A Joyful Journey Yoga Retreat in the Heart of Costa Rica

Escape to paradise with Melissa D'Errico and the Yoga Center of Deerfield Beach for 6 nights and 7 days at the beautiful Vida Asana Eco-Retreat Center in Costa Rica 

Dates of the Retreat - Monday, April 6 - Sunday, April 12, 2026

For most of us, peace and happiness are a bit elusive. We do our best, but still the pressures and hassles of life weigh us down. What might be possible if you could set down some of your burdens? What if you traveled across the world to spend a week in paradise? What if you stayed at a beautiful retreat center surrounded by nature?

Join us for the experience of a lifetime and discover how to cultivate and maintain happiness and inner strength.

Our spiritual practices will be beautifully complemented by exciting excursions, offering you the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and vibrant local culture of Costa Rica. Our thoughtfully curated itinerary of yin and yang experiences is designed to support each student in discovering their unique sense of balance during our time together in Costa Rica. All levels, everyBODY welcome.

This Retreat Is For You If You:
– Crave adventure, nature, and the thrill of something new
– Need a break from the hustle and stress of daily life
– Want to soak in the beauty of your surroundings and feel inspired
– Are ready to reconnect with yourself, nature, and others
– Love the idea of spending time with like-minded souls
– Want to deepen your connection to your work, life, purpose, or passion
– Are excited to enjoy a nourishing daily yoga practice in a peaceful setting

Location

Vida Asana is a peaceful, family-owned retreat center run by Sean and his daughter Julep, tucked between the jungle and the ocean in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Just 90 minutes from San José Airport (SJO) and minutes from Jacó, it offers the perfect mix of quiet retreat and easy access to beaches, excursions, restaurants, and shopping. More than just a yoga center, Vida Asana is a supportive space for rest, renewal, and inner exploration—come get lost in nature, and let the Vida Asana family take care of the rest.

History

Vida Asana was created in 2002 and was one of the first yoga retreat centers on the Pacific coast. In 2012, Sean bought Vida Asana to create and expand the vision. With Sean’s history as a professional cyclist, he intended to turn Vida Asana into a destination for mountain bike enthusiasts to explore the many trails in the area. But fate had other plans, and the peace and temperament of yogis and the yoga lifestyle quickly won him over! He has since taken his 200-hour yoga teacher training and is continuing to build his practice. Though Vida Asana does offer a variety of retreat focuses, from mountain biking to jiu-jitsu, yoga is still the most popular.

Foundation

Vida Asana is deeply committed to community involvement and support. While engaging in many activities that support and unite the community at large, we directly support Waves of Hope, an organization affiliated with the 501c Yoga 4 Bee. Waves of Hope was created out of a vision to provide therapeutic yoga retreats to parents who have lost a child.

PRICING

Vida Asana recommends purchasing Travel Protection Insurance. Pricing does NOT include Airfare.

• Double Occupancy $1480 pp

• Single Occupancy $1980 pp (ONLY 2 available - based on 1st come 1st served)

If you plan to share a room with another guest, please indicate this when booking so we may coordinate your room accommodation.

EARLY BIRD

• Save $50 if reserved by June 1, 2025

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• $500 non-refundable deposit is due at time of registration to secure spot (applied toward trip cost)
• 2nd payment 50% of balance due on December 1, 2025
• Final Balance Due Date: January 21, 2026 (75 days prior to trip)

Payment Types Accepted:

• Zelle - 954-553-5444
• Venmo - @melissaderrico
• Cash
• Check made payable: to Melissa D'Errico

CANCELLATION POLICY: We know flexibility is important.

• In the event that a participant has to cancel, 100% of payment (minus $500 deposit) is refundable up to January 1, 2026
• No refunds granted after January 1, 2026 - unless we can fill your spot

Travel insurance, airline fees, and service charges related to the cancellation of flights are the responsibility of the individual traveler.

We recommend landing at SJO before 12p on the 6th. If you’d rather arrive at SJO on the 5th we have great hotel recs!

Below is a bulleted list of what is included in your retreat. 

