Location
Vida Asana is conveniently located 90 minutes from San Jose Airport (SJO), just outside of Jacó in beautiful Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Situated between the lush tropical beauty of the jungle and world-famous beaches of Playa Hermosa, our location provides easy access to a variety of activities, excursions, restaurants, and shopping, yet offers a peaceful jungle setting to repose.

Local Currency
Costa Rica’s official currency is the Colón. The exchange rate average is roughy 550 colones to the dollar. However, US dollars are generally accepted in all areas save for some smaller pueblos. If you do spend US dollars, keep in mind that you will receive your change in colones. It is recommended that you bring denominations of $20 or less as higher denominations are often not accepted in local shops and markets. It is not recommended to change money at the airport.

Helpful Apps
We recommend downloading the free communication app, ‘Whatsapp’. It is very helpful for communicating with Vida Asana and other members of your group, through data and Wi-Fi. If you will be navigating yourself through Costa Rica, before or after your retreat here, the free navigation app ‘Waze’ is helpful to have as most locations have a Waze link that they can send to you or you can look up directly.

Water
Water is taken very seriously at Vida Asana! There is no need to buy plastic bottles of water, just bring your favorite water bottle and refill at our filtered water station. All water on the property goes through five filters before reaching the rooms and kitchen, and then continues through a diverse filtration process complete with restoring any beneficial minerals pulled out during  the filtering, before reaching our water station.

Visa and Passport Requirements
Guests traveling from the USA and Canada (and many other countries) do not need a visa but will need to provide a return ticket or evidence of onward travel. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining to enter the country.

Travel Insurance
We highly recommend our students secure their own travel insurance. 

Daylight and Time Zone
Daylight begins to show ~ 5:15am, with sunrise 5:30am and sunset beginning around 5:30pm.

Electrical Power
The country uses 120V, 60Hz current, and the same for wall outlets. This is the same as the US, so guests from the US will not need adaptors.

Clothing
Guests should bring clothes for active daytime, such as hiking sandals/shoes, yoga clothes, beachwear, swimwear, flip flops and casual wear such as; shorts, sundresses, tank tops and anything made of a light breathable material. The nights can be chilly (more so during green season) so a light jacket, or a loose-fitting long sleeve top and light pants are recommended. We also recommend a rain jacket or poncho during green season.

Meals & Special Dietary Needs
The menu at Vida Asana was created with food sensitivities in mind. Our kitchen staff is fully versed in many types of foods and special dietary needs and can accommodate any special request. We will send you, in advance, a questionnaire requesting this and other information.

Breakfast Examples:
Gallo pinto (beans and rice with aromatics and salsa Linzano- a very Costa Rican typical breakfast)
Eggs
Sweet plantains
Pico de gallo
Slaw
Fresh Fruit
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Tortilla Española  (Our version of a Spanish omelet made with camote, a local white sweet potato)
Chia pudding with almonds and strawberries
House made granola or hot quinoa made with bananas, coconut, and almond butter
Yogurt
Fresh Fruit

Lunch Examples:
Greek Salad
Fresh greens (from our garden)
Hummus and Baba ghanouj
Falafel
Tzatziki and Tahini Sauces
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Sushi Bowl (A mix of sushi rice, carrot, cucumber, avocado, mango, black sesame seeds, sushi nori, and sesame ginger vinaigrette)
Salad greens
Miso soup
Fresh fruit

Dinner Examples:
Vegan Lasagna
Fresh green salad
Dijon or Balsamic Vinaigrette
Apple Crisp
______
Pad Thai:
Shrimp in Tamarind Glaze
Rainbow Mix of Fresh Veggies
Rice Noodles
Peanut Sauce
Fresh Green Salad

Dessert:
Avocado Chocolate Mousse with Strawberries


Additional info:

Check In/Out: Check In – 4:00pm, Check Out – 11:00am.
We will also do our best to accommodate early check in needs and late check out requests.

Pets: Animals of assistance and or guide dogs are permissible. Vida Asana does have pets. Please let us know if you have guests with allergies or are fearful of dogs and/or cats.

Code of Ethics: Vida Asana reserves the right to refuse admission and remove from its premises any guest who does not behave within ethical manners and agreeable practices.