Elevating Wellness Through Culinary Innovation

At The Retreat Costa Rica, dining is a journey that harmonizes wellness with culinary creativity. What began with Sol Terrace, our signature anti-inflammatory, gluten-free restaurant rooted in detox cuisine, has now expanded into a vibrant culinary destination for travelers and food lovers alike. From poolside plates at La Diosa Sunset Lounge and Bar and fresh, casual fare at Richard’s Kitchen to the elevated tasting experience at Mystique Rooftop Fine dining , every space offers something distinct yet deeply nourishing.

Our chefs draw from the rich, natural bounty of Costa Rica, crafting dishes that are inspiring, seasonal, and full of vitality. We focus on organic ingredients, bold flavors, and holistic food practices that honor the body’s natural rhythms. Here, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a celebration of wellness, flavor, and the joy of gathering.”

Sol Terrace

At Sol Terrace Restaurant, each meal is a tribute to the freshest ingredients of the day, thoughtfully crafted to support a wellness-focused lifestyle. Our farm-to-table, anti-inflammatory menu is entirely dairy-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free, tailored to provide a nourishing experience that aligns with our guests' wellness journeys. Our chef’s choice menu evolves daily with the rhythm of nature, offering an inclusive, unique dining experience as fresh and vibrant as Costa Rica itself. Mornings begin with a vibrant array of freshly pressed juices, tropical fruits, farm-fresh egg creations, homemade granola, chia puddings, and aromatic organic coffee roasted right in our garden and served French press style. Lunch is a celebration of our farm’s daily harvest, with inventive salads, fresh greens, and inspired vegetable combinations that showcase the beauty and vitality of each ingredient. Dinner invites guests into an artful three-course journey that begins with a pureed garden soup to awaken the palate. The main course varies each evening and always includes vegetarian and vegan options, created with the same dedication to freshness and flavor. Our protein options include sustainably sourced local fowl, fish, or beef, offering a nutritious balance to each meal.A beautifully crafted dessert finale completes each evening, leaving guests with a taste of wellness at its finest.

Sol Terrace Bar

At Sol Terrace Bar, our house Sommelier adds a splash of artistry to every pour, crafting garden-fresh cocktails that bring the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica to life. With the country’s largest selection of organic and biodynamic wines from around the globe, our sommelier expertly pairs each meal with the perfect glass, creating a truly memorable dining experience. His mixology skills shine with ingredients hand-picked from our cliffside organic garden, only steps from the bar. Don’t miss our signature Tarzan and Jane Gin & Tonic—a playful nod to our resident peacocks and a drink as bold as the Costa Rican wilderness itself!

Mystique Rooftop Fine Dining

At Mystique, dining becomes an immersive experience of bold flavor and refined artistry. Crafted by two-star Michelin chef Richard Neat, our six-course tasting menu unfolds each evening as a journey through Costa Rica’s seasonal bounty, paired with exceptional wines and sweeping rooftop views. The ambiance is intimate and seductive—candlelit tables, curated music, and a slow rhythm that invites presence. Each course is a revelation: unexpected combinations, layered textures, and flavors that awaken the senses. With limited seating and arrivals by reservation only, Mystique offers a rare and unforgettable evening where every detail—from the ingredients to the plating—is a celebration of culinary excellence.

La Diosa Sunset Lounge and Bar

Perched beside an exquisitely designed pool, La Diosa is our sun-drenched, open-air lounge that blends relaxed sophistication with the vibrant spirit of Costa Rica. The menu is fresh, coastal, and creative—think chilled ceviches, tropical salads, artisanal tacos, and colorful cocktails that taste like vacation. Here, guests can linger over lunch, sip something exquisite at sunset, or gather with friends for casual, elevated bites throughout the day. With breezy lounge beats, flickering candlelight at dusk, and an easygoing yet magnetic energy, La Diosa is where indulgence meets wellness in its most joyful form.

