My Wellness Retreat at Imiloa Institute
I’ve been trying to put into words what this retreat meant to me, but I’ve come to realize: some experiences are too sacred for full explanation. This journey was deeply personal. A gift just for myself. Maybe one day I’ll share more, but for now, I’m simply holding onto the peace, the growth, and the overwhelming gratitude I carried home from my time at the Imiloa Institute in Dominical, Costa Rica.
From the moment I arrived, it felt like something magical had been waiting for me there. Fresh flowers lined the path to my Bali-style Jogolo House, where morning coffee was delivered to my door, and daily housekeeping even mopped the wrap-around deck. The care was thoughtful, intentional, and deeply felt. Every member of the Imiloa staff radiated heart and passion. They didn’t just welcome me, they held space for me. I was cared for like family.
My home for five nights was nothing short of a sanctuary: a private saltwater plunge pool, a luxurious outdoor soaking tub, open-air rooms that welcomed the breeze, and views of both the ocean and the jungle. On the deck, I shared quiet moments with toucans, hummingbirds, and bright little dart frogs. Nature felt close, alive, and healing.
And then there was the food. As a proud meat lover, I came in skeptical about the fully plant-based menu. But let me just say: Chef Daniel changed the game. Each gourmet meal was bursting with flavor, freshness, and creativity. I was so satisfied, I never even reached for snacks. His cooking was nourishment, not just for the body, but the soul.
The retreat itself was beautifully curated with daily themes: Mind, Heart, Gut Health, and Spirit. Each day felt intentional and sacred. I moved through yoga, meditation, sound healing, ecstatic dance, journaling, compassion inquiry workshops, a powerful cacao ceremony, and deeply restorative massages. The Zenthai Shiatsu session completely stole my soul.
Nature was more than just the backdrop, it was a co-facilitator. I wandered jungle trails, swam solo in the rain, soaked in a healing blue clay waterfall, and danced barefoot in mud and sunlight. One of my favorite moments was a sunset beach party filled with drums, a bonfire, a DJ, and dinner under the stars. It was joy in its purest, wildest form.
“At Imiloa, I wasn’t just on a retreat. I was returning to myself, surrounded by jungle, intention, and the quiet healing only Costa Rica can offer.”
If you’re thinking of going: fly into San Jose, then take the included private plane transfer to Imiloa (breathtaking, safe, and effortless). They handle everything else from there. Ground transport, meals, lodging, and more. Payment plans and discounts are available, and if you’re curious, check them out and feel free to use my name as a referral.
I left Imiloa with more than memories. I left with a fuller heart, a healthier gut, a new life friend, and a deep reconnection to who I am. This retreat reminded me to let go, to take it all in with grace, and to trust that sometimes, magic begins the moment we decide we’re worth it.
Imiloa: https://imiloainstitute.com
