Costa Rica Retreat Guide
A powerful 6 days await….
Jan 6 -11, 2024
WE ARE SOUL EXCITED TO ZEN OUT!
The info below will help you plan for your trip. Please read carefully & all the way thru.
If your question isn’t answered here, Whats App Jenny at 828-569-0056
Welcome from Jenny & Salena
We are grateful to be your guides for this TROPICAL ADVENTURE & HEALING EXPERIENCE!
From yoga to hikes, to sound healing to playing in waterfalls, zip-lining over the rainforest and meeting new animal & human friends, we welcome 2025 in alignment with our purest, truest self.
RETREAT CENTER
The Goddess Garden
Calle Playa Grande
Limón, Cahuita, 7302, Costa Rica
TRANSPORTATION
Reminder: you’ll receive transportation via Shuttle to and from San Jose Airport to the Retreat Center.
Flights must arrive before 1pm to receive transportation.
If you are concerned about flight delays or it being a long travel day, remember you can always fly in the day prior and stay in a hotel in San Jose near the airport.
ARRIVAL: Fly into SJO Juan Santamaría International Airport on Jan 6th before 12:30pm-1pm to get the van
(included in your purchase, leaves by 1:45pm.
Meet at 1:30pm at the shuttle pickup location TBD.
STAY TUNED FOR EXACT DIRECTIONS TO THE PICK UP SPOT. JENNY WILL CONFIRM ON JAN 1st after she has scouted the pickup location in-person.
DEPARTURE: please book a flight that leaves AFTER 3pm to match transportation. If not, please book a hotel the evening of Jan. 11th and book your flight on the next day (hotel suggestions below).
Suggested Flight to SJO for those Departing Tampa:
TRAVELING TO COSTA RICA- DEPARTING FLIGHT
Monday. Jan 6th
AMERICAN AIRLINES - Departs 6:41am TPA - Arrives 10:35am SJO Costa Rica
(1 stop in Miami, 4 hr 54 min flight time)
LEAVING COSTA RICA/ RETURN FLIGHT
Saturday, Jan 11th -AMERICAN AIRLINES
Departs 3:28pm SJO - Arrives TPA 11:36pm
(1 stop in Miami, includes 3 hour layover in Miami)
HOTEL SUGGESTIONS
If you are getting a hotel by SJO airport in San Jose we recommend two hotels near the airport:
The Adventure Inn (https://www.adventure-inn.com)
Hotel Airport (http://www.airporthotelcostarica.com)
CURRENT PRICING FOR THE ADVENTURE INN
Make your own reservation. Use promo code “GODDESSGARDEN” to get the discount.
Adventure Inn Hotel is a great place to rest and reset before heading to the Caribbean. They have provided our groups with a new discount that is a per person rate that includes 13% tax, a full breakfast, air conditioning, a pool, and free airport transfers.
✨To make the booking go to www.adventure-inn.com
SHUTTLE MEETING LOCATION
MEETING LOCATION - PARKING LOT DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM ARRIVALS:
Arrive at the airport on Jan 6 and meet for the shuttle bus by 1:30pm
The San Jose airport is fairly small and easy to navigate. The shuttle bus will be in the parking lot across the street from the Arrivals section.
Those arriving a day or two early can get to the parking lot pick up location without going through security You’ll want to be dropped off directly where the “ARRIVALS” are- so flights that are arriving to SJO, not the departure. When you get dropped back off at the airport where the arrivals are, the parking lot is directly across the street and this is where the shuttle will be.
If your flight is delayed, please What’s App Jenny immediately at 828-569-0056
Internet
Please note that the retreat center has Wi-fi but Costa Rica’s internet connection can sometimes be unpredictable & disrupted.
LET’S UNPLUG as much as possible! No phones during yoga and sound baths!
This is an alcohol-free, DRUG-FREE event with an emphasis on becoming more conscious and present, substance-free!
Please do not use alcohol while at the retreat out of respect for those who are sober as well as to keep a clear head and detox your body and spirit. By signing the form, you have signed that you will not use alcohol and drugs while on retreat.
Communication
ALL COMMUNICATION OVER WHATS APP
We will need to communicate with each other over What’s App in the days leading up to the retreat and while on retreat. Jenny and Salena will be in Costa Rica a few days prior so it’s important to reach out to them with questions over What’s App vs. typical phone call.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
JENNY IS THE MAIN CONTACT FOR YOUR RETREAT. HOWEVER SALENA MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU IF JENNY IS N/A.
