Retreat Centers
Prana Rainforest Retreat
Prana Rainforest Retreat is a private rainforest villa in the hills of Manuel Antonio, rented as a whole for up to 14 guests. With a covered yoga pavilion, 2 pools and its own waterfall, it suits a small group, a family or a yoga teacher bringing a private retreat.
Update, November 2026: Prana has changed since we first wrote about it. It used to host one couple at a time on a bed-and-breakfast and massage package; today the whole villa is rented to one group of up to 14 guests. We've rewritten this page to match.
Prana Rainforest Retreat is a private villa at the end of a quiet road in the hills of Manuel Antonio, on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, right at the edge of Manuel Antonio National Park. Monkeys, sloths and toucans are common in the forest around the park. Its owner, Mark, built it and has hosted guests there for about 16 years, and he still handles every booking himself.
The villa
You rent the whole place: 5 suites, each with a king bed and its own bathroom, on 2 levels, sleeping up to 14 guests. There are 2 swimming pools and a private waterfall, and the rooms open onto the forest. Children are welcome, with a crib and high chair on request. Outside the busiest months, couples and small groups can ask about renting just the upper level as a 2-suite villa with its own pool. The minimum stay is 3 nights, longer over Christmas and Easter. Check their website for current rates.
Yoga, massage and food
Prana is set up for small yoga and wellness retreats. There's a covered yoga pavilion by the waterfall, plus a covered deck and poolside spaces, and the villa can supply mats and blocks for up to 14 people. The villa's site doesn't list a resident teacher, so plan to bring your own teacher or group. Massage and spa treatments can be booked in the villa at extra cost.
Breakfast isn't part of the stay any more: local coffee is included, and a private chef can cook for the group at extra cost. Restaurants are about 2 minutes away by car.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It suits a family or friends traveling together, a yoga teacher who wants a private space for a small group, or a couple in the quieter months who want the upper level to themselves. It isn't a retreat center with a class schedule you can join on your own; if that's what you want, see how to choose a yoga retreat in Costa Rica.
Getting there
Manuel Antonio is about 3 hours' drive from San José airport (SJO). You can also fly from San José to Quepos in about 20 minutes; the villa is about 8 minutes' drive from Quepos, and 5 to 10 minutes from the beaches. Manuel Antonio National Park is next door for rainforest walks, monkeys and beaches, and the area has rafting, zip-lining and waterfall tours. For other places to practice along this coast, see the Central Pacific section of our guide to where to do yoga in Costa Rica.
Website: Prana Rainforest Retreat
Frequently asked questions
How many people can stay at Prana Rainforest Retreat?
Up to 14 guests in 5 king suites. The whole villa is rented to one group at a time.
Does Prana Rainforest Retreat have yoga classes?
It has a covered yoga pavilion and mats for up to 14, but its site doesn't list a resident teacher, so plan to bring your own.
Is Prana Rainforest Retreat good for families?
Yes. Children are welcome, and a crib and high chair are available.
How do I get to Prana from San José?
Drive about 3 hours, or fly to Quepos in about 20 minutes and drive about 8 minutes to the villa.
[Updated on: 4 November 2026]
