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.