TRUE NATURE
A TROPICAL ECO-LUXE RETREAT

January 13-19 & 19-25, 2024

Dominical, Costa Rica

THE OVERVIEW

Join us for an Āyurveda, yoga and meditation eco-luxury jungle retreat overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica. Imagine miles of pristine beaches, jungle hiking trails, secret waterfalls, a relaxed way of being, and an opportunity to rest into your true nature.

The retreat will be held at Imiloa—a boutique retreat center on 30 acres of secondary jungle in the Saverge Mountains that invokes transformation, wellness, and harmony.

Each day will begin with an hour-long class devoted to meditation and mindfulness techniques. After breakfast, the daily three-hour Āyurveda and yoga classes are intended to go beyond the general group classes you may experience back home. Throughout the week, we’ll build progressively on Ayurvedic and yogic wisdom as well as anatomical, alignment, and energetic themes.

Each afternoon there is ample free time so that, if you wish, you can hike to secret waterfalls, bird watch, sleek out the resident sloths, go horseback riding, or explore any of the other adventures Costa Rica has to offer. As remote as Imiloa feels, it is only minutes away from pristine beaches, surfing, zip-lining, nature hikes, shopping, and restaurants.

You can also spend free time at Imiloa, which has a saltwater pool with a spectacular view of the coast, hiking trails to waterfalls, and plenty of sweet spots to relax. There is also a luxury spa where self-care services may be purchased separately.

In short, this is a retreat for spiritual seekers who want to experience the profound transformation and reset that is possible when you carve out time for yourself and your practice amidst a breathtaking tropical jungle near the beach. You will experience how retreating is a path of collective care; giving you the inner resources to support the way you want to be and serve in the world.

THE DETAILS

Schedule

This is an example of how each day may unfold:

• 7am | Meditation & Mindfulness Practices
• 8am | Breakfast
• 9am to 10am | Āyurveda or Dharma Talk
• 10:15am to 12:15pm | Hatha Yoga, Somatics & Mindful Strength
• 12:30pm | Lunch
• 1pm to 5pm | Free time for excursions, beach, spa treatments, hiking, solitude, etc.
• 5pm to 6pm | Hatha Yoga, Somatics & Inquiry practices
• 6:30pm | Dinner

Accommodations

Nestled amongst the trees along a river or atop the mountain overlooking the ocean, Imiloa offers exquisite luxury accommodations.

Included in each accommodation is the comfiest mattresses, 850 thread count sheets, storage space and dry rooms, fiber optic internet, daily cleaning service, private en-suite bath, indoor/outdoor design with a focus on nature and being in your own private refuge. Thrice-filtered private well for drinking water throughout the property. Single, double, and triple occupancy are available. Explore each of the accommodations in detail along with videos – here.

BALI JOGOLO HOUSE

Perched on the edge of the cliff, at the furthest end of the property, sits a 170 year old home from the Java Islands called Jogolo. Complete with a fully equipped kitchen, wrap around porch with surreal views of the Pacific ocean and mountains, a writer’s desk, outdoor Balinese shower, private saltwater plunge pool, and hand-carved architecture that will transport you to another land and time. One king bed.

BALI POTOO HOUSE

This two-floor imported 180 year old home from Bali will have you wishing you’d never leave. Potoo is modern luxury with a fully equipped kitchen, a wrap around porch, and sweeping views of the Pacific ocean and mountains. The lower level, includes a private saltwater plunge pool, and hand-carved architecture that will transport you to another land and time. One king bed.

BALI SUITES

Three single rooms built within 200 year old Balinese homes with private en-suite baths, a shared kitchen, stunning ocean and jungle views, and easy access to the shared infinity pool. One king or two single beds.

JUNGLE BUNGALOWS

Six Jungle Bungalows built on the side of the mountain on the pathway to our very own private waterfall. Bali inspired, the interiors feature natural finishings and a gorgeous jungle exposed shower and bathtub. One king or two single beds.

GEODESIC RIVER DOMES

Six Buckminster Fuller inspired Geodesic River Domes, among the best made in the world and partially powered by solar energy, sit perched on the edge of our private river with the fresh, flowing water feeding up to the domes. Experience the soothing sounds of relaxing and sleeping next to flowing water. Two king or three single beds.

