What would happen...if you took a pause from your busy life and invited in radical rest, self-care, and rejuvenation? 

How would you feel...spending seven days in a lush location in Northern Costa Rica surrounded by flowers, plants, trees and animals with a group of like-hearted women reconnecting with and celebrating their recovery?

What would it mean...if you said "yes" to a more expanded version of yourself by stepping into a sacred circle that renews and refreshes your entire recovery?

If I know anything, it's that when women gather, magic happens. When we gather in a sacred and intentional location, the Earth itself supports and celebrates our healing. 

Imagine...

* sipping coffee on your veranda and watching hummingbirds buzz around the flowering bushes

* strolling through farm trails and the cacao plantation, as tropical birds call out and fly by

* practicing yoga and meditation in the Yoga Shala overlooking a tranquil lagoon

* learning about chocolate-making and (of-course) tasting the chocolate and farm-grown fruits 

* enjoying delicious, organic, hand-crafted cuisine with local ingredients and flavors

* Sharing & Integration Circles * Ceremony * Workshop Opportunity * Excursion options in nearby Rincon de la Viejo National Park, including hiking and wildlife, hot springs/mud baths * Healing Intuitive Massage & Bodywork opportunities are also available *

WELCOME TO THE EXPAND BEYOND RECOVERY LA ANITA RAINFOREST RETREAT! 

Nestled in a small valley between the Miravalles, Rincon de la Vieja, and Santa Maria Volcanoes, La Finca Anita is an actual farm that grows cacao, heart of palm, cardamom, tropical fruits and vegetables, medicinal plants and variety of exotic tropical flowers. It's surrounded by an incredible explosion of biodiversity; hidden amidst the dense rainforest live more species than are found in the United States and Canada combined! If you love nature...this retreat is for you!

 La Anita is 1.5 hours from the Liberia International Airport; our private shuttle service will pick you up and deliver you back to the airport on departure day.

Join us for an unforgettable week in Costa Rica and the opportunity to learn, grow and expand through embodiment, connection, and nature in a truly spectacular location!

The Expand Beyond Recovery La Anita Rainforest Retreat is for women recovering in any or all areas of their lives. Out of respect for those in recovery from substances, this retreat is a sober experience, no alcohol or drugs are permitted on the premises.  

 Prices are in US dollars.

 This retreat is strictly non-refundable, no exceptions can be made.  

Please confirm your retreat dates in your calendar before you book and before you make your final payment ($500 deposit to secure your spot; balance due on August 30, 2024). In the event of a cancellation, partial transfers of fees paid, to a future retreat MAY be permitted; based on specific circumstances and available retreat options. 

Please contact Payton Kennedy for more information and questions: payton.kennedy@gmail.com; 613.868.9847

Thank you for your kind attention and adherence to our policies.

Payton Kennedy, CPRC, RYT, SRDC

Founder, Expand Beyond Recovery, Lead Facilitator

Payton Kennedy is a women in long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder, co-dependency, overworking/burnout, and relinquishment trauma. She is the founder of Expand Beyond Recovery, a program for recovering women featuring embodiment, movement, curated and original content & coaching activities. She writes a monthly journal on recovery topics. She works and volunteers with the SHE RECOVERS Foundation - a North American organization committed to supporting women in recovery.  

Payton is Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator (Institute for Creative Mindfulness) and creator of SHE RECOVERS Dance, a guided movement experience promoting self-awareness, body positivity, freedom, joy, and empowerment. Payton is currently studying 5 Animal Qigong Teacher Training with White Tiger Qigong.  She is also a certified Life & Professional Recovery Coach, a SHE RECOVERS Coach, and a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher. She offers private 1:1 coaching and yoga, as well as group programs and sessions.

"My purpose in life and true bliss is guiding women seeking healing, change and growth to a place of embracing their unique lived experiences and cultivating a resilient, joyful, embodied and expansive recovery journey, no matter what they are recovering from."

Rebecca Sawyer, Coordinator & Movement Guide

Rebecca is grateful to be in recovery from alcohol use disorder, trauma and cancer. Her journey of sobriety and the healing has reaffirmed her belief in the strength of authenticity and vulnerability, as well as the potential for positive transformation no matter what you are recovering from. Rebecca has a background in event planning and coordination, and has traveled the world both professionally and for leisure. She is a passionate and dedicated yoga, dance and fitness coach/instructor, known for infusing her classes with a blend of mindfulness, strength, and joy. Rebecca has been part of creating Adaptive Fitness programs as she is committed to making health and wellness accessible to to all, and at any age. 

