Back to Nature
Costa Rica Retreat
Attendee Resource Page
We are so excited that you’ll be joining us on this special journey! We wanted to ensure you had as much information as possible to plan ahead and prepare, for what will be an epic experience for us all!
Dates
19th to 26th November 2025
The retreat container will open on the eve of 19th November 2025, allowing you to arrange your flight or arrival in San Jose at any point on this day (or before if you’re extending your trip).
We will close the retreat on the evening of 25th November, whilst still enjoying our morning together on the 26th. Flights from SJO on the 26th November should not be booked earlier than 3pm to allow us travel time to the airport.
Flights
Below are some recommended flight options from London to San Jose (SJO) searched early August, however there are other airlines and flight options available through searches online. The below flights arrive and depart on the retreat start & end dates. You also have the option to extend your stay and arrange direct flights which operate on alternate days. We’re here to support you so please contact us if you need advice hello@thesoundshift.co
Your Info
It’s important for us to ensure you have the best experience possible. By completing the following contact form, it allows us to cater for any important and individual requirements, pair rooms considerately and make decisions based on the preferences of the group.
Important Information
Visas & Passport:
British & European nationals do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica, however you may be asked to show your return ticket and the address where you are staying (which is: Azul Hotel & Retreat Centre, Playa Azul, Punta Trinidad, 50306, Guanacaste, Costa Rica)
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is essential. Please make sure you have provided us with your insurance company, policy number and emergency telephone number for our records.
Vaccination and Health:
For travel to Costa Rica, the only required vaccine is for yellow fever if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. While no other vaccinations are mandatory for entry, it's recommended to be up-to-date on routine vaccinations like MMR, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B. Malaria is not prevalent in the areas we will be travelling, however you should ensure good bite avoidance by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset and using natural insect repellents on exposed skin at these times.
Hospitals/Emergencies:
In Costa Rica, the emergency number to call for assistance is 911. For medical emergencies, you can dial 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital's emergency department. Private hospitals like Hospital CIMA also offer 24/7 emergency services with specialized staff. For urgent care needs, Emergencias Monteverde provides 24/7 local and national emergency services, including transfers to other private hospitals.
Currency:
The national currency is the Colones, although US Dollars are widely accepted. Both are available at ATMs throughout the country.
Weather:
November marks the transition to the dry season, so rainfall will be less frequent than in previous months. Typically, the end of November, it's likely to be drier, with any rain occurring in the late evenings or overnight.
Guanacaste's coastal areas will be warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (30-33°C) and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (24-27°C).
What to pack
Lightweight, comfortable clothes for relaxing, gentle movement practices and walking
Light hiking boots/trainers (for any jungle escapades)
A warmer layer/waterproof for the afternoons & evenings
Swimsuit!!!
Sun cream & a hat
A Head Torch can be useful!
Emergency phone numbers and any important medical information
A photocopy of your Passport (always recommended)
Dioralyte/rehydration salts – take at the first sign of dehydration
Cream for any bites or scratches
Chargers & Plug Adaptors (for The Americas)
Small amount of cash (CRC or USD) for snacks and local shops
Headphones - we’ll be sharing a trip playlist and recommended audio books for our drive to Azul, as you take in the landscape and revel in the journey ahead.
Accompaniments
Watch this space for recommended audiobooks, reads and our retreat playlist!
Our Meeting Place
The address below is where we will meet and stay on Wednesday 19th Nov. The hotel itself offers a free shuttle from the airport. Signs for the shuttle can be found directly outside the Arrivals Terminal.
Fairfield by Marriott
Radial Francisco J. Orlich
Plaza Los Mangos
Alajuela Province 20109
Should you be extending your stay and/or staying near the airport for additional nights we can recommend places nearby to visit or see. Contact us for more information hello@thesoundshift.co
