Here & Now hosted by Kirby Gordon and Iva Drtina-Hall, is a 6-day New Year yoga retreat cohosted in the dense jungle of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, designed to stretch time and drop you fully in the present.

Co-led by Iva Drtina-Hall Wellness + Ayurveda + Yoga & Kirby Gordon Yoga Teacher + Mentor + Retreats/workshops

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, indigenous-led cacao ceremony, locally sourced breakfast and dinner, waterfalls and beach trips, 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 in the open-air shala, swims under the sun, or curling up on your private balcony with a coconut in hand, 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✨

https://www.puertoviejoyogaretreat.com/

Unlike anywhere else in Costa Rica, the town of Puerto Viejo holds a very special place in the heart of Kirby Yoga. After three years of living nomadically, Kirby mid-heartbreak and healing found her way (by grace) to the lesser-known Caribbean coast (story shared on retreat). Arriving here for the first time, she was in awe of the lush jungle, the vibrancy of the land, and the striking color of the water. She felt held there, safe, at home.

Puerto Viejo began as a small fishing village and, while it has grown over the years, it still holds its charm, rhythm, and soul. Jamaican, Afro-Caribbean, local Costa Rican, Indigenous, and expat communities all blend together, creating a deeply rich and culturally diverse place.

There is something about this land that feels like a portal inward. The jungle is feminine, wild, and unruly—inviting you into deeper connection with your subconscious and your true nature. People travel here from all over the world seeking healing, clarity, and realignment with the natural world.

You’ll find monkeys everywhere, colorful macaws soaring overhead, and even sleepy sloths, more commonly seen here than anywhere else in the country. Cacao is abundant, as this region was one of its original trading grounds, and we are honored to have Rosa of the Bribri tribe facilitate a truly authentic, Indigenous cacao ceremony during our retreats.

This is Kirby’s favorite place to host retreats and consistently a favorite among guests.

The Retreat Space: Sonora Jungle and Yoga Retreat Center

PLAYA NEGRA, PUERTO VIEGO, COSTA RICA   

Sonora Jungle and Yoga Retreat Center is a 4 hour drive from the San Jose airport through the mountainous cloud forest of Costa Rica. You arrive to the gorgeous, turquoise Caribbean Coast, where this boutique Balinese-inspired hotel is tucked away in nature. Surrounded by a spectacular black sand beach, ancient trees, colorful flowers, and the sound of animals, it is truly the perfect setting for a peaceful yoga getaway. There are 16 bungalows all with private bathrooms options of single, double, or triple rooms available. A swimming pool, private lounge spaces, hammocks, dining area, and a luxury yoga shala are also on the property.  

The modern architecture of Sonora was specially created by Italian designers and it shows. A blend of Italy, meets Bali, meets the jungle. Every corner of the venue is lined with delicate touches and elegant decorations. The use of fine linen and cotton fabrics and warm touches of Caribbean wood make you feel so welcome and comfortable. The attention to detail is combined with the organic foods from the area. Sonora works with local eco-sustainable companies and farms to serve tasty and healthy dishes with ingredients that complement the amazing hospitality of the team.

2 Healthy Meals Per Day included (breakfast & dinner. all lunches offsite)

COFFEE, TEA, & FRESH JUICE WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE DAY

The food at Sonora is always a highlight for the guests. Tables covered in bright colors and flavors of the Caribbean. Exquisite tropical fruits, smoothie bowls, fresh coconut water, salads, Caribbean/Jamaican feasts, and a healthy array of foods abundantly fill the tables. The best organic ingredients are widely available in the Caribbean from local farms in the area. The chefs work with the farmers, including the indigenous people of the community, who use only natural methods to fertilize and source the best, real, whole foods for your meals. Locally caught fish will also be prepared for multiple meals, as fresh fish like snapper and marlin are widely available in this region. 

GF, vegan, vegetarian, options are available upon request!

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 

Iva Drtina-Hall is a Yoga and Wellness Instructor, specializing in guiding students into their own transformation through yoga, breath work, meditation and Ayurveda. She has been involved in body and holistic therapies from a very young age, and has been teaching Yoga and Wellness for over 20 years. 

She has lived and explored many different cultures, from being born in the Czech  Republic to growing up and earning her BSc. In Physiology at McGill in Montreal,  Canada. She called Tokyo, Japan home for over 13 years, where she taught cross-cultural awareness, ran a healthy cafe with her husband, taught Yoga and facilitated many Yoga and Wellness workshops, teacher trainings, and retreats.  

Iva has called Austin, Texas home for the past 14 years and has been involved in teaching on 300 hr Yoga Teacher Trainings and creating healthy and blissful events such as : Yin + Soundbath, as well as Yin + Transpersonal Breathwork at many of the renowned studios in town: Practice Yoga Austin, Bfree and YTX. With her profound connection to Yin Yoga, she eloquently dubs it a "wisdom practice," making her one of the most impactful yin teachers of our generation. Her voice, akin to that of an angel, exudes serenity and inspiration.

Her latest work is focused on Ayurveda, having studied to become an Ayurvedic  Health Counselor, and helping people gain a perspective on their own health and their potential to heal themselves through this ancient Indian healing system.  She hosts many International Yoga & Personal Development Retreats in India, Thailand,  Costa Rica, Belize, Japan and France.

Kirby Gordon (Kirby Yoga)

Owner and founder of Kirby Yoga Retreats! An experienced yoga teacher, mentor, and retreat host who recently moved to Austin after spending three years on Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast (where this retreat is hosted). 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.

