Here & Now hosted by Kirby Gordon and Iva Drtina-Hall, is a 5-day New Year yoga retreat cohosted in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, designed to stretch time and drop you fully in the present. No New Year to-do list, no planning for the next year, just dilating the moment. Through daily Katonah Yoga®, Yin, Restorative, and Flow practices, sauna and cold plunge, nourishing meals, catamaran ride, and luxury eco-villa stay, you’ll step out of the rush of everyday life and into a state of slow, delicious spaciousness. Unhurried, unrushed presence.
Every detail of this retreat is an invitation to breathe deeper, soften into relaxation, and savor the moment. Between yoga on the deck, swims under the sun, or curling up in a treetop floating net (yeah!!!), you’ll have room to simply be. No planning. No rushing. Just the luxury of time, the beauty of the jungle, and the clarity that arises when you’re fully here, fully now.
See the retreat venue here✨
Watch hummingbirds, butterflies, and howler monkeys playfully swing from the treetops, drawn to the nectar-filled flowers around you. The retreat is hosted at Ecocoon Treevillas Yoga + Spa, an eco-wellness villa tucked into the lush Costa Rican rainforest of Santa Teresa. Here, nature is your constant companion—from the gentle rustle of leaves outside your eco-suite to the soft breeze that flows through the open-air living spaces. The property itself is a sanctuary, with a flowing river and hidden waterfall creating serene natural soundscapes that invite you to slow down and be present.
Ecocoon’s wellness amenities are designed to heighten this immersion: the largest sauna in Costa Rica accommodates up to 40 guests, complemented by invigorating ice-cold plunges and private natural pools. Two additional saunas, multiple pools, floating hammock nets, and tucked-away alcoves offer endless opportunities for reading, meditating, or simply being in the moment.
The villas blend luxury and nature seamlessly. The main villa features an infinity pool, two private suite-style rooms with en-suite bathrooms and A/C, king-size round beds, and six semi-private open-air lofts with shared baths and A/C. Multiple kitchen spaces, including a large communal kitchen and a tree-bar, allow for shared experiences in this natural setting. Beyond the main villa, three distinct ecocoons provide additional private or shared stays: Roble, our most deluxe private suite with A/C, indoor-outdoor bathroom, private kitchen, and plunge pool; and Pochote and Ceiba, shared twin accommodations each with their own kitchens, plunge pools, and indoor-outdoor baths. Every space is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the rainforest while offering comfort, privacy, and a deep connection to the natural world around you.
2x daily yoga. Ranging from extended morning practices of form + flow, intelligent vinyasa, and slow and delicious evening yin/restorative, adjustment + yin workshops, and more.
Iva Drtina-Hall is a Yoga and Wellness Instructor with over 20 years of experience, specializing in yoga, breathwork, meditation, and Ayurveda to guide students in personal transformation. Originally from the Czech Republic and having lived in Tokyo, she now calls Austin home, where she teaches at renowned studios, leads teacher trainings, and facilitates international retreats. Known for her deep connection to Yin Yoga, she brings a calm, angelic presence to her teachings, with a focus on healing through Ayurveda.
Kirby Gordon is an experienced yoga teacher, somatic breathwork facilitator, and retreat host who recently moved to Austin after spending three years on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast. Known for her unique teaching style that weaves ancient philosophy into formal asana, Kirby brings over 800 hours of training in katonah yoga (a blend of hatha, iyengar, taoism, and geometry), vinyasa, yin, and restorative. Her classes provide transformative tools for self-discovery, with a focus on healing through embodiment and accessing one's true center, not their habitual nature or the person the world tells them to be.
Both teachers are highly experienced in yin and hands-on adjustments and will create a workshop-style atmosphere, inviting practitioners of all levels—whether new to yoga or seasoned—to engage deeply with yoga. Expect tons of laughter, exploration, and insight as you dive into conversation, movement, and the magic of practice: Here and Now in paradise.
