My visit at the La Joya Del Sol farm was exceptional! I learned so much about the benefits of natural foods that heal the body, mind and soul. Eric is not only passionate about healing foods, but he is also a great educator, who is able to share his passion and knowledge with other people.
The vegan cuisine he prepares is 100% local from his farm, organic, and fresh from what he grows on the farm. Only about 10% of foods are cooked so the healing nutrients from the raw plants can be fully absorbed by the body.
During my stay I learned how to prepare each meal using delicious, whole food, plant-based recipes described in Eric’s book. It inspired me to keep my healthy lifestyle after coming back home to Canada.
My body was completely transformed after spending 4 weeks at the farm. I used to be a heavy meat eater. For years I drank 2-3 cups of coffee every day and smoked cigars daily after work to relax and unwind. I wasn't able to fall asleep without watching TV.
It’s absolutely incredible and you have to be here to experience it! My energy has doubled and I am more productive at work. I could never imagine that eating raw foods can be such a delight! While being on the farm, all my cravings disappeared in just one week. I lost 8 pounds and feel stronger than ever.
I’ve learned so much while cooking healthy meals with Eric about the nutritional benefits of raw foods, and why working physically with your hands is so important for your wellbeing. All meals were low fat, free of oil, salt, sugar, and gluten.
We were making sun-dried cacao, sprouts, cinnamon and vanilla spices, and herbs. I could never imagine that I would be able to go to sleep to the smooth sound of night birds, crickets, and frogs under the sky full of stars, and waking up naturally with the sunrise listening to the sounds of birds and monkeys.
This place is for you if you want to use your experience to boost your health, detox from the city lifestyle, and deeply connect to the natural way of being. What a delightful experience! I definitely recommend to visit this place at least once every year! Thank you Eric for your kindness and support on my healing journey!
I met Eric at the Tinamaste Feria where he was selling his delicious home-made organic chocolate, honey, plants and other products produced on his organic, sustainable permaculture farm.
I was called to visit his property because everything he sells at the local market was super fresh and of the highest quality, which is super important to me.I enjoyed the mountainous views, the simplicity of natural living, fresh food, air and water.
My cabin was designed for 3-4 people, but I had complete privacy all to myself. I was resting comfortably on the patio of my cabin taking in the birds and storm clouds on the horizon. I took naps, meditated, walked around the property, went to bed early and woke up early, no alarm clock needed.
The entire experience was magical and rejuvenating! This property has an abundance of food trees such as coconuts, cacao, jaboticaba, durian, mangosteen, jackfruit, tarap, sapotes, salak, guanabana, citrus, hearts of palm, moringa, and more. Vegetables grown in raised planting beds and you can pick them up and eat them fresh anytime you like.
Eric is a real professional and very special individual. He is one of the first live food chefs to teach it in public schools. He is the most authentic living foods health chef who learned from top chefs of the Living Light Culinary Institute. His classes and talks are always filled with tons of practical information that will serve you for the rest of your life. The recipes incorporate the best nutritional practices of the living foods that you can adopt upon returning home.
After I learned from Eric how to eat real, live foods, I no longer have cravings for coffee, alcohol, sugar, or meat. I found myself forgetting about my past cravings. I have more energy, a better attitude, deeper sleep, radiant skin, and a general sense of well being.
The methods Eric teaches at the farm are natural and very easy to follow making the entire stay a priceless and unique experience! I suggest 3-4 weeks for this Nature immersion so you can fully benefit from being fully connected to Yourself, to Nature, and enjoy the benefits of detoxifying your life! Thank you Eric for this life-transforming trip!
First I have to say, this place isn't for everyone, and we only spent one night as guests, not workers. My husband and I are building a home in Costa Rica. I saw photos of Eric's raised beds, and decided we had to go check the place out!
We were blown away by what Eric has created, and the place is well-named. "Jewel" is a good word to describe his property (600 acres? I'm not sure I remember correctly, but it's huge). In a country that is crammed from top to tail with natural beauty, this place is up there, especially because it's private. So hike to the waterfalls, jump in the river, and have it all to yourself. Wow!! I think he said there are 5 miles of trails. We didn't even see them all. It's pretty steep in places, so you will get your cardio in!
