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Overview
Overview
Some places invite us to explore. Others invite us to slow down, reconnect, and experience the world a little differently. Costa Rica offers the extraordinary opportunity to do both.
Join us for eight days exploring the beauty, culture, and natural wonders of Costa Rica, from the lush rainforest to the sun-drenched Pacific coast. Along the way, we'll discover extraordinary wildlife, swim in waterfalls, experience local traditions, enjoy beautiful meals, and share moments of adventure, laughter, and connection.
Thoughtfully woven throughout our journey are opportunities for yoga, meditation, rest, and reflection. These practices invite us to slow down and experience the places we visit—and ourselves—with greater presence and curiosity. Our time together is designed to balance exploration and restoration, with plenty of space to enjoy the experience in whatever way feels right for you.
Your retreat includes accommodations, transportation throughout the week, meals, and all scheduled tours, activities, and excursions.
Kris of The Common Thread, and Marian of Joy of Life Costa RIca, invite you to come as you are, discover something new, and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica alongside a wonderful community of fellow travelers.
Activities and Experiences
Activities and Experiences
Two landscapes. Eight days. Countless opportunities for wonder.
Two landscapes. Eight days. Countless opportunities for wonder.
Our journey begins in Bijagua, where Costa Rica's lush northern rainforest surrounds us with extraordinary biodiversity. We'll explore the jungle's hanging bridges, discover wildlife with local guides, visit waterfalls, float along the Rio Celeste and allow ourselves to be invited into the healing qualities of nature.
Between adventures, we'll enjoy locally prepared meals, peaceful afternoons, and optional morning yoga and meditation. Our time in the rainforest concludes with a scenic journey toward the Pacific coast, with another waterfall stop along the way.
At the coast, we'll settle into an incredible private home overlooking the ocean, where the pace becomes a little more spacious. Our days will include a private chef, time at the beach and infinity pool, a sunset cruise with snorkeling, a restorative spa experience, and opportunities to enjoy the surrounding coastal communities.
We'll also visit Guaitil, a village known for its traditional Chorotega pottery, where we'll learn about local craftsmanship and enjoy a meal together. Throughout the week, a private chef will introduce us to the flavors of Costa Rica.
Morning movement, meditation, a sound healing journey, and shared ceremonies offer opportunities to pause and reflect along the way, while unstructured time leaves room for quiet moments, spontaneous conversations, and simply enjoying where we are.
This is travel that invites us to be present for the experience—not rush through it.
Our hope is that you return home with wonderful memories, meaningful new connections, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty of the world and your place within it.
Accommodations
Accommodations
Our home for the week will be shared between two sacred spaces in Costa Rica.
Nestled in the lush rainforest between two volcanoes, our first home is a beautiful boutique retreat where nature sets the pace. Thoughtfully designed bungalows, tropical gardens, and extraordinary wildlife create an intimate setting to slow down and reconnect to everything around you. Wake to tropical birdsong, enjoy fresh breakfasts overlooking the jungle, and spend quiet moments by the pool, in the jacuzzi, or exploring the property's peaceful trails. Guests can add spa services on property, and the outdoor yoga shala overlooks the beautiful jungle. It’s the perfect place to begin your day, surrounded by nature. What makes this place especially memorable is the genuine warmth of our hosts, the homemade meals, in-room coffee and tea, and the thoughtful touches that make you feel completely cared for.
After three nights in the jungle, we will transition to elevated coastal luxury. Playa Flamingo - situated on a bluff - offers the unique opportunity to take in the peaceful sunrises and the brilliant sunsets from one location. It's a stunning place to settle into the slower rhythm of coastal living, surrounded by beauty and the company of new friends.
Perched above the Pacific Ocean, is a pair of extraordinary private villas on connected property, designed to embrace the beauty of Costa Rica's coastline. Sweeping ocean views, access to a private beach, two infinity pools, and elegant gathering spaces designed for both sharing meals and conversation as well as peaceful solitude, breathtaking sunsets, and restorative moments. Each beautifully appointed bedroom offers its own private bathroom, with spacious primary suites available for those who desire an elevated experience with additional comfort and privacy.
Both of our beautiful accommodations offer the option to share a room with a friend, or to upgrade to a single room. The beach home include several primary suites with ensuite bathrooms and a private terrace. Reach out for a couples' rate when sharing a single room.
Well-Being
Well-Being
Each morning will begin with an offering of yoga and meditation practice as a way of reflecting on and integrating our travel experience. In addition to these offerings, Marian will lead us in a variety of rituals and ceremonies designed to support us in connecting with the nature around us, and with ourselves.
Over the course of the week, we will incorporate the theme of connection, restoration, and inner wisdom into the week. When we connect with nature -- animals, plants, and landscape -- we are looking at a reflection of ourselves.
