Amid the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica
Rest, Recharge, Reconnect: A Transformational Somatic Yoga Retreat for Health Professionals
Led by De West, Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapist
October 20-26, 2025
You are seen.
You've dedicated so much energy to holding space for others and guiding them through their deepest challenges. I understand the toll this takes on you-emotionally, physically, and mentally. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and in need of a quiet space to recharge and reconnect with your own wisdom.
This retreat offers you that space-a chance to come back to yourself. It's an opportunity to experience the relief of having someone hold space for you, to let go, and allow your body and soul the time they need to rest and heal.
In Costa Rica, nature speaks directly to your soul. The vibrant green of the forest, the symphony of birdsong, and the gentle hum of life all around have a way of grounding you, pulling you back to your truest self. Here, the air feels alive-rich and nurturing, as if every breath you take is a step toward renewal.
Why take this retreat?
It's not just time away-it's about refilling your own cup so you can continue serving others with a full heart. This is an investment in your well-being, your energy, and your ability to keep doing the important work you love.
Imagine stepping into the serene embrace of the cloud forest, feeling the tension of your daily life begin to melt away. Imagine moving through somatic yoga practices designed to meet you exactly where you are, emotionally and physically, surrounded by a community of like-minded professionals who understand your journey.
In this sacred environment, the beauty of Costa Rica becomes your ally in healing. The soothing sounds of nature, the gentle rustle of the trees, and the vibrant energy of the forest create a container for your transformation. Here, you can rest, recharge, and reconnect-not just with yourself but with the wonder and magic of life itself.
You are heard.
Your heart is big, and you care deeply about your work. Now, it's time for you to be cared for.
This retreat offers you the relief of being held in a sacred space. It's a chance to let go and allow your body and soul the time they need to rest and heal. By the end of our six days together, you'll feel deeply relaxed, renewed, and ready to return to your life with a sense of purpose and vitality you may have forgotten was possible.
When you take care of yourself, everyone you serve benefits. Your presence, energy, and ability to hold space for others will become even more powerful.
Our purpose is to help you reconnect with your inner voice, using movement and meditation as pathways to rediscovering what is truly present. Together, we'll create an atmosphere that feels like home-a space where you can be.
We can't wait to welcome you to Costa Rica, to hold this sacred space for you, and to guide you back to yourself.
De West and Brian Spielmann
P.S. Top athletes understand that recovery is just as important as performance. If you don't join this retreat, please remember that you must find significant time in 2025 to recharge and care for yourself fully. Without this, your energy and health will inevitably falter. Your work is crucial, but so is the power that fuels it. If you don't invest in restoring yourself, your battery will run out. So, we encourage you to play the long game for yourself and all you serve.
"De West is a gifted healer who has added years to my quality of life. She has a unique gift to teach her clients how to listen to and befriend their bodies. She has helped me develop more strength and flexibility and heal areas of pain or immobility by gently building and expanding my ability to use yoga in a therapeutic way. But her practice is much more than a yoga class-it is about restoring health to mind and body. Whether you have an injury, stress, loss of mobility, or just want more well-being, she is the healer to whom to turn. De is the 'body whisperer.'
- Janina Fisher, PhD,
Author of Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors and Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma, California
As a health professional, you dedicate your life to helping others heal, offering guidance and support as they navigate life's challenges.
But just like the patients and clients you care for, you too deserve the space and time to nurture your own well-being.
Imagine taking six days just for yourself-to rest deeply, recharge your energy, and reconnect with your purpose in the company of like-minded professionals.
You're invited to join Yoga Therapist De West for a somatic movement retreat designed specifically for health professionals who give so much of themselves to others.
This retreat isn't about waiting until you feel drained. It's about honoring the important work you do and nurturing yourself, so you can continue to show up with the clarity and passion your clients deserve.
In the peaceful surroundings of Costa Rica's lush rainforests, you'll have the space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with the simple joys of nature, community, and somatic yoga.
