Editor’s Pick: A Hidden Costa Rican Retreat Worth Discovering
I spent a week at the Jungle Hub, an eco-lodge in Alajuela, Costa Rica, created by a man named Guillermo—a half-German, half-Costa Rican who left the corporate world in Germany to turn his family’s land into a sanctuary. What began as his private home has since grown into a retreat welcoming both volunteers and travelers like me, where I stayed for a week in May.
At the time, I was on a backpacking journey through Latin America, and by the third week of my trip, I was already feeling the mental and physical fatigue of constant travel. Additionally, I was dealing with post-concussion syndrome, and the headaches made it tough to keep up with my Spanish classes in Costa Rica. I stumbled upon the Jungle Hub by chance, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to slow down and immerse myself in nature. The retreat offered a restful, nurturing environment, and it turned out to be much more than just a break; it was a chance to connect with a beautiful community and feel genuinely welcomed.
One of the most special aspects of my time at the Jungle Hub was the strong sense of community it fostered. Every day, we gathered for three communal meals in the main dining area, where the food was mostly sourced from the land itself, making every meal a farm-to-table experience. These shared meals sparked deep conversations and bonding, and we also enjoyed games like Dixit and chess together. Additionally, we had daily group check-ins and meditations, which created a safe space to share and connect on a deeper level. I felt truly seen and heard by everyone, including Guillermo, Alicia, and Javi, who ran the retreat and made me feel at home. I also bonded with Daniel, a fellow traveler from Sweden, and we supported each other throughout the week. Lastly, the natural surroundings allowed me to connect with nature profoundly, whether it was hiking through the forest or starting the day with a refreshing dip in a waterfall.
My experience at the Jungle Hub transformed me in unexpected and beautiful ways. Initially, I arrived with the intention of simply enjoying the tranquility of nature and the wholesome meals. However, the sense of community and connection I felt inspired me to contribute in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Instead of just relaxing, I found myself helping out with the farm, clearing dead plants, and even building pathways and a small staircase. This hands-on work, which I usually wouldn’t seek out, brought a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. The entire experience left me feeling more connected to myself, to the community, and to nature. It was an enriching experience that I’ll reflect on for a long time.
If Matt’s experience inspires you to seek your own community-centered retreat, that’s the kind of journey I love designing through Jiyu Collective. Let’s start imagining where your story could unfold.
Here is also a link to the Jungle Hub
