Find Authentic Retreats in Provincia De Guanacaste Costa Rica

"Jacqui knows what she is doing and she does it well. She seemed to be right where I needed her to be and I didn't even know it until she was there. Jacqui is magical, insightful, professional, and fun. Everyone needs a Jacqui in their life. I can't say enough good things about what I experienced with Jacqui. She is doing gods work and it is clear she is doing what she is meant to be doing. I am forever grateful that I got to experience Jacqui and the work she offers. "

"I had no idea what to expect but this experience with Jacqui and her staff was way more than I could have imagined. From her professionalism and knowledge, to her nurturing and guidance. I felt safe, cared for, and I had incredible breakthroughs specifically because of Jacqui's wisdom. Again from the professionalism, guidance, support, knowledge, every detail was thought through carefully. The food could have been it's own magical experience. Not only beautifully presented, the taste of every single bite delivered was a treat to my body. This is a retreat that everyone should experience no matter what you are seeking in your life. Do yourself a favor and gift yourself with a retreat with Jacqui and her staff. You will be happy you did. "

"I don't think I have ever felt more safe and supported than I did with Jacqui's guidance. She held my hand through every step of the way and I felt her genuine care for me. Jacqui is an angel on earth. She knows what she is doing and she does it well. "

"Every detail was impeccable. This experience was the best experience of my life. I felt cared for, nourished, and safe during every part of the journey from preparation, to arrival, during journeys, and even after I left. I recommend everyone under the sun to experience a retreat with Jacqui and her team at Embracing Your Light. They are top notch. They know what they are doing and it matters. What they have given me is a life-changing gift. My life has changed in the best possible way after my retreat with Jacqui and her team. "

"Every detail of this retreat was well thought out, from the food, to the location, to the medicinal therapeutic ceremonies. The connections I made and the work I was able to do was phenomenal. I felt as though I received years of therapy in only a few days. Jacqui and her team are brilliant and professional. This retreat truly and completely changed my life for the better. "

"Reunion is truly an extraordinary place. The staff here is the most attentive and caring I’ve ever encountered, making sure each person is supported and cared for throughout their unique journey. It’s clear that this non-profit is deeply committed to ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This was the best experience of my life, and I’ve never felt more loved or safe than I did at Reunion. Their dedication to creating a nurturing environment is unparalleled, and I can confidently say that there’s no other place I would go for such a transformative experience. If you're seeking a life-changing journey with people who genuinely care, you are in the best hands with Reunion."

"I was so excited about this retreat but then things happened and it got derailed and we were not treated correctly. There were 11 of us and 4 people left mid week. They didn't feel safe and we had concerns about what was put in the tea the rest of us tried to speak to the 4 facilitators about our concerns and what happened and they seemed to take it ok but then the next day we were pulled into a meeting where the tone had changed and they read this ridiculous email from the owner that said he didn't appreciate the treatment of his staff and offered us all 50 percent refund to leave. We were told this is not a discussion and we had to decide right then and shuttles would be there at 5 pm. If I was by myself I would have left because this came out of nowhere and was rude. But I was with a friend who wanted to stay. I also found them not accessible or really interested in us. I like trying mushrooms in a closed, monitored environment but didn't enjoy this retreat. ----------------------- Retreat Center Response ----------------------- We appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. There is, however, important context missing from your comments. During the retreat week you are referencing, a guest was not honest on their pre-retreat intake and failed to disclose crucial parts of their health history. These omissions led to a negative experience, which perpetuated anxiety and paranoia. Of utmost importance to us at Reunion is to provide a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for people to experience a transformative retreat. On rare occurrence when participants are unable to be respectful of fellow guests or staff, it is best for them to leave. The referenced individuals who left were consulted and refunded in full. Our Founder is always available to connect with past or future guests should there be questions or comments."

"This was my first Ayahuasca journey and I'm eternally grateful for the journey. Everyone at reunion made us feel like a family. Some of the key highlights was that the journey I embarked on provided me a road map of my life and how all my life events led me exactly to where I am today. Throughout the ceremonies I can say I always felt safe. If you're questioning your purpose and you feel called to connect to your true self, then reunion is the place. "

