"It’s been two months since I returned from Costa Rica, and I think about my experiences at the grief retreat every day. I am so grateful for the experiences i shared with my new community, because they are now a very big part of my support system. I reach out to these new friends for advise, to say hello, and to exchange how life is going. At the retreat I practiced techniques like breath work, being present, journaling, , sharing, singing and mindfulness. I was given resources that I refer to and study as I do the continuing work of dealing with my grief. The food was amazing, the accommodations were excellent, and the jungle was amazing. I am so glad I took the leap and attended this retreat. I know my grief journey will be long and difficult, but I feel empowered and comforted because I gained knowledge and techniques I am using to move forward."
Highly Rated Retreats in Perez Zeledon Puntarenas Province Costa Rica
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Experiences on Retreat
"This retreat, Moving Through Grief, with Mike and Stacey and their awesome team, was absolutely life-changing. I am not sure what I expected, but what I received was more than I could have ever dreamed. The setting, Imiloa Institute, was heavenly and perfect for all the amazing work we did. The retreat itself changed me forever, and allowed me the opportunity to meet the most incredible, loving new friends who could understand my grief and share theirs with me, so we could hold each other up in it. Thank you so much Stacey, Mike, Jenn, Amber, Sandy, Glenn, and Evan for taking such great care of us, you all are amazing!"
"My husband and I recently attended the Two Can Retreats Moving Through Grief Retreat. It was a life-changing experience. We both came away with a deeper understanding of grief, not as a stage of life, but as a fluid state of being. The retreat provided us with valuable tools and rituals to help us channel our grief into impactful actions, both individually and as a couple.
The retreat was held in a beautiful and serene setting, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. The staff was incredibly warm, welcoming, and supportive, creating an atmosphere of comfort and trust. The retreat schedule was well-balanced, offering a mix of guided activities, personal reflection time, and opportunities for connection with other participants.
During the retreat, we participated in a variety of practices, including yoga, meditation, breathwork, and singing exercises. These practices helped us to connect with our bodies and emotions, allowing us to release pent-up grief and begin to heal. We found the breathwork exercises to be particularly helpful, as they helped us acknowledge pent up areas of trauma and grief in an unprecedented way.
The retreat also provided us with opportunities for personal reflection and journaling. We used this time to explore our individual experiences with grief and identify areas where we could grow. The facilitators provided guidance and support throughout this process, helping us to gain valuable insights into our own emotions and behaviors.
In addition to the benefits we experienced individually, the retreat also had a profound impact on our relationship. The breathing, yoga, and singing exercises helped us to connect with each other on a deeper level, fostering open communication and emotional intimacy. We learned how to support each other through our grief, strengthening our bond and creating a lasting sense of unity.
One of the most valuable aspects of the retreat was the opportunity to connect with others who were/are grieving. Sharing our experiences with others who understood what we were going through was incredibly helpful. We formed deep friendships with other participants, and we know that these support systems will last us a lifetime.
We are so grateful for the experience we had at the Two Can Retreats Moving Through Grief Retreat. It has helped us to move forward in our lives, individually and as a couple, and to journey toward peace with our grief. We would highly recommend this retreat to anyone who is seeking support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of grief.
If you are considering attending a grief retreat, I highly recommend the Two Can Retreats Moving Through Grief Retreat. It is a life-changing experience that can help you to heal from your grief and move forward with your life."
"This is a hard review to write because i want to be able to succinctly express how magical it was for me. I heard someone express “life changing” and I would agree. Stacy & Mike and the team of Jen, Amber, Glen, Sandy, Evan and Aliza were amazing. To facilitate this group of complete strangers through powerful ceremonies and processing of grief is no small feat. I felt protected, safe and that I had the space and time to go through what I needed in this short time we had together. The retreat center was perfect for this, from arrival to departure and all the tears in between. If you are considering investing in a grief retreat, this is the one. The property was amazing, the Imolia staff were so kind and helpful, the retreat team was inspired, open and poured their own grief into the experience which just added to the bond of one grieving soul helping another. Thank you from the bottom of my heart ❤️ "
"I couldn't be more grateful that I attended this retreat. Stacey and Mike have thought out every detail meticulously. I didn't know what to expect but I was truly blown away by their incredible team, the Imiloa retreat as a venue and their staff. Everyone was so friendly. (I travelled alone however some people attended with a family member or friend.)
