Costa Rica Yoga & Ecology Retreat
For nature lovers, deep feelers & seekers of quiet connection—make space for relationship, wonder, and a deeper sense of your place in the living world.
February 28 – March 6, 2027
Escaleras, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Yoga & Ecology Retreat
For nature lovers, deep feelers & seekers of quiet connection—make space for relationship, wonder, and a deeper sense of your place in the living world.
February 28 – March 6, 2027
Escaleras, Costa Rica
Registration opens September 20th!
Settle into the lush hills of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast
Wake to the song of the birds.
Stretch and breathe with ocean views.
Taste the joy of fresh tropical fruit.
This retreat is an invitation to rest your mind, connect at your pace, and experience Costa Rica while deepening your sense of belonging within the natural world.
Here, there’s room for your sensory needs, social rhythm, and ways of being.
Where rainforest meets the sea & wildlife abounds.
Give yourself space to connect with wonder, belonging, and a different way of moving through the world.
Here, life flourishes in many forms, with diverse plant and animal communities sharing and shaping the ecosystem.
We’ll spend time in relationship with the land, water, wildlife, and communities of this region, with a rhythm that balances shared experiences and time to yourself.
If you want to connect with others and experience Costa Rica without rush, this retreat is for you.
In a time that pulls us toward urgency, slow down and remember the relationships—with people, place, and the more-than-human world—that sustain your capacity to show up in service of life.
Arrive as a visitor to this diverse ecosystem. Leave with a renewed sense of your own place within it.
What You’ll Experience:
Daily Yoga: Move your body and breathe with the ocean stretched out before you.
Wildlife at Your Doorstep: Sloths, monkeys, and toucans live here. You may even spot Anna, the resident sloth, in the canopy!
Cacao Farm: Learn about the plants, people, and traditions behind this beloved food, straight from those who grow it.
Sierpe River & Wetlands: Journey by boat through a thriving wildlife corridor—Costa Rica’s largest mangrove forest.
Local Flavors: Enjoy fresh, vibrant meals, including traditional food, made by talented chef Laura Infante.
Space for Your Rhythm: Wander nearby beaches and towns, adventure to waterfalls, take up a surf lesson, or simply rest.
Settle into the lush hills of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast
Wake to the song of the birds.
Stretch and breathe with ocean views.
Taste the joy of fresh tropical fruit.
This retreat is an invitation to rest your mind, connect at your pace, and experience Costa Rica while deepening your sense of belonging within the natural world.
Here, there’s room for your sensory needs, social rhythm, and ways of being.
Where rainforest meets the sea & wildlife abounds.
Give yourself space to connect with wonder, belonging, and a different way of moving through the world.
Here, life flourishes in many forms, with diverse plant and animal communities sharing and shaping the ecosystem.
We’ll spend time in relationship with the land, water, wildlife, and communities of this region, with a rhythm that balances shared experiences and time to yourself.
If you want to connect with others and experience Costa Rica without rush, this retreat is for you.
In a time that pulls us toward urgency, slow down and remember the relationships—with people, place, and the more-than-human world—that sustain your capacity to keep showing up in service of life.
Arrive as a visitor to this diverse ecosystem. Leave with a renewed sense of your own place within it.
What You’ll Experience:
Daily Yoga: Move your body gently and breathe with the ocean stretching out before you.
Wildlife at Your Doorstep: Sloths, monkeys, and toucans live here. You may even spot Anna, the resident sloth, in the canopy!
Cacao Farm: Learn about the plants, people, and traditions behind this beloved food, straight from those who grow it.
Sierpe River & Wetlands: Journey by boat through a thriving wildlife corridor—Costa Rica’s largest mangrove forest.
Local Flavors: Enjoy fresh, vibrant meals, including traditional food, made by talented chef Laura Infante.
Space for Your Rhythm: Wander nearby beaches and towns, adventure to waterfalls, take up a surf lesson, or simply rest.
