What is this Retreat About?
A six-day immersion for women ready to feel more alive, more at home in their bodies, and deeply connected—to themselves, to nature, and to each other.
You don’t need another breakthrough.
You don’t need to fall apart to heal.
You need space to soften, move, laugh, and remember who you are beneath the roles you carry.
Heal Through Play is an invitation into embodied freedom—where healing happens through joy, sensation, movement, and safe sisterhood. This is nervous system repair that feels nourishing, relational, and real.
When?
May 24th – 29th, 2026
Why Uvita, Costa Rica?
Because some places naturally invite your body to exhale.
Uvita is off the beaten path in the best possible way. Nestled along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast—known as Costa Ballena, the Whale’s Coast—this region is where jungle-covered mountains spill down into warm, uncrowded beaches, and life moves at a gentler, more human pace.
Here, dirt roads wind past farms and small local shops. Waterfalls pour into turquoise pools. The ocean stretches wide and wild. At low tide, the shoreline reveals the iconic whale-tail formation that gives the region its name—a reminder of migration, rhythm, and return.
This land hasn’t yet been overrun by tourism. It still feels intact, alive, and deeply nourishing. It’s the kind of place that meets you exactly where you are—and quietly reminds you who you’ve always been.
Where Are We Staying?
Manoas is a privately owned sanctuary tucked into the rainforest—a hidden gem designed for deep rest, connection, and play. You’ll be surrounded by tropical birds, flowering plants, and the occasional visit from howler monkeys. A crystal-clear river runs alongside the property, perfect for swimming, exploring, and cooling off after a full day.
The grounds feel both wild and safe—a place to land softly at the end of each adventure. Rooms are thoughtfully furnished, every space inviting you to relax. There’s a pool with a shaded cabana, a large community deck wrapped around an ancient, wise tree, and plenty of nooks for conversation, journaling, or quiet integration.
This is a space for adults only (18+), intentionally designed to support nervous system downshifting and genuine connection.
Day 1: Welcome to Pura Vida
After arriving at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), we’ll journey together on a scenic 3½-hour drive south toward Uvita. Along the way, we’ll stop at Río Tárcoles to witness crocodiles in their natural habitat—a grounding reminder of raw life and ancient rhythm.
We’ll pause at Playa Hermosa for ocean views, a welcome drink, and a taste of local culture before gathering any personal items you’d like for the week. From there, we arrive at Manoas, settle in, and share our first dinner together.
That evening, we’ll open the retreat with an intention-setting circle—an invitation to name why you’re here and what you’re ready to experience, release, or reclaim.
Day 2: River Hike and Recharge
We begin the day with meditation and yoga, followed by breakfast surrounded by jungle sounds.
Later, we’ll wander the property trails and follow the river to a hidden waterfall and turquoise swim hole. Along the way, we’ll play—applying natural clay from the earth as a therapeutic facial and body mask, reconnecting with the simple pleasure of touch, texture, and curiosity.
After lunch, Mandy will guide a somatic healing session designed to support nervous system regulation, embodiment, and ease. The evening is spacious—time to rest, reflect, or simply be.
Day 3: Peaceful Paddle Expedition
• After breakfast, choose your adventure: paddleboard or kayak through the calm mangrove waterways of Matapalo. This gentle, guided expedition takes you through a lush ecosystem rich with wildlife, offering both serenity and wonder—even for beginners.
Lunch will be in the surf town of Dominical at Mono Congo, overlooking the river and ocean. You’ll have time to explore, wander, and soak in the laid-back coastal energy.
Back at Manoas, we’ll gather for a nourishing class with Mandy, focused on play as medicine—how joy, spontaneity, and relational safety restore vitality in the nervous system.
Dinner together closes the day.
Day 4: Vitamin Sea
Morning yoga sets the tone before breakfast.
We’ll then explore the pristine beaches of Marino Ballena National Park—home to protected marine life and the famous whale-tail reef. At low tide, you can walk out and explore tide pools, letting the ocean recalibrate your nervous system in its own quiet way.
After lunch at a local café and free time back at the property, Mandy will teach on healing and learning through play—how adventure, lightness, and shared experience reawaken connection to self and others.
Dinner and free time follow.
Day 5: Restore Even More
•The day begins with meditation, breathwork, and yoga, followed by breakfast.
Optional massage sessions are available as an add-on, with therapists setting up outdoors so your body can receive while immersed in nature.
The afternoon is unstructured—swim, rest, journal, nap, or simply enjoy doing nothing at all.
We’ll close the retreat with a heartfelt final dinner and closing circle—a space to reflect, share, and seal what’s been cultivated together.
Day 6: Adios Pura Vida
After an early to-go breakfast, we’ll return together to the airport, with a final stop at Río Tárcoles if time allows.
You’ll leave not just refreshed—but more inhabited.
OPTION 1.
STANDARD Villa Room: Includes A/C, king or queen bed, private bathroom in each room, lock & key, shared kitchen & common areas & shared washer/dryer, close proximity to pool.
- EARLY BIRD PRICING:
- Single: $2,465
- Double: $2,265
- REGULAR PRICING
- Single: $3,465
- Double: $3,265
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.
- EARLY BIRD PRICING:
- Single: $2,565
- Double: $2,365
- REGULAR PRICING
- Single: $3,565
- Double: $3,365
Click here to Secure Your Spot
OPTION 3.
Glamping Experience: NO A/C, fans, power outlets, full size bathroom, king bed, rainforest view.
- EARLY BIRD PRICING:
- Single: $2,315
- Double: $2,115
- REGULAR PRICING:
- Single: $3,315
- Double: $3,115
Click Here to Secure Your Spot
- Rates listed are per person.
- Double & triple occupancy includes sharing a king bed and/or additional twin or bunk in the room.
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 March 10th, 2026. Payments are due in full 30 days before departure on April 24th, 2026. Payment plans are available if needed…just ask us.
•Deposit and/or trip payment is 100% fully refundable (minus merchant fees) by March 10th, 2026 with written notice. No refunds after March 10th , 2026 for any reason.
•Trip Insurance is recommended (but not required) in the case of late cancellation or any unforeseeable/uncontrollable circumstances.
What’s Included?
• 6 days / 5 nights comfortable rainforest accommodations in Costa Rica.
•All Meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 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 24th, 2026 at 12pm-ish and ends the early morning of May 29th, 2026 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 December 10th, it 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?
Emailor call/text Christina (407) 234-6454
This retreat isn’t about escaping your life.
It’s about returning to it more alive, more connected, and more yourself—together.
If your body feels a quiet yes reading this, trust it.
Read the FAQ
About Mandy
Mandy Flanders is a trauma trained, and informed practitioner with a deep passion for helping others heal, grow, and thrive. With extensive training in somatic experiencing, poly vagal theory, and developmental trauma, as well as certification in Transforming Touch, Mandy specializes in guiding individuals toward nervous system regulation and embodied healing.
At this retreat, Mandy brings her wealth of expertise and compassionate presence to help you reconnect with your body, release stored trauma, and rediscover the joy of being alive. Through a blend of somatic practices, nervous system education, and the transformative power of play, she creates a safe and inviting space for healing and growth.
Mandy’s approach is rooted in the belief that healing doesn’t have to be heavy—it can also be fun, creative, and deeply empowering. Whether through gentle movement, experiential exercises, or reconnecting with your inner child, Mandy will guide you to embrace new ways of being that support your well-being and resilience.
Join Mandy in the lush beauty of Costa Rica to experience transformative healing and step into a more connected, joyful version of yourself.