• 1 group shuttle to and from the airport, on the day your retreat starts and ends.
• 2 spacious open-air jungle yoga shalas, with mats, blocks, straps, & bolsters. Multiple Yoga sessions per day to choose from in one of our open-air jungle yoga shalas. Most mornings will start with a gentle flow, and we will end the day with an organized Yoga event or class. OPTIONAL: Community Yoga class 9 - 10:30 am daily (open to residents of the local yoga community of Jaco)
• All rooms have a private bathroom, hot water, AC, ceiling fan, organic soap, shampoo, and conditioner
• Three abundantly organic (whenever possible) meals per day. The food at Vida Asana is created with a healthy lifestyle as the inspiration. Every menu item is made using whole, and as often as possible, organic ingredients. The food is gluten-free and primarily plant-based, with eggs and yogurt at breakfast, and fish served at dinner every second night. All allergies or dietary needs are easily accommodated.
• Beach Dinner at Vida Hermosa Restaurant for one evening. This will be a collective experience outside of Vida Asana with a gorgeous sunset and delicious food. The restaurant is 3 only minutes away by car.
• Coffee, tea, filtered water, and juices are provided throughout the day.
• Pool, sun deck with lounge chairs, hammocks, and covered lounge area
• Bicycles for transportation to and from the beach
• Concierge services (booking of tours, adventures, massages, transportation, general information)
• and much, much more!

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

• Round-trip airfare to San Jose Airport (SJO) (nearest airport) 
• Gratuities
• Extra excursions
• Meals outside of those included in the retreat
• Accommodations preceding or following the retreat (if required)
• Additional activities and excursions that are listed below

Concierge Service - All the Extras

On-site concierge services and adventure planning are included in your stay. Our staff handles all the logistics, from planning all excursions and massages to transportation to town for souvenir shopping. Your job is to relax and enjoy and let us support you as you guide your group. We also have an onsite driver, Mario, for random taxi runs and individual jaunts. Mario is an integral part of the Vida Asana family and will go the extra mile to see that you and your group are taken care of.

SPA SERVICES

We work with several independent therapists who offer a variety of bodywork. Once your group arrives, we will work with each interested person to schedule treatments during available times within your schedule. Prices range from $60 - $200, depending on the treatment.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Vida Asana is in Playa Hermosa, the adventure capital of Central America. There is something for everyone here! Offered excursions are listed below with prices per person, as well as what to wear and the level of difficulty to expect. Transportation is included in the pricing of all pre-arranged Vida Asana excursions. Participants pay for excursions directly to Vida Asana. Requests for other excursions that are not listed will be arranged on an individual basis as feasibility allows. Tips are also not included.

• Rainmaker $85
• Manuel Antonio $85
• Surf $60
• Stand Up Paddleboarding - $65
• Zipline $60
• Sweat Lodge $80
• Jungle Horseback Riding - $90
• Mirador hike $25 Donation

Rainmaker Conservation Project - $85 per person: Rainmaker Park is the best of both worlds as it feels like a national park, yet is relatively unheard of – a hidden gem! The gorgeous shade-making tree canopy and clear waters keep this hike super fresh even on the hottest of days. One of our favorite guides will take you on this adventure, ensuring that you see as much wildlife as possible while educating the group about the inner workings of the rainforest and its plant and animal life. It is a true rainforest experience, complete with hanging bridges, rushing rivers, waterfalls, and clear fresh-water swimming pools. The tour finishes up with a home cooked traditional lunch (included in price).

• Time Commitment – Half day, lunch included. Leaves Vida Asana at 9:00 am, returns by 2:30 or 3:00 pm
• Difficulty Level – Easy to Medium – some steep climbs, but the paths and steps are well maintained and often made of stone or recycled tires. People with knee problems or those with a legitimate fear of heights are cautioned.
• What to Wear – Wear your swimsuit under your clothes, making it easy to jump right into the beautiful waterfall-fed pool! Wear sneakers or hiking sandals and bring a small daypack with a towel, water bottle, bug spray, flip-flops, and a change of clothes for the ride home. (Flip-flops are for the last part of the hike after the swim)

Manuel Antonio National Park - $85 per person: A very popular to-do on the Costa Rican ‘bucket list’.

At this park, you are guaranteed to see monkeys, sloths, raccoons, and a variety of other wildlife. Your guide will have a scope for close viewing and take you along the reserve culminating in one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica - white sand and mellow surf make for a perfect ocean swim. On the way back to Vida Asana, you will stop at the famous ‘El Avion’ restaurant for the view, a bite to eat, a smoothie, or an adult beverage.

• Time Commitment – Day Trip, snack/fruit provided by Vida Asana. Leave Vida Asana at 7:30 am, return by 5:00 pm.
• Difficulty Level – Easy – Very few ups and downs, generally a straight stroll on a wooden boardwalk or gravel road.
• What to Wear – Wear your swimsuit under your clothes for ease when arriving at the beach. Wear sneakers or hiking sandals and bring a small daypack with a water bottle, towel, bug spray, sunscreen, flip-flops, and a change of clothes for the ride home. There are well-kept bathrooms there if you would like to shower off and change.