At a Glance
Location
Escaleras, CR
(3.5-4 hrs from SJO)
Accommodation
Private home, single and shared rooms
Trip Length
6 nights / 7 days
Activity Level
Mild with options
(see FAQs)
Group Size
10-11 participants
Retreat Cost
Starting at $2,399 USD per person
At a Glance
Location
Escaleras, CR
(3.5-4 hrs from SJO)
Accommodations
Private home, single and shared rooms
Trip Length
6 nights / 7 days
Activity Level
Mild with options
(see FAQs)
Group Size
10-11 partcipants
Cost
Starting at $2,399.00 USD per person
The Land + Space
The Land + Space
Home in the Rainforest
Perched on the Escaleras hillside between Dominical and Uvita, Pagoda del Loto Azul consists of a six-bedroom main house and two standalone casitas.
You’ll be surrounded by tropical gardens and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, which is just 10 minutes by car. Three levels of open-air decks, a swimming pool, and tucked-away garden nooks, offer a place to exhale and rest.
The owner, Tim, created Pagoda as a place to gather, reset, and experience Costa Rica. His generous hospitality helps guests feel at home.
Supporting Wildlife
The land is home to tree-dwelling animals, including monkeys and sloths. Roads and development can disrupt the connected canopy that they depend on to move safely.
Tim partners with The Sloth Institute to install wildlife bridges throughout the community to help reconnect their habitat and restore safer passage through the treetops.
Fresh Local Flavors
For Costa Rican chef Laura Infante, cooking is a way of honoring the hands that taught her and connecting with memories of aromas of fresh ingredients coming together over the fire. Her cooking is crafted with intention, rooted in tradition, and created to make every experience feel a bit like home. Laura can meet your dietary restrictions. Meals will be mostly vegetarian, with fish/meat offered occasionally.
Retreat Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrival Day
9:30 – Shuttle from SJO / nearby hotel
1:00 – Shuttle from Quepos Airport
2:00 – Check in and relax
4:00 – Yoga to Ground & Unwind
5:00 – Opening Circle
6:30 – Welcome Dinner
*See Getting to the Venue in the FAQs for details about the two shuttle options.
Day 2: Free Day—Beach / Town Option
7:00-8:15 – Morning Yoga
8:30-9:30 – Breakfast
9:30-5:00 – Free Time / Beach / Town
5:00-6:15 – Sunset Yoga
6:30-7:30 – Dinner
Our first full day is intentionally spacious. In the late morning, we’ll provide transportation to the coast for those who want to swim, stroll, or explore town. Optional restorative yoga offered before dinner.
*The beaches we visit on free days will vary according to tide schedules.
Day 3 - Cacao Farm + Free Afternoon
7:00-8:00 – Morning Yoga
8:15-9:00 – Breakfast
9:00-12:30 – Cacao Farm
12:30-1:30 – Lunch at the Retreat
1:30-4:30 – Free Time
4:30-5:30 – Restorative Yoga
5:45-6:30 – Reflection Circle
6:30-7:30 – Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll drive 15 minutes to meet a local cacao grower for an immersive experience following cacao from tree to chocolate. You’ll learn about the plants, cultivation, and traditional chocolate-making process, with time to taste and participate. We’ll return for lunch at the retreat and a free afternoon to relax. Optional restorative yoga and reflection circle offered before dinner.
Day 4: Free Day—Beach / Activity
7:00-8:15 – Morning Yoga
8:30-9:30 – Breakfast
9:30-5:00 – Free Time / Beach / Town
5:00-6:15 – Sunset Yoga
6:30-7:30 – Dinner
Another open day to spend as you please. We’ll provide transportation to a nearby beach, or can arrange activities such as kayaking, waterfalls, whale watching, or surfing. You’re also welcome to stay back and enjoy the pool and ocean views. Restorative yoga will be offered before dinner, and a reflection circle, if time permits.
*The beaches we visit on free days will vary according to tide schedules.
Day 5: Sierpe River + Stone Spheres
7:00-8:00 – Drive to Sierpe
8:30-11:30 – Sierpe River + Wetlands
12:00-1:00 – Lunch
1:00-2:00 – Parque de las Esferas / Stone Spheres
3:00-4:00 – Return to the Retreat
5:30-6:00 – Sunset Meditation
6:30-7:30 – Dinner
We’ll depart early (no yoga) with a packed breakfast and drive to the town of Sierpe. We’ll journey by boat through the winding river and mangrove wetlands, abserving abundant wildlife and learning about this important ecosystem from a local guide.
