Kai Chi Do, Yoga, Meditation, Workshops and More

Kai Chi Do Manifestation Retreat

Costa Rica

Liberate yourself in Costa Rica, where we offer an opportunity to free yourself from the hectic world of every day life and place you in paradise.  Come join us for a 7 day/6 night retreat where you will find yourself between the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean and the lush green jungle landscape.  We will be offering practices and workshops we know will help bring you a new sense of empowerment and connection, as well as open up new perceptions of life that you may never have thought possible.  You will learn that you have the innate power to bring what you want into your life by teaching you the art of manifestation.  In this workshop, you will learn what it means to manifest and how to make this a regular practice in your life. We will also be practicing Kai Chi Do,, a fun, aerobic practice that utilizes inspirational music, breath work and simple movements in order to free blocked energy.  Through this practice you can truly learn how to  let go and to be open to a deeper connection with yourself, with others and with the life all around you.  This practice can be done by those at any fitness level, who are willing to try something new.  We will also be offering yoga classes and guided meditations to support you on  your inner journey .  There will be an opportunity to cleanse yourself by participating in a sacred Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony led by a local shaman .  All this plus wonderful accommodations, three fresh, organic and locally prepared meals  daily and plenty of time to relax, soak up the sun, play in the water, or just sit and read a book.  There are also quite a few wonderful activities to choose from such as riding on horse back then taking a mud bath and rinsing off in a waterfall, or zip-lining through the national park, learning to surf in the Pacific Ocean, or experiencing a relaxing spa treatment.
Kai Chi Do Manifestation Retreat imageKai Chi Do Manifestation Retreat imageKai Chi Do Manifestation Retreat image

Kai Chi Do is a moving meditation.  It can be practiced by anyone, and can be adapted for any level of fitness.  It is a system of movements, combined with music and breath work. The goal of Kai Chi Do is to experience the feeling of connection – to yourself, to others, and to Life.

There are 5 stages to the process; we call them the 5 elements of Kai Chi Do. These elements are: root, air, fire, water, and earth.

The purpose of the root element is to gently bring you into the present moment, releasing attitudes about the past and the future, in order to make a spiritual connection with the Source of who we are.   Root uses a set of positions called The Depths to come into balance and equilibrium.

In air element we introduce the 8 basic movements of Kai Chi Do to summon life energy.  Air is the breath of life. We can literally open to inspiration, and integrate the inner and outer worlds.  Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Breath is the bridge that connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.”

After making a connection and beginning to pull in life energy during root and air, we move into fire element.  Fire element is aerobic, and facilitates increased circulation of life energy – physically and spiritually.

The increased pace and intensity of fire element challenges you to just let go of mental resistance and come into an open spacious awareness – which brings you to the water element, allowing the flow.

The 5th element of Kai Chi Do is earth, where we have the opportunity to create community, bringing heaven to earth. We are citizens of a world that does not yet exist.  But we glimpse it.  We hold the vision and at those sacred times that we feel it, we are manifesting it.  We are bringing it into reality.


The Art of Manifestation image
A central theme of our retreat will be manifestation.  We all have the power to manifest a beautiful life, we simply need to work from our heart space and believe.  The power of our thoughts and intentions creates our reality. The Universe conspires to provide us with what we ask for, or what we project.  Do you project unworthiness, lack of abundance or lack of health?  If so, that is what you will receive.  You can change this.  You have the power to work with the Universe to change your circumstances and have a better life, to experience more joy and live in greater abundance.  
Yoga and Meditation image
Yoga offers us a way to use the body to calm the mind and connect with our inner selves. Through this connection we begin to have access to our truth which then guides us and brings more clarity to our lives. We will be teaching a series that combines both Yin and Yang yoga. The poses of Yin Yoga are more passive and done sitting or lying down, holding them for a certain length of time allowing for healing in the tendons and joints as well as the hips and spine. We will also be doing a simple Hatha yoga practice which can be done by anyone, especially those who have limited understanding and experience. In this practice we will not only be doing simple poses but really learning how to do them well and how it feels when you have gotten into them completely and experienced the poses as they were meant to be experienced. Completing our yoga practice, we will lead you through a guided meditation where you can relax, letting go of any tension in the mind and in the body, finding stillness with the breath.

