Retreat with your Bestie to Verdesana by Imiloa in Costa Rica
Retreat Highlights
Sep 28, 2025 – Oct 04, 2025
Verdesana, Palo Verde, Provincia de Cartago, El Guarco, Costa Rica
About the event
Located in Costa Rica, Verdesana - the world's first fully regenerative luxury eco retreat - is situated in a verdant natural landscape, also known as the "cloud forest."
Just an hour from San José, this retreat center is home to cozy wood chalets surrounded by greenery. This is the place for getting close to nature: everything from riverside and forest breathwork, fresh vegetarian cuisine and outdoor meditation.
We are proud of their sustainability principles, built on the pillars of reforestation and gratitude for the energy the surrounding forest provides us.
What you will Experience
This week-long retreat offers a unique opportunity to deepen and heal your connection with your soul, foster personal growth, and build lasting connections through shared experiences. Set in a luxurious, jungle-chic, and sacred space, you'll join like-minded individuals on a transformative journey of self-discovery.
The retreat kicks off with focused sessions led by Juno and Jessica. Juno will guide the men, while Jessica will lead the women's group, helping each participant release what no longer serves them. Through these powerful practices, you'll shed old patterns and create space for new, empowering ways of living.
As the week unfolds, we'll come together for immersive experiences that connect us with Costa Rica's natural beauty. Immerse yourself in transformative breathwork and invigorating morning yoga in the serene Temple, all while surrounded by the high vibrational energy of the lush jungle. Take advantage of our offered excursion to the natural volcanic hot springs and join us for a sacred heart opening cacao ceremony around a fire. These experiences are crafted to awaken your inner journey and renew your spirit. Participate in whatever you feel called to, this is your time and you get to choose. This is just a taste of the enchanting adventures awaiting you!
Let's talk about the Food! For meals, you'll savor locally sourced, artisanal meals crafted by a 5-star vegan chef. Each day, the Verdesana team will serve three multi-course gourmet plant-based meals, along with drinks and snacks, ensuring you feel nourished and energized throughout your stay.
This retreat is more than just an escape - it's a chance to deepen your bonds, celebrate our shared paths, create lifelong memories and leave with a renewed sense of self and community. One thing we can promise… you will leave as the 2.0 version of yourself!
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Meet Your Hosts
Juno & Jess
Sometimes the stars align perfectly, but the universe always has your back... just like the story of
Juno and Jess.
Before their paths crossed, Juno and Jessica didn’t know each other. But both had a deep love for breathwork and a shared desire to dive deeper into this powerful healing modality.
Juno was thrilled about the last module of their certification, which focused on building retreats. Jessica, on the other hand, was equally excited, but driven by her passion
(and maybe even a bit of an obsession) for breathwork. And while Juno is a Scorpio and Jessica is an Aquarius; two signs that are famously different, their similarities quickly outshone
any differences.
Now, let’s rewind to how these two amazing souls first met. On the first day of their breathwork class (via Zoom), they both scanned the many faces on their screens of soon-to-be friends, a community of like-minded people. As Jessica listened to the introductions, she heard voices from Australia, France, New Zealand, Idaho... and then it was Juno’s turn.
"Hi, I’m Juno. I’m a queer witch, and I’m from New Jersey."
Jessica’s ears perked up. She, too, was from New Jersey, and in that moment, she felt the universe whisper, "Yup, you two are going to be best friends!" And just like that, it was
meant to be.
As they got to know each other, the list of things they had in common grew longer and longer. Their connection was undeniable, and what started as a chance meeting blossomed into a beautiful friendship.
Jessica Jane
Co-Host
Jessica Jane, the visionary Founder of Thyme For Healing, is committed to helping women awaken their authentic selves. With five years in the corporate technology sector and a decade running her family's medical transport company, she experienced severe burnout that deeply affected her health and well-being. This pivotal moment led her back to her lifelong practice of meditation, which became her path to recovery.
Through deepening her meditation and breathwork practices, Jessica found healing and felt a powerful calling to share these transformative tools with others. She became a certified Breathwork Coach, Reiki Master, and Freedom Formula Coach, driven to help other women overcome their challenges the way these practices saved her.
Jessica now empowers women to reclaim their true identities through Breathwork, Meditation, and cultivating deep self-love. She guides them on journeys of personal rediscovery, spiritual awakening, and inner peace, helping them break free from limitations and embrace lives of fulfillment and purpose.
Juno
Co-Host
A graduate in Social Work from Rutgers University, Juno is a dedicated advocate for social change with a strong focus on uplifting the queer community. From founding a high school Gay-Straight Alliance to volunteering with Lambda Legal for domestic partnership recognition, Juno has consistently championed inclusivity.
Beyond advocacy, Juno is a seasoned spiritual seeker, having studied esoterica for two decades. This unique blend of social work and spirituality informs Juno's holistic approach to fostering positive change. With a passion for both societal and personal transformation, Juno continues to make a meaningful impact on the journey toward a more inclusive and accepting world.
Premium Private Cabins
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
Coffee station
Gorgeous mountain views
2 Bedroom Semi-Private Cabins
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.
AMENITIES
2 Private bedrooms with queen sized beds
Spacious living room
Shared bathroom
Large furnished deck
Writers desk and coffee station
Forest, garden or mountain views
Private Cabins
Our 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.
AMENITIES
Queen size bed
Private ensuite bathroom
Private furnished deck
Writer’s desk and coffee station
Forest or garden views
1 Bedroom Shared Cabins
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 writer’s 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.
