Sober Travel for Women: Costa Rica
…. a curated group travel experience for women who are alcohol-free
A lot of people have been referring to my group trips as retreats and I plan to write something separate about that, but the truth is, it really is group travel.
The word “retreat” means to withdraw, and we’re not doing that.
We’re expanding bigger and more beautiful than we have before.
We do that by having new and unique experiences in an environment where everyone can show up, be themselves, and have fun.
There’s something special about a group of women traveling together.
And I know more and more women are becoming alcohol-free and need something like this.
It’s the perfect combination of luxury, adventure, and wellness. Having traveled to more countries than I can count, I recognize the importance of a healthy, balanced vacation. Just like when we think of a healthy, balanced meal, we need some of everything to fuel ourselves; the same is true with travel.
Costa Rica will be an expansive trip with alcohol-free women ready for new adventures.
You can see more info on what’s included here.
Here’s the itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica! VIP Meet & Greet at the San Jose airport.
Here is what we will do to ensure a hassle-free arrival:
As soon as you exit the plane, you will walk through a hallway guiding you to the lobby waiting area. At this point, the concierge will be waiting for you with a sign with your name. We fancy, huh.
The Airport Concierge will check your entry paperwork and then escort you through immigration. Please have passports handy. You will then proceed to the luggage claim area to collect your bags if you checked any. Your Concierge will assist you because we deserve it!
The Airport Concierge will then show you the way to customs. (Please be aware that your luggage may be hand-checked, and you may not bring plants, seeds, vegetables, or fruits into Costa Rica.)
You will then be escorted out of the airport and introduced to your private driver, who will take you to your first destination.
We are meant to arrive in style; the details matter. So many people rely on Ubers or other forms of transportation on arrival, and let me tell you, once you have someone waiting for you with a sign, you will not go back. This is a special trip, and we make you feel incredibly special.
After we arrive in San Jose, we will have a 3-hour private drive to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa in an air-conditioned unit while we explore the scenery of Costa Rica.
Day 2: La Fortuna Waterfall Hike
After a night of beautiful sleep in your hotel room, we’ll eat have a slow breakfast and make our way to the waterfall around 11am. The breathtaking 150-ft La Fortuna waterfall is hidden at the bottom of a canyon tucked away within the jungle, so be prepared to descend a lush path while admiring the natural beauty.
Upon arrival, take in the greenery at the location. Then prepare to hike down the 480 steps to the waterfall. The stairs are well-kept and offer various points to stop and rest. This is a great opportunity for you to admire the local vegetation and even spot animals like sloths, toucans, and more. Take in the breathtaking view of the waterfall from this vantage point before getting to the river at the bottom. Once here, take a dip into the natural pools to refresh yourself under the shade of the trees. Relax, play around for a while, or snap photos of the surroundings. Then prepare to go back up the steps to the main facilities.
This is great for nature-loving travelers who want to enjoy a moderately demanding hike across the jungle. Travelers of all ages are welcome, but please note this demands continuous walking and standing.
The tour includes: Round transportation, a guide, equipment, an entrance fee, a snack, a water bottle, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
What to bring: Hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, bug spray, camera, binoculars, comfortable shoes, change of clothes, towel, and bathing suit.
We will return to the hotel and return to the hot springs before our special dinner.
Day 3: ZIPLINING!! LET’S GO!!!
Maybe take a quick dip in the hot springs before our pick up at 9:45am. The world is your oyster!!
The Arenal Volcano area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country due to its natural surrounding beauty of the rainforest and the imposing Arenal Volcano and lake. It is STUNNING. The sky tram and trek tour is a great opportunity to view the rainforest from a different perspective. It’s all about perspective, right?
The tour includes a ride in a slow-paced gondola over the tree tops and is then followed by 2 miles of zip-lining. This is a wonderful way of viewing the rainforest from above, whilst mixing nature with adventure.
You start your tour when you board a gondola with your local bilingual guide, and glide through the rainforest taking in the incredible views of the mountainous area. The tram can be stopped at any time to spot wildlife and take photos. At the end of the tram line, you will reach a wide observation platform on the highest point of the Arenal Reserve where you can sit down on comfortable chairs to enjoy the view and admire the volcano, lake, mountain range and rainforest.
Then your guide will take you through a safety talk about the next part of your tour- the canopy ziplining. EEEEEK!!! You will be fitted with your harness, helmet and gloves before setting off along 8 zip line cables that range in length from 650 to 2500 feet. Enjoy the views of the rainforest from the tree tops, as well as the panoramic view of the volcano and lake!
This tour includes: R/T Transfers to Sky Adventures park, tram ride, ziplining, all equipment and safety procedures, plus bilingual guide
What to bring: light clothing, comfortable shoes, rain jacket, camera, sun lotion & repellent.
Duration: tour time (3.5 hours) + transportation time (approx 20 min each way)
After this we will head back to the hotel for some relaxing time in the hot springs, and the afternoon on your own to explore.
Day 4: Coffee & Chocolate Tour
You’ll wake up another day fully rested and extremely proud of yourself for accomplishing ziplining—and today is a day of tasting! While there is no alcohol on this trip, that doesn’t mean we don’t get to try new flavors of the local culture. Pick up for this morning tour is at 7:45am.
