Just Why Costa Rica Is Ideal for Those Seeking a Holistic Vacation

My first thought upon seeing "forest bathing" on the schedule was that it might entail naked body washing in public. To our relief, the "bath" was really more of an opportunity to be with nature. Místico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is one of just a few locations in Costa Rica where you can participate in forest treatment under the guidance of a licensed professional. 

A little bit of motivational coaching, some guided meditation, and a leisurely stroll in the rain forest made up our forest bathing experience. Throughout our hike through the rain forest, our guide brought us through a series of "invitations," or prompts, designed to get us thinking about something new as we took in our environment and reported back on what we discovered. 

Japanese people believe that taking a "forest bath" will help them deal with stress, increase their creativity and happiness, decrease their blood pressure, and strengthen their immune system. It was more impactful on a psychological and emotional level than I had anticipated, but I can't say for sure that it was possible to accomplish all of that in a single session. I attribute a lot of this to the fact that Costa Rica provides a fantastic opportunity for folks like myself, who are always connected to our phones and computers, to just unplug and relax. 

In Costa Rica, one of the world's most biodiverse countries, visitors have the opportunity to reconnect with nature through guided forest bathing or self-guided exploration of the breathtaking natural beauties. 

Arenal Volcano National Park was my next stop after a forest bath and a guided hike through Hanging Bridges Park—a habitat for coati, wild boar, and other wildlife. As we meandered around the paths, I took in the scenery, relaxing knowing that my horse was familiar with the area's flora and fauna. Even though it is one of Costa Rica's most famous and active volcanoes, the peak of the usually cloud-covered Arenal Volcano is not visible to everyone. A sunny day, a little perseverance, and a stroke of luck allowed us to see the volcano in all its majesty. 

No matter how stunning the scenery was, the highlight of our La Fortuna health vacation was undoubtedly the ride back to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa.

Visit Tabacon's hot springs to relax after a day of exciting outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, zip line, and other popular excursions in the region). These thermal springs, which draw heat from the Arenal Volcano, flow like a river, with water cascading from one pool to another and forming multiple miniature waterfalls. Because the water does not contain sulfur, there is no unpleasant odor that can detract from the pleasure, in contrast to other thermal springs globally. 

No matter when you visit, Tabacon will provide a calm environment surrounded by gorgeous gardens. At day, the dense foliage provides the ideal amount of shade, and at night, the low lighting creates a tranquil atmosphere surrounding the springs. Relax on one of the many lounge chairs or beds as you take a break from swimming at this resort, which also serves food and drinks (don't forget to sample the fresh ceviche). 

While a massage or facial is the quintessential sign of wellness, Tabacon creates an exceptional spa experience by utilizing its breathtaking surroundings. This spa takes its cues from traditional Costa Rican practices by providing a range of body wraps and exfoliation treatments made with ingredients found in the area, including avocados, volcanic clay, pineapple, and coffee beans. The spa provides a wide range of holistic health treatments, from traditional Swedish and deep tissue massages to ayurvedic methods and a brand new service called Emotional Massage, which aims to help clients connect with their emotions. 

For my massage, I chose the Honey Temptation. I was taken away by the masseuse to a secluded outdoor treatment area among the gardens. The soothing sound of the hot spring water trickling down the drain helped me relax and unwind more than the usual spa music. While a full-body massage enriched with honey, oranges, and olives soothed my skin, the rain's pitter-pattering on the thatched roof enhanced the symphony. I was then left to rinse off in the outside shower after the massage. A spout made of bamboo released water. As soon as I shut my eyes, I was transported to a secluded sanctuary in the rain forest of Costa Rica. 

Day permits are available at Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa for anyone who wish to simply visit the spa and hot springs; however, guests of the hotel are entitled to complimentary admission to the springs. Staying the night in Tabacon was the ideal way to round off the experience, in my opinion. From the balcony, I could hear tropical birds chirping every morning, and at night, I could hear the melodies of other, more enigmatic creatures, making it feel even more like I was really in nature. 

I know that a single vacation won't fix all of life's difficulties, but I returned from my retreat feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on anything life threw my way.