All brunch and dinners are included in your retreat cost, lovingly prepared by our on-site private chef using fresh, locally sourced tropical ingredients. We’ll share vibrant brunches and nourishing dinners together each day, creating a slow, delicious rhythm that invites us to savor the moment, connect deeply, and fully enjoy the gorgeous retreat space. *With some additional lunches included.
Arrival & Departure
Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR). A return group shuttle is included in the retreat cost (approx. 4 hours to Santa Teresa).
Arrival: Shuttle departs 9 AM from a designated Liberia pickup point on January 17, 2026. We recommend arriving a day early (January 16) and staying overnight. If you miss the shuttle, private transport is approx. $150 per person.
Departure: Fly out of Liberia January 22, 2026 no earlier than 5 PM, or stay an extra night in Liberia and depart January 23.
Main Villa
Infinity Pool with jungle views
2 Fully Private En-Suite Rooms — round king beds, ensuite bathrooms, A/C
6 Semi-Private Open-Air Loft Rooms — round beds, shared bathrooms, A/C, jungle breeze
3 Kitchenettes + 1 Large Communal Kitchen
Tree Bar for sunset gatherings
ROBLE Deluxe Private — Most Deluxe Private Option
1 guest or couple | Private king suite with A/C
Tucked away from the main villas
Indoor/outdoor bathroom
Private kitchen + private pool
Huge private veranda
POCHOTE & CEIBA shared cabinas— Shared Jungle Villas
2 guests | Twin beds, A/C
Indoor/outdoor bathroom
Private kitchen + private pool
Huge private veranda
Do I need to have prior yoga experience to join?
Of course not! While genuine curiosity about the practice and a like-minded community are preferred, all levels are welcome.
Where do I fly into and when?
Fly in and out of Guanacaste International Airport (LIR) located in Liberia to take advantage of the included airport shuttle. Plan to arrive on January 16 and stay one night in Liberia; the shuttle will depart the morning of January 17 from a designated pickup point (shared after booking). For your return, schedule your flight for the evening of January 22 (after 5 PM) or on January 23 for a more relaxed departure with an extra night in Liberia. If you choose to fly into or out of San José International Airport (SJO), transportation to and from the retreat center will be at your own expense.
Can I walk to the beach from the retreat center?
Yes and no! It is a 50-minute walk through a jungle road to the town/beach of Playa Hermosa with cafes and a stunning beach. However, we are happy to book you a shuttle ride, taxi, or horseback ;) at extra cost outside of the scheduled beach time.
What is Katonah Yoga?
Katonah Yoga is a syncretic practice blending Taoist theory, geometry, breathwork, and metaphor to create a functional and transformative experience on and off the mat. Rooted in alignment and longevity, it uses techniques like breath wraps, TCM, and imaginative language to create stability and insight.
What should I pack for the retreat?
Think Costa Rica wellness vacation! Pack bathing suits, yoga clothes, hiking gear, sundresses, light layers, sandals, and tennis shoes. Essentials include sunscreen, a hat, and any personal wellness items you love, like journals and oracle decks.
Is there free time to explore Santa Teresa and the surrounding areas?
Yes! Many afternoons have free time, and we’ve included a free day in the itinerary. One of the days, we’ll visit the main town of Santa Teresa for its charming atmosphere. If you’d like more time to explore, we recommend extending your stay!
Pricing & Discounts
Retreat pricing does not include airfare or some lunches.
Deposit & Payment Terms
A $700 non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. This deposit will be deducted from the total amount payable. The remaining balance is divided into 2-3 payments depending on the booking date, with all final payments due by December 17, 2025.
For bookings made after December 1, the total amount will be due in full at the time of booking. You are responsible for ensuring payments are accurate and adhere to the agreed schedule.
If full payment is not received by December 17, 2025, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and fill your spot without a deposit refund. We will send a reminder when the balance is due.
All deposits are non-refundable. Please book confidently, as no refunds will be granted.