I saw a review before I came that said 'we laughed a lot even at a grief retreat' and that is certainly true. The people that you meet become friends forever, connected through shared stories and your journey through grief. There is music, singing (that is also joyful and very powerful) run by Glenn who is just amazing and has such a moving voice.
The breath work session was one of the most transformative and powerful things I have done and is run by Jenn and Amber who radiate positivity and are like real life angels.
I am just so grateful to have found this retreat and being able to hold my grief in such a safe environment. As I said before Stacey and Mike (the kindest people) have created a schedule that really allows you to dive deep and to hold space for your grief. It allowed me to take time for myself and other realisations actually came up at the same time which really have transformed my life back at home already.
Thank you TwoCan retreats. I highly highly recommend this retreat and the practitioners that are part of it.
"
"TwoCan set a lovely container to do healing work in community. They selected caring, skilled facilitators to hold the space and conducted a variety of activities to support processing in community. This included writing, sharing, ritual, breathwork, singing, and yoga. I liked the variety of tools that were used, both ancient and modern, to help us. The TwoCan team created a loving and supportive space for the participants, and Stacy was very available ahead of time to talk to help decide if the retreat was a good fit. The retreat center where we stayed is very beautiful and full of wildlife, and we were extremely well taken care of. I would highly recommend this retreat and TwoCan. "
"The retreat was what my soul needed. After the deep painful loss in my life, I was struggling to move forward.
The retreat was a very transformative time with strangers who have become dear friends. We have all witnessed and held each other through deep pain and vulnerability. It is very rare to have an experience like this and a connection like this with others.
My grief will never end but it has changed and I feel able to embrace it and move forward. Thank you Mike and Stacy ❤️"
"Mike and Stacy did an incredible job creating a welcoming, loving environment for all of us. It was an amazing experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone who may be moving through grief. "
"The Moving Through Grief retreat with TwoCan was truly a magical experience. I didn't really know what to expect but I think my heart has grown about 10 sizes. I have gained a community of fellow grievers who will be my friends for the rest of my life. This trip has transformed me in ways that I think will take me time to fully understand and appreciate. Mike and Stacey are the most amazing hosts. What a gift to have been there and witnessed my own growth but the love of the people I was there with. I am forever grateful that I came. Thank you again for this beautiful week. ❤️"
"Stacy does it all!! She is organized from the moment you inquire and makes sure everyone is taken care of.
Everything from the place we stayed, the women who cooked for us, the teachers, the surf instructors, the beach cleanup crew….they all are hand picked and each provide excellent loving offerings.
Stacy holds a very compassionate, fun and loving space for all of us to show up exactly as we are.
Thank you Stacy for all of that you do and for your generous heart. "
"This retreat gave space for ceremony, rituals, embodiment practices and sharing in community our grief. We also had so much joy surfing, going to waterfalls, horseback riding and just being in the healing and warm waters of then ocean. The real understanding that’s we can hold grief and joy.
The place we stayed was stunning and we found so much healing just hanging out together in the pool and sharing amazing nutritious meals.
Loved this retreat, so grateful
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"Michelle held an incredibly supportive and loving space all throughout our retreat. Her Waves do Grief offering at the beach was beautiful, powerful and touched each and everyone’s heart. Love her 💗"
"Right from the start I am going to sound dramatic, but the truth is the truth. This trip changed my life, not surface level look at my lovely trip #selfcare muckitty muck, but really and truly affected me. I joined Two Can Retreats in Costa Rica for their grief retreat and had the intention that I was going to process the grief of my mother. Instead what I found was a family and the 1st real place to move my sexual traumas out of my body and mourn. I deeply connected with the facilitators and experienced somatic healing for the 1st time. During this week returned a little bit back to my body.
I met my family on this trip and speak with my fellow soul workers everyday. This trip was almost 2 months ago, that is how strongly we bonded. If you ever have the opportunity to work with Two Can Retreats, step up for yourself and do it! To all my folks out there who carry a similar weight as me, we are 1 in 5 at this point if your white, 1 in 3 if you are black or brown, and 1 in 2 if indigenous, please find your way to Jenn Parma. She is a gift and a goddess. Your womb ache and fear are safe to leave with her.
