The most intimate (only 12 participants) and most affordable ($3,750 CDN) retreat in Costa Rica
A retreat for women seeking creativity & connection, calm & comfort
Your home for the week will be Pagoda del Loto Azul (“Pagoda of the Blue Lotus”), a beautiful villa on Escaleras mountain, in the Uvita-Dominical district of Costa Rica, on the South Pacific coast — where the rainforest meets the ocean, whales migrate to spawn and adventure awaits.
You’ll have a balcony ocean view of the famous “Whale Tail," a natural sandbar formation that resembles the shape of a whale's tail during low tide — located in the exact spot where hundreds of humpback whales gather each year. Plus, you’ll meet Anna, the resident brown-throated three-toed sloth, who lives on the property.
We’ll be close to Marino Ballena National Park,
a protected sanctuary created to safeguard the abundant marine and wildlife that graces the waters of this area, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Revel in the unspoiled beaches, swim at the base of the majestic Nauyaca Waterfalls, participate in a soothing sound bath ceremony and shop in the local surf towns of Uvita and Dominical. Take an optional mangrove boat tour to observe monkeys, sloths, exotic birds and other wildlife.
Start your mornings on the spacious deck with a cup of coffee as you catch a view of toucans, monkeys, macaws and take in the sounds of the jungle as it wakes up — a magical start to your day. Take a dip in the refreshing pool and enjoy sunset views in the evenings.
Share your stories
Delve into your life experiences while learning the art of memoir
Move your body
Enjoy gentle morning yoga with a certified instructor
Savour delicious local fare
Lovingly prepared by our private chef using fresh, regional ingredients
Find peace of mind
Immerse yourself in the lush Costa Rican rainforest, swim in the ocean & enjoy a healing sound bath ceremony
Be part of a supportive community of women
Feel seen, heard, and inspired
Be prepared for a life-changing experience.
Your retreat leader: Anne Bokma
Mornings will be spent in intimate, inspiring and lively memoir writing workshops (designed for absolute beginners as well as more experienced writers) led by Anne Bokma, an award-winning author (My Year of Living Spiritually: One Woman’s Secular Quest for a More Soulful Life), memoir coach and workshop leader.
Over the course of the week, you will receive expert step-by-step guidance on developing a true story from your life with a series of compelling writing prompts, instruction on the fundamental elements of memoir, examples from powerful memoirs to inspire you, as well as one-on-one time with Anne, who will provide personal coaching on developing your story.
By the end of the week, you’ll feel restored and reconnected with yourself and others, having developed trusted new friends. Anne is an experienced retreat leader who understands the importance of creating a safe, confidential, and mutually respectful group setting that allows close connections to flourish.
We have room for a maximum of 12 guests.
Your yoga instructor: Courtney Fletcher
Enjoy gentle morning yoga sessions under a covered pavilion with majestic jungle and ocean views, led by Courtney, founder of Inner Sea Yoga Academy in Uvita, Costa Rica, a master yoga and meditation teacher with 18+ years of experience and training in India. (No yoga experience is necessary — sessions are adapted to suit all levels of practice.)
Your chef: Asja
Asja, our personal local chef, has more than a decade of culinary experience in Costa Rica and works closely with local farmers to source all organic seasonal ingredients for her farm-to-table meals. In addition to three delicious meals a day, Asja also incorporates daily desserts, smoothies and juices. All dietary preferences will be accommodated.
Your sound bath practitioner: Ru-tee
Ru-tee, a sound bath practitioner who makes Costa Rica her home, will lead us in a 2-hour sound bath healing session, a powerful and soothing practice that uses vibrations to balance and heal the mind, body, and soul. Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, emotional blockages, or physical discomfort, sound healing can help guide you back to a place of peace and alignment.
Relax & rejuvenate amidst the sights & sounds of nature
Marvel at magnificent sunsets, take a dip in the refreshing pool, catch sight of colourful birds and flowers and meet Anna, the property’s resident three-toed cloth.
Your Itinerary
Thursday, Feb. 12: Arrive at Juan SantaMaria International (SJO) Airport & shuttle to nearby Hampton by Hilton Airport Hotel.
Friday, Feb. 13: Private transport to Pagoda del Loto Azul (“Pagoda of the Blue Lotus”), lunch, settling in, opening circle to connect and ground us for the week, followed by dinner.
Saturday, Feb. 14: Yoga, breakfast, writing workshop, lunch, optional afternoon excursion to Domincal (included in your retreat experience), dinner.
