San José Province, Tinamaste, Costa Rica
April 27 - May 3, 2025
About this Retreat
Phoenix Chase-Meares is a Trans queer artist originally from the UK, now living between Berlin and Cape Town. For the past 9 years, Phoenix has led the collective TobyLikesMILK in London, Holland, South Africa and Berlin—a multidisciplinary platform at the intersection of film, dance, theatre, and activism. As a performer, actor, and writer, they’ve crafted a unique visual and textual language, channeling their own life experiences into unapologetically bold, thought-provoking works that challenge societal norms and ignite conversation.
Phoenix is also the co-founder of The Soul Sauna, a space for dialogue around Black and queer unity through events and podcasts that explore social, political, and economic topics.
Phoenix is the resident host and an original member of the collective Lunchbox Candy, a rave collective in Berlin challenging the norms around rave culture to create spaces that are focused on connectivity, play and authenticity.
As the founder and facilitator of "The Fearless Soul", "Unlocking the Authentic Slut" and “Re-Imagining Sensuality” Phoenix has dedicated their work to creating spaces for self-expression, body reclamation, and intimate liberation. Their workshops focus on dismantling shame around sensuality, empowering individuals to embrace their bodies and sexuality in an authentic way.
Their artistic reach has taken them across the world. They've collaborated on projects for high-profile brands such as Calvin Klein, Converse, DAZED, Mercedes, Adidas, Nike and H&M, while working with artists like Mykki Blanco, Catnapp, Kzia, ElninoDiablo, and Rin. Phoenix’s work has been showcased in renowned venues like Alte Münze in Berlin, The Palace, and The Cockpit Theatre. Their Films have won multiple awards for their experimental and stylistic qualities and they have been termed a “Visionary” by KALTBLUT Magazine.
Whether through art, performance, or activism, Phoenix's vision is rooted in sharing true stories and advocating for joy, tenderness, and softness—pushing boundaries while celebrating individuality and connection.
Details of this retreat
The Fearless Soul: A GBTQ+ Adventure of Freedom, Expression & Sensuality
Welcome to an extraordinary fusion of two profound experiences: the "How to Access the Non-Fearful Body" and “Re-imagining Sensuality & Intimacy.” Nestled in the tranquil beauty of Costa Rica, this 7-day retreat offers a transformative journey into the depths of self-discovery, expression, and sacred intimacy.
At the core of our retreat is the ‘How to Access the Non-Fearful Body’ (HANFB) ethos, a dynamic exploration of movement, sound and sensuality research. This retreat isn't just about movement; it's a joyful rebellion against societal norms that hinder genuine self-expression. Through a revolutionary toolkit, participants will unlock new physical modalities, reshape their connection with music and space, and navigate the landscapes of fear, shame, and ego with humor and introspection.
Complementing the HANFB workshop is “Re-imagining Sensuality & Intimacy” a sacred sensuality retreat designed for gay, bisexual, and queer cis- or trans-men. Rooted in the belief that conscious beings deserve deeper connections beyond superficiality and hyper-sexualization, this retreat offers a space to reclaim the inner sensual creature and freedom of authentic intimacy. Through practices of presence, touch, surrender, and embodiment, participants will journey towards healing and genuine connection with themselves and others.
The Toolkit:
1. Access to New Physical Modalities: Dive into uncharted territories of movement and sensory perception, unlocking new patterns and possibilities within your body.
2. Music Interpretation and Aural Spatial Patterns: Immerse yourself in the art of listening and spatial interpretation, exploring the intricate relationship between sound and movement.
3. Breaking the Ego through Humour: Harness the power of laughter to cultivate self-awareness and dismantle barriers that inhibit authentic expression.
4. Reconnecting to the Child Within: Rediscover the joy of movement through playful exploration, embracing the innocence and spontaneity of your inner child.
5. Letting Go of Fear and Shame: Release inhibitions and embrace raw authenticity, shedding layers of fear and shame to unveil your true essence.
6. Rave Etiquette and Non-Verbal Communication: Forge meaningful connections through non-verbal cues and energy recognition, tapping into the universal language of movement.
7. Sensuality, Silliness & Authenticity Practice: Embrace diverse expressions without judgment, celebrating the full spectrum of human sensuality and playfulness.
8. Performance and Musicality Skills: Unleash your creativity and musical expression, honing your skills as a dynamic performer.
9. Limitation and Observation Practices: Learn from yourself and others without bias, embracing the wisdom that arises from open-minded observation.
10. Ending with Body Flow and Breath Work: Cultivate mindfulness and a sense of flow, grounding your experience with soothing breath work and embodied presence.
