Our Team
Aaron, Founder
Aaron, author of “Autobiography Of A Naked Yogi” and teacher for the Yoga Teacher Training Immersions at Blue Osa, has been a student of yoga since 1991 and a teacher since 1997.
Creator of Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™ Yogi Aaron brings three decades worth of study, mentorship, and experience into his teachings, with a strong emphasis on yoga therapy and alignment.
His passion is rooted in a desire for each person to tap into their limitless potential and develop the confidence to embody yoga, both on and off the mat.
He has traveled across the world visiting numerous yoga ashrams and retreat centers, studying with such respected yoga teachers as Alan Finger, Bryan Kest, Genny Kapuler, Rod Stryker, Swami Rama, David Swenson, as well as with numerous spiritual masters in the Himalaya Mountains.
It was during a retreat in Hawaii that Aaron and his longtime student, Adam, first discussed creating “a community that is yoga-based… and where people can heal their spirits.” Aaron wondered: “Can we create a sanctuary where people can come, connect to themselves, reconnect to each other, and then reintegrate through yoga back into their life?”
One year later, they purchased the property in Costa Rica. “Our vision with Blue Osa is that when people are quiet, removed from distractions of everyday life, something magical happens. A deep calling starts to surface, to awaken.”
As Osa’s yoga director and Master Teacher, he believes there are several conditions that human beings need to have in order to find their right paths: “I really want them to be spiritually heated-up. When we get heated we can burn away our ego and our ignorance, which is what stops us from remembering who we are. Second, I want my students to leave feeling good and restored; this comes from a deep remembrance of who they are. Most important—is that they leave feeling a sense of community and fellowship.” Aaron feels blessed to be a witness to such transformations at Blue Osa.
Learn more: YogiAaron.com
Adam, Founder
“Blue Osa represents the power of the human spirit and what you can do with your life if you let go.”
Alex, General Manager
He is passionate about customer service and loves to share the beauty of the Osa Peninsula with our guests. Along with welcoming guests and scheduling tours, Alex is always busy behind the scenes, working with the Blue Osa staff to ensure that everything runs smoothly. When he’s not working, Alex enjoys being out in nature and exercising, such as cycling, hiking, and roller-skating. He was drawn to the Osa Peninsula as it is one of the most biodiverse places on earth and was not disappointed;
“I fell in love with the stunning flora and fauna of the Osa; it is a truly magical and unforgettable part of the world!”
Henry, Office Manager
Henry was born and raised in Alajuela (a small suburb outside the capital city of Costa Rica) and has been working in customer service for the past 18 years. He moved to the Osa Peninsula in 2012 and has been working directly with Tourism ever since.
“Moving from the city to the Osa Peninsula was challenging, but after a while, I fell in love with it.”
Henry is the second oldest brother of four. When Henry was five years old, his mother married a retired teacher from Miami, and because of this, he was able to learn English and use it at home until he was almost 20 years old.
Henry has been married for 16 years and has a beautiful six-year-old daughter named Emma. Henry believes that family is an essential pillar in his life. It’s what drives him to be a better person every day. In his free time, Henry loves to read books, play soccer, and fish.
“Having direct contact with people is my passion. I love helping someone scheduling tours, spa services, or just checking that they feel cared for. It makes me feel good ensuring that other people have a great time visiting Blue Osa and Costa Rica.”
Elner, Kitchen Manager
Elner has lived in Puerto Jimenez his whole life. His love for cooking was ignited after he moved out of his family’s house and had to cook on his own. He has worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years, spending most of his time assisting in the kitchen.
When cooking for his family or friends, Elner loves to cook meat and fish. His favorite dish is buttered chicken “al horno” with tomatoes. Elner is inspired and excited by the challenge of cooking delicious vegan and vegetarian plates, which the Blue Osa menu is best known for.
Elner says that his favorite thing about working in the kitchen is hearing the guests' reactions when they fall in love with a dish.
For Elner, cooking is an art form, and he loves to be creative with meals. Outside of cooking, his passions include playing soccer, running through the nearby mountains, spending time relaxing on the beach, and listening to music.
