Nosara, Costa Rica: A Yogi’s Dream

Nosara is my favorite place in all of Costa Rica! Located on the northern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is a peaceful multicultural community that feels like a somewhat boutiquey beach town with an international sophisticated flare, yet still very laid-back and unpretentious. The beaches are undeveloped and pristine, the roads unpaved and the jungle untouched. Known as THE surfing and yoga destination of Costa Rica, Nosara attracts an array of health conscious travelers from all over the world.

I had no intention of visiting Nosara, but I’m so happy my trip to Samara led me here because it turned out to be the best part of my travels in Costa Rica. There’s an abundance of organic food, the best sunsets in all of Costa and this contagious feel good energy that leaves you feeling like nothing could ever bother you again.

But what I love most about Nosara is the yoga! With world-class yoga instructors and open-air studios tucked away in the jungle, it really is a yogi’s dream. I only spent a few days in Playa Guiones, the most popular beach town in Nosara where most of the yoga studios can be found. I stayed in 4you Hostal (the most beautiful hostel ever!) and visited some of the more popular yoga studios that offer drop-in classes.

Before I get into my review of these studios, I have to point out that you absolutely do not have to be a hardcore yogi to enjoy this! Yogis of all levels will feel right at home with an array of classes to suit your practice. Enjoy!

Bohdi Tree Yoga Resort

I’m starting with my favorite, Bohdi Tree Yoga Resort! Their grand entrance will instantly transport you to some divine yoga heaven as Ganesh greets you upon arrival. The resort is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. If you can book a room here, DO! Your rate includes 2 yoga classes a day and you can also opt into their meal plan, which includes vegan and gluten-free options for an additional $30 a day. But even if you are not a hotel guest you can still drop into one of their public yoga classes held daily. Drop-in classes are $15, cash only and yoga mats/props provided. Check out their schedule here.

I took 2 classes here in what seems to be a tree house yoga studio situated amongst the trees. The first was a Bohdi Vinyasa class with Zac on a Wednesday, 8:30am, the perfect start to my morning. The class was perfectly challenging to awaken and energize me for the day ahead. The second was a Sunset Flow class on Thursday at 5pm (I can’t recall the instructors name and she was a substitute.) This class was a gentle end to the day, although I will say evening classes are usually more packed than morning classes. Make sure to check out their juice bar after class to rehydrate!

The Harmony Hotel

Similar to Bohdi Tree, The Harmony Hotel is a yoga resort surrounded by peaceful gardens and a lily-filled pond. Stay in the lap of yoga luxury in this eco-friendly hotel or simply enjoy one of their drop-in classes, $15 each with mats and props provided. Click here to view their schedule.

I took the Thursday 10:30am Open Hearts, Open Hips class with Cindy and this was one of the best yoga classes I have ever taken! There’s something about opening those hips and flowing that energy through your heart that will leave you feeling yoga high. Their open-air studio faces the lush green jungle while blue morpho butterflies make an appearance for a one-of-a-kind yoga experience. I left that class in such a zen daze, I couldn’t stop smiling all day. They also have a juice bar, the cherry on top after Cindy’s class!

Studio Guiones

Studio Guiones is Playa Guiones’ home fitness studio where the locals come to play. They offer more than just yoga here such as TRX and dance classes. The studio is screened in (no mosquitoes!) and immaculate. This is not a yoga resort with a fancy juice bar. It’s not as lavish as Bohdi Tree or Harmony, but it’s raw, dynamic and legit! Classes are $12 each, mats & props provided. Check out their schedule here.

I took the Friday 11am Freestyle Yoga class with Marc, one of the most difficult classes I’ve ever taken. I will say you need to have some sort of yoga experience and enjoy power yoga to get through this class (they also offer Easy Yoga Stretch for those who want a more gentle flow). Although challenging, it was invigorating and Marc did a great job of giving us variations of all poses. I did not really sit and relax here. I stretched. I worked. I pushed. And I realized my body could do amazing things if my mind is willing.

Refuel, Rehydrate, Recover

After each yoga class I made it a point to refuel with a green juice. I found myself coming back to the same juice spot, Go Juice. This adorable little juice cart offers everything from fresh squeezed juices to acai bowls to ginger shots. The staff is so friendly, the prices just right and the ingredients fresh.

If you need something a little more hearty (like I did after Marc’s class), head over to Beach Dog Café. The food is healthy, fresh and delicious! Get your hands on the Surfers Bowl, a bowl full of veggie goodness and topped off with an egg. And their fruit smoothies are to die for!

And what better way to top off this yoga vacation than with a massage! Tica Massage will hit the spot. Revive your body with the Salt Glow and Massage treatment, an hour of a stimulating, herbal rich, exfoliating sea salt scrub followed by a relaxing full body massage or any one of their other spa treatments. Note it’s cash only and open daily 9am-6pm.

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica I really hope you make your way to Nosara. Enjoy some yoga, do a little surfing, eat delicious healthy food and simply just be!