Unwrap My Best Me Retreat!
A women’s empowerment conference.
Wednesday April 16 – Tuesday April 22nd, 2025
Hosted by Dr. Margo Lomax D., Wellness Coach with other renowned guest speakers specializing in executive coaching, self care and mediation arts.
Ignite Your Wellness Journey
Breakthrough deep trauma revealing deep resilience
Parent the inner child
Ignite a stronger, more healed, best version of yourself in this season
Yoga, Deep Breathing & Relaxation Sessions
Beach tours the most pristine in the world
World Class presenters
Night Life & Salsa Dance tour with Guide
Free time… And FUN, FUN, FUN.
All Inclusive (Except Airfare):
Accommodations:
Sol Sanctuary –
7 Days 6 Nights
Private Chef - Freshly Prepared Meat and Vegetarian Meals
Complimentary Ground Transportation to and from the Liberia, CR (LIR) Airport at designated times
Sol Sanctuary features –
Beautiful spacious bunglows w/ full use of the property’s pool, yoga overlook studio/shala, and walking trails. Also daily housekeeping (upon request)
Additional Activities Available :
Upon Request (Added Fees Apply)
Surf Lessons
Horseback Riding Expedition
Nite Life Tour
Restaurant Tour
Jet Skiis
Parasailing
Additional Massages and Yoga Classes
Book your spot today!
Early Bird Valentines special/ VERY LIMITED Spots- $1697 (full price or deposit of $397.00 by February 13th)
Standard Price after February 14th -$1997 (full price or deposit $697.00)
IF not SOLD OUT full Late Registration price- $2,497 (deposit $1097 as of March 1, 2025)
The Sacred Pause (SOLD OUT)
March 2nd - 8th 2025
The sacred pause is a divinely inspired invitation to nourish your soul and connect to your bliss. This retreat is a living experience of embracing self-care by reclaiming time for yourself to slow down, and dive deep into your heart’s desires and rebirth.
2025 is the year of the snake. The snake wisdom brings you an opportunity to shed the old layers that no longer serve you and step into your authentic self. By shedding the layers, you begin to slowly emerge and move forward towards creating a life you love. This can look like baby steps or big bold moves.
Maybe just saying yes to this retreat would be a big move to say yes to taking time for yourself. It’s not always easy to put yourself first, especially if you’ve been a caretaker, healer or people pleaser.
The Offering
Here are a few of the ways in which we will support you during your time with us
Daily meditations, activations, and sister circles – including tuning into the energy and sounds of the jungle, and the Costa Rican waters with guided visualizations, hypnotic journeys, and sound meditations
Physical – sunrise yin yoga, swimming or relaxing at our private pool or nearby beach, exploring the nearby jungle trails and free flow dancing and movement
Creation – Curating personal essential oil blends, nature art, journaling/creative writing, creating a group oracle card deck, harnessing sound as a tool to use at home
Energy management – creating and managing loving boundaries, learning new energetic practices for yourself, your family, home and your work or business
Animal and nature connection - tuning into the frequency of the animals, plants and trees of jungle and sea and deepening into commune, bringing those qualities into your everyday life.
Sacred journeys – weaving the sound healing vibrations of the golden chalice, drum and voice for healing and empowerment alongside regression and other hypnotic sessions
Sisterhood – creating meaningful and lasting connections with other resonant women
What is included?
7 days and 6 nights in eco-luxury in Bali Style Bungalows: Our retreat offers an exclusive stay in private or semi-private eco-luxe Bali style bungalows. Nestled in nature, these accommodations provide the perfect blend of creature comforts and tranquility, offering a private haven for introspection and rejuvenation. Each bungalow includes a private back porch with seating and hammocks, private bathrooms and air-conditioning, with each bungalow themed as a local Costa Rican animal
Culinary Delights by a Private Chef: Indulge in a gastronomic journey
with delicious, healthy, and fresh meals expertly crafted by our private chef. Every bite is a celebration of nourishment, supporting your well-being from the inside out
Heart-led programme with 2 sessions per day, excursions and allocated free time for you to choose how to spend your own sacred pause
Beachside Bliss at Playa Grande: A mere 10-minute walk brings you to
the breathtaking Playa Grande, where the rhythmic waves and golden sands create an idyllic setting for relaxation or invigorating beachside yoga and meditation sessions.
