AmaTierra Retreat & Wellness Center

"AmaTierra is nestled among the mountains and forests of Costa Rica. I was traveling with a friend of mine and each morning we awoke to the sound of birds followed by our morning yoga session in the open air yoga studio nestled in the side of a mountain. No matter which way you looked you saw gorgeous green rolling hills and beautiful wild life. The yoga studio is the most amazing place in the world to do yoga! I had only done yoga 2 times before going there, but Jill was wonderful at mixing the instruction to accommodate for me and those more skilled at yoga. The personal attention from the staff was unparallel! All the food was freshly made and the meals were outstanding! I found that I cleared my plate at every meal because everything was wonderful! My friend came down with a minor sickness while we were there and thank goodness they have an herbalist on staff because she was back to normal within hours! The treatments that were offered were also very relaxing and re-engergizing. Nothing beats getting a masage while staring out at the rain forests! I can not say enough good things about AmaTierra but I know that I will be recommending this place to everyone I know and hope to return soon! AmaTierra has done quite a bit for the community and is working to improve education, eco-friendliness and the overall quality of life for their community! Also - if you get the opportunity I highly recommend the trip to Carrera with Vic Chaves. Vic is a delightful person with a tremendous knowledge of the land. He took us hiking and we saw Howler Monkeys, White Faced Monkeys, scarlet macaws and poison dart frogs! We also were led on a medicine walk with Alida Francisco which was quite fascinating. For anyone that wants to tap into their connectedness with the earth I highly recommend this experience!"

"Our family of four (2 boys- 11 and 14) spent 3 lovely nights at AmaTierra. This was our third stop during our trip to Costa Rica and was a perfect way to end an incredible vacation. Prior to even arriving at Ama Tierra, Bob called us to ask what types of things our family enjoyed doing. We were well cared for, with Bob and Jill attempting, and succeeding to meet all of our needs. The food is fabulous and lovingly prepared with fresh ingredients.

What made AmaTierra different? Morning yoga class with Jill and the birds and sweet air of AmaTierra, an unforgettable massage and treatment by Jill, Popo, our wonderful driver, and meeting and sharing time with the other guests. Bob arranged trips for us to Turu Ba Ri and Carrara National Park. Vince our guide at Carrara was the finest guide we had in CR.

If you are looking for a smaller, more intimate experience in Costa Rica --visit Bob and Jill and AmaTierra. We hope to return."

"We were looking for rest and relaxation but did not want to get bored either. Amatierra was the absolute best and we cannot wait to return again and again.

The rooms blended into the forest so we felt one with the abounding nature surrounding us. The temperature was perfect and we were able to keep our windows open and listen to the calls of various tropical birds. Also the rooms were kept emaculate and were very comfortable. The food was delicious! Fresh fruit, vegetables, organic coffee, and homemade meals was something we looked forward to everyday. And most impressive was the hospitality of our hosts Bob and Jill. They were always there ready to accomadate us in any way, from arranging trips, suggesting day activities, yoga classes, massages and just their overall making our trip the best it could be.

We were able to spend a day at the beach, go horseback riding in a rural town and countryside, go to a pristine park and always come back to a great meal and relaxing evenings. Don't miss this special eco friendly retreat. It is only going to get better and better and there is so much that is offered that it will fit in to anyone's best vacation plans. I can not say enough good things about this very special place except that I am aready planning a return trip and I guess that speaks for itself."

"Amatierra was our final destination on our wonderful honeymoon in Costa Rica! For those who have travelled to Costa Rica, you know the food is amazing, the people are pleasant and the weather is unbeatable.

From the first moment we found Amatierra online, we were impressed. From the start, the wonderful owners, Jill & Bob catered to our needs. From advice on itineraries, rental cars and planning our trip, they offered the best. When we couldn't find a hotel in one of our destinations, they called some friends and found it for us.

The resort itself is intimate with only 10 bungallows. The staff was so friendly and the views breathtaking. In the mornings we would do Yoda will Jill and read by the pool. Then we would have a delicious breakfast overlooking the country on the deck followed by fantastic excursions.

We went horseback riding with the locals to an amazing waterfall. Canopy touring in a nearby park, and listened to live music in the evening on the deck with dinner.

Unlike so many resorts, this truly is a little nest in the middle of the country to relax and eat and stay healthy on your way in or out of country. We would highly recommend this resort and look forward to coming back."

"Lovely setting, high in the mountains. The area was beautiful abundant birds, flora, and close to incredible parks and beach.
Our stay at the hotel was peaceful and private, with a perfect blend of local interaction. We visited the local villages and parks. Then returned for a lovely evening meal on a gorgeous outdoor deck overlooking the mountain vistas. We would return in a minute, thanks to our hosts Bob and Jill."

"We just returned from a
10-daystay in Costa Rica, where we stayed in 3 different places. Our
favorite was the AmaTierra, a lovely new ( 2 years old) 10-casita hotel
just off the road that runs between San Jose and Jaco, in an area
called the Central Highlands. The grounds are forested with native
trees and many flowering plants very well-tended by the 2 gardeners.
There are birds galore, including 2 kinds of toucans, cuckoos, unique
wrens, motmots, etc, etc. We are experienced birders and were
constantly picking up our binoculars. The sounds of the birds are
mesmerizing.
The casitas have a very zen feel, soft look, very very clean, as is the
whole property; comfortable bed, large tropical-feel bathroom. Our room
had windows overlooking the hillside, and ceiling fans. There is no
real need for A/C, the breezes are refreshing.We also had a small patio
with 2 chairs and a hammock chair to sit and enjoy the lovely air.
The casitas are arranged on the sloping hillside just adjacent to the
main lodge, where meals are taken family-style on a lovely balcony that
overlooks the far mountains. The main building has a comfortable
lounging area inside with wine and beer available. Each room has it's
own coffee maker with Costa Rican coffee,TV with DVD player, and the
owners have a large collection of movies to choose from. There is a
beautiful pool below the level of the balcony, and the owners bring out
fresh juices and ice water to guests enjoying a dip in the afternoon.
The whole property has a very tranquil feeling, very Pura Vida!
The meals were very delicious, prepared by a local chef who focuses on
local ingredients, wonderful fresh vegetables, fruits, chicken and fish
dishes, done in a Tipico style that is more interesting and flavorful
than much of the Tipico food found around the country. Breakfasts
included many kinds of fresh local friut, rice and beans if desired,
eggs, meats, breads, and terrific Costa Rican coffee of course.
The location is great, too, only an hour or so to many nearby
attractions, including the beaches on the Pacific, Canopy parks,
National Parks for viewing rare birds and other wildlife, where guides
are easily hired. The AmaTierra owners were very helpful in assisting
us with arranging our days to take in the things we considered highest
priority. They know how to arrange most anything you need.
The owners are interesting, having chosen to purchase the hotel as a
retirement lifestyle. The woman is an accomplished and well-known
herbalist from Arizona, as well as a yoga instructor and massage
therapist. She offers those services to guests. Her husband worked in
the music industry for years in the U.S. and has quite a collection of
jazz and other recordings available for soft background dinner music.
Our 2 teenagers, known to be fussy about food and lodging, were happily
at home there, and loved the ambience, the exotic tropical feel, and
the food! We will definitely return, hopefully again and again.

"