"Wow. From someone who’s experienced extensive trauma throughout life, I have been on a mission to heal and clear it for a number of years and Reunion has been my saviour. It changed my life! I’ve had a number of different holistic and energy healing sessions done in the past and Ayahuasca was the final one where I’ve had a strong calling for it for a few years, but my main concern was safety and finding a resort to accommodate this. The minute I found out about Reunion, my intuition didn’t once question it regardless of my analytical brain wanting to know all about the resort and process. I had done some research and after a call with Tommy, I just knew it was the perfect place for me. Once booked, the contributors helped out with logistics (as I travelled in from the UK) and any questions that arose in between. Having type one diabetes, after a few questions I wasn’t one bit concerned about the level of safety on site as I was reassured that they had a medical nurse on the property. During my stay, the facilitators and Shamans genuinely cared about my health and sugar levels throughout the entire experience. I felt so comfortable that I ended up doing 2 full weeks there! The second week was booked on my last day of week one :) I attended the resort with my husband and when we arrived, the friendliest and such courteous contributors (staff) welcomed us and provided us with all the information we needed throughout our stay. The rooms were spacious, clean and very fitting for the medicine. The resort itself is like a sanctuary, with the perfect balance of nature all around. The beach was incredible and I’ve never enjoyed swimming in the Ocean so much during free time. We were given a timetable for the week upon arrival, met with the facilitators and given a thorough briefing of what we were to expect within our week and journey with Mama Ayahuasca. The food served throughout was incredible! Healthy, nutritious and delicious! Set and setting was key at Reunion and the team ensured that everyone was made to feel comfortable and safe as it was a place of no judgement. The medicine with the help of the Shamans and facilitators made my healing journey so profound and beyond what I could have imagined within the two weeks of my stay. I received so many answers and guidance about my health, past traumas and lineage along with such wisdom from both Mama Ayahuasca and the incredible Wakana White Owl, Medicine woman. During my two weeks, I was stunned how much mama ayahuasca reduced my intake of insulin and showed real time results, working her magic with my pancreas. During ceremonies if my sugars were higher than normal, I would trust the medicine to bring me down to a stabilised level without the aid of insulin and it occurred every time. It even took my sugars higher when I entered the ceremony once with slightly lower blood sugars and I fully trusted the process. The magic was unfolding and I know there was profound healing happening for me in the background. The Ayahuasca also helped clear my skin of existing eczema within the two weeks as well as strengthening my hair, nails and skin barriers. I had existing nerve pain in my feet which disappeared by week two. I felt my liver, kidneys and internal systems all go through a detoxification process. My energy and vibration completely shifted and my loved ones have already noticed such a positive difference - and I am in the second week of integration as I write this. The medicine has also helped me heal my relationships with my loved ones and has also made me very self confident and self aware. It has made such a difference in such a short time! The ceremonies were designed and carried out so beautifully with the aid of the most amazing music! Each ceremony had a different experience. To both Shamans: Wakana, White Owl - you with the help of Mama Ayahuasca changed and saved my life. The healing and wisdom I gained from you both as a team will forever be honoured. Thank you for being such a beautiful light! I love you and appreciate your help and guidance throughout the two weeks. Shamanka - thank you for your amazing guidance, wisdom and sound healing. Your angelic voice came to the rescue as and when it was needed. I appreciate you so much! Alia & Sheldon (the amazing facilitators), you made the experience at Reunion extra special. So kind and courteous and the help you provided throughout made all the difference. I really appreciate your energy, wisdom and guidance through and through. Rommel (security), Hector, Yesenia, Mariano (front of house), Vanessa (nurse) - thank you all for being such amazing souls and being of aid when needed. Your kindness has touched me. Finally - Brad - the founder of this incredible sanctuary. I am in awe of what you have built and created. From how the resort is managed, the contributors, and the safe space you provided both myself and my husband to be so vulnerable and open our hearts to so much healing. I left with a soul family whom I met week one and will forever cherish that. I appreciate you and the non for profit organisation you have created at Reunion. I look forward to returning soon and just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me ignite my life and reunite with my soul and purpose here on Gaia. Thank you Reunion! "

"Hello beautiful souls! I just completed a 7 day Mama Ayahuasca Retreat from Sept.28-Oct.5th! My life will NEVER BE THE SAME! Reunion has created such a SAFE Space and Environment, from the food, to the atmosphere, to the people who literally LOVE WHAT THEY DO! Which is literally “WALK YOU BACK HOME TO YOURSELF”! If your looking for a deep and raw healing from the inside out, than Reunions Ayahuasca’s Retreat is the way to go! The support and love you will experience here is truly priceless! The Shaman and everyone here truly care about you and your wellbeing. I sat through all 4 ceremonies and Mama has shown me so much and has healed me in more ways than I can “logically explain”! My Soul feels as if the time clock rewinded 10+ years and I feel so grateful and filled with so much passion for life and my new journey! My physical chronic pain I used to take medicine for is almost completely obliterated! I purged out soooo much of what was not in my highest good and also what never belonged for me to carry in the first place…my soul is lighter and I feel free and transformed with the strength to take on whatever life throws my way with nothing but pure LOVE! Please make this investment in yourself, your SOUL WILL THANK YOU! Thank you from the bottom of my Heart to all the Contributors at REUNION! I AM ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR THIS EXPERIENCE!"

