Do you notice your hands clench or shoulders tense when you run? Does your jaw clench when you’re having a difficult conversation? Do you hold your breath when trying to make a hard decision? Does your body feel tight or tired after a day at your desk?
If you’ve ever felt any of these things, then we invite you on a journey through the senses that will help you release the tension and find more flow. Each day presents opportunities to engage in simple somatic movement that helps you dial down the stress response and reconnect with your body. This retreat is especially beneficial for women who tend to prioritize productivity and output over simple self care, and may be teetering on burnout.
If you feel yourself rushing around throughout the day, trying to get it all done all the time, then this is your invitation to remember you’re a human BEING rather than a human DOING.
During this 7-night, 8-day retreat, each day will be a practice in being present in the moment. We take care of all the travel planning so that you can simply show up and be here now. Every day offers something different, featuring some combination of somatic experiences that will delight your senses.
For example, you will:
SEE massive, awe-inspiring volcanoes
TASTE the fresh, delicious gastronomy of Costa Rica
TOUCH the earth and your soul through yoga and meditation
HEAR the rich soundscape of the rainforest
SMELL the fragrant mineral-rich hot springs
While staying at some of Costa Rica’s most luxurious and exclusive resorts featuring zen-inspired eco-modern building design, tucked deep into the rainforest far removed from the tourist hordes, you’ll find space to unwind, breathe deeply and use all your senses to be present, in this moment and in your body.
As you run through the lush rainforest trails, fully immerse yourself in the sensations of your body, the rhythm of your breath, and the beauty of your natural surroundings, while you experience the transformative power of mindful movement. With your retreat leader, discover techniques to help you foster mental clarity, stress reduction, and foster a deep appreciation for the joy of movement both on and off the trails.
~~MOOD~~
Here's a video filmed at one of the places we'll be staying that really captures the experience:
Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity, which is why our itinerary takes you to five different parks, each one unique in flora and fauna. For example, at Poas Volcano National Park, witness one of the largest active volcano craters in the world, as it constantly emits gas and steam. You’ll run in the shadow of Arenal Volcano, with its perfect conical shape, and explore its network of rainforest trails. Envelop yourself with colorful orchids and bromeliads, the vibrant green hues of the lush jungle, and encounter fascinating wildlife species such as howler monkeys, sloths, toucans and colorful butterflies.
Costa Rican cuisine is characterized by its freshness, simplicity and the use of local ingredients that reflect the rich agricultural diversity of the region. Rice and beans, known as “gallo pinto” are a staple of Costa Rican cuisine and form the foundation of many traditional dishes. This hearty combination is served with accompaniments such as chicken, fish, pork, beef or vegetables. Another traditional Costa Rican dish is the “Casado” which is a balanced dish featuring rice, beans, salad, meat, and fried plantains. Fresh seafood and tropical fruits also play a prominent role in Costa Rican cuisine. Dietary accommodations such as vegetarian and gluten free can easily be accommodated upon request.
At Rio Perdido you’ll practice yoga in their intimate yoga pods, perched atop the cliff-side 140 feet above the thermal river. During your one-hour class, a local instructor will walk you through a series of yoga poses, or asanas, while surrounded by the natural beauty of the rainforest. Even if you’ve never done yoga before, these beginner-friendly classes involve physical postures and breathwork that harmonize body, mind and spirit. Plus, Rio Perdido offers dedicated outdoor meditation sites, lookout points that extend over lush greenery, surrounded by the surrounding mountains and the infinite stretch of sky.
Stepping into the lush and vibrant rainforest ecosystem, you’re immediately immersed in a symphony of natural sounds in addition to the crunching of dried leaf litter under your feet as you run. The rainforest is home to an incredible variety of bird species that fill the air with their song, interrupted occasionally by the calls of the resident howler monkeys. Beneath the avian chorus, listen to the sound of rustling leaves, chirping crickets and scurrying creatures. As you soak in the natural volcanic hot springs, relax to the sound of gentle waterfalls and bubbling streams.
Our daily runs during this retreat will be between four and 8 or so miles on a variety of trails including dirt paths, uneven terrain and forest trails with obstacles such as tree roots and rocks. The lush tropical landscapes surround you as you run, with verdant forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife creating a picturesque backdrop. We will encounter some trail sections that are too steep or technical to run, in which case we will hike before resuming running again. While it’s not necessary to have trail running experience, running on trails is more challenging than on roads and pathways, so your retreat leader and the guides will offer some tips and techniques to help you adjust to the uneven terrain. Trail running shoes and a hydration pack that can carry at least 1 liter of water are required. We recommend that you have the fitness to run at least 8 miles on the road comfortably. You’ll enjoy the support of not only your retreat leader, but also English-speaking professional Costa Rican run guides with whom we’ve worked for many years.
Learn more about how we manage run pacing here: https://runwildretreats.com/about-the-run-wild-retreat-experience/levels/
Tabacon is a 5-star, carbon-neutral resort located in the heart of the tropical rainforest at the base of Arenal Volcano. Set amidst more than 900 acres of pristine rainforest, the serene property features one of the country’s largest network of natural hot springs, thermal waterfalls and heated river pools, which are accessible to all guests. The rooms feature either one king bed or two queen beds, unobstructed views of the tropical surroundings, modern interiors and colorful decor. Tabacon is deeply committed to supporting the local community and promoting environmental conservation. You can read its sustainability report at the link below.
In a high, rocky area of the rainforest, there is a deep river canyon where mineralized water makes the trees grow as tall as the canyon itself, completely obscuring it from view within the dense forest canopy. Even a bird flying above the canyon could miss the camouflaged river, hence its name, Rio Perdido, or "lost river." Located on a 600-acre private reserve, Hotel Rio Perdido features a small collection of stylishly designed and environmentally sustainable bungalows, each accessed via elevated pathway and built in a modular format to ensure minimal environmental impact. During your stay, you will have access to the nearby thermal river, carved into a 160-foot deep gorge. Dozens of therapeutic and naturally warm mineral pools heated by nearby volcanic activity make it an ideal setting for forest bathing and relaxing.
Buena Vista Chic Hotel is a stylish boutique retreat nestled in a coffee plantation on a lush hilltop overlooking downtown San Jose, Costa Rica. This elegant property offers a secluded sanctuary of magnificently manicured gardens, charming architecture, and cozy interiors decorated in a modernist tropical style, providing a warm and inviting refuge for your first night in Costa Rica. Your room will provide a relaxing setting, in a villa surrounded by lush flora and more than 100 species of exotic birds.
Indulge in a fusion of local and international flavors at the on-site restaurant, where dishes are prepared with locally sourced, fresh seasonal ingredients. From the back yard dining area, enjoy the panoramic views of the "Barba" and "Irazu" volcanoes, mountains, and the shimmering capital city lights in the central valley far below. Buena Vista Chic Hotel will provide you with a sophisticated and unforgettable experience.
Our highly trained retreat leaders provide the space and support for you to have a potentially transformational experience. As experts in mindful leadership, she provides valuable guidance on how to be mindful on and off the trail. Here's more about what you can expect from your retreat leader:
One of the best ways to deepen your experience with mindfulness during and after your retreat is to add the Transformational Travel Journal to your package. This co-branded journal by Run Wild Retreats in partnership with the Transformational Travel Journal provides an intentional space to write, draw, sketch and otherwise creatively express what meaning this travel experience has for you. Filled with thoughtful writing prompts, inspirational quotes and mindfulness-inspired ideas, we highly recommend using this journal to help you enhance your mindful running experience. Price includes shipping.
San José Province, San José, Costa Rica 
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