Private Pool Oasis: Enjoy moments of serenity by your private pool,
surrounded by the symphony of nature. Whether it's a refreshing morning dip or a leisurely afternoon lounging, the pool provides a rejuvenating escape.
Elevated Yoga Shala Experience: Surrounded by nature, the yoga shala space allows you to elevate your experience while connecting with the energy of the environment in the jungle treetops and visitations if you are lucky enough to hear the howler monkeys.
Enjoy gentle yin yoga, yoga Nidra, sound journeys, energy healing and regression sessions.
Day trip included for all. Bathe in the magical hot springs fed by the natural thermal water of the Rincon Volcano. Soak in the healing qualities of the mud and relax deeply.
Enchanting Local Excursions: Immerse yourself in the wonders of Costa Rica by exploring the local add on excursions: Tamarindo night market, taking part in a river cruise, indulging in a chocolate-making experience. Each excursion is a gateway to cultural richness and natural beauty.
Nature's Embrace: Be enveloped by the lush nature of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste rainforest, home to incredible wildlife. From vibrant flora to exotic fauna, the surroundings provide a constant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things.
Preparation and follow-up group online video calls to support easeful connection, practical planning, and integration of transformation into everyday life.
*Airfare and transfers not included but we can support you in making recommendations*
Your Investment & Options
Bonuses
For anyone who signs up and pays in full before 9th September, we are offering an online 1-2-1 session with either Lynda, Nathalie or Christine, valued at £111 to work on something close to your heart.
For anyone who refers a friend and they sign up, they will receive 2 online Sacred Pause tickets to use before the retreat.
For everyone, we are also providing 2 retreat group online gatherings in advance of the retreat and one afterwards. These will both offer practical and emotional support whilst providing an opportunity for the energy of the group to connect. All of this helps us to arrive feeling so wonderfully held and nourished and integrate the shifts from the retreat into day-to-day life.
$3333USD Twin bed in a shared room, shared bungalow villa with shared bathroom
$4444USD Double bed, in private bungalow villa with bathroom
4 Part Payment plan
To help make this as accessible as possible for those who feel the call, we are offering payment plan options. All you have to do to secure your place, is to pay a deposit of £333. Further payment details can be found on the link below.
Optional Extras
Do you want to extend your trip and have extra time to relax? No problem. We've already thought of this. If you'd like to arrive on the 1st or extend until the 9th, you are welcome to do so for an extra £155 per night for meals and accommodation. You can book this through the same link as the deposit one above.
Besides the magical day excursion that is included, we have a couple of slots for free time to make your own, offering you a wide range of experiences to suit your taste… You are welcome to book a massage within the Sol Sanctuary, take a trip to the nearby Tamarindo night market, or enjoy a snorkeling or surfing lesson. Or perhaps to simply laze by the pool or sea. Costa Rica is known for its coffee and chocolate. Perhaps you'd like to try out a chocolate-making experience working with the local cacao bean.
Self Love Retreat in Paradise
February 4 - 11, 2025
A deep connection to Mother Earth to enhance your connection to self.
Travel to this magical and sacred place to fall more in love with your life and the people around you. Elevate to a place where you start to see and know things that you never thought were possible before. Reset, recharge, and re-connect with your true self in Paradise. Self-care is an expression of love. It's time to pause from your busy life without guilt or shame. Taking a break from your family, work, and daily commitments is not selfish, it's SELFUL. Self-care is about giving your mind, body, and soul time to reset, recharge, and renew so you can manage life's inevitable challenges from a place of purpose instead of burnout.
What's included
8 days/7 night stay - Tuesday to Tuesday
Group call before arrival
Three gourmet meals a day
Yoga and meditation practices
Energy balancing
Unique Sound Healing Experiences
Self-Love Workshop
Fire Ceremony
Opportunities to connect with nature
Sacred Plant Ceremony
Day trip to Tamarindo where you will enjoy shopping and Costa Rican culture
Waterfall & Hot Springs Excursion
Cacao Ceremony
Housekeeping and laundry services
Shuttle transportation to and from Liberia airport.
