Healing for the Healers: A Healthcare Workers' Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica with Drs. Jenna and Jillian

Your TourHero

Dr Jenna Creaser and Dr Jillian MacDonald

Dr. Jenna Creaser
Dr. Jenna is committed to helping others live a more balanced and healthy life. Her career as a physician includes Rural Family Practice, Women’s Health, Maternity Care, and Functional Medicine. After completing her medical training, she continued to explore and gain experience in several other holistic modalities including Ayurveda, Yoga, Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy, Health Coaching, Herbalism and more.

She is also a certified Yoga teacher with 500+ hours of training focused on mental health and yoga therapy. Her training also includes Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Mate’s CI training). Jenna recognizes the ongoing personal growth and self care required to serve others and live well in today’s society, humbly continuing her own work and healing as her practice grows. She believes with intention and awareness we can become more grounded, balanced, healthy, empowered and present in our own lives… co-creating a healthier, more beautiful world. She loves to travel and connect with others in wild spaces and places, often with her companion Hanz (a mini dachshund) along for the ride.

Dr. Jillian MacDonald
Dr. Jillian MacDonald is a chronic pain physician, mother of three young children, wife, and passionate practitioner of mindfulness. In her early days as a new physician, she found meditation and yoga as a way to help with her feelings of overwhelm and burn out. Bringing her knowledge of mindfulness to her chronic pain practice, she realized it was not only beneficial for herself, but also for patients. This started a journey of self healing and discovery. Since then, she has completed multiple trainings in understanding and treating trauma and psychotherapy modalities including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is a Trained Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator and has been leading online mindfulness groups and retreats for several years.

She enjoys traveling with her family, morning workouts and early bedtimes. She’s been attending wellness retreats for years, many with Jenna, and is looking forward to bringing her knowledge, skills and authenticity to create a beautiful transformational experience together.

Duration

5 days · 4 nights

Travel Date

Feb 28 – Mar 3, 2024

Activity Level

Light

Group Size

10 – 12

Transportation

Group shuttle

Tour Price

USD 1,963
/ person

Your Fellow Explorers

Age range

21+

Travel interest

Yoga, wellness, healthcare workers-only, mindfulness, nature, healing

Your Local Guide

Guide Pagoda Del Loto Azul

Visit Pagoda is a luxury vacation rental and yoga retreat property situated in the lush jungle between Uvita and Dominical. Pagoda aims to help all who visit find peace and harmony in the magic of the Pura Vida energy. From their 360 open-air yoga deck and refreshing pool, to Cacao ceremonies and sound healing, the knowledgeable staff will ensure you leave here feeling rested, rejuvenated, and healed.

Costa Rica>Healing for the Healers: A Healthcare Workers' Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica with Drs. Jenna and Jillian

To properly take care of others, you have to take care of yourself first. On this five-day journey, you and a group of like-minded healthcare workers will be given the chance to do just that. You'll get to engage in rejuvenating daily yoga practice, group meditations, and mindfulness sessions. Besides the company of your peers, nature will also be your guide on our journey. Costa Rica is home to a great number of wildlife. During our stay, we might get the chance to meet and marvel at some of them. Additional activities like a temazcal ceremony, a sound journey, wildlife refuge visit, and excursions into the beautiful landscapes of Uvita will help you find inner peace and harmony with the world that surrounds you. Book now to reserve your spot!

Please note: retreat is open to any healthcare professionals (ie. physicians, nurses, counsellors, allied healthcare workers, etc). This is an experiential and restorative experience for those who find themselves in a healthcare role where they are giving to others, and offers an opportunity to give back to oneself. Sessions will include practical teachings on topics including mindfulness, burnout recovery & prevention, resiliency, self care and work-life balance. Previous yoga or meditation experience is great but not required; beginners are very welcome. We feel anyone with a curiosity on these subjects will find much value in our time together.

Physicians can claim up to 20 hours of non-accredited CME hours for this program.

Travel note: If you'd like to take advantage of the included transfer, please purchase tickets so that you arrive at SJO airport before 10am on February 28, 2024. If you do not arrive by this time, you will miss the group transfer to our accommodation. You can add a pre-night stay at a hotel near the airport, and we will pick-up you up on February 28 between 9-10am, to transfer you to Pagoda del Loto Azul. We recommend arriving the night before to avoid missing the transfer and to make your travels more relaxed and enjoyable.

