“This retreat was one of the most transformational experiences that I had in my entire life. If you are looking to build community, connect with yourself, and tap into your self worth and power, this experience is for you.”
Highly Rated
ABOUT QASA House – LGBTQ+ Sacred Plant Retreats
Retreat Center Overview
QASA House is a pioneering LGBTQ+-centered retreat space and boutique hotel nestled in Costa Rica’s biodiverse Diamante Valley. Completed in 2022, this handcrafted bamboo sanctuary was created with a singular mission: to co-create a world where queer joy is not an indulgence, but a birthright.
Through transformational retreats featuring sacred plant ceremonies, embodied pleasure experiences, and nature-based adventures, QASA guides queer individuals from shame, fear, and disconnection to joy, embodiment, and technicolor belonging. Our Awaken retreat series offers two distinct pathways for deep inner transformation—psilocybin journeys for gentle, heart-opening experiences, and ayahuasca ceremonies for deep, ancestral healing work.
Sacred plant ceremonies are held with the utmost care, safety, and respect for indigenous wisdom. These retreats offer a catalytic path for letting go of old wounds and reconnecting with your most authentic self. Led by experienced, trauma-informed facilitators who understand the nuances of LGBTQ+ experiences, each ceremony creates a safe container for participants to explore their inner worlds without fear of judgment.
KEY DETAILS
- 📍 Location: Diamante Valley, Tinamaste, Costa Rica
- 🗣️ Languages Spoken: English
- 👥 Group Size: ~20 participants
- 📅 Program Length: 7-8 days
- 💵 Price Range: $2,700 – $4,000 per person
- 💙 Specializing In: LGBTQ+ healing, shame release, embodiment, community connection, personal growth
- 🌿 Medicine Sourcing: Ceremonies held with respect for indigenous traditions
- 💊 Medicine Type: Psilocybin mushrooms or Ayahuasca
- 🩺 Medical Support: Trauma-informed facilitators; medical protocols in place
- 🏳️🌈 Community Focus: Exclusively for GBTQIA+ individuals (primarily queer men, cis and trans)
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
- 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+-Centered Healing – The first and only retreat center in Costa Rica specifically designed for GBTQIA+ individuals. Every aspect—from facilitation style to community agreements—honors queer experiences and creates space for full authenticity.
- 🌿 Trauma-Informed Facilitation – Skilled facilitators trained in trauma-informed care, somatic practices, and sacred plant integration. Our team understands the unique healing needs of queer individuals navigating shame, identity, and belonging.
- 💚 Consent-Based, Non-Sexual Container – All ceremonies and experiences are held in consent-rich, non-sexual spaces that honor boundaries, dignity, and deep inner work. Safety and respect are foundational.
- 🏞️ Pristine Jungle Setting – Set on 300 acres in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, with six major waterfalls within walking distance, miles of private hiking trails, and spectacular views of the Diamante River and waterfall.
- 🎭 Dual Pathways for Transformation – Choose between psilocybin ceremonies or ayahuasca ceremonies, both with full preparation and integration support.
- 🤝 Vibrant Queer Community – Connect with fellow LGBTQ+ individuals in an environment of celebration, vulnerability, and shared healing. Many participants form lifelong bonds and discover a sense of homecoming.
