Preparing For Your Blue Osa Vacation
We are so excited to have you visit our little slice of paradise here at Blue Osa!
Blue Osa is an off-the-grid, ocean-jungle, eco-luxe retreat center. Staying with us is a unique experience and usually very different from how you live at home. We’ve compiled a list of essential information to get you ready for your visit. Please review this page and let us know if you have any questions.
Please be sure to download our Blue Osa Magazine before you come. In it, you'll find our Spa Menu, Tours Menu, and, most importantly, the story of how Blue Osa began with photos of what this place looked like before it became the yoga sanctuary it is now.
See you soon!
Yogi Aaron + Adam Dolle
p.s. Please make sure you BOOKMARK this page!
A Gift From Blue Osa
Join Yogi Aaron, Blue Osa's Founder, to learn his revolutionary approach to yoga— Applied Yoga Anatomy & Muscle Activation (AYAMA)—in his FREE 7-Day Guide to Become Pain-Free!
In your 7-day guide, you will discover simple, science-backed AYAMA™ practices for knee, hip, back, shoulder, and neck pain and get relief starting today!
Ready to live your best, pain-free life? Sign up to begin now!
Blue Osa's Guest Manifesto
I slow down to savor this moment and embrace the pure life, “Pura Vida” of Costa Rica. I unplug from technology and awaken my senses to the natural world. I align to the earth’s rhythms and consciously flow with her in a way that sustains life. In morning silence I listen deeply, receive, and reflect. At mealtimes, I eat fresh, wholesome food with gratitude and discover new flavors and connections with others. As night falls, I stargaze to my heart’s content and retire happily to the sounds of the ocean in anticipation of another day of nourishment, exploration, and relaxation. I realize I’m part of the greater whole and my energy impacts everything around me. I choose to be a force for good and take responsibility for my actions and reactions and leave no trace upon this beautiful Costa Rican land.
~Om Tat Sat
All the things you need to know to prepare for your vacation retreat!
Blue Osa was built to support, uplift, and care for the larger surrounding community. To us, this is what being an eco-friendly retreat really means.
Our daily operation impacts over 100+ people and families, and our continued obligation to them drives our daily business.
All our employees live locally, our food is purchased from neighboring farms, we have several resident dogs and cats from a nearby rescue, and we partner with many small tourism businesses in the surrounding area.
We are proud of our positive impact on our wider community and continue looking for new ways to give back more.
As a Blue Osa guest, you create a significant impact, too. Your visit ensures our employees continue to have work to do! Whether you come on a solo vacation or to attend a group yoga retreat, your presence helps us keep our doors open and staff employed. Thank you in advance for making the journey to stay with us!
Get social with us! Awaken your senses to what you’ll experience when you arrive, connect, and be inspired by a community of like-minded yogis; tag us in your photos while you’re on vacation with us!
- Yogi Aaron (Blue Osa Co-Founder, Master Yoga Teacher + Muscle Specialist)
We have created a Facebook group that we are certain EVERYONE needs!
We invite you to join this group, where you will learn exactly How to Live a Pain-Free Life with AYAMA!
The muscle activation tips Yogi Aaron (Blue Osa Owner) will demonstrate will help you decrease your pain and increase your strength.
This group is an open forum for questions and answers. All are welcome, especially those who are passionate about becoming active participants in their own health and wellness journey.
A pain-free future is at your fingertips! Join our Pain-Free Group on Facebook today!
We invite you to start practicing yoga with us online now to prepare for your journey to Blue Osa with The Yogi Club online platform by Yogi Aaron!
You’ll be guided day-by-day through powerful Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™ (AYAMA) practices with Yogi Aaron, where you will learn yoga exercises and poses that increase strength, stability, and range of motion in the body while eliminating pain!
Additionally, you can enjoy 100’s of hours of yoga classes, specialty series, in-depth workshops, and more — many filmed in Blue Osa’s beautiful yoga shala or right on our beach!!
Do you suffer from pain? Chances are you’ve attempted to ‘stretch it out’ at your regular yoga class. And maybe you got a little relief by doing so.
