GRACIAS AGUA: a water inspired wellness retreat

Puntarenas Province, Punta Banco, Costa Rica

YT
Yoga Trade
  • Email address verified
8 reviews
Feb 10 - 16, 2025
Group size: 6 - 12
GRACIAS AGUA: a water inspired wellness retreat
Puntarenas Province, Punta Banco, Costa Rica

Yoga Trade
  • Email address verified
8 reviews

Feb 10 - 16, 2025
Group size: 6 - 12

About this trip

GRACIAS AGUA

water inspired wellness


Discover your depths and flow with aquatic rhythms and tides. This is a space to connect with water as a source of joy, a therapeutic wellspring, a healing element, and a fountainhead for creativity. Hydrate your soul in the tropics! 


Join heart centered sea sisters  Erica Hartnick + Jodi Hall along with other water lovers and local facilitators at TISKITA jungle lodge for a liquid experience of a lifetime.


Set amidst lush tropical rainforest, overlooking the open Pacific ocean in one of the most biologically diverse places in the world, Southern Costa Rica is an ideal place for those looking to connect with the wonder of water. The region is filled with incredible wildlife, abundant crystalline springs, nutritious food, magical land, and sweet warm sea.


Through this journey, we will honor and explore waters in nature and our own internal waters. Let's share our reverence for water, dive deep, and flow + grow together. Water is life.


The Experience

We will begin the afternoon of February 10th with an opening circle where we will connect with each other and the water. Together, we will collectively create a safe and supportive space with gratitude and intention. 


Each day we will immerse ourselves in AQUATIC experiences:


- water inspired yoga + movement + meditation

- connecting with our water sources

- ocean awareness workshop + tidal talks

- wild swimming + body surfing + wave play

- beginner surf lesson OR surf coaching session 

- tide pool explorations

- static apnea pool session (intro to freediving)

- river walk

- fresh water plunge pools + waterfalls

- journaling + creative art workshop

- boat trip to explore the Golfo Dulce

- opportunities to swim + surf during free time


This retreat is for you if:


- You would like to deepen your knowledge and relationship with water. 

- You have a desire to learn more about the ocean and how water can help heal and rejuvenate the mind + body + spirit. 

- You feel a deep calling to nourish and protect the health of personal + planetary waters.

- You are ready to remember your true aquatic nature and want to connect with inspiring water loving friends.

- You are craving space for adventure, creativity, and reflection. 


***Open to ALL LEVELS and ALL ADULTS 18+. All that is required is curiosity:) This retreat is designed for both beginner + experienced water people!


A portion of the proceeds from this retreat will go to the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Punta Banco, which greatly supports this local community. 


Accommodations

TISKITA is a hidden gem! It offers a peaceful setting, has been Costa Rican family run for 40+ years, and is tucked away in one of the most biodiverse tropical rainforests in the region. It is located in Punta Banco, a short distance from the spectacular surfing beach of Pavones. Saunter through the canopy on your way to the stunning yoga deck that offers jungle and sea views or relax at the pool or lounge area. There are over 15km of trails (including a waterfall and fresh water plunge pools!) and a fruit orchard with over 100 species of fruits on the property to explore. Beautiful swimmable beaches and tide pools are an easy walk away. All cabinas are 'jungle luxury' and boast ocean + rainforest views and have en suite bathrooms.  

Food

You will be served three healthy + delicious meals a day. The food will be primarily be Costa Rican inspired + mostly vegetarian, and created with local organic ingredients and love. The water is spring-fed directly from the rainforest. Unlimited coffee, tea, natural juices, and snacks are always available. Dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free can be accommodated. Please let us know your food preferences upon registration. 

Travel + Health + Safety

If you are coming from out of the country, you will want to fly to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). Upon booking we will support you in making travel arrangements. You can visit this link HERE to see some options for travel from San Jose Airport to TISKITA Jungle Lodge. The country of Costa Rica has certain precautions and protocols in place to keep you safe during your visit. The entry requirements are in flux, and updated requirements can be found HERE. Upon registration and arrival, you will be provided with up to date details. Tiskita Jungle Lodge is committed to protect and provide the best conditions to guests by following and implementing the measures stipulated by the authorities, the Ministry of Health, and The Tourism Board. Tiskita is going above and beyond to make guests feel totally safe and comfortable so they can enjoy the wonders and experiences that the eco-lodge and magnificent nature offers.

Payment + Cancellation Policy

Deposit: 

***To reserve your spot on this retreat, please make the appropriate deposit. The deposit is completely non-refundable. If the retreat is postponed, we will provide full refunds or vouchers for future travel.


Full Payment:  

When you reserve, you may either pay in full or pay the deposit. Upon receipt of your payment we will send you a confirmation of your deposit or full amount. Full payment is due 30 days prior to the start date of this event, January 10th, 2025 (if you sign up on or after this date, full payment is due upon registration).


Cancellation Policy:

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. Deposits are non-refundable. However, we will allow you to gift or sell the remainder of your event ticket (minus the deposit) to another person if for some reason you are unable to make it. We also always recommend the purchase of travel insurance just to be safe. 

Water Wisdom

Water is the source of all life and is fundamental to our survival, well-being and happiness. It is where life begins and is the major element within our physical body. Water is said to reflect emotions, and in mythology deep water is where our subconscious fears can lie submerged. Immersing ourselves in and through water can help us resolve these deeper fears and limitations and can create space for surrender, trust, and expansion. Water is the greatest teacher of flow and shows us the truth within. It can help us see more clearly and provides an honest form of self inquiry and love.

