Healing art retreats
Uvita, costa rica
August 11-17 2024 6 nights | 7 days All Inclusive
Meet the team
Jessica Young, M.Ed, LMHC
Founder | Licensed Psychotherapist | Intuitive Artist | Yoga & Meditation Guide
Our host for the retreat, Jessica Young, is an abstract intuitive artist, author and licensed psychotherapist. For the last 12 years she has worked with a wide variety of populations and demographics as therapist and currently works in private practice. Art became a means of creative healing and expression in 2014 after coming out of a difficult time in her life. She now uses abstract expression and mindfulness based, trauma informed healing modalities to help others find a healing path. She combines art-making, inner-child exploration, meditation, breath work, movement and emotional release to co-create creative spaces for deep transformative healing and radical acceptance.
Zaiden Shannon, LMT
Healer | Massage Therapist | Yoga & Meditation Guide | Sound Healer
We are always eager to welcome back Zaiden Shannon, healing practitioner, yoga teacher and massage therapist. Zaiden will be offering Yin yoga, breath-work, massage, sound healing hypnotherapy and guided meditation during the retreat. Zaiden will also be available for private healing sessions as well as massage, Reiki, sound-healing and hypnotherapy. Zai joined us in Sedona in May 2021 and it is quite impossible to put into words the energy she provides to the spaces she occupies. You will be glad you met her the moment you lock eyes.
Kyle Young, M. Arch
Technical & Creative Support | Artist
Kyle is our behind the scenes technical support and right hand man for everything and anything we may need during the retreat. Raised amongst a family of women, Kyle is a sensitive and empathic addition to our team. A licensed architect by day and Jessica’s creative assistant by night, we wouldn’t be where we are without his invaluable knowledge and support. Kyle will be our chauffeur, our extra eyes, hands and hiking support and will also be teaching a water-color class to give your art journaling skills a boost. He also makes sure Jessica stays fed and doesn’t forget anything :)
the retreat
6 nights, 7 days of creative healing, community and connection in one of the most naturally healing environments in the world. 20 guests max.
“This retreat let me be totally myself among strangers. I experienced beauty and wonder and I came away with a sense of peace that I can easily reconnect with”
What you will walk away with from this experience:
A clearer understanding of your own areas of mental, emotional and physical stagnation.
A stronger foundation from which to address areas of repressed or unresolved trauma/grief, along with a plan for doing so once back home.
A deeper connection to the innate needs of your mind and body that supports positive habit change and lasting growth.
A stronger bond with your partner, friend or family member who joins you on this journey with clearer communication and more time for play.
Recognition of how your nervous system has been hardwired to respond under stress and techniques for how to soothe and calm in times of unease.
Expressive art skills and techniques to utilize when words are unable to tackle what we are going through.
A newly begun art journal to serve as a road-map and self-care guide for what we process during our time together.
A sense of community and connection with beautiful strangers from all over the world.
REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
Group shuttle from SJO to the center and from the center for arrival and departures
6 nights accommodations, and lodging
Organic Breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner cooked by professional chefs (vegan & vegetarian options)
Morning Yin Yoga with breath-work and meditation
Expressive Art Therapy Workshops
Therapeutic Healing Groups with discussion, Reiki healing and more
Evening Yoga Nidra & Meditation
Group Eco Tourism Excursions
Plenty of free time to relax, journal, create and explore.
Beach Adventures
All Art Materials and supplies
Swag welcome bag
Closing Ceremony Celebration
REGISTRATION DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Airfare to and from San Jose Airport
Alcoholic beverages
Admission to parks, sanctuary’s, paid excursions.
Tips for staff
“This retreat really helped me crystallize some really important lessons and obstacles and helped me move forward and changing my life. The camaraderie, the compassion, the creative exploration, the time for reflection in a peaceful respite away from the world, all of it was magical.”
Example Itinerary
This is just a rough outline of how our day might go.
