7 Day Ayurveda Cooking Immersion: Food Alchemy in Costa Rica
7 Day Ayurveda Cooking Immersion: Food Alchemy in Costa Rica
Soma Retreat Center, 160, Guanacaste Province, San Juanillo, Costa Rica
Up to 15 in group
Feb 14 - Mar 2, 2026
Retreat Highlights
- Learn in a living school of Yoga and Ayurveda (Gurukulam).
- Live yoga. We will not just learn yoga, we will live and explore it together every day.
- The Gurukulam is an intentionally designed space created to support the practice of yoga and Ayurveda.
- Re-pattern your mindset to let go of habits that do not serve you and replace them with new intentional habits.
- Learn the techniques of pranayama to release and detox physical, emotional, and mental blockages.
- Immerse yourself in nature and align with its natural cycles.
- Rebalance your nervous system and recalibrate your circadian rhythms.
- We specialize in small group trainings, no more than 15 students, so you will not feel lost or overcrowded.
- We are located just a mile from the Pacific Ocean.
- Our Ayurvedic-inspired kitchen serves three homemade, organic, high-energy meals a day. (One lunch per week is not provided and is part of “Support Local Business”.)
- Learn the foundations of Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga.
- Experience an Ayurvedic daily routine (Dinacharya).
- Visit a quiet beach town away from large crowds and heavy tourism.
- We are located only 10 miles from Nosara.
- Option to order extras twice a week, including an assortment of fruits.
- Coconut water, kombucha, and bliss balls are available daily as extras.
About this Retreat
Therapeutic Yoga Counselor | Practitioner of Ayurveda | Food Alchemist | Archer
Sonia Kaur, E-RYT 500, is a deeply intuitive guide and teacher who brings over 5,000 hours of teaching and training experience in the healing arts of Yoga and Ayurveda. As a Therapeutic Yoga Counselor and practitioner rooted in traditional wisdom, Sonia specializes in Yoga Philosophy, Mindful Yoga, Pranayama (breathwork), Meditation, and Ayurveda Cooking for Self-Healers.
At the heart of Sonia’s teaching is the sacred inquiry of the Self. Her approach gently invites students to release stored tension—both physical and emotional—through conscious movement, breath, reflection, and philosophical dialogue. Her sessions are deeply grounding, drawing seekers inward to reconnect with their true essence and experience the freedom that comes from letting go of old patterns and stories.
Sonia also shares her passion for Ayurvedic living through her work as a Food Alchemist, teaching the healing power of cooking with intention. From her organic, sustainable farm, Pura Veda, she demonstrates how yoga and Ayurveda can be fully woven into everyday life—whether through nourishing meals, conscious farming, or even the meditative stillness found in her practice of mindful archery.
A true embodiment of integrated living, Sonia holds space for transformation with warmth, wisdom, and a deep reverence for the natural rhythms of life.
Assistant Teacher | E-RYT 200 | Co-Facilitator |
Ciro is a multifaceted teacher and creative whose intuitive presence brings balance, clarity, and inspiration to every space he holds. As an Assistant Yoga Teacher for this training, Ciro weaves together a deep love for anatomy, mindful movement, and the healing wisdom of Ayurveda to support students on their personal path to well-being.
With a calm and easygoing nature, Ciro is known for offering clear, thoughtful instruction that meets students exactly where they are. Whether guiding an asana practice, discussing energetic imbalances, or sharing insights into Ayurvedic lifestyle, Ciro leads with compassion, curiosity, and grounded understanding.
Influenced by the teachings of mentors like Sonia Kaur, Ciro explores the deeper dimensions of yoga through self-inquiry, breath work, and daily rituals that connect body, mind, and spirit. His approach honors both structure and spontaneity, inviting others to reconnect with their natural rhythm and inner creativity.
Details of this retreat
The Ayurveda Cooking Immersion is an invitation to slow down. It’s designed to help you reconnect with your body’s intelligence, explore food as medicine, and learn the foundations of Ayurveda.
