Each Day will begin
Join us for a luxury jungle retreat grounded in embodied transformation. This retreat invites a deeper inquiry into how we experience ourselves and the world. Alongside caring for the body, we will explore access to a more fundamental sense of ease, stability, and inner peace—what many wisdom traditions recognize as one's innate potential.
The retreat will be held at a stunning boutique retreat center on 35 acres of breathtaking jungle in the Savegre Mountains, deep in the rainforest over looking the Pacific Ocean.
With guided meditation and mindfulness practices that cultivate embodied presence. After breakfast, the daily workshops go beyond the general classes you may experience back home, delivering insights for how to live a consciously aligned life and open the pathways of your inherent potential. Throughout the week, we’ll build progressively on Eastern teachings, modern science, and embodied wisdom. We will explore Guided Deepening, Ayurveda, dharma, yoga, somatics, nervous system regulation, neuroplasticity, and well-being.
Each AFternoon There Is
Ample free time to hike jungle paths, relax in the salt water pool, bird watch, seek out the resident sloths, go the beach, or explore a multitude of adventures Costa Rica has to offer. You may also receive luxury spa self-care services. While secluded, the tropical jungle setting is just minutes away from pristine beaches.
Nurture Your
This retreat is for those who want to experience the profound transformation and restoration that is possible when you make time for yourself and your practice within a heart-centered community.
You will experience how retreating becomes a path of collective care, offering the inner resources to support your life and service in the world.
take a moment to reflect:
How full is your cup right now? Halfway? Nearly empty? This is your time to pause, to renew, and pour back into your own well-being.
Natural Potential
"Andrea is a masterful retreat host and Ayurvedic teacher!"
“She and her assistant created such a lovely container for transformational growth. The Ayurveda talks were so informative and the meditations and yoga practices helped integrate the wisdom as a truly embodied experience. Imiloa is a beautiful retreat space set in the jungle, supported by friendly, stellar staff. The food was out of this world!”
"Andrea and her assistant were simply the best. Wherever they travel I travel!”
"Food and beverages were amazing -- some of the best I have ever enjoyed. The grounds were impeccable. The accommodations were beautiful. The staff was kind and accommodating and had a great sense of humor, too!"
When you step out of daily routine and into retreat, perception becomes clearer, priorities are illuminated, and you effortlessly align to your most authentic life.
A deeper connection to vitality, clarity, and peace
what awaits you...
Tools to support your health and awakened potential (beyond the retreat)
An inclusive community of kind-hearted practitioners
Immersion in Costa Rica’s magical natural environment
The Breath You've Been
Wake up and align your life with clarity of mind and heart. You’ll go deeper into your yoga and mindfulness practices and learn to create new rituals and routines that will support you long after the retreat. As you take in the stunning flora and fauna in one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, you will lose yourself in awe and inspiration. You’ll also be part of an open, inclusive, and heart-centered community.
Yearning For
A glimpse into how each day may flow.
Meditation
Silent Breakfast
Dharma Talk / Workshop
Hatha Yoga, Somatic Practices & Mindful Strength
Lunch
Free Time (Excursions, Beach, Spa, Hiking, Solitude, etc.)
Guided Deepening
Dinner
Meditation
Let's Go Deeper
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.
Days in Costa Rica are warm/hot and evenings are a little cooler, giving you reprieve from the heat. The highs around 85°F and lows 75°F. The retreat happens during the dry season, so rain should be minimal. Being in the Savegre mountains, our retreat offers a chance to explore the rugged terrain while immersing yourself in nature. Expect to navigate jungle paths with varying inclines, stairs, rocks, and exposed tree roots. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes like sneakers or strapped footwear for stability (such as Chacos, Keens or Tevas). While the trails accommodate a variety of fitness levels, a basic level of physical capability is advisable to fully enjoy the experience. Since we’ll be staying at a retreat center with indoor/outdoor elements, expect to be exposed to nature (including winds, geckos, lizards, and jungle bugs), as well as the sounds of monkeys, tropical birds, and cicadas.