Jenny will be co-leading another retreat at the same location with her husband Bryan from Jan 1-6 on the theme of vegan nutrition/ fitness. Jenny will have her phone with her and can communicate, however it is preferred that you reach out with questions prior to Dec 30th if there is anything we can help you with! We will still be able to communicate during this time, it is just a note so you can plan on reaching out sooner rather than later for bigger questions.
Their retreat ends the morning of the 6th & Jenny will be available even more so that day.
CONTACT US ON WHAT’S APP
JENNY 828-569-0056
SALENA 828-422-0748
Reminder of cancellation policy
Deposits/payments made are non-refundable.
If a participant must cancel due to emergency for up to 60 days prior to the arrival then they you may receive credit for their deposit/full or partial payments made. The participant may use their credit toward a future retreat of ours taking place within 1 year of the date of the original cancellation.
There are no refunds and no exceptions.
Packing List
Bring a passport for international travel.
Checklist for participants:
Bring a Medium Standard Size 5x8 Journal for our 2025 Elemental Vision Journal Project (on-going project involving nature, journaling, kinda like scrapbooking. Exact dimensions aren’t vital but needs to not be a tiny pocket size!)
U.S. DOLLAR BILLS FOR TIPPING Staff, drivers etc! Cash tips (US Dollars) accepted for tipping massage therapists or other staff if you choose. Please show the locals love!
Reusable Water Bottle
Sun screen 50 SPF or higher - REEF SAFE PLEASE
Flashlight or headlamp
Bug spray (all natutal preferred) or mosquito bracelet if desired
Light raincoat or umbrella (pro-tip: bring two raincoats if one gets wet you will be happy to have another for immediate use)
Flip Flops, T-shirts, shorts, swimsuit, sneakers, hat, and beach towel
Goddess Outfit for Group Goddess Photo at Ancient Goddess Tree ~Final Night Ceremony. Wear a dress or outfit in all one color of your choice. EMPHASIS ON SHIMMER, GOLD, SILVER & NEW YEARS VIBE. ALL WHITE OR COLOR OF CHOICE IS OK TOO. (no stress or need to buy anything special unless you want to, just bring something that fits this description. It is optional if you do not have it or don’t want to.)
FOOTWEAR: Optional bring Hiking Shoes just for the waterfall hike which will be downhill and possibly muddy. For other hikes sneakers will be just fine for.
Small Backpack or small day pack for hikes & excursions.
Waist-packs are also a great idea for storing your phone or other essentials to easily grab on outings and hikes.
BRING MANY SNACKS especially for the drive from the airport to the retreat center which is a few hrs long!! If you need protein powder bring that along with a blender bottle or shaker cup.
Snack ideas:
-pumpkin seeds, protein bars, rice cakes, chips, pretzels, nuts, nut butter (3.5oz only allowed in carry-on, considered a liquid)
We do not provide hair dryers (as they are of high energy consumption). Feel free to bring one if you want to.
ADDITIONAL INFO
We offer white towels for the shower and blue towels for the pool. For the beach, bring your own towel. You can get a beach mat from Goddess Garden for a 10 USD deposit.
Do not bring anything made of genuine leather, it will get moldy.
We offer Yoga mats and props at the Yoga studio/shala
NO vaccination required if you enter from the US, Canada or Europe.
EVERY ROOM HAS A SAFE TO STORE YOUR VALUABLES.
Laundry can be done for $10 a bag. Guests just need to come to reception to get a laundry bag.
WiFi is provided at the rooms, it is fiber optic internet. You can access it from your own device. We do not have a computer available for our guests.
There will be on iron on site for use.
PHONE SERVICE REMINDER
To avoid high roaming charges while traveling:
1. Turn off roaming in your phone settings.
2. Download media (podcasts, movies, etc.) ahead of time for the ride to and from the retreat center.
3. Consider getting an international plan or day pass from your carrier.
Everyday activities like scrolling Facebook or Instagram can quickly rack up data charges if roaming is on, so be sure to plan ahead to avoid a big cell phone bill
25 women in our zen circle
23 attendees + 2 retreat leaders Jenny & Salena
Excursions
Are excursions like horsebackriding and massage included?
