Yoga Retreat on the beach in Costa Rica

October 27th – November 3rd, 2025

Nestled in the serene and captivating beauty of Nicoya Bay, Costa Rica, our Embracing the Elements Yoga Retreat invites you to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal. Surrounded by lush jungles and pristine beaches, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the natural elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether—each day dedicated to exploring the qualities and energies they embody. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, our thoughtfully curated program is designed to foster personal growth, enhance well-being, and inspire a profound sense of unity with the world around you. Join us as we blend the ancient wisdom of yoga with the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica, providing a sanctuary for rejuvenation, reflection, and connection.

The Earth element represents the foundation of stability and grounding, offering participants a chance to connect deeply with the physical world. Through grounding yoga practices, participants cultivate a sense of strength and support, enhancing their ability to remain present and centered. The serene environment of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes further reinforces these qualities, allowing individuals to establish a strong base from which to explore the other elements.

Water embodies fluidity and adaptability, encouraging participants to embrace change and flow with life’s currents. Through flowing yoga sequences and water-themed activities, such as swimming and beach meditation, attendees learn to navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and ease. This element invites exploration of emotional flexibility, fostering resilience and openness to transformation.

The Fire element symbolizes transformation and energy, igniting passion and drive within each participant. Dynamic yoga sessions and breathwork workshops harness the power of fire to awaken vitality and inspire personal growth. The element encourages releasing old patterns and embracing new possibilities, leaving attendees feeling empowered and invigorated.

Air represents expansion and freedom, offering opportunities to explore the vastness of breath and movement. Pranayama exercises and heart-opening yoga sessions focus on creating space within, allowing participants to experience a sense of liberation and openness. This element nurtures creativity and the capacity to embrace life’s possibilities with an open heart.

Ether, the element of connection and unity, fosters a sense of oneness with oneself and others. Through group meditations and collaborative practices, participants are invited to experience the interconnectedness of all things. This element emphasizes community, encouraging deep bonds and a shared sense of purpose, uniting all participants in their journey of self-discovery.

Where we stay

The Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, home to OPacifico Hotel, is fortunate to be one of the five Blue Zones in the world. A Blue Zone is an area where residents enjoy a long and healthy life. Residents of these privileged places often live more than 100 years.

We have booked the entire 15-room O’Pacifico Hotel for this retreat, a 4-star private hotel that offers direct beach access, dedicated yoga facilities, excellent cuisine, two pools, and, of course, water sports that include standup paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling, plus mountain biking.

O’Pacifico integrates nature as part of the hotel experience. As soon as you leave your room and walk through the grounds, you will see a variety of native trees and abundant plants, which house and attract a great diversity of wildlife.

With over 60 acres of 360 degree views of ocean, nature, gardens, and wildlife, there are opportunities for hiking and mountain biking right within the hotel grounds. As the resort is on a bay, the water will be completely accessible to us, with many options to enjoy the private beach for swimming and paddleboarding.

October 27 to November 3, 2025
Cost: $4150
Maximum group size: 15

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More:

See below for more about this trip’s cost and other details.

Culinary Delights

In addition to the enriching yoga and meditation sessions, our retreats are infused with exciting excursions and culinary delights that captivate the senses and enrich the spirit. From hiking through lush landscapes to exploring cultural landmarks, each adventure is thoughtfully planned to complement the retreat’s holistic approach to wellness.

Our guests indulge in delicious, locally sourced meals that nourish both body and soul, enhancing the overall experience.

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Nestled in the serene beauty of Nicoya Bay, Costa Rica, this transformative retreat invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. Surrounded by lush jungles and pristine beaches, this experience offers you the chance to connect deeply with the natural elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Whether you are a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, our thoughtfully curated program is designed to foster personal growth, enhance well-being, and inspire a profound sense of unity with the world around you.

Our days will begin with gentle yoga sessions, themed around the elements of nature and designed specifically to introduce beginners to fundamental postures and breathing techniques, ensuring every participant feels supported and empowered. The tranquil setting of our beach-front retreat, surrounded by nature’s beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for participants to deepen their yoga and meditation practice, fostering a sense of inner peace and self-discovery.

Matece has witnessed countless individuals embark on journeys of transformation, completing retreats with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. Matece finds it incredibly rewarding to guide participants not only in their yoga practice, but also in discovering the joys of life outside their comfort zones.

All activities including yoga and meditation are optional. We will offer guidance and support for solo time and personal reflection as well as connected, safe, and compassionate group activities.

