find your voice
Yoga & Journaling Retreat at Río Chirripó
Connect to your creativity and confidence through immersion in nature and daily practice.
May 9-13, 2024.
Your stay
Welcome to Río Chirripó, a sanctuary with mystical views of Mount Chirripó that’s nestled in a pristine valley alongside the fast-flowing Chirripó River. This is the highest mountain range in Costa Rica, and the fresh mountain air, moderate climate and lush cloud forest are perfect to clear your mind.
Breakfast at Río Chirripó
Each dish is created with fresh, local and organic ingredients, grown in Río Chirripó’s gardens and greenhouses. The menu varies every day, as they work with what the land provides.
You can expect…
The daily practice:
- Morning guided meditation & journaling
- Ashtanga-based yoga twice a day (all levels) with optional hands-on assists for depth & alignment
- Group breakthrough sessions on finding your voice, and small group work on connecting to your creativity and confidence
- Evening yin and yoga nidra to relax and integrate daily themes
Additional highlights:
- 4 meals a day made from local ingredients, plus fresh coffee and juice
- Dynamic breathwork and cold plunge
- Fundamentals workshop – Learn the details of essential postures
- Inversions workshop (all levels) – Work on your handstand
- Swimming in the pool, hot tub, wood-fired tub, and dips in the river
- Tropical cloud forest earthing on the trails on the Río Chirripó property
- Optional mountain hiking excursion to a nearby farm to plant trees and have a traditional Costa Rican lunch.
This retreat exceeded my expectations in so many ways! The attention to detail, quality of teaching, beauty of scenery, and depth of conversation were all top notch. I was looking to challenge myself on this retreat, and I think I’ll most remember those experiences that pushed me out of my comfort zone: cold plunging, inversion practice, and breakout sessions were some moments that especially expanded my beliefs about what was possible. I’m also just grateful to have met so many like-minded, curious, supportive people, and I’m looking forward to continuing those connections.
Río Chirripó Retreat, October 2023
If this sounds at all of interest to you, feel free to reach out to Shawna with questions.
If you feel the call to join us, fill out the application and reserve your spot now by paying the $880 non-refundable deposit below.
The retreat was a wonderful experience, full of intention, love, and balance. I really appreciated the inclusion of yoga philosophy to inform the themes behind each day. The asana practice felt veryyy balance – Rocket/ ashtanga morning and yin evenings felt empowering and nourishing in my body. The FOOOD was one of the absolutely best parts for me. As someone with dietary restrictions (veganism), I felt so so supported and cared for by the meal staff and hosts. Not only was the food aligned w my dietary restrictions (and therefore felt so nourishing), it was so fresh and full of flavor and texture that it was very much a focal point of the experience. I returned to seattle feeling one of the largest nervous system shifts that I have ever felt in a short number of days. It brought a renewed sense of inspiration, new community, and blossoms of some beautiful friendships.
Río Chirripó Retreat, Costa Rica – October 2023
The retreat was absolutely incredible. Everything was so thoughtfully and intentionally planned out which made the retreat experience that much more special. From the meditations, to the practice, to the intentions, to the break out groups, and the tree planting – each and every moment was so special and I am so happy I was able to be here on this retreat with everyone. The food was incredible as well. Rio Chirripo and their staff were amazing. They were so kind from the moment we arrived. They always made sure we were taken care of and the food they prepared for us was absolutely delicious and refueling. My overall favorite moment (non-yoga) was probably the tree planting and then my favorite yoga aspect was practicing Rocket! Yoga Nidra is also something I loved. The breath work we did around the fire pit in the rain felt really special too. And then I can’t forget Yogi the cat!
Río Chirripó Retreat, Costa Rica – October 2023
The food was amazing. The rooms and beautiful were amazing. The location was amazing. The food was beyond expectations… Katie’s Nidra was so special and a great way to end the day together. The small outing was a nice cherry on top and a great way of experiencing a bit of the country outside of the resort. I’m inspired to deepen my practice, to meditate more, to include moments of rest and relaxation into my day, and to make efforts to connect with more women groups and community activities. It’s wholesome and nourishing to have deep conversations. It was the break I needed and I feel like I’m going back with a confidence, light and relaxation that will guide me through these next steps of my career. My deepest gratitude to you, Shawna, and to you, Katie for holding the space, for guiding us, and inspiring us. You’ve touched us all.
