From heartfelt sunset meditations at our beachfront villas in Costa Rica's Blue Zone to playful forest-bathing in the rainforest at our self-sustainable eco-resort, I'm honored to share with you what living in Costa Rica taught me about the Yoga of inner freedom.
Early Bird Registration ends December 1, 2023.
Group Size: 10-16 people max.
CURRENTLY SOLD OUT

    Join the Waiting List below:

    If a spot opens up, we'll let you know.

Want to empower your perspective with a lived experience of...

  • Befriending your mind as a powerful ally?
  • Trusting your ability to flow with Life?
  • Giving yourself permission to play in possibility?
  • Nurturing the child within?
  • Being open to spontaneous joy?
  • Embodying pure presence?
  • Appreciating your body as an intelligent instrument for connection and creativity?
  • ​Deepening a loving relationship with Mother Earth?
  • Comradery with people of different backgrounds?
These are our retreat objectives.  Check out the Highlights and Itinerary further below to see how we'll explore them!
Photos below, left to right: Costa Rica Retreats 2015, 2019
Calling diverse like-hearted nature-lovers who care to co-create a harmonious 7 days together, integrating Yoga as a mindset, while exploring Costa Rican nature and culture of Pura Vida (or, pure life) with loving kindness...

Where We'll Stay:

From April 18-21, pictured below will be our backyard and open-air Yoga space, literally steps from the warm Pacific Ocean!
In Costa Rica's Blue Zone Province of Guanacaste, Playa Hermosa, which means beautiful beach, is a gray-sand beach with clear water and has been given the prize of Bandera Azul for upholding high environmental standards. Surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, it overlooks Gulf of Papagayo and boasts stunning sunsets. 
Our Playa Hermosa accommodations include two beachfront villas, each with several bedrooms and bathrooms, plenty of open-air lounge areas and a shared swimming pool.  Walking distance from beachside restaurants, we'll enjoy dinners together in the neighborhood.  Choose a single or shared room with one or two beds:
From April 21-24, we'll immerse in the luscious rainforest near Arenal Volcano and Lake, off-grid at a self-sustainable eco-resort and regenerative community.  This is about 4 hours drive inland from Playa Hermosa, along the route of which you'll witness the diverse landscapes and subcultures of Costa Rica.  
Photo below: Our Yoga deck on the lake near Arenal Volcano at the eco-resort
As holders of the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST), the eco-resort of more than 400 acres, uses biodegradable products, practices advanced techniques for electricity and water conservation, encourages knowledge sharing of and interaction with local culture, and protects private and state-owned natural areas. It has also been recognized as Costa Rica’s first carbon-negative company based on the most rigorous international standards, as evaluated and verified by Carbon Clear in 2012. As part of our stay, we'll learn the various ways they resourcefully live in harmony with nature and creatively protect Mother Earth.  Choose a single or shared Deluxe Bungalow among the gardens:

Highlights of our 7-Day Yoga Adventure:

  • 3 Nights in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste and 3 Nights near Arenal Volcano in the Rainforest
  • Comfortably luxurious accommodations (beachfront villas and self-sustainable eco-resort in the jungle)
  • ​Group Hikes and Forest-bathing (mindfulness practices in nature)
  • Group Excursions to waterfalls, hot springs and various beaches
  • Mixed-Level Physical Yoga (Hatha Flow and Yin/Restorative) and Breathwork with 500-hr Registered Yoga Teacher Michelle Chua
  • Daily Meditations and Reflections exploring the Yoga of Pura Vida
  • Mornings of Mindful Silence before breakfast
  • Guided Night Hike to spot nocturnal wildlife in the rainforest
  • Guided Tour of self-sustainable ranch to learn regenerative practices
  • Introduction to indigenous Costa Rican culture and ways of living in harmony with the earth
  • ​Soul Movement (Intuitive Dance) Play-shops to free your mind-body
  • Plant-based Meals, with farm-to-table at the ranch
  • Free Time to choose your own adventure or rest guilt-free
  • Meals at local restaurants 
  • Earth Day Ritual in the rainforest to honor Mother Earth
Being surrounded by nature, good friends, local people, really good food and beautiful energy with yoga everyday helped me to heal my heart.
​--Janette Guzman (Costa Rica Retreat 2014)
Photos below, left to right, top to bottom: View of Arenal Volcano from the eco-resort hiking trails, Yoga shala at our rainforest eco-resort, Traditional Costa Rican lunch, Waterfall in El Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Our Tentative Itinerary, Crafted with Love:

(B, L, D) - Indicates meals included each day, For meals not included, you are welcome to explore restaurants in the area on your own or as a group.  Activities listed are pending availability, weather conditions and group needs.
​Day 1 – 4/18 Thur *PLAYA HERMOSA (D)
3pm Group Transfer from Liberia International Airport (30 min. drive)
Healthy Refreshments provided at the villa
FREE TIME: Unpack, Optional earthing on the beach to ground from travel
5pm Dinner 
6:30pm Opening Circle, Soul Movement Play-shop & Sunset Meditation
 
Day 2 – 4/19 Fri (B, L, D)
7am Yoga with Meditation
8am Breakfast
9am Leave for Day Trip
11am-6pm Guided Hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park to Waterfalls & Hot Springs, with Forest-bathing Pause, Lunch included
Dinner on the way to villa
 
Day 3 – 4/20 Sat (B, D)
8am Morning Yoga, Meditation and Group Reflection
9:30 Breakfast
FREE TIME: Explore Playa de Coco beach town or book a massage on the beach at additional cost
Lunch on your own: Try one of the cafes within walking distance of our villa!
2-6pm Boating, Beach Hopping & Snorkeling Group Excursion
7pm Sunset Meditation
7:30pm Dinner Out​
 
Day 4 – 4/21 Sun *ARENAL VOLCANO AREA (B, L, D)
7:30am Yoga with Meditation in Playa Hermosa
8:30 Breakfast
10am Check-out from Beach Villa
Leave for Arenal (4-hour drive) & stop for lunch on the way
3pm Check into your room at Eco-Resort
FREE TIME: Rest, swim in the natural pool, visit the farm animals or hike
6pm 1-hour *Night Tour
7pm Farm-to-Table Dinner at Eco-Resort
 
Day 5 – 4/22 Mon (B, L, D) EARTH DAY!!
8am Morning Yoga with Meditation by the Lake & Ritual to Honor Mama Earth
9:15am Farm-to-Table Breakfast at Eco-Resort
10:30am 2-hour *Farm Tour of Sustainability Practices to inspire ways to care for our Mother Earth
1pm Farm-to-Table Lunch at Eco-Resort
2pm Leave for Indigenous Culture Tour & Explore Downtown La Fortuna
7pm Farm-to-Table Dinner at Eco-Resort
8:30pm Yin/Restorative Yoga & Group Reflection in Yoga Shala
 
Day 6 – 4/23 Tue (B, L, D)
8am Morning Yoga by the Lake
9:15am Farm-to-Table Breakfast at Eco-Resort
10:30am *Mindful Hike/Forest-bathing with Meditation
FREE TIME
1pm Farm-to-Table Lunch at Eco-Resort
FREE TIME to book additionally priced excursions: kayaking, Arenal National Park tour, EcoTermales Hot springs (must be reserved in advance) and more
7pm Farm-to-Table Dinner at Eco-Resort
8:30pm Soul Movement Intuitive Dance Play-shop in Yoga Shala
 
Day 7 – 4/24 Wed (B)
8am Morning Yoga and Meditation with Closing Circle by the Lake
9:15am Farm-to-Table Breakfast at Eco-Resort
11am Check-Out & Depart for San Jose International Airport (3.5 hour drive)
Photos below, left to right: Learning about local indigenous culture from a tribal member at our ​2014 Costa Rica Retreat, Salsa dancing at local restaurant
I loved that she (Michelle) included local culture in our events, not just tourist activities...And you don't have to be a yoga star to benefit...It was comfortable and enjoyable for all levels and all ages.
​--Ann M. (Costa Rica Retreat 2015)

