Soma Yoga Immersion- Retreats in Costa Rica at Salvatierra Retreat

December 1-14, 2024 (5 spaces left)

January 5-18, 2025 (waitlist only)

August 1-14, 2025

Transformation awaits...

IMMERSE IN YOGA IN THE PARADISE OF COSTA RICA!

Nestled along the breathtaking Costa de Oro beach in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula, Salvatierra Yoga Retreat is a sanctuary where Costa Rica’s natural beauty merges with the peaceful rhythms of yoga. This untouched paradise, with its golden sands and warm ocean waves, offers the perfect setting to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.

Imagine starting your day with sunrise meditations on the deck, where the view is absolutely breathtaking. The vibrant green jungle blends into the vast blue ocean, stretching to the horizon, offering pure serenity and a sense of infinite beauty.

Set in one of the world’s Blue Zones, this location is renowned for the vitality and harmonious lifestyle of its people, reflecting the healing energy of this extraordinary region. At Salvatierra, sustainability and wellness are at the core, allowing you to unwind and immerse yourself in yoga like never before. Whether you're an experienced yogi or just beginning, this retreat offers a transformative experience that captures the essence of pura vida—Costa Rica's pure life.

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, 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 want to take your practice to the next level you will deepen your understanding of your body’s mechanics, and be amazed as your practice thrives. Our approach will help you practice yoga in a way that is both healing and sustainable.

Meet your Guides

Liz Heffernan

E-RYT 500, C-IAYT YOGA THERAPIST, MA

All Programs

Liz Heffernan is an international yoga teacher and certified Yoga Therapist. She draws from over 25 years of teaching and extensive training in the Hatha yoga systems of Kripalu, Integrative Yoga Therapy, Ashtanga yoga and Anusara. She currently directs and leads retreats, Yoga teacher trainings and workshops in worldwide locations, provides unique one-to-one mentoring for yoga teachers wishing to improve their skills and delivery, instructs daily yoga classes and offers private therapeutic sessions. Her teaching weaves together philosophy, creative sequencing, clear alignment, mindful breathing, and compassionate self-inquiry to form a tapestry that reflects her heartfelt commitment to this transformative path. She is the founder and director of Soma Yoga Institue

Peggy Profant

E-RYT 500, C-IAYT YOGA THERAPIST

January 2025

Peggy Profant, a C-IAYT Yoga Therapist and Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher, is a passionate, playful spirit deeply committed to the path of Yoga. With over 25 years of experience, her teaching blends ancient wisdom with biomechanically sound alignment, guiding students to anchor in their true selves. Her extensive training spans Kripalu, traditional Ashtanga under BNS Iyengar in Mysore, India, and Anusara. Certified as a yoga therapist, Peggy customizes practices to meet holistic student needs. A seasoned mentor, she has led numerous global retreats, trainings and workshops since 2005, fostering a community focused on self-love and holistic health. Her professional experience includes managing her own yoga studio for a decade, enhancing her leadership within the yoga community.

Jess Trudeau

E-RYT 500

December 2024

Jess Trudeau, E-RYT 500 first began practicing yoga in 1999 as a young college student and fell in love with it’s creative nature. The practice has been her foundation through the carnival of life including motherhood and a tumultuous illness that left her temporarily paralyzed in 2016. She believes her yoga and meditation practice to be the shining light through any darkness on her path as it has helped her recognize the body’s phenomenal potential to overcome. Jess’s classes are soaked in yoga's rich philosophy and paletted history, mindful alignment and thoughtful sequencing, inspired by her own never-ending search for play and creativity. She enjoys teaching a vast diversity of yogic styles from Therapeutic, Restorative and Chair Yoga, to Partner and Aerial Hammock Yoga; but gets extra lit up highlighting Vinyasa Flow’s fluid diversity with a multi level approach.

Molly Masaoka

E-RYT 500

August 2024

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, there is a deep level of therapeutic guidance that governs all she offers—from her public classes, workshops, and private sessions to her ongoing teacher training programs and festival courses. Molly has studied with some of the world’s most renowned instructors most notably the founder of Smart Flow Yoga, Annie Carpenter, Chuck Miller, Maty Ezraty and Don Stapelton from Nosara Yoga Institute.

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.