Meals

Imiloa serves locally-sourced, organic gourmet plant-based meals that are artistically plated, scientifically nourishing, and delightfully crafted. All meals are served in the heart of Imiloa, a stunning open air dining room with a view of the gardens and jungle. Daily tea, coffee, snacks, and fruit is provided throughout the day. An additional wellness bar package is available for guests that would like unlimited access to speciality coffee drinks, smoothies, and elixirs.

Weather

Days in Costa Rica are warm/hot and evenings are a little cooler, giving you reprieve from the heat. The retreat happens during the dry season, so rain should be minimal. Since we’ll be staying at a retreat center with indoor/outdoor elements, expect to be exposed to nature (including winds, geckos, and jungle bugs), as well as the sounds of monkeys and tropical birds when the jungle wakes up. Being in the jungle, expect to walk on jungle paths with various inclines and exposed tree roots that may require stable shoes such as sneakers or shoes with straps.

Travel & Arrival

The high-class experience starts in San Jose when you are brought to our private aircraft just for you and retreat participants to be flown 15 minutes to Quepos.

At the Quepos landing strip, the friendly Imiloa team will pick you up in LUX SUVs. The next time you’ll see your baggage will be in your accommodation. Enjoy the 30-minute drive up the mountain to Imiloa.

• A valid passport is required and must be valid at least six months after the date of travel.
• Three weeks prior to departure for the retreat you must supply your up-to-date flight information.
• Plan to arrive wheels down no later than 7:30 am on arrival day to San Jose International Airport.
• If you plan to arrive prior to the retreat start date, we will provide recommendations for hotels and transportation.
• Plan to arrive to the San Jose Domestic Airport by 8:45 am on arrival day for our charter flight.
• On departure day, you will arrive to the San Jose International Airport at 11:30 am. It is suggested to be at the international terminal 3 hours prior to your international departure; please book your departure time accordingly.
• If you would like to extend your trip, we will recommend locations, tours, and sights to see.

Covid-19 Safety Measures

Imiloa, our retreat center, has rigorous health and safety protocols in place. Participants shall be solely responsible for complying with all Covid-19 entry requirements of the destination country and re-entry requirements back to one’s country of origin. A negative Covid-19 test may be requested prior to attendance.

Retreat Facilitators

Andrea Russell, lead instructor and retreat host, is an Āyurvedic practitioner, neurovascular integration therapist, yoga therapist, and meditation teacher. She is devoted to sharing timeless eastern wisdom teachings and practices in order to give you the tools and support you need to heal, thrive, and move well. Andrea has led over 25 international retreats and 40 stateside retreats.

We will be joined on retreat with assistant teacher Shannel Trudeau-Yancey. Drawing from her over twenty years of experience as a rehabilitation psychologist, meditation teacher, and yoga teacher as well as a certified somatic coach through Presence-Based Coaching, she offers a wealth of wisdom. Throughout the week of retreat, Shannel will guide various classes and will support your joyful retreat experience.

THE COST

Packages

Bali Jogolo & Potoo Houses

$5500 Single occupancy
$4600 Double occupancy

Bali Suites, Bungalows & Domes

$4400 Single occupancy
$3500 Double occupancy
$3400 Triple occupancy

Please Note

Costs associated with passports (required), airfare, flight changes, airline baggage fees for any and all baggage, medical and travel insurance, vaccinations, gratuities and taxes for personal services, spa services, and tours/excursions must be met by the participant.

Cancel for any reason insurance is required. Cancel for any reason travel insurance ensures you are covered should any unexpected event arise. A personal, political, environmental, health or weather-related incident or pre-existing medical condition may prevent or interrupt your travels. Although we cannot advise on specific policies or providers, Imiloa has an insurance plan with Global Rescue for guests and you may find this or this guide helpful. There are no exceptions with our cancellation policy due to the contractual commitments we have with our vendors who do not offer refunds or transfer of funds.

This is a substance-free retreat. A substance-free environment is one in which all guests agree to keep their space free from substances. Substances are defined to include alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cannabis, other smoking materials, and illicit and illegal drugs.

REGISTRATION

Secure your place and begin planning your remarkable retreat to paradise.

A non-refundable and non-transferable $500 deposit secures your space in the retreat. The full amount is due 90 days prior to the start date of the retreat. Upon registering, you will be required to review and agree to the Yoga Retreat Agreement and Release of Liability Waiver and Imiloa’s terms and conditions. Refunds will be granted as per the retreat agreement waiver. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is required. Based on most policies, cancel for any reason insurance must be purchased within 20 days upon making the initial deposit.

For Yoga Alliance registered teachers 30 hours of continuing education are available with this retreat.