The Sanctuary Costa Rica — Hotel in Cóbano

We went to the Sanctuary for a wellness retreat but I think the Jungle healed me just as much as the yoga and spiritual sessions. |When we arrived, we were met at the top of the path by Zanna and Alex who became what we called Jungle Fairies. They loaded our bags in a ATU as we made the 25 minute walk, crossing the river three times...water shoes are mandatory. Though, it was dry season so you could manage to cross without getting too wet. It's a peaceful walk along the river where you will see monkeys, birds and butterflies. This is the only way in and out.|When we arrived our bags were already in our treehouse (delivery Fairies). The accommodations were nothing like I have ever experienced. We became one with the jungle, with floor to ceiling screen walls on two sides and our beds on the second floor loft looking out at the trees. The outdoor shower was amazing and there was plenty of counter space for three women to put all our stuff on. The best part was our treehouse was completely off the grid, no wifi and solar.|We were called to lunch by the blowing of a conch shell. This occurred for all meals which were communal. Our meals were vegetarian and it was the best I have ever had and that's saying a lot since I'm vegetarian. Zanna, Alex, Lorine and Chris provided delicious and beautiful food, we felt so nourished after every meal (gastronomy Fairies). It seamed the monkeys has the same lunch time and we could see them eating in a palm tree near by as we ate. In the communal area there is wifi but when everyone is on it at the same time it gets slow. So after a couple days I surrendered and embraced being off the grid. You can see one of the waterfalls from this area as you sip tea or coffee.|There is so much to explore on this property. You can hike up to a platform where you are above the tree tops look out at the ocean in the distance, so peaceful. You can hike to the waterfalls and take a dip. Or just explore the lush grounds. |The pool area is peaceful with plenty of lounge chairs, cabanas, sitting areas with a gorgeous pool. We saw monkeys in the trees everyday there. |There are also two massage rooms on the property that are private but open aired so you hear the jungle noises which enhances the experience. Zanna and Alex provide Reiki, cupping and massages, a must do (healing Fairies).|The yoga pavilion is transforming. It is open aired and surrounded by trees. Doing yoga here every morning and spiritual sessions every night nurtured my soul.|We did do some excursions in Montezuma which you guessed it Zanna arrange for us (scheduling Fairies). We went zip lining, did a chocolate tour and shopped in town.|After a week here I felt relaxed, rejuvenated and at peace. We will definitely do this again next year. Thank you Zanna, Alex, Chris and Lorine for being such loving, joyful and...

For about five years I practiced Yoga on a rather irregular basis. Yoga to me, meant the physical execution of different postures. Just lately it occurred to me, there is much more to Yoga and that I knew nothing! What better way to learn about a subject then learning how to teach it! I researched YTT programs locally and abroad. I did not have to search for long. The information on the website about the ‘Lakshmi Rising School for Yoga & Wellness’ at ‘The Sanctuary at Two Rivers’ resonated with me immediately. I was intrigued by the beautiful nature; the art of integrating architecture into the jungle; the daily and weekly YTT program structure; the culinary aspect of fresh, organic, wholesome dishes many prepared according to Ayurvedic principles; the biography of the teacher, Dr. Liz Lindh, but most of all, I could feel the positive energy emanating from the design and the detailed information on the website.||||I just returned from the 200h YTT and I had the most wonderful time. Everything was the way it was described. I was deeply touched by the love for detail and pride the property and YTT program was designed and executed. But just as important, there are the personal, individual experiences that cannot be described. I have had the pleasure of spending three weeks in the presence of most wonderful, kind, loving, strong, courageous, curious (and slightly crazy-including myself) people, most of them women. We learned and sweated and laughed and danced and cried and it was all true and purposeful and perfect. And now I have a much better understanding of what Yoga is and will practice some part of it on a daily basis! ||||The only heads up I would give, the domestic travel with the airline has been challenging (this would be a review by itself). The next time I would ensure to plan a few extra days before and after the YTT, to allow for unfavorable weather conditions or other hiccups and the time it can take to find solutions.|| ||Once again, my heartfelt ‘Thank you’ to Liz, Naga, Gia and the entire team at the Sanctuary for a “once in a lifetime...

Pura Vida (pure or simple life). It's the motto in the area and certainly the ambiance of this retreat haven. The owners - Naga and Liz have so much love and light; and it shows in every detail of this sanctuary. From the staff, to the food, to the amenities. Everything was thought out with meticulous care to create a beautiful experience for guests while honoring the natural environment. While it’s a trek (travel wise) to get here, it’s worth being in the middle of nowhere to be living with the land in a most respectful way. The sun rises and sets around the same time each day. Once it’s dark there are few lights on the property which allows you to see the sky in it’s natural glory and hear the life that lives in the jungle who are not too disturbed by us humans. The more natural lighting also made it easier for to sleep and wake at hours that are bodies are meant to, which meant feeling incredibly well rested for the duration of the stay. The food was spectacular. It was simply lovely to not have to worry about what to eat or make, or where to go for dinner and be assured that I was getting quality ingredients that are vegetarian at most, and mainly vegan. My husband and I love food and actually normally eat much more than we ate here, but I was never once hungry other than right before meal time [perfect]. The yoga pagoda was simple and beautiful, and it is situated in an area where the cutest little monkeys love to hang out in the neighboring trees. There are hammocks all over the property. The pool wasn’t cooled or heated and felt just right. There are enough places to avoid in the sun mid-day under the trees or under the umbrellas & cabanas around the pool. Each unit has an outdoor shower, tons of hooks to dry everything out, mosquito netting (didn’t need to use it), a private bathroom, seating area, hammock & bins to keep things dry as well as critters away. I can’t say enough...