Why You Deserve This Retreat
Whether you're seeking time to recharge, reflect, or simply step away from the demands of your practice, this retreat is an opportunity to restore balance and cultivate resilience.
Imagine giving yourself permission to rest and heal in the lush beauty of Costa Rica, while also enhancing your professional growth. This retreat is designed not just for your personal rejuvenation but also as a form of professional training that directly supports your work.
Surrounded by a community of peers who understand the unique challenges of therapy professions, you'll find a safe, nurturing environment to share experiences, build connections, and grow together. It's a chance to reconnect with your purpose, gain new insights, and return to your practice with fresh energy and perspective.
Sign Up Today-and Maximize the Benefits
When you reserve your spot now, you're not just securing your place in this transformative retreat-you may also be able to deduct the cost from your 2024 taxes as a professional development expense (confirm with your CPA). Investing in your well-being is an investment in your career and the clients you serve.
Take this opportunity to honor the work you do and the care you provide to others. You deserve to be supported, nurtured, and restored. This retreat will help you return to your life and work with a renewed sense of purpose and vitality.
Click below to claim your spot today and step into a life-changing experience!
This retreat is your opportunity to:
Renew your energy with gentle, trauma-informed yoga practices designed to restore both your mind and body, so that you can return home feeling vibrant and revitalized.
Reclaim your inner peace through guided breathwork, meditation, and deep relaxation techniques, so that you feel centered and resilient in your personal and professional life.
Reconnect with your purpose in a serene, healing environment, surrounded by a community of people just like you who understand the importance of self-care and balance.
A Community of Like-Minded Health Professionals
One of the most powerful aspects of this retreat is the opportunity to connect with other therapists who share
your passion for helping others.
Through group yoga sessions, shared meals, and moments of reflection, you'll find support in the collective wisdom of your peers. Together, we'll create a space where you can feel seen, heard, and valued-allowing you to return home inspired and recharged.
De West, C-IAYT, RYT
De West is a leader in the Boulder, Colorado yoga community and her over 32 years of teaching combines yoga therapy with functional movement principles. She is a Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Yoga Therapists Association, since 2007 and a Registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance, since 2005. De is a Trauma Informed Yoga Therapist and also a SATYA (Sensory Awareness Training For Yoga Attunement) teacher. In April 2023, De completed a training and received a certificate on Trauma Relational Skills with Albert Wong, PH.D. with Somatopia. Her specialties include: trauma, cancer, immune system challenges, women's health, scoliosis, and muscular-skeletal issues.
The unique Therapeutic Yoga Practice that De has developed is a movement practice that allows people of all ages and abilities to experience a positive, relaxed, and transforming experience in both body and mind. Focusing on nervous system regulation and her deep understanding of anatomy contribute to De's passion for helping students create more peace and freedom in their bodies and minds.
Brian Spielmann
Brian Spielmann has been a dedicated Buddhist student and practitioner for 30 years, studying with esteemed teachers such as Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Tsoknyi Rinpoche, Khandro Rinpoche, and Tulku Thondup. He previously served as Director of Marketing for Shambhala Mountain Center. In 2010, he founded Authentic Presence, Inc., a marketing agency that partners with nationally recognized experts to create online courses in the fields of therapy, spirituality, and wellness. More recently, he founded the Academy of Therapy Wisdom to explore the intersection of psychotherapy, spiritual practice, and social change—building a global learning platform for mental health professionals committed to healing and transformation. At the heart of all his work is a deep commitment to amplifying the world’s wisdom traditions and making their insights accessible to those who need them most. He is De's husband and they share a large german shepard named Nacho.
Experience Healing in Costa Rica
This retreat is held at the breathtaking Verdesana Retreat Center in the heart of Costa Rica's rainforests. Nestled among rolling hills and sacred waterfalls, Verdesana (Green Healing) offers a peaceful, healing environment where you can fully unwind and immerse yourself in nature's beauty.
You'll enjoy:
- Daily therapeutic/somatic yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions designed to rejuvenate your body and mind.