Join us February 4 - 11, 2025
(8 days/7 nights)
6 Spots Available -- $4,600 - Private Room
(king, full, and twin bed options)
4 Spots Available -- $4,100 - Shared Room (twin beds)
Pay your $750 deposit today to secure your spot or contact us if you have further questions!
Various Payment Plan Options are available to participants. All payments are due in full by November 1, 2024.
Blue Mind: Water, Wildlife, Wonder & Wellness Retreat (CANCELLED)
Wallace, we will remember you in every drop of rain, every falling tear, the sound of the crashing waves, and the ripples of the incredible work you did for this planet will only grow stronger and reach farther. 💧🌊🔵✨
Our deepest condolences to J’s family 🙏🏻 Our Blue Mind retreat will not go forward this winter, it just wouldn’t be the same without him.
Feeling burnt out, stressed, too much “Red Mind” in your life and not enough Blue? We’ve got just the Bluescription for you! Join famed author and sea turtle biologist Dr. Wallace J Nichols for 7 days, 6 nights at Sol Sanctuary Retreat Center! Located in Playa Grande, Costa Rica- one of the few “Blue Zones” in the world, and home to the leatherback sea turtle nesting site in the National Park Marino Las Baulas.
Immerse yourself in the teachings of Blue Mind and experience the power of water in this once in a lifetime experience. Leave with your personal Bluescription—a plan to practice Blue Mind daily, for life, wherever you are.
What’s included in Blue Mind retreat?
Accommodations at Sol Sanctuary Retreat Center in eco-luxe bungalows. Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves, wake up to the call of howler monkeys. All proceeds from the retreat center go to protect and conserve wildlife, by supporting our non-profit- the Wildlife Protection Alliance (WPA).
Three gourmet local meals per day prepared onsite by our chef. Get ready to enjoy a taste of this Blue Zone’s delicious and nourishing cuisine
Nightly Readings by Dr. Nichols from his book, including updates from the tenth-anniversary edition (published in December 2024)
as well as 2 personalized autographed books!
Sea Turtle Lecture/Education - an empowering opportunity to learn more about sea turtle biology and conservation from Dr. Nichols, past president of the International Sea Turtle Society. Signed copies of his book on sea turtles will be included.
Blue Mind daily meditations (led by Sol Sanctuary Owner, Amber Becerra)
Volcano Waterfall/Thermal Hot Springs Excursion
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica’s natural volcanic rivers, waterfalls and thermal hot springs. Using the power of these sacred water to energize, rejuvenate and heal ourselves.
Available Activities for an Additional Cost:
Snorkeling
Take a boat cruise out to explore the marine life along the coast
Scuba diving
Explore Costa Rica’s extraordinary marine environment under the sea. This time of year you can often see manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles
Night time turtle nesting observation with Dr. Nichols
A night tour to see sea turtles nesting and (if nature allows) a special release of baby hatchlings at sunset.
Estuary kayaking tour
Join us for a kayaking expedition through an incredibly important wetland protected area and mangrove forest. Abundant marine life and magnificent bird watching awaits! Want to make a difference while you’re here? Clean up any trash you may see on this expedition!
One hour relaxing or deep tissue massage in the canopy surrounded by trees and bird songs
Bluescription Workshop with Dr. Nichols
Learn about the seven forms and ages of Blue Mind and create your customized, personal Bluescription.
You will leave this retreat being a Blue Mind Ambassador. You will have a Blue Mind toolkit that you can use for the rest of your life and you can share this with others in your professional work, friends, and family.
Investment
Private studio bungalow - $3,333 single/$4,444 double occupancy
Shared triple bungalows (private room ) - $2,222
Shared triple bungalow (living room bed) - $1,777
Shared student hostel quarters - $1,111
*Flights not included. Nearest airport is Liberia, Costa Rica. Email us at info@sol-sanctuary.com for payment plans
FAQ
What airport do I fly into?
Liberia, Costa Rica. We are approximately one hour from the airport and can provide you with a private shuttle.
Can I come early/stay late?
You can arrive one day early on the 4th or stay one day later until the 12th for a fee of $50/day however food will not be provided on those additional days (restaurants are walking distance). If you wish to select this option please email us at info@sol-sanctuary.com for custom payment options.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, depending on the package you select we can break the payments into 2 or 3 payments to help accommodate your budget. Email us at info@sol-sanctuary.com for custom payment options.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
Yes for a small fee (you will see this option as an additional item in our store) we can accommodate all restrictions that are not life-threatening.
