# The Retreat Costa Rica Audit: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Anti-Inflammatory Luxury Wellness

> The Retreat Costa Rica in Atenas: a luxury wellness resort whose main restaurant serves a gluten-free, dairy-free menu. 7-night packages from $4,200.

Source: https://glutenescape.guide/destinations/costa-rica/the-retreat-costa-rica-audit/
Last updated: 2026-10-20
Property: The Retreat Costa Rica
Location: Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Kitchen safety tier: Verified Celiac Protocol
Travel styles: Biohacking, Longevity & Gut Health, Luxury & Honeymoon, Yoga & Meditation
Price: From $4,200 7-night package
Verification: desk research (checked 2026-10-20)

The Retreat Costa Rica (Atenas, Alajuela, Costa Rica) is a luxury wellness resort whose main restaurant, Sol Terrace, publishes a menu that's entirely gluten-free, dairy-free and free of refined sugars. As of our last check on 2026-Oct-20, the resort doesn't state that gluten is banned across the whole property, so we list it as **Tier 3: Verified Celiac Protocol** until it confirms in writing. All-inclusive wellness packages start from about $600 USD per night ($4,200+ USD for 7 nights).

## 10-Point Celiac Kitchen Check

Other guides list The Retreat as a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility. The resort's own dining page makes that claim for Sol Terrace only, and says nothing either way about its rooftop restaurant, Mystique, or its poolside lounge, La Diosa. That's why we've placed it one step lower until the resort confirms.

| What we checked | What we found |
| :--- | :--- |
| **1. Kitchen safety tier** | **Tier 3** for now. Sol Terrace's menu is published as entirely gluten-free; a whole-property ban isn't stated. |
| **2. Wheat and grain policy** | Gluten-free at Sol Terrace; some sources describe the cooking as grain-free, using nut, coconut, cassava and seed flours |
| **3. Dedicated equipment** | Not yet confirmed |
| **4. Soy sauce and condiments** | Not yet confirmed; ask about coconut aminos and tamari |
| **5. Dairy and sugar** | Dairy-free and refined-sugar-free at Sol Terrace; one source mentions occasional goat yogurt and cheese |
| **6. Staff and outside food** | Menus designed by founder Diana Stobo; outside-food rules not yet confirmed |
| **7. Other allergies** | The resort says all dietary restrictions are accommodated; vegan and vegetarian options at every meal |
| **8. Buffet vs. table service** | Sol Terrace serves a chef's-choice menu that changes daily; Mystique is reservation only |
| **9. Nearest hospital** | Clinics in Atenas; major private hospitals in the San José area are roughly 40 minutes away |
| **10. Package pricing** | From about $600 USD per night all-inclusive; $4,200 to $8,750+ USD per 7-night wellness program |

## The Food: Anti-Inflammatory Cooking

Founder Diana Stobo designed The Retreat's menus around reducing inflammation. Sol Terrace serves an all-day, chef's-choice menu that changes daily with seasonal produce, much of it from the resort's own gardens, and dinner includes a protein such as chicken, fish or steak. Menus change, so the dishes below are examples of the style rather than a fixed list.

### Breakfast at Sol Terrace

- **Morning staples:** Chia pudding with coconut milk, tropical fruit, fresh juices and locally sourced eggs.
- **Wellness drinks:** Fresh turmeric and ginger shots.

### Lunch

- **Plant-forward plates:** Vegetable noodle dishes, seed crackers with nut pâtés, or grilled fish with local greens.

### Dinner

- **Mains:** Slow-cooked grass-fed beef, roasted chicken or a plant-based main, served with vegetable purées.
- **Desserts:** Costa Rican cacao treats and fruit-based desserts without refined sugar.

If you plan to eat at Mystique or La Diosa, ask the resort in writing whether those menus follow the same gluten-free rule as Sol Terrace.

## Spa, Wellness and the Mountain Setting

Unlike the coastal surf resorts, The Retreat sits on a mountain ridge in Atenas, known for its mild, spring-like climate.

- **Vida Mía Spa:** Massage, bodywork and wellness treatments.
- **Programs:** Guests can book rest-and-rejuvenation stays or structured wellness programs, including gut-health and detox options. Ask for the current program list.
- **Daily movement:** Yoga, guided hikes and meditation.

## Booking Logistics and Airport Distance

1. **Close to the airport:** The Retreat is about 40 minutes by car from **Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)**. Ask whether airport transfers are included in your package.
2. **A quiet stay:** The resort is aimed at couples, solo travelers and anyone looking for deep rest rather than a party atmosphere.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is The Retreat Costa Rica 100% gluten-free?

The resort's main restaurant, Sol Terrace, publishes a menu that's entirely gluten-free, dairy-free and refined-sugar-free. As of our last check on 2026-Oct-20, the resort doesn't state that every venue and the whole kitchen are gluten-free, so ask in writing before you book if you have celiac disease.

### Does The Retreat Costa Rica serve meat and fish, or is it vegan?

It isn't strictly vegan. The menu is plant-forward, with fish, poultry and beef served at dinner, and vegan and vegetarian options available at every meal.

### How far is The Retreat Costa Rica from the beach?

The Retreat is a mountain resort in Atenas and isn't on the beach. The Central Pacific coast is roughly an hour's drive away, and San José airport (SJO) is about 40 minutes.