But then your pain comes back — again and again, sometimes with a vengeance. What if there was another way to get relief from your pain? A way that doesn’t involve stretching and even holds the potential to eliminate your pain for good? All while gaining access to the deeper elements of yoga.
Curious? Then tune in to Stop Stretching! — a yoga podcast with Yogi Aaron!
In this 8-part podcast series, Yogi Aaron shares his story from living in pain to becoming pain-free, how he came to develop his signature yoga methodology, AYAMA – Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™, the science behind why stretching is actually hurting us, and how mainstream yoga has become fixated on flexibility even though it has nothing to do with enlightenment — which is the true purpose of the practice.
Travel Info
To get to Blue Osa, you will need to take a short 45-minute domestic flight from the San Jose International Airport to the Puerto Jimenez Airport. Once you arrive in Puerto Jimenez, our shuttle will pick you up and drive you to our resort.
Our in-house travel agency ‘Blue Osa Travels‘ will help you plan your trip so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy! (Contact Blue Osa Travels here – [email protected]
Follow these steps to begin your booking process:
1. Determine Your Travel Dates
• Consider your retreat start/end dates and times
• Decide if you want to add additional vacation days to explore more of Costa Rica (see next step)
2. Choose A Blue Osa Travels Adventure Package (Pre or Post-Retreat)
Check out these guest favorites! Let our trusted tour guides give you an up-close and personal Costa Rican experience!
• OPTION 1
Coffee, Volcanoes & Cloud Forest (Day-long Tour):
Immerse yourself in Costa Rican riches! Our tour starts with a delicious breakfast at Doka Estate, followed by a fascinating coffee tour. Learn how experts create world-class coffee and explore the lush coffee plantation. Next, we journey to Poas Volcano National Park. Experience the dramatic temperature shift and vibrant cloud forest teeming with life. Witness the impressive main crater with its sulfur fumaroles and hike to the beautiful Botos Lagoon. This unforgettable adventure includes the tour and a comfortable 1-night stay at the Holiday Inn. All for just $309.62 (taxes included)!
• OPTION 2
La Paz Waterfall Gardens (Day-long Tour):
Explore lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, vibrant wildlife, and educational exhibits on a guided walk through La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Spot exotic birds, butterflies, monkeys, and more! Afterward, savor a delicious 4-star buffet lunch featuring traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Your adventure includes the tour and a comfortable 1-night stay at the Adventure Inn for just $325.44 (taxes included).
• OPTION 3
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs (2 Days):
Witness the awe-inspiring Arenal Volcano and unwind in the natural paradise of the Ecotermales Hot Springs. Immerse yourself in thermal waters amidst the lush La Fortuna rainforest for ultimate relaxation. This 2-night adventure includes comfortable accommodations at the Adventure Inn for just $561.61 (taxes included).
3. Book Your Trip! (International + Domestic Flights + Tours with Blue Osa Travels)
• International flights to Costa Rica: Our agent will help you book the perfect flight
• Domestic flights within Costa Rica: We will book your domestic flights at a discounted cost and offer extra customer service in case of flight delays and/or cancellations.
• Pre and Post-Retreat Adventures: Book one of our trusted and top-rated tours to explore the magic of Costa Rica before or after your retreat at Blue Osa.
Email [email protected] to start the booking process. (Note: Please book early to ensure your desired flight time is available!)
Please note: If you book independently or with someone else, Blue Osa Travels will not be able to assist you with any traveling issues that may arise (delays, cancellations, etc.) while you are at Blue Osa.
For more information on traveling to Blue Osa, go here: www.BlueOsa.com/How-To-Get-Here
Check out this article for our suggestions on what to pack for your trip to Blue Osa. Additionally, keep these things in mind as you select what items to bring:
- We are in the jungle/rainforest — expect humidity and frequent rain if you visit during the green season.
- The Osa Peninsula is characterized by warm, breezy days, with highs between 82 and 92 degrees and lows in the range of 70-80.
- Wet items can take longer than expected to dry, especially during the green season and/or if the sky is overcast (we do offer laundry service for a fee of $29/load if you need to have your clothes washed and dried).