Breathwork is a universal practice utilized by the majority of cultures to bring about emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual
well-being. It helps us to reduce fears, worry and anxiety and set life-enhancing intentions. It helps us heal core emotional wounds and past traumas allowing us to respond more consciously to life. It helps us become more fully Present and connect with the Divine, creating the highest possible outcomes in our lives. Breath can be the key to unlocking the inner doors to our innate wholeness, joy and Presence.  

Breathwork in Kai Chi Do is used for both calming as well as igniting the energy of the circle. In the beginning of the process, we introduce the AH breath, the breath of release, letting go of the past and the future and staying rooted in the Present moment. We then, through the powerful SA breath, the breath of fire, we push the air out to the rhythm of the music and in sync with each other. One Breath, One Movement, One Body.
The Importance of Breath Work image

Sunday Evening, April 14th

08:00 PM - 09:30 PM
Opening Ceremony

After dinner, we will kick off this amazing retreat with a "Welcome to Kai Chi Do Manifistation" ceremony. We will take this opportunity to gather, making connections with each other and present a detailed description of all the adventurous excursions, activities,, and experiences that are offered in this extraordinary retreat as well as to answer any questions you may have.

Day 2 - 6

07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
Daily Activities

We will begin each day with breakfast and end each evening singing together. Daily activities will vary and the final agenda will be prepared closer to the retreat date. It is our goal to have a very relaxed environment that allows you to enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica and have a respite from your daily grind. We will practice Kai Chi Do and Yoga with Meditation daily. We will hold classes and other activities in conjunction with those offered by the retreat center. Sprinkle in some great excursions, beautiful beaches and freshly prepared meals and you are in Heaven.

Day 7

07:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Departure Day

Check out is at 11:00 AM.

We will be in Playa Hermosa, the adventure capital of Central America. There is something for everyone here! We have narrowed down the many options and will build them into our schedule if you wish to participate. Those excursions are listed below with prices per person, as well as what to wear and level of difficulty to expect. Transportation is included in the pricing of all pre-arranged excursions. Activities should be be arranged in advance.  Activities that are not pre-arranged, will then be discussed on the night of arrival and the group will be given the opportunity to sign up for all activities that they would like to experience. Participants pay for excursions directly to our host property.

Rainmaker Conservation Project - $70 per person: Rainmaker Park is the best of both worlds as it feels like a national park, yet is relatively unheard of – a hidden gem! The gorgeous shade-making tree canopy and clear waters keep this hike super fresh even on the hottest of days. One of our favorite guides will take you on this adventure, ensuring that you see as much wildlife as possible while educating the group about the inner workings of the rainforest and her plant and animal life. It is a true rainforest experience, complete with hanging bridges, rushing rivers, waterfalls, and clear fresh-water swimming pools. The tour finishes up with a home cooked traditional lunch (included in price) and if you’re up for it a delicious craft beer brewed at the onsite microbrewery from their very own spring water!
  • Time Commitment – Half day, lunch included. 
  • Leaves at 9:00am, returns by 2:30 or 3:00pm.   
  • Difficulty Level – Easy to Medium – some steep climbs, but the paths and steps are well maintained and often made of stone or recycled tires. People with knee problems or those with a legitimate fear of heights are cautioned.  
  • What to Wear – Wear your swimsuit under your clothes making it easy to jump right in the beautiful waterfall fed pool! Wear sneakers or hiking sandals and bring a small day pack with towel, water bottle, bug spray, flip-flops, and change of clothes for the ride home. (Flip-flops are for the last part of the hike after the swim). 