Just like the choice to take the 1st step to healing rests with each individual, so does the choice to continue doing the work after the retreat, keep facing all the things, and be the best humans we can be! I hope you chose you, I hope that even if this scares you so much you are staring to sweat through your sweater, you do it. Picking your healing is never the wrong choice and picking Two Can Retreats is an AMAZING place to start. <3"
"It is hard to describe just how special this retreat was, but I will start with it was without question the easiest travel experience of my life. Stacy and Mike provided options and explanations for everything one could need to have a stress free travel experience. The attention to detail did not stop with getting there and away. The retreat center was stunning, the accommodation was perfect for me. Very comfortable but in nature, wildlife everywhere, healing nature all around. The food and staff beyond expectation for any retreat. The facilitators were incredibly skilled, the work we did was profound, the container these facilitators created has continued after we have all returned home. We continue to support one another and this starts with carefully selected facilitators. If you are considering a retreat, please do yourself a favor and go with TwoCan retreats, you will be so happy you did. "
"I was hesitant about spending so much money for my bday trip but my intuition told me this is where I was meant to be, and I'm SO GLAD I listened to that voice within. The retreat was very organized without feeling too structured and allowed for free time between group activities. The community made from the retreat will last a lifetime as well as the tools I learned to take back with me to integrate healing into my everyday life. 10/10!! I can't recommend the Moving Through Grief retreat enough. Lastly, going into it I wasn't sure if a grief retreat was going to be really sad the whole time but in fact we LAUGHED A LOT! While of course there were times for tears and emotional releasing, we also felt a lot of joy together and that felt amazing."
"The Grief Retreat was such a beautiful experience. It exceeded my expectations and I came home feeling lighter and like I processed some things. Everyone was so kind and the teachers led activities that were healing like breathwork, sharing time, yoga and ecstatic dance. It was great to be able to work through emotions in a judgement free and very loving and accepting environment. I highly recommend for anyone that has experience loss or grief. "
"Finding the right words to best convey my extreme love and appreciation for this retreat that helped me find the joy in life again after unexpectedly losing my dad is hard. I’m not sure any words will do this remarkable experience justice but I will try. I knew I needed to get away from my day to day life to address the pain I was feeling and I was right. It was nothing short of a magical week in the rainforest! Strangers became lifelong friends as we told stories, shared tears, laughed, hugged, breathed, visualized our loved ones, practiced yoga, danced, sang songs, went on adventures, searched for sloths, and ate a lot of food. At the end of the week I released the weight of sorrow that had been preventing me from feeling joy and I’m grateful to the facilitators and other participants that helped to change my life. Being able to step away from my day to day life into a beautiful setting where I felt extremely cared for was the missing element in my grief journey. Now that I’m back at home I still speak daily with the group from the retreat, I’m smiling, I’m taking time to breathe, and I’m feeling comforted I still have a connection with my dad. Please put yourself first and make taking this trip a priority. You will not regret a single moment. "
"My experience with TwoCan Retreats was TRANSFORMATIVE!!! Mike & Stacy cared for our group like loving parents. They were very helpful during the booking process and answered any questions I had. Having never been to Costa Rica, I didn't know what to expect with traveling. However, their team was right there as soon as I landed and they took great care with my accommodations. Before, during and after the retreat, they went above and beyond to make sure I had an amazing experience. I appreciate their compassion and willingness to be an avenue of wellness and restoration. I can't wait to book with them again!
If you're wondering what a grief retreat is like, look no further. They create space and time for your grief and healing process. The destination is so breathtaking and encompassing that you will take it home with you ❤️ "
"I began my journey, “Moving through Grief”, as a somewhat broken, sad and lonely version of myself. My world had gotten gradually smaller day by day for the two years since my husband’s passing, until I felt more alone than I have ever felt in my life.
Our “tour guides “ on this journey were our loving, caring beautiful teachers who took us each by the hand and led us on the path we individually and/or collectively needed to take. Along the way, our guideposts included sharing raw emotions, loving kindness, new adventures, yoga, meditation, breathwork, song, dance, and love.