ACCOMMODATIONS
FACILITY AMENITIES
SHARED 4-BED JUNGLE CABIN
Facility Type: Communal sleeping in the heart of the jungle
Room Details:
- Four individual twin beds
- Perfect for solo travelers seeking community
- Budget-conscious option
- Open-air bamboo design with mosquito mesh
- Spectacular jungle views
- Electricity, lights, overhead fan
- Luxurious bedding and linens
- Access to shared bamboo bathhouses with hot water
Pricing:
- Pricing:
- Awaken Retreats: $2,950 per person
- Unleash Retreats: $2,700 per person
- Explore Retreats: $2,700 per person
SHARED TWIN JUNGLE CABIN
Facility Type: Cozy shared cabin with another participant
Room Details:
- Two comfortable twin beds
- Share space with one other participant
- Balance of privacy and connection
- Open-air bamboo design with mosquito mesh
- Natural jungle views
- Electricity, lights, overhead fan
- Luxurious bedding and linens
- Access to shared bamboo bathhouses with hot water
Pricing:
- Awaken Retreats: $3,400 per person
- Unleash Retreats: $3,150 per person
- Explore Retreats: $3,150 per person
KING JUNGLE CABIN
Facility Type: Semi-private bamboo cabin
Room Details:
- Queen or king bed
- More personal space
- Connection to nature maintained
- Open-air design with mosquito mesh
- Spectacular views
- Electricity, lights, overhead fan
- Luxurious bedding and linens
- Access to shared bamboo bathhouses with hot water
Pricing:
- Awaken Retreats: $3,700 per person
- Unleash Retreats: $3,450 per person
- Explore Retreats: $3,450 per person
PRIVATE DELUXE CABIN
Facility Type: Most luxurious hand-crafted bamboo cabin
Room Details:
- King-size bed
- Exclusive private experience
- Maximum comfort and solitude
- Premium hand-crafted bamboo construction
- Open-air design with full mosquito mesh
- Spectacular jungle and waterfall views
- Electricity, lights, overhead fan
- Luxurious bedding and linens
- Access to shared bamboo bathhouses with hot water
Pricing:
- Awaken Retreats: $4,000 per person
- Unleash Retreats: $3,750 per person
- Explore Retreats: $3,750 per person
Note: Air conditioning is unnecessary in this region due to natural ventilation and elevation. The open-air design with fans provides perfect comfort year-round.
QASA House Property Features:
- 🌳 Shala Space: Beautiful covered bamboo yoga/ceremony structure reaching into the jungle with direct views of Diamante waterfall
- 🏊 Natural Pools: Access to pristine river pools and waterfalls
- 🏋️ Gym: Comprehensive free weight collection
- 🏡 Communal Spaces: Kitchen and dining for 30+, gathering areas, movie room
- 💆 Massage Temple: On-site bodywork available
- 🏕️ Camping Area: For adventurous guests
- 🚿 Bathhouse: Gorgeous shared bamboo facilities with hot water showers
- 🥾 Hiking Trails: Several kilometers of private trails through biodiverse jungle
- 💧 Six Waterfalls: Major waterfalls within walking distance along Diamante River
- 📶 High-Speed Internet: Fiber optic WiFi (100 Mbps) throughout property
Venue Description:
QASA House is an eco-chic boutique hotel lovingly hand-built and completed in December 2022. The property features pristine outdoor spaces, comfortable accommodations, and world-class amenities. Every detail supports your healing journey with complete privacy, breathtaking views, and sacred atmosphere ideal for deep introspection and queer community connection.
MEALS & NUTRITION
- 🌱 Vegan options
- 🥗 Vegetarian options
- 🐟 Pescatarian options
- 🥩 Meat options
- 🌾 Gluten-free available
- 🥛 Dairy-free available
- 🥜 Nut-free accommodations
- 🌿 Organic, locally-sourced ingredients
Food Philosophy:
In-house chef prepares fresh, delicious meals daily using local, organically grown ingredients whenever possible. QASA’s culinary approach balances nourishing Costa Rican cuisine with international flavors, ensuring every meal supports your well-being and energy throughout the retreat. Dietary restrictions and preferences accommodated with advance notice.
TRAVEL & ARRIVAL DETAILS
- 📍 Venue Location: Diamante Valley, Tinamaste, Pérez Zeledón, Costa Rica
- ✈️ Getting Here: QASA is nestled in Costa Rica’s stunning Southern Pacific coast region, accessible from two airports. Most guests fly into San José International Airport (SJO), which is approximately 3.5-4.5 hours from the retreat center. For a shorter journey, you can take a connecting flight to Quepos Airport (XQP), just 75 minutes from QASA. Regular flights between San José and Quepos are operated by Sansa Airlines and Green Airways, making this a convenient option for those who prefer to minimize ground travel time.
