Diana Stobo is the founder of The Retreat Costa Rica, a sanctuary created for rest, renewal, and deep healing. She sees herself not simply as a business owner, but as a caretaker of healing spaces and experiences. For her, hospitality is not a profession that begins and ends with office hours. It is a way of living. She is personally involved in every detail of the retreat, from designing the emotional atmosphere to tasting a new soup in the kitchen, adjusting lighting in a room, or sitting quietly with a guest over tea.
Diana Stobo | Founder | The Retreat Costa Rica
She believes that small details carry great energy, and that presence is the true foundation of service. At EliteX, we are proud to have Diana Stobo as part of the edition: 05 Distinguished Female Leaders Shaping the Hospitality Industry, 2026.
Her journey into hospitality began years ago at Cornell University, where she studied and learned from respected leaders in the field. Yet her real education came later through personal adversity. At one point in her life, Diana became very sick. Conventional paths did not provide the answers she needed, so she turned inward. She began to explore food as medicine, stillness as a teacher, and self-love as the foundation of healing. Through dedication and deep self-study, she healed herself. That experience changed her life and gave her a new sense of purpose. She did not want to simply recover. She wanted to share what she had learned.
Growth means nothing if the soul of the space is not protected.
From that calling, she began writing books, coaching, and mentoring others on wellness and conscious living. Over time, the vision expanded. She realized she wanted to create a physical space where people could experience everything she had discovered in one place. She did not set out to build a brand. She set out to create a sanctuary where people could arrive feeling tired or disconnected and leave feeling restored and empowered.
Her professional journey has been intuitive rather than traditional. She did not follow a corporate ladder or structured blueprint. Instead, she followed instinct, curiosity, and at times pure faith. There were moments of fear and exhaustion, especially in an industry that demands constant attention. Hospitality rarely pauses. It stretches into evenings, weekends, family dinners, and friendships. Diana often says that she is always hosting, even at home. Learning when to rest, when to say no, and when to choose herself has been an essential part of her own healing and leadership growth.
Her leadership style is rooted in empathy, honesty, and presence. She believes in listening first and leading second. The people who work with her are not just employees. Many feel like extended family. She celebrates their achievements and supports them through challenges. She understands that when a team feels seen and valued, the guest experience becomes naturally elevated. For Diana, culture is not created through policies. It is created through daily behavior and emotional awareness.
Hospitality is not a service – it is a way of living with presence and care.
Maintaining high standards at The Retreat Costa Rica has never been about perfection. It is about sincerity. Every guest is welcomed as if entering a private home. Warmth, nourishing food, thoughtful design, and genuine care define the experience. Diana personally reads guest feedback and often reaches out herself. That direct connection matters deeply to her because she believes healing is built on relationship, not transaction.
She stays aligned with evolving trends in wellness by staying aligned with people. She pays attention to energy, listens carefully, and observes how guests are changing. For her, sustainability, personalization, and wellness are not passing trends. They are reflections of how modern individuals want to live – more consciously and more gently. She blends ancient healing wisdom with modern science, believing that both offer valuable insights. Innovation, in her view, is thoughtful evolution. It means adopting practices that truly support well-being while preserving authenticity.
Growth has never been her primary goal. Meaning has. The Retreat expands only when it enhances intimacy and deepens the guest experience. Diana protects the soul of the property with great care. Awards and recognition are appreciated, but what touches her most are returning guests who say they feel at home. Handwritten notes, heartfelt hugs at departure, and messages years later sharing how a stay changed someone’s life are the moments she treasures most.
She is also committed to supporting other women in hospitality and entrepreneurship. Through mentorship and example, she encourages women to trust their instincts and embrace their sensitivity. She believes that softness is not weakness but strength. She reminds young women that they do not need to exhaust themselves to prove their value. Health, creativity, and self-respect must come first.
Healing begins when we create space to truly listen to ourselves.
Looking ahead, Diana believes the future of hospitality will be more human-centered and emotionally intelligent. Guests are no longer seeking simple escape. They are seeking alignment with their values, their health, and their inner truth. Community, wellness, and conscious living will continue to shape the industry.
Her long-term vision is to keep evolving The Retreat Costa Rica as a place of deep healing and conscious connection. Personally, her path remains one of growth, humility, and service. Everything she has built stems from learning to love herself first. From that foundation, she continues to create spaces where others can rediscover their own strength, peace, and purpose.
