Event Type Wellness Retreat
november
Event Details
An Unforgettable Week-Long Retreat Workshop in Paradise Step away from the
Event Details
An Unforgettable Week-Long Retreat Workshop in Paradise
Step away from the demands of everyday practice and immerse yourself in a week devoted to learning, connection, and renewal.
At the beautiful Pura Vida Retreat & Spa, you’ll earn 30 hours of continuing education while developing practical Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques® skills you can bring directly into your client sessions.
This retreat offers a rare balance of focused hands-on education and time to restore yourself. Between workshop sessions, connect with therapists from around the world, enjoy the resort’s spa services, explore Costa Rica on a guided excursion, or simply slow down and take in the surroundings.
You’ll return home refreshed, inspired, and equipped with new ways to help your clients move more freely and comfortably.
The Workshop
MAT Sequences: From Techniques to Treatment Strategy (30 CE)
This 30-hour hands-on retreat focuses on one of MAT’s most practical applications: short, well-organized regional sequences that can be integrated into the massage and bodywork you already provide.
Working progressively through key regions from the foot and ankle to the hips, spine, and neck, you’ll learn how individual MAT methods can be combined into purposeful treatment sequences. Rather than memorizing isolated techniques or following rigid routines, you’ll develop a flexible structure that helps you decide what to do, evaluate how the body responds, and adapt your approach as the session progresses.
Through instructor demonstrations and extensive guided partner practice, you’ll explore MAT methods including joint mobilization, active and assisted movement, graded stretching, proprioceptive techniques, neurodynamic work, and novel forms of sensory stimulation.
These sequences provide structure and allow you to work more deliberately while remaining responsive to your client. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have practical regional sequences you can begin using immediately to help free restrictions, reduce strain, soften protective guarding, and improve movement.
Whether you are encountering MAT for the first time or continuing your journey toward Master Myoskeletal Therapist® certification, this retreat will deepen your hands-on skills, clinical reasoning, and understanding of how MAT approaches the body’s interconnected patterns.
Bring your partner
You’ll have plenty of time for relaxation and recreation, so why not bring your partner? Share the experience without leaving anyone behind. Spend some time together and enjoy the resort amenities and exceptional spa treatments. Or participate in group adventure activities organized through the resort like:
- Waterfall Gardens Adventure
- Blue Falls Adventure
- Hot Springs Adventure
- Whitewater Rafting Adventure (dependent on water levels)
- Doka Coffee Plantation
REGISTRATION DETAILS
The cost for this fabulous retreat workshop starts as low as $2,419.00 per participant. (Pricing depends on the type of accommodations you choose.)
Your registration includes:
- Tuition
- Accommodations
- Three buffet meals daily, starting with dinner on the first day Saturday, November 28th, and ending with breakfast on the day of departure Saturday, December 5th
- Round trip airport shuttle between San Jose International Airport (SJO) and Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
- All taxes
For Registration, Contact our Booking Representative at the Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
Shina Dill 888-767-7375
reservations@puravidaspa.com
More Info & Register →
Time
November 28 (Saturday) - December 5 (Saturday)
Location
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
Calle Puente Negro, 800 Mts SW of CENCINAI
december
Event Details
An Unforgettable Week-Long Retreat Workshop in Paradise Step away from the
Event Details
An Unforgettable Week-Long Retreat Workshop in Paradise
Step away from the demands of everyday practice and immerse yourself in a week devoted to learning, connection, and renewal.
At the beautiful Pura Vida Retreat & Spa, you’ll earn 30 hours of continuing education while developing practical Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques® skills you can bring directly into your client sessions.
This retreat offers a rare balance of focused hands-on education and time to restore yourself. Between workshop sessions, connect with therapists from around the world, enjoy the resort’s spa services, explore Costa Rica on a guided excursion, or simply slow down and take in the surroundings.
You’ll return home refreshed, inspired, and equipped with new ways to help your clients move more freely and comfortably.
The Workshop
MAT Sequences: From Techniques to Treatment Strategy (30 CE)
This 30-hour hands-on retreat focuses on one of MAT’s most practical applications: short, well-organized regional sequences that can be integrated into the massage and bodywork you already provide.
