# White Cloud Sanctuary

> White Cloud Sanctuary was a small Daoist temple and study center on a mountain farm near San José, where one guest at a time could stay for one-to-one tai chi, qigong and meditation. We couldn't confirm it still runs in November 2026, so check before you plan a stay.

Source: https://costarica-yoga-retreats.com/white-cloud-sanctuary/
Last checked: 2026-11-04

**Update, November 2026:** We couldn't confirm White Cloud Sanctuary is still running. Its old website no longer works and we found no current listing for it. Treat it as closed unless you hear otherwise.

![Misty mountain ridge at dusk under a pink and violet sky](/static/img/old/2012-08-white2.webp)

White Cloud Sanctuary described itself as a small Daoist temple and study center for meditation, qigong, tai chi and other Chinese internal martial arts. It said it had been teaching in Costa Rica since 1972.

![Two people walking along a grassy path through a wooded garden with a low stone wall](/static/img/old/2012-08-white1.webp)

## The setting

The sanctuary sat on about 12 acres of gardens, fruit trees and trails in the mountains of the Central Valley, not far from San José, with a river along one side. On clear days it looked out toward the Poás and Irazú volcanoes. The grounds had a temple and studio for meditation and movement, a tiled outdoor court for practice, and stables.

## Where guests stayed

There were two places to stay: rooms in the temple quarters, with a private bathroom and kitchen, and a one-person casita at the top of the property with a bedroom, sitting room, kitchen and valley views.

![room with wide windows](/static/img/old/2012-08-white3.webp)

![fully furnished kitchen at White Cloud Sanctuary](/static/img/old/2012-08-white5.webp)

![Casita at White Cloud Sanctuary](/static/img/old/2012-08-whitw-4.webp)

## How the training worked

The sanctuary took only one guest at a time, so each stay was effectively a private course. It offered 2-week intensives in your choice of tai chi forms (including Kuang Ping Yang style and a 48-posture Chen-based form), qigong, Hsing-I and sword work, with a daily schedule of guided sessions and quiet seated meditation.

## Tai chi and meditation elsewhere in Costa Rica

If a quiet, one-to-one stay appeals, look at meditation and silent retreats; our guide to [choosing a yoga retreat in Costa Rica](/yoga-retreats-costa-rica/) explains the different kinds of center and what to ask before you book.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is White Cloud Sanctuary still open?

We couldn't confirm it as of November 2026. Its website no longer works and we found no current listing.

### What is qigong?

A Chinese practice of slow movement, breathing and focused attention, often practiced alongside tai chi.

### Where was White Cloud Sanctuary?

On a mountain farm in the Central Valley near San José, with views toward the Poás and Irazú volcanoes. Its exact location wasn't published.