Matece’s retreats involve inner voyages of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth. Through guided meditations, accessible yoga, mindfulness practices, and cultural experiences, participants return home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Our Costa Rica Retreat has been uniquely curated to cater to both beginners and seasoned yoga students, offering a nurturing space where participants can immerse themselves in the practice of yoga and meditation.

Beyond the included Embracing the Elements daily meditation, yoga, and breathwork with Matece, we are also welcoming a daily themed workshop during the retreat’s programming.

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Exclusive Retreat Experience

Indulge in an immersive yoga retreat experience, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated to ensure both relaxation and enrichment. While the focus is on deepening your yoga practice and exploring related disciplines, you will also have ample opportunities to savor exquisite meals and unwind on the pristine beaches of Costa Rica. Our schedule is intentionally designed to allow generous free time for you to luxuriate at your own pace or venture out to explore this stunning locale independently.

Adventure and Exploration

For those seeking adventure, we have arranged a group session in kayaking or paddleboarding, guided by an experienced instructor. Should you wish to further enhance your skills or experience more of the region’s aquatic wonders, additional activities are available for an extra fee. These include specialized lessons in paddleboarding or kayaking, magical night tours to witness the bioluminescent bay, and snorkeling excursions. For a unique twist, you can even partake in paddleboard yoga sessions led by a skilled local instructor.

Curated Excursions

Boat excursion to San Lucas Island

This island, close to the O’Pacifico resort where we’ll be staying, was a prison from 1873 to 1991 before it was transformed into a wildlife refuge and then a national park in 2020. We’ll explore the beauty of this island, swim, and take an optional hike. We’ll get to the island on a small boat that picks us up directly from our resort.

Bioluminescent boat tour

At dusk, a small boat will pick us up on the beach at the O’Pacifico resort and bring us out to see the natural bioluminescence in the Nicoya Gulf. To watch the water come alive with light is a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Surf, Hike, Mountain Bike, Kayak, Paddleboard

Discover the diverse beauty of Costa Rica with an excursion to the opposite side of the peninsula, where you can observe or join the surfers riding the waves. Additionally, we offer a guided hike through the expansive 60-acre hotel grounds or explore further afield to experience Costa Rica’s lush landscapes. For those with a taste for adventure, mountain biking is among the many exciting activities available.

Conservation and Community

Hike and Swim the Waterfalls at the Karen Mogensen Reserve. A short drive will bring us to this forest preserve in the highlands of the Nicoya Peninsula. We’ll walk along a small river past multiple waterfalls and have the chance to swim beneath them.

A visit to the Macaw Recovery Network is included in your retreat, providing a glimpse into the admirable efforts of local conservationists to restore the vibrant macaw population. This enriching experience offers both education and inspiration, connecting you with the community’s dedication to preserving local wildlife.

Please note that while we have meticulously planned these activities, our program remains flexible to accommodate any exceptional opportunities that may arise, ensuring your retreat is both dynamic and unforgettable.

Trip Details

Dates

October 27 to November 3, 2025 (7 nights – 8 days)

Costs

What is included

Lodging

Lodging will be at the 4-star O’Pacifico resort on a bay on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

More information about the resort is available on the resort’s website.

Meals

A nourishing breakfast will be available at the hotel each morning. Lunch will generally be at the hotel or nearby cafes and restaurants. Dinners will be at the hotel with our group, or at local restaurants.

Optional Add-ons

At the start or end of the trip, participants may opt to see other parts of Costa Rica. This is easy to do if you wish to arrive early or extend your trip.

We can offer advice on how to customize an itinerary to expand your trip.

Cancellation Policy

Your deposit is non-refundable after June 1, 2025, unless the trip is canceled for any reason by Travel Fever Tours. Natural disasters, political instability, or low enrollment would form the basis for canceling a trip. Other payments are not refundable once made.

You will be contacted once the trip reaches minimum enrollment so that you can proceed with purchase of your flights and make other travel arrangements. In all cases, review of enrollment numbers will not take place any later than the date of the First Installment payment.

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About Matece Skow, the retreat leader

Over the past 15 years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to lead yoga and mindfulness retreats in some of the world’s most enchanting locations: Bali, India, Ireland, and St. Croix, USVI. Each destination, with its unique culture and natural beauty, has provided a sacred space for participants to delve deep into their spiritual journeys. In Bali, the serene rice paddies and ancient temples have offered a backdrop for profound meditation and self-reflection. India, with its rich spiritual heritage, has been a place of transformative pilgrimages and immersive yoga practices. The lush landscapes and mystical lore of Ireland have inspired participants to connect with their inner selves, while the tranquil beaches of St. Croix have allowed for rejuvenation and a reconnection with nature.