Working progressively through key regions from the foot and ankle to the hips, spine, and neck, you’ll learn how individual MAT methods can be combined into purposeful treatment sequences. Rather than memorizing isolated techniques or following rigid routines, you’ll develop a flexible structure that helps you decide what to do, evaluate how the body responds, and adapt your approach as the session progresses.
Through instructor demonstrations and extensive guided partner practice, you’ll explore MAT methods including joint mobilization, active and assisted movement, graded stretching, proprioceptive techniques, neurodynamic work, and novel forms of sensory stimulation.
These sequences provide structure and allow you to work more deliberately while remaining responsive to your client. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have practical regional sequences you can begin using immediately to help free restrictions, reduce strain, soften protective guarding, and improve movement.
Whether you are encountering MAT for the first time or continuing your journey toward Master Myoskeletal Therapist® certification, this retreat will deepen your hands-on skills, clinical reasoning, and understanding of how MAT approaches the body’s interconnected patterns.
Bring your partner
You’ll have plenty of time for relaxation and recreation, so why not bring your partner? Share the experience without leaving anyone behind. Spend some time together and enjoy the resort amenities and exceptional spa treatments. Or participate in group adventure activities organized through the resort like:
- Waterfall Gardens Adventure
- Blue Falls Adventure
- Hot Springs Adventure
- Whitewater Rafting Adventure (dependent on water levels)
- Doka Coffee Plantation
REGISTRATION DETAILS
The cost for this fabulous retreat workshop starts as low as $2,419.00 per participant. (Pricing depends on the type of accommodations you choose.)
Your registration includes:
- Tuition
- Accommodations
- Three buffet meals daily, starting with dinner on the first day Saturday, November 28th, and ending with breakfast on the day of departure Saturday, December 5th
- Round trip airport shuttle between San Jose International Airport (SJO) and Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
- All taxes
For Registration, Contact our Booking Representative at the Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
Shina Dill 888-767-7375
reservations@puravidaspa.com
More Info & Register →
Time
November 28 (Saturday) - December 5 (Saturday)
Location
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
Calle Puente Negro, 800 Mts SW of CENCINAI
Event Details
A Women's Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica with Annette Franks and Kathleen Stone December 5-12, 2026 At Pura Vida Retreat & Spa in Costa Rica Pura
Event Details
A Women’s Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica
with Annette Franks and Kathleen Stone
December 5-12, 2026
At Pura Vida Retreat & Spa in Costa Rica
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa is considered “Heaven at the Top of the World”
Tropical Splendor * Delicious Healthy Cuisine * Astonishing Nature
It’s located on a Private Estate atop a Mountain in Costa Rica’s Alajuela Province just 25” Minutes from the San Jose Airport (SJO).
This Vacation Retreat is designed for Proactive Participation in Our Own Health and Wellness, Integrating Principles of Mind-Body-Health with Success.
Surrounded by a natural paradise setting we relax and unplug from our normal busy lives and technology and engage in Meditation, Vitality Enhancement Practices, Qigong Practices, Integrative Mindful Functional Movement and Dance and Art. We explore and embody Healthy Lifestyle Principles and Practices of Functional Medicine.
No Prior experience is necessary for any of the classes.
Join us alone or with someone.
Rates include Room, Three Meals per Day and Retreat Classes.
- $2500 per Person A-Frame, Vista and Kiva Lower Room Double Occupancy
- $3000 per Person A-Frame, Vista and Kiva Lower Room Single Occupancy
- $2700 per Person Kiva Upper and Tri-Level Room Double Occupancy
- $3200 per Person Kiva Upper and Tri-Level Room Single Occupancy
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa also has several Excursions available for an additional cost for Zip Lining, Waterfall Gardens and Wildlife, Hot Springs, The Ark Botanical Gardens, Coffee Plantation Tour and exploring San Jose.
Amazing Holistic Health Body Work Sessions, Yoga Classes and A Heated Saltwater Pool are also available at Pura Vida Retreat & Spa.
To Register Call Annette Franks at 614-785-1066 or Email Annette at AnnetteFranks@live.com
$1500 Minimum Deposit Required to Reserve Your Room.
Payable by Credit Card, Check or Zelle.
$500 of Initial Deposit is Non-Refundable. Retreat Balance Due 11-1-26.
Rooms are Limited.
