FOOD NOTES RETREAT

Make, cook and create together

Costa Rica Cahuita donation

In Cahuita, creativity is part of the retreat experience: guests cook, make art and share live music in an immersive gathering shaped around nourishment and personal projects. FOOD NOTES RETREAT brings together about 18 local and international participants for vegan and raw-food workshops, performances and creative sessions. The emphasis is participatory rather than purely observational; guests are invited to develop an artistic idea, hobby or business with support from specialty practitioners. Most classes take place at Miotrakasa Hotel, while some activities move off site, including the vegan cooking class and waterfall experience. Food choices span vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian and meat-inclusive diets, with gluten-free and dairy-free options also listed; the cooking workshop itself is vegan. The format suits travelers who want a social, hands-on retreat with room for creative exploration alongside wellness. The center runs by donation. Confirm dates, lodging arrangements and what each retreat includes before traveling.

Highlights

Small gatherings of about 18 local and international guests
Vegan and raw-food workshops alongside live music and collaborative art
Specialty practitioners available to support creative projects, hobbies or business ideas
Off-site activities include a vegan cooking class and a waterfall experience

Good for

creative travelersfood and cooking enthusiastsmusic loverswellness retreatssmall-group experiences

Setting

Cahuita is a South Caribbean town, and the retreat’s mix of food, music and art gives the experience a social, hands-on feel. Most classes are held at Miotrakasa Hotel, with some activities taking place off site, including a waterfall experience.

A typical day

The rhythm depends on the retreat: expect a mix of food workshops, creative sessions and live music rather than a fixed meditation timetable. Some activities take place off site, including cooking and waterfall experiences. Ask the host for the schedule for your dates.

Accommodation

Miotrakasa Hotel is the main venue for classes, but guest lodging arrangements are not described. Ask the host whether accommodation is included or needs to be booked separately.

What to bring

Pack comfortable clothes for cooking and creative activities, along with light layers for an average temperature of about 24.4°C. Rain is more common in June, July and November, so a light rain layer is useful.

Address 36, Limón Province, Cahuita, Costa Rica

How to get there

From Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, options include renting a car, booking a shuttle, taking the MEPE bus or flying with Sansa to Limón. Shuttles and local flights should be booked in advance.

Nearest airport: Limón International Airport (LIO) (31 km)

Limón International Airport (LIO) is approximately 31 km from the center. Arrange onward ground transport in advance and confirm transfer options with the host.

Nearest city: Limón

Public transport: The MEPE bus is a public transport option from San José; allow for a taxi or Uber ride from the airport to the bus station.

Languages

English

Pricing

The center runs by donation, with no fixed fee listed. Confirm the suggested contribution and what it covers with the host.

Climate

Climate Zone: Subtropical

Best Months: Mar, Oct, Aug

Avoid: Nov, Jul, Jun

Cahuita averages about 24.4°C through the year. May, September and October tend to be warmest; June, July and November are among the wettest months, while March, August and October are typically drier.

Location

Frequently asked questions

What does a day at FOOD NOTES RETREAT involve?

Activities include food workshops, creative sessions and live music, but the daily schedule varies by retreat. Ask the host for the itinerary for your dates.

Do I need prior experience in art, music or cooking?

Guests are invited to develop creative interests or projects, but workshop prerequisites are not outlined. Ask the host about any specific session you plan to join.

What food options are available?

The retreat lists vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian and meat-inclusive options, as well as gluten-free and dairy-free choices. The vegan cooking class is vegan; confirm meal arrangements for your retreat.

How do I get to Cahuita from San José?

From SJO, the center notes car rental, shuttle, MEPE bus and Sansa local flights to Limón as options. Shuttle and flight bookings should be arranged in advance.

How do I reserve, and what does the donation cover?

The retreat runs by donation, but booking steps and what is included can vary. Contact the host to confirm availability, reservations and the donation arrangement.