Surfing - $60 per person: This family business brings together the best local surfers to teach you the ins and outs, guaranteeing you to stand up before your lesson is over. Lessons take place in Jacó, where the tides are a bit more predictable. They provide door-to-door service with a laid-back professionalism that will have you feeling super secure and like a local in no time!

• Time Commitment – Surf time is dependent on tide times, but generally can be arranged around your schedule with ease. The total time door-to-door is around 3 hours.
• Difficulty Level – Easy – Beginner to Advanced. They can accommodate all levels.
• What to Wear – Wear your swimsuit and your sunscreen. Take a towel, water bottle, and camera if you like. They will supply the rash guard (surf shirt), board, and all the fun!

Stand Up Paddleboard - $65 per person: The same outfit that leads our surf lessons also offers stand-up paddle boarding where the sea is calm. It’s a great group activity!

• Time Commitment – Surf time is dependent on tide times, but generally can be arranged around your schedule with ease. The total time door-to-door is around 3 hours.
• Difficulty Level – Easy – Beginner to Advanced. They can accommodate all levels.
• What to Wear – Wear your swimsuit and your sunscreen. Take a towel, water bottle, and camera if you like. They supply the board!

Zipline - $60 per person: Another on the Costa Rican to-do list that is sure to please. 13 platforms with gorgeous views of the canopy and the sea, interconnected with thrilling rides through the trees. This company is located less than 10 minutes from Vida Asana and is staffed with helpful guides that will get you up and back down with ease.

• Difficulty Level – Easy-Medium – There is a small hike to the first platform. Instructions and demonstrations are given.
• Time Commitment – Door to door in around 2 hours.
• What to Wear – You will wear a harness around your upper thighs and waist, so shorts that are longer than the harness, pants, or capris. Wear hiking sandals or sneakers, no flip-flops or shoes that can fall off easily. You can take a small backpack for water and your camera.

Sweatlodge - $80 per person: This is a variation on the Native American inipi or temezcal. Participants are led by a trained shamanic practitioner to release toxins of both a physical and emotional nature through sweating induced by fire-heated sacred stones. Prayers and blessings are offered up during each of the four mini sessions, each lasting around 20 minutes and interspersed with dipping in the cool sitting pool or under the shower to prepare for the following door. After the final door, the group walks across the road to the beach to enjoy the sunset and process the experience.

• Difficulty Level – Medium – For those experienced with the process, this is a milder form of traditional sweat lodge. For a first-time participant or those new to the inward journey, it can be challenging. Individuals can leave at any time they feel uncomfortable and rejoin if they like. No musts or judgments are surrounding the process, only support.
• Time Commitment – The sweat lodge itself lasts around 2 1⁄2 hours, with the sunset and beach its around 4 total hours.
• Leave Vida Asana at 2:00 pm and return around 6:00 pm. The location is about 10 minutes away from Vida Asana.
• What to Wear – Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel. A swimsuit cover, sarong, or other loose-fitting clothing is a good choice for before and after for the ride home. Leave behind metal jewelry or anything that will heat up or be damaged. Be sure to hydrate throughout the day and take a full water bottle with you.

Jungle Horseback Riding - $90 per person: 2 guests minimum. This is perhaps one of the best ways to discover the wonders of the Costa Rica rainforest. Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park has some of the best-kept horses and views in the area, only 20 minutes from the Playa Hermosa area. Come and discover nature at its best in our private and exclusive 80-acre property, where you will also enjoy our private natural swimming pools. During your Costa Rica horseback adventure, our professional photographers will capture the best moments and have them available for purchase at the end of your tour.

• Difficulty Level – Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. Weight limit: 230 lbs.
• Time Commitment – 2 hours, and the location is 20 minutes away from Vida Asana.
• What to Wear – Long pants, water shoes, tennis shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Mirador Hike - $25 donation: Sean (Vida Asana Owner) leads a beautiful walk along the local lookout point made from modern ruins and claimed by local artists. Beautiful views and a leisurely stroll make this an enjoyable group activity and it benefits the local Brazilian Jiu Jitsu organization, BJJ Jacó.

• Difficulty Level – Easy+
• Time Commitment – 2 1⁄2 hours, and is less than 15 minutes away from Vida Asana
• What to Wear – Hiking sandals or sneakers