"I hold such gratitude for Ananda Lodge. What a truly special, safe and sacred space to surrender into healing. I am very selective on where and who I do plant medicine journeys with, as it's something I don't take lightly. My Huachuma experience with Ananda, and their Huachumero, Chase, of Spirit Collective was one of the most profound healing experiences I have ever had. This is because I truly felt safe. They have created such a welcoming, trauma-informed container and it's clear they hold lots of integrity in the work they do, and who they allow to offer these plant medicines. They keep their ceremonies to smaller, intimate groups to ensure everyone gets the attention and care they deserve/need, which to me is of so much importance in this type of work. Its evident they have opened this retreat center to truly assist others on their healing journey from a place of integrity and from the heart. Which i am so grateful for, as I have experienced other spaces that only treat it from a business perspective. Not only was my plant medicine experience profound, but the land and amenities are of top quality and comfort. I was blessed to see a family of over 40 monkeys on my journey, which is something I'll never forget. The food is nourishing, high quality, made with love and delicious!!! They also accommodate to all dietary restrictions, which is an added bonus. I look forward to returning and continuing my healing and work here in the future. Thank you Kim, Jay, Chase and the rest of the Ananda team. 🙏💞"

"I had wanted to journey with Aya for the past 2 years and finally made the commitment to myself and scheduled. There was no other place I was going to go than Reunion. Everything about it felt right. Boy, am I grateful for that decision. From the moment I was picked up at the airport to the moment they dropped me off, it was nothing short of incredible. I cannot say enough about the staff there. They are so kind, accommodating, courteous and supportive. The ceremonies were perfectly put together. The Shaman were so experienced and prepped us for ceremony so well, especially for a large group of people who were experiencing her for the first time. The facilitators, shaman and security made you feel completely safe the entire time as well as being so encouraged when things got hard. I am a therapist and work with trauma on a daily basis. I also have experienced extensive trauma in my own life and have done numerous therapies to aid in my healing like EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, Neurofeedback and so much more. This experience was hands down the most healing and profound weeks of my life. I believe the healing I have done up to this point laid the foundation but Aya took it home and I have never experienced so much peace and serenity. Aya is not for everyone, but if you feel it is for you, I would not go anywhere else to experience her. Freedom is at your fingertips and Reunion is the place that showed me mine and I am eternally grateful. "

"Chase was great. I look forward to working with him again"

"Was an experience like I've never had before. Would recommend to everyone. Wow"

"Chase is a great guy and I really enjoyed our time together and our conversations. He lead us on an amazing journey and was always there to check in and take care of us. Hope to see him again one day. "

"Amazing time in an amazing place. Thank you for creating this space and sharing it with us. "

"My experience was one of connection to the property and the surrounding. The facilities were what I would consider Eco Luxury, very comfortable and a focus on the details. The bathroom soap was homemade, the linens were cozy, and the rooms had an incredible view of the jungle, the property and the ocean. I never had to run AC because the ceiling fan was super efficient and didn't make a noise when cooling me off. There were monkey living in the canopy, a pizote passed by my room once, and I saw mapaches down by the bristling creek. The proprietors Kim and Jay, where very welcoming and catered to us throughout our entire stay. The medicine guide they brought in was top notch and always attentive as well. The homemade food was super rico, and a vegan option was available. The lodge went above and beyond my expectations and as local in the community, I'm happy there are such passionate people hosting retreats nearby. "

"I attended the huachuma week long retreat and had an amazing experience. Chase, the huachumero, hold the space and the medicine so wonderfully. Ananda Lodge is a beautiful and safe space. The food was amazing! They use local ingredients to give you new experiences and as well as elevate well known dishes. I had an amazing time."

"Chase is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had! Very competent, allowing and genius in facilitating the change that wants to come through. I felt safe and supported and wouldn’t have achieved what I did without him. He is a wise Huachumero and a compassionate human being with good humor and integrity. I hope to get to work with him again "

"I’ve had a few experiences with retreats but this might be my favorite! The accommodation is luxurious and new and very comfortable- just beautiful! The Huachemero Chase is one of the kindest, most humble and most competent teachers I’ve worked with. It was easy to feel safe and to trust the people and the medicine. The Ananda Lodge Team is awesome! So supportive and kind and I really enjoyed getting to know all of them. This place is magic and I love that it’s smaller than other centers as it feels more intimate and allows the individual to have space for themselves. I’m forever grateful and look forward to come back! "

"I’ve been to a few local events here and all have been amazing! I love how they focus on creating safe spaces for healing and wellbeing. The center is so beautiful; no detail overlooked. The owners are so lovely, too."