Marcela, Massage/Spa Therapist
After earning her Physical Therapy degree from the University of Santa Paula in 2005, Marcela came to the Osa Peninsula. “At first, I thought it would be for a year maybe,” she said, but experiencing the energy of the rainforest, the pristine beaches, the amazing wildlife, and the people of Osa made her decision to stay easy.
With a philosophy of working for the people as a whole, body, mind, and spirit, Marcela applies a holistic approach to her Spa Services.
Marcela weaves sounds, colors, fragrances, and natural ointments while employing the healing power of the human touch to rejuvenate. Transformative describes the sense of well-being experienced in a therapy session with Marcela, whose small frame belies the strength of her hands, heart, and soul. Read about Marcela’s Thai Massage offerings here.
Marie, Founder/Chef
Born in Algeria and raised in the beach town of Biarritz in the south of France by a French mother and Italian father, Marie is a self-taught chef. She honed her culinary skills when her husband operated a stylish French bistro in San Francisco and later an elegant French restaurant in Cartagena, Colombia.
Mindful of guests’ health and dietary needs, Marie’s dishes are vegetarian-oriented and crafted from the local vegetables available in Blue Osa’s organic garden and the local farmers. Meals are served family-style. Click here to read more about the food.
Marie’s favorite cuisines are French and Mexican with her favorite dishes being Coq au Vin and Sopa de Pescado. Read more about Marie’s latest cookbook!
Nery, Housekeeping Manager
She feels proud and grateful to have raised her two daughters here because it is a very safe place to be. In her free time, Nery loves to relax at home or go for walks with her three dogs. The beaches and the mountains are her favorite parts of living in the Golfo Dulce. She loves to spend time outside in order to really bathe in the tranquility of nature that surrounds us here.
“You will notice how different you feel energetically when you’re up in the mountains, it’s so quiet and still”
Because of this, Nery always recommends that guests take advantage of the Matapalo hike that Blue Osa offers. This hike is the best way to get into the mountains and immediately unplug from the rest of the world. In doing so, Nery feels you really get to embrace the silence and magic of this amazing land.
Yela, Guest Experience Coordinator
From an early age, she was immersed in the rhythms of the natural world: the calls of howler monkeys at dawn, the whisper of the rainforest, and the ebb and flow of the nearby sea.
Her love for her homeland inspired her to pursue a degree in Sustainable Tourism at the University of Costa Rica. There, she honed her knowledge and deepened her commitment to conservation, environmental education, and responsible development. For Yela, sustainable tourism isn’t just a career path—it’s a way of life. She is passionate about sharing the richness of the Osa Peninsula with others in a way that respects and protects the land, wildlife, and local culture.
Now, as a dedicated member of the team at Blue Osa, Yela considers her work a dream realized. Each day, she finds joy and purpose in the symphony of the jungle—the birdsong, the rustling trees, and the distant crash of waves. But it’s the human connection that truly lights her up. She thrives on engaging with guests who are drawn to Blue Osa’s natural beauty and restorative energy. Whether she’s leading a nature walk, offering insight into local traditions, or simply sharing a quiet moment with a guest under the canopy, Yela pours her heart into creating unforgettable, meaningful experiences.
With warmth, wisdom, and a spirit grounded in the earth she calls home, Yela helps make Blue Osa not just a retreat, but a place of connection, wonder, and renewal.
Leo, Chef
It was a bold shift—but one he has never once regretted.
Now living in the small port town of Cañaza, just a few kilometers from Puerto Jiménez, Leo shares a peaceful home with his mother. Surrounded by jungle, ocean, and the rising sun each morning, he finds daily inspiration in the natural rhythms of the peninsula. The sight of the sunrise alone, he says, is a gift that never grows old.
For Leo, cooking is more than a job—it’s his passion, his art, and his way of bringing joy to others. Every dish he prepares is made with intention and care. Whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner, he delights in seeing guests smile as they savor his creations. That satisfaction—the silent nod of approval, the contented smile, the clean plate—is what drives him to keep improving, both in the kitchen and in himself.
He brings not only skill to the kitchen, but also heart. Always ready to lend a hand or encourage a colleague, Leo thrives in the spirit of teamwork and support. He believes that helping others is part of what makes the Blue Osa community so special, and it’s a value he lives by each day.
