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At The Sanctuary at Two Rivers, we believe true wellness extends beyond inner peace to embrace the natural world around us. Our core philosophy is deeply rooted in a profound respect for Mother Earth, manifest in every detail of our unique “Japanese inspired Tropical Modern Zen Eco-Chic Sustainable Green Design Architecture.” This isn’t just a style; it’s a meditative art of form and function, found exclusively here in the heart of Costa Rica.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll experience a seamless integration with nature, where well-being meets thoughtful ecological stewardship. Our structures are not just built in the jungle; they are built with the jungle, fostering a deep, personal connection to this vibrant ecosystem. This commitment extends to every facet of your experience, from the organic, naturally-grown food we serve and the biodegradable bath products we provide, to our eco-friendly gardening practices and the vital role we play in rainforest conservation. Our goal is to support harmonious relationships between humans and our earth through nature-based retreats.

Our design philosophy began with the junglescape itself. Rather than imposing on the land, we designed all structures around its natural contours, preserving the ancient, roughly 3-million-year-old landscape. This reverence guided every decision:

  • Mindful Construction: We eschewed earth-moving machinery, opting instead for manpower to dig foundation pedestals and utilizing hand pulleys and wood logs to move heavy materials – a testament to old-world craftsmanship and minimal environmental disruption. Even our scaffolding was built from materials destined for the final structures, embodying resourcefulness.
  • Local Craftsmanship: Every element, from the stairs and balcony railings to door handles and bathroom sinks, was handcrafted by local artisans and craftsmen. This not only supports our community but imbues each structure with the soul of a fine piece of furniture, highlighting natural stone tiles and tropical hardwoods throughout.
  • Designed for Nature: Our elevated structures provide crucial natural airflow, keeping spaces cool and comfortable while allowing the jungle’s rhythm to flow underneath. Placed on specific compass axes, each building maximizes cross-breezes and sun exposure, minimizing the need for artificial cooling. We even incorporated ancient Indian Vastu harmonizing construction theories to enhance the positive energy flow.

  • Eco-Harvested Materials: All our structural wood comes from eco-harvested teak, ensuring responsible sourcing and longevity.

  • Integrated Garden Design: Our gardens are not merely decorative; they include native plants that provide food and shelter for the local animal population, further enhancing the ecological balance of our retreat.

Off-Grid Living & Holistic Practices: Powering Paradise Sustainably

The Sanctuary at Two Rivers operates 100% off-the-grid, a powerful demonstration of our commitment to energy independence and a reduced carbon footprint. We harness the majestic power of the sun to create a self-sufficient haven:

  • Solar Energy Backbone: Our centralized power station, equipped with 40 solar panels and 24 renewable deep cycle batteries, captures and stores the sun’s energy, converting it into clean, reliable power for all 12 structures on the property.
  • Individual Solar Hot Water: Each guest house features its own independent solar hot water heater, ensuring a luxurious garden-view hot shower without drawing from the main grid, offering both comfort and peace of mind.
  • Responsible Waste Management: We compost raw food waste from our restaurant and juice bar, transforming it into rich, organic fertilizer for our gardens.
  • Conscious Consumption: We provide all-natural, biodegradable bath products for our guests and encourage their use, asking guests to bring only biodegradable alternatives if preferred, to protect our precious water systems.

Rainforest Steward: Protecting Biodiversity

Our commitment extends beyond our immediate property lines. We are proud to co-steward 40 acres of primary rainforest within a vital biological corridor connected to our center. This means that by attending or hosting a retreat here, you directly contribute to rainforest and watershed conservation and regenerative ecological practices.