The Hydrotherapy Ritual That Made Me Rethink What Relaxation Feels Like

I’ve been to a lot of spas in my life—perks of the job—but the Planet Hollywood Costa Rica Spa stands out in a way that’s hard to put into words. Every single moment was indulgent, restorative, and completely unforgettable. The fact that I got to experience it all with my mom is what made it next-level special.

The spa itself feels like a secret carved into the side of a jungle paradise. It’s tucked inside the Planet Hollywood Costa Rica resort in Guanacaste, and the second you step through the doors, you feel like you’ve entered another universe—one where stress doesn’t exist and everything smells like eucalyptus and possibility. It was incredibly dreamy!

The hydrotherapy circuit alone was worth the trip. We cycled through a full journey of hot and cold plunges, power jets, waterfalls, steam rooms—you name it. Every station felt more indulgent than the last, and somehow, by the end, my skin looked fresher, my body felt lighter, and my mind was clear. There’s something about hydrotherapy done right that feels like therapy for your nervous system.

And then there were the massages. I’m not exaggerating when I say mine was one of the most intuitive, tension-melting treatments I’ve ever had. My mom said the same—and she’s just as picky as I am. We floated out of that room, blissed out and barely speaking, in the best possible way.

There are plenty of beautiful resorts in the world, but few experiences have stayed with me quite like this one. Sharing it with my mom turned it into a core memory I’ll be talking about forever.

If you’re plotting a spa-centric getaway or just need to hit the reset button, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica Spa is the kind of place that makes beauty and wellness feel like second nature.

For more ways to unwind and restore, I also shared how I turned my living room into a luxury foot spa experience—no passport required.