- Blue Osa offers a guest drying area for clothes and towels.
- Moisture-wicking clothes will dry quickly and keep you coolest during our hot, sunny days.
- If you plan to go on excursions, it is recommended that you bring shoes that you don’t mind getting wet and have a good grip. A waterproof or dry bag can also be helpful if you wish to bring your phone/camera while exploring.
- We do have ants, mosquitos, and other small bugs that can occasionally be an annoyance — pack bug spray!
- We have a small store on-site with some essentials available to purchase, and there is a grocery store and pharmacy in town where you can find anything you forgot to pack.
- Blue Osa DOES provide soap, shampoo, towels for the beach and shower, and bed sheets. You do not need to bring these items.
Do NOT Bring
- We do not allow hair dryers, flat irons, etc. We are an OFF-Grid resort and do not have the energy to provide energy to these devices. Using these devices will cause damage to our sensitive system. (If you are interested in learning more, please click here.)
- Snacks that are left out in the open. Any food you bring will attract animals. If you do bring any snacks, please double-bag them in zip locks.
This depends upon the carrier you fly. The general rule is a 30-pound baggage limit enforced on the “in-country” flight to/from Blue Osa. Baggage over 30 pounds will incur a surcharge, so pack light! Besides, how much clothing does a person really need in the tropics?
If you need more clarity, please double-check with the airline you are flying with to determine exactly how much weight your baggage can be.
We strongly encourage you NOT to check the weather report for Blue Osa (or Costa Rica, for that matter) on the internet. It is usually wrong and does not give an accurate picture of what to expect.
Furthermore, as we have said in the other FAQ answers, Blue Osa is in its own microclimate, and there is no accurate reporting on what to expect.
Seriously, we are not kidding.
If you need some historical reference, please see our weather report page.
While On Vacation
Our eco-friendly rooms are designed to honor nature, preserve energy, and give you a serene and beautiful place to rest your head after a fun day of exploring. Most rooms feature an “open-air” design that supports increased airflow that helps to keep the rooms naturally cool. In lieu of this, please be aware:
- Rooms are equipped with ceiling fans. (Only select rooms have A/C and must be pre-booked.)
- Occasionally, you may see bugs in your room (ants, moths, spiders, etc.).
- Please alert our staff if you need assistance removing an insect from your room.
- Mosquito nets for your bed are available upon request.
- Do not leave food out in your room. (We promise that the bugs will come!) If you bring snacks to your room, they must be in an airtight container.
- Due to living in the rainforest, high humidity is common.
- This means your sheets may feel damp some nights and your towels may not dry after use (especially if there has recently been a lot of rain).
- Please hang your towel to dry.
- We are an eco-resort and ask that guests try to reuse their towels for 2 – 3 days before needing a new one.
- When you need a new towel, leave it on your floor, and housekeeping will leave you with new dry towels.
- Your bed will be made, and your room will be cleaned daily by housekeeping during your stay. We only change your sheets during your week-stay to conserve water and energy if you request this.
Here is a sample of our daily schedule. Exact times may vary depending on current retreats or trainings occuring.
5:00am | Coffee + Tea is available
7:30am | Morning Silence
7:30 – 8:30am | Breakfast
12:30 – 1:30pm | Lunch
4:00 – 5:00pm | Yoga
6:30 – 7:30pm | Dinner
7:30pm | Pool Closes
9:00pm | Quiet Hours
A bit more about our daily schedule + rituals:
Check out this article to read about our daily Blue Osa rituals.
• Morning Silence
Our days begin with morning silence to provide all guests with an opportunity to have a meditative, reflective start to their day. A sacred Himalayan prayer is played throughout Blue Osa to signify the completion of morning silence (usually right before or after breakfast). Check out this article to learn more and hear the chant.
• Breakfast
– Breakfast is typically served 7:30-8:30am.
– To order breakfast you will write down your name and select the food items you’d like on the sheet on the kitchen counter near the tea.
– Breakfast usually includes made-to-order eggs, fruit, granola, and delicious homemade bread. Tea, fruit-infused water, and coffee are also available.
