Elevating Wellness Through Culinary Innovation

At The Retreat Costa Rica, dining is a journey that harmonizes wellness with culinary creativity. Our chefs draw from the rich, natural bounty of Costa Rica, crafting dishes that are both inspiring and deeply nourishing. Every plate reflects our commitment to vibrant, organic ingredients and innovative techniques, merging bold flavors with mindful preparation. By focusing on plant-based, seasonal produce and holistic food practices, we elevate each meal into an experience of health, vitality, and flavor that aligns with the body’s natural rhythms. Here, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a celebration of wellness.

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

Located at our Santosha Wellness Club, Mystique is a gastronomic journey, where the night unfolds in elegance, seduction, and culinary artistry. A hidden rooftop oasis, this exclusive tasting menu experience is designed for those who crave something extraordinary—intimate, unexpected, and unforgettable. Crafted by two-star Michelin chef Richard Neat, each evening is a masterclass in bold flavors and refined indulgence. Seating is limited to ensure an immersive journey. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with arrivals between 7–8 PM.

La Diosa & Richards Kitchen

Perched beside an exquisitely designed pool, La Diosa and Richard’s Kitchen invite you to savor life’s finer moments in two distinct yet harmonious spaces. At La Diosa, the vibe is relaxed yet refined, perfect for slowing down with a craft cocktail or smoothie as lounge beats drift through the warm air and candlelight flickers at dusk. It’s magnetic without ever feeling rushed. Just steps away, Richard’s Kitchen offers light bites, smoothies, and locally roasted coffee in an open-concept café with panoramic views. It’s a place to gather, unwind, and experience something truly special. Guests can join intimate cooking classes led by two-star Michelin chef Richard Neat himself, where world-class technique meets laid-back Costa Rican charm.

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.