ENLIVEN YOUR LIFE | HEALING ADVENTURE RETREAT 2025

A wild, beautiful, restful adventure.

Friends, students, big hearted adventurers! I am SO excited to invite you to join me for a magical retreat on a very special healing property located in the sacred Diamante valley in Costa Rica.

 

If you haven’t yet been, Costa Rica is a lush, beautiful, majestic country and the beautiful retreat space is peaceful and remote located in the perfect backdrop for your journey of wellness and healing. At an elevation of 2,000 feet, Farm of Life sits top a lush green valley with outstanding views of Pacific Ocean, pleasant temperatures and cool breezes, located in the south pacific zone 45 min from Dominical and San Isidro. Farm of Life is an organic farm situated on 37 pristine acres of fruit orchards, permaculture gardens and old growth forests.

From the moment I landed there on my first visit several years ago it felt like my heart and mind were syncing up. The outer beauty – insanely gorgeous mountains, streams, crystal waters.. connected to a very healing, beautiful inner place. Each time I’ve been here has been a transformative trip in that I just arrive however I am (usually exhausted) and surrender to the healing nature of the Farm of Life.. each time walking away in awe of my time here.. feeling most alive, radiant and recharged and ready to grow in my life.

The daily yoga and meditation practices offered will come from that place draw on the healing powers of the island… reconnecting to intuition, clear seeing, and inner sanctuary space. Re-entering the world from a balanced, clear place.

This will be the 14th yoga retreat offering at The Farm of Life, and it has been described as a life changing retreat. It is hard to describe the beauty, magic and transformation that takes place at the Farm of Life, you just have to experience it! Vitality (or ‘Ojas’ in Sanskrit), refers to our deepest strength – our ability to live and thrive. This very unique yoga adventure retreat offers much more than a vacation – the 8 days helps to open your heart, tap into your inner power and bring you new energy and vitality.  This is an opportunity to do transformational work and invest in your health and wellness while basking in the beauty of Costa Rica’s nature. Find more joy, more spontaneity and the will to ENLIVEN! The retreat is a balance between self healing and adventure. Between reiki sessions, massage therapy, yoga, meditation and nourishing food there’s tropical jungle hikes, waterfall swimming, beach trips, surfing, flying trapeze, surf, beach trips and so much more! Escape the winter blues by both flourishing and rejuvenating with us on our Vitality Adventure Yoga Retreat. Give yourself the gift of rejuvenation!!

Why Farm of Life?

Cause it’s so friggin special!!

Farm of Life, nestled in the middle of the jungle at the top of a mountain, makes it the ideal location for our Enliven Your Life | Healing Adventures Retreat (it is literally at the end of the gravel road). This retreat gem is located in the southwest coastal region of Costa Rica, near the Pacific Ocean, Dominical Beach and the mountain town of San Isidro. During your stay, bask in the high vibrational elements of the Farm, feel the nourishing tropical breeze, listen to the symphony of birds, monkeys and insects, watch the butterflies, hummingbirds and parrots, small the radiant fragrant flowers and lush gardens, connect with mother nature and simply BE.

I can’t believe it exists on this planet, let alone being so close (relatively) with direct flights from Toronto to San Jose. It’s hard to do justice to the magic of the farm, you just have to go 🙂 But it’s rugged, untamed, yet gentle and nurturing. It feels like it hasn’t changed since the beginning of time in the best of ways. It is one of the least developed areas, where you can thrive on healing foods, reconnect to nature and practice yoga and meditation outside, finding inspiration and stillness. Deepen your soul connection. Return home with a renewed sense of wellbeing and purpose. A healthy vacation awaits you!

When: January 20th-27th 2024

Where: Farm of Life, Costa Rica in the Southwest Costal Region, near the Pacific Ocean and halfway between Dominical and San Isidro.

