Monica Pelayo is a certified life coach, experienced shadow work expert, and mother of two boys. At the age of 4, she became aware that she was unconsciously connected to an intelligent source, and constantly receiving messages and images through this power greater than herself. She has been able to see and communicate energies from this young age.
Monica has been a student of A Course In Miracles (ACIM) for over two decades and was personally trained in the work of the Shadow by Debbie Ford. Monica has found that our biggest gifts have been darkened by our rejection of our own shadows and believes that our purpose in this life is to become whole again.
Her mission is to guide individuals to embrace their whole self by finding the gold behind the Shadow – the part of us we’ve been disowning, hating, or hiding – so we can bring this into the light and shine brighter.
She is the founder of The Jewels of the Golden Shadow International retreats, host of Un ratito Con Monica (A moment with Monica), and is well known in the personal and business development industry for her signature VIP 1-on-1 program, 'Finding the Gold Behind the Shadow', for coaches and thought leaders.
Unearth Your Inner Radiance in Paradise
Imagine yourself surrounded by the lush beauty of a private sanctuary in Costa Rica, where every detail has been lovingly curated to hold you in comfort, connection, and transformation. This is your invitation to step into an unforgettable journey of renewal, empowerment, and deep healing.
Join Monica Pelayo, intuitive shadow journey guide and author of Finding the Gold, for five luxurious days of self-discovery and sisterhood on the breathtaking beaches of Cobano. With private accommodations, gourmet dining, and a stunning shala overlooking paradise, this retreat is an exquisite space for women ready to reconnect with their inner gold and leave feeling whole, radiant, and enough.
Does This Speak to You?
-You’ve achieved so much in life, yet you long for a sacred pause—a moment to rest, reflect, and rediscover yourself.
-You’ve given endlessly to others, but now it’s time to prioritize your own well-being and clarity.
-You’re ready to release what no longer serves you and embrace the next chapter of your life with confidence and grace.
-You crave an experience of sisterhood, beauty, and transformation, away from the demands of daily life.
If this resonates, trust that this retreat is calling you.
What Awaits You
-Luxurious Accommodations: Choose between a beautifully designed private sanctuary for deep personal reflection or a shared space for connection with a sister. Each room is thoughtfully appointed for your comfort and tranquility.
-A Private Shala with Panoramic Views: Practice, reflect, and grow in a serene space overlooking the lush, vibrant beauty of Cobano. Every session is elevated by the breathtaking surroundings.
-Exquisite Cuisine: Enjoy gourmet vegetarian and pescatarian meals prepared daily by a private chef. Every dish is a feast for the senses, blending local flavors with high-end artistry.
-Immersive Nature Experiences: Swim in the refreshing waters of a secluded waterfall, take in the surrounding beauty, and embark on a moderate hike that rewards you with awe-inspiring views and deep connection to the land.
-Soulful Shadow Journey: Dive deep into transformational practices that help you embrace and integrate your shadows, uncovering the gold within.
A Retreat of Renewal and Transformation
This retreat isn’t just an escape—it’s a beautifully curated experience designed to reconnect you with the wisdom, power, and radiance that already reside within you.
Held in the nurturing arms of Mother Earth, surrounded by like-minded women, you’ll:
-Rediscover the sacred gifts hidden within your shadows.
-Rest and reflect in a serene, luxurious space created just for you.
-Leave feeling empowered, clear, and ready to live life authentically and abundantly.
Is This Retreat Calling You?
Let this be your moment to choose yourself. Costa Rica is waiting to hold you, to heal you, and to remind you of the beauty and brilliance you already carry within.
Note: This itinerary is subject to adjustment. All activities included will be completed, but there may be occasional changes to the schedule to accommodate the flexible nature of a retreat.
-Welcome to the beginning of your soul's transformational experience in the heart of Costa Rica. After we come together for the first time at Cobano Airport (ACO), a transfer will whisk us away to our sanctuary in Montezuma, where nature's whispers call us to unwind among the sprawling, lush vistas.
