TRUE NATURE
A TROPICAL ECO-LUXURY RETREAT

January 14-20 or February 22-28, 2025

Dominical, Costa Rica

THE OVERVIEW

Join us for a transformational Āyurveda, yoga and meditation eco-luxury jungle retreat overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica led by Ayurvedic doctor, Andrea Russell. 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 a stunning boutique retreat center on 35 acres of secondary jungle in the Saverge Mountains that invokes nature, wellness, and harmony.

Each day will begin with an hour-long class devoted to meditation and mindfulness techniques to center and awaken. After breakfast, the daily three-hour Āyurveda and yoga classes are intended to go beyond the general group classes you may experience back home, providing insights for how to live a consciously aligned life. 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, relax in the salt water pool bird watch, sleek out the resident sloths, go the beach, or explore any of the other adventures Costa Rica has to offer. There is also a luxury spa where self-care services may be received. As remote as our retreat feels, it is only minutes away from pristine beaches, shopping, and cafes.

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.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

This retreat will allow you to unplug from your stresses, responsibilities, and news feeds to remember what is really important to you. You will get the time you need for introspection so that you can reset and come home to yourself with profound clarity of mind and heart. You’ll go deeper into your yoga and mindfulness practice and learn to create new rituals and routines that will support you long after the retreat. You will be awe-inspired by experiencing one of the most beautiful places on earth; taking in stunning flora and fauna. You’ll also be part of an open, inclusive, and heart-centered community.

You’ll receive:

  • curated Costa Rica retreat travel and packing guides
  • a completely private retreat campus for our retreat only
  • six nights and seven days of eco-luxury accommodation at Imiloa
  • 3 plant-based organic gourmet meals each day created by a master 5-star chef, including a nightly three course dinner
  • the Imiloa Wellness Bar featuring signature beverages ranging from superfood smoothies, detoxifying elixirs, freshly pressed juices, custom mocktails, and specialty coffees
  • tea, coffee, snacks, and fruit throughout the day
  • daily Āyurveda, dharma, yoga, somatic, breath work & meditation classes, going far beyond classes at home
  • use of yoga mats and props
  • 2 private charter flights to/from SJO and Quepos airports
  • all inclusive SUV ground transportation Dominical shops, beaches, and excursions
  • access to a private waterfall, miles of nature paths, incredible flora and fauna, and an ocean view infinity pool
  • fiber optic high-speed internet in your accommodation
  • Imiloa staff communication 24 hours a day via Whatsapp if you have any particular concerns regarding the property during the retreat

 

Additional activities available:

  • two gorgeous beaches perfect for sunning, shelling, swimming, surfing, and strolling
  • guided nature/bird hikes or kayaking/SUP
  • Āyurvedic cooking classes with a master chef
  • a short drive to Dominical’s shops and cafes
  • access to an on-site spa with a variety of massage and healing therapies

You’ll leave:

  • feeling rested, rejuvenated, and restored
  • remembering what is meaningful and important in your life
  • with a deeper understanding of your Ayurvedic constitution
  • knowing how to cultivate healthier habits
  • with rituals and routines to support your health and wellbeing
  • with a deepened and inspired yoga and meditation practice
  • with tools for working with the mind, developing clarity, and cultivating your intuition
  • having connected with heart-centered spiritual travelers
  • having had the opportunity to be in intimate relationshi with the elements, earth, and animals of the rainforest jungle
  • with memories that will last a lifetime

THE DETAILS

Schedule

This is an example of how each day may unfold:

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

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 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 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.

SKY FOREST HOUSE

Three single rooms within a 3500 sq ft home with sweeping jungle, garden, and ocean views. Each room boasts a private three piece ensuite bath, a full kitchen, and patio. The house has an infinity pool featuring stunning Pacific views. One queen bed.

BALI SUITES

Three single rooms built within 200 year old Balinese homes with private en-suite baths, 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 path 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. Your private bathroom is adjacent to the Dome. Two king or three single beds.

Meals

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 four 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 included with speciality espresso drinks, smoothies, and elixirs.

 

Weather & Terrain

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.

 

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 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.
  • Once registered, I will provide you with my trusted travel agent who can book your flights.

 

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 Covid-19 test will be requested if you experience symptoms while on retreat.

 

Retreat Facilitator

Andrea Russell, lead instructor and retreat host, is an Āyurvedic doctor, 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 30 international retreats and 40+ stateside retreats.

 

THE COST

Packages

Bali Jogolo & Potoo Houses

$6290 Single occupancy
$5490 Double occupancy

Sky Forest House

$5490 Single occupancy

Bali Suites

$5290 Single occupancy
$4290 Double occupancy

Bungalows & Domes

$4990 Single occupancy
$3990 Double occupancy
$3890 Triple occupancy

 

What Is Not Included

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.

 

Please Note

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.

 

Cancellation Policy

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.

REGISTRATION

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

EARY BIRD SPECIAL: Register before May 1st and a hour-long massage is included!

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.

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.