All Inclusive:

  • Accommodations 8 days, 7 nights at Finca de Vida with balcony, epic views, hammock and ensuite bathrooms
  • Round Trip San Jose Transfer: Bus leaving Hotel in SJ at 7:30 a.m Jan 20th, bus leaving Farm of Life Jan 27th 9 a.m  (beach stop and lunch on way to San Jose)
  • Three Delicious Organic Vegan Gluten Free Meals a day …   Menu including fresh coconut water and medicinal garden teas. The menu is a beautiful well balanced blend of raw high vibrational foods (including tropical fruits and smoothies and fresh leafy greens from the organic garden) and soul nourishing home cooked meals prepared with ayurvedic principals. Yes, coffee is included with breakfast!
  • Energy Session with Reiki master Brian Calvi or Carmen. Brian moves light and energy through you, while you simply relax, breath, let go and allow the energy points to release.  Energetic blocks will be cleared, leaving you energetically clear and open.
  • Medicinal Farm Tour with Health Education Integrated (Prana Tour)
  • Campfire with Sound Therapy sessions: uses the Gong and Tibetan Signing Bowls to invoke a deep state of relaxation. Meditating on the subtle sounds and vibrations of the bowls opens and harmonizes the chakras, while the Gong vibrates across the spectrum of creation, Om. Sound therapy sessions assists in entering into meditation, has a centering effect and synchronizes left/right brain.
  • Three BEACH Trips (optional surf lessons for beach days)
  • Mid Week Laundry Service
  • Awakening the Senses Workshop
  • Authentic New Moon Cacao Ceremony with Ecstatic Dance. Cacao is a food of the Gods!  Our wise Aztec and Mayan ancestors knew of the sacred medicinal properties of Cacao and they consumed it abundantly in their royal courts and for ceremony. We create a uniquely profound ceremonial experience for you by bringing together the cacao medicine with divinely-inspired purification rituals, meditation, healing touch, and Ecstatic Dance to assist in opening the heart and spirit.
  • Daily Morning Meditation & Yoga overlooking the jungle and pacific ocean in the distance with Andrea Robertson. Style of classes include:Vinyasa flow, Hatha, Yin, Restorative, Meditation
  • Introduction guided Sunrise SUNGAZING with Brian Calvi. Sungazing is an ancient Egyptian and Mayan practice where the gazer cycles earth and solar energies and receives innumerable healing benefits.
  • Use of amenities at Farm of Life including Vitality Cool pools, Chemical free Infinite Pool, Jungle gym & Walking trail hikes, Morning and Evening Sungazing Vortex, Wifi
  • Vapassana, also known as silence meditation. We will be having a half a day to retreat in solitude honouring a day in silence, an opportunity to be present with yourself! Silence will be begin before yoga and break at lunch.
  • Jungle Flying Trapeze (optional)~ AWAKENING your inner warrior! $85 US per person
  • FREE Time to explore the farm, read in a hammock, swim in the natural pool, rest, recharge on the crystal light rack, walk the jungle trails or unwind with a massage.

Tours with Transfer (Included)

  • Hike to Nauyaca Falls, rated one of the top 10 Best Waterfalls in the World!
  • Jewel of the Sun Hikes:Hike to Big Rock and waterfalls
  • 3 Beach days to stunning beaches! Optional Surfing on beach days(additional cost for surfing)
  • Diamente full day hiking excursion to waterfalls and pools and a medicinal garden tour. Lunch and Yoga in a Cave under one of the largest waterfalls in the world!!
  • Afternoon at Peach Falls, most beautiful local waterfall and swimming hole with lunch included at a local Costa Rican family’s home
  • Return Transfer to Farm Of Life from San Jose

THE FOOD….OH THE FOOD!!!!