Sunday, Feb. 15: Yoga, breakfast, writing workshop, optional excursion and picnic lunch at Nauyaca Falls (included in your retreat experience), dinner
Monday, Feb. 16: Yoga, breakfast, writing workshop, lunch, sound bath ceremony (included in your retreat experience), dinner.
Tuesday, Feb. 17: Yoga, breakfast, writing workshop, lunch, optional afternoon excursion to a local beach — Playa Dominical, Playa Uvita, Playa Pinuelas (included in your retreat experience), dinner.
Wednesday, Feb. 18: Yoga, breakfast, writing workshop, lunch, closing storytelling ceremony, dinner.
Thursday, Feb. 19: Yoga, breakfast, packing up, lunch, private transport to Hampton by Hilton Airport Hotel. Dinner on your own at the hotel.
Friday, Feb. 20: Return flight
AFTERNOON EXCURSIONS
(included in your retreat fee)
We’ll visit the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls where you can swim in a large natural pool of crystal-clear waters before sitting down to a classic picnic lunch beside the falls.
Playa Dominical, Playa Uvita and Playa Pinuelas are the nearby tranquil sandy beaches backed by lush hills and untouched natural beauty. With no development directly on the shoreline, they offer a rare, unspoiled escape. Calm waters and golden sunsets make these beaches a perfect spot to unwind.
Wander through the vibrant beachside town of Dominical, where beachside artisan markets meet boho-chic boutiques. Discover handmade jewelry, tropical fashion, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs — a treasure hunt in paradise.
Extending your stay
Our host, Tim West, owner of Pagoda del Loto Azul is available to assist with recommendations if you’d like to extend your stay and arrange for excursions such as snorkelling, whale watching, mangrove tours, etc.
GET IN TOUCH AND WE’LL REACH OUT ABOUT NEXT STEPS!
Testimonials for Pagoda del Loto Azul
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Our stay at this stunning retreat center was nothing short of magical. The view of the ocean is absolutely breathtaking—nestled high in the jungle with cool, refreshing breezes and shaded by the lush canopy.”
“Each room is thoughtfully designed and beautifully comfortable. The pool is a dream—perfect for relaxing and soaking in the peaceful surroundings.”
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“Every meal was a highlight—perfectly cooked local fish, vibrant tropical fruits, and crisp vegetables, all bursting with flavour.”
Testimonials for retreat leader Anne Bokma
““For total strangers at the beginning of the trip, there was a wonderful bonding and ease of connection between us by week’s end. It was a life changing trip in terms of personal growth — one I am so grateful for.””
“The retreat was perfectly structured, restful and productive. I encourage anyone to go on this incredible journey!””
“I was a little nervous about the writing portion of the retreat since I’ve never written before, but Anne was a great teacher, always available for one-on-one coaching and by the end of the week we’d each written a personal story to share…We talked, we laughed, we cried and, of course, we drank some wine! It’s an experience I would highly recommend.”
“This retreat was a wonderful experience with a marvellous bunch of women...everyone was so friendly and supportive. I have made new friends that I can count on.”
“Not only did Anne’s prompts and feedback help me write a memoir piece that I was proud of, but I also became motivated to begin writing the book that has been in my head for ten years — I just needed some encouragement and more confidence, which is exactly what this retreat gave me.”
ROOMS AVAILABLE
Elephant Room: Oceanview with two queen beds & private bath
Poolside Room #1: Queen bed with shared bath
Poolside Room #2: King bed with shared bath
Pagita Casita: Separate cabin with two single beds and a private bath
Casita Grand Lower Suite: Two single beds + living space and kitchen/shared bath
Casita Grande Upper Suite: Two single beds with access to private deck & private bath
Jungle Room: 2 single beds with private bath
A soul-satisfying experience to remember
Life is short. Give yourself this gift of spaciousness to be creative, to explore, to engage in the healing practice of yoga, to relax and to make new friends. This is a time for you and a time to be together in community.
During our week together, you will be guided in life-sustaining movement exercises and inspirational memoir teaching. You will be nurtured in beautiful, soul-satisfying surroundings with delicious meals and the company of a caring community of fellow retreat participants. This is a week that will help increase your capacity for resilience, joy, movement and creativity in your life.
YOUR RETREAT EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
8-nights accommodation
Hotel stay upon arrival on Feb. 12, and the night before departure on Feb. 20 at Hampton by Hilton (includes airport shuttle and complimentary breakfast)
Group transport to and from the airport hotel to the retreat
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with menus prepared by a local personal chef and adapted for dietary preferences
Daily 1-hour mindful morning yoga
Daily 2-hour memoir writing workshops with Anne
One-on-one writing coaching with Anne
Sound bath session with Ru-tee
Closing ceremony of shared stories
Guided hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls with picnic lunch
Excursion to the nearby town of Dominical
Excursion to local beaches
Beautiful yoga pavilion complete with all yoga supplies (mats, bolsters, etc.)
