Experience true tranquilo, peace and nurturing in the quiet jungles of Costa Rica, where your entire family will be inspired by nature in an intimate and accepting community. 

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Morning yoga, somatic writing, powerful rituals and support from a relationship-based parenting specialist will be offered. 

Neurodivergent participants will have daily programming (appropriate for 8 years+ ) including a visit to a butterfly farm, beach and river adventures, crafts, a visit to an indigenous chocolate (cacao) café, horseback riding and a beginning surf session with certified surf instructors. There will be opportunities for parents to participate in excursions, reflect, relax, and find radical acceptance and support. 

For our somatic writing sessions, we will be having Barbara, a long time Cabuya resident and certified massage therapist, providing bodywork. Barbara will also be available if you would like to book a private massage with her. 

Your Hosts

Kimberly Escamilla is a mom of two neurodivergent sons ages 9 and 23. She has been a resident of Cabuya, Costa Rica for over two years and is excited to share this magical pueblo and its tranquilo with you.  She's been teaching writing for 29 years and a few years ago started her business Between Breath and Sea, where she offers online somatic healing courses for moms of neurodivergent and differently abled children as well as women who are self-healing from trauma. She is a meditation teacher and lover of nature. yoga, surfing, tarot reading and daily journaling. 

Kelley Colihan Robertson is a mom to a 21 year old autistic son. She is passionate about transformation and is a longtime retreat leader, nationally board certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC), Gateless Writing instructor and yoga guide since 2004. After winding down a three decade career in journalism, she first watched butterflies in the backyard for a year, then founded Avolve Wellness.

This retreat is limited to seven families, so to reserve your spot, please make a deposit according to your family's size. 

Family of 2 = $800

Family of 3 = $1,000

Family of 4+ = $1,500

Calala Beach Lodge is nestled amongst lush jungle foliage of Cabuya, Costa Rica, sharing space with monkeys, parrots, iguanas, macaws, and a host of other creatures from land and sea alike. You will be in one of the seven private ocean view cabinas that overlook the gardens and the sea, offering privacy and security. 

Each cabina is two story, with sleeping area upstairs with balcony, indoor and outdoor lounge on the first floor, along with a modern, clean bathroom. has a refrigerator, coffee maker, toiletries linens, wifi, and one of the cabinas does offer a kitchenette (stovetop toaster, dishes, utensils) for those who would like to be able to cook some of their own meals. 

In this four night, five day family retreat, your family will have fresh tropical cuisine with fruit, locally caught fish, and bread from local bakeries. (There are also kids favorites available.) You will experience deep relaxation by the pool or walk along the beach just steps from your family cabina. 

All guests have access to the pool, restaurant & bar, and the ocean, which is just a few yards from your cabina. The restaurant and bar are open all day. 

There are two recommended options for travel to the retreat in Cabuya, Costa Rica. 

1. Fly into Juan Santamaria (San Jose) International Airport (SJO). Then walk 5 minutes to domestic and then take a 20 minute flight (hopper plane) with Green Airways or Sansa Airlines to Tambor Airport. We will arrange transportation for you from Tambor to the hotel (about a 45 minute drive) if you choose this option. 

(FYI: An hour and a half is enough time to get through immigration, customs, and to the domestic terminal. )

Flight times require a hotel stay? We recommend Hampton by Hilton for convenience as they offer free shuttle every 20 minutes to and from SJO airport and breakfast is included. They have a restaurant on site and very helpful, bilingual staff. 

2. Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) and book a shuttle with Tropical Tours. They offer daily shuttle service for $50 per person on a 10-15 person minibus, leaving at 8:00am and 3:00pm. The drive from Liberia to Cabuya/Calala Beach Lodge is estimated 4-5 hours. Or you can book a minibus privately with Tropical Tours for a more convenient time. 

We can put you all in touch with each other for rideshare purposes as you are making your plans. 

When should I place my deposit for this trip?

Your non-refundable deposit or payment in full is due to register for the trip. Due to the limited availability of accommodations, the sooner the better!

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What if I have to cancel. Do I get my money back?

If you cancel your trip on or before March 15, 2023 you will be refunded 50% of your deposit. If you paid in full during registration and cancel before or on March 15, 2023 you will receive the monies paid towards you package minus your full deposit. After March 15, 2023 and before May 1, 2023, if you need to cancel, you will receive 50% of your monies paid, minus your deposit. After June 1, 2023, all payments are finalized and no refunds are given. 

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What airport do I fly into and out of?

Either Juan Santamaria (San Jose) International Airport (SJO) or Liberia International Airport (LIR) 

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Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?

No, visas are not required. You do need a valid passport that is good for three months beyond departure date. 

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Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not required for the trip, but we highly recommend it to ensure you are covered should any unexpected event arise. A personal, political, environmental or weather-related incident or pre-existing or unexpected medical condition may prevent or interrupt your travels. These events are rare but do occur and underscore the importance of being covered by travel insurance. There are many types of policies and options so make sure you are clear on what is covered in the policy you chose, including delays and cancellations. 

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What vaccinations do I need?

Costa Rica does not require vaccinations for entry including Covid-19 vaccination, nor do they require a PCR or other Covid testing to enter. We do suggest everyone be up to date on routine vaccinations.  

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What kind of activities will we do?

We will do daily movement, yoga, meditation, breathwork, and writing. There will be hikes that are approximately 30-40 minutes each way. Our excursions are accessible and include horseback riding, beginning surf lesson, and swimming in the pool, river, and ocean. You are welcome to bring a life vest or floaties.

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Is there an itinerary?

Sure is! We have created a schedule that allows space for yoga, excursions, rest, exploring and enjoying this wonderful part of the world. See the general itinerary here in We Travel. Once you arrive in Cabuya, Costa Rica we will provide a day-by-day schedule.

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What if I don't want take part in a particular excursion or experience? 

We aim to provide a retreat that offers enriching activities and fun experiences where attendees learn about themselves, each other, and Costa Rican culture. While we hope you participate in all of our planned sessions and excursions, if you need additional rest or downtime, please take care of yourself first.

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What is the weather like there? 

June is the green season in Costa Rica! The temperatures are super comfy averaging 77 degrees F and minimum 65 degrees F. It could rain for an hour or two and be warm, so bring a light rain jacket. For the evenings you may want a lightweight long sleeved shirt and long pants. Bring your prefered sunscreen and insect repellent. There is a store and bank (ATM) in Cobano, on the way into Cabuya, where you can pick up any items that you may have forgotten, preferred food items, or local cash, which is called colones.

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Since Costa Rica is near the equator, we experience approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night year around. The sun generally is up at 5:15am and sets around 5:30pm.

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Are gratuities expected? 

Tipping is not customary or expected in Costa Rica. Most restaurants will put a tip jar out because so many tourists ask how to tip. No need to tip cab drivers, shuttle drivers or waiters. A 10-13% flat tax is included on some items.

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Once you let Kim or Kelley you are making a deposit, one of us will email you Terms & Conditions, which include liability waivers to be agreed upon via email.