- Luxurious accommodations featuring serene private cabins or shared spaces, depending on your preference.
- Wholesome, plant-based, nourishing meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner and snacks provided) made with local, organic ingredients to support your well-being.
- Private hiking trails, gardens, hot pools, labyrinth, and waterfalls on the 110-acre property.
- Favorite hot drink delivered to your room each morning (ok, what is more luxurious?)
- Transportation from and to San Jose Airport is provided free of charge.
De's Work has helped to change the lives of other Health Professionals like you…
"My work with De is what gives me the ability to work with my clients day after day. It is the experience of being present in my body that enables me to expand and hold my client's journeys. Bringing awareness to the breath and sensation, feeling into the movements and poses all serve to help me be more attuned, fluid, flexible and strong. Every session adds a new layer of learning, stretching and growing from within."
- M.L.,Therapist New York
"Therapeutic yoga has really changed the way I think about yoga. I had been looking to find a methodology that works with aging bodies, one that takes yoga as the foundation and allows people to practice without straining their bodies. Practicing with De has shown me such a beautiful interpretation of traditional yoga postures and flow, one that is safe and yet goes very deep."
- Sana Habib, Psychotherapist, Pakistan
"De is a true healer. Therapeutic Yoga with De entered my life at a very important turning point, both physically and mentally. Having worked with her for 2 years now, I have come to understand, at a deep level, the mind-body connection. De's positive approach and her emphasis on listening to our own bodies has been life altering. I can never thank her enough."
- Judith M. Glasser, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Maryland
"As a psychotherapist for 22 years, De now is a centerpoint for my self-care and has been for the last five years. She creates a safe, warm, compassionate and tender space. De's way of working accommodates all levels of yoga practice and she consistently encourages people to come into and trust their own body, breathe deeply and enter into a wide open reflective experience. She has also been extremely supportive when anything has gone awry, such as a broken arm, stained knee or just needing to slow down and relax. She's a gem!"
- W.C. Psychotherapist, Colorado
"De is an exceptional trauma informed yoga instructor. De's passion for yoga is seen through her teaching yoga with clarity and meaning. Additionally, De creates a space that is one of openess and safety. Through our work together, I have learned to be aware of my body's sensations and appreciate the way in which yoga can be transformative in one's healing. As a therapist myself, I see yoga has being beneficial for clients who have experienced trauma as means to slowly begin to connect to their body and innerself and not have to be in constanly in state of flight, fight, or freeze. It has been a true honor to be De's student."
- Leah'la, therapist
In this healing environment you can greet your subtle body. We will explore, discover, engage, and move with the natural rhythms and intelligence of our bodies and then begin to feel connected to our vitality. This is an invitation, a beckoning into awareness.
Knowing that each individual is unique and not just one approach fits all, we will celebrate the uniqueness of each participant.
What to Expect: A Day in Paradise
Your days will flow between gentle yoga sessions, nourishing meals, and free time to explore, be in nature, or simply rest. This retreat is about taking the time to reconnect with what matters most to you.
Retreat Schedule
Transport to Verdesana:
Monday, October 20th at 2pm - Departure from SJO international airport's domestic terminal.
Retreat Teachings:
Monday, October 20th - Saturday, October 26th
(6 Days)
Depart Verdesana:
Sunday, October 26th - Check out by 9am
Ground transportation to and from San Jose Airport to Verdesana retreat center is included in retreat pricing. Please schedule your flights departing from San Jose Airport at 1pm or later on departure day.
Retreat Details
The retreat is designed for a small, intimate group of health professionals (limited to just 18 participants), ensuring that each attendee gets the personal attention and space to fully recharge.
We offer four accommodation packages to suit your preferences.
Monthly payment plans are available.
