Frequently Asked Questions

Retreat packages take place throughout the year and vary in content. We are available year-round for accommodations, classes and adventures without signing up for a retreat, so there is no need to wait. Typical retreats include accommodations with valley and waterfall views, three daily locally sourced meals prepared by an in-house chef, daily lessons led by expert instructors, optional adventure excursions (waterfall hikes, canyoning, surfing and more), use of our open-air aerial deck and swimming pool and transportation to and from the property at the start and end of your retreat.

Airfare, baggage fees, travel insurance, meals outside the retreat schedule, accommodations in San Jose before or after your retreat, gratuities, alcohol or specialty drinks and any additional classes or excursions not listed in your specific retreat package.

No experience is required. We welcome complete beginners through to professional performers. Our coaches tailor instruction to your skill level, whether you are stepping onto the platform for the first time or refining advanced techniques. Guests of all ages and fitness levels are encouraged to participate.

Airborne Arts is in the mountains midway between Playa Dominical and San Isidro, in the southwest part of Costa Rica. From our property you can see Diamante Falls (an 1,800-foot waterfall and the second tallest in Costa Rica), the Pacific Ocean in the distance and a lush valley filled with tropical birds such as toucans. We are approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the beach at Dominical, just over one hour south of Manuel Antonio and the Quepos airport and 3.5 to 4 hours from San Jose International Airport (SJO).

If you enjoy exploring, we recommend renting a car (4-wheel drive preferred). We also provide transportation from San Jose or the Quepos airport for retreat participants. Detailed driving directions are provided when you book. The drive from San Jose takes approximately 3.5 to 4 hours; from Quepos or Manuel Antonio, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Yes, we provide transportation to and from the property for retreat participants. Whether you are flying into San Jose International Airport (SJO) or the smaller Quepos domestic airport (XQP), we can arrange a comfortable transfer directly to Airborne Arts. Just share your flight details when you book and we will coordinate your pickup so you can relax from the moment you land. If you prefer to drive yourself, we will send detailed directions and are happy to answer any questions about the route.

Citizens of the US, Canada and most Latin American and European countries can enter Costa Rica with a valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months after your travel date) and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Your airline may require proof of a return ticket. We recommend making a copy of your passport and carrying it with you at all times.

We are located in the mountains, so the climate is more comfortable than the coast, not too hot. The dry season (December through April) is the most popular time to visit, but the property is beautiful year-round. The wet season (May through November) brings afternoon showers that keep the jungle lush and green and many guests enjoy the quieter atmosphere.

Pack lightweight, breathable athletic clothing that you can train comfortably in. Leggings or fitted pants work best for trapeze and aerials since loose fabric can get caught on equipment. Bring a good pair of closed-toe athletic shoes for hiking and open-toed sandals for around the property. Sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle and a rain jacket are all essentials. The mountain climate is milder than the coast, so bring a light layer for evenings. Do not forget a swimsuit for the infinity pool, a headlamp or small flashlight for nighttime walks and any personal medications you may need.

Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Central America and the southern Pacific zone where we are located is a peaceful, rural area known for its welcoming communities and eco-tourism. The region around Dominical and San Isidro attracts visitors from around the world and crime rates are low compared to urban areas. As with any international travel, we recommend using common sense: keep valuables secure, carry a copy of your passport and avoid leaving belongings unattended at the beach. Our property is private and gated and our team is always available to help you navigate the area safely.

Playa Dominical, one of Costa Rica's best-known surf beaches, is about 30 to 40 minutes from the property. It has a laid-back town with restaurants, shops and a weekly farmers market. Uvita, home to the famous whale tail sandbar at Marino Ballena National Park, is a short drive further south along the coast. Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most visited parks in Costa Rica, is just over an hour to the north and offers beautiful beaches, wildlife and hiking trails. Closer to home, the small mountain town of Tinamastes has a growing community of artists, organic farms and local eateries. The area is rich with things to explore on your rest days.

The nearest medical clinic is in the town of San Isidro de El General, approximately 30 to 45 minutes from the property. San Isidro has a public hospital as well as private medical clinics with English-speaking staff. For minor issues, there are smaller clinics and pharmacies closer to the coast in Dominical and Uvita. We keep a first aid kit on-site and our team is trained to handle common injuries. In the event of a serious emergency, we can coordinate transportation to the nearest facility quickly.