Manuel Antonio National Park - $70 per person: A very popular to-do on the Costa Rican ‘bucket list’. At this park, you are guaranteed to see monkeys, sloths, raccoons, and variety of other wildlife. Your guide will have a scope for close up viewing and take you along the reserve culminating in one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica - white sand and mellow surf make for a perfect ocean swim. On the way back, you will stop at the famous ‘El Avion’ restaurant for the view, a bite to eat, smoothie, or an adult beverage.
  • Time Commitment – Day Trip, snack/fruit provided. 
  • Leave at 7:30, return by 5:00. Difficulty Level – Easy – Very few ups and downs, generally a straight stroll on a wooden boardwalk or gravel road. 
  • What to Wear – Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for ease when arriving at the beach. Wear sneakers or hiking sandals and bring a small daypack with water bottle, towel, bug spray, sunscreen, flip-flops, and change of clothes for the ride home. There are well kept bathrooms there if you would like to shower off and change. 
Surfing - $60 per person: This family business brings together the best local surfers to teach you the ins and outs, guaranteeing you to stand up before your lesson is over. Lessons take place in Jacó where the tides are a bit more predictable. They provide door to door service with a laid back professionalism that will have you feeling super secure and like a local in no time!
  • Time Commitment – Surf time is dependent on tide times, but generally can be arranged around your schedule with ease. The total time door to door is around 3 hours. 
  • Difficulty Level – Easy – Beginner to Advanced. They can accommodate all levels. 
  • What to Wear – Wear your swimsuit and your sunscreen. Take a towel, water bottle, and camera if you like. They will supply the rash guard (surf shirt), board, and all the fun! 
Stand Up Paddleboard - $65 per person: The same outfit that leads our surf lessons also offer stand up paddle boarding where the sea is calm. It’s a super fun group activity! Time Commitment – Surf time is dependent on tide times, but generally can be arranged around your schedule with ease.
  • The total time door to door is around 3 hours. 
  • Difficulty Level – Easy – Beginner to Advanced. They can accommodate all levels. 
  • What to Wear – Wear your swimsuit and your sunscreen. Take a towel, water bottle, and camera if you like. They supply the board! 
Zipline - $60 per person: Another on the Costa Rican to-do list that is sure to please. 13 platforms with gorgeous views of the canopy and the sea, interconnected with thrilling rides through the trees. This company is located less than 10 minutes from Vida Asana and is staffed with helpful guides that will get you up and back down with ease.
  • Difficulty Level – Easy-Medium – There is a small hike to the first platform. Instructions and demonstrations are given. 
  • Time Commitment – Door to door in around 2 hours. 
  • What to Wear – You will wear a harness around your upper thighs and waist, so shorts that are longer than the harness, pants, or capris. Wear hiking sandals or sneakers, no flip-flops or shoes that can fall off easily. You can take a small backpack for water and your camera. 
Sweatlodge - $50 per person: This is a variation on the Native American inipi or temezcal. Participants are led by a trained shamanic practitioner to release toxins of both a physical and emotional nature through sweating induced from fire heated sacred stones. Prayers and blessings are offered up during each of four sessions, or doors, each lasting around 20 minutes and interspersed with dipping in the cool sitting pool or under the shower to prepare for the following door. After the final door, the group walks across the road to the beach to enjoy the sunset and process the experience. This is an activity that we would like the whole group to participate in, however, if for health reasons or other personal reasons you do not wish to participate, we understand.
  • Difficulty Level – Medium – For those experienced with the process, this is a milder form of traditional sweat lodge. For a first time participant or those new to the inward journey, it can be challenging. Individuals can leave at any time they feel uncomfortable, and rejoin if they like. There are no musts, or judgment surrounding the process, only support. 
  • Time Commitment – The sweat lodge itself lasts around 2 ½ hours, with the sunset and beach its around 4 total hours. Leave at 2:00pm and return around 6:00pm. The location is about 10 minutes away.
  • What to Wear – Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. A swimsuit cover, sarong, or other loose fitting clothing is a good choice for before and after for the ride home. Leave behind metal jewelry or anything that will heat up or be damaged. 
  • Be sure to hydrate throughout the day and take a full water bottle with you. 
Horseback Riding and Jungle Spa - $95 per person: A beautiful and loved horseback riding adventure that includes a full mud bath with the famous Costa Rican blue clay and swimming in waterfalls. This professional outfit offers up to 6 riders per excursion twice daily. They fill up fast, so typically we need to have reservations made in advance of your group’s arrival.
  • Difficulty Level – Easy – Geared toward beginners, but able to accommodate more advanced riders. 
  • Time Commitment – Half day. Leaves around 8:00am and returns around 1:00. What to Wear – Closed toed shoes and pants are the optimal attire, being sure to bring a day pack with swimsuit, sunscreen, bug spray, towel, and water bottle. 
Reforestation Project - $20 donation: We offer guided tree planting and reforestation along the coast with local non-profit, Costas Verdes. Guests enjoy learning about native trees and how to plant them. For a small donation, guests are supplied with a weather proof tag to leave a mark to recognize their tree upon subsequent visits.
  • Difficulty Level – Easy Time Commitment – 2 hours and is less than 10 minutes away.
  • What to Wear – What you’re comfortable in, what you would wear to garden! 
Mirador Hike - $10 donation: Sean, your guide, leads a beautiful walk along the local lookout point made from modern ruins and claimed by local artists. Beautiful views and a leisurely stroll make this an enjoyable group activity and it benefits the local Brazilian Jiu Jitsu organization, BJJ Jacó.
  • Difficulty Level – Easy+ 
  • Time Commitment – 2 ½ hours and is less than 15 minutes away. 
  • What to Wear – Hiking sandals or sneakers