Where does my investment go?
Your investment covers costs of your stay, meals, and the Blue Mind experience we have prepared for you AND the proceeds from this retreat go to support Wildlife Protection Alliance our 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to wildlife conservation! Thank you for helping us save lives.
Essence of Bodysurfing: Costa Rica
February 15th - 22nd 2025
Join avid bodysurfers and expert instructors Hannah Walsh and Spencer Dunlap, as well as the Viva Adventures team Tara Tiedemann and Adrianne Chandra Huff (who are incidentally also "wave sliders") for an epic week of bodysurfing, relaxation, and fun in beautiful Playa Grande, Costa Rica.
Bodysurfing, or the art of catching waves with just your body, is an ancient and therapeutic pastime practiced by many distinctive civilizations for eons. It is an amazing way to connect with the ocean and yourself, great exercise, an exhilarating and innocent kind of joy that you will feel lucky to have experienced.
Outside of the bodysurfing, you can expect to eat amazing food, participate in a number of other included or optional activities in the area, watch the sun set over the Pacific every single evening if that tickles your fancy, wake up to the sound of birds and the scent of Costa Rican coffee on the breeze, and reconnect to nature and yourself.
The group size will be small (12 participants max.) to ensure an intimate experience. We will be staying at the beautiful and environmentally-conscious Sol Sanctuary in Playa Grande. All transportation in-country is included with our awesome driver.
We can't wait to catch some waves with you!
Bodysurf instructor bios
Hannah Walsh
Hannah Walsh began bodysurfing as a kid growing up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She was a competitive swimmer as well as an Ocean Lifeguard, and would spend her free time wave sliding. She began teaching bodysurfing while working at a surf camp in Costa Rica, co-designing a teaching curriculum.
She began in-water photography and videography while she lived in Costa Rica, going on to study documentary filming in Canada. Her filmmaking is grounded in stories about water, often featuring swimming, surfing, or bodysurfing. She aims to utilize her voice to make actions sports more inclusive, and to bring awareness to the natural world and compel people to take care of it.
Spencer Dunlap
Spencer has been bodysurfing for fun since he was young, loving the connection he felt with the ocean and the exhilaration of catching waves with his body alone. He started coaching bodysurfing and surfing formally after moving to Costa Rica, co-designing a teaching curriculum. He was also an Ocean Lifeguard in San Diego, California.
As he got more into the sport, Spencer would always try to seek information about bodysurfing online, but learned it was not easy to find. After years of researching and collecting any information he could find about bodysurfing around the world, he began The Bodysurf Blog and now publishes these finds for the world to see.
What’s included
Lodging
7 nights of lodging (1 night at the Hampton Inn Liberia Airport & 6 at Sol Sanctuary in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Costa Rica)
All meals
3 delicious, healthy, and locally-sourced meals per day at Sol Sanctuary, as well as several dinners and lunches out at some of our favorite restaurants on travel days
Transportation
Safe, private transportation and a driver available throughout the trip
Bodysurf classes
5 bodysurf classes with your expert instructors, who are also avid bodysurfers, highly competent waterwomen and men, and ocean lifeguards
Pool session
Swim technique session with bodysurf instructors in the pool at Sol Sanctuary
Bodysurf talk
History and culture of bodysurfing talk from instructors
Bodysurf movie night
Movie night at the lodge with snacks
Soundbath
A relaxing and meditative soundbath (think resonant "singing bowls") on the private yoga deck
Retreat leaders
Spanish/English-speaker guides will be available facilitating the activities and coordinating anything else you may need during your entire retreat
PM trip to Tamarindo
Visit to Tamarindo for wandering, souvenir shopping, sunset, and dinner
Free day
A day to explore the area on your own and do an optional add-on tours or activity
Conservation activity
An environmental activity alongside Sol Sanctuary's partner NGO
Use of private yoga deck
The space is ours to use, whether to stretch before bodysurf sessions, or to request a private or group yoga class as an add-on
What’s not included
International airfare
Flight to Liberia International Airport (LIR) on February 15, 2025, and departure from same airport (LIR) on February 22, 2025
Travel insurance
We recommend you purchase travel insurance in the event of cancellation or emergency as trip deposits and payments are unfortunately non-refundable
Optional activities
We can help coordinate any additional activities you may want to do (Surf lessons/rentals, estuary kayak tour, waterfall hike, hot springs tour, chocolate tasting & tour, cacao ceremony, snorkeling)
Alcoholic drinks
You are more than welcome to purchase on your own
Bodysurf fins
You will need to purchase your bodysurf fins ahead of the trip as they are more difficult to find in Costa Rica (we recommend Hydro Tech 2 and DaFin)
Itenerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to Liberia International Airport
Arrive to Liberia International Airport (LIR) on February 15, 2025. There, the Viva Adventures team members will be waiting for you and you will together return to the Hampton Inn where we will be staying the first night. We will share dinner together and make introductions for the week!