We’ll stop for lunch and then make a short visit to Parque de las Esferas, home to some of Costa Rica’s most remarkable pre-Columbian stone spheres, created by Indigenous people more than 1,000 years ago. We’ll return in the afternoon to rest. Simple sunset meditation before dinner.
Day 6: Final Day, Your Way
7:00-8:15 – Morning Yoga
8:30-9:30 – Breakfast
9:30-4:00 – Free Time / Massage / Other Activities
4:00-5:00 – Evening Yoga
5:15-6:30 – Closing Circle
6:30-7:30 – Farewell Dinner
This day is completely yours. Swim, nap, read, head out on a last adventure, or indulge in a massage. We’ll have restorative yoga and closing circle in the late afternoon, followed by our final dinner together.
Day 7: Say Goodbye
7:00-8:15 – Morning Yoga
8:30-9:30 – Breakfast
11:00 – Shuttles to Airports
Enjoy a final morning yoga practice and nourishing breakfast overlooking the sea. The shuttles will pick up at 11:00 to return you to Quepos or San Jose (see Getting to the Retreat tab in FAQs).
What’s Included
- 6 nights accommodation in the rainforest hills
- 2-3 meals per day prepared by a local chef
- Daily yoga sessions (1–2x/day)
- Facilitated reflection circles (2-3 sessions)
- Cacao farm & chocolate-making experience
- Sierpe River slow boat tour to observe wildlife
- Parque de las Esferas (stone spheres museum fee)
- Local beach & town days to enjoy as you wish
- Meet & Greet (3-4 months before, via Zoom)
- Private group chat to connect and make plans
- Trip Planning Packet w/ details & checklists
- Personal support for activities during retreat
- Free laundry access during your stay
- Group transport for all included excursions
- Shuttle from Quepos (XQP) Airport
- Gratuity for guides & drivers
Not Included:
- Flights to/from SJO Airport and/or XQP Airport
- Shuttle to/from San Jose (offered at discount)
- 2-3 lunches on excursion days
- Travel insurance (required)
- Gratuity for chef (~$50 USD recommended)
- Extra activities, massages, etc.
*See the “Getting to the Venue“ in the FAQs below for info about flights and shuttles.
Retreat Accommodations
Retreat Accommodations
Rooms are first come, first served.
Prices are per person in USD.
(Hover on the images to scroll photos.)
ALL rooms have air conditioning.
Deluxe Ensuite #1
Large Ocean-View Terrace
- 1 king bed
- Ensuite bathroom
- 3rd floor of main house
- Private entrance from terrace
Single: $3,399 p.p.
This room may be booked for a couple or two friends for $2,699 p.p. Note that the shower is inside the room (toilet is enclosed).
Deluxe Ensuite #2
Ocean-View Terrace
- 1 king or 2 twins
- Ensuite bathroom
- 2nd floor of two-story casita
- Private entrance from terrace
- Kitchen & living room, shared with 1st floor
Single: $3,299 p.p.
*This room may be booked by a couple or two friends for $2,599 p.p. Note that neither the shower nor the toilet are fully enclosed.
Standard Ensuite
Garden Views
- 1 king or 2 twins
- Ensuite bathroom
- Private entrance
May be placed in one of the following:
– Casita 1st floor (shared kitchen w/ 2nd floor room)
– Ground floor, standalone room by main house
Single: $3,099 p.p.
Double: $2,549 p.p.
Double Ensuite
Ocean Views
- 2 queen beds
- Ensuite bathroom
- Located on the 3rd floor
- Up the staircase of the main house
- Beautiful ocean views from both beds
Double: $2,599 p.p.
Single, Shared Bathroom
Poolside room
- 1 full bed
- Shared bathroom
- Private entrance
- Spacious room with sofa
Single: $2,799 p.p.
*This room may be booked by a couple for $2,399 p.p. but be aware that this is a full-sized bed.
