April 18-24 |Dominical Costa Rica

Elemental Awakening: A Journey Through Nature & Self

Elemental Awakening is an immersive retreat designed to help you slow down, reset your nervous system, and reconnect with yourself through nature. The experience blends breathwork, elemental practices for personal development, Yoga, and workshops with daily adventure activities , cultural exploration, and restorative downtime—offering both depth and ease in a luxury, nature-based setting.

❋ Why This Retreat

Nature has always been my greatest teacher. When my healing journey began, it was the natural world that helped me reconnect with myself and see life more clearly. Traveling and learning from nature reshaped my understanding of healing, presence, and what it means to truly live.

After ten years on this path, I’m inviting others to experience this way of traveling and being. This retreat is about moving through the world with intention, awareness, and curiosity. Not to escape life, but to reconnect with it. To travel not to check out, but to check in.

This experience is for those who value personal growth rooted in real-life experience. For curious, open-minded individuals who enjoy adventure, Nature, culture, and personal growth. It’s for people who love down to earth luxury, and are searching for something more meaningful than a typical getaway.

❋ Who This Is For
❋ What's Included

Everything is included with the exception of airfare, staff gratuities, souvenirs, and a couple of meals outside the planned itinerary. Alcohol is not covered throughout the trip. You are welcome to enjoy some at dinner in a respectful manner, but it is not included.

Please note that if a participant misses a scheduled arrival or group transfer—such as transportation from San José to Dominical—we’re happy to help coordinate alternative options. Any additional transportation or activity costs resulting from missed arrivals or activities are not included in the retreat cost and will be the participant’s responsibility.

❋ Meet the Facilitator 

Annelise Cherie is a mental health coach, Energetic Intuitive, Reiki Master and a meditation and yoga teacher with nearly a decade of experience guiding individuals through personal growth, emotional regulation, International retreats and more. Her work blends psychology-informed coaching, mindfulness practices, energy work, and nature-based experiences to support deep, grounded transformation. Known for her calm presence , deep love for nature and intuitive insight, Annelise creates spaces that feel safe, expansive, and deeply human—where growth happens naturally through presence, exploration, and connection. She loves traveling the world, camping and living among nature! She has been to almost every continent and attributes most of her growth to the lessons she learns living with nature not just around it.

❋ Booking information

Please contact me to book or if you have any additional questions

Annelisemindset@gmail.com

Day One

Arrive April 18th

As everyone arrives, we’ll take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with everyone in the group. The journey starts here.


Pickup from San Jose

Please arrive in San Jose by 12pm. Group pickup will depart at 1pm followed by a scenic three- hour drive through Costa Rica. Arrival at the house in Dominical is expected by 4pm


Group Gathering

Our first group gathering will begin at 5pm, leading into dinner. This will include a trip overview, introductions to one another and the team, and a review of logistics for the week


Dinner

6:00pm


Workshop

At 7pm, we’ll close the day with an introductory talk on the Elements., followed by a gentle stretch and evening meditation. We’ll wrap up around 8pm, after which you are free to relax or enjoy the evening as you wish.


Day Two

Air Element April 19th

On day two, we journey into the element of Air, the gateway to expansion, clarity, and higher perspective. Air invites us to rise above fear, soften our grip on control, and open ourselves to change. Throughout the day, we will explore how this element influences the mind, breath, and nervous system, and how consciously working with it can help us feel lighter, freer, and more aligned.

The day includes an air inspired yoga and breathwork practice, an educational workshop on the Air element and its role in personal growth, and a deeply immersive zip lining experience. As you glide through the Costa Rican tree canopy, surrounded by birds, wind, and sweeping jungle views, you will embody the essence of Air in motion.


Breakfast :

7am-8am


Group Activity

Morning Yoga & Meditation/ Air Element workshop 8-10:30am


Early lunch/ Snack

11am -11:45


Departe for Osa Canopy Tour

12:00 PM sharp

Please note, the zip lining location is a 35 minute drive south. This experience includes heights and speed.