The transfer for SJO departs the last day at approximately 10 am. If you'd like to use the group transfer, departure flights should be booked no earlier than 4pm on our final day. Guests may also arrange their own arrival/departure transfers (or rent a car) at their own discretion and cost.

Cancellation policy

TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until January 23, 2024. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.

In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by January 23, 2024 for a refund, excluding the deposit amount. After this date, no refunds will be given. You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.

Your TourHero

Dr Jenna Creaser and Dr Jillian MacDonald

Dr. Jenna Creaser
Dr. Jenna is committed to helping others live a more balanced and healthy life. Her career as a physician includes Rural Family Practice, Women’s Health, Maternity Care, and Functional Medicine. After completing her medical training, she continued to explore and gain experience in several other holistic modalities including Ayurveda, Yoga, Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy, Health Coaching, Herbalism and more.

She is also a certified Yoga teacher with 500+ hours of training focused on mental health and yoga therapy. Her training also includes Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Compassionate Inquiry (Dr. Gabor Mate’s CI training). Jenna recognizes the ongoing personal growth and self care required to serve others and live well in today’s society, humbly continuing her own work and healing as her practice grows. She believes with intention and awareness we can become more grounded, balanced, healthy, empowered and present in our own lives… co-creating a healthier, more beautiful world. She loves to travel and connect with others in wild spaces and places, often with her companion Hanz (a mini dachshund) along for the ride.

Dr. Jillian MacDonald
Dr. Jillian MacDonald is a chronic pain physician, mother of three young children, wife, and passionate practitioner of mindfulness. In her early days as a new physician, she found meditation and yoga as a way to help with her feelings of overwhelm and burn out. Bringing her knowledge of mindfulness to her chronic pain practice, she realized it was not only beneficial for herself, but also for patients. This started a journey of self healing and discovery. Since then, she has completed multiple trainings in understanding and treating trauma and psychotherapy modalities including Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is a Trained Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator and has been leading online mindfulness groups and retreats for several years.

She enjoys traveling with her family, morning workouts and early bedtimes. She’s been attending wellness retreats for years, many with Jenna, and is looking forward to bringing her knowledge, skills and authenticity to create a beautiful transformational experience together.

Duration

5 days · 4 nights

Travel Date

Feb 28 – Mar 3, 2024

Activity Level

Light

Group Size

10 – 12

Transportation

Group shuttle

Costa Rica>Healing for the Healers: A Healthcare Workers' Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica with Drs. Jenna and Jillian

To properly take care of others, you have to take care of yourself first. On this five-day journey, you and a group of like-minded healthcare workers will be given the chance to do just that. You'll get to engage in rejuvenating daily yoga practice, group meditations, and mindfulness sessions. Besides the company of your peers, nature will also be your guide on our journey. Costa Rica is home to a great number of wildlife. During our stay, we might get the chance to meet and marvel at some of them. Additional activities like a temazcal ceremony, a sound journey, wildlife refuge visit, and excursions into the beautiful landscapes of Uvita will help you find inner peace and harmony with the world that surrounds you. Book now to reserve your spot!

Please note: retreat is open to any healthcare professionals (ie. physicians, nurses, counsellors, allied healthcare workers, etc). This is an experiential and restorative experience for those who find themselves in a healthcare role where they are giving to others, and offers an opportunity to give back to oneself. Sessions will include practical teachings on topics including mindfulness, burnout recovery & prevention, resiliency, self care and work-life balance. Previous yoga or meditation experience is great but not required; beginners are very welcome. We feel anyone with a curiosity on these subjects will find much value in our time together.

Physicians can claim up to 20 hours of non-accredited CME hours for this program.

Travel note: If you'd like to take advantage of the included transfer, please purchase tickets so that you arrive at SJO airport before 10am on February 28, 2024. If you do not arrive by this time, you will miss the group transfer to our accommodation. You can add a pre-night stay at a hotel near the airport, and we will pick-up you up on February 28 between 9-10am, to transfer you to Pagoda del Loto Azul. We recommend arriving the night before to avoid missing the transfer and to make your travels more relaxed and enjoyable.

