The Retreat Costa Rica Unveils $4 Million Expansion with Luxury Lofts, Open-Air Restaurants, and Elevated Wellness Experiences

Source: The Retreat Costa Rica

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

Set against the rainforest-laced hills of Alajuela and overlooking the distant shimmer of the Nicoya Peninsula, The Retreat Costa Rica has long held its place among the world's most elite wellness sanctuaries. Now, the award-winning resort founded by celebrity chef and wellness pioneer Diana Stobo has unveiled a $4 million, 26,500-square-foot expansion, reinforcing its position as a holistic hideaway for luxury travelers seeking meaning, clarity, and rest.

The property’s latest additions—a striking open-air clubhouse, two design-forward restaurants, and 10 new Santosha Lofts—further the resort’s commitment to soul-nourishing hospitality. More than just an aesthetic upgrade, the expansion draws inspiration from the Sanskrit philosophy of santosha, or contentment, anchoring every design element in intention, serenity, and an intuitive dialogue with nature.

The new Santosha Clubhouse is a design achievement as much as it is a wellness asset. Spanning 16,500 square feet, the open-air pavilion weaves together neutral tones, vintage pottery, and indigenous relics with raw woods and natural textures. Anchored by a massive guanacaste tree, the space feels lived-in, contemplative, and organically integrated into its hillside surroundings.

The clubhouse includes:

• A 5-by-50-foot single-lane lap pool with mosaic detailing

• A state-of-the-art gym with elliptical machines, weights, and circuit equipment

• A 1,600-square-foot yoga shala built with 16-foot ceilings, globe lighting, and meditation niches

The design's core is sensory: textured stone walls, wicker pendants, and a handcrafted mandala wallcovering coalesce into a place that welcomes both physical exertion and reflective pause.

The addition of 10 Santosha Lofts introduces a new level of comfort and design clarity. Each 945-square-foot loft is positioned to capture unspoiled western views of the Pacific Ocean, enhanced by a layout steeped in feng shui principles.

Design features include:

• An ethereal palette of soft white, warm taupe, and pale cream

• Natural teak wood furnishings and handcrafted stone accents

• Oversized windows, glass showers, and a freestanding soaking tub beneath a chandelier

• Bathrooms framed by hand-carved antique doors and infused with selenite crystals to promote mental clarity

Diana Stobo’s original artwork adds a personal touch to each space, while local artisans contribute root carvings that root the lofts in Costa Rica’s visual and cultural heritage.

Above the Santosha Clubhouse, two new restaurants offer distinct culinary narratives without straying from the resort’s organic ethos.

Mystique, the signature restaurant, offers an elevated coastal ambiance with sweeping jungle and ocean views. Spanning 1,000 square feet and seating 42, the space pairs marble tables, plush booths, and a grand iron fireplace with hanging plants and natural wood tones.

Meanwhile, La Diosa brings an airier, more casual vibe. This 1,250-square-foot rooftop terrace features:

• Seating for 36

• A sunken lounge with plush couches and low tables

• Small plates and artisanal cocktails served under a breezy billowing fabric canopy

Designed for leisure and conversation, La Diosa offers a seamless bridge between wellness and indulgence—one that acknowledges restoration happens in many forms.

Beyond its new additions, The Retreat continues to operate as one of the Caribbean’s most holistic luxury resorts. Guests have access to:

• The Vida Mia Healing Center and Spa

• Three farm-to-table restaurants

• An organic coffee plantation

• Two saltwater swimming pools, yoga platforms, meditation decks, and jungle hiking paths

Located just 30 minutes from San Juan International Airport, The Retreat Costa Rica is perched at the base of a quartz mountain, a geographical detail aligned with the resort’s spiritual underpinnings. It’s not just about the amenities—it’s about energy, intention, and environment.