Itinerary
Check the Master Schedule Posted Onsite for Class Locations and Updates
Saturday December 5, 2026
Arrival & Check – In during Afternoon Relax into Pura Vida Spa
Meet and Greet at 5:30 pm on the Dining Room Balcony
Opening Dinner Together at Pura Vida 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Sunday December 6, 2026
9 am Pura Vida Spa Orientation
10:00 am – 11:30 am Integrative Mind-Body-Health Practices – Qigong and Vitality Enhancement Practices
Afternoon Free Time
Bodywork and Spa Treatments and the Amazing Heated Salt Water Pool are available every afternoon.
5:15 – 6:15 pm Integrative Movement and Dance
Monday December 7, 2026
Join Us from 8:45 am – 2:00 pm for the Excursion* to the Waterfall Gardens or Doka Coffee Plantation Tour* or Morning Free Time at the Spa for Leisure Time at the Pool or for Spa Treatments* (Spa Treatments & All Excursions* are Optional and Cost Extra)
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Integrative Mind-Body-Health Practices – Qigong and Vitality Enhancement Practices
5:15 – 6:15 pm Creative Art Activities
7:30 pm Evening Fire Circle Gathering
Tuesday December 8, 2026
Join Us from 8:45 am – 2:00 pm for the Excursion to the Canopy Tour Zip Lining* or the Green Ark Botanical Gardens* or Morning Free Time at the Spa
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Integrative Mind-Body Health Practices – Qigong and Vitality Enhancement Practices
5:15 – 6:15 pm Integrative Movement and Dance
7:30 pm 12 Step Meeting – Open Discussion (optional)
Wednesday December 9, 2026
Free Time all Day for Full or Half Day Excursions or Spa Treatments or Leisure Time at the Spa.
Thursday December 10, 2026
9:00 am – 10:30 am Integrative Mind-Body- Health Practices – Qigong and Vitality Enhancement Practices
Afternoon Free-Time
5:15 – 6:15 pm Creative Art Activities
8:00 pm Salsa Dancing and Salsa Lessons with Pura Vida Retreat and Spa
Friday December 11, 2026
9:00 am – 10:30 am Integrative Mind-Body-Health Practices – Qigong and Vitality Enhancement Practices
Afternoon Free-Time
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Closing Ceremony Together and Group Pictures
6:30 pm Closing Dinner Together
7:30 pm Evening Closing Fire Circle Gathering
Saturday December 12, 2026
Check Out by 10:00 am
Breakfast 7:30 am – 9:00 am Lunch 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Dinner 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
COSTA RICA RETREAT TRAVEL DETAILS
“Women’s Health and Wellness Retreat”
December 5-12, 2026
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
You will need a Current Passport to travel to Costa Rica.
NOTE: Your Passport MUST BE VALID through at least SIX months after your dates of travel.
It is an easy trip …. Just book your flight into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO Airport Code). You also need to fill out the Pura Vida Shuttle Form. Please put Annette Franks as the group leader.
A Pura Vida Retreat & Spa driver will be waiting for you outside. Claim your bag(s), proceed through customs, and exit the airport terminal to the outside International Arrivals corridor. The shuttle driver will be waiting for you in the roped off line on the left, in front of the Malinche Restaurant (located on the right) holding a sign reading “Pura Vida Retreat & Spa”. Your name or Annette Franks Group will be displayed. Please do not accept help from anyone who is not properly identified as Pura Vida Staff or holding a sign with your name/group’s name on it.
Your Pura Vida SHUTTLE rides have been PREPAID as part of your retreat package and so all you need to do is tip the driver (if you choose) and make sure we have your Arrival Airline, Flight #, Date and Arrival Time at least three weeks ahead by filling out the Pura Vida SHUTTLE FORM.
The Pura Vida drivers track your flight. However, if your airline or flight # changes please contact the Retreat Center directly as soon as possible.
- WhatsApp Pura Vida Front Desk: +506 8701 4031
- Dialing the Retreat Center from Costa Rica: 2-483-0033
- Dialing the Retreat Center from the US or Canada (678) 661-2140
- Email: frontdesk@puravidaspacr.com (Note the “cr” at the end of spa)
- Pura Vida Retreat & Spa Physical Address:
Calle Puente Negro
800 Mts SW of CENCINAI
Pavas, Carrizal, Alajuela, Alajuela, 20103
They make our transportation easy for us if you fill out the Pura Vida SHUTTLE FORM The Pura Vida shuttle will only pick-up at SJO Airport and only at the pre-arranged times. The Driver takes you directly to Pura Vida Retreat & Spa…a 20-25 Minute trip from the airport.