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 SUVs. The next time you’ll see your baggage will be in your accommodation. Enjoy the 30-minute drive up the mountain to Imiloa.
The three meals served each day are locally-sourced, organic gourmet plant-based meals that are artistically plated, scientifically nourishing, and delightfully crafted.
Each evening you will enjoy an elevated multi-course dinner. 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 are provided throughout the day. A wellness bar is available at an additional cost with speciality espresso drinks, smoothies, and elixirs.
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Triple Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Perched on the edge of the cliff, at the furthest end of the property, sits a 170 year old home from the Java Islands we call Jogolo. Complete with a writer’s desk, outdoor Balinese shower, hand-carved architecture that will transport you to another land and time, Jogolo is teeming with history and comfort.
One King
1-2 Guests
Full Bathroom w. Outdoor Shower
480 SQFT
Ocean & Rainforest Views
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
This two-floor imported home from Bali will have you wishing you’d never leave. Complete with a King Bed and a twin in the corner of the 180 year old home, Potoo has modern luxury with 360 views of the Pacific. On the lower level, a plunge pool and private spa.
One King, One Twin Bed
1-2 Guests
Full Bathroom
300 SQFT
Ocean & Rainforest Views
Single Occupancy
Sky Forest is on 8 contiguous acres to Imiloa, with sweeping views of the ocean. The home is 3,500 SQFT with three expansive bedrooms, two downstairs and one up, with mountain, jungle, and ocean views respectively. With its lush setting perched among and in the trees, Sky Forest tends to attract more monkeys and toucans.
King Bed (and additional beds)
1-3 Guests
Full Bathroom
3,500 SQFT
Jungle, Mountain & Ocean
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Our 3 Bali Suites are elegantly situated at the top of the mountain in the 200 year old Bali Village. The suites are located just a few steps away from our shared infinity pool, with gorgeous views overlooking the rainforest and the pacific ocean
One King or Two Singles
1-2 Guests
Full Bathroom w. Outdoor Shower
300 SQFT
Ocean & Rainforest Views
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
The Jungle Bungalows are in close proximity to the common area, and right on the pathway of trails. Bali inspired, the interiors feature natural finishings and beautiful details. Spacious bathrooms with a shower and soaking tub looking out to the rainforest.
One King or Two Singles
1-2 Guests
Full Bathroom w. Outdoor Shower
430 SQFT
Jungle/Rainforest Views
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Inspired by sacred geometry, the Geodesic River Domes sits in the rainforest along the edge of a private river. Enjoy the soothing sounds of the flowing water paired with the vibrant sounds of the jungle.
Two King Beds or 4 Twin Beds
1-4 Guests
Full Bathroom w. Outdoor Shower
480 SQFT
Jungle Views
Triple Occupancy
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, plant medicine, and illicit and illegal drugs.
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.
If cancellation notice is received more than 90 days prior to the start of the retreat, 100% of any payments made will be refunded, less the deposit. If notice is received between 90 days and 61 days prior to the start of the retreat, 50% of any payments will be refunded, less the deposit. If cancellation notice is received 60 days or less prior to the start of the retreat, there shall be no refund. 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.
if...
pause and check-in
rested, rejuvenated, and realigned
you desire a
reminded of what is meaningful and important in your life
an ever-deepening intimacy with your natural potential
able to cultivate healthier habits
supported with practices for holistic health and inner peace
deepened and inspired in your yoga, somatic, and meditation practice
equipped with tools for working with the mind, developing clarity, and cultivating intuition and inner wisdom
connected with a heart-centered spiritual community
a heightened relationship with your senses of perception, the natural world, and all that is
opened to new frontiers of being and experiencing
If cancellation is received 90 to 61 days before the retreat, 50% of payments (minus the deposit) will be refunded; no refunds for cancellations within 60 days. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is required.
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.
For Yoga Alliance registered teachers 30 hours of continuing education are available with this retreat.
registration details
Secure your place and begin planning your remarkable retreat to paradise.