Osa Canopy tour

1-4:00pm


Return Home, Dinner, Relax

4:30 arrive home, dinner at 5:30pm followed by a brief closing circle


Day Three

Water Element April 20th

This immersive day is centered around the water element, exploring its impact on our emotional world, intuition, and ability to flow through life. Through waterfall hopping, guided reflection, and a classic water-element yoga sequence, we work with themes of release, adaptability, and renewal.

Water teaches us how to soften, move, and reconnect with our natural rhythm—leaving you feeling clearer, lighter, and deeply restored through nature and embodied practice.


Breakfast

7:00-8:00am


Group Activity

9am-11:00 leave for Local waterfall slide/ Jump / nature lounging


Lunch Break

12:00-1pm at the Shala Yoga sanctuary


Creative Workshop

Shala platform tucked in the tree canopy next to a stunning river — Here we will do a water yoga sequence, water breath work, and class on water element 1-3pm

Then we will finish the day at Azul waterfall next to the shala to give thanks to water and close the day 3-3:45


Dinner

6:00pm and free evening to relax, lounge etc


 Day Four

Fire Element April 21st

Fire Element Day is about igniting momentum.

This day is designed to wake up your life force, clarify desire, and turn intention into action. Through morning yoga, breathwork, and a Fire ceremony, we work with the energy of activation—burning through stagnation, self-doubt, and hesitation. Fire teaches us how to move, choose, and commit. By the end of the day, you’ll feel clearer, more energized, and reconnected to your inner drive—ready to take aligned action instead of waiting for motivation to find you.


Breakfast

7:00-8:00am


Group Activity

Morning yoga /

Breath of Fire 8-9:30am


We’ll spend the late morning at a beautiful local beach with stunning views, beginning with a fire ceremony on the sand from 11:00–12:00 PM. This sacred gathering marks a moment of release, intention, and activation.

After the ceremony, enjoy unstructured free time at the beach—where the river meets the ocean. This quiet, local spot is perfect for lounging, swimming, and exploring. Lunch is available at the nearby beach club (within walking distance) for those who prefer to eat at their own pace. We will head home around 2pm

Lunch Break

4:00-6pm - We’ll end the day with a grounding sunset horseback ride along the beach. This experience offers time to slow down, connect with nature, and take photos at a scenic destination point as the sun sets.

Please note: after the ride, we’ll head directly to dinner at a local restaurant (Fuego / Fire). Plan to dress for both the ride and dinner, or bring a change of clothes

Sunset Horse Back riding 

6:30pm in local Dominical plaza — restaurant Fuego then head home

Dinner

 Day Five

Earth Element April 22nd ( on actual Earth day)

Earth Day is about remembering our relationship with the land beneath our feet. The earth element offers grounding, stability, and restoration—helping us regulate the nervous system, gain clarity, and grow with intention. By reconnecting with nature, we reconnect with ourselves and create sustainable personal transformation from the ground up.


Breakfast

6:30am -7:30am


Waterfall Hike

Depart for Nayuca Waterfall 8am arrive by 8:30am

Departure

9:00am -11am We will take the tour shuttle down into the gardens, surrounded by every plant you can think of. We will start with a discussion on the Earth Element and its benefits, followed by a heart opening cacao ceremony. We will then participate in a hands on experience by planting plants in the garden.

Group Activity 

11-1pm hike down to one of the largest waterfalls in all of Costa Rica,Enjoy free time to swim, relax, lounge


We will leave the falls by 1:30-2pm and be home by 2:30- 3pm. We will have a late lunch/ snack waiting for everyone 3-4pm

Departure

Earth Element workshop with clay, Followed by a gentle stretching and closing circle 5-6:30

Group activity 

6:45 Dinner and Free Evening

Dinner 

 Day Six

Integration & Closing circle April 23

On our final day, we’ll travel to one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking beaches and protected nature preserves—Manuel Antonio. This day is a full embodiment of all the elements, offering space to reflect, integrate, and celebrate the journey we’ve shared. Surrounded by pristine coastline and abundant wildlife, we’ll close our time together with a meaningful send-off—honoring the land, the elements, and the transformation carried home