These retreats have not only been about exploring external landscapes but also about embarking on inner voyages of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth. Through guided meditations, accessible yoga, mindfulness practices, and cultural experiences, participants have returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Retreat Itinerary

7 Night, 8-Day Yoga Retreat Itinerary: Embracing the Elements

Our retreats offer meticulously curated experiences with small group sizes, fostering intimate connections and personalized attention. From the designed itinerary to the handpicked accommodations and activities, we prioritize your comfort and growth.

Day 1 Monday, Oct 27: Arrival and Orientation

Welcome to your transformative journey! Participants will settle into their surroundings, engage in a welcoming circle, and cultivate a strong foundation and intention for the week ahead.

Day 2 Tuesday, Oct 28: Earth – Stability and Grounding

Today, we focus on the Earth element, which represents stability and grounding. Participants will engage in morning meditation, breathwork and yoga to cultivate a sense of strength and support, enhancing your ability to remain present and centered. Activities include an orientation session, free time to explore the hotel grounds by hike or bike, a grounding afternoon yin yoga session, and an evening Yoga Nidra meditation focused on connecting with the earth.

Day 3 Wednesday, Oct 29: Water – Fluidity and Adaptability

Explore the Water element, symbolizing fluidity and adaptability. The day begins with meditation at the beach followed by a flowing yoga class that incorporates gentle, wave-like movements. Later on, join a workshop on embracing change and finding flow in life, and then an afternoon excursion to the Karen Mogensen Reserve for hiking and swimming in waterfalls. The day concludes with an evening reflection by a water source.

Day 4 Thursday, Oct 30: Fire – Transformation and Energy

Ignite your inner fire as we delve into the Fire element, which embodies transformation and energy. Morning practices focus on dynamic breathwork and yoga sequences to awaken the body’s energy. A midday workshop covers transformative techniques through breathwork and meditation. In the evening, gather around a campfire for storytelling and sharing personal transformations followed by a bioluminescent boat tour right off our beach in Nicoya Bay.

Day 5 Friday, Oct 31: Air – Expansion and Freedom

Embrace the Air element, associated with expansion and freedom. Start the day with pranayama (breath control) exercises to connect with the breath’s expansive nature. Yoga sessions will focus on opening the heart and chest to create space and freedom within. An afternoon visit to the Macaw Recovery Network provides a glimpse into the admirable effort of of local conservationists to restore the vibrant macaw population. Breathe deeply, savor, and embrace the vastness of the natural world.

Day 6 Saturday, Nov 1: Ether – Connection and Unity

Today, we explore Ether, the element of connection and unity. Participants will engage in practices that promote a deeper connection with themselves and others. A group meditation session fosters a sense of oneness, followed by collaborative yoga practices. In the afternoon, discover the diverse beauty of Costa Rica with an excursion to the opposite side of the peninsula, where you can observe or join the surfers riding the waves. The evening features a unity circle, celebrating the bonds formed during the retreat.

Day 7 Sunday, Nov 2: Integration – Harmonizing the Elements

Integrate the elements in body and mind. Morning sessions combine aspects of all five elements, encouraging participants to find balance and harmony. We will take a boar tour to San Lucas Island for to explore the beauty, hike, or swim. We’ll come back to an afternoon creative workshop that allows expression through art and movement, reflecting each element’s qualities. The evening offers time for personal reflection and journaling, synthesizing the week’s experiences through a guided journaling session to help articulate transformations and intentions moving forward. The day concludes with a gratitude gathering, celebrating personal and collective growth.

Day 8 Monday, Nov 3: Reflection – Carrying the Elements Forward

Our journey concludes with a morning closing ceremony and a final yoga practice that honors the elements’ teachings. Participants are encouraged to take these lessons into their daily lives, maintaining the balance and connection cultivated during the retreat.

Recent Retreat Reviews

These reviews are from participants on other retreats led by Matece Skow

“This experience has been life-changing on so many levels. Thank you for holding and creating space for us.”

“What a time! Matece thought of everything and made sure all the details were covered so we could focus on the experience!”

“I never expected to feel so renewed.”

“Matece, thank you for the beautiful peace you bring to a room, but most importantly to the world. The energy you bring forward is beautiful.”

“Your presence and energy is so moving. Thank you for your yoga and meditation guidance. I feel I have so much to take home with me.”

“Words alone cannot describe my experience at your retreat. I laughed, I cried, I grew my resources and made connections with some of the most beautiful humans I have ever met.”