TESTIMONIALS

I enjoyed Liz‘s wisdom and compassion and Jess’s fire, grace, and generosity. I loved the setting, the food, the accommodations, the animals, the birds, and the waves. I learned so much about alignment and engagement which will be so beneficial to me

 

I sharpened my hunger for a daily practice and for more community to practice with. The chanting with the harmonium was magical, I loved the silent mornings, the sutra study, and getting to see everybody shine! -

- Sarah Wisby

I liked the therapeutic approach, putting the needs of individual bodies at the center and not emphasizing, showing off or fancy posing. I’m very impressed by the teachers' knowledge, the community we created, and the attention to detail. One could really tell that Soma puts their students in the center. I learned how to build a solid foundation in my yoga poses. It changed the way I practice every pose now. The alignment queues are a game changer. Meditation helped me to find clarity for my next steps in life. Overall this was truly transformative. I did not expect that. - Fabienne Schattner

Peggy and Liz, our instructors complemented each other so beautifully in their teaching styles and personality. They created a positive community environment and set the stage for a loving place to learn. My understanding greatly increased in the yoga poses, therapeutic side of yoga, and how to keep the body safe for a lifetime of practice. I’m so grateful for the teachers, they have impacted me in ways I didn’t know I could be impacted. They showed me what the love of Yoga does, and the transformation it has on lives. It shines through everything they do. 

- Jennifer Lancaster

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

4:30 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

Afternoon smoothies and snacks

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

Comprehensive yoga lessons covering alignment, anatomy, and philosophy

Daily room service and complementary laundry as needed

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

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

Waterfall Hike: Journey through Costa Rica’s vibrant jungle, spotting exotic wildlife like monkeys and colorful birds along the way. The hike leads you to a stunning waterfall where you can cool off in crystal-clear waters and immerse in the sights and sounds of the tropical rainforest.

Private One-on-One Yoga Therapy Session with a C-IAYT Yoga Therapist

Take Home a 60 minute yoga practice specifically designed for your unique needs and goals

SALVATIERRA RETREAT

Salvatierra, a private eco-resort in Costa Rica, is a nature lover's paradise and a breathtaking venue for a yoga retreat. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, it features two yoga studios, a deck with unmatched views, and a serene indoor space with wood floors and panoramic windows. With two pools, oceanside cabinas, and a magical beach for morning yoga, Salvatierra offers a truly immersive retreat experience.

The attentive staff enhances your stay with thoughtful touches like complimentary laundry service, refreshing afternoon smoothies, daily room cleaning, and personalized care, ensuring every detail is covered so you can fully relax and unwind.

Located in one of the world’s five Blue Zones, this paradise guarantees tranquility far from tourist crowds. Surrounded by untouched beauty, you can enjoy world-class surfing, kayaking, birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking to waterfalls, and stargazing in the dark sky. You can enjoy world-class surfing as well as kayaking and bird watching in the mangrove, horseback riding and hiking to waterfalls, star gazing into the dark sky and much more. In short, it is a nature lovers paradise and the perfect location for a deep immersion into yoga away from the distractions of our busy world.The unspoiled beach, lush mangroves, and endless adventures make it a haven for nature lovers and the ultimate escape for living the yogic lifestyle.

Meals

At Salvatierra in Costa Rica the cuisine is delicious, healthy, locally sourced and organic when possible. Most meals include fresh tropical fruits and vegetables that are organically produced on the Salvatierra farm. When purchasing outside of the estate, the chefs always privilege local organic products. Therefore, by buying locally Salvatierra is helping the local Costa Rica community.

Vegetarian meals, vegan options, gluten-free alternatives, as well as chicken and seafood options are available. Students who have special dietary requirements are encouraged to let us know in advance as we will do our best to accommodate them.

Accommodation & Prices

All Inclusive Prices

December & January (High Season) program prices:

🌴Beach Cabina Triple Occupancy

ON SALE $3997 USD ($4397 full price)

🌴Beach Cabina Double Occupancy

ON SALE $4547 USD ($4832 full price)

🌴Beach Cabina Single Occupancy $6073 USD

🌴Loft on the Hill Single Occupancy $6073 USD

🌈Garden View Single

(Shared bath with one other) $5172 USD

August (Low Season) program prices:

🌴Beach Cabina Triple Occupancy $3897 USD

🌴Beach Cabina Double Occupancy $4347 USD

🌴Beach Cabina Single Occupancy $5743 USD

🌈Garden View Single

(Shared bath with one other) $5143 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 to/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.

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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.