May 2025: Reconnect to Play Retreat with Mandy Flanders in Uvita, Costa Rica

When?

5 nights & 6 days on Monday, May 5 —> Saturday, May 10, 2025

Why Uvita, Costa Rica?

The short answer is….it’s off the beaten path and absolutely stunning.

Known for stunning mountain landscapes that stretch down to palm-fringed beaches, Uvita is centrally located on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It’s more specifically known as Costa Ballena or the Whale’s Coast, for the large number of migratory whales spotted here, as well as the whale tail shape of the coastline during low tide. This quaint little village consists of a few dirt roads, lined with farms, underpopulated beaches, mom ‘n pop shops, and a scattering of hotels in the jungle-covered hills above.

Uvita is home to breathtaking waterfalls, warm uncrowded wilderness beaches, a pristine marine reserve, and an unparalleled richness of beautiful plant and animal species.

It may seem surreal that this environment is as untainted as it is. With its gentle pace of life, it will give you a good idea of what the central Pacific coast was like before the tourist boom….it’s truly “off the beaten path.” It likely won’t stay like this forever though, conditions will one day change and the best kept secret of the Costa Ballena will be out.

Where Are We Staying?

Manoas is a privately-owned sanctuary on a beautiful, expansive property located in the heart of the jungle. It’s a hidden gem, perfect for a retreat, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by tropical birds, native flowering plants, and if you’re lucky, the howler monkeys will visit. The grounds are gorgeous, just a few minutes drive away from the Pacific Coast remote beaches, and sided by a crystal clear river that is perfect for swimming and exploring. The resort offers a safe alcove to truly escape in a vacation setting, surrounded by nature.

Being a little higher in elevation and somewhat secluded, Manoas makes for a perfect place to softly land at the end of a day full of adventures! Every room is cutely furnished with a private bathroom. The property has a pool with covered cabana, free wifi, beautiful villas, glamping tents, and large community deck wrapped around an ancient wise tree. The staff is present & knowledgable. We ask that all guests be over 18.

What’s on the Sample Itinerary?

May 5th, Day 1: Welcome to Pura Vida

• Arrival at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and scenic 3 1/2 hour road trip to Uvita. First stop at Rio Tarcoles to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat.

• We’ll visit Jaco for an ocean view, welcome drink, and some fun at Bowie’s Point, a local surfers’ hangout.

• Stop by the grocery store to grab anything you’d like for the retreat. We’ll then head to Manoas, our home base for the next few days, and check-in.

• Welcome dinner followed by intention-setting circle. What is your “WHY” for being here? What transformation are you ready to manifest?

May 6th, Day 2: Peaceful Paddleboarding Expedition

• We’ll head out for a calm Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) expedition through the Matapalo Mangroves. It’s a peaceful experience surrounded by nature, perfect for a gentle introduction to movement. (*kayaks are also available)

• Lunch at Mono Congo in Dominical, followed by free time to explore the town.

• Sunset yoga session, followed by dinner.

Class 1: Understanding Your Nervous System—We’ll start our journey by introducing you to the nervous system, how it shapes your experiences, and how you can work with it for healing and growth.

May 7th, Day 3: Vitamin Sea

• Morning yoga practice before breakfast.

• Explore Marino Ballena National Park, walking the beautiful whale-tail-shaped reef at low tide and discovering the vibrant tide pools.

• Lunch at a local cafe and free time at the property.

Class 2: Learning and Healing Through Play—In the evening, we’ll explore how play is a powerful tool for healing and connection. Through adventure and light-heartedness, we’ll discuss the nervous system’s state of play and how to bring more fun and spontaneity into our lives.

May 8th, Day 4: River Hike and Recharge

• Start the day with yoga or sleep in before breakfast.

• We’ll hike through the property’s trails, cross the river, and immerse ourselves in a serene, turquoise swim hole. We’ll take time to enjoy natural clay pampering along the way.

• Lunch at Manoas, followed by a deeper dive into somatic healing with me.

• After dinner, free time for reflection or relaxation.

Class 3: Inner Child Healing—Let’s dive into healing the inner child. After a day of movement and connection to nature, we’ll explore how to reconnect with and nurture the playful, joyful part of you.

May 9th, Day 5: Restore Even More

• Meditation, breathwork, and yoga practice to start the day, followed by breakfast.