Semi-Private, Shared Bathroom
Poolside rooms
- 1 king OR 1 twin
- Shared bathroom
- A/C (mini split is shared)
- Each has its own door
- Separated by a ¾-height wall
- May be placed in king or twin (first come, first served)
Semi-Private Single: $2,399.00 p.p.
Connect with wonder, belonging, and a different way of moving through the world.
February 28 – March 6, 2027
See our Cancellation Policy and FAQs below.
Payment Note: WeTravel offers fee-free bank payments for most customers, whereas credit cards charge a processing fee. If a bank payment isn’t an option, please pay your deposit through WeTravel and we’ll arrange a no-fee option for your balance.
Connect with wonder, belonging, and a different way of moving through the world.
February 28 – March 6, 2027
See our Cancellation Policy and FAQs below.
Payment Note: WeTravel offers fee-free bank payments for most customers, whereas credit cards charge a processing fee. If a bank payment isn’t an option, please pay your deposit through WeTravel and we’ll arrange a no-fee option for your balance.
Melissa was organized, accommodating and a beautiful person to connect with. She made the retreat exceptional. It was great to be surrounded with like-minded people, as we all felt we could easily open up and genuinely be ourselves.
The thing I appreciate most is Melissa’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. I have mobility issues and I never felt like I couldn’t do something, especially the yoga classes. I have been practicing yoga on and off for about 18 years and I have NEVER had a yoga teacher as invested in making yoga this accessible as Melissa.
Melissa sets everyone at ease without fuss. She arranges supportive yoga sessions and encourages adventures out on your own. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed. Lifelong friendships were forged and forever memories engraved on my heart.
FAQs
Cancellation Policy + Payment Schedule
Read the full terms in our Yoga Retreat Agreement.
Payment Schedule
- A $550.00 non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is due at registration.
- 50% of the balance is due 120 days before the retreat.
- The final balance is due 60 days before the retreat.
Reservations made within 60 days of the retreat require full payment at booking.
Cancellations
A clear cancellation policy ensures a fair and equitable relationship while protecting both parties. If your retreat is scheduled to operate, but you have chosen not to attend the retreat for any reason, you must notify the Company in writing and the following policy will apply:
- Deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable.
- 60–119 days before: Payments made are non-refundable but may be applied as a credit toward another retreat within 12 months, minus non-refundable deposit.
- 59 days or less: All payments made are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Getting to the Retreat
You will fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Costa Rica’s main international airport in San José. From there, you have two options:
Option 1: Fly from SJO to Quepos
For shorter travel, take a domestic flight from San José (SJO) to Quepos (XQP). We’ll provide a shuttle free of charge from Quepos Airport.
- Flight cost: $127 one way w/ a carry-on ($254 round-trip)
- Flight time: 30 min (arrive at terminal 1 hour before departure)
- Quepos to retreat: 45–60 min
- Group pickup: February 28 at 2:00pm
- Airline: Sansa Airlines (12:05 p.m. OR 1:00 p.m. departure)
*This option may save you the cost of a hotel by SJO, but be sure to leave enough time between flights.
Option 2: Stay near SJO and travel by road
We will provide a discounted shuttle (private for our group) from San Jose to the retreat. If you take this option, please arrive at least one day early. If you miss the shuttle, a taxi can cost $300 one way. (We’re covering a portion of the shuttle to offer an affordable transfer.)
- Shuttle cost: $135/person roundtrip
- Drive time: About 4 hours
- Pickup location: SJO-area hotel (TBA soon)
- Pickup time: February 28 at 10:00am
Option 3: Rent a Car
For more flexibility, rent a car from SJO or XQP. Choose a well-known auto rental company. 4-wheel drive is recommended.
Returning to SJO
The shuttles will leave the retreat on March 6th at 10:30am.
It will arrive to Quepos Airport by 11:30a You may book a flight from XQP to SJO with a 12:45p or 1:20p departure. This will get you to SJO by 1:15p or 1:50p, offering the possibility of a same day flight out of SJO.
If you’re taking the shuttle to San Jose, expect to arrive around 3:00-4:00, depending on traffic.