As on any journey, your body needs nourishment, rest and rejuvenation. The Imolea staff could not have been anymore attentive. Anything that we needed was provided with amazing attention to detail. Our meals were as delicious as they were beautifully presented. Our living spaces were a peaceful refuge at the end of each day. Waking to the sounds of the jungle around us helped to begin each day with a feeling of peace and beauty.
Along the way on this journey, I found new friends who have become a new family. I found love, acceptance and a feeling of peaceful joy as I begin my own journey to my new life. I can remember my loved one with happiness, peace and joy and know it’s okay to not be sad all the time. Most of all, I am no longer alone.
My heart is full of love and gratitude for my teachers, new friends and family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“Sometimes the light’s all shining on me
Other times I can barely see
Lately, it occurs to me
What a long strange (beautiful) trip it’s been”
Garcia, Weir, Lesh and Hunter
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"My experience alongside Stacy, as well as retreat attendees, was simply magical. Similar to grief, the retreat began with a deep dive into our losses, followed by carefully curated activities to help soothe the soul. From powerful yoga practices to writing to expressive body movement to rest, the retreat simulated the grief process within a safe container. I felt particularly moved by an evening breathwork experience against the rainy Costa Rican backdrop, which helped me finally tap into the ways grief has deeply impacted my body. On the final day of the retreat, I found myself more attuned to my entire being and of course, longing to remain in Costa Rica. If you're in search of a restorative growth experience as you grieve, this retreat is for you!"
""Twocanretreats" Costa Rica. "mourninsurf " retreat, July 2022.
Stacy and Mike of "twocanretreats" Are amazing! They both give 100% to all their retreat participant. From picking us all up at different times from the airport till the final goodbye they continued to hold a divine presents of joy, compassion and kindness. I loved how they chose top notch local vendors to provide us with healthy and exquisite meals, excellent yoga and surf instruction. The accommodations were beautiful with a very friendly staff. I look forward to attending another retreat with "twocanretreats".
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"From start to finish, this retreat was an absolute treasure. The facilitators accomplished an unbelievable balancing act of bringing their authentic human selves to running the retreat, and creating a strong safe container for hard emotional work, making sure the participants felt held, seen and had all their needs met, down to the last detail.
I felt knowledgeable about where I was going and safe, given that the retreat was remote. Stacy and Mike were available for questions prior to the trip and assisted many participants with setting up accommodations and travel. The retreat center wasn't so luxurious that it felt stuffy or sterile, but at the same time was comfortable, clean and absolutely gorgeous. The meals prepared for us were a work of art, healthy and made with love and concepts that supported the theme of the retreat- the chef drew inspiration from local ingredients and we felt nourished emotionally by the food. It was an excellent balance of adventure activities to get a feel for the area, relaxation, and therapeutic work as a group. Mike, Stacy's husband was lively and caring, assisting us with transportation as well as being an enthusiastic storyteller and travel guide in general.
The therapeutic practices themselves were decidedly intensive- we were asked to connect to our bodies holding trapped emotion and expose our stories and our wounds in a way that felt cathartic. I would say however that despite this being deep emotional work we were asked to do, none of the participants felt overwhelmed, flooded or had their boundaries invaded, indicating a perfect balance in the intensity level, considering the difficult material we all brought. We were always given the option to do less or more depending on our emotional capacity, and were encouraged to take care of ourselves. The other important thing the facilitators did was hand tailor the quantity of activities to our energy capacity- we were asked if we wanted to do more on a given day, or just relax. They didn't try to cram too much in, and paid attention to the vibe of how we were and organically set the pace based on it. When weather conditions didn't lend themselves to an activity, they paid attention to safety concerns and the event was adjusted.
I was honestly stunned by the beauty and the artistry behind the therapeutic techniques used to assist us in our healing. It was clear that J'aime, our dance instructor, went to great lengths to design exercises to combine body work with a profound connective experience with our lost loved ones, and with one another. The group cohesion I experienced could never have happened without the container the facilitators painstakingly worked to create. I left feeling safe, my pain shifted and released, and with a different level of trust and peace than I came in with. I can't endorse and recommend this group enough. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart for a life changing experience. "
"My husband died in early January of 2022 of a rare blood infection. This was so shocking and unexpected that I lived in a state of disbelief for a long time. I knew I needed help.