Haidee Lief,  Ascensia Temple Arts 

Haidee currently resides in Costa Rica and will be onsite to offer healing and transformational bodywork sessions which incorporate deep tissue massage, aromatherapy, reiki and intuitive channeling/healing. She is an incredible healer and human! Haidee is originally from South Africa and has a lifetime of experience in spiritual study and continuing world travel, through the fields of conscious 'human potential',  herbal medicine,  and traditional African and North American shamanic healing systems and spiritual practices. Her journey spans three decades of Iyengar yoga and Vipassana meditation, and Reiki Level two. In 1996 after a year of introductory workshop exploration, she journeyed to Thailand to study Nuad Boran Traditional Thai massage with master teacher Dr. Anthony James and other teachers at various traditional medicine schools, initiating her journey as a professional massage therapist. 

“The treatment I had with Haidee in beautiful Costa Rica was the most unique bodywork experience I have ever received. I had a blissful treatment, integrating physical massage, energy work and spiritual guidance. Not only is Haidee a talented massage practitioner, she also delivers an unmatched confident, calm, and reassuring spiritual energy that soothes both body and soul. It truly felt like my treatment was customized uniquely for me. Haidee was so intuitive with giving me exactly what I needed. I left the session feeling fantastic, both physically and mentally. She also left me with some profound spiritual breakthroughs and I won't soon forget. I wholeheartedly recommend Haidee’s healing services, and I can't wait for my next session!" - S. Roth, RMT 

 We are all thrilled to share space with you, support and guide you into an expanded version of your recovery and healing!

*Special guests may be announced at a later date!

**A portion of the proceeds for the Expand Beyond Recovery retreat will be donated to the SHE RECOVERS Foundation, an organization that connects, supports and empowers women and non-binary individuals in or seeking recovery in all areas of their lives.

 Q. I've never been to Costa Rica. What's the airport and customs like?

A. The Liberia International Airport is a small and easily-negotiated airport. In our experience, customs is a efficient process. We will be organizing shuttle service to and from the airport. For maximum efficiency, we ask that check in with Payton BEFORE you book your flight; flights arriving between 2PM and 5PM on arrival day are optimal. Our check-out time on departure day is 11AM and our shuttle service will bring the group to the airport together (there are good amenities and shopping at the airport)! The drive to and from La Anita is beautiful! 

Q. I've never been on a recovery retreat. What can I expect?

A. You can expect an intentionally curated experience that includes both rest from your busy life and a reset or reaffirmation of your recovery. Connection is paramount on this journey...spending time with women who are on a similar path and yet unique in experience, is inspiring and impactful. A retreat can be a time when you create space for healing, for reflection and for envisioning what is next. It can also be a time to reconnect to yourself and practice deep rest. Every retreat is different and there is no right way to do one! If you come with an open mind and open heart, yours will be exactly what you need! 

Q. Okay, I see "rainforest"...will it be raining all the time? What will the weather be like?

A. November is the beginning of the dry season with each passing day bringing less rain. Day time temps average in the mid 80s and can cool a little at night. Rains occur frequently in the late afternoons, but with less frequency towards the end of the month. All this said, a waterproof hiking boot or rubber boot is a great idea, along with rain jacket and hat. 

Q. What about bugs...particularly mosquitoes? 

A. There are mosquitos and other "crawlies" (of course) in Costa Rica but in November, they are not bad (Pablo and Anita, the owners have communicated that). We will likely feel them more at dawn and dusk and we recommend bringing repellent along for outdoor activities. We'll be including some recommended types in your Retreat Guide.

Q. What do I need to bring with me? Will you provide a packing list?

A. Yes, we will provide a packing list and complete Retreat Guide closer a few months out so you can plan accordingly.

Q. Are there any stores nearby in case I need something?

A. There is a store with basic supplies 10 minutes from La Anita. There will be a vehicle onsite for these types of trips! 

Q. Do you recommend travel or trip cancellation insurance? 

A. We do! Life happens, please protect your investment and yourself while traveling. Think of it as self-care. :)