What is Slow Travel & Why is Costa Rica the Perfect Destination?
Slow travel is about meaningful experiences over rushed itineraries. Instead of hopping from one tourist hotspot to the next, we at Drift Away Lodge believe in immersing ourselves in local culture, nature, and relaxation.
Extending your stay allows you to develop a deeper appreciation for your surroundings, giving you time to form a connection with nature, the local community, and the slow pace of Costa Rican life.
Costa Rica—especially the Guanacaste region near Playa Lagartillo—is the ideal slow travel destination because:
✅ The Pura Vida lifestyle promotes relaxation.
✅ Nature is everywhere—beaches, jungles, and wildlife surround us.
✅ Eco-conscious travel is easy—sustainable lodges, farm-to-table dining, and conservation projects abound.
For those looking for true relaxation, staying at Drift Away Lodge in Playa Lagartillo is the perfect way to experience Costa Rica at your own pace.
7 Ways We Embrace Slow Travel at Drift Away Lodge
1. Staying Longer & Soaking in the Serenity
Rather than rushing through multiple destinations, we encourage our guests to stay in one place longer and fully unwind.
Drift Away Lodge, tucked between Playa Avellanas and Playa Lagartillo, offers a tranquil retreat near the beach, surrounded by nature. Guests wake up to howler monkeys, fresh coffee, and the peaceful sound of the ocean.
🌿 Additional Ways to Soak in Serenity:
- Morning meditation by the ocean to set the tone for a peaceful and calm day.
- Guided nature walks to learn about local flora, fauna and other rich biodiversity.
- Picnics on Playa Lagartillo with fresh tropical fruits and local cheeses.
- Afternoon siestas in a shaded hammock to recharge your energy.
- Mindful movement and stretching sessions with the sounds of the waves to embrace relaxation fully.
- Beachside journaling to reflect on the experience.
💡 Tip: Many travelers extend their stay after realizing how relaxing Playa Lagartillo is! Spending a week or more here allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the easygoing rhythm of life. Taking time to explore at a leisurely pace means truly appreciating Costa Rica’s biodiversity, from exotic birds flitting between the trees to the mesmerizing dance of fireflies at night.
💡 Best Time to Visit: The green season (May–November) offers fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and a more immersive slow travel experience.
2. Unplugging & Reconnecting with Nature
Digital detoxing is a key part of slow travel. Stepping away from screens and immersing in Costa Rica’s natural beauty is a transformative experience.
🌿 Ways to Reconnect with Nature:
- Walk barefoot on the soft sand of Playa Lagartillo, grounding yourself to mother earth..
- Surf at Playa Avellanas, one of Costa Rica’s best surf spots.
- Paddleboard or kayak through the mangroves of Hacienda Pinilla or through the nearby estuaries to witness exotic wildlife..
- Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and discover vibrant marine life.
- Go stargazing away from city lights for a breathtaking night sky.
- Join a guided birdwatching tour to spot rare tropical species.
- Take a scenic bike ride through Guanacaste’s coastal trails.
- Swim in hidden natural pools tucked away in the jungle.
- Practice sunrise yoga while listening to the rhythmic ocean waves.
- Relax under the shade of almond trees, watching howler monkeys play overhead.
💡 Fun Fact: Costa Rica is a global leader in conservation, with over 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves.
3. Savoring Every Bite: Farm-to-Table Dining at Lelo’s
At Lelo’s Place, our on-site restaurant, we focus on fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients. One of the best parts of slow travel includes savoring each meal as an experience, taking time to appreciate the flavors of Costa Rica.
At Lelo’s Place, our restaurant at Drift Away Lodge, guests enjoy:
🍍 Organic tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and passion fruit.
🍚 Traditional Gallo Pinto, Costa Rica’s famous rice & beans dish.
🐟 Locally sourced seafood, caught fresh by fishermen in nearby villages.
🥥 Coconut water straight from the tree!
🌿 More Farm-to-Table Experiences:
- Take a local cooking class to learn and master authentic Costa Rican recipes.
