Most items can be purchased in nearby Nosara, but it's always good to have what you need when you need it!
a brimmed hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent hiking shoes (if you're a hiker), a light wrap for the evenings, swimsuit, sunglasses, slip-on shoes, portable flashlight, a blow dryer if you need to use one, any medications you may need, a big smile and your sense of adventure! An electrical adapter is NOT needed. WE DO PROVIDE: shampoo, body wash, pool towels & beach towels, yoga mats & props
WHERE ARE THE BEACHES? Playa Garza is a 10 minute’s drive (you can see Garza Point from our house). This beach is a beautiful, lush cove and great for swimming and watching the fisherman return in the evening with their day's catch. We are approximately a 20-35 minute’s drive to Nosara (depending on the roads), the home of Playa Guiones which has some of the best surfing in the country. Playa Pelada is just a few minutes further.
WHERE ARE THE RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS? Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada are packed with shops, restaurants and grocery stores ("mini supers"). Restaurants range from local flavor to Italian, Mexican, Continental, French, and some very good Pizza. You'll find home-made ice cream, baked treats, and of course excellent coffee. You can find pretty much anything you need from beautiful jewelry from local artisans to toothpaste to bathing suites to hammocks! WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL FACILITIES? AHKi cannot facilitate care or be responsible for those with special medical conditions. We suggest participants who have concerns about traveling to Costa Rica with specific medical conditions, contact the hospitals and get the information from them directly. We have several clinics and one pharmacy within 30/40 minutes and hospital one hour away. Please, be mindful of self-care and bring any medications you may need.
DO YOU HAVE WIFI, TELEVISION? We provide complimentary WiFi (at the main house only) for those who need to stay "connected" and have a large 42", flat screen TV and DVD player for movies and training videos.
WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY FOR COSTA RICA? Local Costa Rican currency is colónes. The exchange rate varies a bit from day to day, but generally 1,000 colónes = approximately $X.00 All of Costa Rica accepts U.S. currency. Leave your travelers cheques at home, they're pretty much useless here. Visa and Mastercard are accepted most places, but some restaurants and shops will only take cash. There are two ATMs in town, if you are in need of cash. Retreat Center accepts cash only.
DO I NEED TO BE VACCINATED? NO! Shots are not required to enter Costa Rica. However, you will find some health information sources will recom- mend this. NOT necessary.
WHAT ABOUT CRIME, SNAKES, AND OTHER VARMINTS? Costa Rica is relatively safe. The main concern is petty crime. It's as simple as this: keep a close eye on your stuff! Remember, you are in a 3rd world country. Don't leave things open to temptation. Don't leave your valuables visible in your car or unguarded on the beach or anywhere else for that matter. Retreat Center provides keys to all rooms, and safes for your valuables, we recommend using them. Follow this rule and you will enjoy a crime free vacation.
Yes, we have snakes, most are not venomous and the chances being bitten are very, very small. They stay pretty clear of humans. Scorpions are not poisonous, but they can deliver a nasty sting. We take great care in keeping the critters out of our space, but there's always the occasional interloper. Remember, this IS the jungle and we are the intruders. Once again, bring your sense of adventure and be heads up and you'll have no problems!"