Elevate & Connect ~ A Wellness Journey

Costa Rica, February 2-8, 2025

Immerse yourself in a transformative wellness experience at The Retreat, our five-star resort nestled in the lush Costa Rican mountains. This isn't just a vacation—it's an opportunity to forge meaningful connections with like-minded women while nurturing your body, mind, and soul.

Are You Ready for a Week of Wellness and Connection?

Join our intimate group of women for a rejuvenating journey that focuses on:

  • Connecting authentically through shared experiences designed to foster personal growth and lasting friendships

  • Nourishing your body with gourmet, organic meals (grain-free, refined sweetener-free, and dairy-free)

  • Energizing yourself through daily yoga sessions, invigorating hikes, and refreshing swims

  • Relaxing deeply with luxurious spa treatments that soothe both body and mind

  • Cultivating mindfulness and inner peace through guided meditations and yoga practices

  • Rediscovering your vitality in the healing embrace of Costa Rica's natural beauty

About Your Hosts

Meet Jennifer Sullivan (left) and Lisa Waltuch (right), the heart and soul behind Encore Retreats. We're passionate about creating an environment where women can flourish, free from the demands of everyday life.

At Encore Retreats, we believe in the power of shared experiences. Our retreats are designed to foster authentic relationships among our guests, celebrating the magic that happens when women come together in person. We understand that those who usually take care of everything at home need some pampering too. That's why we handle all the details, allowing you to immerse yourself in the joy of being your true self and forming rewarding friendships.

Jennifer brings over two decades of experience with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to ensure your stay is nothing short of exceptional. As the owner of a boutique travel consultancy, she's dedicated to crafting memorable, purposeful experiences. Her BA from the University of Richmond underpins her expertise in hospitality and travel.

Lisa, a Co-Active trained life coach with a background in Design Thinking, adds a creative spark to our retreats. Her diverse career spans roles at The Discovery Channel, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Walmart. With a BA from Stanford and an MFA from Rhode Island School of Design, Lisa blends artistic vision with practical insights to enrich your retreat experience.

As mothers ourselves, we understand the value of time away to recharge and rediscover. We've created Encore Retreats as a sanctuary where women can show up authentically, deepen their understanding of themselves, and forge meaningful bonds with others. Our goal is simple: to provide a nurturing space where you can indulge in self-care, explore wellness, and cultivate friendships that will last long after you return home.

Join us for a transformative week where every moment is an opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and revel in the company of extraordinary women.

Welcome

Picture yourself lounging by the pool, surrounded by a circle of warm, like-minded women. A gentle, sweet breeze caresses your skin as you perch atop a healing crystal mountain in the lush Costa Rican rainforest. This nature-inspired, holistic healing oasis offers breathtaking views of the Nicoya Peninsula's majestic mountains and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean peeking through seasonal clouds. Here, amidst the natural beauty and the nurturing presence of your fellow retreaters, the chaos of everyday life melts away. As you relax into a state of calm and peace, you'll find yourself embraced by both the serene environment and the supportive energy of your new companions, creating the perfect setting for rejuvenation and relaxation.

The Venue

The Retreat is Costa Rica’s five-star, premier wellness sanctuary, offering an immersive experience that flawlessly infuses the facilities and amenities of a world-class wellness retreat with the stunning beauty the Costa Rican jungle and the accommodations of a luxurious boutique hotel.

Tucked into a quartz mountain overlooking 60 miles of Pacific Ocean seascape, The Retreat is more than a luxury wellness destination; it is a heavenly environment, a space to let go of the stresses of life and create the feeling within you that you have always dreamed of. The moment you set foot on the property, all your needs are taken care of, and you are enveloped in a sense of calm.

The Retreat was named Conde’ Nast 2024 Traveler’s #6 Best Destination Spa in the world.

The Journey

The Cuisine & Food Philosophy

Enjoy al-fresco dining and an array of flavors and styles of cuisine as you are served three 100% organic and anti-inflammatory meals each day.  All meals are primarily plant-based, with produce grown on the property. Dinners include the option of adding local, sustainably raised fish, fowl, beef, or lamb.

All foods are grain-free, dairy-free (occasional goat yogurt and cheese) and use no refined sweeteners. Vegan and vegetarian options are available at any meal and each menu is chefs’ choice, based on what is fresh, inspiring, and thought-provoking that day. 