The transfer for SJO departs the last day at approximately 10 am. If you'd like to use the group transfer, departure flights should be booked no earlier than 4pm on our final day. Guests may also arrange their own arrival/departure transfers (or rent a car) at their own discretion and cost.

Timeline

  • Day 1 · Uvita
  • Arrive at San Jose International Airport
  • Group transfer from airport to accommodation
  • Check-in at Pagoda del Loto Azul
  • Introductions
  • Dinner
  • Opening ceremony
  • Day 2 · Uvita
  • Morning meditation + group yoga
  • Breakfast
  • Mindfulness/group session
  • Lunch
  • Marino Ballena - Whale Marine National Park
  • Dinner
  • Eve slow yoga -> yoga nidra led by Dr. Jenna
  • Day 3 · Uvita
  • Morning meditation + group yoga
  • Breakfast
  • Mindfulness session
  • Market Visit & Nauyaca Waterfall excursion (with packed lunch)
  • Return to Accommodation
  • Dinner
  • Sound journey session
  • Day 4 · Uvita
  • Morning meditation + group yoga
  • Breakfast
  • Mindfulness session
  • Optional outing: Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge, Surfing Lesson, Massage on-site (outings not included in price; see add-ons below) or free time
  • Lunch
  • Closing circle and Temazcal ceremony
  • Dinner
  • Day 5 · Departure
  • Morning meditation + group yoga
  • Breakfast
  • Conversation circle/final closing
  • Free time to pack/prep
  • Group transfer from accommodation to airport
  • Journey ends

Details

Day 1

Begin your wellness journey in stunning Uvita, Costa Rica

Your wellness journey in Uvita, Costa Rica, begins as you touch down at the San Jose International Airport, where you'll be greeted with a warm welcome. A group transfer will transport you to the serene haven of Pagoda del Loto Azul, your home for the next five days. Upon arrival, you'll check-in and settle into your tranquil surroundings. The day kicks off with introductions, allowing you to connect with fellow healthcare professionals who share your passion for healing and growth. The evening concludes with a nourishing dinner and a opening ceremony, setting the stage for the transformative days ahead.

Day 2

Visit Marino Ballena in between wellness sessions

Awaken to the soothing sounds of nature and start your day with a rejuvenating morning meditation followed by a group yoga session that connects you to your holistic health journey. A wholesome breakfast fuels your day before engaging in a mindfulness and group session designed to deepen your self-awareness and soul purpose. After a break for lunch, you'll embark on a captivating visit to Marino Ballena. Here, we will see the iconic Whale's Tail formation, a narrow bit of shoreline that bears a startling resemblance to (you guessed it!) a whale's tail. As the day winds down, enjoy a delicious dinner and an evening slow yoga session culminating in yoga nidra led by Jenna, offering profound relaxation and growth.

Day 3

Reflect beneath a waterfall, embark on a sound journey, and more

Begin your day with a sunrise meditation and invigorating group yoga practice, harmonizing your mind and body. Following a wholesome breakfast, you'll delve into a mindfulness session that empowers you with holistic insights. Today, you'll journey to the enchanting Nauyaca Waterfall, a pristine natural wonder tucked away in the heart of Uvita's lush landscapes. It offers a powerful wellness experience as you immerse yourself in the rejuvenating energy of cascading waters, connecting with the healing essence of nature. Return to Pagoda del Loto Azul for dinner, followed by a captivating sound journey where you'll be able to find inner stillness as you align with divine vibrations. The day promises to leave you refreshed and rejuvenated.

Day 4

Enjoy free time and a temazcal ceremony on your final full day in Costa Rica

Embrace the morning with meditation and yoga, grounding yourself and setting the stage for personal progress. After breakfast, immerse in a mindfulness session that allows for introspection and deep inner reconfiguration. The afternoon is unscheduled, allowing you to sink into free time or book an optional activity (not included in price; see add-ons below). As the sun sets, gather for a heartfelt closing circle and the sacred temazcal ceremony, an ancient ritual that provides a transformation by enveloping participants in a heated stone steam lodge, cleansing the body and soul, and guiding them towards inner harmony. After this, a delectable dinner with the group gives us time for celebration and connection before bed.