The retreat menu will delight and awaken your taste buds from breakfast to dinner. Exotic tropical fruit, fresh greens and herbs from the green house and local produce will be the highlight of our meals. Farm of Life Chefs will prepare healthy, delicious and all natural meals, served buffet style, featuring a blend of raw, ayurvedic and cooked vegetarian cuisine. All meals are free of gluten and dairy; eggs will be served some mornings. Enjoy tropical fruit, fresh coconuts, natural spring water and medicinal teas throughout the day! Smoothies, Coconut water and coffee will be served in the mornings before Yoga….yes there’s coffee 🙂

Testimonial:

“I have been training with Andrea in various capacities for over a decade. Initially drawn to her creative and strong yoga practice, I have attended her classes regularly and followed her from studio to studio as her career progressed. I have come to find in her an incredibly inspiring spirit – her positivity, encouragement and vitality have emboldened me to move towards a more clarified, authentic way of being myself. Having attended several of her retreats (Costa Rica and Wolfe Island), I can attest to the care and consideration she takes in planning them, and in the transformative experience they can bring. Andrea knows when to push and when to soften, and takes genuine joy in seeing her students progress. A mentor and a friend, I have utmost gratitude for having her in my life.” -Rhiannon Vogl
 

Testimonial from Jessie

costa rica pool    One of Farm of Life’s amazing features: Chemical Free Infinity Pool

DIAMANTE FALLS

Trek 1.5-2 hours up winding trails amongst the pristine cloud forest and rainforest overlooking spectacular pacific coastal views to this incredible jewel of the jungle, “Diamante Verde” (Green Diamond), where surrounded by 1,200 feet of cascading waterfalls, you will find the “Casa de Piedra” (House of Stone) or as the locals call it “The Cave”. Once inhabited by indigenous people, this amazing open air cavern is set behind twin 85-foot waterfalls and features a full size kitchen and comfortable sleeping quarters. Activities while at the cave include hiking to crystal swimming pools, cliff jumping, and exploring nearby trails! Invigorate your sense of adventure. This is a nature tour with some of our favourite guides who are experts at the local plants, medicinal, culinary and poisonous.

HIKING TO NAUYACA FALLS

Costa Rica has plenty of stunning waterfalls but probably the most spectacular are the Nauyaca.  Set in the tropical rainforest, with two sets of falls measuring a combined 61 meters (200 feet) tall and a large natural pool for swimming, Nauyaca is the ideal place, not only for those in search of tranquility and nature, but also for adventure and excitement lovers.

Jewel of the Sun 

Jewel of the Sun (La Joya del Sol) is our backyard playground. Hike from Farm of Life to this neighboring farm.  Enjoy various walking trails and destinations to waterfalls, swimming holes and Avatar rock.  An exhilarating workout. Duration 3-5 hours.

Flying Trapeze

Airborne Arts features a professional trapeze rig in our village, just a 10-minute drive. First-timers learn the knee-hang and nearly always also get caught by the catcher too. Very well facilitated by coach Jonathon and you are harnessed in safely. Face your fears, hear your self-talk, challenge yourself to new levels and experience the thrill of flying!

Hacienda Baru Nature Preserve

Hacienda Baru Nature Preserve is a coastal wildlife refuge (45-min drive). We often visit their beach for the sheer tranquility and beauty of it.  Their campus also offers fun eco-tours, including a medium-thrill zipline, a butterfly garden and more.

The Ideal purpose of life is that you are great and full, that you are alive and you enjoy it- Yogi Bhajan

Andrea’s Yoga class styles will be a combination of Hatha Slow Flows, Vinyasa, Yin/Yang and Restorative. The morning classes will be a dynamic Vinyasa Flow and allow for a fluid transition and continuous flow from posture to posture. Vinyasa is a creative way to open the body and requires focus and dedication. Both short and longer holds of poses help you to engage your awareness of the movement and breath connection. Each part of the body (inside and out) will be explored and worked in a deep and mindful way with focus on the chakras. The word Chakra literally translates to wheel or disk. In yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda, this term refers to wheels of energy throughout the body. There are seven main chakras, which align the spine, starting from the base of the spine through to the crown of the head. To visualize a chakra in the body, imagine a swirling wheel of energy where matter and consciousness meet. This invisible energy, called Prana, is vital life force, which keeps us vibrant, healthy, and alive.  Our morning and evening classes will have a direct link to each major chakra and potential energy blockages we may hold. Awareness to which of your chakras are out of balance is key to aligning them. Our bodies are in constant flux between balance and imbalance. Unless you have an apparent problem in one area of the body, imbalances can be difficult to detect. That being said, it’s good to bring awareness to your body/mind and start to learn its signals and clues.

