Pura Vida in Costa Rica, Plus Where to Go in October

Pura Vida: A Journey from Sun-Drenched Shores to the Heart of the Cloud Forest

As promised, I am excited to share my personal insights from my recent immersion in the wonders of Costa Rica. This destination has always held a special place in the wellness world, but experiencing its "Pura Vida" philosophy firsthand was truly transformative. From the vibrant coastal energy to the profound stillness of the highlands, Costa Rica offers a masterclass in restorative travel.

Sun, Surf, and a Lesson from the Locals in Guanacaste

Our journey began in the sun-soaked province of Guanacaste. This region is a sanctuary for those seeking Vitamin D and "blue space" healing. We stayed at a stunning beachfront resort where the rhythm of the Pacific waves sets the pace for the day.

For a taste of local culture, we ventured into the nearby surf town of Tamarindo. While it has grown into a popular hub, it retains a charming, spirited surf-town energy that is perfect for an afternoon of exploration. Lots of shopping and dining to be had by all.

I have to admit the highlight of Guanacaste was a humbling reminder to always respect the local wisdom. Our concierge gently insisted we lock our sliding doors to keep out curious "critters." We laughed it off—until we heard a neighbor’s tale! They woke up in the middle of the night to find a capuchin monkey raiding their mini-fridge, only to have a waiting raccoon swoop in and steal the dropped snacks during the monkey's hasty retreat. It was a hilarious reminder that in Costa Rica, we are guests in nature’s home.

Finding Stillness: The Magic of Bajos del Toro

From the coast, we took a private transfer into the emerald highlands of Bajos del Toro.

Pro Tip: The mountain roads are breathtakingly beautiful but quite winding. If you are prone to motion sickness, I highly recommend preparing with Meclizine or acupressure bands before the ascent!

We arrived at El Silencio Lodge & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property that serves as the ultimate sanctuary for soul-work. Nestled in a cloud forest at an elevation of 5,000 feet, the atmosphere here is almost otherworldly. Every afternoon, a soft mist rolls in, literally wrapping the forest in a blanket of clouds. It is one of the most peaceful environments I have ever experienced.

Wellness Highlights at El Silencio:

• Morning Yoga: The yoga pavilion (pictured) sits above the fitness studio, offering a panoramic view of the canopy. Practicing asana while the sun cones over the mountains is the most relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

• Active Recovery: We hiked rugged trails to hidden waterfalls and cycled to the nearby National Park. At this altitude, even a moderate hike becomes an invigorating cardiovascular workout.

• Farm-to-Table Nourishment: The resort features an on-site organic farm. We enjoyed trout caught fresh from the pond and vegetables harvested just hours before they reached our plates.

The Journey Continues

While this trip was exactly the "soul food" I needed, I’ve barely scratched the surface! Costa Rica is like a giant patchwork quilt of different vibes and landscapes—there's always something new to see or a different way to unwind.

I’m already dreaming about my next trip back. I can't wait to head over to the Caribbean side to soak up the culture in Limón, and I definitely need to spend some time in La Fortuna to check out the Arenal Volcano and those famous natural hot springs.

If you are looking to reconnect with yourself through nature, movement, and authentic nourishment, Costa Rica is calling. I would love to help you curate your own "Pura Vida" experience.

Waiting to book your trip? Scary!

October is one of the loveliest times to travel.

(Let’s keep that between us, shall we?)

There's so much packed into this month:

👻 Spooky stops + ghost tours

🍂 Fall colors + cozy fireplaces

🍷 Harvest season just about everywhere

In fact, there are so many fabulous destinations for October that narrowing this list down was no easy task.

But beyond the inspiration, here’s your reminder of why planning with plenty of spare time matters for your fall getaway:

→ First dibs on the best hotels, tours, and experiences

→ A calmer planning process from start to finish

→ Earlier access to seasonal events and festival tickets

→ Something on the calendar to look forward to (priceless!)

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s talk about where you should go this fall 📍

MUNICH, GERMANY | THE EUROPE PICK

What else could possibly take the top spot for an October European getaway? It’s Oktoberfest season, after all — giant pretzels and even bigger steins.

Plan to spend a few days fully immersed in the festival, then balance it out with time in Bavaria’s storybook towns or a scenic escape into the Alps. You could also arrive in late September and wrap your trip with Oktoberfest as the grand finale. Truly, there’s no wrong way to do this one.

⭐ Honorable Mention | Ireland:

As the birthplace of Samhain (the ancient harvest festival that inspired Halloween), Ireland knows how to do spooky season properly. Expect moody landscapes, cozy pubs, and just enough folklore to keep things interesting.

MAUI, HAWAII | THE SUN & SAND PICK

You won’t need a cozy sweater for this fall escape, but October on Maui lines up with the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival — which means beachy mornings followed by chef-driven dinners and sunset tastings.

If you want to stretch the trip, pair Maui with another island for a longer getaway. You get your vitamin D and your fall flavor fix? Win-win.

⭐ Honorable Mention | Savannah, Georgia:

You might be thinking, “Wait… I thought this was Sun & Sand?” Stay with me! Savannah in fall — moody Spanish moss, historic squares, candlelit ghost tours — and Tybee Island is just nearby when you want a little time by the water. It’s coastal with a haunted twist, which feels very on-theme for October.

MOROCCO | THE FAR FLUNG PICK

Trade pumpkin patch season for harvest season in Morocco. Fall brings markets piled high with fresh dates and a countryside that feels especially lively this time of year.

Pair time in Marrakech with the Atlas Mountains, or head south for a desert experience in the Sahara. Warm days, cooler evenings, and fewer crowds make this one an easy yes.

⭐ Honorable Mention | Japan:

Who needs cherry blossoms when Japan does fall so well? October brings brilliant red and gold leaves to temple grounds and city parks, especially in Kyoto. It’s crisp, colorful, and a completely different side of the country.

VERMONT | THE CLOSE TO HOME PICK

If fall color is the goal, Vermont is the obvious answer. October is peak leaf peeping season, with winding country roads lined in red and gold. Spend your days driving scenic byways, stopping at farm stands, and ending with cider by the fire. It’s classic New England for a reason.

Plan early if you want the charming inns and boutique hotels! They go fast this time of year.

⭐ Honorable Mention | Park City, Utah:

Park City isn’t just for skiing! October is prime time for hiking, biking, and catching the last of the fall color before winter arrives. Fall festivals and wine events pop up ahead of ski season, the mountains turn golden, and you get all the charm without the crowds. It’s a cozy reset before things shift into full winter mode.

Choosing your October trip? Start by identifying your fall priority list: leaf peeping, wine sipping, or spooky vibes? Once you know your theme, the destination becomes a whole lot easier, and we are always here to help.

Elaine & Stephanie