When life gets too hectic, all we want to do is slow down. To take a moment, to step into a quiet space, to stop, disconnect, and just breathe. And there is nowhere more ideal to do this than in Costa Rica, which has become a wellness haven for travellers. Picture yourself hiking through misty rainforests, soaking in volcanic hot springs, or sharing stories with locals in a family-run lodge – being present, in the moment. The stress and noise of everyday life is left far, far behind, and you can reconnect with what truly matters: nature, community, and self. To celebrate this unique, all-encompassing and ever-present ethos and approach to life, Visit Costa Rica has launched Live Life Now – a new campaign highlighting the mindful, restorative nature of a trip to the region, encouraging people to fully embrace the opportunity to reset, rediscover the simple things, and reconnect with nature, people and themselves. Whether you’re exploring its diverse habitats and incredible nature and wildlife, taking a moment to connect with others through culture and community, or simply enjoying a slower pace of life and a chance to be in the moment, Costa Rica is a veritable sanctuary for the rejuvenation of mind, body and soul. Read on to discover just some of the best ways to harness this…Embrace ‘Pura Vida’By embracing ‘pura vida’, you can live in the moment and connect with nature (Visit Costa Rica)The first, and most important, thing to know is that at the core of every Costa Rican experience is ‘pura vida’, which means ‘pure life’ – a saying, greeting and way of life, that embodies the country’s warm, welcoming spirit.It’s something you’ll be immersing yourself in throughout every moment and iteration of your stay here – whether you’re sipping fresh coconut water on a beach, hiking through the lush environs of a cloud forest, or watching the sun set over the Pacific, you’ll soon feel the magic of pura vida in every moment. But its deeper meaning lies in the values it represents: optimism, simplicity, connection, and harmony with nature. Costa Ricans live pura vida by embracing the present moment, prioritising wellbeing, and fostering genuine human connections. It’s an energy that powers the country’s culture and outlook – calm yet invigorating, rooted in kindness and resilience – and it’s a philosophy which reflects a deep commitment to balance, gratitude, and natural living. In short, the perfect life approach to help boost wellness.Discover natural products with a 'Pura Vida' approach to lifeChannelling Costa Rica’s ‘pura vida’ philosophy and the ‘Live Life Now’ ethos, wellbeing brand NEOM Wellbeing offers small rituals designed to help travellers slow down, reset and reconnect wherever they are in the world. Crafted with naturally derived ingredients and expertly blended fragrances, ranges including ‘Happiness’, ‘Bliss’ and ‘Perfect Night’s Sleep’ span candles, essential oil blends, pillow mists and bath and body products designed to support mood and wellbeing. The brand’s travel-sized collection also makes it easy to bring a sense of calm on the go – whether you're unwinding after a rainforest adventure, creating a restful evening ritual or carving out mindful moments between coast-to-coast exploration on your Costa Rica travels.Get wild at heartHead to one of Costa Rica’s offgrid retreats to enjoy holistic activities in nature (Visit Costa Rica)Costa Rica excels at nature-led healing. Home to a huge 6.5 per cent of the world’s biodiversity, despite covering less than 0.5 per cent of Earth's surface, the country offers rainforest retreats, cloud forests, dry tropical forests and pristine beaches that serve as natural sanctuaries, with parks and eco-lodges specifically designed for restorative travel. Popular wellness activities include forest bathing, thermal springs, meditation, and spa therapies using local botanicals. One key wellness hub is La Fortuna, in the northwest of the country. Known for its geothermal hot springs, heated by the Arenal volcano, soaking in its therapeutic, mineral-rich waters can relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. Beyond that, the area’s rainforests and trails provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and immersing yourself in nature, while many of La Fortuna’s retreats and lodges offer yoga and meditation sessions, often with stunning views of the volcano. Forest bathing here is another popular pursuit, with hundreds of plant and animal species to observe on a gentle stroll while breathing in the richly oxygenated air.Learn to live longerFrom hot springs to waterfall swims, hydrotherapy can help boost mood and relaxation (Visit Costa Rica)In Costa Rica, wellness isn’t just an activity – it’s a lifestyle, incorporated into almost everything people do. Here they harness the natural bounty of their country to produce innovative relaxation techniques, such as moisturising body wraps infused with volcanic mud, coffee or tropical fruits designed to nourish skin and soothe the senses. Aside from the hot springs, hydrotherapy is another way to harness Costa Rica’s abundant water resources for personal renewal, from waterfall swims to rainforest spa circuits and wellness retreats that use water-based therapies designed to relax muscles, improve circulation and encourage deep relaxation.Another popular wellness region is Guanacaste, known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather and its many yoga retreats and studios, with the small town of Nosara particularly renowned as Costa Rica’s ‘yoga capital’. Guanacaste is also in close proximity to the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s five recognised Blue Zones – regions where people are statistically more likely to live longer, healthier lives. A 2004 study by the University of Costa Rica found that mortality among Costa Ricans of 90 years of age is 10 per cent lower there, due to factors including a nutrient-rich diet centred around beans and corn, calcium-rich water, regular low-intensity movement, strong social connections, and, of course, the region’s famously positive ‘pura vida’ outlook on life.Costa Rica’s emphasis on wellbeing and community has also earned wider global recognition. In the 2026 World Happiness Report, the country ranked fourth globally – its highest ever position – recognised for factors including strong social support, connection to nature and a balanced approach to life.Experience true paradiseCosta Rica’s breathtaking surroundings make for a wellbeing boost in themselves (Shutterstock)What you will experience when you’re in Costa Rica is the closest you’ll get to a living Eden. Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the country is globally recognised for its commitment to conservation, with over 25 per cent of its land protected in national parks and reserves. This dedication ensures that visitors can experience the country’s breathtaking biodiversity in its purest form, from the misty trails of the Monteverde Cloud Forest to the tropical wilderness of Corcovado National Park. Costa Rica is home to half a million different species of plants and animals, 900 bird species, and five of the world’s seven sea turtle species. It’s a place where dense rainforests, towering volcanoes, and golden beaches call you to explore, relax, and reconnect. So heed that call, and undergo a transformative experience which will leave you feeling inspired, recharged and uplifted. And breathe….For more travel inspiration and information, head to Visit Costa Rica