# Samasati: Rainforest Yoga on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast

> Samasati is a yoga and wellness retreat on 250 acres of rainforest above Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast, a short shuttle ride from Puerto Viejo. It suits yoga travelers, nature lovers and retreat leaders who want forest, wildlife and beach days in one trip.

Source: https://www.retreatvacations.net/samasati-nature-retreat/
Last checked: 2026-10-20
Location: Near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, Costa Rica
Type: yoga, meditation, wellness, eco lodge
Official website: https://www.samasati.com
Best for: Yoga travelers, couples and groups who love rainforest and wildlife
Setting: Hillside rainforest, about 80% of it a private biological reserve since 1996
Programs: Yoga, meditation, sound baths, forest bathing, massage, hosted retreats
Food: Vegetarian restaurant, with fish or chicken on request
Getting there: 4 to 6 hours by road from San José, or fly to Limón

## What it's like

Samasati is a rainforest retreat on a hill above Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast. The property covers 250 acres, and since 1996 about 80% of it has been legally protected as a private biological reserve. From the jacuzzi, hammocks and private terraces you look out over forest, and the sea breeze does the cooling, since rooms don't have air conditioning and rely on screened windows instead.

The buildings follow Afro-Caribbean design ideas: lots of airflow, roofs shaped for heat and rain, and wood either salvaged from trees that fell naturally on the land or brought from plantations. Rainwater is collected for bathrooms and showers, and most staff come from the surrounding area. The [official website](https://www.samasati.com) is current, with online booking and a retreat leader guide published in 2025.

Expect real rainforest. Insects sometimes find their way indoors, and you may meet frogs, spiders, scorpions or snakes. A flashlight is required after 4pm.

## The programs

You can come for a simple stay, join a retreat, or bring your own group. Wellness offerings include:

- **Yoga and meditation**, held among the trees and on terraces, plus group paddleboard yoga
- **Sound bathing and forest bathing**
- **Massage and wellness treatments**
- **Guided nature walks, waterfall hikes and birdwatching** on the property's trails
- **Tours** off site, with shuttles down to Puerto Viejo for beaches, surf and town

All-inclusive packages are available, and you can also book a room and add extras one by one. Retreat leaders can rent the space and work with the team on custom programs.

The restaurant is vegetarian, with fish or chicken available at each meal for a small charge. Vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free diets can usually be handled if you let them know before you arrive.

## Who it suits (and who it doesn't)

Samasati is a good fit for:

- **Yoga and meditation travelers** who want practice surrounded by forest
- **Couples and solo travelers** who like wildlife and quiet evenings
- **Retreat leaders** looking for a ready-made venue with lodging, food and treatments

It's not ideal if you dislike bugs, need strong wifi (it's free in the restaurant and lounge but can be slow on the hill) or want to walk straight onto the beach. Getting to the sand means a shuttle ride.

## Getting there

The nearest international airport is San José (SJO). From there it's about 4 to 6 hours by shared shuttle, private shuttle or taxi. You can also take a short domestic flight from San José to Limón and a roughly 40-minute shuttle from there. Samasati sits about 15 to 20 minutes from Puerto Viejo. You don't need a 4x4: shuttles run up the mountain road, and there's secure parking at base camp for regular cars. Check-in is 2pm to 8pm.

## Frequently asked questions

### How close is Samasati to the beach?
About 15 to 20 minutes by shuttle to Puerto Viejo and the nearest Caribbean beaches.

### Is the food vegetarian?
Yes, the restaurant is vegetarian, with fish or chicken available at extra cost and most special diets handled with notice.

### Do I need a 4x4?
No. Shuttles run up the mountain road, and non-4x4 cars can park securely at base camp.

### Is there wifi?
Yes, free wifi in the restaurant and lounge, though it can be slow or patchy on the hill.

### Can I run my own retreat there?
Yes. Samasati hosts groups and offers a retreat leader guide and custom programs.