Back from Costa Rica and excited to share a bit about the experience! We wrapped up our forth and final retreat of the year in Nosara, Guanacaste Costa Rica.
When, Where, & Why
Costa Rica is really such a special place. The people are so kind and welcoming. The landscape is something you can’t seem to believe is real. Everything moves at a slower pace, bringing intention and presence to it all. Which is exactly why we’ve decided to host 3 yoga retreats in Costa Rica.
This retreat centered around “Deep Presence” a total state of undivided attention and conscious awareness rooted in the present moment, free from the distractions of past memories or future worries. A constant reminder that you are here now. Why choose this? Because people simply don’t find time to truly enjoy the moment anymore. We’re worried about what’s to come, or whats happened. We feel guilty giving to ourselves when there are so many other things we could do.
The list goes on…
A Little Non Retreat Fun…
Look, I’ve hosted 3 international retreats now and all of them have been in Costa Rica. I’ve learned a thing or two about how to fill up my own cup, before and after being a retreat host. Let’s not get confused, I feel insanely grateful that work “job” requires to me travel to Costa Rica to host a yoga retreat with people that genuinely want to be there. People who have signed up and are trusting me to provide a deeply healing experience.
But, at the end of the day, it’s still work and I’m on the entire time. So, I’ve learned having a day or two to adjust before the retreat starts, and a day or two to decompress after the retreat wraps us is vital!
Had the chance to go on a guided caving experience in Barra Honda National Park! Definitely something I won’t forget and highly suggest!
So with that being said, I made a little highlight list of what I did when I wasn’t hosting a yoga retreat. ;)
Guided caving experience in Barra Honda National Park
Beach downtime
Explored local shops, and markets. I had to bring a few things home!
Found a few waterfalls
Ate very good food
Tried to pet every dog I could
Cue “don’t go chasing waterfalls…”
Ok Back To The Retreat!
Our second time hosting at Azul Hotel & Retreat and it did not disappoint. Located along the Pacific coast in Playa Azul, Guanacaste, within Costa Rica's Nicoya Blue Zone, the property offers a beautiful setting to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a little time away from everyday routines.
Tucked away in a quiet, private setting, Azul has a way of making you feel like you have the place to yourself. Between the beachside yoga shala, ocean views, tropical surroundings, pool, and spaces to relax, it provided a wonderful backdrop for our retreat. We loved having a dedicated space to come together for movement while still having plenty of room for personal downtime, adventure, and connection.
For us, a meaningful retreat is about more than the yoga itself. It's the people, the surroundings, and all those little moments in between. We're so grateful to have shared this experience at Azul and would absolutely recommend it to anyone dreaming of a Costa Rica getaway centered around wellness, nature, and relaxation.
What The Days Looked Like
Each morning started with coffee (of course) or tea. We’d gather at the yoga shala and start the day with a more energizing flow. An all levels vinyasa class. It was a great way to wake up, get the body warm, and get the mind right. It was literally a dream having the ocean as our view and the sound of the crashing waves carry us into savasana. Many attendees mentioned this being a highlight of their trip!
We definitely carved out time to do nothing because we all need more of that. Making sure we all had a chance to enjoy the space how we wanted and needed to. Some of us opted for a lot of pool / hot tub hanging, others opted in on beach time and beach walks, and some stayed snuggled in their hammocks. One of the best places to take a mid afternoon nap.
What About Excursions?
Of course we took time to explore off the property too! We headed into town to explore the local market and entire scene. We had lunch by the beach and got stuck in the rain running back to the cars. Exactly as it should be! We also had snorkeling on the agenda, and sadly the weather didn’t work with us so we had to cancel! A divine redirection, and a chance to practice true going with the flow…
Let’s not forget to mention, spa services were sprinkled in throughout the weekend and it was lovely to see attendees floating out of their massages, and facials.
The days were broken up a bit by mini meditation and breath work sessions. A wonderful chance to drop back in a bit.
We wrapped up each evening with a lovely dinner. All the food at Azul as AMAZING! Dinner would take us right into our sleepy yin practice. We had the jungle sounds soothing us the entire time.
Kelley getting ready for yin. <3
Until Next Time…
There's something about Costa Rica that always seems to remind me to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy what's right in front of me. This retreat was another beautiful reminder of why I love creating these experiences and bringing people together in places that encourage us to step away from the everyday and reconnect with ourselves.
The final retreat with Rooted Renewal Wellness Retreats and I'm feeling incredibly grateful for every person who has been a part of them. The conversations, the laughs, the movement, the quiet moments, and everything in between are what make these experiences so special.
While our 2026 retreat season has come to a close, there's more to come! I'll be sharing upcoming 2027 retreat dates as they're announced, so stay connected and keep an eye out for what's next.
And if Zion has been on your mind, there's still one bunk open for Return To You in Zion! I'd love to have you join us.
Until the next adventure, remember to make a little more room for the moments you're already in.