This tour is the PERFECT combination of sweet and savory, taking you on a journey through some of Costa Rica’s most famous agricultural products. First up in the chocolate tour, where you’ll learn about the history and production of chocolate, from the cacao tree to the finished product. You’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the FINEST chocolate in the world and even make your own delicious treats.
Next is the coffee tour, where you'll discover the secrets of Costa Rica's world-renowned coffee industry. You'll visit a coffee plantation, learn about the cultivation and harvesting process, and taste some of the freshest and most flavorful coffee you've ever had. You will see how coffee seeds are planted and cultivated, giving you insight into the initial stages of the coffee-growing journey.
As we progress, the guides will walk you through the various stages of coffee production, including how the coffee plants are nurtured, harvested, and processed. You'll gain a deep understanding of the techniques and practices involved in producing high-quality coffee beans.
Finally experience concludes with a sugar cane tour, where you'll witness the traditional process of turning sugar cane into juice, and even have the chance to try it for yourself. You'll learn about the importance of the Costa Rican crop and it's history, and perhaps leave with a newfound appreciation for this sweet and versatile plant.
This tour includes: Transportation; guide; entrance fees; coffee; snacks.
What to bring: phone, repellent, binoculars, comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes
Duration: Tour Time (3 hours) + Transportation time (15 minutes) (approximately 4.5 hours in total)
Once we are back, we can settle into our rooms, have a nice rest, explore the hot springs before having a nice final dinner in La Fortuna before heading to Las Catalinas.
Day 5: Head to Las Catalinas
Today we will check out of Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa and head to Las Catalinas. We’ll be picked up at 10am for a private transfer out of La Fortuna. You’ll get the experience the beautiful scenery of Costa Rica along the way. The drive is about 3 hours, we will stop for lunch (not included) on the way and of course can have as many breaks as necessary. (Total drive time will be around 4 hours.)
And then we get to Las Catalinas at the beautiful Casa Chameleon.
Casa Chameleon is a 45-minute drive away from the Liberia airport, in Guanacaste. It is an adults-only boutique hotel in Las Catalinas, overlooking the ocean. Those seeking both relaxation and adventure will love staying here, particularly if they want to experience Costa Rican culture while surrounded by luxury.
The hotel is comprised by 21 private villas, all with minimalist contemporary designs. Elegant, modern furnishings keep you comfortable while enjoying the ocean views. Each villa has a private salt water plunge pool, a fully-stocked minibar with local products, private terrace, safe, bluetooth speaker, daily clean service, and 24-hour concierge service.
Amenities at the hotel are also plentiful. Dip into the zero-edge infinity pool and relax. Enjoy complimentary WiFi throughout the property and both local and international phone calls. A courtesy shuttle is also available to and from the beach upon request, and you can participate on special weekly activities like yoga or fitness classes.
The on-site restaurant, Sentido Norte, offers a la carte menu which showcases Costa Rica's coastal cuisine. It's open to the general public, and it offers several options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They are able to accomodate special diets if informed in advance, and provide daily happy hour at the bar. Breakfast is also included with your stay.
Nearby you can find hiking and biking trails, opportunities for water sports (like surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling), adventure tours (like zip lining, rafting), fishing tours, and Las Catalinas town.
Upon arrival & check-in, you will rest, enjoy the gorgeous views and take a minute to get acclimated with the beautiful resort. Then, we will explore Las Catalinas.
Day 6: Sunset Catamaran Tour
You’ll wake up in Paradise, unsure how you’ll ever leave, but enjoying the company of other women who are here to support you. You’ll have a slow morning, with plenty of time to sleep in, have a nice breakfast, enjoy the infinity pool, and reflect on the past few days. Around 1pm we will head out for the boat tour where we will experience the best sunset in the area on board the Panache Catamaran.
Set sail to enjoy the incredible view of Costa Rica's Gold Coast. Spend an amazing afternoon on board this modern, comfortable vessel; accompanied by the friendly crew. With a full heart and clear mind, you’ll sit on the prow gazing the sea in search of dolphins, sea turtles or even whales. Enjoy a short stop for snorkeling and kayaking in the cool Pacific waters.
As you enjoy the water the chef will prepare some delicious snacks such as chicken burritos, guacamole, refried beans, chips and dips, pico de gallo, fresh fruits, cookies and vegetables. Back on board it’s time to relax and watch the sun melt into the horizon with spectacular shades of orange, purple, and pink. You’ll return to with photos and memories to last a life time.
This tour includes beverages, snacks, bilingual guide.
What to bring: Bathing suits, sunscreen, hat, cover-up, towels, camera.
Day 7: Time to leave :(
Today, you will wake up with mixed feelings: grateful for an amazing trip and sad that it’s over. You’ll receive a private ground transfer as you explore the scenery of Costa Rica in a private, air-conditioned unit. The drive to the airport is approximately 1+ hours.
It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later. Have a safe flight home!
If you’re interested in joining us, put down your deposit here. Payment plans are available.
Send an email to hello@michelleplante.com with any questions you have.
