Have a Question?
F A Q
Here are a list of commonly asked questions - if you require further assistance or have more questions please don't hesitate to contact us.
Q: What is the weather like?
Costa Rica is considered a rainforest country and warm temperatures are characteristic throughout the year.
There are two well-defined seasons:
Dry Season: December – April
Rainy Season: May – November
The rain, especially on the Pacific coast, typically occurs during the afternoon or evening and is “warm”. We experience a short mid-year mini Dry Season towards the end of July and beginning of August when rainfall decreases significantly for 3-4 weeks. The rainiest months are mid September to October, especially in the south Pacific region.
Note: The climate in San Jose is often very different to the coastal regions. A medium-weight fleece jacket is highly recommended for cooler nights in and around the capital.
Q: Do I need a Visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Below are some general visa guidelines, but please check with your airline or travel agent to confirm your legal requirements for entering Costa Rica. All visitors to Costa Rica need a passport valid for at least 6 months at the date of entry.
1. Visa not required for nationals of the USA, Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay, and the UK and its dependencies for stays of up to 90 days.
2. Visa not required for nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominica, El Salvador, Estonia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Suriname, Taiwan, Turkey, Vatican City and Venezuela for stays up to 30 days.
Q: What currency is accepted in Costa Rica?
During your stay at Vayu, all your expenses can be charged to your room. Upon check out, we accept US Dollars, Costa Rican Colones (at current USD conversion) and all major credit cards.
Most businesses and restaurants accept US Dollars (and of course colones).
Euros and other currencies are not commonly accepted in Costa Rica.
When out and about, carrying some small US Dollar bills is recommended as well as some local currency.
*However please do not travel with large amounts of any currency.
Q: How do I get to Vayu?
When booking your trip to Costa Rica arrange to fly to the capital city of San José - Juan Santamaria Airport (airport code SJO)
From there Vayu can be reached either by domestic plane or by car. This can be self driven or car hire. Check out our full how to get here page
Need a hand arranging domestic transportation? Just ask us!
Q: Do I need a 4x4?
No! We are very fortunate to be located on a paved road.
However, we do suggest that if you intend to do any off-roading or high altitude trekking most of those roads are not paved and will require a 4WD.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
Flexible Cancelations.
We understand that things happen, if you do require a modification to your reservation we encourage you to do so at your earliest possible convenience.
You may cancel your reservation up to the specified dates below prior to your arrival without a penalty. If you cancel within that period prior to arrival, no refund will be given, including any tours booked by the hotel.
Cancelation dates are as follows:
- Green Season Reservations (May - October) – 14 days prior to check-in
- High Season Reservations (November - April) – 14 days prior to check-in
- Holiday Season Reservations December 21 - January 4) – 75 days prior to check-in
We highly encourage trip interruption/cancellation insurance.
*Note: Bookings made with online travel providers may be subject to differing terms and conditions at the time of booking. These terms and conditions are set by the online provider. We are not liable/responsible for any such terms and conditions set by these third parties.
Cancellation by Us
In the unlikely event it becomes necessary for us to cancel a booking we will contact you immediately and any payments made will be refunded in full. Should you like, we can try to assist you in finding comparable accommodations in the area. Our liability will not extend beyond these conditions.
No Show Policy
No shows will be charged to the full amount of the reservation in its entirety (including any excursions booked by the hotel.)
Q: What time is check-in/check-out?
Check in is from 3pm.
Should you arrive earlier at Vayu, we will do everything possible to have your room ready. However, if you do have to wait for you room to be ready you won’t have to wait to start your vacation: go ahead and take a dip in the infinity pool or enjoy some lunch. (We will store your bags in our reception)
Our check out at 11pm.
If you would like to leave later in the day, please let us know at reception as soon as possible and if possible, we’ll be happy to accommodate you when possible.
Q: Is your Hotel family friendly?
Vayu is an Adults Only boutique hotel & recommended for adults over 18 years of age.
Q: Are the rooms air conditioned?
Yes! All of our Villas and our restaurant are fully air conditioned. Our roof top terraces and balconies as well as other open air terraces have ceiling fans.
Q: How long should I stay and how early should I book?
How many days of rest and tranquility in paradise can you handle? Ideally, we recommend staying at least 3-4 nights to immerse in our wellness resort, soak up the sun and all that the southern zone of Costa Rica has to offer.
Stay as long as you can though – it can be hard to leave that infinity pool!
For bookings this depends on which season you’d like to visit Vayu. Generally for High (Dec - Apr) and Holiday Season, we recommend booking up to 6 months in advance. Our boutique resort is small and can get booked up fast. From April through November, we suggest booking a few months in advance to avoid disappointment.
We do have in some circumstances have a minimum night stay requirement.
*We also recommend always booking directly with us for the best price.
Q: How far is the beach?
The Costa Ballena, or “Whale Coast”, is a truly untouched part of Costa Rica that only few have come to explore.
Take your pick of beaches in order of closeness to Vayu: Ventanas - 12min drive, Piñuela - 14min drive, Ballena, Chaman & Arco - 25min drive, Playa Uvita - 35min drive, Hermosa Beach - 40min drive, Dominical - 45min drive
And with 35km of Pacific coastline known for migrating Humpback Whales, don’t be surprised if you find yourself blissfully alone on the sands.
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
Yes! The water at Vayu and across most of Costa Rica is potable and comes from a spring source.
Q: I'm concerned about my data & smart technology?
We regard security of your personal data and protection of your privacy to be of the utmost importance. Separate from our hotel booking systems - none of your Information is ever added/shared or stored to our Alexa system.
To learn about your data and protection click here.
If, however you prefer not to use our smart villa technology, not a problem! We have the old school style switches available for ease of use as well. Your experience may be a little different but equally enjoyable.
Q: What about bugs?
We have to be mindful that we are located in a rainforest and some bugs are inevitable, however there is no standing water for mosquitoes to breed, and any that do appear are quickly eaten by wildlife higher up the food chain! Sometimes after periods of extended rains and at dusk you may see a few around, but guests seldom find them bothersome.
Nevertheless, it is a good idea to apply insect repellent, especially if you venture out into the rainforest or nearby National Parks. Where possible, choose a non-aerosol repellent as they contain fewer toxic ingredients.
Q: Does the Hotel have a smoking policy?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the grounds or in the Villas.
Costa Rica has a strict non-smoking law which prohibits smoking in public places.
You may, however smoke in our designated smoking area.
Q: I read that the hotel is clothing optional online?
We are very liberal here at Vayu Retreat Villas and adults only, however our resort is NOT a clothing optional.
Q: Does the hotel have a Spa?
Currently we offer some spa services in the comfort of your suite, but we do not have a full dedicated spa onsite.