The evening classes will be either a Hatha Slow Flow, bringing balance, strength, and a sense of well-being to the practitioner and is a holistic yogic path including: postures (asana), breathing (pranayama), and meditation— these classes will build heat, and be meditative at the same time OR Yin style of long-held passive poses target the connective tissues in the joints and spine, allowing the body more flexibility while also engendering a more contemplative, non-reactive quality of mind. This class is suitable for beginners with little or no yoga experience, however, the most experienced yoga practitioner will also be challenged as sometimes less is more. You will be guided through each pose slowly and mindfully as you build a stronger body while releasing tension. Explore deepening your breath and how it anchors you in your body, helping you to live more in the present moment. When we take time, our nervous systems relax, our minds slow down, our muscles become supple, our breath deepens – our inner chemistry shifts towards a biological balance, which one experiences as peace and tranquility, the union of your mind and body. 

*Please bring a journal 

Additional Expenses:

  • Return Flights to San Jose. Arrive in San Jose by Jan 19th, transportation to retreat leaves at 7:30 a.m Jan 20th. Book flights home from SJ Jan 27th  (after 4 p.m) or Jan 28th, retreat ends Jan 27th, transfer back to SJ by 3p.m. (Flight Cost range from $700-$1200 CAN dollars, book with Sky Scanner or Expedia for best flight deals) + Travel/Medical Insurance or choose to extend your stay in Costa Rica.
  • Accommodations Jan 19th + Jan 27th in San Jose, you can book with Margarita Guest House or Hotel Aeropuerto
  • Massages Jack is our massage therapist offers a polarity-balancing, trigger-point massage that is divine $90 US for 90 min
  • Surf Lessons + Surf Board Rentals on Dominical Beach ($55 US)
  • Flying Trapeze $85 US (in my opinion an absolute must!)
  • Staff Gratuity
  • Gift Purchases

Surfing Dominical
Costa Rica surf is some of the best in the world. Join us in heart of the Costa Rican rainforest along the shores of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast in Dominical – where the mountains meet the sea. Whether it’s the first time you’re dipping your big toe in the ocean or you’ve been surfing for years, you will walk away an improved and more complete surfer.

FLYING TRAPEZE SCHOOL ($85 US)

Imagine flying out on a flying trapeze overlooking a magnificent waterfall. Come experience a totally new kind of adventure with us.  Our flying trapeze sessions offer you – yes I’m talking to you –  an incredible thrill, a meaningful bonding experience, and a chance to discover that you are capable of so much more than you imagined. Participants are secured in safety harnesses at all times. Our coaches are trained and overseen by Jonathon Conant, founder of Trapeze School New York. TSNY is the industry’s pioneer and international leader in the field.

 SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION AND PICK UP/DROP OFF LOCATION IN SAN JOSE:

http://www.airporthotelcostarica.com/

http://margaritaguesthouse.blogspot.ca/?m=1

Registration/Payment Instructions:

  1. Complete  REGISTRATION FORM

  2. Payment methods:
    • Email money transfer payments  … contact Andrea to make arrangements; or andrea.robertson77@gmail.com
    • Non Refundable deposit of $600 CAN to reserve your spot.
    • Credit Card using Pay Pal (see link below) A charge of 5% applies.

*PLEASE NOTE deposits are non refundable (unless retreat is cancelled) and full payment is due by Dec 1st 2023



Coconut/Monkey Cabin Deposit