Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat
Students of yoga won't have any trouble distinguishing the fact that this hotel is aligned with their practice—indeed, the hotel's name is a combination of the word “prana”, which is the vital breath or energy that yoga harnesses, and the word “mar”, which means ocean in Spanish. Not surprisingly, this hotel offers many opportunities to stretch and flex into relaxing postures. There is a large, open-air studio where guests can sign up for group classes or practice on their own. The studio – which has teak floors and high bamboo ceilings – is a pleasant place to study yoga or meditate. A handful of trained, professional teachers offer morning and afternoon sessions in yoga and Pilates.
A lagoon-style saltwater swimming pool is the centerpiece of the hotel. This large, chemical-free pool offers guests an idyllic place to sunbathe or cool off. It's set beneath expansive tropical trees and has shallow areas to sit or lay down. After a yoga class or a swim, guests can visit the hotel's open-air restaurant for a healthy meal. The restaurant overlooks the pool and has a menu that is as tasty as it is nourishing. The food is made from local ingredients – including fresh fish, fruit and veggies – and is served in a variety of styles. Guests can order European, Asian and Central American dishes as well as wines, beers and cocktails.
The accommodations at Pranamar are gorgeously styled and decorated. There are a variety of options – including villas, bungalows, and a house – that will fit the needs and desires of most guests. The two-story villas surround the pool and are built with Costa Rican hardwoods. Each has two air conditioned bedrooms and a private outdoor terrace. Guests will especially enjoy soaking in the open-air bathroom, which is surrounded by a garden and features a granite bathtub. Two of the villas are set along the beach and come equipped with a kitchen. In addition to the villas, there are three bungalows available. These are separate from the main building and have large ocean-facing decks and a small living area.
Those that are traveling in larger groups should take a look at the Kula House. This house is big and spreads across two stories. The downstairs hosts a bedroom, living room and kitchen. Large windows let in lots of natural light and wooden doors open onto an enormous deck. The upstairs includes a giant bedroom and bathroom, as well as a terrace with awesome ocean views. Air conditioning keeps the entire place cool.
Pranamar Villas Facilities
Restaurant, swimming pool, private parking, hiking trails, gardens, massage, beauty treatments, yoga studio, gift shop
Amenities
Private bathroom, hot water, cable TV, air conditioning, free breakfast, wireless internet, safe deposit box, fan, internet access, ocean view, beach access, private balcony, telephone, hammocks, mini fridge, full and partial kitchens
Accommodations
There are villas, bungalows and a rental house available.
Villas – each two-story villa has two air conditioned bedrooms. Some villas have a king size bed in each bedroom, while other villas have a king size bed in one bedroom and two twin beds in the other. Each has two hot water bathrooms, a living room, private deck, fans, and safe deposit box. Two of the villas are beachfront and have a full kitchen. All villas can sleep up to four people.
Bungalows – each bungalow has one queen size bed, a private hot water bathroom, mini fridge, safe deposit box, and ocean-facing deck. One of the bungalows has a small kitchen. The bungalows can sleep 2-7 people.
Kula House – this two-story house has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, full kitchen, air conditioning, fans, safe deposit box, and ocean-facing deck. It can sleep seven people.