Welcome to the second Empowering Midlife Wellness Retreat! The theme of this event is "Activating Happiness in Midlife" and will be hosted by five world-renowned experts in different aspects of women's health and holistic wellness, with the goal of creating the fullest and most joyful life for women primarily in the 40 to 65 year old age group. This three night retreat in luxurious beachfront Costa Rica will leave you with a new outlook on the second half of life and actionable tools to create more happiness in your life, as well as for those around you. Happiness is our basic nature, and we can all learn simple daily practices to reconnect with our basic inner joy and wellbeing, rather than constantly seeking it from outside.

This event is all-inclusive, including the luxury hotel, all meals, open bar during dinner, a group catamaran cruise, one spa service, multiple optional beach activities and in-country transfers - as well as the program itself.

DR. SUSAN HARDWICK-SMITH is a Board-Certified Gynecologist specializing in women’s midlife wellness, hormone optimization and sexual wellness. She is the founder of Complete Midlife Wellness Center in Houston, TX, and the best-selling author of "Sexually Woke - Awaken the Secrets to Your Best Sex Life in Midlife and Beyond". She also hosts a popular podcast and YouTube show called "Empowering Midlife Wellness". Dr. Susan is the recipient of the Texas Super Doctor award over 15 times, as well a multiple time recipient of H-Texas magazine’s Top Doctor and Top Doctor for Women awards. She also has been chosen as one of Houston’s “3 best rated” gynecologists several consecutive years. Dr. Susan is also an ICF certified life and leadership coach, multipletime marathoner and Ironman triathlete, and mother of 3 young adults. More info at: www.completemidlifewellnesscenter.com

MEG ELLIS is a Certified Conscious Life Coach and NLP Practitioner, and the host of the Create Your Fate Podcast. She is the Founder and CEO of Phoenix 8 Consulting in Houston and her mission is to lead you to Your Best Life Ever –the life where you truly understand yourself and are not held back by guilt, fear, or self-limiting beliefs. Her unique methodology rooted in The Enneagram, Consciousness, and The Law of Attraction is proven to create life-changing results. Having overcome the trauma of divorce, death, and unhealthy attachments, she wants you to know there is a life of fulfillment waiting for you too. Learn to love yourself and focus on what you want...not what you don’t want. Lose the need to control your life –and actually create it instead. More info at: www.phoenix8consulting.com

KELLEY WORKMAN is a Master Personal Trainer, certified Pilates & Yoga Instructor, and a IN Health Coach. But this was not her first career. After graduating University of Houston with a BS in Business in 1991, she began working with her husband to build physical therapy/orthopedic clinics across Texas. In 2010 that all changed after her husband tragically died in car accident. She and her five children relocated, and she wanted to do something new to heal herself and her family. In 2015, she became a mother to her sixth child at 45-years-old and  now owns a private Pilates/yoga studio, where her personal training clients move to a healthy body, clear mind and better life. More info at: www.kelleymoves.com

YANIV SHANTI is a Co-founder and director of "El Despertador - School of Happiness". He is also ahappiness activist, emotional health promoter, lecturer, motivator, life coach, instructor of mindfulness, meditation and personal growth, developer of experiential learning tools, designer and facilitator of transformational experiences, celebrant of intentional ceremonies, architect, DJ and entrepreneur. Through conferences, workshops, retreats, group activations and individual sessions, he has had the privilege of helping thousands of people, with over 25 years of dedication to regain, enjoy and share their happiness with the world.

See what some of our last guests had to say about the prior event:

"I feel so grateful to have been included in such a wonderful experience. What a warm and safe place interacting with all the leaders with so much experience and knowledge. I feel like I came home with a lot of tools to enhance my life. Thanks to each and every one who was there. 

I am so happy that I went to this wellness retreat. I had hoped for some motivation to live a healthier life. Dr. Susan and her amazing co-leaders created a safe space to share and learn and laugh. Our morning yoga and meditation set the stage for a beautiful day. I left feeling rested and joyful with many new friends. This retreat was really transformative, and I am hoping there will be another one soon" 

"One of the best things about the retreat is that I think it was really a judgement free zone which unfortunately can be hard to find sometimes. Meeting women with similar struggles can make you feel less alone. Finding solutions to these struggles or just open ears is heartwarming. All the presenters were genuinely friendly and willing to just be themselves. Every woman needs this retreat in their life"

"It was life changing! To feel I and others could be so open with our whole hearts. (Including our leaders) I think everyone else fed off each other! Was an AWESOME GROUP!

I loved every minute of the experience! The retreat was everything that I expected and more. The amazing women, the wonderful speakers, and the safe space to “just connect” was perfect. I learned a lot and have much to think about regarding my health and happiness. I would love to attend the next retreat. This experience truly enhanced my life"

"Genuine sharing, helpful learning, fun laughs. Makes me not so frustrated to be in “mid-life”! Very empowering, and it’s staying with me even after returning to my daily life. Thank you!

I went to retreat to declutter my mind and that’s exactly what I did. I want to thank the hosts for making it possible. Super fun!"

