The Expand Beyond Recovery La Anita Rainforest Jungle Retreat is for recovering women who who want to go from feeling disconnected and uninspired, to grounded and wild!

We all deserve to expand BEYOND recovery. 

Our journeys ebb and flow (just like life). Sometimes we get stuck, outgrow our practices, or feel like we need some inspiration and magic to uplevel our recovery. If I know anything after facilitating twenty-something retreats...it's that when women gather, magic happens. 

When we gather in a sacred and intentional location, the mother nature herself supports and celebrates our healing. 

IMAGINE

* sipping coffee on your veranda and watching hummingbirds buzz around the flowering bushes, feeling rested and connected with yourself and the world around you

* moving your body gently and intentionally with trauma-informed yoga, meditation and Qigong; taking these practices and all you've learned home to continue to be embodied in your recovery

* listening, sharing and learning from a group of like-minded, like-hearted recovering women; daily circles that expand your capacity for love and life, connecting to your deepest knowing and activating the wise woman who deserves to be leading your life

* enjoying local flavours and authentic Costa Rican dishes, intentionally created with fruits, herbs vegetables and cacao, grown and produced right at La Anita; experiencing authentic Costa Rica; feeling nourished and inspired with the flavors, sights, sounds and distinct energies of this amazing part of the country

The Expand Beyond Recovery program includes: * Meditation * Sharing Circles * Yoga/Dance/Qigong; Workshop & 1:1 Coaching opportunities * Cacao/Chocolate Tour * Local Cooking Class * Massage Therapy (fees apply) * Additional experiences including horseback riding, hiking and wildlife, hot springs/mud bath excursion * all the REST and SPACE you need 

ABOUT THE LOCATION

Nestled in a small valley between the Miravalles, Rincon de la Vieja, and Santa Maria Volcanoes, La Finca Anita is an actual farm that grows cacao, heart of palm, cardamom, tropical fruits and vegetables, medicinal plants and variety of exotic tropical flowers. It's surrounded by an incredible explosion of biodiversity; hidden amidst the dense rainforest live more species than are found in the United States and Canada combined! If you love nature...this retreat is for you!

GETTING TO LA ANITA

 La Anita is approx. 1.5 hours from the Liberia International Airport; our private shuttle service will pick you up and deliver you back to the airport on departure day.

Join us for an unforgettable week in Costa Rica and the opportunity to learn, grow and expand through embodiment, connection, and nature in a truly spectacular location!

The Expand Beyond Recovery La Anita Rainforest Jungle Retreat is for women recovering in any or all areas of their lives. Out of respect for those in recovery from substances, this retreat is a sober experience, no alcohol or drugs are permitted on the premises.  

 Prices are in US dollars.

 This retreat is strictly non-refundable, no exceptions can be made.  

Please confirm your retreat dates in your calendar before you book and before you make your final payment ($500 deposit to secure your spot; balance due on August 15, 2025). In the event of a cancellation, partial transfers of fees paid to a future retreat MAY be permitted; based on specific circumstances and available retreat options. 

Please contact Payton Kennedy for more information and questions: [email protected]; 613.868.9847

Thank you for your kind attention and adherence to our policies.

Payton Kennedy, CPRC, RYT, SRDC

Founder, Expand Beyond Recovery, Lead Facilitator

Payton Kennedy is a women in long-term recovery from alcohol use disorder, co-dependency, overworking/burnout, and relinquishment trauma. She is the founder of Expand Beyond Recovery, a program for recovering women featuring embodiment, movement, curated and original content & coaching activities. She writes a monthly journal on recovery topics. She works and volunteers with the SHE RECOVERS Foundation - a North American organization committed to supporting women in recovery.  

Payton is Dancing Mindfulness Facilitator (Institute for Creative Mindfulness) and creator of SHE RECOVERS Dance, a guided movement experience promoting self-awareness, body positivity, freedom, joy, and empowerment. Payton is currently studying 5 Animal Qigong Teacher Training with White Tiger Qigong.  She is also a certified Life & Professional Recovery Coach, a SHE RECOVERS Coach, and a certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher. She offers private 1:1 coaching and yoga, as well as group programs and sessions.