- Visit an organic farm to learn about sustainable agriculture.
- Join a cacao farm tour and make your own chocolate.
- Experience a traditional coffee plantation visit and learn about sustainable farming.
- Harvest your own tropical fruits and vegetables at a local organic farm.
- Learn how to make homemade tortillas with Costa Rican grandmothers.
- Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu featuring regional specialties.
- Sip locally brewed Costa Rican coffee, freshly roasted and full of flavor.
- Surya, an amazing Natural Market where you can get your groceries including many locally made products.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Visit a local farmers’ market in Tamarindo or Santa Cruz for homemade cheeses, artisanal bread, and hand-harvested cacao.
4. Choosing Experiences Over Sightseeing
Slow travel is about immersing yourself rather than checking off landmarks. Instead of racing from one activity to another, we encourage guests to choose meaningful experiences that align with their personal interests and allow for full engagement.
🌴 Experiences That Define Slow Travel:
- Take a private beach yoga session at sunrise for ultimate tranquility.
- Horseback riding at sunset along Playa Largartillo’s beach shore.
- Join a traditional storytelling circle to hear Costa Rican folklore.
- Attend a local pottery or painting workshop with artisans from the region.
- Enjoy a slow afternoon of birdwatching, observing toucans and scarlet macaws.
- Float in the ocean without checking the time, simply existing in the moment.
- Exploring hidden waterfalls Like Llanos de Cortez and swimming in it’s clear waters.
- Enjoying a beach bonfire under the stars with fresh seafood and live music.
- Enjoy the Friday night local market at La Esquina in Playa Avellanas.
- Relax with an oceanfront massage, allowing the sounds of the waves to lull you into peace.
💡 Pro Tip: The most memorable travel moments often happen when you ditch the itinerary and let spontaneity guide you.
5. Connecting with the Local Community
A core aspect of slow travel is meaningful cultural exchanges. Rather than observing from a distance, we invite guests to actively engage with the Guanacaste community, supporting local businesses and traditions.
🌎 Ways to Engage with the Guanacaste Community:
- Visit an indigenous village to learn about their traditional crafts.
- Attend a community fiesta and experience local dance, music, and food.
- Shop at a weekly farmer’s market, buying directly from local producers.
- Take a surf lesson from a local instructor, learning about Costa Rica’s surf culture.
- Participate in a community beach clean-up as part of sustainable tourism efforts.
- Attend a traditional marimba performance and experience Costa Rica’s musical heritage
- Volunteer at a sea turtle conservation project in Las Baulas National Park.
- Explore artisan markets and purchase handcrafted souvenirs.
- Attend a traditional marimba performance and experience Costa Rica’s musical heritage.
- Attend a community fiesta and experience local dance, music, and food.
💡 Did you know? Many Costa Rican communities offer homestay experiences, where travelers can learn about traditional farming, cooking, and crafts firsthand.
6. The Art of Doing Nothing
Slow travel is about letting go of the pressure to do and simply being present. In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to fully relax is a luxury. Drift Away Lodge is the perfect place to embrace the art of doing nothing.
🛏️ Ways to Embrace Doing Nothing:
- Spend an afternoon swaying in a hammock, doing nothing but listening to the ocean.
- Enjoy a fresh fruit smoothie while lounging in our garden.
- Let the hours slip away on the beach, feeling the sun warm your skin.
- Sit on your bungalow porch at dusk, watching fireflies dance in the night air.
- Fall asleep to the sound of the waves, embracing the slow travel mindset.
- Nap in a hammock under the shade of palm trees.
- Watch the sun dip below the Pacific, free from distractions.
- Read a book by candlelight, surrounded by jungle sounds.
- Enjoy a deep relaxation massage, letting the ocean waves lull you into peace.
- Float in the ocean for hours, with no schedule or obligations.
7. Slow Travel & Wellness: Stress Relief & Mental Clarity
Slow travel offers a natural reset for both body and mind, allowing guests to unwind and prioritize well-being. Incorporating slow travel practices, such as those offered at Drift Away Lodge, provides an opportunity to engage deeply with nature and local culture, fostering a sense of relaxation and mental rejuvenation.
