Rhythmwood Soul Retreat Costa Rica
We hope to return to Costa Rica again one day for another retreat and will post updates here when we do. Meanwhile ...
In 2012 we discovered the incredible beauty of Costa Rica when we took our first group down for a dance adventure retreat. At that time we were nestled in the mountains and went down to the ocean for day trips to swim and take in this incredible country. 
One of the things I was struck by was how incredibly wild it all is, even on the beaches where you might expect to see high rise buildings to accommodate tourists. But no, there were none of these here. When I swam out into the ocean and looked back at the shore, all I could see was jungle trees, lush and green, surrounding us.
There is so much incredible, wild and natural beauty here. That's when my heart burst open with a love for this place. The people everywhere are incredibly friendly and generous. I am thrilled to continue offering retreats here!
Join us for a week of movement, adventure and relaxation at the beautiful Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in Montezuma on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Ylang Ylang is a gem tucked into the jungle on a pristine expanse of beach at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Creatively built pathways wind through this lush jungle setting, connecting our accommodations to the magnificent dance studio, restaurant, pool, and kilometers of white Costa Rican beach. Click on the following images to discover more about your stay at Ylang Ylang:
We will enjoy dance programming that will be held early in the morning before the heat of the day rises, and again in the cooler evening air. This will include Soulful Conscious Dance, Embodied Inquiries and Explorations as well as daily Nia & Myofascial Release classes. Most days will have open flexibility in the later mornings and afternoons for you to enjoy the beach, do some exploring or just relax. While breakfasts and dinners are included in your stay, lunches are on your own so you can enjoy the flexibility of either making your own lunch (there is a small fridge in each room) or you can choose to eat at one of the local restaurants. Note that one day, mid week, will be free of dance programming.
There are many things to explore in Montezuma, which is an easy 10 minute walk down the beach. Here you can visit the local artisans, shops and restaurants in this charming and friendly little village. Other optional adventures (not included): take a tour of the Curu Wildlife Refuge, snorkeling, scuba diving, zip-lining, surfing, boating, horseback riding and endless hours of incredible hiking.
One of the highlights of this retreat will be our day trip to the Montezuma Falls. This includes a hike into the falls where we'll spend some time swimming, relaxing & playing. From the base of the falls there is an additional hike that can be done, if you choose, to the top of the falls. At the top of the falls there are many pools of water which you can swim in. This is truly a remarkably place of breathtaking beauty!
This retreat is open to both men and women!
Program Includes:
3 dance/movement sessions per day: Nia, Fascial Release Yoga, Soul Motion
Day trip to Montezuma Falls
Picnic lunch provided on day trip to falls
Resort includes:
7 nights shared accommodation in Ocean View Cabina (2 people/cabina)
7 breakfasts
7 dinners
To ensure your place in the program a $350 USD non-refundable program deposit is required, payable to Wendy Roman.
Registration and payment for accommodations will be made directly with Ylang Ylang Beach Resort.
Space is limited to 14 participants maximum.
All rooms are 2 people/room.
Payment Schedule:
Program deposit upon registration: $350
Oct 1st, 2021 direct payment to resort: $806
Jan 2nd, 2022 final program payment: $475
* All prices are in US dollars.
* Does not include airfare, airport shuttle or gratuities.
Contact Wendy today to see if this retreat is a fit for you.
Testimonials from past retreats!
~ Christa Gampp
This is the best adventure, dance, learning and fun experience I've ever been on. I'm forever changed by each person and the new friends who were part of this retreat. I'll carry the positive energy and life force given to me at this retreat. Forever in gratitude.
~ Cheryl
Wendy and Rick were wonderful hosts and took care of all the details so we could all just lean in and enjoy every minute. I loved the classes and the wisdom Wendy shared and I really enjoyed the Wednesday hike that Rick led us on. I highly recommend this retreat! One of my favourite trips of all time!
~Alison Rowe
This retreat was very special. Wendy lead a very harmonious group of participants in an exploration of their inner souls and physical bodies: replenishing our inner and outer selves. She lead us in activities such as Nia, Soul Motion and Relaxation Stretching. The location provided a spectacular environment to share nature, and nurture our minds and bodies, with excellent food and physical activities and sharing souls. It will always remain one of my Best retreat experiences! I would highly recommend this event to anyone interested in a special experience.
Ylang Ylang located in Montezuma, Costa Rica was the perfect place to relax, renew, and make deep connections with like-minded people and with oneself. Early morning Nia was held on the beach when tides allowed, after which we enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast, followed by yoga in an open-air studio facing the ocean. Our afternoons were spent adventuring, reflecting or simply being. Dinners together were served by friendly, courteous staff and the food was beyond compare.
The explorations of Nia, Yoga and Soul Motion Movement as directed by Wendy Roman allowed for individual opportunities to grow while freeing self judgement. Wendy’s playlists and vast knowledge of movement and spaciousness encouraged us to immerse ourselves in uninhibited, embodied movement. The participants openly shared their joy, style and obvious love for each other. We began the week as strangers and left with 14 new friends willing to continue the exploration. Our hearts are overflowing with love and gratitude.
~ June Smith-Jeffries & Drew Jeffries
The Rhythmwood Soul Retreat could not have been better! The resort was beautiful, comfortable and provided superb, healthy meals. Wendy lead excellent classes (with themes), both dance and relaxation, morning and evening with lots of free time to swim, hike, sketch or do whatever we wished. Rick was always there to provide guidance, support and to arrange any details that needed to be organized. He was also our most excellent photographer. Wendy has the gift of gathering groups of like-minded people together, people who get along well and share the same joys; she creates an atmosphere that encourages trust and comraderie among those participants. I made wonderful new friends with whom I am in regular contact. To sum up, what a fun way to dance, to feel good and to enjoy life. I would go again without any hesitation!
~ Leslie Robbins-Conway
Thank you, Wendy and Rick, for an absolutely wonderful experience. Three classes a day; Nia Dance, Yoga Stretch, and Soul Motion, provided the perfect balance for body, mind, and spirit. As always, the teaching was superb. As a teacher, Wendy is inviting, inspirational, encouraging and just plain fun. The choice of Ylang-Ylang Beach Resort added to our experience making it a true holiday rather than just a retreat. It is a beautiful slice of Eden: ocean shores just a step away, lush jungle growth on all sides, native animals free to roam, incredible meals, a beautiful pool, superb spa services in the jungle canopy, a welcoming friendly staff. and enough free time every day to enjoy it all. The small bohemian village of Montezuma is just a short walk down the beach and the free day given in the middle of the week allowed us to take part in area activities on our own. Our small group of sixteen dancers was the perfect size for intimate conversations and sharing of our lives and talents. I have new friends for life. I look forward to another retreat there next year. Count me in!
~ Barbara Heagy