PACK YOUR BAGS!
This is no ordinary retreat.
Venture with us to a place whose likes are quickly vanishing from our world. Those untouched gems, harder to reach spots where time has moved a little slower and whose heartbeat still beats strong.
Welcome to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica!
Enter a vortex of extreme beauty and concentrated bio-diversity, a colorful culture and people who remind us to slow down and savor the Pure Vida, the Pure Life.
Radiate an aliveness that you have not felt for a very, very long time. The serene look on your face from late-night star gazing, to the sun-kissed glow on your cheeks from body surfing the gentle turquoise waves mirrors the metamorphosis from who you came as, to who you are becoming.
Authentic and memorable boutique travel adventure in re-wilding, wellness, culture, plunge-poolside relaxation, beachside happy hour, and many elements of the unexpected.
Immerse yourself in the pristine turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the magical rainforest world of sloths, morpho butterflies and howler monkeys.
Be Wild, Be Free- What are you waiting for?
Each day is curated with over 20 years of insider experience to give you access to off-the-beaten-path local hot spots, people & culture, with plenty of time for you to relax and soak in the Pura Vida at our exclusive boutique Villa property.
“Pura Vida”, or Pure Life, is not only a common greeting but a way of life that Costa Rica embraces. And that's what our trip is all about-Pure Life.
8 days, 7 nights
May 10-17, 2025 (add a day on either end for travel to and from)
Where: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Cost $2650/ $2950 (see below for details)
Max People: 8-10
COSTA RICA ADVENTURE 2025
Kayak
Discover the scenic beauty & bio-diversity of the Caribbean coastline as we paddle up a lazy river surrounded by the pristine rainforest.
Cacao
Puerto Viejo is a haven for chocolate connoisseurs. We’ll indulge on local varieties and learn the chocolate making process. Prepare for an enchanting cacao rendezvous as we partake in an ocean side ceremony celebrating this magical plant.
Beach Cruiser Culture
It’s an immersive experience when you travel by bike, stopping to take in a tree filled with Scarlett Macaws or a family of Howler Monkeys.
We’ll take “scenic routes” known only by locals. Most roads are flat and the biking is not physically intense but a decent amount of bike maneuvering savvy is needed.
Foodies Paradise
We have a culinary tour for you that has been deliciously curated with our mission to support local chefs and culture as well as introduce you to the fusion of flavors introduced by global food artists who have elevated local ingredients into new culinary experiences.
Welcome to our Beachfront Jungle Villa
Our boutique-chic beachfront villa property is just steps away from some of the world’s most pristine beaches, best beachside restaurants and Puerto Viejo’s attractions.
You will be delighted with the perfect balance of Caribbean Vibes and comfort with artistic touches everywhere you look.
The resort has 4 individual bungalows that accommodate 2 people/room with private bathrooms. Each has its own balcony or porch where you can enjoy jungle life from the comfort of your hammock.
WELLNESS
This experience is all about TRANSFORMATION, ADVENTURE & FUN.
While not a “yoga retreat” per se, you will have the opportunity to practice with us at the Villa as well as with a guest teacher during your stay (All levels welcome;)
Expect unique experiences that will shift your perspective on life and connect you to your higher, more magnetic self.
We recommend you bring a journal to capture the essence of your journey.
INCLUDES:
Round trip air-conditioned mini-bus ride to and from hotel in San Jose (near airport)
7 nights accommodations at our exclusive boutique Villa
Delicious, healthy, Caribbean inspired meals. Think beachside dining with lots of fresh & colorful local and fusion inspired dishes. You’ll experience some of the best Afro-Caribbean dishes available. (Guests will cover four optional meals out.)
Delicious fresh local fruits, exotic juices, Costa Rican Coffee (yum!), herbal tea and lots of snacking treats will be available at all hours at the Villa for our guests.
Beachside Mindset Mastery Class
Rainforest Immersion Kayak tour
Guided Cacao Forest Tour, with breathtaking views and chocolate tasting.
Sunset Cacao Ceremony
Breath-Work Workshop & Cold Plunge with One Love Wellness
Yoga & Meditation at the Villa and a class from guest yogi at a nearby rainforest yoga shala
Once-in-a-lifetime cultural and off-the-beaten path experiences with Us! You’ll laugh your ass off, hopefully have some teary moments, let loose like never before, and emerge a more enlightened human being.
Bike rental fees
Taxes
NOT INCLUDED:
We will provide a variety of beverages at the Villa. Guests are responsible for all restaurant beverages and (optional) alcohol for imbibement at the Villa.
Flight to/from Costa Rica.
Possible Holiday Inn (2 nights, one on the way in, one on the way out), rooms are about $140 for a double that sleeps 2- 4. We encourage sharing rooms and can connect you with other guests.