Breakfast

7:00-8:00am


Departure

Leave for Manuel Antonio National park 8:30am arrive by 9:30am


Group Activity 

We will be at the national park from 10am- 1pm , we will have one closing circle at the beach and then you are free to roam the park as you desire


Lunch in village 

we will leave the park by 1:30 and walk around local village, grab lunch, souvenir shopping , we will depart by 3pm for home


Arrive  home

4-4:30pm — Rest, Reset, Pack

Dinner/ Closing circle

Planting the seed closing circle,Sunset Ceremony 5:30-6ish


6:45 dinner and free evening, packing for early departure home


 Day Seven

Departure to San Jose April 24th

We all head back to San Jose airport


Breakfast

7:00-8:00am


Departure

Leave for San Jose airport by 8am sharp



Room 1 Information


Room 2 information


Room 3 information


Community Room


Important Details & FAQ’s

  • Do I need prior yoga or meditation experience?

    No. This retreat is designed for all levels, whether you’re brand new or have an established practice. All movement, breathwork, and mindfulness practices are accessible and adaptable.

    What is the group size?

    This is an intimate retreat with 7–10 guests, supported by two dedicated team coordinators. The small group size allows for personal attention, deeper connection, and a strong sense of community.

    What’s the overall vibe of the retreat?

    The atmosphere is chill, grounding, and intentionally spacious, blending adventure with comfort. Expect a laid-back luxury feel, meaningful experiences, shared meals, and plenty of time to relax, integrate, and connect—both with yourself and the group.

    Is the retreat physically demanding?

    Overall, the retreat is moderate to easy. Most activities are gentle and accessible. There is one uphill hike on Earth Day that is slightly more demanding, but it is short and taken at a comfortable pace. Modifications and rest are always encouraged.

    Is Costa Rica safe?

    Yes. Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America. We’ll be staying in a secure, gated community, and during excursions you’ll always be accompanied by a local guide and/or retreat team leader. The town of Dominical is welcoming, peaceful, and deeply rooted in the Costa Rican value of Pura Vida—“pure life.”

    Can I drink the water?

    Yes. Costa Rica is known for having some of the cleanest drinking water in the world, and the tap water at our location is safe to drink.

    What about wildlife— is it safe?

    Costa Rica is one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, which means wildlife is part of the experience. While venomous animals and predators do exist, encounters are extremely rare, especially in guided or residential areas. We’ll cover safety awareness and best practices during our Day One briefing.

    What’s the weather like?

    It’s the jungle—humid, lush, and beautifully unpredictable. Expect warm temperatures, strong sun, and occasional intense rain. Most days are stunning, but weather can shift quickly. For safety and alignment with nature, we may adjust the itinerary as needed based on weather conditions.

    Are there mosquitoes?

    Yes, though far fewer than in lower-elevation areas. Our location sits higher in the jungle, which significantly reduces mosquito activity. We still recommend bringing natural insect repellent.

    Do I need a visa or vaccines?

    No visa or special vaccinations are required for travel to Costa Rica from the U.S. (or most countries). Always check with your healthcare provider if you have personal concerns.

    Passport requirements

    Please ensure your passport is valid for at least 7 months beyond your travel dates. If it does not meet this requirement, you may not be allowed to travel internationally.

    Additional Important Details

    What should I pack?

    You’ll receive a detailed packing guide after registration. In general, plan for lightweight clothing, swimwear, hiking shoes, Water shoes, sun protection, and one or two outfits for dinners or evenings out.

    Will there be downtime?

    Yes—lots of it. This retreat intentionally balances guided experiences with unstructured free time so you can rest, explore, journal, swim, or simply be.

    Is alcohol allowed?

    Moderate alcohol consumption is permitted during free time and select meals. However, we will not be providing or paying for it. We encourage mindful use to support the nervous system and overall experience.

    What if I have dietary restrictions?

    Our private chef can accommodate most dietary needs. You’ll be asked to share any allergies or preferences in advance.

    How do I get to the retreat location?

    Detailed travel instructions and airport transfer information will be provided once your spot is confirmed.

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