Richard’s Kitchen

Richard’s Kitchen is our daytime café and culinary workshop space, where casual meets exceptional. Overlooking the lush hills of Atenas, this open-air venue serves barista-crafted coffees, energizing smoothies, and nourishing light bites made from the finest local ingredients. It’s also where our hands-on cooking classes come to life—offering guests a chance to explore wellness through the art of food preparation. Whether you’re sipping a coconut latte, learning to make a plant-based curry, or simply taking in the view, Richard’s Kitchen invites you to connect with food, flavor, and the joy of discovery.

Our Team

Chef Richard Neat

Coming Soon

Richard Neat is a celebrated two-star Michelin chef whose culinary journey has spanned continents and cultures, blending innovation with excellence in each venture. He won his first Michelin star in 1993 at Pied-à-Terre in London, where he quickly established himself as a pioneering force and later earned a second star . After building his early reputation in the UK and France, Neat consulted with India’s prestigious Taj Group, opening the renowned Longchamps Restaurant in New Delhi. In 1999, he returned to France to open NEAT Restaurant in Cannes, achieving a Michelin star within seven months and marking the first time a British chef won a star in France—a feat endorsed by his former mentor, Joël Robuchon. He expanded NEAT to London in 2001 and later lent his expertise in Moscow, partnering with leading restaurateur Stepan Mikhalkov.

In 2004, Neat opened Casa Lalla Riad in Marrakech, quickly named among Condé Nast’s 80 best restaurants worldwide. Since 2006, he has owned and operated Park Café in San José, Costa Rica, an enchanting blend of fine dining and antique decor. Praised by The Daily Meal as "the best meal I ever ate anywhere," Park Café has earned its place as a must-visit for those seeking extraordinary culinary experiences.

A Close portrait of Sergio Lopez Chef at Retreat Costa Rica

Chef Sergio Lopez

Sergio López joined The Retreat after six years with the Four Seasons in Guanacaste, bringing not only his culinary expertise but a passion for transforming wellness through food. Driven by a curiosity to uncover the magic of healthy cuisine, Sergio infuses every dish with creativity and intention, mastering the art of making nutritious dishes that are as delicious as they are wholesome. His innovative approach has become a signature at The Retreat, where he combines his professionalism with a fresh perspective on clean eating, bringing to life the vibrant flavors and essence of wellness

Jonathan Castillo

Sommelier

Jonathan, an experienced sommelier, has been elevating the beverage experience at The Retreat for over three years. His passion shines through in his thoughtfully crafted cocktails and mocktails, which capture the essence of Costa Rica’s vibrant flavors and The Retreat’s dedication to wellness. With a deep understanding of mixology and an eye for innovation, Jonathan creates healthy, refreshing drinks that are as fun as they are nourishing. Each sip is an invitation to savor Costa Rica’s natural richness, making every drink a memorable part of the wellness journey at The Retreat.

Organic Farm

Our farm flourishes on the sun-drenched, south-facing side of our crystal mountain, where every plant is nourished by crystal-infused spring water and enriched by the earth’s natural energy. This vibrant foundation supports a bounty of seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs that we incorporate into our breakfasts, salad bars, and dinners, enhancing each bite with this unique vitality. You'll savor the benefits of our healing herbs in refreshing waters, fresh juices, elixirs, and handcrafted cocktails. Take a guided garden walk with our chef or wander solo, hands in the earth, to feel the energy and share a bit of love with the plants—after all, true healing is a beautiful exchange.

Cooking Classes

Discover the art of wellness cooking with hands-on classes! Offered three times a week, these immersive sessions cover everything from raw food and herbal medicine to fermentation and sprouting, all tailored to enrich your experience at The Retreat. Learn essential techniques—from ingredient selection to plating—that transform local and garden-fresh foods into delicious, nourishing meals. In a setting as beautiful as it is inspiring, these classes make healthy cooking an accessible and enjoyable part of everyday life.