Any extra transportation fees: taxi, tuk tuk, etc.
4 Meals “out” not covered by Soul Nektar.
Tip $$: Highly encouraged a a way to appreciate and support local people and economy.
Extra spending money for snacks, shopping, spa treatments (recommended), or other activities.
Travel insurance recommended for emergency medical, etc. (Under $100) Check with your provider about your international coverage. It is not expensive but worth it. Allianz Travel is a company that offers trip insurance.
Trip investment:
Retreat cost $2699/$2899 (lux suite)
Payments can be made by cash, check, Venmo or credit card (please note a 2.5% processing in added to all credit card payments).
TRANSPORTATION:
GETTING THERE: We recommend taking a flight that arrives in San Jose, Costa Rica on May 9th, and staying at the Holiday Inn next to the airport. (ask us about best flight details). Let us know if you would like to share a room and we can connect you with others on the retreat.
GETTING THERE: Optional flight from San Jose to Limon (45 mins from Villa) Sansa Air Costa Rica. We can help you book transport from Airport to Villa (approx $70)
TRANSPORT DETAILS: Retreat guests will be picked up by an air-conditioned mini-van at 8am on May, 10th from the Holiday Inn next to the airport and taken to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca (approx 4 hours). There will be a stop on the way for delicious local food and bathrooms.
Guests will be picked up at the Villa and dropped off in San Jose on the afternoon of May, 17th (transport to and from retreat location included in retreat cost.)
OUR PROMISE:
We are committed to doing our very best so that you have everything you need to completely unwind and fully immerse yourself in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our hope is that you let the High Vibes of Costa Rica take you on a journey and experience some major shifts in living your best life both on the trip and when you return home, (and that you are having so much fun in the meantime you almost don’t even know what’s happening!)
Sit back, relax, and let us take care of everything else.
Denise & Christine
ITINERARY OVERVIEW:
We want to infuse the element of surprise into each curated day and prefer to not reveal all details of this unique experience in advance. An element of trust is requested so that we can surprise and delight you. We are happy to provide more details if needed-just ask.
Please note: A “Pure Vida” Attitude is what Costa Rica is all about and may be needed in moments where weather or other unforeseen factors may influence activities. Please be flexible and know that we will do our very best to provide an above-and-beyond experience, no matter what.
Each day will include time to explore, swim and enjoy the bath-tub warm waters of the Caribbean. Our Villa is located in the heart of the best sloth and monkey sighting zone as well as a private beach cove that will knock your flippers off. **itinerary subject to change
May 3 ARRIVAL : Welcome to the jungle! Pick-up in San Jose. Arrive at the Villa/ Meet & Greet, Welcoming Circle, Caribbean Feast & Fiesta
May 4 EXPLORE: Beach Cruiser bike tour to a local world class beach, Rainforest Immersion Kayak tour, swimming and beachside FRESH Caribbean feast.
May 5 FAUNA: Rainforest Animal Sanctuary: get-to-know over 200 local animals, swimming and beach walk
Nov 6 CACAO TOUR: Cacao Forest & Chocolate Tasting Experience
May 7 CHILL OUT: Breath work workshop & Cold Plunge
May 8 IMMERSE: Bike tour to local fishing village, rainforest flora & fauna walk with local expert guide
May 9 SHOP & EXPLORE THE PUEBLO: swimming, beach walk, closing ceremony.
May 10 DEPARTURE DAY: Noon pick-up to San Jose.
Meet your Hosts
Christine Kaiel
Christine is a captivating presence, bringing a vibrant energy and an enchanting allure to our retreat. Her deep spiritual wisdom and coaching expertise add a profound dimension to the experience, guiding us on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
Christine will be sharing some of her tips on body language and having fun with the camera so you can return home with a new sense of confidence on camera (and some fabulous photos).
Sound Bowl Therapy Goddess
Yoga Instructor/Business/Wellness Consultant
With Christine as our guide, this promises to be a life-changing adventure filled with joy, insight, meaningful connection and a whole lotta fun!
Denise Gervais
Denise is the ultimate Jungle Queen, with over 20 years experience as a resident of Puerto Viejo.. She is well-versed in the mysteries of Costa Rica’s wild beauty, local culture and characters and is elated to share them with you.
The maven behind two spas- Gervais Salon Day Spa, a chic New York-style Aveda hotspot in Eugene, OR, and Pure Jungle Spa a lux bungalow eco-spa in Costa Rica.
Denise’s keen attention to detail and years of crafting sumptuous and unique sensory experiences make this retreat unlike any other you will find anywhere.
Yoga Instructor/Business/Wellness Consultant/Global Advenuturer
Artisan Perfumer