He has solar as well as water power. Totally off-grid. Also fresh spring water with plenty of pressure.
Human accomodations are very basic. Our place had a double bed and two twins. Everything seemed clean. There was a water spigot outside. Our dog was allowed on the porch. (He was ecstatic there, btw. I have never seen my dog have such a great time anywhere!!) It is not sealed completely from mosquitos, etc., but I didn't notice any while we were in there. It's worth noting that Eric himself lives in a hut as well.
Food: I have never seen such a variety of plants and fruits crammed into one salad (dinner) or smoothie (breakfast), and there were some new ones I hadn't heard of, even though we've lived here for almost 3 years, and have seen and studied our share of permaculture farms!! You are expected to help chop and prepare your meals, which we were happy to do. The knives were sharp, and he has a Vitamix to put all of that goodness together. The kitchen sink area could have been a little more sparkly, but don't forget we ARE in the jungle here.
Eric is one of those chefs who can be kind of blunt and demanding with his instructions, but we enjoyed the preparation process and it gave us time to ask questions and learn from him. He served our plates and gave us enormous portions, which were so rich with fiber and new flavors that it was impossible for me to finish, even though I ate my dinner and breakfast leftovers for lunch.
This guy knows how to raise plants!! I loved the tour of his orchards and greenhouses. He has so many different species, and he knows all about what each one can do for your heaIth. I think the plants must think they live in a 5-star resort!! : ) He will sell you plants and cutting to take home if you live in CR.
Eric is very opinionated about what people should eat and why. He does not let one thing pass his lips that is not super-healthy, and you are asked not to bring in anything that he doesn't approve of. I think this would be a perfect place for anyone who wants to detox, learn about plants and permaculture, and challenge themselves personally. No getting drunk by the pool here! : ) So set your expectations appropriately, and come enjoy a unique pura vida experience in raw nature!
I’m grateful for such a magical experience on the lush farms of La Joya de Sol. It had such an abundance of fruits, vegetables, herbs, peppers, everything that you could ever dream of. We learned so much about the indigenous plants from International Plant Based Chef and Organic Farmer, Eric Rivkin, who shared nutritional information about each variety and prepared a vibrant, whole food plant based farm-to-table experience that blew us away, enveloping each of our senses with the most exotic flavors, textures, with every color of the rainbow created with so much passion. You really feel the energy of this special land; truly a hidden gem tucked away in Costa Rica’s South Pacific coastal mountains, amidst a vortex of lush rainforests, walking distance to private waterfalls natural pools, pure spring water, and breathtaking views of mountain scenery in the San Jose providence. Highly recommend taking time to slow down, get off the grid and re-center, grounding yourself in this special land in an intimate way. Eric Rivkin is a special soul and has such a deep passion for education, sharing his knowledge and wisdom, along with being a plant based genius. His cuisine is so cleansing and it’s true, you will radiate after having his nourishing plant based cuisine.
-Kristine Kelly, Plant Based Chef, Nutritional Coach (St Barth)
I'll flesh this out later but I just want to say that I've stayed at Eric's farm twice - 7 years apart and enjoyed it both times. Stayed for a couple of weeks back in 2013 and then for 2.5 months in 2020 right before COVID. Eric is a great resource for everything raw vegan cuisine and permaculture related. He is strict but fair. He loves discipline and I respect that. He lives in the jungle and it's not the most conducive environment for BS, flakiness and excuses. He's got a great setup but keep in mind that it's rustic. Again, this is the Costa Rican jungle! And I love the authenticity of it. If you are looking for a deep connection with nature while nourishing your body, this is the place. If you are a snowflake, there's plenty of retreat places around who will pamper you but if even they have their limits, so caveat emptor :P
por que vivo ahí y siempre se a llamado la Florida de barú de Pérez Zeledón san José costa rica