Blue Wellness
Individualized Blue Wellness journeys for longevity travel
Our Blue Wellness program at Nantipa integrates the concepts of Blue Areas and Blue Mind to explore the natural advantages of our location on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. As part of one of the world’s five Blue Areas, our community promotes daily practices linked to longevity and health. This includes aspects like diet, exercise, social connections, and environmental respect.
Additionally, we delve into the therapeutic effects of water through blue mind theory, which highlights the benefits of being in and around water for relaxation, recreation, and overall well-being.
By combining these elements, our Individualized Blue Wellness journeys aim to provide guests with a head start on their wellness journey. During your stay, you can choose to passively absorb these benefits or take a more proactive approach with a tailored package. Start your journey here and take these learnings home with you afterward.
- Photo credits: hannahdace
Suggested Nantipa Blue Wellness Experience package:
- Suite or Villa accommodations that best suits you.
- Customized Yoga.
- Have a Volunteer experience! outing at CIRENAS turtle hatchery or permaculture and medicinal gardens, or visit to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
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Your choice of a nature adventure: choice of one (1) nature excursion per day:
- A hike through the rainforest followed by a dip in the waterfall
- Ziplining on a surfboard
- Horseback riding
- Surf lessons
- Exploring hidden beach by boat
- Or fishing excursions
- One traditional Nicoyas Breakfast
- Sunset cocktails at the beach
- Suite, Bungalow or Villa accommodations that best suits you.
- Customized Yoga.
- Volunteer experience outing at CIRENAS turtle hatchery or permaculture and medicinal gardens, or visit the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
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Your choice of a nature adventure: one (1) nature excursion per day:
- A hike through the rainforest followed by a swim in the Montezuma Waterfall
- Ziplining on a surfboard
- Horseback riding
- Surf lessons
- Exploring hidden beaches by boat
- Fishing excursions - One traditional Nicoyan Breakfast ( Traditional breakfast that mixes grains from the local diet to obtain a nutrient-rich source of minerals and vitamins. (Gallo pinto, handmade tortillas, eggs, fresh cheese, ripe plantain, sour cream).
- Sunset cocktails on the beach.
- Private dinner in a choice of locations around the resort (optional).
- Photo credits: hannahdace
Immersion in water can mean anything from a shower or bath to a dip in a river, pool or the sea. When we are submerged in water we can float and experience a sense of weightlessness, while surrounded by pressure that creates a soothing hug-like feeling. Water also has 600 times the resistance of air which is what makes it one of the most effective forms of aerobic exercise. The combination of thought, coordination and aerobic exercise that takes place when we are swimming has been said to provide ‘cognitive reserve’, that’s the mind’s resilience to damage to the brain.
- Surfing
Santa Teresa offers surfing for all abilities, and it is said that surfers probably exhibit more Blue Mind than anyone due to their ability to read and revel in the waves. All the feel-good transmitters – adrenaline, dopamine and endorphins – experience a rush when you catch a wave, and when it is over you head back out and do it all over again. The magic is that this rush can be as powerful for beginners as it is for pros.
- Fishing
Fishing is innately calming. The rocking motion as you drift along in a boat, watching the water and waiting for something to happen is like a hypnotic trance away from the hustle of daily life – there is a reason why so many people enjoy it even if they do not catch anything! The benefits of fishing center around enjoying the natural setting, slowing down and practicing patience and quietude, interspersed with the excitement of a catch!
- Boating
Exploring by boat brings a feeling of freedom where you can get lost in time. It also brings an element of teamwork, trust and shared adventure. And if you’re just cruising for pleasure there’s nothing more powerful, grounding or uplifting than getting lost in a waterborne sunset.
- Protecting water
Taking part in water-based conservation projects not only benefits the natural world but also taps into the deep connection between humans, nature and water. Understanding the benefits of being by the water is a powerful argument for keeping our waters clean, healthy and free as we embrace its healing powers for all manner of mental and physical issues.
- Waterfalls Hike
The continuous motion of water creates a controlled and restful environment proving that water sounds don’t need to be muted to be relaxing. Cascading water creates a sense of magic that captures the light and mesmerizes us and at the Montezuma falls you have the added bonus of being able to swim in the pool below to get all those immersion benefits too!
Activate your Blue Mind with us!
Being by water is known to make us happy, reduce stress and bring a sense of peace which is why so many of us proactively seek it out for vacations. But how does it make us healthier? Water’s effects on our senses give our brains a bit of a spring clean, clearing out the cobwebs created by fatigue, stress and overstimulation to help it get back to a more creative state.
How’s this for starters?
- Hearing water’s rhythmic lapping reduces stress hormones and the sound of water (from rainfall, ocean waves, waterfalls or flowing rivers) is a well-known sleep aid. A sound night’s sleep enhances memory and helps you wake up feeling refreshed and invigorated.
- Watching water flow is hypnotic and meditative. It also exposes us to the color blue which has calming yet energizing effects that promote feelings of euphoria and joy.
- Smelling water is highly evocative - whether it’s salt in the air, damp earth or cool mist - which help form memories and emotional connections.
- Drinking enough water is not only vital for hydration but the high calcium content of Nicoyan water has also been highlighted as a key element of the community’s longevity.
- Photo credits: hannahdace