• For those who booked massages, you’ll be treated to an outdoor session with the sounds of nature surrounding you.

• After lunch, enjoy free time to lounge, swim, or explore.

• Evening dinner, and closing circle to end the day.

May 10th, Day 6: Adios Pura Vida

• Early to-go breakfast.

• All aboard for our journey back to the airport.


Time permitting, we’ll stop at Rio Tarcoles to visit the crocodiles one last time before you head home.

What’s the trip cost?

OPTION 1. 

Standard Villa Room: Includes A/C, king or queen bed, private bathroom in each room, lock & safe, shared kitchen & common areas & shared washer/dryer, close proximity to pool.

Single Occupancy $TBD

Double Occupancy  $TBD

Triple Occupancy  $TBD

Click here to Secure Your Spot

OPTION 2. 

Upgraded Villa Room: Includes A/C, private bathroom, hammock, jacuzzi hot tub, second outdoor shower, lock and safe, washer/dryer, river and rainforest view.

Single Occupancy $TBD

Double Occupancy $TBD

Click Here to Secure Your Spot

OPTION 3.

Glamping Experience: NO A/C, fans, power outlets, full size bathroom, king bed, rainforest view.

Single Occupancy $TBD

Double Occupancy $TBD

Triple Occupancy $TBD

Click Here to Secure Your Spot


  • Rates listed are per person.
  • Double & triple occupancy includes sharing a king bed or additional twin or bunk in the room.
  • Ask for special rates if 4 or more people are rooming together.

A Few Details to Know About Booking:

•A $500 deposit is required to hold your spot. Deposit goes towards your total trip cost.

•Registration deadline is ********. Payments are due in full 45 days before departure. Payment plans are available if needed…just ask us.

•Deposit and/or trip payment is 100% fully refundable (minus merchant fees) by ******* with written notice. No refunds after ******** for any reason because we have made all reservations at this point.

•Trip Insurance is recommended, but not required. If unforeseen/uncontrollable circumstances occur such as natural disaster, pandemic related government closures, etc., trip will be rescheduled to a future date.

What’s Included?

• 7 days / 6 nights comfortable rainforest accommodations in Costa Rica.

•All Meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners. Most special dietary needs can be accommodated. Let us know in advance.

• Ground transportation within Costa Rica will be provided with professional local driver.

• English & Spanish speaking guides and translator when necessary.

• All activities outlined in itinerary.

•Some tips included such as porters, offsite restaurant tipping, and taxis / airport transfer.

What’s Not included?

• Airfare is not included. This trip launches at SJO airport (San Jose, Costa Rica) on May 5th, 2025 at 12pm-ish and ends the early morning of May 10th, 2025 at SJO. Do not book your airline ticket without prior approval from Mandy and/or Christina. Please send us the flight itinerary before booking.

• Some of the tips are paid by you directly to our team. It is customary to tip the excursion guides, our chef, and the Manoas staff who will be working to make sure we have everything we need. Suggested amounts will be provided in the welcome packet.

• Trip Insurance is not included. Although not required, it is recommended that each participant purchases a travel policy in the case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances. Without insurance, any cancellations after **************could cause participants to forfeit their payment.

• Our trip launches and ends at SJO. You may wish to arrive early and stay after the retreat at your own cost.

• Any costs such as transportation/meals/activities/etc during your free time or if apart from the group is not included.

• Extras such as alcoholic beverages, massage, acupuncture, medical care, trip interruptions, airline cancellations, etc.

Do you have questions?

Email me or call/text me (407) 234-6454

Read the FAQ

About Mandy

Mandy is a trauma trained somatic and nervous system coach. Through her own journeys with traumatic brain injury, health crisis (from toxic black mold in the home), natural births, navigating unresolved trauma, toxic relationships, sudden losses and deaths of loved ones, she learned the importance of addressing the nervous system in a somatic way.

Mandy has a colorful background in offering support to many clients, from birth doula work, to yoga teaching in the local cancer center to patients and caregivers, to health coaching for cancer patients and autoimmune illness patients, to now nervous system + trauma resolution coaching.

Mandy feels so passionately about helping people who have felt stuck and imprisoned in their inner world break free to live a more liberated life.

“Living liberated is our birthright!”