ZEN- YES!!!!!!!!!!
We are including the price of excursions into your ticket. Here’s what is included:
horseback riding on the beach
ziplining in the rainforest
cacao tour & waterfall hike
Cahuita National Park hike & tour
1 hour massage on site
Itinerary
MON. JAN 6 - ARRIVAL, DAY 1
1:30pm - 6:30pm Transport by Shuttle from SJO Airport to the Goddess Garden
Arrive at 1:15pm at Shuttle or by 1:30pm the latest
MEET the shuttle bus outside, at the parking lot
across from “ARRIVALS”
More details & tips to come via WHATS APP
*22 in our group need to be on the shuttle
The Latest flight arrives 12:24 PM
Des is your Day-Of Shuttle contact person who is our retreat photographer who is helping to lead and gather everyone down on the shuttle. Contact her via the Group What’s App Chat. (so Jenny can also see and help answer questions)
6:30pm Arrive at Retreat Center
7pm Welcome Dinner
8pm Sound Bath
9pm Bonfire
TUES JAN 7 - DAY 2
7am YOGA IN SHALA
8am Breakfast
9am CAHUITA PARK EXCURSION
*taxis will pick up (25 people)
12:30pm - Lunch
1:30pm Free Time & Massage Appointments
MASSAGE BLOCK #1- 1:45 - 4pm (4 people)
*or option to walk to the beach, pool time, sloth sanctuary on your own via taxi
4:30pm SUNSET BEACH YOGA & SOUND
6:30pm Dinner
7:45pm Workshop
2025 VISION JOURNAL CREATION
WED JAN 8 - DAY 3
7am Morning YOGA
8am Breakfast
9am - 4:45pm EXCURSION
BRI BRI WATERFALL & CACAO TOUR
*transportation vans will pick up
6pm Dinner
7:30PM TAROT READINGS + POOL PARTY
Optional Goddess Braids By Alejandra ~ $30-40
THU JAN 9 - DAY 4
*5am Optional Sunrise Beach Walk
7am Morning Yoga in Shala
8am Breakfast
9am -11:15am BEACH /PERSONAL TIME
MASSAGE BLOCK #2- 8:30am - 11:15am (4 people)
LUNCH 11:30am
12:45pm ZIP-LINING
MASSAGE BLOCK #3- 1:45- 4PM for 3 who aren't zip-lining
Dinner 6:30pm
8pm Women’s Circle / Sound Bath
FRI JAN 10 - DAY 5
5am SUNRISE BEACH YOGA
7:15am Morning Sound Bath in Shala #1
8am - 9:30am Breakfast
9am - 11:30am HORSEBACK RIDING GROUP A
*company will pick up, WEAR LONG PANTS
8am - 12:30pm MASSAGE APPOINTMENTS
MASSAGE BLOCK #4: 8am- 4:30pm for 13 people
10am WATSU THERAPY with Julie GROUP B
All Day: Goddess Braids By Alejandra ~ $30 - 40
12pm - 1:30pm Lunch
1pm WATSU THERAPY By Julie Group A
1:15pm - 4pm HORSE-RIDING GROUP B
*WEAR LONG PANTS
4:30PM
prepare for Goddess Photos, wear color or gold/shiny outfit
4:45pm Gather at Goddess Tree
5pm Goddess Photos by Goddess Tree
*must start on time due to sunset time/ light
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Complete/Share 2025 VISION JOURNAL
9pm FINAL BONFIRE & ZENSISTER Circle
SAT JAN 11 - DAY 6 - DEPARTURE
6:45am Leave & Checkout
6:50am - 1pm Shuttle Transport to SJO Airport
(22 people need transport)
*Same-day flights leave AFTER 3pm
Earliest flight departs 3:14 PM
MASSAGE SCHEDULE
Let’s maintain this schedule so everyone has a slot and you don’t miss other activities.
*If you want to switch times with someone, it may not be possible as everything is based on your horsebackriding group times. etc. Please consult Jenny to switch times so I can confirm if it works for the entire schedule/group and you won’t miss other experiences.
You must arrive 5 minutes early for your appointment.