Stunning jungle setting at the Imiloa Institute with amazing gourmet vegan meals and mocktails. The staff go above and beyond to make sure you feel comfortable. Andrea yoga, meditation and Ayurvedic teachings are heartfelt and skillful, and enhanced by her radiant positivity. And Rebecca's yoga later in the day kept me grounded all day. The excursions were exciting and beautiful...on the mangrove kayaking trip we saw sloths, monkeys, and so many lovely birds. Everything is so well planned and top notch!
Joey
This retreat was amazing! I was treated with utmost care in regard to food intolerances. At the onset, Andrea created a positive, nurturing, and inclusive environment. Walking the Labyrinth, and participating in the Mandela ceremony at the beach were truly healing, awakening, and enlightening experiences. I would highly recommend retreating with Andrea. I continue to carry the messages Andrea shared during the retreat and am living with more intention and in the present moment.
Renee
I cannot put into words how amazing the retreat was. The Imiloa Institute is a total gem, and the staff is simply the best. I was completely blown away with the experience and am still experiencing a beautiful sense of calm and wonder about all that my five senses absorbed. Andrea, you are a gifted retreat leader.
Tracy
This was more than I could have ever dreamed. Imiloa was eye opening, life-changing and it renewed me and prepared a foundation that I didn’t know that I needed. The food was incredible and the location was beautiful. I can’t wait to come back. Magical.
Mitzy
Andrea's Costa Rica retreat was wonderful, in every sense of the word. The setting was awesome. The food was delicious. Her teachings inspired wonder and curiosity as she deepened the asana and meditation practices. Most of all, Andrea conveyed an infectious joy that was shared by the staff and retreat participants. The retreat was as fun as it was transformative!
Heather
The retreat with Andrea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the beauty of the jungle and surroundings, to the yoga and meditation sessions held in the heart of this serene environment, to the new friendships, tools, insights, and inspirations—everyone should treat themselves to this experience. The food was delicious. My room, with a view overlooking the ocean, was outstanding. I really encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and experience one of these special retreats.
SuSI
Andrea is a true gem in the yoga community. She teaches from her heart and brings joy to the practice and retreat experience. She has widespread knowledge which creates a rich learning experience. Her retreats are well-organized and she creates community from the pre-planning stages throughout the retreat and beyond. Accommodations are always beautiful. I have attended several retreats and will continue to do so in the future.
Julie
If you find that the pace of life keeps you from joy, fulfillment, and appreciation, this retreat will anchor and ground you in a way you didn't think possible. You will be taken care of in a way you've never experienced. You will feel seen and heard and alive! You will PLAY again and be curious. Nature will delight you. You will come away with a deeper appreciation of your self and a desire to be well. You'll come away with practical ways to incorporate incremental change to truly care for yourself and be a better YOU.
JESSICA
Andrea is a master retreat leader. From the meditation practices to the yoga classes and everything in between, I always feel renewed after completing a retreat with her. This one offered a life-changing new perspective. I’m already experiencing life with less urgency, anxiety, and rumination. I reunited with past retreat-goers, met new people in this amazing community, and my life will never be the same after living in this community for a week. Imiloa, as always, was exquisite. I cannot recommend this retreat with Andrea with any more emphasis.
Tracy
This was a retreat that left a glow in my heart, and I imagine my soul is beaming as well. Being in Andrea’s presence, seeing and feeling all of her teachings, was exactly what was so beneficial. There was also added value in being with her supportive team: Rebecca and Imiloa staff. Not only was Andrea courageous and welcoming, she gently nudged each of us to show up as our best selves. She left me with a desire to expand my own learning potential and to return again when it’s time for more acceptance and well-being.
Claudia
Retreat GUIDE
Andrea Russell, lead instructor and retreat host, is a Guided Deepening Coach, Āyurvedic doctor, yoga therapist, and meditation teacher. She is devoted to sharing timeless eastern wisdom teachings and emergent practices in order to give you the tools and support you need to move well, age with grace, and awaken to your inherent potential. Andrea has led over 35 international retreats and 50 stateside retreats.
COVID-19 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 Covid-19 test may be requested if you experience symptoms while on retreat.