8am | Restorative Yoga, Meditation and Movement
9am | Breakfast
10am | Creative Healing Circle with Art Journaling
11am | Beach/Ecotourism/Hiking/Adventure
1pm | Lunch
2pm | Free Time
4pm | Healing Art Class
6pm | Dinner
8pm | Yoga Nidra/Poetry Reading/Art Journaling/Dancing
***One night adventure to rescue sea turtle eggs with the local Turtle conservation group is included, must be ready to hike 3-5 miles on the beach after midnight to participate in this activity
* excursions, adventures and Ecotourism trips will be decided on together as a group before the retreat. The retreat fee includes transportation to all off property outings, a trip to the waterfall slide and a day trip to Ballena National Marine Park for plein air painting. Additional hikes and excursions will be decided on as a group prior to the retreat.
Film by Karli Fisco from our October 2022 Healing Art Retreat in Uvita
Our Costa Rica retreats are designed for individuals, couples, family members, or best friends - anyone searching for a direct channel into deeply creative therapeutic work. Our time together is designed to intuitively guide you on a journey into the parts of yourself that need tending to most. Maybe it’s creative inspiration you are seeking, or space to heal a broken heart. Maybe you are processing a major decision or transition in your life… or maybe you and your partner have decided to take a major step towards a deeper bond and connection with one another. Whatever your reason, our time together will help you identify, process and heal through anything you are going through, big or small.
Through embodied movement, meditation, expressive art, creative journaling and therapeutic workshops, we will co-create a safe space for processing and healing.
No prior art or Yoga experience necessary to participate in this retreat
The Location
Synergy Retreat Center | 📍 Uvita, Costa Rica
Nestled in the deep green rainforest during green season in the one of the most eco diverse places on the planet.
Featuring private, semi-private and shared eco-luxury suites with garden views, pool, a gorgeous river and the healing sounds of the jungle.
Property Features:
Private, gated property
Pool (plus a new additional cold pool coming in late 2023)
River access for relaxing dips
30+ person, open-air 360 degree yoga deck
Multiple meditation and lounge areas throughout the property
Walking trails through the rainforest and gardens
Driving distance to stunning Uvita beaches
The Magic of Uvita
A small coastal village on the South Pacific of Costa Rica with incredible dark sand beaches surrounded by rainforest covered mountains.
Enjoy a sensory massage from the surrounding jungles, the rich waters and sweeping mountains that bring you back to what feels like pre-historic times. Uvita is bursting with wildlife; sloths, macaws, toucans and monkeys can be found on land and in the sky while in the water, humpback whales, dolphins and turtles frolic and thrive.
Our retreat includes 3 ecotourism trips during our stay that allow us to explore all the beauty the area has to offer.
Possible ecotourism trips (To be decided on together as a group prior to retreat): River walks, Marino Ballena National Park, Humpback Whale Watching, Dolphin Watching, Snorkeling, Water Fall Trips, Water Fall Slide, Butterfly Conservatory, Turtle Conservation, Animal Sanctuary’s, Beach Trips, Reforestation and tree planting trips
Accommodations
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Synergy Dorms | Semi-Private, Shared Bathroom
Semi-dorm accommodations feature 2 full sized beds. It's described as a ‘semi-dorm’, because each bed has its own set of doors that can be closed for privacy while still sharing the same main room and bathroom as the other beds. All accommodations are air conditioned. $3000 pp
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(1 REMAining!) Lotus Rooms | Private, shared bath
The newest additions to the Synergy Retreat center. Each room is private and has a full size bed and dresser, with a shared bathroom. These rooms are surrounded by bamboo and the largest tree on the property to ensure a great night sleep. All accommodations are air conditioned. $3300pp
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(Application pending) Kogi Temple | Shared Double, Shared Bathroomp
The Kogi Temple was created with a beautiful hexagon design and elevated cupola for beautiful light and refreshing natural airflow. This space has 2 beds, 1 twin and 1 double, with a shared bathroom a few steps out the front door. All accommodations are air conditioned. $3100 pp
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Mango Luxury Cottage Suite | Fully Private
This luxury cottage suite provides all the privacy and modern comforts you'll need on this retreat. You'll have a queen-sized bed with extra thick, deluxe pillowtop mattress, private bathroom, a closet, a shower that opens out to the garden, Bose sound system, and a private patio to sit out and enjoy nature. All accommodations are air conditioned. $3600pp
