Pandanus Lodge & Retreats

🕉️✨ The Journey of My Buddha

I bought this Buddha in 2009 for my very first Pilates studio.

Ten years later, he found a special place in our garden at home.

When we moved to Costa Rica, he came with us too.

Now, after accompanying me through so many chapters of life, he’s patiently waiting for his next home at Pandanus Lodge & Retreats.

A beautiful new sanctuary is being created for him, surrounded by nature, water, and the magic of the rainforest.

Stay tuned for the transformation. 🌿✨

🕉️🌿✨

Learning, laughing, growing, and connecting. 🌍✨

An incredible week with Peak Pilates, surrounded by passionate teachers from around the world. Every workshop, every conversation, and every movement reminded me that we never stop learning. 💚

Meanwhile, Benno was enjoying Las Vegas his way—fast cars, shopping, and a little adventure. 😄

Same city, different stories, unforgettable memories.

Father’s Day in Costa Rica ❤️🍕

Just Ben and me, celebrating life’s simple moments together.

Now it’s time for our next adventure…

🌿 Costa Rica ➡️ 🌵 Las Vegas ✈️

Ready for the Peak Pilates 25th Anniversary, new connections, and lots of inspiration. ✨

✈️🌵🌿✨

✨ Our very first Move & Cook was a success! 💚

We moved, stretched, cooked delicious plant-based food together, shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed a beautiful day in nature.

A special highlight: one guest gifted this experience to her mother—a wonderful reminder that shared time and well-being are some of the most meaningful gifts we can give. 🌿

Small group, big energy, and lots of inspiration. We can’t wait for the next Move & Cook!

💚🌿✨

Spots are filling fast, book you next stay and reconnect at Pandanus!
https://pandanus-retreats.com
We look forward to meet you!
Pura Vida,
Ilona & Benno
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Today was one of those special days that remind us why we love living here in Costa Rica. 🌿

We were invited by our neighbors for a delicious meal and got to learn something new — how to harvest fresh Mamey fruit using a traditional long pole. Watching and learning local traditions makes these moments even more meaningful.

Great food, grilled fish, conversations, laughter, and simply spending time together. After so much focus on building and projects, it feels really good to slowly arrive in the social side of life too.

Making friendships with local Costa Rican families and getting to know the neighborhood feels like becoming part of something bigger. ❤️

Pura Vida truly is about connection.

Today we experienced something truly special. A beautiful plant-based cooking class surrounded by nature, with fresh ingredients straight from the garden, incredible flavors and breathtaking views. 🌿✨ Sometimes food is more than food — it’s creativity, connection and pure joy.

Jungle life gives you beauty… and sometimes asks for its little tributes back 🌿✨
Today our balcony is getting some extra love so future guests can enjoy their coffee, the sounds of nature, and rainforest views again.
Pura Vida isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating something real.