Classes are crafted with beginners in mind, and will be offered outdoors overlooking the lush rainforest and the bluffs of the Pacific ocean. We will also have the opportunity for some yoga on the beach during our boating adventure.
cuisine
cuisine
Healthful and delicious food is included in the retreat experience. All meals are included, though you are welcome to venture off on your own as well!
Enjoy cuisine which combines creativity and flavors with special attention to creating balanced meals. Wholesome ingredients, freshness of the foods, traditional cooking methods and local ingredients are present in every meal you will enjoy. Meals will be enjoyed at the property or in a few thoughtfully chosen restaurants, including a farewell dinner that will surely be one of the many highlights of the trip. We'll feast on traditional flavors of Costa Rica, many prepared by a local, private chef -- and don't forget delicious desserts.
Once the full group attending is confirmed, we'll reach out to discern dietary restrictions and preferences.
Nature as our guide
Nature as our guide
There is something remarkable about spending time in places where nature still sets the pace. The rainforest doesn't hurry. The ocean doesn't compete for our attention. Birds greet the morning without an agenda, and the setting sun quietly reminds us that every day has its own rhythm.
As we slow down enough to notice, something within us begins to settle too.
Throughout the week, we'll adventure and see the magical sites to be sure. And, we will be invited into meaningful Costa Rican traditions and cultural practices that honor our relationship with the natural world. These experiences aren't about becoming someone new—they're about remembering what has always been. As we deepen our connection with the land, the people, and the incredible biodiversity around us, we often discover a greater sense of trust, wonder, and compassion for ourselves.
In Costa Rica, you'll hear the phrase Pura Vida often. More than a greeting, it's a way of living—one that reminds us that a rich life is found not in doing more, but in being fully present to what already surrounds us. Our hope is that you'll return home carrying a little of that spirit with you.
The magic of this experience is the approach to our travel together. Each day is carefully planned to support you in relaxing into the experience, knowing every detail been arranged on your behalf, with just the right balance of activity, beauty, and restoration in mind. And, we will continue to deepen our inner wisdom over the course of the week, and you are invited to listen closely to that voice and follow your instincts. This is your experience, and we will be here to support you in any way we can.
OUR GROUP FACILITATORS
OUR GROUP FACILITATORS
The Common Thread and Joy of Life are partnering on this Costa Rican adventure!
Meet Kris Lehman of The Common Thread - a certified meditation and yoga nidra instructor, Reiki Master, fellow traveler, and lifelong seeker of beauty, connection, laughter, and awe.
After visiting 24 countries and many retreats, I have found that I love creating travel experiences that enliven the senses and restore the Spirit. For me, travel has been essential for expanding my connection and understanding of my place in the world, finding restoration and the spaciousness to envision the right question, and the clarity I need for the next iteration of my life journey.
Meet Marian Paniagua of Joy of Life Costa Rica - Marian was born and raised in Brasilito, Costa Rica, where her deep connection to nature and the land began. With more than 20 years of personal yoga practice and over a decade of teaching experience, Marian is a certified yoga and meditation teacher, Reiki practitioner, and ceremonial facilitator. Drawing on ancestral wisdom, spiritual traditions, and her intimate knowledge of Costa Rica, she has guided numerous retreats, tours, and meaningful experiences that invite connection with ourselves, one another, and the natural world. Marian brings her warmth, wisdom, and love for her homeland to her partnership with The Common Thread.
Travel can be an external delight and a container for inner wisdom and that is our invitation to you.
PRICING and Registration
PRICING and Registration
Prices below are inclusive of the full 8 day, 7 night experience - rooms, cuisine, activities, excursions, transportation - including to and from the airport. Only airfare is not included. Airfare should not be purchased until minimum enrollment i met.
A deposit of $1,000 per person is due upon registration. 50% of the remaining balance is due 120 days before the start date, and final payments are due 60 days prior to the start date. For shared rooms - Guests may identify a roommate preference or be paired by our group facilitators.
Shared room (3 people, 3 beds) with ensuite bathroom and amenities - $4,500 per person
Shared room (2 people, 2 beds) with ensuite bathroom and amenities - $4,700 per person
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Single Room - Both locations - $5,900 (SOLD OUT)
Shared rainforest room, Premium Single Room at Beach home - $5,450 per person (SOLD OUT)
We asked how our past guests would describe Wander & Wonder experiences:
A soul-filling retreat where everything is thoughtfully curated with the full intention of giving you space to slow down, invest in yourself, and come away with fresh energy and perspective. - Melissa
The trip was amazing. It was the first time I've traveled this way and I was not sure what to expect! I felt like the excursions picked were so perfect for what I would want to do/see if I planned the trip, but I feel like I would have never found most of those things if I planned the trip on my own. - Felicia
A masterfully curated week for us! They struck the balance between exploring culture with meaningful and unique excursions that the average traveler wouldn’t experience and creating opportunities for true relaxation and rejuvenation. - Diana
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