🌿 How Slow Travel Supports Wellness:
- Reduces stress by eliminating the rush of traditional travel (Linger).
- Enhances mindfulness by encouraging full presence in the moment (CN Traveller).
- Improves sleep quality through exposure to natural light and fresh air.
- Boosts creativity by offering time for reflection and inspiration.
- Promotes deep relaxation through nature immersion, gentle movement, and stress-free days.
- Improves cognitive function by spending time in nature (PR Newswire).
💡 Wellness Tip: Take advantage of Drift Away Lodge’s wellness offerings, such as guided meditation, beachfront yoga, and holistic massages.
A Plan for 7 days of Slow Travel at Drift Away Lodge in Costa Rica: The Ultimate Relaxation Itinerary
If you’re wondering how to fully embrace slow travel in Costa Rica, here’s a 7-day itinerary designed for relaxation, cultural immersion, and adventure at a leisurely pace.
Day 1: Arriving and Unwinding at Drift Away Lodge
- Settle into your eco-friendly room and take in the tropical surroundings.
- Sip a welcome drink as you relax by the pool or in a hammock.
- Enjoy a sunset walk along Playa Lagartillo, easing into the slow travel mindset.
Day 2: Nature Connection & Digital Detox
- Start the day with a guided yoga or meditation session by the ocean.
- Spend the morning unplugged—no screens, just books and nature.
- Take a paddleboarding adventure through the nearby mangroves.
- Wind down with an evening beach bonfire under the stars.
Day 3: Local Culture & Farm-to-Table Dining
- Visit a local farmers’ market in Tamarindo or Santa Cruz and shop for fresh ingredients.
- Take a Costa Rican cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes.
- Enjoy an intimate dinner at Lelo’s Place, savoring farm-to-table flavors.
Day 4: Beach & Wellness Retreat
- Lounge at Playa Avellanas, taking in the relaxed surf culture.
- Indulge in a deep relaxation massage at Drift Away Lodge.
- Experience stargazing on the beach, letting the night sky inspire you.
Day 5: Adventure at a Slow Pace
- Take a sunset horseback ride along the coastline.
- Hike to hidden waterfalls like Llanos de Cortez and swim in crystal-clear pools.
- Enjoy a live music evening at Lelo’s with fresh seafood and local musicians.
Day 6: Giving Back to the Community
- Volunteer at a turtle conservation project and help protect wildlife.
- Visit a local artisan village to support sustainable crafts.
- Spend time with local fishermen, learning about traditional fishing practices.
Day 7: Embracing the Art of Doing Nothing
- Take a leisurely breakfast with fresh tropical fruits.
- Spend the morning floating in the ocean, with no plans or stress.
- Enjoy a final slow walk along Playa Lagartillo before departing, fully refreshed.
Book Your Stay
Let Drift Away Lodge be your gateway to slow travel in Costa Rica. Whether you want to explore hidden beaches, savor fresh cuisine, or simply embrace the beauty of doing nothing, we invite you to make Drift Away your home away from home.
🌿 Why Book With Us?
✅ Secluded location near Playa Lagartillo, ideal for true relaxation.
✅ Sustainable eco-lodge committed to conservation and local culture.
✅ Close to surf, wildlife, and adventure for the perfect mix of exploration and tranquility.
✅ Wellness experiences including yoga, meditation, and nature immersion.
- Book Your Slow Travel Stay – Secure your dream getaway today!
- View Our Accommodations – Explore our comfortable and eco-friendly lodging options.
- FAQ – Learn more about what to expect with frequently asked questions.
- Lelo’s Place Menu – Enjoy fresh, locally inspired cuisine just steps from your room.
- Our Sustainability Commitment – Learn how we support eco-friendly tourism and marine conservation efforts.
- Check Our Special Offers – Discover exclusive deals and promotions to make the most of your stay.