• Lunch
– Lunch is usually served from 12:30-1:30pm (listen for the lunch bell to ring!)
– Lunch is currently being plated. Simply grab a plate and enjoy!
• Dinner
– Dinner is usually served from 6:30-7:30pm.
– Our dinner ritual includes a food presentation by our chefs and a gratitude prayer. (You may find a copy of the prayers here.)
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local farmers. With this in mind, Blue Osa offers a variety of fresh, farm-to-table vegan/vegetarian meals.
Our typical healthy and delicious Blue Osa cuisine sample menu can be found here.
In catering to the needs of a variety of guests, we do offer eggs for breakfast as well as animal protein three times per week, as well as some recipes with
Blue Osa has a skilled, local culinary team that uses seasonal ingredients to offer a wide assortment of dishes, including traditional and international fare.
Please note that while we do our best to accommodate the individual needs of our guests (including gluten-free options), we cannot customize individual meal requests or Kosher options. Additionally, we are not gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free kitchen.
Finally, while our portions are large, if you’re concerned about hunger, we encourage you to purchase extra snacks for your stay.
Additional Details About Meals:
- We offer primarily vegan/vegetarian meals, but we serve chicken 3 times/week and eggs at most breakfasts.
- We ask you to clear your plates and dispose of any leftover food in the labeled compost bin.
- If you are going on an excursion and/or receiving a spa treatment and will not be on time for one of your meals, let our front desk manager know, and our kitchen staff will hold your plate.
- Coffee, tea, purified water, and snacks (apples, bananas, and house-made breads) are available for free all day long.
- Our Buddha Bar offers smoothies, fresh juices, kombucha, soda, beer, wine, and cocktails for a fee (charged directly to your room).
Blue Osa offers a free WiFi service. This service is available in the main lounge area as well as the dining area. Since we practice mindfulness and silence in the mornings, the internet is turned off until 7:30 am.
The internet is also turned off at dinner from 6:30 until 7:15 pm.
We do not have any computers available for use.
While there are no phones in the rooms, guests are more than welcome to make calls at our office. The fee for this service is $2.00/min.
International cell phone service here on the Osa can be sketchy at best. Sometimes phones will work, sometimes they won’t. We suggest you check with your service provider and ask them specifically about service in Costa Rica.
We invite you to leave your cell phones and laptops at home and “unplug” them from your life while on vacation or retreat. We suggest you take full advantage of this remote paradise to enjoy the peacefulness and wilderness experience.
Come to disconnect and decompress!
We are happy to help you arrange taxis for your trips to town (about a 30-minute drive each way / 11 km) and any excursions* you may go on during your stay at Blue Osa.
*Most of Blue Osa’s excursions include the cost of transportation due to the rate/person changing based on the total number of people riding in the taxi to the event.
You can review our tours and fees here.
Our world-class spa offers amazing treatments to help you unwind and restore your body-mind-spirit during your stay with us. You can schedule your treatments at our front desk; your room will be charged for your session.
All guests receive a complimentary $50 Spa Gift Certificate* for any of our 60-minute or longer treatments.
*The $50 Spa Gift Certificate cannot be used towards a 30-minute treatment, reiki, or acupuncture.
If you purchased our Spa Package, you will receive a 60-minute spa treatment daily. You are welcome to upgrade to a 90-minute treatment and pay the difference (which will be charged to your room).
Download our Spa menu here!
We accept reservations for the spa ONCE YOU ARRIVE at Blue Osa. We do not take reservations online or through email.
Our daily yoga practice is an all-levels class. Style and format will be unique depending on the instructor. Class typically runs 1 hour in length.
- Our shala has yoga mats, blocks, straps, blankets, and weights available for your use.
- Please remove your shoes before entering our sacred space.
- There are no open cups or liquid containers allowed in the space. (Blue Osa water bottles may be purchased in the store.)
We practice morning silence every day until 7:30am when breakfast is served.
Additionally, our pool closes each evening at 7:30pm, and quiet hours begin at 9pm.
This ensures we maintain a peaceful evening environment for all.