What’s included

  • Accommodation
    6 nights, 7 days accommodation at Tiskita Jungle Lodge
  • Meals
    3 fresh and DELICIOUS meals a day
  • Programming
    Opening + closing circle. Daily scheduled WATER CONNECTION activities + workshops. Daily yoga + meditation.
  • Guided Nature Hike
    Hosted by a local naturalist, we will explore jungle flora + fauna + springs
  • Surf Lesson or Coaching
    Board rental + lesson OR coaching session from a local surf guide
  • Boat Trip
    We will dedicate one day to experiencing the waters of the Golfo Dulce (sweet gulf)
  • Water Safety + Support
    Our facilitators are highly experienced and will keep you safe + supported
  • Connection / New Skills
    Connect with new friends and discover inspiring integrative and functional water skills + creative outlets
  • Water Portrait
    All participants will receive at least one water photo from the week

What’s not included

  • Airfare / Transfers
    We will provide travel recommendations and support upon booking
  • Travel Insurance
    Those who wish to purchase additional travel insurance may do so
  • Massage / Bodywork
    Sessions in several modalities can be booked onsite
  • Extra Activities
    We can help arrange additional activities if desired

Available Packages

Shared Room
Deposit:$600
Available until February 1, 20256 left

A shared jungle cabina with 2-3 beds. The cabinas are roomy and comfortable. Each have a balcony, fan, ensuite bathroom, outdoor shower, and ocean and/or rainforest view. 

$1,800
Deposit:$600
Private Room
Deposit:$600
Available until February 1, 2025Only 3 left

Your own private jungle room, ensuite bathroom, and outdoor shower! The rooms are comfortable with a balcony, fan, and ocean and/or rainforest view. 

$2,250
Deposit:$600
Couples Room
Deposit:$600
Available until February 1, 2025Sold Out

Sign up as a couple and save $$$! This is a retreat package for 2 people. Great for couples or friends signing up together who want to share a room and a bed. A shared jungle cabina with one king bed. The cabina is roomy and comfortable and has a balcony, fan, ensuite bathroom, outdoor shower, and ocean and/or rainforest view. 

$3,450
Deposit:$600


Itinerary

Sample Day Schedule
Gracias Agua

5:45am SUNRISE 


7am Yoga/Movement/Meditation  


8:30am BREAKFAST


9:30am Water Activity/Excursion 


12:30pm LUNCH


2:30pm Workshop/Water Activity 


5:45pm SUNSET


6:30pm DINNER 


7:30-9pm Evening Activity or Rest


Each day will be unique - we will let the 'tides be our guides'. This is just to give you an idea of a typical day. The detailed schedule of the week will be posted upon arrival.

Who’s Going

Your Organizer


YT
Yoga Trade
8 reviews
Yoga Trade links instructors, students, and wellness professionals with work trade and job opportunities in countries around the globe. We envision a world made better through yoga-based exchanges that improve communities locally and globally. Our three pillars are Jobs/Opportunities, Community, and Continuing Education. Visit us at yogatrade.com!

Reviews

This was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone. The accommodations were amazing. The area is beautiful. So much care and planning went into the retreat. The activities were super fun and inspiring! Best food ever!! All around fabulous experience!!
By Ananda T for GRACIAS AGUA: a water inspired wellness retreat on Feb 20, 2024
The trip is an adventure that will feed your soul! Jodi & Erica created an experience that is unique in every way. The location, lodge, activities, etc. provide a beautiful opportunity to explore Costa Rica. The sense of community was special-Jodi & Erica, the lodge staff, the locals and the retreat attendees came together to enjoy the magic of Gracias Agua!
By Stacey S for GRACIAS AGUA: a water inspired wellness retreat on Feb 20, 2024
Amazing, I miss the Yoga farm so much already! Erica, Silke, Christy, Pat and Levi are all so sweet and helpful, and the Yoga farm is a beautiful place to learn about nature, about yourself and to find community. The tasks for every week are educational and mostly fun, and there’s a lot of free time. The yoga classes were great and I loved the gift shares of people in the community ❤️
By Ellis M for DEEP ECOLOGY of WELLNESS: community stay + creative residency on May 04, 2023
I highly recommend this retreat! It was beautifully planned with a variety of activities that catered to anyone with a love of water and the outdoors. It was balanced with movement, exploration and rest not to mention delicious meals! Each participant was encouraged to savor the experiences at their own pace/level. Yogatrade guided and introduced us to other local guides thus creating a community of like minded individuals supporting each other. Muchas Gracias Erica, Jodi and your friends!
By Deanna B for GRACIAS AGUA: a water inspired wellness retreat on Mar 07, 2023
KW
Gracias Agua was much more than a trip, getaway or vacation. It was a rejuvenating + magical life experience; and, in the words of Mark Twain, “Synergy - the bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously.” Our beautiful leaders, Erica + Jodi are the definition of embodied leadership. Each remarkable and creative in their own way as well as compassionate, strong and inspiring. I really appreciate the sacred space they created for us wherever we were… from the yoga deck to pool tides to surf rides and snorkel dives! Erica + Jodi created a one of a kind experience by introducing and surrounding us with the local community, which is something I value greatly. The accommodation at Tiskita is truly special. Immediately upon arriving, I was welcomed by a serene symphony of rhythmic sounds of both the jungle and the Pacific Ocean; natures very own sound bath. I love the open space design of the cabinas as it made me feel so closely connected to nature. The food is divine and nourishing and the staff so gracious. Thank you to Alanna and her family for sharing their home. I am grateful for the amazing women I met and connected with and will forever hold them in my heart. Hopefully we will reconnect at next year’s Gracias Agua retreat, as I certainly plan to return! My deepest gratitude to all the beautiful humans that created and contributed to this most special and extraordinary experience. Much love to all, Karen
By Karen W for GRACIAS AGUA: a water inspired wellness retreat on Mar 04, 2023
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