Río Chirripó Retreat, Costa Rica – October 2023
I LOVED that we explored several types of yoga—some was new, some I had been doing but didn’t know the name, and some familiar. The site and rooms were GORGEOUS. The Costa Rican food was delicious (and nutritious 😉 and educational honestly. I loved that there was an off-site activity near the national park. I also really loved the attention to detail in the breakout sessions, journals and practices. Photographers were a nice touch too. Also really, really loved how spaced out everything was. Oh and the SPA was another amazing touch.
Río Chirripó Retreat, Costa Rica – October 2023
I absolutely loved the retreat!! I loved the yoga classes and workshops, the food, the fresh juice with every meal, the meditating and journaling, the relaxation time at the pool and hot-tub, the leaders of the retreat, and the group of yogis participating in the retreat — everything was amazing. I really liked the daily itineraries. The journaling and breakout sessions were great too. And I loved that we got to choose between a massage or a facial—such a nice perk of the retreat!
Río Chirripó Retreat, Costa Rica – October 2023
Just under two weeks ago, I took a leap of faith and booked a last minute flight to Costa Rica for a yoga retreat that I had been thinking about for months. A last minute spot opened up on the retreat so I took it as a sign and I went for it! It made me nervous making such a spur of the moment decision, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. These last few days in Costa Rica at this yoga retreat led by Shawna and Katie at the beautiful Rio Chirripo have been life changing. Multiple yoga classes a day, meditations, journaling, eating amazing food, hiking, enjoying the pool and jacuzzi, all in the most beautiful setting with an incredible group of yogis – it’s been the trip of a lifetime and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to do this retreat. I now have an even deeper love for yoga and I can’t wait to take everything I’ve learned on this retreat back into my every day life (with so many amazing new friends, too)! I’m so happy I took that leap.
Río Chirripó Retreat, Costa Rica – October 2023
Thank you so much, Shawna! I am overjoyed with the growth I experienced in just a few days. It’s thrilling to know life can be this good and it’s still just unfolding. Thank you for what you put together for us — it was truly incredible and more than I have words for yet. I keep crying from joy.
Amor de Mar Retreat, Montezuma, Costa Rica – May 2023
Shawna’s yoga retreat was spectacular! I fell in love with two new styles of yoga, and met some amazing women. It was a perfect balance of planned activities, and free-time to explore or relax on your own. I highly recommend one of her retreats! This is my new favorite way to travel!
Amor de Mar Retreat, Montezuma, Costa Rica – May 2023
Thank you!! This retreat was way even better than I expected and you’ve officially set the bar HIGH for anyone at that retreat for their next adventure. You’re a very intentional person and we could see the work and attention to detail that you put into the retreat. Thank you so so much for having us and for everything that you’ve opened us up to over the past week.
Amor de Mar Retreat, Montezuma, Costa Rica – May 2023
The classes were great, they all complemented each other and challenged me in the best way. The accommodations and food were spectacular and exceeded my expectations. Everything was well thought out and I left feeling great about everything and what I learned. The location was a dream. Waking up to beautiful plants and the ocean every day was paradise. Struggling with the sun and bugs through the trip allows me comfort to stand in my grass at home without fear and feel calm in my own abundance.
Amor de Mar Retreat, Montezuma, Costa Rica – May 2023
Thank you for the experience. The trust and the ability to join. This experience is like no other and will not be reproducible, only continued. You teach with intention and purpose and push people to reach past their limitations. This was more than a yoga retreat for me. This was a lesson on control, intention and mindfulness. I am actively including these principles in my day to day and know they will bring immense benefit and inspiration not only for me but for everyone I interact with. You have a strength that is contagious and only makes people better around you. Thank you.
Amor de Mar Retreat, Montezuma, Costa Rica – May 2023
I wanted to tell you — I’ve had craaaazy domino effects with my body awareness since being home. More change than the last year combined I’d say. It’s really powerful stuff. And I’ve been doing yoga nidra every night before bed! Life changing stuff. Truly.
Amor de Mar Retreat, Montezuma, Costa Rica – May 2023
Photos from past retreats.
Ignite the Spark of Your Highest Potential. Amor de Mar, Montezuma, Costa Rica, spring 2023.
Journey Towards Your True Nature. Río Chirripó, Costa Rica, fall 2023.