During this time, you will learn how to prepare meals that balance the three doshas, recognize signs of imbalance, and understand the energetics of food. The hands-on kitchen practicums are where we will explore Ayurvedic cooking techniques, from making ghee and tempering spices to preparing kitchari and cooling tonics. In the kitchen practicum, we will work with healing spices, sattvic ingredients, and use intentional cooking practices to create nourishing balancing meals.
This immersion goes far beyond cooking as well. Each day begins with yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation to cultivate awareness and inner steadiness. They are interactive theory workshops where we will explore the foundational principles of Ayurveda. You will also have free time for relaxation, self-study, enjoying the beach, or fun discussions.
Whether you are seeking empowerment on your personal healing journey or you are a chef wishing to expand your skillset into Ayurvedic cuisine, this course offers a profound blend of theory, practice, and embodied experience.
Your environment for the week will be Soma Retreat Center, located in the blue zone of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Your retreat will be facilitated by Pura Veda Gurukulam, a living example of Yoga and Ayurveda. You will be surrounded by nature in a high-vibrational space that allows your nervous system to reset and your circadian rhythms to recalibrate.
This program is intentionally designed to immerse yourself in a high-vibrational and sattvic space to engage in this transformational journey with an open heart.
Not only is this course beneficial for those seeking empowerment in their own healing journeys, but also for professional chefs as you will learn how to make Ayurvedic meals that incorporate the 6 tastes, healing spices and sattvic ingredients balancing to the doshas.
Your body and mind will become organically in-tune with the rhythms of nature as we explore these topics in the serene and tranquil setting of Pura Veda Gurukulam, a living example of Yoga & Ayurveda in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
This program is intentionally designed to immerse yourself in a high-vibrational and sattvic space to engage in this transformational journey with an open heart.
During this time, you will learn how to prepare meals that balance the three doshas, recognize signs of imbalance, and understand the energetics of food. The hands-on kitchen practicums are where we will explore Ayurvedic cooking techniques, from making ghee and tempering spices to preparing kitchari and cooling tonics. In the kitchen practicum, we will work with healing spices, sattvic ingredients, and use intentional cooking practices to create nourishing balancing meals.
This immersion goes far beyond cooking as well. Each day begins with yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation to cultivate awareness and inner steadiness. They are interactive theory workshops where we will explore the foundational principles of Ayurveda. You will also have free time for relaxation, self-study, enjoying the beach, or fun discussions.
Whether you are seeking empowerment on your personal healing journey or you are a chef wishing to expand your skillset into Ayurvedic cuisine, this course offers a profound blend of theory, practice, and embodied experience.
Your environment for the week will be Soma Retreat Center, located in the blue zone of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Your retreat will be facilitated by Pura Veda Gurukulam, a living example of Yoga and Ayurveda. You will be surrounded by nature in a high-vibrational space that allows your nervous system to reset and your circadian rhythms to recalibrate.
This program is intentionally designed to immerse yourself in a high-vibrational and sattvic space to engage in this transformational journey with an open heart.
Not only is this course beneficial for those seeking empowerment in their own healing journeys, but also for professional chefs as you will learn how to make Ayurvedic meals that incorporate the 6 tastes, healing spices and sattvic ingredients balancing to the doshas.
Your body and mind will become organically in-tune with the rhythms of nature as we explore these topics in the serene and tranquil setting of Pura Veda Gurukulam, a living example of Yoga & Ayurveda in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
This program is intentionally designed to immerse yourself in a high-vibrational and sattvic space to engage in this transformational journey with an open heart.