Day 2: Head to the Beach
Travel to Sol Sanctuary in Playa Grande
Enjoy a nice breakfast and plenty of coffee at the hotel and then get ready to head out. After breakfast, travel the approximately 90-min drive and check into Sol Sanctuary where we will be staying for the next 6 nights.
After lunch and downtime, head to the pool for the first step in bodysurfing: perfecting your stroke with your helpful bodysurf instructors. You will also discuss fear in the ocean (a perfectly normal occurence), as well as strategies to stay calm and be confident.
Head down to the beach to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean and take a nice dip if you so choose. Finally, enjoy the bodysurf history and culture talk after a delicious dinner. Conclude it all with a wonderful first night of sleep!
Day 3: Get Your Feet Wet
Frolic and bodysurf the waves
After a delicious breakfast at the lodge (and of course, coffee), head down to the beach to put what you've learned so far about wave sliding into action with the week's first ocean bodysurfing class.
After frolicking the morning away, head back for some pool time and lunch at the lodge. The rest of the day is yours to head back to the beach, enjoy the pool, or take a nap!
We will enjoy dinner together and perhaps games, then head to bed for another delicious night of sleep.
Note: the order of affairs may change slightly due to weather and tides
Day 4: Bodysurf Immerse
Get into wave sliding
Wake up with the birds and enjoy some delicious Costa Rican coffee, fruit, and cuisine. Head down to the beach for your daily bodysurf class, where you will continue mastering this artful sport.
Enjoy lunch and free time in the afternoon, and then convene for the crew's favorite bodysurfing film(s) after dinner.
Note: the order of affairs may change slightly due to weather and tides
Day 5: Free Day
Enjoy — the world is your oyster
This is a nice mid-week break from bodysurfing to allow your body to rest and "recupe."
You still have breakfast, lunch, and dinner waiting for you at the lodge but you are also free to explore on your own, and do a tour or activity in the area. We are more than happy to help you arrange!
Day 6: Back to the Ocean
Get back to your now-familiar routine
By now, you know the drill: wake up, breakfast, amble down to the beach, launch yourself into some epic waves under the tutelage of the best bodysurf instructors around. Head back to home base, chill in the pool, eat a delicious lunch.
Today, we are throwing in another fun twist: we will be helping with a conservation project in the area we are staying in, as deemed important by the sister NGO to Sol Sanctuary, Respect the Wildlife.
After another nice dinner together, you will be excited to get to bed.
Note: the order of affairs may change slightly due to weather and tides
Day 7: Wave Slide Glory
Put all the pieces together
After another delightful breakfast, head to the bodysurf session in which you will see (and feel) it all come together — all these separate techniques and skills you have been learning over the course of the week will all come together on a liquid stage.
Enjoy some chill time and lunch at the lodge, and then we will head to Tamarindo for strolling, shopping, and a delicious last dinner (out) together.
Head home to the lodge for your last sleep of the trip.
Note: the order of affairs may change slightly due to weather and tides
Day 8: Departure
But not before one last bodysurf!
Rise early and head to the ocean before breakfast (but not before coffee). Enjoy your last bodysurf session with the gang and give your gratitude to the ocean for an epic week.
Have one last breakfast at the lodge before packing up and heading via our private transfer to Liberia once again for your departure flight.
Don't worry — we will have another retreat in a new location next year!
Price: $3,125 USD (Deposit $500)
The Sol Sanctuary spaces allows for every single participant to have their own bed, even if you may be sharing a bungalow.