Beyond the Beach: Why the Real Healing Happens in the Hills
There’s no denying that the beaches of Costa Rica are irresistible. Glistening blue waters echoing the sound of zero responsibilities and salty air alive with the hypnotic rhythm of the waves. They’re vibrant, warm, and brimming with life. But as intoxicating as the ocean is, there’s another kind of magic that happens when you step away from the road less traveled and rise up (physically and emotionally) into the quiet embrace of the jungle hillside.
At Los Altos de Eros, our boutique hotel and spa was created with deep intention. The sweeping views are breathtaking, the spa treatments transportive. But what lingers most is something less expected: the way the elevation itself works on the body, mind, and spirit, leaving guests with the unmistakable feeling that their journey of healing has begun.
Changing Your Perspective, Literally and Figuratively
There’s something almost poetic about climbing higher into the hills. Your body works differently up here (no, really… facts). Your lungs fill with fresher, cleaner air, and your eyes take in the broader scope. Your mind begins to expand.
Science tells us that new environments help reset our brains, sparking fresh neural connections and quieting the pathways of repetitive, anxious thought. And when that new environment includes a literal change in altitude, the symbolism is potent. As you rise physically, you often feel yourself rising emotionally, gaining perspective over the tangle of daily demands that felt so overwhelming at sea level.
From our hillside terrace, the view stretches above the jungle canopy and all the way to the ocean, reminding you that while the beach is beautiful, it’s not the whole story. From up here, the coastline is just one part of a vast and layered landscape; a thin, shining ribbon. The same is true for your life. Stress, burnout, or expectation may feel like the whole picture when you’re caught inside them, but step back, gain height, and you see they’re just a sliver of a much larger picture.
Beyond the Noise: The Healing Power of Seclusion
Beach towns have their charm: surfboards on every corner, bustling cafés, a lively pulse of music and laughter. But healing rarely happens in the noise. True restoration calls for stillness.
Our hillside retreat is a sanctuary for exactly that. It quiets the unnecessary chatter in life, both external and internal. Here, the soundtrack is the rustle of leaves, the call of the monkeys, and the songs of the local feathered symphony. Without the constant visual and auditory pull of activity, your nervous system begins to recalibrate. Your breathing slows. Your mind stops racing ahead.
In this space, you remember how it feels to inhabit your own body without distraction. You notice the warmth of the sun on your skin, the fresh taste of fruit on your tongue, and the steady beat of your heart returning to its natural rhythm.
Elevation as an Inner Journey
When you trade oceanfront for ocean views, you’re engaging in a kind of symbolic pilgrimage.
At sea level, life is immediate. You’re pulled into the here-and-now, eye-to-eye with the horizon, and manipulated by the movement of the tide. But above the swell? You gain altitude and a sense of timelessness.
Rising above coastal ground mirrors the internal climb away from the lowlands of exhaustion, overcommitment, and external expectation. It’s the journey of stepping outside the swirl of life to find a higher vantage point. One that allows you to see what truly matters and what you can let go of.
Why Hills Hold Space for Transformation
There’s a reason so many spiritual traditions associate mountains and hills with enlightenment. The climb is a reflection of the work it takes to rise above patterns that no longer serve you. The view from the top is a reminder of the clarity that comes when you do.
In the hills of Guanacaste, the days unfold slowly. Morning light spreads gently across the treetops. Afternoons linger in golden stillness. Nights are lit by a wide, starlit sky that feels close enough to touch. Time seems to stretch here, giving you room to breathe, think, and realign.
When you return to the beach (or to your life), you carry that elevated perspective with you. The waves will still crash, the world will still move quickly, but you’ll have learned how to rise above it, no matter where you are.
A Moment for Reflection During Your Stay
Meditation / Journaling Prompt: Find a quiet spot with a view that stretches far (maybe the Bali net?). Close your eyes and imagine your life laid out like the landscape below. Everything that feels urgent and everything you carry, let it fall away. Now, in your mind, lift yourself higher. See the whole picture. Notice which things shrink from this height, and which remain steady and vital. Write down what you see from this elevated view. What feels lighter? What feels clearer? What do you want to keep in your sightline when you return home?
Los Altos de Eros is above the noise, above the rush, and above the tide of daily life. Here in the quiet air, you’ll find a place for rest and renewal. The beach will always be there, waiting for you. But the perspective you gain up here? That’s yours to keep.
Temporarily Closed
Closed for Now, Open for More Magic in November.
Our doors are officially closed as we take time to pause and renew. We’ll return in November, refreshed and ready for a beautiful high season.
Ready to book for high season? Visit our hotel booking site here:
Our focus has been on keeping our team, guests, and community safe.
As we closely monitor and adhere to changes in government policy, Los Altos de Eros Hotel & Spa has enhanced our health & safety precautions to comply with the recommendations and guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministerio de Salud Costa Rica.
We look forward to warmly welcoming our guests and the only thing that exceeds our preparation is our excitement. When you’re ready, we’ll be here like we have been for more than 15 years. By making a reservation, all guests affirm they meet the conditions set forth outlined below before entering the hotel or facilities:
You and your guests are healthy without any COVID-19 symptoms (temperature should be below 37.9 °C, we will take temperatures at the door)
You have abided by the social distancing/quarantine rules by the government and followed all safety protocols.
You have not come into contact with anyone that contracted the virus.
Once in the property please avoid shaking hands, wash your hands at your arrival and as often as possible, sneeze and cough appropriately by covering your mouth and using your forearm.
For spa services, a shower before treatments is recommended.
Cancellation Policy – COVID
While Costa Rica is still in a state of Travel Advisory with the COVID-19 Pandemic, we will adopt the following policy for hotel reservations.
No penalty for hotel cancellations at least 2 weeks before the reservation. You can use your deposit for a credit towards a future stay or request a refund.
Travel Requirements
Costa Rica borders are open to all international travelers. Healthcare & Travel insurance coverage must be purchased before entry into Costa Rica. We will gladly help you purchase this after you book a reservation.
Many countries require negative PCR Covid test results to get back into their home country. We will assist in every step of organizing the test on site at the hotel. Guaranteed results of 48-72 hours will be sent via email.
Thank you for your continued loyalty, patience and understanding. We wish you and your loved ones health and wellness. Our thoughts are with the communities, individuals and everyone impacted by COVID-19.
