Hi, everyone!
We are so excited to welcome you to our 2nd Spring Equinox Women's Retreat in beautiful Costa Rica! As we approach the retreat (in just 1 week), we want to make sure that everything is clear and you're feeling ready for the experience. Please read through the following important details carefully. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.xx
But, before we start, let’s get in the spirit!
Your retreat playlists are here!
Before we dive into logistics, we wanted to share something special to help you start arriving before you even board the plane. We've curated two playlists to set the tone for the journey ahead.Listen while you pack, journal, or simply sit with your intentions for the week. Feel free to add your favorite tracks to our spotify playlist. We'll send the link to collaborate via Whatsapp.
WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT
To help us stay connected while overseas, we will be creating a WhatsApp group chat for all participants. This will be a space for sharing updates and answering any questions if necessary.
Please be sure to download WhatsApp on your phone by Saturday, March 14th.
Packing List
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• Any medication for allergies, travel sickness, bug bites
• Biodegradable Sunscreen
• Biodegradable Bug Spray
• Personal toiletries: Biodegradable hygiene products only — soap and shampoo as the gray water goes directly into the earth (Popular brands: Love Beauty and Planet, Lush, Weleda, Ethique, Toms, David's, Aveda, Burt's Bees, Cocokind, and Acure)
• Water bottle
• Notebook and pen
• Eye mask and earplugs if you're sharing a room
• Waterproof Bags or Ziplocs (great for protecting electronics and toiletries from moisture)
• A yoga mat (mats will be provided — if you prefer not to bring your own, a yoga towel works great)
• Bathing suit
• Clothing for hikes, excursions, yoga, and meditation
• Comfortable shoes for nature walks/hikes
• Flip flops
• Lightweight rain jacket and rain/buck boots (it can rain at any time in Costa Rica!)
• A light fleece or sweater (evenings can get cool)
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• Something to place on an altar
• Instruments to jam around the fire
• Long socks (to protect ankles from insect bites)
• A hat & sunglasses
• Headlamp
• External rechargeable batteries
• Packable hammock
• Quick dry towel
• Snacks (energy bars or trail mix are great for excursions)
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In Costa Rica, the currency is the Costa Rican colón. Please bring cash if you want to purchase anything at the retreat such as souvenirs, medicinal tinctures and cacao!
• Reiki healing ~$40-$100
• Medicinal tinctures ~$25
• Cacao ~$25
Costa Rican colón (CRC) is recommended.
ARRIVAL
Everyone is arriving at the San Jose airport (SJO). We will be traveling by bus from the city 3.5 hours north to the central jungle region where our retreat space is located.Departure Time from SJO on 3/17 ~ 1PM
ENTERING COSTA RICA
When you land in SJO, connect to the airport wifi and send a message to Leah and Madi on WhatsApp. You will then go through customs. Depending on what time it is when you arrive, the line may be longer or shorter. We recommend using the bathroom before you jump in line, grab some water, etc. Keep us updated while you're moving through customs.
In order to enter Costa Rica, you must have a valid passport as well as proof of your intent to exit the country before your visa or entry stamp expires (usually within 90–180 days). All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or onward ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country.
They may ask your purpose for being in the country and where you're staying. Say you're going on a retreat with Retreat Maia and it's helpful to have Protopia up on Google Maps so they can see where you're staying, the address etc. 
ARRIVING BEFORE 3/17
Group Airbnb: For those arriving before March 18th, we are offering a group Airbnb located in a safe, secure neighborhood with private security. The Airbnb is conveniently situated with supermarkets and restaurants just a short walk (less than 200 yards) away. We will organize your transport to and from the airbnb. 
On March 17th, the group shuttle will pick participants up from the Airbnb before 1 PM and depart for the airport at 1 PM to transport everyone to the retreat venue together. 
Please note that we won't be providing food before March 17th, so budget $30-40 for group meals if you’re staying in an airbnb. Please bring cash or a card for dinners out. Most places accept cards, but having some cash on hand can be helpful in smaller spots. We will likely grocery shop for family style meals as well. 
MEALS
Meals will be vegetarian/vegan and will be prepared by Xenia, the local chef, and designed by JP, the jungle chef. They use a wide range of ingredients, many freshly harvested from the food forest and local market to create a unique culinary experience. Tea and coffee are also provided.
9AM BREAKFAST | 1PM LUNCH | 6PM DINNER
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Please note that all activities are optional, giving you the freedom to participate as you choose. We kindly ask that you arrive 5 minutes early for all classes and activities to ensure a smooth start. A tentative full schedule is attached for your reference.
Schedule
Our retreat schedule is thoughtfully designed to offer a balance of structured activities and free time, allowing you to customize your experience.
DEPARTING
Our program will conclude at 11am on March 22nd. There will be 2 shuttle departures back to SJO: one at 7AM for those with earlier flights, and another at 12PM for those with later flights.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or need assistance before or during the retreat, please reach out:
Leah
+1 724 332 3231
Madi
+1 724 766 2713
We can't wait to connect with you and share this beautiful, transformative experience in Costa Rica. Get ready for a time of deep renewal and growth.
Sending you peace and excitement as we approach our Spring Equinox retreat together!
With love,Retreat Maia
