Sacred Sanctuary Retreat: A new year renewal of ritual, reflection, and connection

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

Reconnect with the sacred essence of life in Costa Rica's lush Caribbean jungle as Iva and Kirby guide you through ritual, reflection, and connection with yogic principles and philosophy. This retreat offers more than fleeting inspiration, but invaluable practices and timeless wisdom to carry into the new year, empowering you to infuse everyday moments with sacredness. Dive into daily reflections, sacred sharing, vinyasa yoga, restful yin yoga, Ayurvedic practices, Indigenious-Led Cacao Ceremony, and Caribbean Coast adventures, all within a thoughtfully crafted schedule that balances exploration and relaxation. Through workshops, lectures, and deep yin sessions, we'll help you map a clear path to ritualize your life beyond any other New Year retreat. Our retreat schedule is thoughtfully organized around four guiding themes: Sacred Time, Sacred Space, Sacred Study, and Sacred Wisdom. Through these focal points, we will embark on a journey of philosophy and introspection to uncover the answer to the question, "What is possible for me this year?" 

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 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 compliment the amazing hospitality of the team.

3 Healthy Meals Per Day included *aside from 2 lunches in town!

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. Exquisit tropical fruits, smoothie bowls, fresh coconut water, salads, Caribbean feasts, and a healthy array abundantly filling the tables. Most meals served family style to ensure no one goes hungry. 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!

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

Based on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, Kirby Gordon is an accomplished yoga teacher, mentor, somatic breathwork facilitator, and retreat host. Having embarked on a global journey and taught internationally for five years, she discovered home in the jungle. Here, she has contributed to yoga teacher training programs, thrived within her community, and crafted enriching yoga retreats for those seeking authentic experiences through the lens of a local. Kirby's commitment to embodying yoga is unwavering, she seamlessly integrates yogic principles and philosophy into both her teachings and daily life. Her dedication to teaching resonates profoundly, underscoring her life's purpose.

With a wealth of training spanning over 500 hours, encompassing vinyasa, hatha, yin, restorative, functional anatomy, prenatal, and most recently, Katonah Yoga, Kirby is a dedicated yoga practitioner and learner. Recognized for her unique teaching style, often coined as "Philasana," she intricately interweaves ancient yoga philosophy into her asana practice. Kirby's classes emanate her profound devotion to yoga as a lifestyle, offering transformative tools and insights that have the potential to reshape your life. As one of her students aptly shared, "Your teaching is more than just regurgitating information. It's about sharing your journey and guiding us while respecting our individual paths. Your spiritual essence shines, yet your classes remain grounded."

Her most recent studies of yin yoga (with her teacher Iva!) and Katonah yoga have allowed Kirby to lean into her passion for offering students healing through rest, receiving, and coming back to their center. She will offer both styles (along with vinyasa) during the retreat. 

Day 1 Arrival Day:

Embarking on a Sacred Journey

• 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
• 2:00 PM Check in at Sonora Retreat Center and savor a nourishing sacred meal
• 4:30 PM Gather for the Opening Circle, where we'll set our collective intentions and engage in profound reflections: "What is possible for me this year?" and "Can you view your life as sacred?"
• 5:30 PM A dusk tranquil yin yoga session to the sound of the jungle
• 7:00 PM Come together for a delightful dinner and engage in sacred sharing, laying the foundation for the transformative days ahead!

Day 2:

Embracing Sacred Time

• 8:00 AM Start the day with a serene morning of silence, blending yoga and journaling to cultivate introspection and presence.
• 9:30 AM Savor a nourishing sacred meal, infusing each bite with mindfulness and intention
• 11:30 AM Embark on an adventurous afternoon journey to a picturesque waterfall, enjoying a packed lunch at the falls
• 4:00 PM Return to the retreat center for free time, allowing for relaxation and personal integration
• 6:00 PM Shared Dinner
• 7:00 PM Embrace the evening with a gentle yin yoga session, fostering deep relaxation and inner connection
• Conclude the day by coming together for a shared moment of reflection and connection, deepening your sense of community and purpose

Throughout the day, explore the "Sacred Time" theme, delving into tapas, daily rituals, Ayurvedic practices, and brahmacharya – a concept focused on boundaries and energy conservation. Engage in journaling practices that invite you to contemplate time and the transformative art of making stillness an active practice. As you journey through these experiences, uncover the profound potential of infusing stillness and time as ritual.