VIP Cabin | Private
payment plan available
$4,933
Price
1BR Cabin | Private
payment plan available
$3,950
Price
2BR Cabin | Private
payment plan available
$3,750
Price
1BR Cabin | Shared
payment plan available
$3,500
Price
VIP Cabin | Private
(1 available)
Our VIP mountain cabin is located at the top of the property featuring gorgeous views of the forest covered mountains. This cabin is spacious and secluded for extra privacy. It features 1 king sized bed a private deck, a fireplace for cozy nights as well as a soaking tub with beautiful views.
AMENITIES:
- 1 King bed
- Private ensuite bathroom w. soaking tub
- Private furnished deck
- Fireplace
- Gorgeous mountain views
1 Bedroom Private Cabin
(2 available)
The 1BR private cabins feature 1 queen bed and private ensuite bathroom. Two of the cabins are located close to the river so you can hear the soothing sounds of the water flowing by. The third cabin has a beautiful garden view and extra privacy. These cabins are perfect for solo guests who want privacy.
Room Includes:
- Your own private cabin
- Queen size bed
- Private ensuite bathroom
- Private furnished deck
- Writers desk
- Forest or garden views
2 Bedroom Semi-Private Cabin
(8 spots available)
The 2BR cabins are the most spacious cabins, complete with 2 separate/private bedrooms each featuring a queen sized bed. They have a spacious shared living room space, large deck
with beautiful forest/garden/mountain views and a shared bathroom. These cabins are perfect for 2 guests who want a private bedroom but the community of a shared living
room.
**This room is designed to be shared with another guest. You will have a private bedroom. Please let us know if you have a preferred friend/guest so that we can match you together.
If you are not traveling with another guest, we will match you with a room mate.
Cabin includes:
- Private bedroom with queen sized bed
- Spacious living room
- Shared bathroom
- Large furnished deck
- Writers desk
- Forest, garden or mountain views
1 BR Shared Cabin
(8 spots available)
The 1BR shared cabins feature a spacious bedroom with 2 queen beds and shared ensuite bathroom. They come with a furnished deck with forest/garden views, a writers desk and coffee station. These cabins are perfect for friends or 2 guests who want to have their own private bed but share a bedroom.
*If you are traveling without a friend/guest, you will be matched with a room mate. Please let us know if you are traveling with a friend/guest so that we can assign your room together.
- 2 Queen sized beds
- Shared ensuite bathroom
- Furnished deck
- Writers desk
- Forest or garden views
VIP Cabin | Private
payment plan available
$4,933
Price
VIP Cabin | Private
(1 available)
Our VIP mountain cabin is located at the top of the property featuring gorgeous views of the forest covered mountains. This cabin is spacious and secluded for extra privacy. It features 1 king sized bed a private deck, a fireplace for cozy nights as well as a soaking tub with beautiful views.
AMENITIES:
- 1 King bed
- Private ensuite bathroom w. soaking tub
- Private furnished deck
- Fireplace
- Gorgeous mountain views
1BR Cabin | Private
payment plan available
$3,950
Price
1 Bedroom Private Cabin
(2 available)
The 1BR private cabins feature 1 queen bed and private ensuite bathroom. Two of the cabins are located close to the river so you can hear the soothing sounds of the water flowing by. The third cabin has a beautiful garden view and extra privacy. These cabins are perfect for solo guests who want privacy.
Room Includes:
- Your own private cabin
- Queen size bed
- Private ensuite bathroom
- Private furnished deck
- Writers desk
- Forest or garden views
2BR Cabin | Private
payment plan available
$3,750
Price
2 Bedroom Semi-Private Cabin
(8 spots available)
The 2BR cabins are the most spacious cabins, complete with 2 separate/private bedrooms each featuring a queen sized bed. They have a spacious shared living room space, large deck
with beautiful forest/garden/mountain views and a shared bathroom. These cabins are perfect for 2 guests who want a private bedroom but the community of a shared living
room.
**This room is designed to be shared with another guest. You will have a private bedroom. Please let us know if you have a preferred friend/guest so that we can match you together.
If you are not traveling with another guest, we will match you with a room mate.