When a postcard was handed to me describing "Mourning Surf", I jumped at the chance to sign up. All of the aspects spoke to me from using the ocean as a metaphor for our grieving, to finding a way through our grief in movement and breath work, to sharing stories and building connections with other women who were experiencing deep loss and grief.
I am home now, trying to write a review of my experience, a totally impossible task. How do I convey the care, the love, the attention to detail, the space, the food, and the other leaders exquisite skill? The love, the love, the love.
The days are full
So beautifully constructed
Me, we, us
Stacy opens us
Mike supports us
Joy and Sorrow
Laughter and tears
Rain pours down
Matched by tears
Moving through grief
J"aime sees all
Moving through grief
Not for faint-hearted
We can move
We can dance
We can breathe
We can laugh
Feel the other
Love the other
Love myself too
I will survive
I will thrive
A transformative experience
I am changed
Made whole again
We created community
We built connection
I am home
A full heart
So very grateful.
"
"It’s hard to even put into words how much I admire Stacy and Mike. Their mission and purpose is so beautiful it makes you want to support them in every way! Their kindness and dedication made a huge impact on the energy and flow of the retreat, I couldn’t imagine being lead by anyone else. I also feel like they will remain a part of my life for years to come <3 they’re like the sweet Auntie and Uncle I never had! You would definitely be missing out if you didn’t experience one of their amazing offerings! Eternally grateful for them!!!"
"I was so excited to take class from J’aime. After following her social media and hearing about her mission, I was absolutely mesmerized. Being a dancer most of my life as well, I couldn’t wait to incorporate more healing somatic movement to my practice. The things I learned will stay with me forever. The exercises that J’aime created were out of this world, and I will keep implementing the techniques she showed me. She is such an inspiration and I feel so lucky having the chance to learn from her."
"Although I came to this retreat without any expectations, I was pleasantly surprised with the flow of everything. Although there were some things that didn’t go according to plan, Stacy, Mike and staff handled the stress with ease to make sure everything still ran smoothly. Every instructor, cook and staff member were absolutely amazing and brought so much more connection to the group. Overall, this was a blast and the people are what really made it that much more special. Can’t wait for another retreat!"
"Wow, where to even begin. This entire experience, from the moment we arrived until our last hugs goodbye was life changing. Mike and Stacy of Twocan Retreats have truly poured their hearts into this retreat and their warmth and passion and loving energy made us all feel like a big family. They took care of each and every one of us. This experience was unlike any other and through the bonds we created I felt loved, held, understood, supported, and seen. The work we did each day centered around grief and loss was intense, but the more we shared and opened up, the more vulnerable and softer we became allowing us to move through it together. Not only do I feel like I have a full tool kit of resources to help navigate my grief, but I now know I have this sisterhood of women to lean on. We were also surrounded by so much beauty in Costa Rica and the pura vida lifestyle was a beautiful reminder to slow down and soak up every single minute of our time there. The ocean and the rain felt so cleansing. It was so so magical. I left this retreat feeling alive again and I am so glad I said yes! "
"Stacy McCrory, MA, LMFT, is a very kind and knowledgeable person. She makes herself accessible and can gauge when a person wants to talk. When she spoke with me, she did so with much wisdom in addition to a good sense of humor. She proved me with valuable and helpful guidance to help me move forward in my life. "
"J’aime Morrison, PhD is an inspiration and an extraordinary teacher. She is navigating her grief with such grace and created a beautiful short film to express her journey. Her movement and yoga workshops were creative and relaxing. I took away a new understanding of body movements from her."
"When I arrived at the TwoCan retreat, I arrived broken. The two-year mark of my husband’s death was approaching and I was in a state of despair. But after spending almost a week there, I left feeling hopeful. Mike and Stacy facilitated an incredible experience within a safe community. Not only did they provide different activities for grieving, but the tropical environment was peaceful and calming. The camaraderie created amongst the participants twas beautiful. The food was delicious and healthy, and opportunities to explore Costa Rica were offered. I highly recommend TwoCan retreats."