Ground Transportation:
Private taxi service available and can be arranged directly through the retreat center. This is the most recommended option for seamless, stress-free travel. Cost: $80-$170 depending on airport.
TREATMENT PROTOCOL & MEDICINE INFORMATION
Type of Medicine
Psilocybin Path:
🍄 Gentle, heart-opening journeys with two psilocybin ceremonies and time to integrate through somatic and spiritual practices. This pathway offers a softer entry into plant medicine work, focusing on opening the heart, releasing shame, and cultivating self-compassion.
Ayahuasca Path:
🌿 Deep, ancestral journeys with two or three ayahuasca ceremonies in a reverent, trauma-informed container. This pathway offers profound healing through connection with ancient plant wisdom, suitable for those ready for deeper exploration of their psyche and ancestral patterns. Both pathways include a full arc of preparation, ceremony, and integration—held by expert facilitators in a non-sexual, consent-rich space that honors safety, dignity, and deep inner work.
Treatment Setting & Atmosphere
Environment:
Sacred plant ceremonies at QASA are intentionally held spaces for deep inner work, drawing from ancient traditions while honoring the needs of modern queer bodies and lives. Ceremonies take place in beautiful natural settings—the bamboo shala overlooking Diamante waterfall, riverside locations, or other sacred spots on the 300-acre property. These ceremonies invite you into profound connection—with yourself, with the earth, with community, and with something greater. The atmosphere is one of reverence without dogma, safety without rigidity, and celebration without distraction. Music, ritual, and skilled facilitation create a container for whatever needs to emerge.
Facilitation Style
👥 QASA’s facilitation is grounded in:
Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding that many LGBTQ+ individuals carry wounds related to identity, family rejection, societal stigma, and systemic oppression. Facilitators hold space with awareness of these realities.
Consent-Based Practice: All touch, participation, and sharing is optional and consent-based. Boundaries are honored as sacred.
Queer-Centered Wisdom: Facilitators understand the unique experiences of queer individuals and create space for full authenticity without need for explanation or translation.
Somatic Awareness: Emphasis on feeling, embodiment, and reconnection with the body as a source of wisdom and pleasure.
Non-Sexual Container: Ceremonies are held in intentionally non-sexual space to allow for deep work without distraction or boundary confusion.
Community Healing: Recognition that healing happens not just individually but in relationship. Witnessing and being witnessed by other queer individuals is part of the medicine.
Participant Experience
Participant Experience:
Experiences vary widely—from blissful to challenging, smooth to intense. You may encounter waves of emotion, profound insights, bodily sensations, visual imagery, memories, ancestral connections, or encounters with different aspects of yourself.
For many LGBTQ+ participants, plant medicine ceremonies offer:
- Release of internalized shame and self-rejection
- Reconnection with the body after years of disconnection or dissociation
- Healing of family and cultural wounds
- Reclamation of pleasure, joy, and wholeness
- A felt sense of belonging and being “enough”
- Connection to queer ancestors and lineages of resilience
Safety & Support
🏥 Medical & Emotional Safety:
- Trauma-informed facilitators present throughout ceremonies
- Medical protocols and emergency procedures in place
- Pre-retreat screening for contraindications
- Facilitators trained in managing challenging experiences
- Grounding techniques and somatic support available
- Access to private processing with facilitators
Community Agreements:
- Consent-based participation
- Confidentiality of shared experiences
- Non-sexual container
- Respect for boundaries
- Inclusive, non-judgmental space
Cultural/Spiritual Context
🌍 QASA honors the indigenous roots of plant medicine while creating an approach that centers LGBTQ+ experiences and wisdom. The facilitation draws from:
Indigenous Traditions: Deep respect for the ayahuasca and psilocybin traditions originating from indigenous Amazonian and Mesoamerican cultures. QASA acknowledges these lineages while recognizing that queer wisdom is also ancient and sacred.
Queer Spirituality: Recognition that LGBTQ+ individuals have always been shamans, healers, and bridge-walkers in many cultures. The retreat honors queer identities as inherently spiritual.