Below is a bulleted list of what is included in your retreat. 

  • 6 days-7 night stay in single, double or triple occupancy rooms with private bathroom, AC, and ceiling fan.
  • Three abundant organic meals per day.
  • Daily Kai Chi Do, yoga, meditation, workshops and lots of time to relax and enjoy yourself.
  • Spacious open air jungle yoga shahla with mats, blocks, straps, bolsters, and blue tooth speaker.
  • Temazcal (sweat lodge)
  • Opportunities to participate in exciting, unique adventures and tours at discounted prices
  • Free concierge services (General information and bookings for: tours, adventures, massages, transportation). 
  • One group shuttle to and from the airport, on the day your retreat starts and ends. 
  • Pool, sun deck with lounge chairs, hammocks, and covered lounge area. 
  • Bicycles for transportation to and from the beach. 
  • Welcome refreshments and light snack upon arrival.
  • Sangria night!

Julie Taylor Soltes

Hostess

Tamara A Newman

Hostess and Instructor

I will be leading you through our Kai Chi Do practice as well as teaching yoga and meditation.

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Costa Rica Retreat

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Costa Rica’s official currency is the Colón. The exchange rate averages between 530-550 colones to the dollar. However, US dollars are generally accepted in all areas save for some smaller pueblos. If you do spend US dollars, keep in mind that you will receive your change in colones. It is recommended that you bring denominations of $20 or less as higher denominations are often not accepted in local shops and markets. It is not recommended to change money at the airport.
There is no need to buy plastic bottles of water, just bring your favorite water bottle and refill at the filtered water station. All water on the property goes through two filters before reaching the rooms and kitchen, and then continues through a diverse filtration process complete with restoring any beneficial minerals pulled out during the filtering, before reaching our water station.
Your passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining to enter the country.  You must also show your return ticket.
The country uses 120V, 60Hz current, and the same for wall outlets. This is the same as the US, so guests from the US will not need adaptors.
Guests should bring clothes for active daytime, such as hiking sandals/shoes, yoga clothes, beachwear, swimwear, flip flops and casual wear such as; shorts, sundresses, tank tops and anything made of a light gauzy material. The nights can be chilly (more so during green season) so a light jacket, or a loose fitting long sleeve top and light pants are recommended. We also recommend a rain jacket or poncho during green season.
 Please note that there will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays or illness. If you cancel your participation in a retreat for any reason, the cancellation policy below will apply, with no exceptions. We require you to purchase travel insurance that will cover the extent of risk you foresee.  
 We hope to never have a reason to cancel a retreat; however, if we must cancel the trip due to extreme circumstance, we will refund your payment. We cannot however compensate you for airfare or travel costs incurred. In the unlikely event of retreat being cancelled due to weather, natural disaster or political upheaval, we cannot guarantee a refund, it will be depending on receiving a refund from the venue we work with. To cover these risks, we require you to purchase travel insurance.
Airfare is not included in the cost of this trip.