Cancellation Policy
To cancel your retreat, you must notify us in writing at kirbyyoga@gmail.com
The $700 deposit is non-refundable.
Cancellations made on or before Nov 1, 2025 will receive a 50% refund of any remaining balance paid (excluding the deposit).
Cancellations made after Dec 1, 2025, will receive no refund.
You may transfer your booking to another person by notifying us via email by December 1, 2025
9 (unless in shared accommodation). Exceptions to our cancellation policy will not be made for any reason, including but not limited to weather, terrorism, civil unrest, COVID-19, health changes, government mandates, or personal emergencies. No refunds or price adjustments will be given for late arrivals or early departures.
Retreat Cancellations
We reserve the right to make necessary changes, including adjustments to staff, class styles, excursions, transportation, and meals.
If we cancel the retreat before departure, you will be offered a transfer to a future retreat or a full refund of payments made to us. We are not responsible for any expenses incurred due to retreat cancellation, including airline tickets, travel documents, or other costs. Please do not book travel arrangements until we confirm the retreat has met the group size minimum.
We will not be responsible for delays, expenses, or inconveniences caused by circumstances beyond our control, including flight delays, civil disturbances, severe weather, government actions, or natural disasters. No refunds will be issued for "no-shows" or unused retreat days due to these circumstances.
Ecocoon Liability
Participants are responsible for any damage to the property.
Room Allocations
If booking a shared room as a solo traveler, you will be paired with another guest.
If no other traveler is available to share, you may need to pay for a single room.
Rooms are allocated on a first-paid basis.
Travel Documents & Immunizations
It is your responsibility to obtain valid passports, visas, and any required travel documents. Most passports require at least six months of validity for travel.
Travel Arrangements
You are responsible for arranging your own travel. With your permission, we can connect you with other guests for shared travel options, but you assume full responsibility for any arrangements made. We are not liable for any risks associated with shared transportation, including injury or death.
Insurance
We highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all attendees, particularly for those traveling from the USA. This insurance should cover unforeseen events, cancellations, injuries, and travel interruptions.
Participation in retreat activities, including yoga and excursions, is at your own risk. We assume no liability for injuries, illnesses, or death occurring during the retreat. You must have appropriate insurance coverage.
Health Disclaimer
You must disclose any medical conditions, disabilities, or injuries upon booking.
If we determine that the retreat is not suitable for your condition, we may refuse your booking.
Failure to disclose medical conditions may result in cancellation without refund.
Allergies
We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. We are not liable for allergic reactions due to food, insects, plants, or environmental factors.
Responsibility & Behavior
You are responsible for any damages caused by you or your party. Payment for damages must be made immediately.
We reserve the right to terminate your retreat participation without refund if behavior is deemed inappropriate, discriminatory, disruptive, or dangerous to yourself or others.
Media Release
By booking, you grant permission for photography, video, and testimonials to be used in marketing, social media, and promotional materials.
Medical Waiver
By participating, you acknowledge and assume all risks associated with retreat activities. You waive any liability claims against Kirby, Evan, and their staff for injuries, illnesses, or damages incurred.
You confirm that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit to participate.
You accept full responsibility for your well-being during the retreat.
You acknowledge that instructors are not licensed medical professionals.
You agree to modify activities as needed to suit your individual needs.
By booking, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these terms and conditions.
Coffee 7:00am - early morning coffee, tea, tropical fruit before practice
AM Practice 7:30am - 9:30am – a classic morning flow practice, accessible to any and all levels, that includes asana, breath work, and adjustments
Brunch 10:00am - 11:30am
Sauna + Cold Plunge + Chill 12:00pm - 3:00pm *lunch onsite included 2:00pm
Sunset Catamaran 4:30pm-6:30pm sail and swim the coast with light snacks and drinks!
Dinner 7:00pm - 8:00pm
PM Practice + Shares 8:30pm - 9:30pm – A slower, lower, more restorative evening practice, breath work, and reflections/sharing circle to end the day