In either case, be sure to allow enough time between flights!
Check-In & Check-Out
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required
A policy is required to help protect your trip investment and provide coverage for unexpected medical or travel-related expenses. Each participant should obtain a policy that includes trip cancellation/interruption and emergency medical coverage.
You may purchase insurance from any provider. We recommend InsureMyTrip to compare policies, which allows you to compare policies and offers support if you need to file a claim. (We may receive a small commission if you purchase through this link.)
Cancel for Any Reason Coverage
We recommend Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage for maximum flexibility. CFAR is an upgrade to a standard policy that offers the highest level of protection if your plans change. Unlike standard trip cancellation insurance, which only reimburses you for specific covered reasons, CFAR allows you to cancel your trip for any reason at all and receive a partial refund.
How It Works:
- It is purchased as an add-on to a standard policy (if using InsureMyTrip, there’s a filter in the left side bar).
- It typically reimburses 50–75% of non-refundable costs (varies by policy).
- It must be purchased within 10–21 days of your first trip payment (varies by policy).
- You must cancel your trip at least 48 hours before departure.
To qualify for CFAR coverage, you must insure your deposit within the required timeframe. You do NOT need to insure your entire trip cost upfront. To keep your initial premium low, you can insure your deposit, and adjust your total insured amount later as you make additional purchases.
Passports & Visas
Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond your last day of travel. Passports must have 2 blank pages for the entry stamp.
If traveling from the U.S. or Canada, no visa is required for a tourist stay of less than 90 days. For nationals of other countries, be sure to check the visa requirements for entry to Costa Rica.
Dietary Allergies, Restrictions & Needs
Our Costa Rican chef Laura Infantes will serve both local and international dishes using premium ingredients.
- Food will be mostly plant-based with fish/meat offered at some meals.
- You’ll have a chance to eat some lunches out if you’d like more animal protein.
- Laura can meet most dietary needs and restrictions.
- Make you’ve noted any allergies/restrictions in your registration form.
Alcohol
To help create a supportive container for the group, we ask that guests refrain from consuming alcohol at the retreat center. Whether you choose to consume alcohol while out on your own is up to you. We simply ask that consumption be kept to a minimum so as not to impact the group when we’re together.
Physical Accessibility
Retreat Center
- The retreat is located on a hillside, so the land can be uneven or slope in some areas.
- Meals and yoga will take place on the same (main) floor. The pool is one level below.
- One bedroom is more accessible than others. Reach out if you have mobility concerns.
Excursions
- The cacao tour requires some walking through the farm, but nothing strenuous.
- The Sierpe River boat tour doesn’t require movement.
- Other excursions will be at your discretion. We’re happy to help arrange extra activities to match your needs and interests.
- If we visit Uvita’s Whale Tail beach, the walk from the entrance to the end of the tail is 20-30 one way, but you can choose how far to walk or not walk at all.
Yoga
Melissa’s classes prioritize accessibility and choice. Expect slow-paced movement with time to explore options so that you can explore what feels supportive for your body. No experience with yoga is necessary.
If you’d like to talk through whether this retreat is a good fit for your needs, I’m always happy to connect!
Weather
March is part of the dry season on Costa Rica’s South Pacific coast. You can generally expect warm, sunny days with little chance of rain. Temperatures are typically in the 80s°F during the day and 70s°F at night. Escaleras’ higher elevation can make evenings and early mornings feel a little cooler.
Who Attends These Retreats
Traits: Participants may identify as introverted, highly sensitive, neurodivergent, or a combination of these. Some simply appreciate the slower pace and flexibility to participate in ways that suit their intentions, energy, and social preferences.
- Introversion can mean preferring smaller groups, more solitude, or time to recharge after social interaction.
- High sensitivity involves deeper processing of sensory and emotions and being more affected by your environment.
- Neurodivergence is an umbrella term for ways of thinking, processing, communicating, or experiencing the world that differ from what’s considered typical. This can ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences.
Packing List
A full packing list, as well as a Trip Planning Packet with details you need to plan will be provided.
Still have questions?
Book a free phone chat or email Melissa at info@melissanoelrenzi.com.
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