Guest Comments

"I have traveled all over the world, and I have never met a staff like the one at Pura Vida - they TRULY made you feel like you were visiting their home. They were caring and genuine and made our experience amazing!"

Meredith Park
Oct 1-8

"My vacation at Pura Vida Spa was wonderful! The staff was extremely helpful, the rooms were immaculate, the food was delicious! The services I enjoyed - bodywork and a facial - were among the best I have ever received.

It is as much for the excellent staff, as the amazingly beautiful grounds, wonderful accommodations and great food, that I will return to Pura Vida - and also feel great about recommending it to friends. Thank you!"

Kathy Lancaster

"The entire experience with Pura Vida Spa Resort was commendable,from the first contact with the reservation office until our trip was completed. Every staff member in every setting (business office, dining room,the various tours, van drivers,ground keepers, laundry & room services and boutique shop) were friendly, courteous and each one always willing to go the "extra mile" to help make your experience most enjoyable. The resort at Costa Rica is so beautiful, words aren't adequate to describe the beauty that abounds there.

Even though I've only been practicing Yoga for little more than a year, my skills were expanded by the knowledgeable and expert instructors. They were the best!

The therapists that are available for the extra spa treatments for the body and soul are not only professional but are dedicated to providing you with relaxation, peace and well being. Their services are wonderful.

I will definitely recommend Pura Vida Spa resorts to friends and aquaintenances.

This ranks as one of the BEST vacations I have ever taken."


Sue V. Scaffe
August 2005

"I can tell you that your spa is definitely one of my favorites. Your staff of bodyworkers is extraordinary! Everyone on the staff reached out to make our stay as comfortable as possible. We felt like we were in a very large and loving family.
Thanks for the opportunity to have the Pura Vida Experience!"

Omkar and Victoria Whitaker
August 2005

"The service by every person including the wait staff, cooks, "bellboys", office staff (especially johnny), massage staff, bus drivers, gardeners & cleaning staff was excellent. Everyone was completely friendly, helpful & accomodating. I had a fabulous time in every way. thank you so much for making my experience in costa rica so relaxing, comfortable & peaceful."

Katrina (willow) Hanson
August 2005

"I had a fantastic time there. The staff was always helpful and courteous but otherwise transparent. They always took care of everything - it was actually hard to get used to such excellent service - most place you go you need to remind people to do things."

Brian Aiken
August 2005

"Staff was amazing. My week at Pura Vida was life changing and I have continued to bring elements and experiences I learned into my daily life. THANKS!!!!!!! "

Susannah D'Arcy
August 2005

"An excelent rating.

I'd also like to send a big Bravo! to the groundskeepers for a superb job on maintenance and beauty -gorgeous flowers everywhere! It was a delight to walk all over the resort every day. I especially enjoyed interacting with Antonio and the toucans first thing in the morning before yoga class.

The food was delicious and the dining staff helpful and friendly. (I am vegan and usually have to travel with my own food. What a luxury to have fabulous meals so beautifully presented.)

I loved my room and felt well taken care of in choosing it over the phone. The watsu pool session was an amazingly transformative experience, and my other spa treatments (Thai massage and
Om Chu) were very healing as well. This was a truly wonderful week."

Darley Adare
August 2005

"Spending time at your resort left me the most relaxed I've been in years. All of the people who work at Pura Vida are delightful -- Johnny and Dago were standouts. Minor was extremely helpful and professional. I hope to come back soon."

Dion Collins
August 2005

Every student we brought to Pura Vida fell in love with the place.

We have been coming regularly every year since 1999.

The facility continues to improve every time. The food is delicious, the yoga halls beautiful, great accommodations, exciting eco adventures, and their wellness center is the best.

Oh, and the staff is friendly, helpful and delightful…every need is met.


Steve Nakon, Northwest Yoga, Chicago

Pura Vida means "pure life" and there could be no better name for this gem of a yoga center. As a yogi, there are few places more beautiful to practice. The lush gardens, the spectacular views, the open air yoga studios and the delicious and healthful meals all contribute to the yogic experience. As a teacher, Pura Vida makes it so easy to plan a retreat for my students. From scheduling and registration to providing airport shuttles— from providing comfortable and affordable accommodations to planning excursions and eco-tours— the Pura Vida staff takes care of the day-to-day details so I am able to focus my attention on teaching yoga.

—Darren John Main, Author of Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic

Please know that I give Pura Vida the highest rating. I really do love the place. The food, the therapists I just love the place. I slept so much and relaxed and drank wine in the hot tub with my friends. I really hope that I can make a womens wellness retreat work next year. More than anything I'd like to share Pura Vida as a gift that others should give themselves. I give Pura Vida all 5's.

-Jill
May 2004

Loved the resort and will be returning.

-Douglas
May 2004

The facilities and staff were wonderful. I am hoping to return to Pura Vida with my boyfriend for the Christmas holiday.

-Amy
May 2004

Food and therapists were amazing and vibe was really peacefull.