The Driver will take you and your bags directly to the Pura Vida & Retreat & Spa Check In Center at the Front Desk for your check-in. The Front Desk will ask you for your passport number and credit card information. Your ‘Women’s Health’ Retreat has been pre-paid in full prior to your arrival, however, all your “extras” during your stay will be billed to your room under your individual name.
Almost everything “extra” you choose to do at the Spa (like spa treatments, excursions and drinks at the raw juice and smoothie bar etc) will be added to your room bill and you will settle up at the end of your stay. You rarely need to carry any money around with you at the spa. American Money is accepted almost everywhere in Costa Rica. We recommend bringing extra $5 and $10 and $20 U.S. bills for tipping and for outside purchases. Small bills are easier for merchants.
All the rooms have Safes in them for you to keep your passports and money if you choose.
You don’t need a car…the spa has great excursions you can sign up for and do with Tour Guides directly from the retreat center.
You sign up for the Excursions and Spa Treatments AFTER you arrive at Pura Vida.
The Excursions are fun, easy ways to experience pieces of Costa Rica…. Pura VidaCli does the work and planning…….we enjoy the experiences. All Excursions and Spa Treatments will be billed to your room number, under your individual name.
The front desk at Pura Vida onsite will also help you reserve a car and driver if you want to go touring on your own during your afternoon free times.
Click here for Pura Vida’s FAQ’s.
Unless you’re choosing to stay longer or come in a day early, Plan to Fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) Airport on Saturday December 5, 2026, by lunch or early afternoon if possible and then Fly out of San Jose on Saturday December 12, 2026. The “Women’s Health and Wellness Retreat” starts with a gathering BEFORE Dinner on Saturday Evening at 5:30 pm on the DINING ROOM BALCONY. The Retreat ends on Friday Evening after Dinner.
Most Participants fly into San Jose in time for lunch or early afternoon on Saturday and fly out of San Jose on Saturday Afternoon on the Departure Day. Many people find it more relaxing to get to Pura Vida Retreat & Spa in the early afternoon to relax and then stay for breakfast together without rushing in the morning to get an early flight out of San Jose. Pura Vida Spa Staff are wonderful about picking us up on time and getting us to the airport at least 2 ½ hours before our scheduled flight out. Remember your shuttle transportation both to and from the SJO Airport have been pre-paid and are part of your Retreat Package. No refunds are given if you choose to use another form of transportation to and from the airport.
If you wish to come in a day or two early or stay a day or two later and stay at Pura Vida & Retreat Spa, they will give you a 10% DISCOUNT OFF THEIR REGULAR NIGHTLY ROOM RATES if you tell them you are with our ‘Women’s Health’ Retreat. You make ALL ADDITIONAL NIGHTLY STAYS directly through Pura Vida Retreat & Spa’s Reservation office in the US. Call R & R Resorts at 888-767-7375 or 678-248-6412.
You need to book and pay for the Women’s Health and Wellness Retreat directly through Annette.
You can call Annette Franks directly at 614-785-1066 to Reserve and Book the December 5-12, 2026 Retreat Week and Pay by Check or Zelle or Credit Card. Extra days before or after the Retreat Week are always booked by you directly with Pura Vida’s Reservation office in the US (R & R Resorts) at 888-767-7375 or 678-248-6412
Please remember you need a Passport to fly in and out of San Jose, Costa Rica and your passport must be valid at least six months after your dates of travel.
Please do make your Airport Shuttle arrangements at least three weeks ahead of time and we will have Pura Vida Driver pick you up from the Airport in San Jose. Here is the form again for our convenience. Your Shuttle through Pura Vida Retreat & Spa has been pre-paid as part of your overall Retreat Reservation. Again, no refunds are given if you choose to use another form of transportation to and from the SJO airport.
To Register Call Annette Franks at 614-785-1066
- $1500 Minimum Deposit Required to Reserve Your Room. Rooms are Limited.
$500 of Initial Deposit is Non-Refundable. Retreat Balance Due 11-1-26.