"Dr. Susan has got to be the most intuitive and empathic doctor a woman could have. She is the catalyst of everything wonderful that happened at this retreat and just has the most beautiful instinct for knowing what women need. The fact that she recognizes what her patients need and provided this opportunity for us is just so amazing. Our physical and mental health goes beyond doctor’s appointments, and the fact that she understands and addresses this makes her priceless"

Elegance and exceptional service combine for a relaxed getaway experience at El Mangroove, Autograph Collection in Guanacaste, just steps from the beach. Overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo, our beachfront hotel in Guanacaste's modern design is inspired by lush forests, sun-kissed beaches and the vibrant culture of Costa Rica. Our hotel is the closest beach resort to an international airport within Costa Rica, just 20 minutes from touchdown to sand.

The suites are nestled among the trees, where you will be able to get lost in relaxation in this light-filled refuge. After a day in paradise, chill inside your bohemian-chic room and regain your energy for your next adventure. You’ll discover why Pura Vida is the lifestyle that you deserve.

The secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit is required. The balance will be due on October 2nd. In case you need to cancel your participation, 

(a) 35 days or more prior to November 10th, we will retain 50% of the total booking price and reimburse the remaining amount.

(b) Less than 35 days prior to November 10th, we will retain 100% of the total booking price

If you need to leave the retreat for any reason after it has started, we won't be able to make any refunds for unused services.

For full terms and conditions, visit https://sumak-travel.org/terms

Flight from Houston to Liberia (9:36 a.m. / 1:08 p.m. on United or 10:40 a.m. / 2:05 p.m. on Southwest). On arrival, 20-minute transfer to the beautiful Gulf of Papagayo, where you will stay in the El Mangroove beachfront hotel. In the afternoon:

Before 5:00 p.m.: Relax and enjoy the pool, beach and settle into your room

5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Property orientation tour

5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Beach/poolside welcome with fun and games 

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Private dinner

8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.: "Happiness activation - Part 1" - Connect with your deepest intentions, inner happiness and fellow travelers (under the stars, weather permitting)

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: “Morning Bliss Meditation / Bathing in Gratitude” with Yaniv Shanti 

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Group check-in, sharing circle and instructions for the day

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Breakfast at your leisure, relax and spend time with friends, spa or beach activities (use of kayaks and SUP is included)

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Group session with Kelley Workman – “Happiness Through Movement and Somatic Experience” 

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m: Private lunch, relaxation 

2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Group conscious life coaching session with Meg Ellis – “Manifesting Joy and Releasing Limiting Beliefs: A Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) Experience”

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Relaxation time for spa, paddle boarding, kayaking, beach activities or relaxing with friends. Hosts will be available throughout both days for impromptu beach or poolside discussions as they organically arise.

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Private dinner 

8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m: "Dance Celebration" - Music and movement to celebrate the day!

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: “Morning Bliss Meditation / Activating Appreciation” with Yaniv Shanti

9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Group check-in, sharing circle and instructions for the day

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Breakfast at your leisure, relax and spend time with friends, spa or beach activities 

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Group midlife wellness session with Dr. Susan – “Optimizing intimacy in Midlife and Beyond”

1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Private lunch, relaxation 

2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: "Group Hoʻoponopono" with Susan, Meg, Kelley and Shanti

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.: Group sunset Catamaran cruise, enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature and ocean with the deep connection of friends. On board there is a selection of fresh fruits and natural juices. Enjoy the sea breeze, the sunshine of Costa Rica and this unique tropical paradise at its best.

7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: Private dinner  

8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.: “Self-love ritual” led by Yaniv Shanti

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m: “Happiness Activation - Part 2” with Yaniv Shanti

9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.: Breakfast at your leisure, relax and pack up room

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Closing sharing circle

Then, 20-minute transfer to the airport for your flight back to Houston (2:14 p.m. / 5:57 p.m. on United or 3:00 p.m. / 6:30 p.m. on Southwest).

Monday afternoon through Tuesday at noon - Relaxation and integration, optional off-property tours of local Costa Rican beauty.

Consider staying longer if you want to - Our travel agent can help plan a customized program to visit Monteverde, the Arenal Volcano or the Nicoya Peninsula, among others.

Optional activities: 

- Rincón de la Vieja Volcano day-trip: Enjoy a full magic and adventure day authentically Costa Rican, and authentically Guanacastecan in the Hacienda at the foot of the towering Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. The adventure starts with a scenic horseback ride through woods and trails, for then having an exhilarating fun on 7 zip line cables where experienced guides will lead you through the rainforest to the series of treetop platforms. Afterwards, you will take a thrilling tubing ride down the river to enjoy of the fresh water. After the rush of adrenaline, get ready to enjoy a delicious lunch with a variety of typical Costa Rican dishes and a natural tropical fruit beverage to finally relax and experience the volcanic activity at the natural hot springs pools, bubbling volcanic mud pits, steaming fumaroles, and mini geysers.

- Beach hopping half-day excursion: Go on a private half-day excursion to visit the most beautiful beaches along the Papagayo Peninsula Coastline which are accessible by boat only. We will navigate to dozens of secluded and undeveloped beaches along the bay. Enjoy the white sand and turquoise waters, snorkel in the colorful reefs (or Stand up Paddle) and take a picnic lunch on the sand. Discover the richness of Costa Rica's marine life!

Prices available upon request.