Costa Rica
7 DAYS OF BLISS: NOURISH & RECHARGE IN PARADISE
Encantada Ocean Cottages
Esterillos Este, Costa Rica
February 28-March 7, 2026
with Melanie Caines
Sand, sun, and yoga anyone?! Join Melanie for 7 days of bliss at right on the beach in glorious Costa Rica! Fresh air, fresh food, two yoga classes a day, plus all the lounging, exploring, and relaxation you can handle: treat yourself to this BLISS!
Yoga offerings include Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Myofascial Release, Neurogenic Yoga, and Meditation.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Group size: 10-15 people
Exclusive use? Yes we will be the only staying guests at the property. The restaurant is open to the public and their yoga shala hosts one public class each day.
Encantada Ocean Cottages
BLISS IS THIS
Encantada Ocean Cottages is a laid back boutique hotel located in the quiet beach town of Esterillos Este on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica.
AT ENCANTADA
Experience your own version of paradise. We’ve worked hard to make Encantada a place where you can let go, and fully immerse yourself in all the experiences people have come to love so much about Costa Rica. Our friendly and caring staff are here to help make your getaway everything you imagined it would be…
Soak up the pristine beaches and uncrowded surf of Esterillos Este, enjoy yoga classes in our private yoga shala and sabor delicious, locally sourced food. At Encantada everything is at your fingertips. Take a surf lesson, indulge in a relaxing massage, horseback ride at sunset, or take it easy by the pool with a cocktail. Take advantage of that refreshing morning plunge, moonlight dip and everything in between. Whatever mood you’re in, we’ve got you covered.
ENCANTADA BISTRO & BAR
Warm ocean breezes, rolling waves and the odd serenade by a curious macaw sets the stage for an amazing meal. Enjoy a tasty selection of traditional Costa rican cuisine sprinkled with comfort food favorites. Enjoy fresh Costa Rican fare like the mouthwatering gallo pinto, fried plantains, casados and quesadillas, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. All of our produce is locally sourced and each dish is lovingly prepared over a wood-fired grill.
ABOUT ESTERILLOS ESTE
Known for having the cleanest, most pristine beaches in the area, surfers flock to Este for its miles of uncrowded beach breaks. The beaches are quiet, picturesque, and the perfect tropical setting to post-up and soak up the sun.
Esterillos and it’s neighbouring towns have developed into a place where you can find all the basics at local grocery stores and enjoy a variety of cuisine at nearby restaurants. However, it’s still managed to maintain it’s peaceful, yet rustic charm. If you’re looking for a little more action or some interesting nightlife, were just 20 minutes from the bustling beach town of Jaco where you can find almost anything you might need or want. The streets of Jaco are lined with cute shops and restaurants, and you can find things like banks, health centers, pharmacies, a post office and a larger grocery store.
accommodations & Fees
Retreat to your enchanting hide-away amidst palm trees, lush gardens and the captivating pacific ocean. Our style is described as rustic tropical meets boho chic. Spacious, clean and the perfect space to relax and re-energize after the days adventures.
Each room is lovingly cared for and includes creature comforts that will make you feel right at home. Guests rave about the blissful sleeps they have in our plush beds and soft sheets. You’ll love the feeling when you tuck in!
Each room includes: Air Conditioning, Hot Water, Orthopedic Hypo-allergenic Beds, Organic Soaps and Shampoos, Complimentary breakfast, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Mini Fridge, Security box, Fresh Tropical Flowers, Turkish Beach Towels, Coffee & Tea and Outdoor Lounge.
Single Occupancy
$3325 USD
Double Occupancy
$2975 USD per person
what to expect
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily meditation With Melanie
- 2 yoga classes a day (total of 12 classes) with Melanie
- Ground transportation (one group pickup) on arrival and departure days (to/from San Jose Airport – SJO)
- 3 fresh, healthy meals a day
- Excursion to Manuel Antonio Park
- Internet/Wifi
- All taxes/HST included
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Flight
- Alcohol
- Optional excursions
- Gratuity
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
Massages
Surfing
HORSEBACK RIDING on the beach
Zipline Adventure
Monkey mangrove tour
Waterfall hike with blue clay experience
SCHEDULE
Morning Yoga + Meditation
Breakfast
Free Time/Relaxation/Optional Excursions
Lunch
Free Time/Relaxation/Optional Excursions
Late Afternoon Yoga
Dinner
IMPORTANT DATES
Saturday, February 28
Arrival day: welcome circle & dinner
Sunday, March 1
First yoga class
Friday, March 6
Last yoga class & dinner
Saturday, March 7
Breakfast & departure day
TRAVEL
The closest airport is San Jose (SJO): arrival day is Saturday, February 28 (complimentary pickup at 1:00pm) and departure day is Saturday, March 7 (complimentary airport drop off leaves 11:00am at check out).
It is approximately a 2 hour drive from San Jose airport to Encantada Ocean Cottages; your ground transportation will be arranged by our hosts and waiting for you in the arrival area.
Please note: if you require transportation outside the complimentary shuttles that can easily be arranged. As well, if you prefer to fly in and out of Liberia Airport (LIR) it is a 3-4 hour drive and we can arrange transportation for you (a fee will apply in both instances).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE TERMS & CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY:
If you cancel your booking up to 120 days before the retreat start date: your deposit (less a change/cancellation fee of €150 EUR or $150 USD depending on the currency of your booked trip) and all other payments may be transferred to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting. Please note: if you make multiple changes each change/cancellation will result in an additional €150/$150 USD change/cancellation fee. You are also permitted to transfer to a different Nova Retreat OR transfer your booking to another interested party (the change/cancellation fee noted above will still apply).