Embodiment Practices: Somatic awareness, movement, breath, and sensation as pathways to healing and integration.
Nature Connection: The jungle, waterfalls, and land as co-facilitators in the healing process.
Non-Dogmatic Approach: Welcoming participants of all spiritual backgrounds (or none). You’re invited to interpret your experience through whatever lens resonates—psychological, spiritual, mystical, or scientific.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
Before the Retreat
1-2 Months Before:
- Submit inquiry and schedule consultation call
- Receive preparation materials and guidance
- Begin any necessary medication adjustments (with doctor supervision)
- Set intentions for your journey
2-4 Weeks Before:
- Book flights and arrange transportation
- Review packing list
- Begin dietary preparations (reduce/eliminate alcohol, processed foods, caffeine)
- Engage with pre-retreat practices (meditation, journaling, breathwork)
During Retreat: 7-8 Day Immersive Program
DAY 1 — ARRIVAL
Afternoon:
- Arrival and settling into accommodations
Evening:
- Welcome circle, meet facilitators and fellow participants
- Dinner and initial community connection
DAY 2 — PREPARATION
Morning:
- Embodiment practice (yoga, movement, breathwork)
- Group sharing: Intentions, backgrounds, hopes for the week
- Ceremony preparation: Education about the medicine and process
Afternoon:
- Rest, explore land, optional activities
Evening:
- Opening ritual and preparation
DAY 3 — FIRST CEREMONY
Morning:
- Light breakfast, final preparation
Afternoon:
- First psilocybin or ayahuasca ceremony (4-6 hours)
Evening:
- Light meal, rest, optional gentle sharing
DAY 4 — INTEGRATION DAY
Morning:
- Group integration circle (3-4 hours)
- Lunch
Afternoon:
- Free time—waterfall hikes, massage, journaling, rest, swimming
Evening:
- Dinner, informal community time
DAY 5 — SECOND CEREMONY
Morning:
- Embodiment practice
- Check-in and preparation for second ceremony
Afternoon:
- Second ceremony (4-6 hours)
Evening:
- Light meal, rest, reflection
DAY 6 — INTEGRATION DAY
Morning:
- Group integration circle
- Lunch
Afternoon:
- Nature exploration, optional group activities, bodywork, rest
Evening:
- Community dinner
DAY 7 — THIRD CEREMONY (if applicable) OR REST DAY
- For ayahuasca retreats: Possible third ceremony
- For psilocybin retreats: Rest, integration, nature immersion
Evening:
- Integration discussion
DAY 8 — CLOSING & DEPARTURE
Morning:
- Final integration circle
- Closing ritual and ceremony
- Lunch
Afternoon:
- Departures and farewells
Daily Elements Throughout Week
Embodiment Practices: Yoga, breathwork, movement, somatic awareness (most mornings)
Integration Circles: Group sharing and processing (post-ceremony days)
Meals: Three nourishing meals daily
Free Time: Swimming, waterfall hikes, massage (additional cost), rest, journaling
Optional Activities: Nature exploration, informal sharing, community games, creative expression
WiFi Available: Though participants encouraged to disconnect
Important Notes:
- This is therapeutic retreat, not vacation—expect intensive emotional and spiritual work
- Full participation in group discussions encouraged
- Schedule may adjust based on group needs and weather
- Alcohol not served; abstinence from cannabis and substances requested during retreat
After the Retreat: Integration
- Ongoing Support:
- QASA emphasizes that integration is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice of carrying insights into daily life. Post-retreat support varies by program and may include:
- Integration resources and practices
- Access to facilitator follow-up
- Connection to broader QASA community
- Recommendations for continued support
- Alumni gatherings and events
FINE DETAILS
THIS IS DUMMY TEXT FOR DETAILS
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly Rated
QASA receives exceptional reviews emphasizing compassionate facilitation, profound healing, beautiful settings, outstanding cuisine, and life-changing transformations in queer community.