Yes, there is WiFi available on the property. The connection is sufficient for browsing, email and staying in touch with family and friends. Keep in mind that we are in the mountains of Costa Rica surrounded by jungle, so the connection is not as fast as what you might be used to in a city. Many guests appreciate the chance to unplug a bit and enjoy the natural surroundings, but you will be able to get online when you need to.

Retreat packages include three meals a day, all prepared on-site by our in-house chef using locally sourced, mostly organic ingredients. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served family-style and the menus feature a mix of Costa Rican flavors and international dishes. Fresh tropical fruit, Costa Rican coffee and plenty of water and juice are available throughout the day. We are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs. Just let us know about any allergies or preferences when you book so our chef can plan accordingly.

Families are welcome at Airborne Arts. Children can participate in trapeze and aerial classes with supervision and many families find this to be a one-of-a-kind vacation experience. The property offers plenty for kids to enjoy, from the pool to jungle walks and wildlife spotting. We recommend reaching out to discuss your family's needs so we can help plan an experience that works for everyone, including age-appropriate training sessions and activities.

The property is built into a mountainside and features natural terrain, open-air structures and some uneven paths. While the setting is spectacular, it may present challenges for guests with significant mobility limitations. Some areas involve stairs or hillside walkways. If you or a member of your group has specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance so we can discuss what accommodations are possible and help you decide if Airborne Arts is the right fit.

Absolutely. Many guests choose to arrive early or stay on after their retreat to continue training, explore the area, or simply enjoy more time at the property. We offer accommodations and a la carte classes outside of scheduled retreat dates, so you can customize your stay to your schedule. Just let us know what you are thinking and we will work out the details.

Rain is part of life in the Costa Rican mountains, especially during the wet season from May through November. Our aerial studio, the Temple of Light, is a covered open-air space with high ceilings, so aerials, pole, lyra and circus arts can continue in most weather conditions. For flying trapeze, light rain usually does not stop us, but if conditions are too heavy or there is lightning, we adjust the schedule and move sessions to a better window. The rain typically comes in short afternoon bursts and mornings are often clear and beautiful.

There are no strict age limits for the flying trapeze. Children as young as five or six have flown with us and we have had guests well into their sixties and seventies take to the rig for the first time. Weight limits depend on the equipment and rigging, but our setup accommodates a wide range of body types. If you have any concerns about age, weight, or physical ability, reach out to us directly and we will give you an honest answer about what to expect.

Yes. You do not need to sign up for a scheduled retreat to visit Airborne Arts. We welcome guests year-round for accommodations, individual or small-group aerial classes, adventure excursions and simply enjoying the property. A few days of flying trapeze training, a week of aerials with jungle hikes on the side, or a quiet getaway with no training at all: tell us what you have in mind and we can put together a custom experience that fits your interests and schedule.

Yes. Airborne Arts is home to a fully equipped music production and recording studio, built and operated by Jonathon Conant, who is a published singer and songwriter. The studio is available to guests for everything from laying down a few tracks to producing an entire project. It is one of the most unique recording environments in Costa Rica, surrounded by jungle sounds and mountain views. Let us know if you are interested and we can build studio time into your visit.

We understand that plans can change. Cancellation and refund terms depend on the type of booking and how far in advance you cancel. In general, we ask for a deposit to hold your spot, with the balance due closer to your arrival date. If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact us as soon as possible so we can work with you on options. Specific terms will be provided when you book. We always try to be fair and flexible, but last-minute cancellations may not be eligible for a full refund.

The local currency in Costa Rica is the colon, but US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially in tourist areas. At Airborne Arts, we accept payments in US dollars. Credit cards, wire transfers and other payment methods can be arranged depending on the booking. For spending money in nearby towns, ATMs are available in Dominical and San Isidro and most restaurants and shops accept credit cards. We recommend carrying some cash in small denominations for markets, tips and smaller vendors.

Yes. We recommend securing your own travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip to protect yourself from unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or trip cancellation.