The Retreat Costa Rica: Truly Heaven on Earth
A (Virtual) conversation WITH Diana stobo, Owner, &
YARENIS NÚÑEZ, Sales & marketing Manager
How did The retreat come about?
The Retreat has a long and magical story. If there was a short version, it would be told with inspired laughter and tears. But to put it simply, it was the dream child of the owner, Diana Stobo who was for many years, a life and spirit coach, chef, and kundalini teacher amongst other healing modalities. Life handed her a golden opportunity and she took it. Without a clear path forward, Diana began to build and design not only the physical property but the perfect environment for healing. Diana is always updating for freshness and functionality, while never losing site of her core values and healing knowledge.
What is The retreat’s mission?
The ethos of The Retreat is to keep it simple. The Retreat provides a healing environment - stress free, with highly nutritious programs enjoyable on every level, and filled with laughter and love.
What does a perfect day look like At the retreat?
The most perfect days are those that are imperfect. Which means that healing and transformation cannot be scheduled. So, we love creating time and space between moments of healing activities to allow process and surrender.
Our days begin with birds chirping and bustling about for their morning activities.
Fresh organic french pressed coffee from our biodynamic coffee plantation is served in the open kitchen in the main house.
Our Yoga teacher prepares for her morning class with soft music and chants - and begins each day with a beautiful opening practice.
Fresh organic fruits, home made granolas, chia puddings, farm fresh eggs, smoothies, and juices are served for breakfast.
Our concierge takes you on a vigorous and exploitive hike on the mountain, returning 1-2 hours later to a fresh juice.
Pool time, a treatment or a rest in your room always inspire for the rest of the day.
Organic and inspired lunch is served or one can meander to Gratitude Cafe for a la carte, vegan nachos, or mushroom tacos.
More ME time to expand and process.
Afternoon yoga at the Yoga House is our way of saying, you did good today. You loved yourself and cared for your health, we offer you a stretch and some active rest to prepare you for a gorgeous sunset and a glass of organic and biodynamic wine.
A sit down 3 course meal is served in a luxury setting under the stars. Whether you are alone or arrive with friends, you will never feel alone at The Retreat. Everyone is so friendly and open and create family whoever is our guests.
And finally a nightcap by the fire pit under the pavilion. A wonderful way to finish the day.
Do you have a famous menu item we can share with our clients?
Our Vegan Nachos at the Gratitude Cafe is a favorite:
Grateful Nachos with Chorizo
CASHEW NACHO CHEESE:
2 cup cashew, soaked for 2 hours
1 cup water
1 freshly squeezed lemon
½ cup organic medium salsa*
¾ cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon sea salt
Blend in high speed blender on High until smooth and creamy (will last in refrigerator for a week)
SPICY MEATLESS CHORIZO:
2 cups walnuts, chopped
¾ cup goji berries, soaked for 1 hour and drained
1 cup sun dried tomatoes in olive oil
Half bunch cilantro, chopped
½ lime, juiced
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
2 ½ Tablespoons garlic powder
2 ½ Tablespoons cumin powder
1 Tablespoons chili powder
1 Tablespoons smoked paprika
1 Tablespoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Place all ingredients together in a food processor fit with an S-blade. Pulse to break down until it has a ground beef texture (will last in refrigerator for over a week)
BEANS:
1 large onion, diced
2 medium size tomatoes, diced
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
3 cups precooked black beans
¼ cup of avocado oil
In medium sized skillet, saute onions, garlic, and tomatoes in oil on medium heat for 5 minutes to caramelize and then add the beans. Continue to cook at low temperature for 15 minutes
*The Retreat MEDIUM SALSA for NACHO CHEESE:
1 medium Tomato
½ Jalapeno seeded and chopped
1 clove Garlic
¼ cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon sea salt
In a high-speed blender, blend on high for 1 minute
PICO DE GALLO:
1 large tomato diced
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup cilantro chopped
¼ jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
2 lemons freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Place all ingredients in a bowl and let sit
ASSEMBLY & GARNISH:
2 cups Organic Tortilla Chips per serving
Add beans, “meat”, and nacho cheese as desired
Top with Pico de gallo
Garnish with:
Diced avocado
Freshly chopped cilantro
Charity of the retreat’s choice to support?
We support many charities and causes in the local area, including, but not limited to:
We are godparents of a child at an orphanage in Atenas
We participate on the Telethon, which is a television charity event held annually in our country.
We participate in our community cleaning and recycling program, along with community River cleaning.
We donate to the local elderly home.
We buy local, when possible.
We participate in many auctions on a local and international level.
LUXE & NYx PICK - THE IMMERSIVE WELLNESS PACKAGE
Being cared for in an environment where you don’t have to think about anything is enough to be excited about this package. It is also the best way for you to experience everything The Retreat has to offer, from the amazing food, the body movement classes, the crystal mountain hikes, the chefs lessons, and of course the hands on healing. Diana Stobo, The Retreat founder and owner is a wellness expert and author of fifteen books. Her successful guide to being your best self lies in these principles; A delicious anti-inflammatory diet, gentle movement with just enough challenge for most fitness levels, mental and emotional support, human connection, cultural involvement, education and empowerment not to mention relaxation and lots of fun.
The Retreat’s beautiful resident peacocks, Tarzana and Jane, await to greet guests.
luxe & Nyx amenity
On top of our standard amenities, L&N clients will be offered one complimentary drink from The Gratitude café menú and 20 minutes of Kansa Therapy on Back, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet.
Ready to Book or Have Questions?
We can’t wait for you to experience The Retreat!
Visit us here or reach out - hello@luxeandnyx.com.
xx, The team at luxe & nyx