At the heart of our retreat lies a commitment to holistic wellness and genuine connection. Our thoughtfully designed six-night experience offers a perfect blend of relaxation, movement, and nourishing cuisine, complemented by group workshops that foster friendship and self-discovery.

Engaging, optional workshops include:

  • Sacred Silence Experience – This two-hour experience is the perfect introduction to a silent meditation practice. Acclimate to silence and stillness in a very simple and supportive environment.

  • Stories That Connect Us - Share personal narratives in a supportive setting, discovering shared experiences and fostering deeper, more authentic connections.

  • Kintsugi: The Art of Beautiful Repair - Learn the Japanese art of mending broken objects with gold, embracing imperfections and creating beauty from life's challenges.

  • Breathwork - Learn powerful breathing techniques that help calm your nervous system and create lasting peace in your daily life

  • Nature and Nurture Walks - Strengthen connections with yourself, others, and nature through guided sensory walks and reflective partner discussions.

  • Wellness Cooking Class - after enjoying The Retreat’s healthy and delicious cuisine, you’ll be invited into the kitchen to make some of the most popular recipes with the Chef

This retreat is mindfully crafted to nourish your body, uplift your spirit, and weave a tapestry of lasting friendships. You'll leave feeling renewed, with a treasure trove of wellness practices and authentic connections to carry into your everyday life.

“I loved sharing stories with a group of strong-minded women. The laughter was amazing for me”
— Kippy

On this retreat, you’ll enjoy:

Collaboration

  • Seven incredible days together in a quietly inspiring environment that will nurture your mind, body and soul

  • New friends. Share the company of like-minded women who value authenticity and genuine connection

Small Group Setting

  • This retreat is intentionally intimate in order to foster trust, connections and meaningful conversations

  • Post-trip community support through a private Facebook group

Movement, Wellness and Relaxation

  • Morning movement options include yoga and invigorating hikes

  • Full access to resort and Vida Mía health facilities (gym, steam room, outdoor pools, jacuzzi), including 10% off all treatments booked prior to arrival

  • Access to the community room with board games and an extensive lending library

  • Downtime each day to nap, journal and let the ah-has sink in

Gourmet meals and tastings

  • Breakfast includes fresh juices, fruits, farm-fresh egg dishes, grain-free muffins and bread, homemade granolas, chia puddings, and organic coffee freshly roasted from the garden

  • Lunch is always fresh from the garden - inventive salads with every type of fresh vegetables, and inspired combinations of flavors

  • Dinner is an artful three-course meal beginning with a pureed garden soup to open the palate. The main dish varies each night and always includes vegetarian or vegan options. Desserts are the masterpiece finale to each evening

  • Guests also have open access to the coffee, tea, infused water and cacao bar throughout the day

    All dishes are anti-inflammatory and gluten-free with no refined sugar, grains or dairy (occasional goat yogurt and cheese)

What’s Included:

  • Six luxurious nights at the Five Star, The Retreat, Costa Rica

  • Private ground transportation to and from San Jose International Airport

  • Three gourmet organic, anti-inflammatory, and gluten-free meals, daily

  • One sixty-minute massage or facial from select menu

  • 10% off any additional spa treatments booked prior to arrival

  • Choice of yoga class or guided nature hike, daily

  • Optional daily workshops and group exercises, led by Empowerment and Life Coach, Lisa Waltuch

  • Wellness cooking class with culinarians from The Retreat

  • 10% off additional tours and excursions booked prior to arrival

  • Pre-trip preparation exercises

  • All gratuities for resort staff, airport drivers and included spa treatment

  • Post-trip community support through our private Facebook group

    What’s Not Included:

  • Roundtrip airfare. We recommend flying into San Jose International Airport (SJO), which is about 45 minutes from The Retreat

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance

    What you will take home:

  • A physical rest and mental reset

  • A stronger, healthier body

  • A sense of empowerment, creativity and calm

  • Tools & resources to recreate the power of the pause at home

  • A renewed sense of energy, focus and grace, which will benefit your family, co-workers and employer

  • A group of new friends, connections and collaborators connected through our private Facebook group

Hear what others are saying

  • I knew there would be a lot of laughter, thought-provoking conversations, and fun experiences, but I was not prepared for the friendships, breakthroughs, and healing that would come out of this experience.