 Day 3: 

Exploring Sacred Space 

• 7:30 AM Begin the day with a shared silence, allowing the group to embrace a collective stillness that sets the tone for the day
• Workshop/Lecture dedicated to setting sacred space and cultivating ritual, creating an environment of intention and sanctuary. With yoga and journaling, intertwining movement and reflection for a mindful start to the day
• 9:00 AM Enjoy a nourishing breakfast
• 11:00 AM Embark on a journey to Puerto Viejo, a vibrant town with rich cultural diversity and natural beauty
• Beach Front lunch in town
• Continue the exploration to the Caribbean's most stunning beach, Punta Uva, for relaxing, kayaking, hiking, or surfing!
• 4:30 PM Return to the retreat center for a well-deserved dinner, indulging in a meal that nourishes both body and soul
• 7:30 PM Transition into the evening with a yin yoga session, providing an opportunity for deep release and inner connection

 Day 4

Sacred Study / Free Day!

• 8:00 AM Dive into "Sacred Study" with Svadhyaya, embracing self-reflection, quietude, and journaling. Begin the day with a rejuvenating yoga session paired with journaling.
• 9:30 AM Savor a nourishing breakfast, fueling your day of relaxation and personal discovery.
• 1:00PM If you are on-site,  enjoy a delicious lunch at Sonora, a perfect interlude for nourishment and reflection.
• 6:00PM Culminate the day with a delightful dinner, fostering connections and shared experiences.
• 7:30 PM Immerse yourself in an evening sound bath, allowing soothing vibrations to guide you into deep contemplation and rejuvenation.

Free Day Options:

• Relax at Playa Negra
• Enjoy the retreat space's saltwater pool
• Indulge in a massage
• Explore an astrology reading with expert astrologer
• Learn about your dosha/ayurveda with a consultation 
• Capture memories with a personal photoshoot by local photographer
• Unwind in the comfort of your bungalow!

Day 5

Sacred Wisdom

The day of  "Sacred Wisdom" invites you to embrace "ishvara pranidhana" (devotion to the Divine) and delve into what has touched you throughout the retreat with yoga and journaling. Your journey continues with an exploration of Manzanillo National Park, nourishing meals, an indigenous-led Cacao Ceremony, and gentle yoga. The day concludes with a closing circle of unity and wisdom-sharing.

• 7:30 AM Begin the day with a shared silence, allowing the group to embrace a collective stillness that sets the tone for the day
• Workshop/Lecture dedicated to setting sacred space and cultivating ritual, creating an environment of intention and sanctuary. With yoga and journaling, intertwining movement and reflection for a mindful start to the day
• 9:00 AM Enjoy a nourishing breakfast
• 11:00 AM Embark on a journey to Manazanillo National Park along the coast and see sloths, toucans, wildlife like never before. You may also opt to relax on the beach while others hike!
• Lunch in Manzanillo paid by guest
• 4:00 PM Return to the retreat center for a life-changing indigenous-led cacao ceremony that will crack you wide open. With storytelling, song, and wisdom of the BriBri Tribe of Talamanca. This is an authentic experience not to be missed
• 6:30 PM Final dinner together  
• 8:00 PM Transition into the evening with a yin yoga session and closing circle

7:00 AM Final yoga + meditation

8:00 AM Breakfast

10:00 AM Shuttle to SJO with estimated arrival 3:00 PM