-Molly
April 2004

The staff bent over backwards to assist us in excursions we wished to take outside of those offered by the spa. The entire staff were gracious and hospitable.

-Daria
April 2004

I had a great time at Pura Vida! It was such a rejuvenating experiencing and was what I needed at the time.

- Jie
April 2004

A great place, with good energy and very nice and warm people. I left feeling healthier, more energized and more fit. A great week.

-Rosanne
April 2004

I had a wonderful time at Pura Vida, from the moment that I arrived to the moment that I left. The staff is friendly and pleasant, my room was spotless and very comfortable and the food was delicious. Pura Vida has a wonderful and positive energy. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to all of my friends.

-Kathryn
March 2004

Wonderful experience. Could not have been any better.

-Tracy
March 2004

I am writing this note to provide feedback on your retreat in Costa Rica. My time there was without a doubt one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

The service was excellent; the resort facilities exquisite and safe; the staff, well-informed, efficient, responsive, respectful and knowledgeable. The management staff is committed to the mission; the culinary staff artists in their profession; and the therapists extremely talented and well- trained. All in all: superb.

I thank you for providing a wonderful environment for healing. I will return next year and highly recommend it to like-minded individuals.

-Gail
March 2004

We had a wonderful time at Pura Vida. The staff was courteous and helpful. We were particularly pleased with the flexibility given to us.

-Carol
February

I enjoyed my stay at Pura Vida enormously, and hope to return often...

Massage therapist Jagravi was incredible, the best massage ever. The best part was interacting with the other guests, and the set up allows plenty of opportunity for that, which was wonderful!

-John
Februrary 2004

You all must know by now how much I love bringing people to Pura Vida in Costa Rica. Next year will be #4. It would be hard to match the beauty of the gardens, excellent staff and therapists, excellent food and a true yoga feeling that is present there. I continue to support Pura Vida by working with other teachers to bring them there and in providing excellent recommendations. My students here are raving about what a beautiful experience they shared for the past 3 years. People are asking me daily about it and I anticipate my groups to continue to expand.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has made these trips so easy and affordable for us. I feel the staff and office have gone out of their way at times to make sure all was well. I love Pura Vida!

-Debra
February 2004

Tom and I feel this was one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating vacations we've ever taken. Who'da thunk we would actually enjoy getting up before 6 am and doing yoga twice a day!
The food was so tasty and wholesome; it was great to attend Punito's "Healthy Aging" seminar while being served good examples of his nutritional teachings.

The lush grounds, lodging and meeting spaces were enhanced by the wonderful surrounding scenery and fresh air; but the geniality of the staff topped even these assets.

My spa treatment - tui na/hot stone massage - resulted in new movement in my neck that has been absent for several years. Kantu has some genius in his skill set.

Pura Vida grew on us day by day as our fatigue began to lift and our various "bodies" began to be restored. While we were pleased to see the grounds when we first arrived, we came to enjoy it even more as the days floated along.

-Tom and Barbara
February 2004

I had a wonderful wonderful wonderful time. I really liked the format that we could go with our own yoga instructor; it really made for a good bonding experience between people that live close to me, and I have many new friends because of it. The staff was great, especially Victor and the lovely people that work in the dining centre. And the food was incredible!

-Katherine
January 2004

I really loved it. My friend and I were unusual in that we only booked two nights since we were traveling around Costa Rica so we started our trip by de-stressing at the spa. We definitely weren’t ready to leave two days later! We enjoyed being there so much that we came back just for afternoon yoga & dinner before having to fly out the next morning!

- Judy
December 2003

A wonderful week.

- Locke
December 2003

Loved it...great experience for my Husband (non-yoga) and he loved the Nutrition classes taught by Punito. The price was VERY reasonable for us and thus we were able to go with our group from Crossville, TN.

- Bev and Craig
November 2003

I have enjoyed my stay at Pura Vida very much. It was absolutely perfect place. I had an incredibly good time. I recommend Pura Vida to everyone I talk to. I loved the property. My room was beautiful and very clean. The food was very tasty. Absolutely every one on the staff was very friendly, smiling, and caring. Staying at Pura Vida was a true bliss for my mind, body and spirit.

- Irene
November 2003

I loved it, the people were great and everything was lovely.

- Kerstin
November 2003

I absolutely loved Pura Vida. The staff on site was fantastic, Victor, Steve, Minor, Brenda, Michael…everyone was kind and helpful. The place was delightful. I plan to return again and bring my parents. Thanks for such a wonderful experience.

- Dana
October 2003

We had a great time and met a number of fantastic people! Loved it!

- Mike and Sheila
October 2003

The staff and all of the people that worked with the staff were a total 5 rating. Everyone was kind and helpful and very loving. I would recommend it and would like to go back another year. My partner and I are planning it.

- Mary
October 2003

My experience at Pura Vida was one of the best vacations that I ever had. I really loved my time there and will definitely return. Keep up the wonderful work!

- Ronit
August 2003