Vibrant Journey Wellness presents Embracing Transformation: A Costa Rican Wellness Journey to Unlock Your True Potential with Katie Porter

Beautiful Costa Rica, a country that truly boasts peace, relaxation, and chill vibes only, is ready to welcome you with open arms for a six-day retreat in the heart of the country. Upon arrival in San José, grab your bags and take your group transfer to the small town of La Fortuna, home to the Arenal Volcano. This massive work of nature will be your backdrop for the next five nights.

Once you arrive, you’ll have time to check in and get yourself settled before we come together for a welcome dinner where you can enjoy the local fare and get to know your fellow retreaters.

Rise and shine to our first full day in Costa Rica. Each morning, we’ll come together and wake up with our yoga practice led by Katie. Here, we can clear the mind, ground the body, and focus on our inner landscape. This is the time where the four bodies come together as one – the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical – in harmony with movement, breath, and love.

Today’s adventure takes us to En Reserva Natural Valle de los Quetzales to seek out the resplendent Quetzal, a near-threatened bird species native to Central America. Revered by ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures, these sacred birds represent goodness and light. Within the reserve, visitors can observe approximately 200 bird species, including the Three-wattled Bellbird, Emerald Toucanet, and Long-tailed Manakin. A 13-kilometer hike will take us to a 50-meter waterfall in the cloud forest, where the endangered Baird's Tapir might be spotted.

Upon returning to the lodge, we’ll come together for a sacred cacao ceremony, a practice originating from ancient Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya and Aztec. These rituals revolve around the consumption of cacao, a revered plant believed to possess divine and healing properties. Together we’ll connect with the divine, evoke spiritual insight, and foster a sense of community to promote emotional healing, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with oneself and others. We’ll close out our day with a delicious group meal and an evening meditation that will help us process our day and prepare for a stellar night’s sleep.

Wake up to jungle sounds in the tranquil landscape of La Fortuna. We’ll align the body and mind with our morning yoga session, then fuel up for a day of cultural and spiritual adventures. Our first activity on the schedule is a farm tour at Luna Nueva. As a pioneer in regenerative agriculture, Luna Nueva emphasizes healthy food production while restoring topsoil and biodiversity. The tour offers a dynamic, sensory experience where guests can taste various seasonal foods and spices grown on the farm, from Thai cuisine staples like galangal and makrut lime to Indian spices like ginger, turmeric, and cardamom. With over 90 species of tropical fruit trees, there are always new, exotic fruits to sample. Guests are encouraged to experiment with medicinal and cosmetic plants like the lipstick tree or the sour-tasting bilimbi fruit. The farm even offers the chance to taste raw cacao fruits, revealing the surprising origins of chocolate.

From here, we’ll break for lunch and then attend a workshop centered around 4 different kinds of energy: spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. Here, we'll learn just how interconnected the processes within us are, unlocking ways to better heal ourselves. We’ll close out the day with dinner, reflection, and a guided meditation to integrate all that we’ve seen and learned.

After morning yoga and breakfast, we’ll travel to the Arenal Hanging Bridges – an eco-friendly attraction situated near the Arenal Volcano, offering visitors a unique perspective of the rainforest's canopy. By traversing the treetops, guests can observe the diverse flora and fauna, including birds and vibrant vegetation, that thrive in this primary rainforest. The experience provides insight into the rainforest's layered structure, with trees and vines competing for sunlight. Covering more than 3 kilometers, the hanging bridges and well-maintained trails provide safe, picturesque views of both the forest canopy and the Arenal Volcano.

Once we complete the loop with our guide, we’ll head back to the lodge for lunch and free time. However, don’t get too comfortable because this afternoon, we’re off to the hot springs for dinner and pampering! The Eco Termales Hot Springs offers visitors a chance to unwind in natural thermal pools surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. These hot springs are known for their rejuvenating properties, providing relaxation and comfort for guests. In addition to the soothing experience of soaking in the warm waters, we’ll also enjoy a delicious dinner on site before returning to the lodge for evening meditation and a great night’s rest.

Begin your day with an invigorating morning yoga session, designed to awaken your body and mind as you stretch, breathe, and find your inner balance. Afterward, nourish yourself with a delicious, healthy breakfast crafted to support your well-being and provide the energy needed for the day ahead.

Today is all about you, with a free and clear schedule to choose your own adventures. Enjoy some leisurely free time to explore the retreat's surroundings, reflect on your experiences, or simply relax and unwind before gathering for a wholesome lunch.

In the early evening, we’ll come together for a transformative sound healing session, an immersive experience that uses soothing vibrations to promote relaxation, emotional release, and overall harmony. This is the time to release anything that no longer serves you, cultivating the inner power and love of true alignment. From here, we’ll gather together for a memorable farewell dinner, a delightful opportunity to share stories, insights, and connections forged throughout the wellness retreat.

On the final day of our wellness retreat, start your morning with a revitalizing yoga session and a heartfelt closing circle, providing an opportunity to reflect on the experiences and connections made throughout the retreat. Afterward, gather for a nourishing breakfast before checking out of the lodge. As a group, we will embark on a transfer to Juan Santamaría International Airport, where we'll say our goodbyes and part ways, carrying with us the cherished memories and personal growth from our transformative wellness journey. Safe travels and be well!