Key Themes:
1. Experimentation & Exploration: Find your unique path to joy and self-discovery, exploring the multitudes of your body and spirit.
2. Expression: Allow your body to express the full range of emotions, using dance and music as powerful forms of therapy and communication.
3. Connection & Observation: Learn from the wisdom of others and deepen your connection through open-hearted observation and authentic engagement.
4. Groove, Baby Groove: Discover your personal groove and playfully explore its infinite possibilities, embracing the inherent rhythm of your being.
5. NO FEAR: Embrace freedom by transcending fear and self-consciousness, dancing with confidence and joy as a celebration of your true self.
Throughout the week, we'll create a container of safety, acceptance, and awakening. Morning practices of silent meditation, yoga, breath work and somatic movement will ground us in presence and self-awareness. Allowing us the safety to dive deep into our true sensual body. Group and partner exercises will explore subtle aspects of relating, guided by principles of consent, boundaries, and loving-kindness.
Delving into profound themes of consciousness, intimacy, healing, and embodiment, participants will cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. Discussions on human experiences such as fear, guilt, shame, and integration will foster honesty, humility, and growth.
Our retreat prioritizes creating a safe and respectful environment. Participants will voice consent and boundaries, with facilitators ensuring the safety of the group container. Nudity and touch are welcome within established guidelines, always with respect and consent. Each participant has the autonomy to decide their level of engagement, with partner practices offered but not compulsory.
To deepen our connection with nature and ourselves, a digital detox is encouraged throughout the retreat. Electronics will be strictly limited, allowing participants to immerse fully in the present moment and the transformative journey unfolding around them.
Join us on this extraordinary retreat where movement, expression, and sacred intimacy converge to ignite profound personal growth and authentic connection. Bid farewell to fear and embrace a liberated, non-fearful body as you dance towards joy, authenticity, and infinite freedom.
What To Expect
Welcome to a transformative 7-day journey in the serene beauty of Costa Rica, where movement, expression, and sacred intimacy blend into an extraordinary experience. The retreat will combine two profound workshops: "How to Access the Non-Fearful Body" (HANFB) and "Re-imagining Sensuality & Intimacy." Through dynamic exploration, you will dive deep into self-discovery, personal growth, and authentic connection.
What is the purpose?
The retreat is designed to help participants reconnect with their true, non-fearful bodies and explore a more profound, liberated relationship with sensuality and intimacy. By embracing movement, music, and introspection, you will challenge societal norms that block genuine self-expression, reclaiming a joyful, authentic sense of self. This experience promotes healing from fear, shame, and ego, allowing for meaningful intimacy and personal liberation.
What topics will be covered to work towards this purpose?
Throughout the retreat, a rich and varied toolkit will support you in accessing new physical, emotional, and relational modalities:
Unlocking New Physical Modalities: Explore new ways of moving and perceiving your body.
Music and Space Interpretation: Deepen your relationship with music, sound, and space.
Breaking the Ego with Humor: Use laughter as a tool for introspection and self-awareness.
Reconnecting with Your Inner Child: Rediscover joy through playful movement.
Letting Go of Fear and Shame: Embrace your true, raw self.
Non-Verbal Communication: Learn to connect meaningfully through energy and non-verbal cues.
Sensuality, Silliness & Authenticity Practices: Celebrate the full range of human sensuality without judgment.
Performance and Musicality: Develop your skills as a creative performer.
Observation and Learning Practices: Cultivate wisdom through mindful observation and engagement.
Breathwork and Body Flow: Ground yourself in embodied presence through mindful breath work.
Who Is This Retreat For?
This retreat is open to anyone seeking to deepen their connection with themselves and others, with a specific focus on gay, bisexual, and queer cis- or trans-men for the "Re-imagining Sensuality & Intimacy" workshop. It is ideal for individuals wanting to:
Explore new ways of moving and being in their body.
Heal from fear, shame, and societal pressures around self-expression.
Reconnect with their sensual and intimate selves.
Experience profound personal growth in a safe, guided environment.
Engage in meaningful, authentic connection with others.
Whether you’re a seasoned explorer of intimacy or someone seeking to break free from inhibitions, this retreat offers the tools and space for a deep, transformative experience.
Key themes of the retreat include self-expression, connection, experimentation, and fearlessness, all within a supportive and accepting environment.
PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT: Phoenix and the Jungle Gayborhood aim to inspire personal exploration, radical self-expression, and a sense of connection - internally, with community, and with nature. We actively cultivate practices that support these goals by consciously exploring embodiment practices, authentic relating, somatic movement therapy, shamanism and sacred sexuality.
To create a predictable and safe environment conducive to this type of healing, growth, reflection, and expansion, we ask all that come to our home align around these community agreements.