    Linne’

  • “The most valuable aspect of the retreat was the support and companionship of the group”

    Sharon

  • Connecting back with the strength I know I have within me. Feeling my own ability to make a beautiful life and letting go of the past hurts while respecting where I have come from. Making an amazing group of friends whom I cherish.

    Barb

Are You Ready to Take the Next Steps?

  1. Let’s chat! To ensure that this retreat is a good fit for you, all potential attendees are asked to schedule a 15-minute chat with Lisa and Jen. During this call, we’ll get to know each other a bit and you’ll have the chance to ask any questions not covered on this page.

  2. If you, Jen and Lisa decide to proceed, you will choose your room type and pay the initial, non-refundable $900 deposit. Only when this deposit has been received is your spot confirmed.

  3. 50% balance due by July 15, 2024

  4. Remaining balance due by November 11, 2024

  5. Three weeks prior to departure, you'll receive detailed information about what to look forward to including packing tips and much more!

If you prefer a custom payment plan, we can certainly work with you.  Balances must be paid in full before departure.   

 This retreat is intentionally intimate ~ only a few spots remain! 

Early Bird Gift - Until November 11

Reserve your spot now and receive all the extra benefits included in our Concierge Care Package:

  1. 1. Handmade Silk Pillowcase – helps maintain your skin's moisture, reduces hair breakage, and creates the perfect temperature for restorative sleep

  2. 2. Priority Room Upgrade – guests registering before Nov. 11 will receive rooms with the best views and accommodations.

  3. 3. Priority Booking for those heavenly Spa Treatments – You get 10% off any treatments booked prior to arrival, and as part of the Concierge Care Package, we will make the appointments for you

  4. 4. One Private 45 min Life Coaching Session with Lisa, to be used before, during or after the retreat - you choose!

  5. 5. Exclusive Welcome Reception – Join Lisa & Jen for a private welcome reception before the opening night dinner.  This is your chance to get to know the hosts and connect with other guests before the retreat officially begins.

Single Occupancy - $5,999

Double Occupancy - $4,699 / person

Cancellation policy:  

Any cancellation will result in a total loss of the $900 deposit.  Cancellations made between July 16, 2024 and November 11, 2024 will result in a loss of 50% of the trip price. Cancellations made between November 12, 2024 and the trip departure will result in a total loss of funds.  

 Encore Retreats reserves the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum. If we do so, your deposit is refunded in full.  This decision will be made by November 30, 2024.

 Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended; we suggest Travel Guard Insurance, which has several policy options.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All you’ll need is your passport, which must have at least six months validity remaining, and proof of your return flight.

  • No. No special vaccinations are needed for visits to Costa Rica.

  • You’ll fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica’s capital, San Juan. We will arrange for a driver to take you to and from the airport.

  • Our home away from home is called The Retreat Costa Rica. It is a five-star wellness resort.

  • Absolutely! The Retreat’s chefs are fully versed in many types of foods and special dietary needs and can accommodate any special request.  We will collect this information when you register.

  • In this part of Costa Rica, the weather in February is generally perfect, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Anticipate daytime temperatures around 85°F, while night temperatures can drop to 65°F.

  • Guests should bring comfortable clothes for an active daytime, such as hiking shoes, yoga clothes, swimwear, and casual daywear. Casual resort wear is appropriate for sunset and dinner. The nights can be chilly so light jackets, pashminas, and long sleeves are recommended.

  • Most of your expenses will be covered, including gratuities, but it you want to do a little extra shopping, US dollars and credit cards are generally accepted in all areas. It is recommended that you bring denominations of $20 or less as higher denominations are often not accepted in local shops and markets. If you do spend US dollars, keep in mind that you will receive your change in Costa Rican colones.  If you plan to use a credit card, make sure your card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

  • The Retreat is located on a steep mountainside with high cliffs and edges. However, they have taken the appropriate measures to ensure that they have wheelchair access to all common areas within the property.

  • The Retreat is in the lush mountains of Costa Rica, about an hour away from the Pacific coast.

  • No! It would be our pleasure to pair you with another retreat guest who has requested a double. However, if we cannot find a roommate and you end up with your own room, you will be charged the single fee.

  • We love seeing these close relationships! To maintain the mature nature of the retreat, all guests must be 23 years of age or older.

Previous

Wine Country, CA: 4 Nights, Dates TBD
Next

Playa Grande, Dominican Republic: Six Nights, Dates TBD