2 THERAPISTS AVAILABLE AT A TIME
*massage is included in your ticket/retreat package
TUES JAN 7 - DAY 2
MASSAGE BLOCK ONE 1:45 - 4pm
2 HOUR BLOCK OF 1 Hour MASSAGES for 4 people
1 & 2 - Tiffany & Hannah: 1:45pm-2:45pm
3 & 4 - Monica & Andrea: 3:00pm-4:00pm
THURS JAN 9- DAY 4
MASSAGE BLOCK TWO 8:45am- 11am
2 Hour BLOCK of 1 Hr MASSAGE ~ 4 people
1 & 2: 8:45am-9:45am Dana & Trisha
3 & 4: 10am-11am Megan & Kaity
THURS JAN 9 - DAY 4
MASSAGE BLOCK THREE 1:45PM- 4PM
3 HOUR BLOCK ~1 Hr MASSAGE for 3
THIS IS RESERVED FOR THOSE WHO WILL NOT BE ZIPLINING.
Massage 1 & 2 : 1:45-2:45pm - Lisa & Cynthia
Massage 3: 3:00pm- 4:00pm - Randi
FRI JAN 10
MASSAGE BLOCK #4: 8am- 3:15pm
7 HOUR BLOCK OF 1 Hour MASSAGES for 13 people
Massage 1 & 2: 8:00- 9:00am - Susie & Farris
Massage 3 & 4: 9:15am-10:15am - Alyson & Deborah
Massage 5 & 6: 10:30am-11:30am - Andrea & Suzan
Massage 7 & 8 : 11:45am -12:45pm - Salena & Michelle
Massage 9 & 10 - 1:00pm -2:00pm Jennifer & Flo
Massage 11 & 12 - 2:15pm -3:15pm Amy & Agneiszka
HORSEBACK RIDING GROUPS
ROUGH DRAFT/ STAY TUNED FOR CONFIRMATION
(22 people going horseback-riding, including Jenny & Salena)
*Jennifer, Randi & Des will not be horse-riding
GROUP A
FRIDAY JAN 10
HORSEBACK GROUP A 9am - 11am (10 people)
*wear long pants
1 Dana
2. Tiffany
3. Hannah
4. Monica
5. Angela
6. Kaity
7. Flo
8. Amy
9. Agneiska
10. Jenny
This is also the list of names who are in WATSU Group A session is from 1pm-3pm, in addition to Randi, Jennifer & Des (13 people total)
GROUP B
FRI JAN. 10 HORSEBACK GROUP B: 1:30pm - 3:30pm (12 people) * wear long pants
This is also WATSU Group B, session occurring at 10am
1. Susie
2 Farris
3 Deborah
4 Andrea
5 Suzan
6 Alyson
7 Michelle
8 Salena
9 Trisha
10 Lisa
11 Cynthia
12 Megan
How to bring money
Bring Cash in USD in small bills (no Colones required) – 50 and 100 USD bills are not accepted in most places.
Don’t change money at the airport, the rate is very poor.
At The Goddess Garden you can make payments for your personal expenses with cash, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, or Zelle. We do not accept credit or debit cards.
*There are ATM machines in Cahuita and Puerto Viejo for Visa and MasterCard where you can get cash in USD and Colones. The maximum daily amount to take out is 200 USD.
Do I need to know spanish to attend?
No. Knowing common Spanish words is helpful although many Costa Rican’s know basic english words too and there tend to be expats around who speak other languages such as english often too.
Can I drink the water there?
We recommend that you only drink bottled water in the Caribbean side of Costa Rica where we will be and in general across the country. Plenty of people say the tap water is safe/good to drink but we have heard varying accounts.
What about the toilet/plumbing situation?
You actually cannot flush toilet paper down the toilet as the plumbing system can’t handle it. The country's plumbing was never built to accommodate for excessive amount of toilet paper and, since many systems are septic or composting, you'll find 'toilet paper bins' in every toilet stall, all over the country. So…do the right thing…and pop it in the bin!
Is it safe in Costa Rica?
Yes, but it is always important to use common sense and travel in groups whenever possible and not leave valuables out of sight, such as on the beach when in the water. Crime does happen and it’s important to recognize that it’s a friendly country with beautiful people but like any place there are opportunities for dangerous things to happen, stay vigilant and aware!
MORE INFO TO COME!
SAVE US ON WHAT’S APP:
JENNY 828-569-0056
SALENA 727-422-0748