In-ground pool
Owner/staff on site to assist with additional excursions
On-site laundry available
Assistance with travel info & booking, pre-trip Zoom call with group and WhatsApp group for participants to stay connected
Retreat fee: $3,750 early bird rate (book by November 15)
After Nov. 15: $3,950
RETREAT FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Airfare
Travel insurance (mandatory for this experience)
Alcohol (Note: If you would like to purchase alcohol for your vacation, the best place to do this is at the duty-free shop at the airport.)
Dinner at the airport hotel on Feb. 19
THE BEST PART?
We’ve done all the work for you, including finding the best direct return flight from Toronto to Costa Rica, booking your airport hotel accommodations where you will stay on your first and final nights, and a wonderful week of meals and activities that are planned and organized on your behalf.
ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS LET US KNOW YOU’RE INTERESTED.
ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE!
YOUR INVESTMENT
$3,950 CDN. Sold on a first-come, first-served basis. (Rooms range from private rooms with king and queen beds and full baths to shared queen and single rooms with shared baths).
All participants will meet with the retreat leader via Zoom before final booking. Once booking is confirmed, a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 CDN is required to hold your spot. The balance of the retreat fee is due December 1, 2025. Please let us know if you need to create a payment plan.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE – SAN JOSE´AIRPORT/HOTEL
You will be staying at The Hampton by Hilton airport hotel in San José on the nights of Feb. 12 and Feb. 19. We have reserved a block of double rooms (if you are travelling with a friend, you can share the room; otherwise, we will pair you with an appropriate roommate for the two nights).
The selected/flight to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) arrives in San José on the evening of Feb. 12, which requires a one-night stay at the hotel. The hotel has a 24-hour shuttle that will take you directly from the airport to the hotel in less than five minutes. The hotel also has a free hot breakfast available. On the morning of Feb. 13 guests will be picked up after breakfast by our drivers for the 3.5 hour drive to Pagoda del Loto Azul.
At the end of the retreat, after lunch on Feb. 19, our drivers will take you to the same hotel to stay the night before your early morning departure home on Feb. 20.
EXTEND YOUR STAY
If you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica, there are plenty of excursions to discover in the area, including kayaking, mangrove tours, whale watching, snorkelling, surf lessons, Manuel Antonio National Park, ziplining and more. Our host, Tim, is available to help you plan experiences if you decide to stay on.
Your questions answered:
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Not at all! Whether you’re a novice or practice yoga at an advanced level, yoga sessions will be appropriate for all levels.
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No worries! Anne, is an experienced writing coach who works with all levels of writers, including those who have never written a word before.
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We are unable to provide refunds after booking due to deposits that are required to reserve the villa, transportation, staffing, etc. While we fully expect this retreat to sell out quickly, we reserve the right to cancel if there are fewer than 12 participants. We will be meeting via Zoom with those interested in booking the retreat before confirming your registration.
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If you are flying from Toronto, please ensure you book this flight.
• Air Transat flight TS112 non-stop to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, Costa Rica. Departs Toronto on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:05 p.m. Arrives in San Jose at 11:35 p.m. local time.
• Return flight to Toronto on Friday, Feb. 20 at 8:35 a.m. local time. Arrives in Toronto at 2:50 p.m.Please do not book your flight until we have confirmed the retreat is fully booked.
If you are flying from outside of Toronto, please ensure that you arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José on Feb. 12. A room will have been booked for you for that evening and our driver will be picking you up on the morning of Feb. 13. If you arrive at any other time, we cannot be responsible for your transportation to the villa.
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During this time, most of Costa Rica enjoys hot and sunny weather with less rain. Temperatures range from a low of 17°C to a high of 27°C.
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No vaccinations are required.
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Yes, wi-fi is available throughout the property.
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Yes, closed toed shoes for hiking/walking throughout the villa as well as rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat.
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It is very important to have your hotel and villa reservation documents and your return flight information handy for customs agents, who may ask for them.
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We encourage our guests to shop at the duty-free at the airport to bring any wine or alcohol. The nearest food/alcohol outlet is a 30 minute drive from the villa (a $50US taxi ride).
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Yes, we will require that you provide proof of travel/health insurance after booking and we will also require you to you sign a liability waiver.
