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Costa Rica Landscape

Escape Winter: Join Our January 2026
Costa Rica Reading Retreat 🌿

Dreaming of swapping chilly winds for warm ocean breezes and quiet reading days?

You’re not alone — and we’ve crafted the perfect retreat just for you.

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Join us January 16–20, 2026 for a 5-day, 4-night Reading Retreat in beautiful Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Nestled less than a mile from the beach in a stunning private villa, this is your chance to slow down, savor delicious chef-prepared meals, and reconnect with your favorite books, all while soaking up tropical sunshine.

What to Expect 

At our peaceful villa, you’ll be cared for with:

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  • Comfortable accommodations with ocean views and an infinity pool

  • Chef-prepared breakfasts and dinners, plus all on-property drinks included

  • Airport transfers to and from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)

  • A welcoming retreat host to take care of all the details

  • Optional daily activities like yoga, ziplining, waterfall hikes, volcano tours, and boat trips

  • Uninterrupted reading time, cozy spaces to relax, and opportunities to explore Tamarindo’s shops, cafés, and beaches

  • A book exchange PLUS a local bookstore visit to spark your reading list

  • Small group size — just 10 women — so you can form meaningful connections

 

Our flexible itinerary is designed to balance relaxation and adventure. You choose how much (or how little) you want to do.

Costa Rica Property View

This is the view from our villa! 

Is This Retreat for You?

This trip is thoughtfully created for women travelers who want:

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  • To slow down and unwind in a beautiful, warm location

  • To dive into their TBR pile or discover new favorite reads

  • To connect with a supportive group of book-loving women

  • A hassle-free travel experience with expert planning and care
     

Whether you’re a solo traveler, coming with friends, or part of a book club, this retreat offers space to read, relax, and recharge at your own pace.

View property images here! 

Location & Accommodation

Tamarindo, Costa Rica is a lively beach town on the Pacific coast known for its golden sands, lush wildlife, and vibrant culture.

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You’ll stay in a gorgeous private villa with:

  • Two buildings featuring cozy guest rooms, each with full bathrooms, air conditioning, and high-speed WiFi

  • Plenty of quiet corners and comfy seating to cuddle up with a book, and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean

  • Easy access to the beach and Tamarindo’s shops and restaurants
     

The entire villa is exclusively for our group!

What's Included

  • Professional retreat host & on-site support

  • 4 nights accommodation at the villa

  • 4 continental breakfasts and chef-prepared dinners

  • Some lunches provided on day excursions, but not all

  • All on-property beverages

  • Round-trip airport transportation (LIR airport)

  • Welcome bag and book exchange

  • 4 included optional group activities such as ziplining and a waterfall hike (activities subject to change)

Costa Rica Zipline
Airplane Arrival in Costa Rica

What's Not Included

  • Flights to and from Costa Rica

  • Travel insurance (required)

  • Off-site meals and drinks not specified

  • Additional activities (e.g., surf lessons, snorkeling, ATV rides), available at extra cost

 

If you want to book extra adventures like surf lessons, snorkeling, or ATV tours during your stay, just email us at reservations@slowtravelco.com. We’re happy to arrange them for you!

Sample Itinerary

(subject to change)

Day 1

  • Arrival and group transfer from LIR Airport (meet at 4:30 pm for transfer)

  • Villa check-in & welcome gift

  • Property tour and introductions with a group book exchange

  • Chef-prepared dinner and evening at leisure

Day 3

  • Continental breakfast

  • Optional waterfall hike and swim excursion (lunch included)

  • Afternoon reading and relaxation

  • Group dinner at the villa

  • Optional visit to Tamarindo’s Night Market

Day 2

  • Continental breakfast

  • Optional morning yoga

  • Relaxation and reading time

  • Group excursion into town with lunch (on your own)

  • Private book fair visit with a local bookstore

  • Chef-prepared dinner and evening at leisure

Day 4

  • Continental breakfast

  • Optional volcano tour or ziplining adventure (lunch included)

  • Reading and relaxation time

  • Special group dinner (possibly a boat dinner!)

  • Evening at your leisure

Day 5

  • Continental breakfast

  • Morning to enjoy the villa and surroundings

  • Departure transfer to the airport at 11:00 am

Costa Rica Bedroom 1

Pricing & Booking

  • $2,650 per person, double occupancy

  • $900 upgrade, single occupancy
     

We pair you with a compatible roommate or you can room with a friend. Solo travelers are welcome to upgrade for privacy.

