TRAVEL & PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Travel to Costa Rica
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Panama, most Latin American countries, and European Union countries may enter Costa Rica with a passport valid for at least six months after their travel date. Identification such as a driver’s license or birth certificate is not valid for travel to Costa Rica.
Most travelers are granted a stay of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries may require a visa. We recommend checking entry requirements for your nationality prior to traveling.
Before departure, please make a copy of your passport and carry it with you. Your original passport should be stored securely in your room’s safety box or at the Front Desk.
For official and updated information, please visit the Costa Rican Tourism Board website.
Flights to Costa Rica & Transportation to Blue Spirit
Guests are responsible for booking their flights and transportation.
Blue Spirit offers a group shuttle service to and from Liberia International Airport LIR on Saturdays only. You can find more information on this service, as well as the ability to reserve via the Book Now button, on this page.
Weather & Climate
Costa Rica has a tropical climate year-round. We recommend checking the weather forecast prior to your arrival to pack accordingly. Dry season runs from December to April/May. Wet season is from May to November.
Time Zone
Costa Rica operates on Central Standard Time (CST) year-round and does not observe daylight saving time. During daylight saving time in the United States, Costa Rica is two hours behind Eastern Time.
What to Bring
We recommend packing the following items:
- Beach towel (Blue Spirit provides pool towels only)
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen and sun hat
- Bathing suit
- Natural bug repellent
- Comfortable walking or hiking sandals and/or shoes
- Hairdryer
- Light layers for inside the classrooms
- Flashlight (especially for eco-cottages or tents)
- Camera and chargers
- Personal medications
If you plan to travel around the Central Valley or San José, a light rain jacket or poncho is recommended.
Medical Services in Nosara
Costa Rica offers high healthcare standards nationwide. English-speaking doctors and dentists are available approximately 15 minutes from Blue Spirit. A hospital is located about 45 minutes away in Nicoya. In serious cases, airlift services are available to hospitals in San José.
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, and the EU do not require special vaccinations. Please verify health requirements for your country prior to travel.
ARRIVAL & LOCATION
Location & Directions
Directions to Blue Spirit can be found on this page.
Nosara does not use street names or addresses. We do not recommend sending packages or mail, as delivery cannot be guaranteed.
Check-in & Check-out
Our retreats run from Saturday – Saturday, with those days being reserved for check-in and check-out (times below.). The bulk of programming runs from Sunday – Friday.
- Check-in: anytime after 4:00 p.m.
- Check-out: anytime before 10:00 a.m.
Luggage may be stored at the Front Desk prior to check-in on arrival day only. We are unable to store luggage after check-out on departure day.
Orientation for Guests
We recommend all guests attend our 30-minute Orientation Talk on Sunday morning at the Sky Mind Hall, usually around 9:30 a.m. Exact times will be posted at the Front Desk.
Mobility Considerations
Blue Spirit is located on a hillside overlooking the ocean. Access to the beach and some rooms or classrooms involves walking on uneven paths or stone stairways. Guests with mobility concerns should contact us in advance at [email protected].
DURING YOUR STAY
Meal Times
All meals are served in the Dining Hall.
- Breakfast: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
- Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Dinner is served on arrival day, and breakfast on departure day. Lunch is not served on departure day. Complimentary tea is available throughout the day. Complimentary coffee is served during meal times.
Special Meal Requests
We do our best to accommodate dietary needs such as food allergies or intolerances when communicated at least two weeks in advance. Requests should be shared with your retreat organizer.
Please note that specialty products commonly available in other countries may be limited in Costa Rica.
A “Pure Food Option” is available during lunch and dinner buffets, featuring plain greens, grains, and legumes without oils or seasoning.
A refrigerator is available for medications only.
Water Quality
All water at Blue Spirit is filtered and safe to drink. We encourage guests to bring reusable water bottles to reduce single-use plastic. Glass bottles are available for purchase in our store.
Blue Spirit Café
The Café is open daily, with hours adjusted to the retreat schedule. It offers fresh juices, smoothies, baked goods, raw snacks, coffee specialties, kombucha, organic wines, and artisanal beers.
Café purchases are not included in room and board rates and may be paid in cash or charged to the room.
Spa & Wellness Services
Spa services such as massage, bodywork, and astrology are available exclusively to registered retreat guests.
As our therapists’ schedules are subject to change based on that week’s retreat schedule, the booking calendar opens up on the Sunday after your arrival. You will receive the booking link post-Orientation and can make your reservations from there.
Payments may be made in cash or charged to the room. Therapists accept tips in cash only (USD or Costa Rican Colones).
Nosara Longevity Center
Guests may enhance their stay with longevity treatments offered on-site. Please contact the Longevity Center directly for details.
Signature Detox Cleanse Program
Our Signature Detox Cleanse Program may be added to most retreat weeks. Please inquire for additional information.
Laundry
Blue Spirit does not offer on-site laundry service. Eco-friendly detergent is available for hand washing small items. For larger loads, the Front Desk can assist with arranging transportation to a local laundromat.
Blue Spirit Store
Our store offers essentials, snacks, books, clothing, gifts, and souvenirs. Payments may be made in cash or with Visa or Mastercard.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Communication & Internet
WiFi is available at no charge in most areas of the property, though connection quality may vary. Blue Spirit does not provide technical support for personal devices.
Guests may make local calls within Costa Rica using the guest phone at no charge. Cell phone service is available on-site but may be limited and costly for international plans.
Electricity
Costa Rica uses 110V electricity with Type A/B outlets, the same as North America. Guests using 220V appliances will need an appropriate voltage converter.
Money & Payments
Extra services and Café purchases may be charged to the room and settled at the end of the stay using cash or credit card. We accept Visa and Mastercard only. American Express and Discover cards are not accepted.
Gift Shop purchases may be paid in cash or by credit card. ATMs are limited in Nosara and located 20–30 minutes from Blue Spirit. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and exchanging currency is generally unnecessary.
Safety Box & Personal Belongings
Most rooms are equipped with a safety box at no charge. Rooms without a safety box may store valuables at the Front Desk. We recommend securing personal belongings at all times.
Lost or Non-returned Keys
A $30 fee applies for lost or non-returned room keys.
GUIDELINES
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Blue Spirit property. The only designated smoking area is the public beach. A $250 fine applies if smoking occurs inside any room.
Candles & Incense
For fire safety reasons, candles and incense are not permitted in guest accommodations. Their use is allowed in classrooms for ritual or teaching purposes only, provided flames are attended at all times.