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Flower of Life Room | Shared double, Private bathroom
The Flower of Life is a shared double room with a private bathroom. It contains two stacked beds with extra-thick, deluxe pillowtop mattresses, a large closet with shelves and drawers, a couch seating area and a private bathroom. It shares a patio with the adjacent Hamsa room, a secluded nook to relax and to enjoy the sights and sounds of the lush surrounding nature. All accommodations are air conditioned. $3100pp
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(SOLD OUT) Hamsa Room | Shared Double, Private Bathroom
The Hamsa room is a shared double room with 2 stacked beds with extra-thick, deluxe pillowtop mattresses, a large wooden storage for your things, and a private bathroom. There are comfortable places to relax inside and out, whether on the sofa or on the patio shared with the Flower of Life room. All accommodations are air conditioned. $3100pp
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Brand New Private Eco-Suites | Fully Private
Each new suite will be private accommodations with private bathrooms. They will each consist of a Queen size bed, closet, desk and private sitting deck. These will be gorgeous! All accommodations are air conditioned. $3400pp
Semi-Dorm Accommodations
Semi-Dorm Accommodations
Semi-Dorm Accommodations
Semi-Dorm Accommodations
Flower of Life & Hamsa Room Shared Deck
Flower of Life Room
Flower of Life Room
Flower of Life Room
Flower of Life Bathroom
Hamsa Room
Hamsa Room
Hamsa Bathroom
Mango Suite
Mango Suite
Mango Suite
Mango Suite Kitchenette
Mango Suite Bathroom
Mango Suite Bathroom
Lotus Rooms
Lotus Rooms
Lotus Rooms
Lotus Rooms
Lotus Rooms Shared Bathroom
Kogi Temple
Kogi Temple
Kogi Temple
Kogi Temple
Brand New Eco-Suite
Eco-Suite Private Bathroom
Eco-Suite Private Bathroom
ReTREAT APPLICATION
Please allow 24-48 hours for us to review your application. $750 deposit required to reserve your spot. Deposit must be paid within 48 hours of applying unless otherwise arranged with Jessica. Up to 10 month payment plans available.
payment plan options
Pay in full
Pay in full at time of booking and receive $150 off your booking.
6 month payment plan
6 regularly scheduled monthly payments after $750 deposit is secured.
10 month payment plan
10 regularly scheduled monthly payments after $750 deposit is secured.
3 month payment plan
3 regularly scheduled monthly payments after $750 deposit is secured.
8 month payment plan
8 regularly scheduled monthly payments after $750 deposit is secured.
Weekly Payment Plans
If you’d like your payments broken up weekly to accommodate your budgeting/income this is an option!
FAQ
Is the retreat for women only?
No. However we carefully and ethically vet each participant to assure everyone is a safe addition to the healing space. This retreat is for anyone looking for a healing adventure and is open to all genders and gender non-conforming individuals. If you are male presenting we request that you book a room to yourself or bring a friend/partner.
How will you accommodate couples amongst the singles?
We are experts at holding space for a diverse group of individuals, we will cater every healing session and class to the individual needs of the group, that includes people on a solo journey and couples.
Is traveling in Costa Rica safe?
We think so! You just have to be travel smart like with any new country you visit. We’ve been to Costa Rica several times now and hosted 15 people for our first retreat in 2019 again in 2022 without any issues. We advise daytime travel because the roads can be dark and unpaved. We also strongly recommend using a guide for any exploring you might be doing out in the jungle or beyond. During our retreat we will be spending most of our time on the amazing property or at the beach. One coordinated group excursion will be offered. We will be available every step of the way during your planning process.
This is my first time traveling alone, anything I should know?
Costa Rica was the first country I visited solo also and the experience changed my life. I will be available for any and all nerves you might have about traveling alone, feel free to text or email me to discuss your thoughts and concerns and we will work through it together. We will coordinate everyone’s info before the retreat so participants can try to coordinate flight times and shuttles so you don’t have to do the whole thing alone! There is a shuttle we can arrange for an additional fee that will pick you up from the airport and drive you directly to ArtVillas. Once you arrive on location, all of your stress will melt away.
Do I need prior art experience to attend?
No! Our retreats are designed for everyone and it’s okay if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush. We will guide you through everything and you’ll walk away with new skills to express yourself creatively.