"Ananda is such a beautiful space and they are bringing safe and informative programs to the plant medicine space. This women’s circle was so lovely and I can’t wait till they host again 💕"

"I loved my experience at Ananda Lodge. It is absolutely stunning and was so peaceful. I wished I could have stayed longer. I’m looking forward to many more experiences there. ❤️"

"Words can’t express my experience at Ananda Lodge. I have recently returned from a 3 day women’s medicine retreat. I’ve experienced sound bath, yoga, cacao ceremony, beautiful nourishing shared meals, somatic therapies, mushroom medicine ceremony, integrative support, trauma informed care, love, compassion, connection, and community (to say the LEAST) the profound guidance, releases, and healings I’ve experienced within just 3 days was something that must be experienced and is unexplainable in words. Kim and Rachel were an absolute blessing throughout the whole process. Their guidance, wisdom, and loving support created the utmost safe container to experience a chance to sink deeper than ever before within my spiritual practice, connecting to myself, and have gifted my more integrative tools to continue to expand through my life. They are focused on intimidate groups to offer the most in depth care- a healing center that is TRULY, and authentically living and creating in alignment with their values. I am looking forward to many more sites and experiences through this space and I can’t recommend them enough. My most humbled gratitude and the most love for you ladies and the your ever expanding community you are building. Thank you thank you 💙"

"Ananda is located in a beautiful hill in Playa Grande, with the most amazing view of the jungle and the ocean, it is so inspiring. The lodge has a very clean design that merges so nicely with the surroundings. The bedrooms are spacious, and the bed is super comfortable. About the ceremony, it was the first time I had an experience with plant medicine, but Kimberly and Rachael were so nurturing and loving that it made me feel safe. Honestly, it is a life changing experience, that everyone should experience at least once their lives. The integration session the day after, was so enlightening, I truly felt seen and heard with love and compassion, like never before in my life. It really warms my heart when I think of Ananda Lodge and the people I connected with there. "

"We were so lucky to host a retreat at the stunning Ananda Lodge in July 2024 and....WOW. The pictures look beautiful, but they don't even begin to do justice to how incredible that piece of land is. What they don't and can't possibly capture is the deep, powerful, and sacred energy of the property, which serves as a central part of the healing and transformation that happens there. The facilities are gorgeous. Kim and Jason and incredibly attentive, supportive, and beautiful energies in their role as stewards and hosts of the space. The food was...I have literally never had a better week of food in my life. All of this sounds like hyperbole, but I cannot say enough good things about this place and the people running it. Anyone would be fortunate indeed to get to host or attend a retreat at Ananda."

"There are not enough words to express how special Reunion Costa Rica truly is. Everything about it is amazing, safe, powerful, and absolutely beautiful. I have found my safe place in reunion for the rest of my life. Reunion will forever have a special place in my heart! "

"Ananda Lodge is nothing short of amazing. The owners Kimberly and Jason have put so much intention into the land and space to provide the utmost trauma informed care to allow others to truly surrender into deep healing, restoration and nourishment for not only the soul, but the mind and body. The amenities are top quality - with private modern, luxurious accommodations with an ocean view, a beautifully crafted dining space, a sacred healing maloca, refreshing pool and a thoughtfully curated layout. The food is absolutely delicious, organic, locally sourced and made with intention and love. The various team members are heart led, welcoming and there to serve your healing process and experience. The retreat center is located perfectly in the sense that you feel you are far removed from society in a peaceful setting surrounded by lush jungle but close enough to modern amenities and the beach should you decide to leave for an excursion or day trip to explore. I highly recommend this centre for anyone seeking a safe, comfortable environment to deeply heal and do sacred inner work. "

"Where to start? The lush jungle? The delicious meals? The refreshing pool? The peaceful escape from society? The resort dog Irie? ✨ Ananda Lodge is a new boutique retreat center destined for glory! ✨"

"For those who go to have experience first time this is the perfect place. The surrounding is amazing . The love care, support and attention to details is outstanding. In this place you feel comfortable , safe and happy. I will be back soon. The stay is worth all money you pay. Many opportunities given to have profound experience. "