Soma Yoga Immersion- Retreats in Costa Rica at The Peace Retreat Retreat

February 15 - February 28, 2025

Adventure awaits...

Embrace the Pura Vida Lifestyle at Our Peaceful Costa Rica Retreat

Join us at The Peace Retreat in Playa Negra, Costa Rica, where peace and rejuvenation come together in a wellness-focused eco-resort. This nature lover’s paradise offers an immersive yoga experience, featuring two open-air yoga studios, a 10-foot deep pool for refreshing swims, and soothing spa treatments to enhance your relaxation. Nourish your body with delicious, Ayurvedically-inspired meals from Nourish at Peace, and unwind in one of the charming accommodations, each equipped with safes, ceiling fans, and fresh linens for your comfort. Just a short walk from the beach, The Peace Retreat invites you to relax and embrace the "Pura Vida" lifestyle, where wellness and balance flow seamlessly.

And when it’s time for some deeper self-care, The Body at Peace Spa offers an array of luxurious treatments, including facials, scrubs, and traditional massages. For a unique wellness experience, indulge in specialized services, like steams and herbal baths—all crafted with natural ingredients such as Costa Rican coffee, local cacao, and papaya.

What You'll Experience

Our 14-day yoga immersion offers a unique blend of alignment-based vinyasa flow, Hatha Yoga, and restorative practices. This program is designed to help you explore yoga as a journey towards holistic health, self-transformation, and personal empowerment. You’ll delve into the ancient wisdom of yoga, study its philosophy, and apply its principles to your practice in a way that fosters balance, safety, and freedom in your poses. You will bring home a renewed commitment to your health and well being as well as a inspired commitment to your personal yoga practice.

Therapeutic Approach to Yoga

Our program emphasizes a therapeutic approach that takes a holistic view of wellness. We understand that true well-being involves the integration of body, mind, and spirit. Our expert instructors, who are highly experienced C-IAYT Yoga Therapists and E-RYT 500 certified teachers, they bring over 25 years of experience each to guide you safely through each practice. With a focus on biomechanically sound and anatomy-informed alignment, we ensure that your practice supports your overall health and keeps your body safe. Whether you’re working with injuries or simply want to deepen your understanding of your body’s mechanics, our approach will help you practice yoga in a way that is both healing and sustainable.

HIDDEN GEM: PLAYA NEGRA'S TRANQUIL ESCAPE

Tucked away in a small surf community, Playa Negra is one of Costa Rica’s hidden treasures, offering untouched natural beauty and pristine beaches. A 25-minute walk through a vibrant jungle trail, or a quick shuttle ride, takes you from The Peace Retreat to the warm waters of Playa Negra, where you’ll find a perfect surf wave and safe swimming areas. The sunsets are nothing short of spectacular, painting the sky in rich colors.

On your off day, dive into Costa Rica’s wild side with activities like surfing, paddleboarding, birdwatching, or hiking to nearby waterfalls.

Known for its biodiversity and stunning national parks, Costa Rica offers endless adventures that are as thrilling as they are breathtaking. Whether you’re stargazing under the dark skies or simply soaking up the laid-back "Pura Vida" vibe, this tropical escape is a true haven for nature lovers.

Meet your Guides

Liz Heffernan

E-RYT 500 C-IAYT YOGA THERAPIST

Heffernan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, is an international yoga teacher and Integrative Yoga Therapist with over 25 years of teaching experience. She draws on extensive training in Hatha, Vinyasa, and therapeutic yoga to create adaptive practices for ALL BODIES. Liz leads yoga teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats worldwide, offering personalized mentoring and private therapeutic sessions. Known for bridging ancient yoga wisdom with modern biomechanics, her teaching emphasizes alignment, self-inquiry, and personal empowerment. Her approach weaves together mindfulness, creative sequencing, and bio-mechanically safe alignment, offering students an accessible path to vibrant health and self-transformation. As the founder of Soma Yoga Institute, Liz is dedicated to making yoga accessible to all. Her heartfelt commitment to the transformative power of yoga continues to inspire students worldwide.

Molly Masaoka

E-RYT 500, Owner of Yoga Centered

Molly Masaoka, E-RYT 500, is a highly experienced yoga teacher and studio owner with over 20 years of practice and more than a decade of leading yoga teacher trainings. Innately perceptive and wildly passionate, Molly applies a level of determination and delight to her yoga instruction that’s truly one of a kind. Her approach is focused and intense; a union of effort and surrender that she believes is key to unlocking one’s deepest level of awareness and joy. While the core of Molly’s teaching is alignment-based flow and restorative yoga, a deep level of therapeutic guidance governs all she offers—from her public classes, workshops, and private sessions to her ongoing teacher trainings and retreats. As the owner of Yoga Centered Studio in Hawaii, she continues to inspire students worldwide through transformative yoga education and personal healing.