Community Testimonials
“One of the most transformational experiences of my life”
“This retreat was one of the most transformational experiences that I had in my entire life. If you are looking to build community, connect with yourself, and tap into your self worth and power, this experience is for you. Looking forward to the next one already.”
“Basked in the company of other queer men”
“I’m so glad I attended Remembering Wholeness. The food, the shelters, the facilities, the movement, the ceremonies, and the natural environment were worthy of accolades. Mostly, I basked in the company of other queer men, all of us sharing our joy and spirit with each other. I highly recommend the retreat and stays offered by QASA.”
“Ground myself in the beauty of nature”
“This trip helped me to ground myself in the beauty of nature, to shed the veil of constant distraction of life, technology, social media and the city and really look at myself. The compassionate nature of the facilitators, the community coming together each on their own healing journey and the delicious local food came together perfectly.”
“A healthy gay community without judgment”
“I was going through a rough patch with my mental well-being and finding those that shared the same desire to better themselves. This experience introduced me to a healthy gay community of men that were more than their trauma, without judgment or prejudice.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Experience
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Q: What makes QASA different from other plant medicine retreats?
A: QASA is the first and only retreat center in Costa Rica specifically designed for GBTQIA+ individuals. Every aspect—from facilitation approach to community agreements—centers queer experiences and creates space for full authenticity. Our facilitators are trained in trauma-informed care and understand the unique healing needs of LGBTQ+ people navigating shame, identity, family wounds, and belonging. The retreat combines ancient plant wisdom with modern queer liberation principles in an environment where your queerness is not just accepted but celebrated.
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Q: Do I need prior experience with psychedelics?
A: No prior experience necessary. Many participants are first-time plant medicine users. Our facilitators provide extensive preparation, education, and support throughout. We meet you where you are and help you navigate the experience safely.
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Q: Is QASA only for men?
A: While many retreats focus on GBTQ+ men (cis and trans), programming varies. Check specific retreat descriptions for inclusivity details. The hotel portion of QASA welcomes all guests who value conscious community, natural beauty, and authentic connection—regardless of background, identity, or how you love.
Safety & Preparation
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Q: Is it safe to do plant medicine as an LGBTQ+ person?
A: QASA was specifically created to address the unique safety needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in plant medicine spaces. All facilitators are trained in trauma-informed care and understand queer experiences. Ceremonies are held in consent-based, non-sexual containers that honor boundaries and dignity. Many LGBTQ+ people find that working with plant medicines in queer-centered spaces is profoundly safer and more healing than mainstream retreats.
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Q: What if I’m on psychiatric medications?
A: Some medications (particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs) interact with plant medicines and may require tapering before retreat. Never discontinue medications without consulting your prescribing doctor. During your consultation, QASA’s team will discuss your medications and provide guidance.
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Q: What are the main contraindications?
A: Active psychosis, schizophrenia, severe untreated mental health conditions, serious heart conditions, pregnancy/breastfeeding, and certain medications (MAOIs, lithium) are contraindications. QASA screens each applicant individually to ensure safety.
Logistics & Setting
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Q: Where exactly is QASA located?
A: QASA is in the Diamante Valley near Tinamaste, in the Pérez Zeledón region of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific zone. It’s approximately 3.5-4.5 hours from San José or 1.25 hours from Quepos. The property sits on 300 acres of pristine jungle with six waterfalls, the Diamante River, and kilometers of hiking trails.
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Q: What are the accommodations like?
A: All cabins are handcrafted from bamboo, open-air (enclosed in mosquito netting), with spectacular jungle views. They’re comfortable, protected from elements, and designed to connect you with nature. Options range from shared 4-bed cabins to private deluxe cabins. All share beautiful bathhouses with hot water. A/C is unnecessary due to natural ventilation and elevation.
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Q: What’s included in the price?
A: Retreat price includes accommodation, 2-3 ceremonies, facilitator support, preparation and integration sessions, embodiment practices, three chef-prepared meals daily, airport transportation, use of all facilities, and WiFi. Airfare, travel insurance, massage, and personal expenses not included.
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Q: Can I come alone?