Leo’s love for cooking, his joy in serving others, and his deep connection to the natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula come together to make him a beloved member of the Blue Osa family. With every meal he prepares, he adds a touch of soul to the guest experience—and finds a little more of himself along the way.
Keilor, Gardener & Groundskeeper
Though life circumstances didn’t allow him to continue formal education beyond his school years, he gained a different kind of education—one rooted in the land and taught by his father.
From a young age, Keilor worked alongside his father in the African palm industry, learning to handle chainsaws and gaining hands-on experience in the demanding work of the region. This early immersion not only shaped his work ethic but also instilled in him a deep respect for nature and the importance of perseverance.
At 18, Keilor began building a life with his girlfriend and took on work that would further shape his future. He became proficient in pruning and tree cutting, developing precision, patience, and strength. Later, he found his calling while working as a gardener in Matapalo, where he was responsible for maintaining the gardens of up to 20 homes. It was here that he discovered his true passion: nurturing plants, transforming spaces, and creating beauty from the ground up. Gardening, for Keilor, is more than a job—it’s a form of expression and a source of joy. He finds purpose in every leaf he trims, every flower he tends, and every green space he helps thrive.
In June 2022, Keilor’s journey brought him to Blue Osa, where he was welcomed as a gardener. The opportunity marked a turning point in his life. Blue Osa not only recognized the depth of his experience but also offered him stability, growth, and a sense of belonging. With their support, Keilor refined his skills further and embraced the values of teamwork, mindfulness, and pride in his work. Each morning, he rises at 4:00 a.m., inspired by his daughter, Meredith Dariana—his greatest treasure—and by the desire to continue building a life of love, purpose, and peace for his family.
Now, in 2025, Keilor looks back with gratitude. Blue Osa has become more than a workplace—it is a sanctuary that has brought him happiness, healing, and hope. He continues to bring dedication and care to every corner of the garden, leaving behind not just beauty, but also a legacy of heart and hard work. Keilor's story is one of quiet strength, unwavering commitment, and the kind of joy that grows, patiently and steadily, like the gardens he so lovingly tends.
Fillo, Night Security & Nature Guide
With an encyclopedic knowledge of the local wildlife, native plants, and hidden wonders of the rainforest, he is also Blue Osa’s resident naturalist and the beloved guide of the Matapalo Hike.
Fillo’s love for the Osa Peninsula is written in every word he speaks about its forests, rivers, and creatures. Having spent his entire life in this lush, biodiverse corner of Costa Rica, he knows its rhythms intimately—from the early morning calls of the howler monkeys to the glimmer of fireflies after nightfall. When he leads guests through the jungle trails on the Matapalo Hike, he brings the forest to life, pointing out camouflaged creatures, sharing local legends, and describing the traditional uses of native plants with heartfelt reverence.
But his role at Blue Osa is more than a job—it’s a home away from home. Two of Fillo’s five sons now work alongside him at Blue Osa, and the deep sense of family he feels with the team and guests is unmistakable. “Blue Osa has become my second family,” he says with pride. Whether he’s quietly patrolling the property under the stars or sharing stories of the rainforest over coffee in the morning, Fillo is a steady, calming presence who offers warmth, wisdom, and protection.
Jeremy, Chef & Maintenance Support
Always ready to step in and support where needed, Jeremy also lends a hand with maintenance, embodying the spirit of teamwork and adaptability that defines the Blue Osa community.
Born and raised on the Osa Peninsula, Jeremy has called this region home for most of his life, with only four years spent outside its lush landscapes since childhood. Now 28 years old, he lives with his wife in a house they rent together, not far from where the rest of his family still resides. The Osa remains not just his home, but his grounding force and source of inspiration.
Though he’s only been at Blue Osa for six months, Jeremy has already become a reliable and enthusiastic part of the team. He finds deep motivation in personal growth, always seeking to learn more and become better in his craft. The supportive and uplifting work environment fuels that drive. Surrounded by a team that values collaboration and shared purpose, Jeremy feels inspired to keep pushing forward, not only for himself but for the people around him.
For Jeremy, stability is more than just a paycheck—it’s the foundation for building a better life. With each shift, each meal, each small act of care and effort, he’s shaping a future grounded in purpose and pride. Whether he’s crafting meals that delight the senses or ensuring that Blue Osa’s spaces are well cared for, Jeremy shows up with a quiet determination and a generous spirit that make him a true asset to the retreat.