-Upon arrival at Aves Hotel & Resort, we will briefly settle into our rooms before enjoying a wholesome lunch and some time of our own to explore. Wander the resort grounds, immerse yourself in the jungle, or make a splash at nearby pristine beaches. No matter how you choose to spend this time, allow yourself to sink deeper into relaxation and set your intentions for our time spent together.
-We will gather as a group again for a welcome dinner, celebrating all that is to come here in paradise. Prepare to be amazed by delicious, local flavors prepared with fresh ingredients and intentional plating.
-Afterward, transition into an opening circle, a beautiful way for us to get to know each other and to begin this wonderful retreat journey together.
Please note that there are no direct flights to Cobano Airport. You will need to book a local flight from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
-Greet the day with morning yoga and a rewarding heart opening somatics work session, enveloped in the warm embrace of community and luxurious retreat digs.
-A delightful breakfast and some free time to regroup activates our minds and hearts before we gather in our sacred circle to set our intentions. Here, amidst the mystical atmosphere and with support from one another, we delve into the depths of our shadows. With authenticity as our guiding light, we set forth on our journey in earnest.
-Lunch by the beach provides us with the energy we need to confront the hidden parts of ourselves. Our work continues with a meditation session during which we journey inward, unraveling the threads of our inner child and reclaiming fragments of our soul's essence.
-Today concludes with another unforgettable dinner, rewarding us with dazzling flavors and ultra-refined presentation for our day of inner work before resting for the night.
-Begin today inspired by our morning yoga and somatics work sessions, followed by a delectable breakfast that fuels us before departing on our excursion.
-We will make our way to a secluded local waterfall, with the puttering of tumbling clear waters rhythmically relieving any anxieties or hesitations. Admire Mother Nature's stunning handiwork from the perfect vantage point – submerged in the healing waters below.
-After sufficient time cleansing our spirits at this peaceful spot, we will spend the remainder of the day back at Aves, with our time totally at our leisure. Allow your soul to wander and explore the depths of your inner landscape as you visit any of a host of tranquil spots throughout Monteverde.
-The day concludes with a seated dinner in each other’s company, the wholesome meal a perfect accompaniment to open-hearted shared conversation both at the table and into our reflection circle that concludes the full day we had.
-Today is your final full day here in paradise – what will you confront during the last of our shared time together?
-We gather in the morning for yoga and another somatics work session to open our hearts to miracles. With each breath, we surrender to the endless possibilities that await us, embracing the transformative power of the present.
-After a nourishing breakfast, welcome another transformative session led by Monica. We will focus on the process of forgiveness, processing and learning to let go while retaining the lessons learned along the way. Every dimension of ourselves and aspects of our stories deserves recognition and mindful care. Whatever we might have uncovered about ourselves, we come to terms with them here and depart with strategies on how to release.
-Following a delicious lunch and time to integrate the teachings of today’s session, we embrace moments of free time. The beach, your room, the resort’s pool, and the surrounding lush jungle are all perfect venues to unwind and reflect, solo or alongside fellow travelers. What adventure will you choose for yourself?
-We will watch the sun sink below the horizon for our final night here on a sunset boat trip, the golden rays bidding farewell to Montezuma until morning. Watch as a kaleidoscope of colors unfolds across the sky, nature seeming to paint you a parting token of appreciation for the time you’ve spent looking within while in its embrace.
-As nightfall arrives, we gather for a farewell dinner, marking the culmination of our journey to seek out and embrace all parts of ourselves.
-Our final group circle brings all of the teachings from our time together into one session, sending us to a restful slumber with meaningful closure and support from our fellow inner-world explorers.
-Awaken along with the sun, gathering for one final breakfast together. We’ll take time to express gratitude for the transformative journey we've embarked on and for the support of one another as we did.
-With our souls ignited with joy, inner selves rediscovered, and hearts open to new possibilities, we bid farewell to the sanctuary that has served us so well.
-Go forward into your life with the peace and confidence instilled in you here, continuing to bloom towards your higher self in all you do.
Please note you will need to book a domestic flight from Cobano Airport to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
