Participant Frequently Asked Questions
Coming as a Guest on a Retreat and have questions?
TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION
Is my international flight included?
No. You are responsible for your flight from your home airport to SJO airport.
How does transportation work? How do I get to Imiloa?
- If arriving on the same day your retreat starts, arrival to SJO should be prior to 7:00AM. If this is not possible please book your flight the day before and spend the extra night in San Jose. Departure flight from SJO should be after 1:00PM.
- Be at SJO domestic terminal by 8:45AM. Group charter flight departs at 9:30AM local time
Where do I fly into in Costa Rica?
San Jose (Juan Santamaria) International Airport. The airport code is “SJO.”
How long is the flight to Imiloa?
About 25 minutes long from wheels up to wheels down.
Do we have to take the small airplane to Imiloa?
Included in your retreat experience at Imiloa is the small plane which we charter privately for just your retreat group. This is already included in your stay with us. However, if you prefer ground transportation, this can be set up as an alternative, however, there will be an additional cost. Please inquire at retreats@imiloainstitute.com for more information.
Can I take a private shuttle to Imiloa?
Yes, we can help coordinate private shuttles.
Im flying in the day before my retreat starts, do you have hotel recommendations?
What happens if I miss the flight to Imiloa?
We charter the flight privately so if someone is delayed we will be in contact with them directly and determine whether the flight is able to wait or if we will have to set up alternative transportation for them. This would depend on the situation and how much of a delay there is.
If you choose not to utilize the method of transportation provided for your retreat to/from Imiloa, you are responsible for the cost of alternate transportation. For example, if you choose not to fly on the charter plane, you will be responsible for the cost of your ground transportation.
What are the entry requirements for Costa Rica?
Entry requirements are subject to change at any moment so we encourage you to check this link for updated info: Entry Requirements.
Do I need to rent a car?
No, outside cars are not able to be brought to the Institute. If you have questions, please chat with us.
GENERAL
Where exactly is Imiloa located?
We are located on the Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. We are 3KM North of Dominical and approximately 25KM (30 mins) south of Quepos. We are on a mountain, overlooking the Pacific, at about 800 feet / 240m in elevation.
How big is Imiloa’s property?
Our property is 22 acres
How far is the closest town? Hospital?
The closest hospital is 30 mins away. Local clinics and/or concierge doctors are within 15-20 minutes away. The closest town (Dominical) is 15 minutes away.
Is there a lot of walking on campus? Are the pathways steep?
Yes! We have a lot of trails onsite and depending on your accommodation you will be a 5-15 min walk away from the main area.
How and when will I get my specific agenda for the retreat I’m coming on?
The final retreat agenda being shared with participants is individual from retreat host to retreat host. Please inquire directly with your retreat host for more details.
What should I bring with me for the retreat?
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Organic sunscreen
- Organic mosquito repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Boots or comfortable closed toe shoes *(our jungle trails can get muddy and slippery, so make sure to bring comfortable and practical footwear keeping this in mind)
- Sandals/flip flops
- Swimwear
- Yoga attire/comfortable clothes
- Beach/Yoga/hiking/fitness wear
- Rain jacket *(most likely to be needed if you are coming during green season May – November)
Provided by Imiloa:
– Organic shampoo, conditioner & shower gel
– Hairdryer
– Beach towels
– Umbrellas
– Head lamps
*We have standard North American power outlets so make sure to bring an adaptor if your appliances work with a different system
How can my family contact me?
For phone service, there is WIFI on campus, and we recommend WhatsApp as the best way to communicate.
What happens if I smoke in your rooms or bring my own alcohol?
We are a dry campus. If you are consuming alcohol at Imiloa or alcohol is visible in your accommodations or you smoke cigarettes or marijiuana or anything in your accommodations, that is not aligned with our core values, we will directly let you know. You will be asked to leave the property and secure accommodations and coordinate your travel back to SJO at your own cost.
What if I don’t want to do every single activity?
For retreats this question gets forwarded to the host for specific answers.
I have an emotional support dog/pet and it travels everywhere with me. Can they come to Imiloa?
Please email your request to retreats@imiloainstitute.com and include the breed of dog, weight, and supporting documentation. While Imiloa will consider your request, we respectfully reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone with an emotional support animal unless they have received approval in writing from our team.
We take these requests seriously and have to evaluate several factors before making a decision including the charter flight, allergies of other guests and team members, impact on the wildlife, and impact on the accommodations and our property.
If you have a certified service animal, please email welcomehome@imiloainstitute.com so that we can work with you on accommodating your accessibility needs.
I want to host my retreat here! Can I?
Yes, thank you for your interest in hosting at Imiloa! Here is the link to apply for a call: https://connect.imiloainstitute.com/op/imiloa-institute-discovery-series-o/
AMENITIES
Do you offer laundry services?
Yes, $25 per load to pick up, wash, dry, fold and deliver back to you. Allow 24 hours.
Are there safety boxes for personal belongings?
Yes, we have safety boxes in all accommodations.
Is there Wi-Fi on the campus?
Yes, we have fiber optic high speed. Certain parts of the campus like the Yoga space and our dining area you’ll find intentionally without WiFi.
Do you provide beach towels?
