PURA VIDA CALLED ME BACK
Empower Your Living
February 3, 2026 · 9 min read
February 3, 2026 · 9 min read
Back in 2017, I had already been to Costa Rice. I completed my first yoga teacher training here. Unfortunately, energetically a lot of things did not align and I don’t have many fond memories about a country so many people rave about. I was therefore very reluctant to return.
Obviously, my very tumultuous time in Baja California Sur (> read Travel Update) and the effect it had on my nervous system is still very present. I know that even though I was able to rebalance it to a certain extent, my emotional wellbeing remains fragile. As I embark on the early-morning flight from Mexico City to San José, I deeply wish for a better experience in the land of Pura Vida.
As I step off the plane and make my way to customs, I am still hesitant to fully embrace the next 17 days. The customs officer greets me with a warm Pura Vida and wishes me a wonderful time. Slowly I begin to believe that I might indeed have a more harmonious experience in Costa Rica this time.
Pura Vida: The national mantra of Costa Rica stands for a lifestyle—it’s far more than just a phrase. For Costa Ricans—Ticos, as they are called locally—it represents a stress-free and positive mindset. It’s used as a greeting (“Hi”), a farewell (“Goodbye”), and even as a response to “How are you?”.
Two Days of Travel Require Patience
As there is no shared shuttle available in the afternoon of my arrival in Costa Rica, I check into an airport hotel. After lunch, I surrender to a long and much-needed nap. The next day requires another early start to reach my next destination.
The shared shuttle pickup is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. In typical Swiss fashion, I am already at the airport at 7:15. And then I wait. Thirty minutes pass—still no shuttle. It turns out that the company I booked with—Tropical Tours Shuttles—is not actually operating the ride. They are merely a tour operator and even charge more. I end up traveling with Interbus instead, whose service I can highly recommend: not cheap, but reliable.
P.S. The entire booking process with Tropical Tours Shuttles was an endless ordeal. To book four transfers took almost three weeks, as every email required multi follow-ups to receive proper answers. It was incredibly draining and exhausting. My advice: never use Tropical Tours Shuttles.
The Ocean Is Calling Me Once Again
A long drive to Playas del Coco on the Pacific coast lies ahead—plenty of time to daydream about being back in the water and finally finding speciousness and rest. My nervous system still craves stability and downtime. I intentionally plan no sightseeing, even though I know Costa Rica offers plenty to explore.
I rent an AirBnB not far from the beach and book three days with Summer Salt Dive Center. I am very excited to be back in the water and curious what Costa Rica’s dive sites. Although I would have loved to spend the first full day settling in, the ocean is calling.
At the dive center, I’m welcomed with open arms by Céline and Michaël, the French owners, and their team—a a refreshing contrast to my unpleasant experience in Cabo Pulmo (> read Travel Update).
On the first day, I’m lucky to be to only diver—always a treat. My dive guide, Denis, is wonderfully relaxed. Exactly how I like to dive: no stress, just enjoyment. The first site, Sorpresa (“surprise”), lives up to its name—but not in the way I hoped. The underwater world seems shy and withdrawn. All hopes rest on the second site, Argentina, and it delivers beautifully: schools of tropical fish, an octopus on the move, six whitetip reef sharks and a family of around twelve eagle rays gliding by. It feels like an aquarium—only infinitely better. I am in diver’s heaven.
Dive. Eat. Sleep. Repeat.
Even though visibility isn’t great overall, I thoroughly enjoy the dives. I focus more on the macro world and feel genuinely proud of how my buoyancy has improved. The atmosphere on the boat is relaxed and almost familial—I definitely chose to right dive center.
Equally nourishing is the quiet time by the pool I feel more grounded with each passing day. Let’s see how long it lasts. 🤪
One evening, I make it to the beach for a sunset walk one evening. Watching locals and guests alike marvel at nature’s spectacle restores my faith in humanity. People laugh, splash in the waves, children build sandcastles, music floats through the air. Moments like these are gentle reminders of how precious life is and how vital human connection remains—regardless where we come from, which language we speak, or the color our skin. We are all one.
Nourishing food adds to my renewed energy. Just five minutes from my flat, I discover an authentic Italian restaurant, La Dolce Vita, and end up eating there twice. Although I usually prefer local cuisine, I can’t resist the homemade pasta, and warm service. I do, however, also explore the local sodas—small, family-run eateries serving affordable, authentic Tico dishes.
A Little Bit of Home in the Tropics
My next stop is Sámara, where I gift myself three full days of doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the sun and swimming in the ocean. The hotel I book—Locanda Beach Hotel—has an incredible beachfront location, but unfortunately little else to offer: a non-communicative owner, listless staff, tasteless breakfast and overpriced rooms.
On the very first day I hear the people next to me speaking Swiss German and even my own dialect. Normally, I wouldn’t reveal myself, as reactions can be unpredictable, but hearing my language instantly creates a sense of home away from home. After more than four months on the road, it’s exactly what I need. Sharing meals and conversations instead of eating alone feels deeply comforting, and I cherish these days with newly found friends.
Listening When the Soul Calls
The main reason I returned to Costa Rica is to attend a mantra chanting retreat with Deva Premal and Miten, world-renowned Grammy-nominated musicians and spiritual singers, taking place over Christmas. The holidays often carry sadness for me since my parents are no longer here to celebrate with. When I travel during this time, I make sure to be somewhere I can engage deeply in something I love.
While I was in Bali—early on what I call my pilgrimage—I felt a strong intuitive nudge to join this retreat. Availability within my budget was uncertain, but luck was on my side: one single room, seemingly waiting just for me.
Blue Spirit Retreat Center is absolutely stunning. The views from The Temple are breathtaking, and participants, from all over the world create a beautifully eclectic and warm community. Spending the holidays among like-minded souls feels especially nourishing after such an adventurous—and at times deeply challenging—year.
As the mantras ripple into the world, I reconnect with Osho’s meditations and immerse myself in a cacao ceremony. I feel deeply grateful for having listened to my intuition. Witnessing how approachable Deva Premal and Miten are, and how lovingly they interact with one another, is a true gift. Joby Baker‘s musical brilliance adds another layer of magic as he accompanies the chanting sessions.
Unfortunately, on the third day—after Osho’s Gibberish Meditation, which takes me very deep—I am completely knocked out. It feels as if someone has pulled the plug. Something is clearly ready to be released. I spend more than 30 hours in bed, mostly sleeping. And Christmas Eve and Christmas Day blur into near oblivion. 🥹
Angels bring food and liquids to my room (thank you Prem Aneeta, Margitta and Ginney for your kindness). The retreat center itself is unable to provide even a simple plate of fruit without additional payment—despite the retreat being expensive and fully catered. I remain stunned by how insensitive so-called spiritual places can sometimes be.
Making Peace
Looking back on my second visit to Costa Rica, I do so with a full heart. Despite still feeling the aftermath of my time in Baja California Sur—and being completely knocked out for nearly two days during the retreat—I have made peace with this country and can truly see the beauty. I have a strong feeling this won’t be my last time in the land of the Ticos.
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
Email: barbara@empoweryourliving.com
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