the location: VILLAS MASTATAL
Villas Mastatal is a permaculture farm and ecolodge located in the small community of Mastatal in the beautiful Central Valley of Costa Rica. The 50 hectare property has been owned and managed by the same Costa Rican family for over 50 years. In that time, they have planted thousands of trees, established a thriving food forest from which they can sustain themselves and guests of the farm, and hosted hundreds of groups of international students. You can read more about the family at our story.
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The property features beautiful and varying accommodations for guests, a well equppied kitchen and long dining table for community gatherings, a large yoga deck with a stunning view, a wood fire oven, a waterfall on the property, and plenty of hammocks for everyone to to relax and unwind.
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​​​​​​​​​There is so much to do in Mastatal and we are going to take advantage of it all. Mastatal lies at the foot of La Cangreja National Park, a stunning protected landscape boasting 1,000 species of flora, of which 44 are endemic, and 56 species of birds. The many trails of la cangreja pass by dozens of waterfalls, with the hike to the top of the mountain giving an incredible view of Mastatal, the Central Valley, and the Pacific Coast.
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In this small town of about 200 people, a beautiful community exists. Mastatal is a very close knit community with 5 dominant families residing in the area. In the past couple of decades, it has become an epicenter for sustainable and regenerative living, with 4 sustainability hubs: Villas Mastatal, Rancho Mastatal, Finca Siempre Verde, and La Iguana Chocolate all thriving in the town.
Dormitorio El Atardeser
accommodation
The majority of guests will stay in Dormitorio El Atardeser (the sunset dorm) in a shared bunk room. This structure is open air and receives a beautiful view of the sunset each night. It is two stories with a large yoga space on the top floor as well as hammocks. There are private bathrooms and showers as well as beautiful outdoor showers and a compost toilet.
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There are two private wooden bungalow rooms available at a first come first serve basis. More detailed information about accommodation options can be found on the registration page.
Private Bungalow
Waterfall on Villas Mastatal Property- 10 minute walk from the dorms
food​
Guests will be well fed, fueled, and nourished. Food is very important to us! Sourcing from local farms and onsite at Villas Mastatal, guests will be provided with 3 organic whole food plant based meals per day as well as access to fresh fruit and snacks whenever needed. There will an emphasis on fermentation with workshops so you can make many of the meals at home after the retreat. Meals will be Costa Rican inspired and enjoyed in community. Gluten free diets can be easily accommodated. We believe in food in abundance and meals will be colorful, balanced, and nourishing. Retreat participants will have the opportunity to help prepare meals with several of the meals made entirely by us.
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