan water has the country’s highest calcium content, perhaps explaining the lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones and fewer hip fractures.

Family comes first.

• Nicoyan centenarians tend to live with their extended families. Being around children and grandchildren provides community support and a sense of purpose and belonging.

Eat a light dinner.

• Eating fewer calories appears to be one of the surest ways to add years to your life, as demonstrated by the Nicoyan tradition of eating a light dinner early in the evening. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the “three sisters” of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans.

Maintain social networks.

• Nicoyan centenarians get frequent visits from neighbors, who play an important role in their lives. Neighbors know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have, which brings the community together through a shared sense of gratitude.

Keep hard at work.

• Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. They find joy in simple everyday physical chores, appreciating the sense of purpose.

Get some sensible sun.

• Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D – a molecule in the body required for strong bones and healthy immune function. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a host of problems, including osteoporosis and heart disease, but regular, “smart” sun exposure (about 15 minutes on the legs and arms) can help supplement your diet and ensure you’re getting enough of this vital nutrient.

Embrace a common history.

• Modern Nicoyan roots in the indigenous Chorotega and their traditions have enabled them to remain a culture relatively free of stress. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known.