TESTIMONIALS

I truly enjoyed the balance between physical activity, spiritual/philosophical learning and the more technical topics. I loved (and needed) the alignment classes! Instead of thinking about an alignment for each pose I am taking away an alignment framework that works with any posture. Our teachers were fantastic and each of them brings their own touch to the yoga classes. I recommend this immersion to any Yogi looking to learn to deepen their practice. – Aida El Malti EL

JUST WOW! My understanding of yoga has changed from a more dominant physical practice to a more balanced mind-body spirituality. I loved the alignment study. This was a true learning experience focusing on the placements and foundations from the ground up and the bones out was truly eye opening. They way it was delivered was truly professional and enjoyable. Our instructors immediately made us feel at home, with their warm nature and compassion.I highly recommend this immersion to others. -Allison O'Callaghan

This experience has been such a gift.  It provided me with the skills, confidence and support to propel me through life with greater ease, light and happiness. I have developed a deeper love, respect and admiration for myself and what I am capable of. The retreat offered the perfect amount of time to asana, pranayama, personal inquiry and meditation. The alignment studies were so practical and important for my own practice. Liz and her teaching team created such a safe, uplifting, challenging experience and for us.  I feel so lucky to have had the honor of learning from them. - Rhiannon Streight

Day Off Activities

Playa Negra is a small beach and surf community that's off the beaten track. You will find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature, next to the most beautiful beaches of Guanacaste on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

It is just a 20 minute walk from Peace Retreat to Playa Negra beach through a jungle path or a 5-minute shuttle ride. The beach is large and lovely, the ocean is warm and the sunsets are magical. The beach has a surf wave and an area where you can swim safely.

On your off time or for day off adventures you can enjoy all that costa rica offers; surf or paddle board lessons, zip lining, a waterfall hike, options for a variety of ceremonies, local eco-excursions, kayaking, bird watching, horseback riding and hiking to waterfalls, star gazing into the dark sky and much more.

If you have not yet had a chance to visit this tropical paradise nestled in Central America, you won't be disappointed. It is a safe travel destination for solo travelers and beckons nature enthusiasts with its unparalleled natural beauty and abundant biodiversity.

Highlights of the Immersion Experience

IN THIS IMMERSION, YOU'LL ENGAGE IN A VARIETY OF YOGA LEARNING EXPERIENCES

YOGA POSTURES

  • Learn how to do yoga poses with alignment and healthy biomechanics to ensure safe and effective practice.

  • Deepen your practice and explore yoga poses across all categories including standing poses, hip openers, forward bends, backbends, twists, inversions, and balancing poses.

  • ALL BODIES and all ages 18 - 70+ and beyond are welcome. Variations and modifications offered for beginners to advanced.

REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PRACTICE

  • In a typical 60 minute class there is not time to go in-depth with how to do the poses and with details on alignment. Learn skills to keep your body safe for a lifetime of yoga.

BEYOND THE POSTURES

  • Practice Breath Awareness & Pranayama to harness the power of your breath to calm the mind and invigorate the body.

  • Engage in meditation and contemplation practices that transform limiting thought patterns and cultivate a life-affirming mindset.

  • Develop a regular meditation practice to regulate your nervous system and invoke clear seeing.

  • Dive into the philosophical wisdom of Yoga including: Ayurveda, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, and the Chakra System to enrich your understanding of yoga’s holistic benefits.

EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

  • Our Faculty are highly experienced C-IAYT Yoga Therapists and E-RYT 500 certified teachers, they bring over 25 years of experience each to guide you safely through the practices.

Daily Schedule

6:00 AM: Silent Morning Tea or Coffee

6:30 AM-7:30 AM: Gentle Movement, Breath Practices, and Meditation

7:30 AM: Breakfast

8:30 AM-10:00 PM: Alignment Lesson & Pose Study

10:00 AM-12:00 PM: Active Yoga Practice

12:30 PM: Lunch

1:00pm - 4:45pm: Free Time to Surf, Rest, Swim or Hike

4:45 PM-6:00 PM: Yoga Practice to Down Regulate your Nervous System: Restorative/Yin/Somatics/Yoga Nidra Practice

6:00 PM: Dinner

7:00 PM: Optional talks on yoga philosophy and history

This structured schedule is designed to give you a full day of learning and practice, with time to reflect, rejuvenate, and integrate your experiences.

