I recently had the pleasure of staying at this hidden gem of a hotel nestled in the heart of Nosara, Costa Rica, and I cannot sing its praises enough. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that this boutique wellness-oriented haven was more than just a place to stay; it was an experience that rejuvenated my mind, body, and soul.
At the heart of this paradise are the incredible individuals who make it all possible. Taking the helm of this Blue Zone oasis is the incredible Mau, the exceptionally talented in-house chef who not only crafts delectable dishes but infuses each creation with a generous sprinkle of love. Mau's ability to transform any culinary desire into a masterpiece is nothing short of extraordinary.
The level of expertise and artistry in each dish was simply unparalleled, resulting in a dining experience that transcended expectations. The flavors were exquisite, and the presentation was a feast for the eyes. It's not every day you encounter a chef who can elevate every meal to such a high standard. The commitment of the dedicated staff, from the security guard and gardener to the maintenance person and two housekeepers, was evident in the seamless operation and impeccable upkeep of the property. Their passion for creating a welcoming atmosphere resonated in every corner of the hotel.
The seven independent bungalows, enveloping the resort-like saltwater pool, were a harmonious blend of comfort and aesthetic appeal—a testament to the hotel's commitment to ecotourism. The tranquil water features and meticulous landscaping created an ambiance of peace and relaxation, turning each bungalow into a private haven.
The yoga pavilion, a sanctuary of serenity, provided a space for relaxation, communal gatherings, and invigorating yoga sessions—a perfect reflection of the Blue Zone philosophy emphasizing longevity and well-being. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Nosara, it became my refuge for mindful introspection and connection. The shared kitchen and dining space, complete with a ping pong table, added a playful touch to the overall experience, fostering a sense of community among guests.
Adding to the allure of this extraordinary retreat is the hotel owners' affiliation with Costas Verdes, the local grassroots non-profit coastal restoration organization. This commitment to environmental stewardship aligns seamlessly with the principles of ecotourism, creating a destination that not only rejuvenates the soul but also contributes to the preservation of the local environment.
The location couldn’t be more convenient ..walkable to a multitude of shops, restaurant, tourism activity centers, and the beach. Just a perfect location!
In summary, my stay at this Nosara gem was a symphony of luxury, tranquility, and exceptional service. Mau, with her culinary wizardry and loving touch, played a pivotal role in making this experience unforgettable. If you're seeking a retreat where every detail is crafted with care, where the warmth of hospitality meets the artistry of cuisine, and where sustainability is more than a buzzword—it's a way of life—look no further. This boutique hotel is a sanctuary for the soul, deserving of every one of its...
Read moreJade is a great communal yoga space for large groups in a prime location just a short walk to the best restaurants in Nosara and Guiones beach. JADE has an earthy private intimate energy, simplistic rooms and a serene pool scape and yoga shala that is the perfect tropical vibe and lush ambiance Costa Rica boasts.
The staff at JADE are kind and welcoming and very accommodating. MAU the chef is sweet and fun and we all just feel in love with her spirit and warmth. My retreat had 17 and while the yoga shala couldn’t hold that many, we improvised and I led classes a lot by walking around assisting and just speaking more detailed cues. The shala comfortably holds about 12-14 realistically but it all shook out fine, because many of our guests surfed in morning so we had more spaces in the shala.
The shala is beautifully lit at night and we had epic views of the full moon over the peak…was magical.
One of the best parts of my experience as a yoga studio owner and experienced retreat leader was the communication and diligence in terms of concierge and dealing with normal issues and travel snaffu’s when you are responsible for large groups. Doug & Carroll are ON IT 24-7 and were there for me as a leader and guest 150%.
While planning a retreat takes 6 months-1 year, I loved working with Carrol & Doug and walk away feeling like they are my trusted friends. They go above and beyond to create smooth travel experience and seamless support should anything come up…and it always does when that many people are traveling to another country. If you love an off-grid like minimalist but comfortable accommodation in a beautiful boutique setting embracing the culture and low key laid back vibe of Costa Rica’s true essence like myself, then JADE is for you. I have one of my next JADE retreat’s booked for 2025 already and felt right at home in this neighborhood and because of Carroll, Doug and the entire JADE STAFF. JADE is a great surf hotel or family retreat. LOVE Jade so much and give them 10/10 with customer service, communication and overall vibe.
My guests especially loved the ping pong table! Crowd Favorite for sure:). Great Adult Playground and Yoga Studio Home...
Read moreWow. What an incredible experience I had at the Jade Retreat. Doug is the most gracious of hosts and has created such an incredible place in Nosara.
I loved Jade so much, in part because it's like a paradise in the jungle. I mean you can literally hear howler monkey's from your bungalow. And in order to get to some of the cafe's you literally have to walk through the jungle. And yet you're also walking distance to everything you could want there. I'm talking smoothies, a full gym with squat racks and free weights, restaurants, bars, surf board rental places... anything you could want to do is available and pretty much walking distance from where you stay. Did I mention there was AC? Maybe I'm a spoiled American but my gosh what a difference it made to be able to SLEEP at night in a temperature controlled environment. It made it that much easier for me to enjoy my days and make the most of my trip.
I haven't even talked about the food yet. And I don't know if this is standard, but Doug has the most wonderful chef on staff that cooked meals for us while we were there. I was there on a retreat and let me tell you... having authentic home-cooked Costa Rican meals there each and every day... shark filets, fresh pressed juice, steak from the local farms, heck local coffee... chef's kiss it was amazing.
Also, Doug, who has lived there for 10+ years is the best guide for what to do. I ended up surfing for the first time in my life. Which I can only say because I was introduced to an incredible instructor (who gave me a very reasonable rate). Also we went on an incredible zip-lining system. As well as horse back riding, sunset watching, and did yoga at a studio that literally monkeys watching you. I'm pretty sure one was downward dog at the same time I was.
Anyways, I cannot recommend this place enough. I went there with no laptop and really tried to be off my phone. And I'm glad I did. Because when I left I left literally feeling lighter. Like I'd shed an extra 20lbs I'd been carrying with me without even realizing it. Please check this place out and don't expectations too low. Because no matter what Jade Retreat will blow them away.
Thanks so much taking...
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