Yes, we provide beach and pool towels. Anything you may have forgotten, such as essentials, we always have on hand for our guests. Depending on the item, there may be a fee.
Are there any walks or hikes nearby?
Yes we have a great trail system onsite for hiking.
Do you have mosquito nets and A/C's?
We have mosquito nets in the Bali suites and Bali Villas only. A/C's are in all domes and in the bali suites, not the Bali Villas or bungalows.
How far is Imiloa from the beach?
Approximately a 15 minute drive to a secluded beach, 15 minutes to Dominical beach town and 25 minutes to Uvita beaches.
Can we go to the beach? Can I go to the beach when I want to?
We provide transportation to the beach during the free times of a retreat. We do not run individual transportation, and we ask guests to group together so we run more efficiently and consciously of the earth and its impact to it.
Where is my massage located, and where and when can I book spa appointments?
Massages are done at each participant's accommodation or in a dedicated space, depending on desire of the participant and the availability of spaces on the campus. Approximately 2 weeks prior to your retreat our onsite team will send you an email with instructions on how to book your spa treatment.
Does Imiloa have a gym on-site?
No, we do not have a gym. However we’re located on a mountain with excellent hiking and nature trails, yoga equipment and a spacious yoga shala.
FOOD
I know you’re a vegan campus, but what if I want animal products or some alcohol?
We do not police our guests — we are sharing our values and why they’re important to us. If you are seen with alcohol on campus, you will be reminded of why we have an alcohol-free campus once, and if we observe it again publicly, we will respectfully ask you to leave. Our pans and utensils have never touched animal products and therefore, no animal products can be prepared or consumed at our dining facility. If you have any dietary questions or concers please email us at retreats@imiloainstitute.com
Some hosts may choose to go to the local beach town of Dominical to explore restaurants and have meat or a drink. Alternatively, the hotel LapAzul 10 min walk from Imiloa has a restaurant that serves animal products and alcohol.
I’ve got health issues or very specific food allergies. How am I going to communicate my needs to the team?
You are sent a form to include all of your information before arrival. Upon arrival to Imiloa, you will receive a special wristband indicating your food allergies or modified food needs. This will alert staff to check with you before each meal to ensure you are served food that meets your dietary requirements.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes! Our water is triple-filtered UV from our mountain’s well and perfectly healthy and safe to drink from all faucets on the property.
I’m hungry often, especially with a plant-based diet. Can I have food on demand? How about to my room?
We serve 3 big meals daily, we also serve fruits, snacks, nuts, juice etc., between meals, and coffee and tea is available at all times throughout the day. If you get hungry between meals and snacks are not sufficient, please let our kitchen staff know, and they will be happy to provide extra food for you.
I like to prepare my own smoothie or afternoon snack. Can I bring the ingredients to things I want and prepare it in your kitchen?
No, we cannot prepare individual smoothies for people. If our hosts have a request for a smoothie or food item for the retreat experience, we of course will provide.
Can I have dinner delivered to my room?
Only in the cases of sickness and/or Injuries do we provide room service, otherwise, the answer is no.
STAFF
What kind of staff do you have?
Our onsite team consists of +30 local Costa Ricans who work in everything from facilities, hosting, maintenance, kitchen, housekeeping, gardens, security, driving and more. Everyone is local to the area and legally hired.
Can I / Should I tip the team?
Tips are not required but always appreciated! Staff gratuities are pooled together and distributed equally amongst the property team members once a month. This includes everyone you see or may not see during your stay, such as kitchen staff, gardeners, housekeepers, the maintenance team, etc.
It is not shared with massage therapists. $20 per guest per day is the recommended amount. Please make adjustments based on your financial means and comfort.
If there’s a bug in my room, how will I contact someone to get it out?
You will be given the direct line to our front desk team. If you need anything from them during your stay please contact this line directly. They can also help remove bugs or insects from your room.
Is the team legally hired?
All team members are legally hired in Costa Rica.
FINANCIAL
What is average ticket pricing?
Each retreat is priced separately by the host.
In general, all-inclusive rates (excluding airfare to Costa Rica) are between $2,900 to $4,900. It depends on the host of the event, their qualifications and expertise, your accommodation choice, and number of people attending.
Please visit our retreats page here. Alternatively, start planning your retreat experience here where you can specify when you want to travel and number of travelers.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Are the domes like tents?
A geodesic dome is a spherical space-frame structure composed of a complex network of triangles. The linked triangles create a self-bracing framework that is structurally strong yet elegantly delicate. The geodesic dome could be called the manifestation of the phrase “less is more,” as a minimum of building materials geometrically arranged ensures a design both strong and lightweight.
Are the showers outside?
Some showers are semi-outdoors, with amazing view of the jungle. A few of our showers are completely indoors.
What are the amenities in the room?
Body wash, shampoo & conditioner. Essential oils and diffuser. Hair dryer. And for some rooms soaking salts for the bathtub. See all room details here: ACCOMMODATIONS
Is it handicap-accessible at Imiloa?
One bungalow accommodation is accessible as well as our dining hall. Please contact retreats@imiloainstitute.com for more details so that we can discuss your specific needs. We are not currently fully ADA compliant, but are working on acquiring this certification.