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Secure your spot with a 40% deposit ($1,060).

Full balance due by October 10, 2025.

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Deposits are non-refundable.

Retreat will be confirmed once 80% of spots are filled. If minimum numbers are not met, deposits can be refunded or applied to a future trip.

It's recommended to not book your flight until the retreat has been confirmed. 

All The Details

Curious to know more details about this Reading Retreat or how everything works? Take a look below or check out our FAQ's page. 

Getting There

Fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Liberia, Costa Rica. Plan to arrive by 4:00 pm on January 16th to join the group shuttle departing at 4:30 pm. The villa is approximately a 1.25-hour drive from the airport.

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If your arrival plans differ, please let us know. You may need to arrange your own transport.

  • Lightweight clothing and swimwear

  • Comfortable shoes for hiking and walking

  • Rain gear (just in case)

  • Your favorite books (and an eager reading spirit!)

  • A book you enjoyed to exchange during dinner on night 1!

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

  • Any medications or personal essentials

 

Towels, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryers, eye masks, and earplugs will be provided. A full packing list will be provided prior to departure. 

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And be sure to have extra room in your luggage for your gift bag and other bookish goodies!

What to Bring
Money & Spending

Most places in Costa Rica accept credit cards—Visa and Mastercard are recommended. It’s also a good idea to carry around $50 USD in cash for small purchases or emergencies. You’re welcome to bring Costa Rican colones if you prefer, but there are ATMs at the airport where you can withdraw local currency once you arrive.

Group travel with Slow Travel Co. is all about ease and connection. Your Retreat Host will handle all logistics and coordination during the trip, so you can relax and focus on enjoying your experience. If you have questions or need help at any time, your host is just a message away!

Traveling as Part of a Group
Meal Plan & Dietary Restrictions

Each day begins with a light continental breakfast, and dinners are prepared by our private chef. Some lunches will be provided on our daytime excursions, but not all. If you have dietary restrictions, follow a vegan or gluten-free diet, or have severe allergies, please notify us at reservations@slowtravelco.com at least 30 days before departure so we can accommodate you.

All rooms are double occupancy with queen beds. Unless you’re traveling with a friend or partner, we’ll pair you with a fellow retreat attendee. Occasionally, rooms with two beds are available, but this can’t be guaranteed. If you prefer privacy, you can upgrade to a single room for an additional fee.

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To ensure a comfortable stay, please be considerate of your roommate regarding cleanliness and noise. Earplugs and eye masks will be provided. Travelers who use a CPAP machine or are aware of snoring may want to consider a single room upgrade.

Shared Rooms & Accommodations
Getting to Know the Group

Before the retreat, we’ll set up a private WhatsApp group so you can connect with your fellow travelers. Feel free to chat, share excitement, or arrange virtual meetups ahead of time!

Your Retreat Host is an experienced traveler and will manage all aspects of the trip — from planning to on-site coordination. She is your primary contact for questions or support before and during the retreat. After booking, expect a friendly welcome email with more details like packing tips and travel info.

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Please note, your Retreat Host is not a medical professional and cannot provide medical advice. If you feel unwell, she can help direct you to local healthcare providers.

Your Group Leader & Support 
Safety

While we take every precaution to ensure safe activities and excursions, please remember your own responsibility for personal safety. Avoid going out alone at night and follow all safety recommendations.

Travel insurance is required for this retreat. If you need recommendations on reliable providers, just reach out. We’re happy to help!

Travel Insurance
Medical & Health Requirements

All travelers must have valid medical insurance

before departure.

January is winter in Costa Rica, but temperatures are warm and pleasant, usually ranging from 76°F (24°C) at night to 88°F (31°C) during the day. Check the local forecast before packing to bring weather-appropriate clothing.

Climate & What to Expect
House Guidelines
  • Please be respectful of your roommate and fellow guests.

  • No visitors or guests allowed at the villa without prior approval from the Retreat Host and your roommate.

  • Help us keep the space safe and welcoming for everyone.

  • No smoking. 

Ocean waves.jpg
Ready to escape winter and indulge in a week of reading, relaxation, and warm ocean breezes?

Limited to 10 spots — don’t wait!

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