Reconnect With Your Inner Knowing
Esperanza is a Spanish word that translates to "hope" in English. Hope is a dynamic word, reflecting an optimistic state of mind both in the current understanding of the word and the archaic meaning, which translates to "trust."
The Esperanza Retreat is more than just a yoga retreat. This all-inclusive, week-long yoga, meditation, and self-inquiry retreat is an opportunity to build and foster a sense of trust in yourself, your community, and your dharma, or life purpose.
Feel an immediate sense of stillness and rejuvenation as you step onto the sanctuary at Big Tree Wildlife Refuge, located in the hills above the fishing village of Puerto Viejo.
This well-curated, transformational retreat will leave you feeling renewed, allowing you to move through the world with a greater sense of knowing your purpose and the power you hold.
Big Tree Wildlife Refuge is a private oceanview and rainforest property that sits on the edge of the virgin rainforest where guests are immersed in the energy, sounds, sights, smells, and awe of the rainforest and its wildlife - all from within the comforts of our unique and exceptional villas, Villa Macaw and Villa Toucan.
Big Tree Wildlife Refuge is located within Gandoca-Manzanillo in Punta Uva on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The house is 1 km from the turquoise-colored waters of the Caribbean Sea where you can enjoy beautiful virgin beaches, snorkeling over the coral reefs, kayaking, wildlife hikes, horseback riding, and just plainly relaxing.
Expect to see dozens of toucans every day in addition to several kinds of monkeys, sloths, colorful frogs, morpho butterflies, hummingbirds, countless varieties of birds, and exotic insects.
Both villas come fully equipped and can comfortably sleep up to 14 people. There are 5 private bedrooms, each with its own private balcony, large exterior outdoor bathroom, and private garden. There is a large outdoor open style full kitchen, dining area, and a wildlife terrace, and all bedrooms come fully furnished with linens and pillows, beach and bathroom towels, clothing hangers, ceiling fans, bedside tables and lamps, and comforters for cool nights.
Each day will begin with an exploration of meditation and yoga practices. After breakfast and some personal time, we will gather for a Dharma Talk offering time to reconnect with your body, heart, and the landscape. Throughout the week, we’ll build progressively the study of Jnana Yoga, which emphasizes the "path of knowledge" also known as the "path of self-realization".
Each afternoon there will be ample free time, along with various excursions and workshops, fostering a sense of stillness while immersing yourself in this transformative week.
The Esperanza Retreat is a blend of meditation, movement, connection, and vacation. The pace is slow and the practices are invitational. This could be a good fit for both new and well seasoned to these practices. Yes, it could be great for your partner or dear friend to join along.
I continue to try my best to create inclusive spaces, so I welcome people of diverse backgrounds in terms of gender, race, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, and other forms of diversity.
7 days, 6 nights of simple, yet elegant accommodations at Big Tree Wildlife Refuge
These Casitas have windows that open to prime views of the Rainforest or the Caribbean Sea. Each of them is in its own secluded area in the forest and has a King/Queen bed, a private bathroom, a quiet terrace, and is set in a little tropical garden with local flora.
These rooms are spacious and elegant and will be the perfect place to retreat after a day of activities. Private bathrooms overlooking the jungle and plenty of opportunity for privacy and peace.