In his journey of growth, service, and contribution, Jeremy continues to reflect the essence of the Osa Peninsula itself—resilient, generous, and full of heart.
Aiden, Landscaping Team
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Aiden lives with his parents and is proud to contribute to both his family and the greater Blue Osa community. One of his favorite parts of the day is mealtime, where he enjoys connecting with his coworkers and sharing stories with guests from around the world. His friendly presence and dedication help create the peaceful, welcoming environment that guests experience as soon as they arrive.
Marley, Housekeeping
From the moment guests step into their rooms at Blue Osa, Marley's quiet attention to detail helps create a sense of peace and comfort. She takes pride in her work, knowing that a clean, serene space is part of the healing experience guests seek when they come to this beautiful retreat by the sea. Her presence is calm and steady, her energy humble and kind, and her work ethic speaks of a deep inner strength.
Behind her soft smile is a story of perseverance and dreams. Marley is currently working hard to support herself and to finish building her home—a personal goal that represents stability, independence, and security. But she’s also looking toward the future with hope and ambition. One of her greatest aspirations is to return to the university and continue her education. She believes in the power of learning and envisions a future where she can grow not only personally but professionally, opening new doors for herself and those she loves.
Blue Osa has become more than just a workplace for Marley—it is a stepping stone toward the life she’s building with quiet determination. Her journey is a reminder that every role, no matter how humble it may seem, holds the power to transform lives. With her heart set on her goals and her feet firmly rooted in the soil of the Osa, Marley continues to work each day with purpose, grace, and the unwavering belief that the best is yet to come.
Koly, Kitchen
Originally from Puerto Jimenez, Koly feels deeply connected to both the rhythm of the kitchen and the natural beauty that surrounds it. For him, cooking is not just about preparing meals, but about being part of an experience that nourishes and brings people together. Surrounded by jungle, ocean, and the peaceful energy of Blue Osa, he finds joy in the balance between nature and daily life.
Koly especially enjoys the teamwork and sense of community that comes from working in the kitchen. Whether preparing meals for guests or supporting his colleagues during a busy service, he brings a calm presence, dedication, a sweet smile and care to everything he does.
When he’s not at Blue Osa, Koly loves riding his motorbike through the peninsula, exploring the beautiful landscapes and taking in the incredible scenery that makes this part of Costa Rica so unique. The ocean, the open roads, and the connection to nature continue to inspire him every day.
Koly’s warm spirit, strong family roots, and love for the Osa Peninsula make him an important part of the Blue Osa family. Through every meal he helps create, he shares a little piece of the place he calls home.
The Cats
Meet the feline inhabitants of the Blue Osa family. Shakti (as featured) + Sukha. They are our valued companions, and we consider them an essential part of this community. Their presence brings a particular feeling of tranquility and hominess. In the sense that animals create an atmosphere of acceptance. Comfort and love for many families and individuals. Our companions enjoy the attention guests lavish on them. At the same time, they are well-behaved and very well-mannered. It is not uncommon for a guest to fall in love with one of our furry feline friends.
The Dogs, Your Friends
Our canine resident mascots are Pete, Destiny, and Marley. They are a vital part of our harmonious environment. Their fun-loving spirit contributes to the feel, vitality, energy, and experience of Blue Osa.
You will find them eager and willing hosts who are happy to greet you when you arrive. Pete, Destiny, and Marley will enjoy the ocean waves and keep you company as you stroll our beautiful beach.
After frequent romps on the hot, sunny beach, you will most likely find an exhausted Pete, Destiny, and Marley stretched languorously lounging beneath the cooling shade of an Osa Peninsula palm tree.
The Employees of Blue Osa
Our Blue Osa employees are family. Our local staff bring life to our guests' experiences, offering a culturally rich atmosphere filled with joy, attentiveness, and pura vida. Watch this video to see our family in action!
Incredible Chef Marie
Chef Marie’s culinary ingenuity is the reason Blue Osa has such phenomenal meals. Take a special glimpse into her mind with this interview and find out what makes her cooking off-the-charts!