"My purpose in life and true bliss is guiding women seeking healing, change and growth to a place of embracing their unique lived experiences and cultivating a resilient, joyful, embodied and expansive recovery journey, no matter what they are recovering from."

Rebecca Sawyer, Retreat Coordinator & Movement Guide

Rebecca is grateful to be in recovery from alcohol use disorder, trauma and cancer. Her journey of sobriety and the healing has reaffirmed her belief in the strength of authenticity and vulnerability, as well as the potential for positive transformation no matter what you are recovering from. Rebecca has a background in event planning and coordination, and has traveled the world both professionally and for leisure. She is a passionate and dedicated yoga, dance and fitness coach/instructor, known for infusing her classes with a blend of mindfulness, strength, and joy. Rebecca has been part of creating Adaptive Fitness programs as she is committed to making health and wellness accessible to to all, and at any age. 

 We are all thrilled to share space with you, support and guide you into an expanded version of your recovery and healing!

**A portion of the proceeds for the Expand Beyond Recovery retreat will be donated to the SHE RECOVERS Foundation, an organization that connects, supports and empowers women and non-binary individuals in or seeking recovery in all areas of their lives.

 Q. I've never been to Costa Rica. What's the airport and customs like?

A. The Liberia International Airport is a small and easily-negotiated airport. In our experience, customs is a efficient process. We will be organizing shuttle service to and from the airport. For maximum efficiency, we ask that check in with us BEFORE you book your flight; flights arriving between 2PM and 5PM on arrival day are optimal. You also might want to consider coming in a day or two earlier to either relax and decompress from travel at one of two nearby hotels OR have a beach day at one of the nearby beach communities. 

Our check-out time on departure day is 11AM and our shuttle service will bring the group to the airport together (there are good amenities and shopping at the airport)! The drive to and from La Anita is an interesting one with beautiful scenery and winding roads!

Q. I've never been on a recovery retreat. What can I expect?

A. You can expect an intentionally curated experience that includes both rest from your busy life and a reset or reaffirmation of your recovery (no matter what it is that you are recovering from). Connection is paramount on this journey...spending time with women who are on a similar path and yet unique in experience, is inspiring and impactful. A retreat can be a time when you create space for healing, for reflection and for envisioning what is next. It can also be a time to reconnect to yourself and practice deep rest. Every retreat is different and there is no right way to do one! If you come with an open mind and open heart, yours will be exactly what you need! 

Q. Okay, I see "rainforest"...will it be raining all the time? What will the weather be like?

A. November is the beginning of the dry season in the Upala region of Costa Rica, with each passing day bringing less rain. Day time temps average in the mid 80s and stay fairly warm at night. Rains can occur daily, but typically don't last long; we get a mix of sun, cloud and rain. When the sun is out, it can be very warm! 

In our experience, the rains at La Anita Rainforest Ranch are a part of the healing and cleansing experience of this retreat. The lush, green jungle and abundance of flora and fauna is a living example of this. That said, if you are someone who suffers from seasonal depression disorder or just simply prefers more sunnier and dry environments, this retreat might not be for you. Recommended gear for rain is a waterproof hiking boot or rubber boot, a rain jacket and a hat. You might also want to bring a small umbrella for walks back to your cabin at night.

Q. What about bugs...particularly mosquitoes? 

A. There are mosquitos, spiders and other "creepy-crawlies" in Costa Rica - we are in the jungle of course! We recommend bringing repellent along for outdoor activities and closed-toe shoes for walking jungle paths. Unless you are immune-comprised or have specific health reasons, you do not require any vaccinations for Costa Rica travel. 

Q. What do I need to bring with me? Will you provide a packing list?

A. Yes, we will provide a packing list and complete Retreat Guide closer a few months out so you can plan accordingly.

Q. Are there any stores nearby in case I need something?

A. There is cute little store (a "soda" as they are known in CR) a short walk away. There is also a store with basic supplies 10 minutes from La Anita. There will be a vehicle onsite for these types of trips. 

Q. Do you recommend travel or trip cancellation insurance? 

A. We do! Life happens, please protect your investment and yourself while traveling. Think of it as self-care. :)