If you cancel your booking between 91 days and 119 days from the retreat start date: you can avail of a one-time transfer of your payments (MINUS your €500 or $500 USD deposit) to another Nova Retreats Inc. trip (within one year of the current retreat start date), space permitting (please note: this is a one-time transfer and multiple changes are not permitted, no exceptions). You are also permitted to transfer your booking to another interested party. Please note: your €500 or $500 USD deposit will be non-transferable and non-refundable if you cancel OR transfer in the 91-119 day time period.
If you cancel your booking 90 days or less from the retreat start date: no credit can be given and all monies paid will be forfeited.
In the event that the trip is postponed for any reason, including any force majeure event, all monies paid will be converted into travel credit that can be applied to a future Nova Retreat Inc. trip; this credit is transferable and expires one year from the original retreat date.
Nova Retreats Inc. is a small business that proudly works with intimate, family-run hotels and venues and we are unable to offer refunds of any kind. If you require more security, please talk to an insurance broker about a comprehensive travel plan that will offer you the coverage you need.
Thank you for understanding.
• A $500 USD non-refundable deposit (PER PERSON) is required to reserve your spot (ie, a double room requires 2 deposits).
• 50% of balance is due August 28, 2025
• Remaining balance is due October 28, 2025
• Payments can be made via credit card, interac e-transfer, PayPal, or cash.
•Proof of Emergency Travel Medical Insurance AND Trip Interruption/Cancellation Insurance are both required.
• Participants must have a regular yoga practice and should be comfortable with a level 1/2 class. Participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
NOVA RETREATS
Nova Retreats proudly curates small group wellness retreats filled with connection, joy, and authentic experiences. We welcome travellers who are able to go with the flow and who are interested in embracing and respecting different countries, cultures, and customs. Each trip is thoughtfully planned and lovingly led by sole owner, operator, and founder, Melanie Caines, who proudly collaborates with beautiful venues and amazing yoga teachers for a truly unforgettable and rejuvenating week. Since 2014, Melanie has curated and hosted over 50 retreats for hundreds of people from all over the world.
At Nova Retreats we recognize that travel is a privilege: we welcome the opportunity to experience and embrace different cultures and customs, offering us an exciting departure from what we’re used to at home. We will do everything we can to ensure your week with us is a comfortable and joyous journey and we ask you to please remember that some things are out of our control; some days may be hotter than you like, or cooler than you like, wetter or windier than you’d like. You may be walking on cobblestones, there could be hills or stairs to climb; you may be introduced to new tastes and types of food. And this is why we travel: to shift our perspective, to understand, to learn, to grow, to expand our horizons, to see the world.
Magic happens when we give ourselves time and space, outside our daily routines and lives, to think, breathe, experience, & enjoy. We look forward to sharing that magic with you.
YOUR RETREAT LEADER
MELANIE CAINES
VIEW BIO
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a passport?
Yes you are required to have a passport.
I don’t have anyone to go with and I don’t want to pay for single occupancy – can you find me a roommate?
Yes I can try to match you up with another solo traveller. You can pay your deposit and if a match cannot be made your deposit will be refunded.
I have dietary restrictions – is this retreat able to accommodate me?
Yes certainly; once you have reserved your spot please pass on any allergies, restrictions, or requests.
Will my ride meet me at the airport?
Yes! We will have all of your flight arrival (and departure) information and will arrange for ground transportation to meet you upon your exit of the airport.
Do I need to be an advanced yogi to join this retreat?
Participants should have a regular yoga practice and be comfortable with a level 2 class; participants should be confident modifying when they need to and be open to exploring and adventuring on the mat.
Can I bring my kids?
This retreat will be an adult-only vacation.
How can I reach you if I have further questions?
You can email Melanie at novayogaretreats@gmail.com.
TESTIMONIALS
In a word, Nova Yoga Retreats are delicious! Melanie and her co-leaders hold space beautifully, guiding the group through yoga and meditation practices and “off campus” excursions with gentle mastery. You can show up and know that everything has been taken care of. Her groups are always welcoming; I attended two retreats solo and left both with amazing friends. Melanie chooses retreat locations with natural and artistic beauty and most importantly–soul. Her love of travel and exploring new cultures adds so much to the experience. Last, but not least, the food and accomodations are always a delight!
It felt like a true escape from my normal life. I feel like I was able to connect to the area and the people who journeyed with me. Your ability to curate a safe space to be and a place to play for people is truly a gift, Melanie. Thank you.
I can’t recommend Nova Yoga’s retreats highly enough. Melanie put together an amazing week that stretched our bodies and our minds, and left both stronger and more restored. This experience was much more than “just” yoga — it was truly a reset physically and mentally, and a wonderful opportunity to restore and refresh alongside amazing and kind women.
From the moment I arrived, I knew it would be a transformative journey. Each class left me relaxed and rejuvenated. This, along with amazing food and people, made for an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for the perfect yoga getaway.
Melanie finds the best places and brings together the most amazing people.
I love the opportunity to get away from the tourist areas and get to know the local scene. The food was fabulous, staff and accommodations were excellent. The yoga was wonderfully therapeutic. And I really enjoyed getting to know the group. This was a wonderful experience for me and my first time travelling as a single. It gave me the confidence to try it again.
Melanie is the most incredible yoga instructor. Her retreats are absolutely amazing. A magical experience of a lifetime. If you haven’t done one of her retreats, you are really missing out!