YOU Deserve this!

What's Included

Comfortable housing for 13 nights/14 days

Three healthy meals per day

Daily yoga practices including vinyasa, hatha, restorative and yin yoga

Comprehensive yoga lessons covering alignment, anatomy, and philosophy

Daily room service

A Cacao Ceremonies with Ceremonies at Peace and choose from stand up paddle board adventure, zip lining or a surf lesson

A rejuvenating 60-minute massage session designed to nourish both body and mind, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.

Personalized Yoga Therapy Session – A private session with a C-IAYT Therapist, tailored for healing and balance.

Take Home a 60-Minute Yoga Practice – A custom practice designed for your unique needs and continued growth at home.

Transportation to and from the Liberia Airport (LIR) to the retreat center on the group shuttle.

Meals

Food is Medicine at the Peace Retreat - Costa Rica. The cuisine is delicious, healthy, locally sourced and organic when possible. Expect three delicious meals a day made with love from a variety of local, minimally processed ingredients and prepared with Ayurvedic food principles. Vegetarian meals are provided with vegan options and occasional protien sources. Students who have special dietary requirements are encouraged to let us know in advance as we will do our best to accommodate them. Snacks and smoothies with fresh tropical fruits options are also availble for purchase at their on-site restaurant,
Nourish at Peace.

Accommodation & Prices

All Inclusive Prices vary based on housing choice:

Accommodation options vary from double or single-shared cabinas and an open-air bath-house and single-stall bathrooms, as well as private indoor rooms with ensuite bathrooms and attached balconies - all with safes, ceiling fans, and fresh linen service.

Shared Accommodations

🍃Casa Verde Private Quartered Dorm | Shared Community Bath House $3997 USD

🍃Jungle Cabina Double Occupancy | Shared Community Bath House $3997 USD

🍃Double Room in Casa (Om, Samadhi, or Shanti Room) | En Suite Bathroom $4249 USD

🍃Double Bunglow | En Suite Bathroom | A/C $4547 USD

Single Accommodations

🪷Jungle Cabina Single Occupancy | Shared Community Bath House $4847 USD

🪷Single Room in Casa (Om, Samadhi, or Shanti Room) | En Suite Bathroom $5397 USD

🪷Single Bunglow | En Suite Bathroom | A/C $5597 USD

Payment plan options now available through Afterpay

Your all inclusive price includes housing in your selected room choice, three healthy meals per day, airport transport from the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport-Liberia (LIR), daily yoga practices and lessons, an excursion activity, a rejuvenating massage, a private 1-on-1 yoga session with a yoga therapist, and a take home yoga practice designed specifically for you.

Payment, Deposit and Refund Policy

A $500 USD deposit will reserve your space and will be applied to the full tuition price listed. Deposits, tuition, and housing payments minus a 10% processing fee, are refundable up to 30 days prior to retreat start date. The 10% processing fee will apply to all refunds and this fee covers credit card charges and administrative processing fees.

50% of your remaining payment is due three months prior to the start date of the program or within two weeks of registering and your final payment is due no later than one month prior to the program start date. If you would like to discuss alternate arrangements or a payment plan, please feel free to contact us directly and we would be happy to work something out. Ask about our buy now and pay later option through Afterpay, available for those in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Fee-free transfers for documented health/emergency situations: If cancellation is necessary prior to the first day of the program due to documented health or emergency situations, a person's deposit and tuition will be fully transferable to a future program with Soma Yoga Institute/Retreats. In all other circumstances, due to the logistics involved in planning residential programs in retreat settings, we regret that we are unable to issue deposit/tuition/housing refunds 30 days or less prior to program start date. No refunds are issued on or after the program start date for any reason.

It's More Than a Retreat - It's a Journey of Self Discovery

This 14-day immersion is more than just a retreat; it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and empowerment through the practice of yoga. Our experienced and passionate instructors are dedicated to providing a supportive, nurturing environment where you can explore yoga deeply and safely. Come with the intention to learn, grow, and transform, and leave with a deeper connection to yourself and your practice.

Spaces are limited to ensure a personalized experience, so reserve your spot today and prepare to embark on a transformative journey!

Any Questions?

Reach out anytime:

[email protected]

We are also happy to schedule a phone/zoom/WhatsApp/FaceTime appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered

What experience do I need to be eligible to participate?

