What airport should I fly into in Costa Rica?

We suggest flying into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in the capital city of San Jose, Cost Rica. The included airport transfer will initiate from there (please see an extended explanation of the airport transfer in the next FAQ). The San Jose airport is approximately 2 hours from Casa de las Brisas

Do I need a passport for travel?

Costa Rican law requires your passport to be valid at least 90 days before your arrival into Costa Rica! For any trips outside of the United States, all travelers should have a valid passport acceptable for international travel. It is the responsibility of the attendee to ensure the passport is valid for travel. Lack of/invalid passport is not grounds for a refund. Click here for information regarding US Passports.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

SJ Yoga Retreats highly recommends purchasing travel insurance for your trip. While it is optional and SJ Yoga Retreats does not maintain and liability or responsibility for your decision, travel insurance is a fairly inexpensive way to protect travelers from travel disruption, airline changes, and lost baggage depending on the level of plan purchased. Trip insurance can be purchased through your insurance agency. TravelInsurance.com also provides online quotes and comparisons. (SJ Yoga Retreats does not support, endorse or have any relationship with a specific insurance provider.)

Do I have to make my own flight arrangements?

Yes, you are responsible for your own flight arrangements and can make them anytime after registration. Please see our now about travel insurance prior to making flight plans.

What time does the yoga retreat begin?

Retreats start at 6:00 pm on the designated day at the destination site unless otherwise indicated. Please ensure your travel plans allow time to arrive by 6:00 pm; Casa de las Brasas is approximately 2 hours from the San Jose airport.

Is there a departure tax from Costa Rica?

A $29 non-residency departure tax will be due when departing Costa Rica, before you check-in with your airline. This tax can often be paid upon arrival to Costa Rica, but make sure to keep your receipt for departure. This tax can be paid in cash (U.S. dollars or Costa Rican Colones or a mix) or credit card, but additional fees may apply if using a credit card. Good news! Some airlines may INCLUDE the Costa Rica Departure Tax in the price of your ticket already. The tax may be incorporated in the ticket price depending on when you acquired the tickets and which airlines. Please check directly with your own airline and inquire on if the “Costa Rica Departure Tax” is included in your ticket.

I am taking the Villa transporation from Juan Santamaria Airport to the Villa on March 22, 2020. Where will I meet the transportation?

The driver from Casa de las Brisas has the incoming flight information. After you exit the immigration and customs, there is a restaurant beyond the exit doors called Malinche. Our driver will meet you there and will have a sign that says "Casa de las Brisas". The driver is scheduled to leave between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

I am taking the Villa transporation from the Villa to Juan Santamaria airport on March 28, 2020. When will we leave?

We will go over departure details during the Retreat, but you can expect an early morning depature between 6:00 am and 7:00 am.

What is the currency in Costa Rica? How should I exchange money?

The currency is call the Colóne. As of February 2019, $1 USD = 613 Colónes. You can exchange currency at Juan Santamaria upon arrival. ATMs are available locally in Quepos - the nearest one is a 10 minute walk from the Villa. Local banks are available in Quepos as well. Travel tip: While the choice is yours, Sue & Jen agree it is a good idea to arrive in a foreign country with some local currency even if you plan on using local ATM's. Your local bank can help you if you wish to obtain Colónes prior to arrival; it can take up to 2 weeks for your bank to provide the current.

Does the CDC suggest any health information for traveling to Costa Rica?

You can find the lastest information on traveling to Costa Rica at the CDC Website.

Do I need to tip service providers?

As is customary in the United States, you may tip service providers (drivers, tour guides, housekeeping staff, etc.) at your own discretion. At the end of the trip, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a gratuity for our cooking staff and for our house staff. This is at your discretion.

Where is the Villa located in Costa Rica? How far is it from Juan Santamaría International Airport?

Vila de las Brisas is located just outside of the vivacious, beachside town of Quepos, Costa Rica at the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park. It is approximately 2 hours from Juan Santamaria airport.

Is there self-service laundry at the Villa?

There are housekeepers that will be coming everyday, except Sunday. They will wash all linens and towels as needed. One day of personal laundry is included in the rental. We will provide more details on this upon arrival. If you would like any other laundry done, there is a charge of $25 per load.

How will our activities be scheduled?

Your trip includes one individual activity and one group activity. Based on the questionnaire you filled out and returned, we have scheduled your chosen individual activity for Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Departures for these trips are in the morning. We also will be taking a group snorkeling tour on a private Catamaran on Thursday, March 21 with a morning departure. There will definitely be time to schedule more activities/trips at an additional cost and our concierge can help with that as well upon arrival.

Are there spa services?

Yes!! The Villa has a relationship with Spa Holis. You can make your own reservations if your would like to secure a specific service/time in advance. Or, you can also schedule services with your arrive. You have a choice of going to the spa or the therapists will come to you at the Villa! If you would like to make reservations in advance, the following are free times during the retreats:

• Monday, March 18 between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Tuesday, March 19 between 1 pm and 4 pm (PLEASE NOTE: Depending on the activity you have chosen, you may not return to the Villa until mid-afternoon. Please contact us for information on your specific activity before booking!)
• Wednesday, March 20 between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Thursday, March 21, between 2 pm and 4 pm
• Friday, March 22, between 10 am and 4 pm.

Is there wi-fi at the Villa? Will my mobile phone work?

Yes there is wi-fi at Casa de las Brisas. Please check with your mobile phone carrier prior to departure on how your international plan works.

Is the water safe to drink at the Villa/in Quepos?

According to our conceirge, at the villa there is a water filter on the kitchen tap. Most people do not have issues with the water here, but if you have a very sensitive system, you may err on the side of caution and drink bottled water. Reputable restaurants should also be fine, but always feel free to ask and use your own judgement.

Can you accommodate varying dietary needs?

We will send you a questionnaire in December asking if and what your dietary needs are. We will make every effort to work with the chef and ensure your needs are met.

What level yoga practioner is the trip for?

All levels! We welcome those who have never set foot on a mat to those who practice every day! During the daily yoga classes, we will lead a variety of yoga styles - from active vinyasa to mediation to myofascial release. Don't know what any of those terms mean? Don't worry! Jen and Sue will guide you through the practices with explanations along the way. Come and be open to what yoga can offer you!

What yoga equipment do I need to bring?

Please absolutely bring your yoga mat! We will provide blocks and straps. You welcome to bring anything else that makes your practice more comfortable.

How often will we have yoga classes?

We will generally have two yoga classes per day - one in the morning around 7:30 am and one in the evening around 5:00 pm. On days where we have scheduled activities, we will adjust this as best we can to accomodate the group. We will provide more information on the types of yoga we will do upon arrival.