Your Host, Michelle Chua:

I feel much gratitude for the profound insights I received during my 14 months living in Costa Rica as a volunteer school teacher in 2009-2010, while immersing deeper into my personal Yoga practice. With appreciation to Mother Earth and the many ways the culture, land and people collectively supported my intense life learning at that time, I offer this retreat to share the inspiration and support your loving alignment with your inner being.  
May this 7-day journey of genuinely filling our cup overflow as grace and wisdom that nourish us, and beyond us, past this week together.  Read Michelle's Bio here.

What's Included in Your Retreat Investment:

  • 6 nights/7 days accommodations, Single or Shared (Beach Villa and Eco-Resort)
  • Group ground transfers from Liberia International Airport (at 3pm on April 18) and to San Jose International Airport (for flights after 4:30pm on April 24) *Note: These are two different airports.
  • All group activities listed in Highlights of Our Yoga Adventure and meals and group activities listed in Our Tentative Itinerary sections above that are not indicated as additionally priced
  • ​Most Meals (Plant-based) - A few meals are for you to explore nearby cafes to connect with local culture on your own
  • ​Group transportation to Eco-Resort from villa in Playa Hermosa and included Group Excursions
  • ​Villa in Playa Hermosa includes swimming pool, walking access to the beach, fully-stocked kitchen, air conditioning, WiFi, washer and dryer, housekeeping and concierge service to book other optional excursions.
  • Eco-Resort near Arenal includes miles of rainforest hiking trails, fishing pond, lake, organic farm and medicinal garden, ranch with animals, heated natural swimming pool, ceiling fans in rooms, en-suite bathroom with shower, daily housekeeping, coffee and tea stations, handmade soaps, a library, WiFi and concierge service to book other optional excursions.

What's Not Included in Your Retreat Investment:

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals not indicated on the itinerary
  • Private airport transfer at a separate time from the group's
  • Tips for staff and drivers​

Your Retreat Investment:

The amount depends on your choice of Single or Shared Accommodation, which includes both locations and everything listed in What's Included in Your Retreat Investment in the section above.  For Shared, you will need to find your own roommate before registering.  Early Birds who register by December 1, 2023 save $200 off the regular investment amount.

Reserve your spot with a $500 Non-refundable deposit.
Balance is due by February 10, 2024.
Cancellation Policy: Written cancellations received by email by February 1, 2024 will receive a refund of total amount paid minus the $500 deposit and any payment processing fees incurred.

​EARLY BIRD AMOUNT:
  • Shared $1,999 USD per person 
  • Single $2,500 USD
REGULAR AMOUNT, AFTER DECEMBER 1, 2023:
  • Shared $2,199 USD per person
  • Single $2,700 USD

​For a more intimate group experience, we will accommodate 10-16 people maximum, with only 4 shared rooms with separate beds.  Early registration is recommended to ensure your spot!

How to Register for ​The Yoga of Pura Vida, Costa Rica Retreat:

  1. Email Michelle here to introduce yourself and inquire about available spots for the accommodation type you prefer.  
  2. If space is available, you'll receive a registration form to complete, sign and return by email.  
  3. When your completed form is received, you'll be notified to submit your deposit, or optionally, your full investment amount.  Your deposit is due immediately to reserve your spot.
  4. You'll receive a confirmation email of your retreat reservation, which is pending full and timely payment of your retreat investment according to the dates listed above, in Your Retreat Investment.  

After your reservation is confirmed, plan to book your flight to arrive on April 18, 2024 at Liberia International Airport, Costa Rica at 2:30pm or earlier and to depart from San Jose International Airport, Costa Rica on April 24, 2024 at 4:30pm or later.
She (Michelle) was able to bring a group of 11 people together, most of whom did not know each other before, and unite us as one family by the end of the trip.
​--Rebekah Brooks (Costa Rica Retreat 2018)