Arrival & Departure
Fly in/out of San Jose, Costa Rica, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). A return group shuttle is included in the retreat cost (approx. 4 hours to Puerto Viejo).

• Arrival: Shuttle departs 8 AM January 16th from a designated hotel in Alajuela (an area near the airport). Fly in a day early (January 15) and stay overnight at a recommended hotel shared after booking. If you miss the group shuttle, private transport is approx. $200 per person.

• Departure: Fly out of SJO January 21, 2027 no earlier than 6 PM, or we highly recommend staying an extra night in Alajuela and departing January 22, 2027.

When checking flights in Skyscanner, in and out of SJO, Jan 15-Jan 22 2027

• 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.

• Can I walk to the beach from the retreat center?
  Yes and no! It is a 20/30-minute walk through a paved jungle road to the stunning beach of Playa Negra. However, you are welcome to rent a bicycle at extra cost, which will get you there in 10 minutes!

• 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 Puerto Viejo 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 Puerto Viejo for its charming atmosphere. If you’d like more time to explore, we recommend extending your stay!

• What is it like traveling to Costa Rica?

  Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America and is well known for its welcoming, tourism-friendly culture. Most people speak English, and U.S. dollars are widely accepted, making travel easy and accessible. The pace of life is slower here—rooted in the philosophy of “pura vida,” meaning simple life. Things may move more slowly than you’re used to, but that’s part of the experience. Costa Rica is deeply connected to nature and ease, and embracing that rhythm is part of what makes your time here so special. Tourism plays a major role in the country, so locals are very accustomed to hosting international guests. You’ll find it both comfortable and enriching to travel here, come with an open mind, a flexible attitude, and a willingness to slow down.

Pricing and Inclusions

Retreat pricing does not include airfare or select off-site lunches.

Deposit & Payment Terms

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. This deposit will be applied toward your total retreat cost.

The remaining balance will be divided into 2–3 payments depending on your booking date, with all final payments due by Jan 1, 2027. You are responsible for ensuring all payments are completed on time. If full payment is not received by the final due date, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation and fill your spot without refund of your deposit.

All deposits are non-refundable. Please book confidently, as no exceptions will be made.

Cancellation Policy

To cancel your retreat, you must notify us in writing at kirbyyoga@gmail.com

The $500 deposit is non-refundable

Any additional payments made beyond the deposit are non-refundable unless your spot is filled by another guest. If your spot is successfully filled, you will receive a refund of payments made, excluding the $500 deposit.

You may transfer your booking to another person by notifying us via email. We are happy to assist in facilitating this process, but it is ultimately the participant’s responsibility to find a replacement.

No exceptions to this policy will be made for any reason, including but not limited to illness, injury, personal emergencies, weather, travel disruptions, or global events.

No refunds or credits will be issued for late arrivals or early departures.

Retreat Cancellations

We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the retreat, including adjustments to staff, class offerings, excursions, transportation, and meals.

If the retreat is canceled by us prior to departure, you will be offered either:

• A transfer to a future retreat, or

• A full refund of the payments made to us

We are not responsible for any additional expenses incurred, including airfare or travel-related costs. Please wait to book flights until the retreat is confirmed.

We are not liable for delays, interruptions, or changes due to circumstances beyond our control, including weather, government restrictions, natural disasters, or travel disruptions.

Property & Liability

Participants are responsible for any damage caused to the retreat property and agree to cover associated costs.

Room Allocations

• Shared room bookings will be paired with another guest

• If no roommate is available, you may be required to upgrade to a private room at additional cost

• Rooms are assigned based on booking order and availability

Travel Documents

You are responsible for obtaining a valid passport and any necessary travel documentation. Most passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Travel Arrangements

You are responsible for booking your own travel. We may assist in connecting guests for shared transportation, but you assume all responsibility for those arrangements.

Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover cancellations, travel delays, medical needs, and emergencies.

Participation in all retreat activities is at your own risk. We are not liable for injury, illness, or loss.

Health Disclaimer

You must disclose any relevant medical conditions, injuries, or limitations at the time of booking.

We reserve the right to decline participation if a condition may impact your safety or the group experience. Failure to disclose conditions may result in cancellation without refund.

Allergies

We cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment and are not responsible for any allergic reactions.

Responsibility & Conduct

Participants are expected to behave respectfully. Any behavior deemed disruptive, unsafe, or inappropriate may result in removal from the retreat without refund.

You are responsible for any damages caused by you during your stay.

Media Release

By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed for promotional use unless otherwise stated in writing.

Medical Waiver

By booking, you acknowledge:

• Participation is voluntary and at your own risk

• You are physically and mentally able to participate

• You release Kirby Yoga and staff from liability for injuries or damages

• You will take full responsibility for your well-being

Agreement

By booking this retreat, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

Day 1 Arrival Day:

• 8:00 AM Board the shuttle from San Jose, winding through the captivating cloud forest, fostering connections during the 4-hour journey to Puerto Viejo

• 1:00 PM Check in at Sonora Retreat Center and have group lunch

• 4:00 PM Gather for the Opening Circle + Share + Grounding into our bodies and breath

• 5:00 PM A sunset, tranquil yin yoga session to the sounds of the jungle to relax, soften, and arrive onto the land

• 7:00 PM Come together for a healthy, fresh fish dinner