Schedule
Daily Schedule:
Hot water with lemon will be available in the morning
6:30am - 8:00am: Morning Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation Practice
8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am - 11:00am: Kitchen Practicum: Interactive Cooking
11:15pm - 12:00pm: Morning Workshop: Ayurvedic Theory & Discussion
12:00pm - 12:30pm: Lunch
12:30pm - 2:30pm: Rest, Free Time, Exploration, Self Study
2:30pm - 4:30pm: Ayurvedic Theory Class & Q&A
5:00pm: Daily Shuttle to the Beach
6:30pm: Dinner
6:30pm Onwards: Free Time, Exploration, Self Study
8:00pm: Quiet Hours Begin
Hot water with lemon will be available in the morning
6:30am - 8:00am: Morning Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation Practice
8:00am: Breakfast
9:00am - 11:00am: Kitchen Practicum: Interactive Cooking
11:15pm - 12:00pm: Morning Workshop: Ayurvedic Theory & Discussion
12:00pm - 12:30pm: Lunch
12:30pm - 2:30pm: Rest, Free Time, Exploration, Self Study
2:30pm - 4:30pm: Ayurvedic Theory Class & Q&A
5:00pm: Daily Shuttle to the Beach
6:30pm: Dinner
6:30pm Onwards: Free Time, Exploration, Self Study
8:00pm: Quiet Hours Begin
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Pura Veda, Soma Retreat Center, 160, Guanacaste Province, San Juanillo, Costa Rica
Directions
The closest international airport is in Liberia (LIR). The center is located a 2-hour drive from Liberia International Airport. We include transportation to and from the airport as a courtesy.
Courtesy shuttle to the Gurukulam: The shuttle will pick you up at Liberia Airport at 2 p.m. on the training start date.
Courtesy shuttle to the Airport: The shuttle will depart from the Gurukulam at 8 a.m. of the last day of the training to bring you back to the airport.
We are happy to help organize any transport you might need in case you fly in after 2 p.m. or prefer to arrive in Costa Rica a couple of days beforehand. We can also help organize transport from San Jose Airport if you fly into there instead.
Local flights from both San Jose and Liberia airports fly into Nosara Domestic Airport, which is located 10 miles south of the center. Sansa is the operator of the flights from both San Jose and Liberia to Nosara.
Courtesy shuttle to the Gurukulam: The shuttle will pick you up at Liberia Airport at 2 p.m. on the training start date.
Courtesy shuttle to the Airport: The shuttle will depart from the Gurukulam at 8 a.m. of the last day of the training to bring you back to the airport.
We are happy to help organize any transport you might need in case you fly in after 2 p.m. or prefer to arrive in Costa Rica a couple of days beforehand. We can also help organize transport from San Jose Airport if you fly into there instead.
Local flights from both San Jose and Liberia airports fly into Nosara Domestic Airport, which is located 10 miles south of the center. Sansa is the operator of the flights from both San Jose and Liberia to Nosara.
Accommodation
We have a variety of on-campus housing options from private rooms with private baths, shared rooms with shared baths, to a camping tent option as well. Our accommodations focus on being simple, clean, and comfortable. We also have some off-campus accommodations available as well, and you can message us for more information if you are interested in this option or if the on-campus accommodations are sold out.
Apas Room: Private Room with Private Bath & A/C
Vayu Room: Private Room with Shared Bath & A/C
Tejas Room: Double Room with Shared Bath & A/C
Aum Cabin: Double Room with A/C
Humble Abode: Private Room with Shared Bath
Pura Veda Camping option
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Located in one of the five Blue Zones in the world, Soma Retreat Center is a space created with the natural energies of the land. Intentionally designed to support the practices of yoga and Ayurveda, the center was created in harmony with the natural energies of the land. Every detail—from the placement of the structures to their alignment with Vastu principles—has been thoughtfully considered to cultivate balance, clarity, and well-being.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
We believe in using food as medicine. All the food served is vegetarian & Ayurvedic. We can cater to vegan, gluten free, and nut-free diets. All of our produce is fresh, organic and local!
What's Included
- Airport Pickup & Drop-off
- Teacher training course and certification
- Certificate upon successful completion
- Registration option with Yoga Alliance/Professionals/International/etc upon completion of training
- Pre and post retreat support from our team
- 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals except for one lunch a week on morning off - Support Local Business!
- Specialized interactive workshops
- Accommodation
- WiFi connection
- Course Manual
- Professional event photos - at least 10 Website Quality Photos of Training including
- Graduation Picture
- Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and pillows
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Flights cost
- Support local business - one meal each week will not be included so students can support local business.