Day 5

A final morning of wellness before departing

On your final day here in beautiful Costa Rica, begin with a morning meditation and group yoga practice, embracing the profound shifts in your well-being. After breakfast, engage in a heartfelt conversation circle, sharing your transformative experiences with newfound friends. With free time to pack and prepare, reflect on the changes you've undergone since arriving. Then, a group transfer will take you to the airport so you can fly home with countless memories and an overall lightness to your being. Thanks so much for joining us, and be well!

Accommodation

  • Pagoda del Loto Azul

    Discover the harmonious blend of luxury and nature at Pagoda del Loto Azul, a magnificent vacation home and yoga retreat venue, perched on the verdant mountainside of Escaleras, nestled between Dominical and Uvita, in the enchanting South Pacific region of Costa Rica. Enveloped in the tranquility of the tropical rainforest and boasting panoramic 180-degree ocean views, this secluded sanctuary welcomes you to experience serene living in its well-appointed main house and intimate casitas, all of which exude a unique charm, offering exceptional amenities to ensure your comfort. Reinvigorate your senses with a dip in the refreshing pool, perfectly situated to provide unparalleled vistas of the world-famous Whale's Tail, Caño Island, and the Osa Peninsula. For the wellness enthusiasts, the yoga shala is the ideal setting for rejuvenating practices with an idyllic backdrop. Although blissfully remote, the coastal highway is just a five-minute drive away, granting easy access to pristine beaches, gastronomic delights, and exhilarating adventures. Room type: Double & triple occupancy. Room Configuration: Three rooms with 2 single beds, one room with 3 single beds. PLEASE NOTE: The first guests to sign up will be assigned the double occupancy rooms while the final guests to sign up will be assigned the triple occupancy room.

Included

  • 4 nights in Pagoda del Loto Azul
  • Shared double or triple occupancy in accommodations
  • All activities described in the itinerary (all included outings are optional - participants can choose to stay at the centre and relax if desired)
  • Transportation between activities and accommodation
  • All meals
  • One group airport arrival transfer
  • One group airport departure transfer
  • Expert coordinator and dedicated onsite support
  • Private use of yoga deck with props included

Not included

  • Flights
  • All food not mentioned in inclusions
  • Optional add-ons
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities

Available add-on

Private room upgrade (Master)

Upgrade to a Master room with one King bed (with ensuite bathroom).

Price: USD 300

1 spot left

Add-on: Private room upgrade (Master)

Private room upgrade (Pool apartment room #2)

Upgrade to Pool apartment room #2 with one full bed (note: shared bathroom, with one other room)

Price: USD 150

1 spot left

Add-on: Private room upgrade (Pool apartment room #2)

Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge

Visit the Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge.

Price: USD 15

10 spots left

Add-on: Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge

Surfing lesson

Learn how to catch a wave with this surfing lesson!

Price: USD 95

10 spots left

Add-on: Surf lesson

90-minute massage

Book a longer massage for even more relaxation!

Price: USD 139

5 spots left

Add-on: 90-minute massage

1-hour massage

Book a 1-hour massage.

Price: USD 100

5 spots left

Add-on: 1-hour massage

Pre-trip stay in a single room (February 27, 2024)

Hotel name: Hotel La Rosa de América
Inclusions: Buffet breakfast
About the hotel: Hotel La Rosa de América is located in the suburbs of Alajuela. It is surrounded by lush greenery and features an outdoor pool, a garden, spa facilities, and a low-key restaurant. Guest rooms offer Wi-Fi, cable TV, and private bathrooms with showers.

Price: USD 143

2 spots left

Hotel La Rosa de América

Pre-trip stay in a double room (February 27, 2024)

Hotel name: Hotel La Rosa de América
Inclusions: Buffet breakfast
About the hotel: Hotel La Rosa de América is located in the suburbs of Alajuela. It is surrounded by lush greenery and features an outdoor pool, a garden, spa facilities, and a low-key restaurant. Guest rooms offer Wi-Fi, cable TV, and private bathrooms with showers.

Price: USD 88

6 spots left

Hotel La Rosa de América

Cancellation policy

TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until January 23, 2024. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by this date and will receive a full refund.

In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for fully-paid trips
You may change or cancel your trip by January 23, 2024 for a refund, excluding the deposit amount. After this date, no refunds will be given. You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.

USD 0
Per person