Our groups are comprised of a wide variety of students; some are beginners, others experienced practioners. We love diverse groups and we have variations for everyone. Our particpants range in age from 18 - 70+. Everyone comes because they want to dive more deeply into the therapeutic approach.  All of our students, from beginners to advanced, learn a tremendous amount. If you love yoga and want to learn more to improve and deepen your practice, we welcome you to join us. 

Do I have to be able to do a handstand (or any pose) to take this program?

Absolutely not. All students, regardless of their physical ability or proficiency in the poses are encouraged to attend. Yoga is a journey and not a destination. Therefore all students are encouraged to begin where they are and take the modifications that they need to create health and safety in their body and mind. In fact, a diversity of abilities and body types in the group provides a rich, fertile ground for the teaching-learning environment. Please note: if you have medical considerations please check with your health care professional about the practicality and safety of attending an active yoga intensive.

How do I get to the retreat location?

We provide free shuttle service from the local airport to the retreat and back on the group shuttle as part of our all inclusive pricing. Once you register we will send you a Welcome Letter with all the specifics so you can arrange your flights. Our Peru program uses the Cusco (CUZ) airport, Costa Rica programs use the Liberia (LIR) airport and the Greece programs uses the Athens (ATH) airport. Typically we have a few shuttles leaving around 11am and 2:00pm from these locations but reach out to [email protected] for specifics anytime.

What is your deposit and refund policy?

A $500 USD deposit will reserve your space and will be applied to the full tuition price listed above. Deposits, tuition, and housing payments minus a 10% processing fee, are refundable up to 30 days prior to retreat start date. The 10% processing fee will apply to all refunds and this fee covers credit card charges and administrative processing fees.50% of your remaining tuition payment is due three months prior to the start date of the program or within two weeks of registering and your final tuition payment is due no later than one month prior to the program start date. If you would like to discuss alternate arrangements or a payment plan, please feel free to contact us directly and we would be happy to work something out. Ask about our buy now and pay later option through Afterpay, available for those in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Fee-free transfers for documented health/emergency situations: If cancellation is necessary prior to the first day of the program due to documented health or emergency situations, a student’s deposit and tuition will be fully transferable to a future program with Soma Yoga Institute/Soma Immersion Retreats. In all other circumstances, due to the logistics involved in planning residential programs in retreat settings, we regret that we are unable to issue deposit/tuition/housing refunds 30 days or less prior to program start date. No refunds are issued on or after the program start date for any reason.

What is the difference between an immersion-retreat and a retreat?

We view a retreat as a relaxed getaway, where you might enjoy one or two yoga classes a day, providing a refreshing break from daily life. In contrast, an immersion-retreat offers a much deeper experience. It's an opportunity to fully dive into the study of yoga, going beyond the surface to truly understand and integrate its principles. In an immersion-retreat, you'll explore the therapeutic benefits of alignment, learning how to bring stability, ease, and longevity to your practice. Beyond the physical, you'll also delve into the transformative power of breathwork, meditation, and yoga philosophy, unlocking the potential for radical health and well-being. This experience is designed for those who wish to take their practice to the next level. What's more, the immersion balances in-depth study with ample time to relax and unwind, allowing you to rejuvenate and absorb what you've learned. You'll have the space to ask questions, explore new concepts, and refine your poses in a supportive environment. It's a journey that not only deepens your practice but also cultivates lasting wellness, health, and a sense of inner peace.

I am actually a yoga teacher already but wish to immerse in this course to both deepen my own practice and inspire my teaching. Is this retreat appropriate and are Yoga Alliance CE credits available?

Absolutely, we often have yoga teachers join us and you will feel right at home. You will love the practices, the community and what you learn will in fact inspire your teaching. We can offer up to 80 CE credits for Yoga Alliance as well.

I thought of doing a yoga teacher training but I wasn't sure if I was ready for that step, is this a good place to start? What if I want to become a yoga teacher after the course has ended?

Yes, this is a great place to start. Your attendance in this immersion-retreat will help you dive deep and determine if yoga teaching is right for you. At the same time you will be amazed at how a 2 week immersion can help you recharge, re-energize and deepen in yoga. This is a true gift of healing and wellbeing to give yourself. Here at Soma Yoga Institute we have been leading yoga teacher trainings for over a decade. Some of the hours you gain here with us can be applied to a future yoga teacher training course with Soma Yoga Institute. Get in touch if you want to chat more about this.