The retreat in Biolley features a 60-acre farm which is located next to one of the most important biospheres on the planet, and the largest international park in Central America, La Amistad International Park. Fresh air and breezes come off the mountains and display sweeping views of the Talamanca mountain range. The farm offers 10 acres of organic, shade-grown coffee which is donated to the community, rolling pastures, three waterfalls and four swimming holes. This watershed (river) is some of the freshest water in the world.
Resident writers have the choice of two fully equipped and spacious cabins with private deck to live and work on their project. Fan, mini kitchenettes, hot water in the cabins. There is WiFi throughout the living areas of the retreat, a pool to enjoy, a bar to socialize, laundry service and transportation. Full breakfast is included in the price for stays less than one month, additional meals optional.
There is no heating or air conditioning in the cabins, no use for that up here in the mountains. The weather is between 75 to 85 F during the day and 60 to 65 F at night all year round.
Our mission: To live peacefully and to use the land to provide opportunities to our community. In that regard, we provide employment incentives with the idea of handing over the management of the farm and cabins to the locals. The people of the Biolley district are very industrious and kind. They are sincere in improving their lives. We want to bring awareness and help promote the right kind of visitors for La Amistad International Park and provide more opportunity for the Biolley district to earn an income, and not be forced to give up their way of life in the country in order to find work in the city.
Our 24/7 staff is trained to facilitate your stay and to meet your needs. Your stay with us is important and we strive to make it a pleasant and memorable experience.
We whip up an incredible breakfast for you! All of our meals are freshly made and most of the ingredients are direct from the farm. We serve heaping portions for hungry residents!
We maintain our organic integrity in all of our gardens in order to pass all inspections of our coffee plantation each year by the USDA/NOP certified agency in Costa Rica.
Meals, amenities and other services
Meals on the Farm: If you prefer that our staff cooks for you - please note that we are vegetarians. Our menu is diverse and consists of delicious, nutritious, hearty, rustic and gourmet meals. We charge $20 a day for 3 meals & snacks.
Buddha Bar: We serve beer, wine, margaritas, martinis, daiquiris, cube libres and liqueurs after 5 p.m. Enjoy the sunset on the Buddha bar & patio area.
The Pool: The pool hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. It is maintained and cleaned daily.
WiFi Internet: WiFi service is available around the bar, patio and at the cabins. Typically the earlier hours are best for Internet.
Laundry Service: For stays longer than a day or a week, laundry service is provided at $15 per load.
Transportation: We provide transportation on day trips off of the farm for your shopping or other transportation needs. It is available for up to an 8 hour day, including driving time to and from the farm. A typical trip to San Vito for shopping (the town closest to us) takes about an hour and 10 minutes each way (depending on road and traffic conditions). If you need to shop and prefer to go with us on our shopping days, that can be arranged as well. We will charge for half the gas price of the trip. Trips are during the day and never at night. The vehicle must be on the farm before dusk. If there are emergencies, we are available at all times to assist.
We charge a minimum of $20 for up to 4 hour trips and $40 for up to 8 hour trips. Gas is an extra expense. This will be calculated depending on the distance of the trip and the current fuel price. We do not allow guests to use our car independent of our driver.
Your hosts: -Dr. Bruce Lites is an astrophysicist at the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR), Boulder, Colorado. He studies the Sun. Bruce works all over the world but makes his home on the farm in Biolley.
-Jennifer Long has dedicated her entire career in helping others. She has worked and lived in Mexico, Bolivia and the United States. She has enjoyed a very rewarding career with both children and adults. She now heads the philanthropic endeavors for the people in the community of Biolley and counsel the community members, coffee producers and neighbors to collaborate and work together for the betterment of the community as a whole.
Your Host and Retreat Operator: Jennifer Long.
Region: La Amistad International Park is home to several indigenous tribes, and farmers work the lands surrounding the Park. It is important that these farmers and the indigenous tribes continue to respect the park, to practice organic methods of growing coffee, and to control the population of cattle. The largest protected region in Costa Rica, La Amistad International Park, has more virgin forest than all of the other Costa Rica parks combined. This intense biosphere is among forests with the highest concentration of bio-diversity in the world. We will discuss further with you and arrange your hike with a guide.
The Rio Platanillal-The Rio Platanillal river runs from the Talamanca mountain range at about 11,000 ft. It continues down along the northern border of the farm.
The Talamancas-The picturesque beauty of the Talamanca Mountain range full of virgin forests, fresh water and cool breezes hosts part of the largest park in Central America, the La Amistad International Park. The mountain range stretches across the southern zone of Costa Rica to the border with Panama. There are stunning views all around the farm including the incredible display of the Talamanca mountain range.
Location: Biolley, Costa Rica is located in the southern zone of the country. It is near San Vito (small city) and very close to the Panamanian border, close to the volcano in Boquete (Panama) and some of the most beautiful beaches in Panama and Costa Rica on
Closest airport: Juan Santa Maria Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. (SJO) 5 to 6 hours away from the farm.
Tourism information: East Side of Juan Pablo II Bridge, over the Hwy. General Caņas, San Jose, Costa Rica
Studios/Rates:
Studio Name
Description
Weekly Rates
Platanillal Cabin
Cabin fully equipped with kitchen/office, WiFi. Add $20/day for vegetarian meals. $900 per month. Longer stay, please inquire.
$300
Talamanca Cabin
Cabin fully equipped with kitchen/office, WiFi. Add $20/day for vegetarian meals. $900 per month. Longer stay, please inquire.
$300
Amenities
High Speed
Wireless
Printer
Phone
Weekmaid
Kitchenette
Mini fridge
Phone near
Breakfast
Lunch dinner
Private bathroom
Bicycle
Swimming pool
Satellite
TV/DVD
Out smoking
Payment terms: We request a paypal deposit of $60 for daily visits, $150 for weekly visits $450 for monthly visits $750 for 3 month visits $ 2400 for 6 to 12 month visits to reserve.
Cancellation policy: We refund payments for cancellations up to 72 hours before reservation, less paypal fees. We will send you our paypal information once you request a reservation for a cabin.
A
sampling of memories from our residents
The Writers' Retreat
Each retreat is independently owned and operated.