Cabin includes:
- Private bedroom with queen sized bed
- Spacious living room
- Shared bathroom
- Large furnished deck
- Writers desk
- Forest, garden or mountain views
1BR Cabin | Shared
payment plan available
$3,500
Price
1 BR Shared Cabin
(8 spots available)
The 1BR shared cabins feature a spacious bedroom with 2 queen beds and shared ensuite bathroom. They come with a furnished deck with forest/garden views, a writers desk and coffee station. These cabins are perfect for friends or 2 guests who want to have their own private bed but share a bedroom.
*If you are traveling without a friend/guest, you will be matched with a room mate. Please let us know if you are traveling with a friend/guest so that we can assign your room together.
- 2 Queen sized beds
- Shared ensuite bathroom
- Furnished deck
- Writers desk
- Forest or garden views
All packages include tuition, accommodations, three meals per day for the duration of the retreat, and ground transportation from SJO International Airport. And you have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful spa located on-site!
Welcome Reception!
Welcome to Reconnect-Somatic Yoga Retreat at Verdesana!
All guests will be greeted upon arrival. Guests will check-in at their cabins and then we'll all meet for a welcome reception with a chef prepared dinner and mocktails.
What's included:
- Accommodations 6 nights accommodations.
- Meals: 3 gourmet plant-based meals + snacks daily.
- Somatic Yoga Workshops 2x a day (except 1-day excursion option).
- Meditation Session Daily.
- Bonfires some nights and Hot Pools to soak in by the river.
- Ground Transportation to/from airport.
- WiFi in designated areas! The goal is to unwind & unplug!
What's not included:
- Airfare: Airfare to/from Costa Rica SJO airport.
- Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance via our recommended vendor. Information will be provided in your welcome information.
- Spa Treatments (Spa is located on the grounds).
- Day Excursion option. We're offering an optional day trip to the magical Orosi Hot Springs. Surrounded by lush Costa Rican vegetation, these thermal mineral waters are known for their healing properties.
De's Work has helped to change the lives of other Mental Health Professionals like you…
"I went on De's Mexico yoga retreat last year and loved it so much that I immediately signed up for this coming January as well. It was absolutely heavenly - Yoga morning and afternoon (and yoga that was incredibly nurturing and restorative to my whole system - I needed that gentleness and healing) and delicious brunch every day at the retreat center - then the rest of the day FREE for walking on the beach, getting massages, napping. . . you're probably getting what level of rest I was after and was needing in terms of a nervous system reset! There were also plenty of more active activities for the adventuresome - if you want it! I didn't do many activities, but did snorkel in the reef one day. Puerto Morelos was great. I felt renewed when I came home.
Everyone who comes (at least last year) was so delightful, respectful, well-boundaried, authentic and also FUN to talk to! We had room for tears and laughter, silence, depth and silliness! I think you'll love it."
- Danya Rivlin
"For this creaky 74-year-old, nothing has been more helpful for both mind and body than spending a week of yoga sessions in a beautiful place with the incomparable De West. I benefit greatly from her daily online classes, but gathering with others at her retreats adds an extra dimension. Whether in an in-person group or online, De manages to support each participant as an individual with her therapeutic yoga practices. Through working with her, I've learned to listen to my body; breathe through worry and anxiety; and build strength and flexibility."
- Pam Zurer
"I attended De's Yoga Retreat last year for the first time. It was so nourishing, healing and rejuvenating that I have decided to do it again next year, and hopefully every year thereafter! I am making it my priority because of the depth of knowledge that De imparted to me about my body, the long term health her yoga inspires, the incredible food, the deep friendships that were formed, and the proximity to the totally fun beach. Thank you De."
- Batya Greenwald
"I was reluctant when De West's Mexico yoga retreat was first proposed, but once I got there something magical happened. The combination of De's extraordinary yoga instruction; the atmosphere in Puerto Morelos and at Villa Shanti; and the camaraderie with the other participants has made this a much-anticipated annual experience for me."
- Burt Zurer