A: Yes! Most participants attend solo. The community-building aspect of the retreat ensures you’ll feel connected and supported. Many lifelong friendships are formed.
Plant Medicine
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Q: What’s the difference between psilocybin and ayahuasca retreats?
A: Psilocybin retreats offer gentler, heart-opening experiences with 2 ceremonies. They’re well-suited for first-timers or those seeking emotional release and self-compassion. Ayahuasca retreats offer deeper, more ancestral work with 2-3 ceremonies. They can be more physically intense (purging) but access profound healing layers. Both include full preparation and integration. Choice depends on your intentions and readiness.
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Q: Is plant medicine legal in Costa Rica?
A: In Costa Rica, personal participation in sacred plant ceremonies for spiritual growth is not penalized under current law, with enforcement focused on trafficking rather than individual practice. Ceremonies conducted in genuine spiritual contexts may benefit from constitutional protections. QASA honors these traditions with full respect for Costa Rican law and culture.
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Q: What if I have a challenging experience?
A: Facilitators are trained to support challenging experiences, which often lead to the most profound healing. You’ll have access to immediate support, grounding techniques, and private processing. The community container and trauma-informed facilitation ensure you’re never alone in difficult moments.
LGBTQ+ Specific
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Q: Will I be the only queer person there?
A: No! All retreat participants are LGBTQ+. You’ll be surrounded by queer community throughout your experience. This is one of the most powerful aspects of QASA—healing in the presence of others who share your lived experiences.
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Q: How does QASA address shame specifically?
A: Shame is one of the primary wounds QASA helps heal. The combination of plant medicine, trauma-informed facilitation, queer community, and embodiment practices creates conditions for releasing internalized shame and reclaiming wholeness. Facilitators understand how societal stigma, family rejection, and systemic oppression impact LGBTQ+ individuals and create space for this healing.
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Q: Are ceremonies clothed?
A: Yes, ceremonies are clothed and held in non-sexual containers. While QASA celebrates embodiment and pleasure in other contexts (like their Embodied Pleasure retreats), sacred plant ceremonies maintain appropriate boundaries and focus on inner work.
Contact & Booking
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Q: How do I know if a retreat is right for me?
A: Schedule a consultation call with the QASA team. They’ll discuss your background, intentions, needs, and help you determine if plant medicine work is appropriate and which retreat would be the best fit.
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Q: What if I want to extend my stay?
A: QASA operates as both a retreat center and boutique hotel. You can book additional nights before or after your retreat to rest, integrate, or explore the area. Contact them about hotel availability and rates.
PRICING & BOOKING
Retreat Pricing by Accommodation
Accommodation Type: Shared 4-Bed Cabin
- Awaken: $2,950
- Unleash: $2,700
- Explore: $2,700
Accommodation Type: Shared Twin Cabin
- Awaken: $3,400
- Unleash: $3,150
- Explore: $3,150
Accommodation Type: Private King Cabin
- Awaken: $3,700
- Unleash: $3,450
- Explore: $3,450
Accommodation Type: Private Deluxe Cabin
- Awaken: $4,000
- Unleash: $3,750
- Explore: $3,750
All Retreats Include:
- ✅ 7-8 days / 6-7 nights accommodation
- ✅ 2-3 ceremonies (depending on program)
- ✅ Experienced facilitator support throughout week
- ✅ Preparation and integration sessions
- ✅ Embodiment practices (yoga, breathwork, movement)
- ✅ Use of all facilities (shala, trails, waterfalls, gym, common areas, pool)
- ✅ Morning embodiment classes
- ✅ Community activities and programming
- ✅ Three chef-prepared meals daily
- ✅ Airport transportation
- ✅ WiFi access
What’s NOT Included:
- ❌ Airfare to Costa Rica
- ❌ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- ❌ Massage and bodywork (available for additional fee)
- ❌ Alcohol (not served during retreat)
- ❌ Personal expenses
- ❌ Tips/gratuities for staff (customary but not required)
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Scholarships available for those facing financial hardship. Applicants must provide documentation to support their application.