Host Frequently Asked Questions

Want to host at Imiloa and ready to learn more?

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

Where do I fly into in Costa Rica?

San Jose (Juan Santamaria) International Airport. The airport code is “SJO.”

Should I fly down to Imiloa together with my participants?

We recommend arriving to Imiloa at the same time as your participants, and this way take advantage of the chartered flight that is included in your retreat. If you would like to fly down earlier please inquire with our team for availability and coordination. Please know if you choose this, you will be responsible for the cost of transportation from San Jose to Imiloa. 

What time do my participants have to be on the ground in San Jose?

 

  • 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

Do we have to take the chartered 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, just know that there will be an additional cost. Please email retreats@imiloainstitute.com for more information.

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. 

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.

GENERAL

What are the benefits of a closed campus for my retreat and my participants?

The campus will be completely closed/private to just your retreat group. This ensures a more intimate and connected experience for your group.

Where exactly is Imiloa located?

Imiloa is located in the South Pacific area of Costa Rica. We are approximately 40 min north of Uvita and 1 hour of Manuel Antonio on the central pacific coast.

How big is Imiloa's property?

Our property is 22 acres.

Which accommodation do other hosts choose to stay in?

That depends! If you want to maximize your profits, we recommend staying in a dome/bungalow since these are typically priced lower than the Bali Village accommodations. To some hosts it’s very important to stay in a centrally located accommodation where they can stay connected to their participants, and for this, we recommend the Bali Suites, which are situated right around the shared infinity pool. Other hosts value VIP feel of privacy and plenty of space which make the VIP bali villas a perfect fit. Ultimately this decision is up to you as a host.

Can I bring my family when I host?

Yes! You can bring your family. The nightly rate will be the same as for your participants, and we often see hosts bring their family or friends for a retreat experience.

I fell out of my relationship with my co-host. What happens now?

We’re sorry to hear that! It does happen and can be part of the  growth and transformation process leaders experience. 

Imiloa abides by its contractual obligations to you and expects you to, as well. That’s why we ask whoever is responsible for the contract to be the signer(s) on the contract. If you’re on the contract, you are responsible for the financial obligations to Imiloa and either must find a new co-host or transfer the contract.

How far is the closest town? Hospital?

Closest hospital (Quepos) is 30 mins away. The closest town (Dominical) is 15 minutes away.

How can my family contact me?

For phone service, there is WI-FI 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?

You will be asked to exit the retreat and leave the property. We are very transparent around our dry-campus policies and we have all our guests agree to this in our terms and conditions prior to arrival.

I'm loving my retreat and I want to renew. How?

We prefer to discuss renewals after you leave Imiloa giving you time to reintegrate post-retreat. 

You can reach out to impact@imiloainstitute.com for a renewal conversation. Our Global Development Team will set a call with you, usually after we receive surveys back from your guests so we can also debrief on the experience and how to make it even better the next time. 

We’re grateful to experience 86% client renewals and take this honor seriously and never for granted.

AMENITIES

Does Imiloa have a gym on-site?

We do not have a gym onsite, but we have a spacious and well-equipped yoga shala where you can practice as much as you want, outside the scheduled workshops. We also have plenty of jungle trails perfect for hiking.

How many classroom spaces do you have for teaching?

We have a spacious yoga shala (300m2) perfect for leading larger groups, yoga, movement, meditations, sound therapy and other workshops. We also have a smaller space great for smaller groups and more intimate workshops such as cacao, journaling, sitting in a circle etc.

How many people can you sleep at Imiloa?

Most retreats average between 18-22 people. We can accommodate up to 33, depending on how you configure your rooms. 

What do you have for audio, yoga, sound-bathing and other equipment?

We have a full inventory and equipment list with specific audio & visual equipment, all yoga props and other workshop inventory. Please inquire directly with the team for more details. 

Do you have the ability and facility for us to bring our own massage therapist? (Room, supplies, and table) Is there an additional fee for this?

You may do that and pay a Facilitator nightly fee + 25% of what is charged for massages to Imiloa. 

It is strongly preferred that Imiloa be trusted to coordinate with your vendors and provide you excellent service. 

For example, if you coordinate outside of Imiloa, and your vendor gets stuck on the mountain or has other issues, they’ll contact you, and not us. We won’t be able to provide them transportation to Imiloa and the burden is on you as host. Instead, you can trust the Retreats Events Team to deliver the intended experience without you having to think about it – so you’re able to stay present throughout your stay. 

If you have questions on this, please email retreats@imiloainstitute.com

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?

Yes. We have fiber optic high speed. Certain parts of the campus such as the Yoga shala and the dining area you’ll find intentionally without Wi-Fi.

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?

The entire jungle is yours! The private road is great for hiking and there are adjacent acres to ours that you can explore endlessly.

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. If you’re hosting a retreat here, you should ask us about our super lush private all night beach parties that we put on for our VIPs.

FOOD

Can I help design the menu? How about a copy of the menu?

We have a set menu and specific recipes we use, but we are always happy to take requests or wishes into consideration. Please speak directly with the Retreats Team for more information on this. 

Can I have dinner delivered to my room?

Under special circumstances we can help deliver dinner to your room — just for hosts.

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. 

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 receive communication via Whatsapp with our team, who will assist with all requests.

Is the team legally hired?

All team members are legally hired in Costa Rica.

FINANCIAL

If I want to host a retreat, what does the payment structure look like?

A typical contract is based on a 33 people maximum campus. You will place a deposit to hold your dates and after the remaining amount will be divided out over monthly payments. 

Please contact our sales team at impact@imiloainstitute.com for more details on payment structure. 

If I don't have the money to pay when payment is due, will you cancel my retreat?

We rarely need to cancel host contracts., but we will be honest if we think you’re not a fit for hosting at Imiloa, for whatever reason. 

When you choose to sign a contract with us, this is a contractual obligation and we expect you to fulfill it, or provide adequate solutions in collaboration with us in order to fulfill the contract. We have a transfer-clause allowing you to transfer dates if you for some reason cannot host the original dates you have chosen. 

Are payments refundable?

Deposits and contract payments are non-refundable. 

What does the average host charge for different accommodations?

Typically a private room is priced between $4000 – $5500. Double rooms between $3200-$4000. Triple rooms between $2700 – $3300. Every host has unique pricing, which the host ultimately decides on themselves, based on their desired revenue and which type of audience they are looking to attract.