Prana Rainforest Retreat is a five-bedroom, Bali-style villa on the edge of Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, rented as a whole house. It suits families, friends and small yoga or wellness groups who want a private base with a yoga pavilion, staff and rainforest wildlife on the doorstep.
What it's like
Prana Rainforest Retreat has changed shape since we first wrote about it. It's now a single, Bali-style villa rented as a whole, rather than a place that sells individual retreat packages. The house sits at the end of Colina Monito Road in Manuel Antonio, right on the boundary of Manuel Antonio National Park, and it's a short drive from the beach.
The villa spreads over about 5,000 square feet on two levels and sleeps up to 14 people. All five bedrooms have their own bathrooms and air conditioning, while the living spaces are open-air and screened, so you hear the forest all day. There are two swimming pools, a stone bathtub looking out over the trees, a seasonal waterfall, and private trails across the grounds. A separate Pool Side Bungalow with a king bed, a walk-in shower and its own entrance is often used for a visiting yoga teacher, therapist or private chef.
Wildlife is a big part of the appeal. Monkeys, sloths, parrots and bright blue butterflies are regularly seen around the house.
The programs
There's no fixed schedule here, which is the point. You bring your own group and shape the week. The villa has a covered yoga pavilion by the waterfall, and yoga can also happen poolside, on a deck or in your room, which makes it a practical venue for a teacher running a small private retreat.
Daily staff look after the house, and a concierge helps arrange the rest: transport, a private chef, massage and spa treatments, chocolate-making classes, and nature or adventure outings. The kitchen is large and commercial-grade, so you can also cook for yourselves. Fiber-optic Wi-Fi means the place works for people who need to stay in touch.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It's a good fit for a family reunion, a group of friends, or a yoga teacher who wants to host a small group somewhere private, with rainforest around them and help on hand. It also suits people who want the national park and the beaches close by without staying in a busy hotel.
It's not the right choice if you're traveling alone and looking to join a retreat with other guests, since there are no public programs. If you want a guided schedule, you'll need to bring your own teacher or plan it with the concierge.
Getting there
Fly into San José (SJO) rather than Liberia. From San José, small planes take about 20 minutes to reach Quepos, or you can drive, hire a car with a driver, take an airport shuttle or catch a bus from downtown San José. The villa is about eight minutes by car from Quepos and around three minutes from the main Manuel Antonio road. The beach is roughly five to ten minutes' drive away, or about a 40-minute walk. The villa offers transport to and from the Quepos airstrip for stays of three nights or more.
Check availability and book on the official website. It also links to an Airbnb listing, though the owners point out that booking direct avoids Airbnb's fees.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a single room?
The villa is set up as a whole-house rental for groups. Ask the owners directly if you're hoping for something smaller.
Is there somewhere to do yoga?
Yes. There's a covered yoga pavilion by the waterfall, plus decks and poolside space.
Are meals included?
No meal plan is set. You can cook in the villa's large kitchen or have the concierge arrange a private chef.
Is there air conditioning?
All bedrooms are air conditioned. The rest of the house is open-air with screens.
How close is Manuel Antonio National Park?
The property borders the park directly.