PERSONAL TRAVEL NEEDS
In December, the temperature in Costa Rica is usually sunny and in the 80’s during the day and in the 60’s at night. It’s sunny, warm weather ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. We’re atop a mountain so bugs are usually fewer, and humidity is lower.
Here’s a Suggested list of Personal Needs for Costa Rica Retreat Week:
Dress comfortably and casually all week. No special clothes are needed for the Qigong and movement practices with the exception your clothes need to provide you with ease of motion for the movements. You can wear regular casual clothes all week if you choose.
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa has a very affordable laundry service we can use. Just drop your bag of laundry off any morning on your way to breakfast to the front desk and they will deliver it to your room in the afternoon (usually for less than $8 for a bag of clothes). You can pack light if you want.
- We highly recommend comfortable walking/hiking shoes and comfortable walking/hiking sandals for the entire week.
- Sunglasses ~ Suntan Lotion ~ Sun Block ~ Bug Spray ~ Flashlight
- Bring Bathing Attire to Savor the Heated Saltwater Pool and the Outdoor Hot Tub.
- Short Sleeve Shirts for the Day…Tees and Tank Tops
- Shorts and Capri Pants for the Daytime
- Shorts or Jeans or Long Pants for the Nights
- A Sweatshirt or Fleece or Light Jacket for the Nights
- Warm Pajamas for the Nights atop a Mountain
- Yoga/Workout Clothes or just Comfortable Casual Clothes for the Daily Movement Exercises.
- Your Special Shampoo and Toiletries if you prefer your own brand.
- Pura Vida Retreat & Spa does provide a blower dryer if you ask.
- Pura Vida Retreat & Spa does provide Shampoo, Crème Rinse and Soap.
- Visit the Accomodations Page to view the Rooms, the Spa Offerings and Excursions.
RETREAT CANCELLATION POLICY
If for any reason you need to cancel before the Final Balance Due date of November 1, 2026, you may transfer your Initial Deposit paid (minus the $500 Non-Refundable Fee) to Annette Franks’ next scheduled Women’s Health Retreat at Pura Vida Retreat & Spa which usually runs the same time the following year, OR you may also request a refund for your Initial Deposit paid minus the $500 Non-Refundable Fee.
If you cancel any time ON or AFTER November 1, 2026, you can transfer your Money Paid minus the $500 Non-Refundable Fee to our next scheduled Women’s Health Retreat at Pura Vida Retreat & Spa. There are no refunds after November 1, 2026, only deposit transfers to our 2027 retreat if arranged before 12 PM on December 1, 2026. There are no refunds or money transfers after 12 PM on December 1, 2026. In the event of an unforeseen state of emergency and Pura Vida Retreat & Spa cannot operate and/or our retreat is cancelled for some unforeseen reason, 100% of our deposits will transfer to our next scheduled Women’s Health Retreat at Pura Vida Retreat & Spa which is usually close to the same time the following year.
JOIN US IN 2026!
To Register Call Annette Franks at 614-785-1066
$1500 Minimum Deposit Required to Reserve Your Room. Rooms are Limited.
$500 of Initial Deposit is Non-Refundable. Retreat Balance Due 11-1-26.
Time
december 5 (Saturday) - 12 (Saturday)
Location
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
Calle Puente Negro, 800 Mts SW of CENCINAI
Event Details
Mastermind, rejuvenate & nurture yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica From yoga and meditation to eco-adventures and special
Event Details
Mastermind, rejuvenate & nurture yourself in the beauty of Costa Rica
From yoga and meditation to eco-adventures and special NYE offerings plus ample free time and an onsite spa and Wellness Centre, you’ll enjoy intentionally curated experiences in paradise.
Krystina Sibley and Suhail Arastu are honored to be your teachers and guides through this epic, soulful journey. They are world travelers, yoga & meditation teachers, and creative souls here for your greater good.
Space is limited with only 43 rooms over 8 acres in the epic nature settings of Costa Rica. Learn more and invite your BFFs to book with you for this high-vibe curated experience for your beautiful mind, body, and soul.
More Information & Register →
Time
December 27 (Sunday) - January 2 (Saturday)
Location
Pura Vida Retreat & Spa
Calle Puente Negro, 800 Mts SW of CENCINAI