AMENITIES
2 Queen sized beds
Shared ensuite bathroom
Furnished deck
Writer’s desk and coffee station
Forest or garden views
Gourmet plant-based cuisine prepared using all local and organic produce. Full meals, snacks, teas, coffees and fruit trays available throughout your stay.
GENERAL
Q: What kind of staff do you have? A: A full operations and executive team is available throughout your stay. All staff are legally hired and local to Costa Rica.
Q: Can I / Should I tip the team? A: Tips are not required but always appreciated. Tips for the staff are pooled together and distributed equally amongst the property team members once a month. This includes everyone you see or may not see during your stay, such as kitchen staff, gardeners, housekeepers, the maintenance team, etc.
Q: If there’s a bug in my room, how will I contact someone to get it out? A: You will be given the direct line to our front desk team. If you need anything from them during your stay please contact this line directly. They can also help remove bugs or insects from your room.
Q: What should I pack for my trip? Recommended packing list Hat Sunglasses Organic sunscreen Organic mosquito repellent Reusable water bottle Boots or comfortable closed toe shoes *(our forest trails can get muddy and slippery, so make sure to bring comfortable and practical footwear keeping this in mind) Swimwear (optional: if you want to swim in the river) Yoga attire/comfortable clothes Hiking/fitness wear Rain jacket Warm sweater & warm socks Binoculars (if you want to do some birdwatching)
Q: How and when will I get my specific agenda for the retreat I’m coming on? A: Some hosts will share this well in advance with their guests, some choose not to share the daily agenda until you are onsite. Best to check directly with the retreat leader/organizers on this.
Q: How can my family contact me? A: For phone service, there is WIFI on campus, and we recommend WhatsApp as the best way to communicate.
Q: What happens if I smoke in your rooms or bring my own alcohol? A: We are a dry campus. If you are consuming alcohol at Verdesana or alcohol is visible in your accommodations or you smoke cigarettes or marijuana or anything in your accommodations, that is not aligned with our core values, we will directly let you know. You will be asked to leave the property and secure accommodations and coordinate your travel back to SJO at your own cost.
Q: I have an emotional support dog/pet and it travels everywhere with me. Can they come to Verdesana? A; Please email your request to welcomehome@imiloainstitute.com and include the breed of dog, weight, and supporting documentation. While we will consider your request, we respectfully reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone with an emotional support animal unless they have received approval in writing from our team. We take these requests seriously and have to evaluate several factors before making a decision including the allergies of other guests and team members, impact on the wildlife, and impact on the accommodations and our property. If you have a certified service animal, please email us so we can work with you to accommodate your accessibility needs.
Q: Can I switch my room? A: Yes, you can select your preferred roommate during the checkout process. If you don't specify a roommate or if your chosen roommate doesn't attend, and you've paid for a shared room, you will be randomly assigned a roommate.
TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION
Q: How do I get to Verdesana from SJO? A: Our private ground transportation will depart from SJO international airport at 2:00PM on the arrival day of your retreat. Please account for time to go through customs and immigration. This process can take as little as 15 min and as much as 2.5 hours depending on the day at the airport and how busy it is. After you exit the airport we will have a representative waiting for you with a sign, and the representative will guide you to the domestic terminal where you will wait with the rest of your group for departure at 2:00PM. If you are already in Costa Rica, you will simply need to show up at the domestic terminal entrance at 1:45PM. The domestic terminal is very small, and you will have no problem meeting our representative and the rest of your group there.
Q: Is my international flight included? A: No. You are responsible for your flight from your home airport to SJO airport.
Q: Where do I fly into in Costa Rica? A: San Jose (Juan Santamaria) International Airport. The airport code is “SJO.”
Q: What time will I be back in SJO for my flight home? A: You will depart Verdesana at 9:00AM, and the estimated arrival to SJO international airport is 10:30AM. Typically, it is suggested to be at the international terminal 2.5 hours prior to your international departure. Please book your departing international flight accordingly, knowing that you will be at the airport at 10:30AM on departure day. If you book your departure flight earlier than this, you will be responsible for your own transportation to SJO airport and any extra cost incurred.
Q: How long is the drive from the airport to Verdesana? A: Approx. 1.5 hours
Q: I'm flying in the day before my retreat starts, do you have hotel recommendations? A: Yes we do have recommendations, please see below: Hilton Garden Inn La Sabana Located 25-30 minutes from SJO airport, this hotel is walking distance to La Sabana Park, National Stadium, and nearby restaurants. This hotel is a good choice if you would like to explore a bit of San Jose and its surroundings; just be mindful of travel time and transportation options to/from SJO airport. Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen An upscale Marriott hotel, located approximately 10 min from SJO airport. We recommend this hotel if you prefer to have a nice property experience and want to be close to the airport. Hampton Inn Airport Hotel For a more economical option, you may stay at the Hampton Inn, located right across the street from the airport. The hotel offers a free shuttle between the airport and the hotel. Hotel Alta Las Palomas Hotel Alta Las Palomas is located 30-40 minutes from SJO airport in Santa Ana. It is a beautiful and contemporary hotel with quality service and great accommodations. You can add transportation and meals to your room booking; reach out directly to the hotel for details.
Q: Do I need a passport? A: Yes, if you're not a resident of Costa Rica, you'll need a passport. Depending on your country of origin, obtaining a passport can take several months, so please plan accordingly. Please review the official entry requirements for Costa Rica here: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
Q: How long is the drive from the airport to Verdesana? A: Approx. 1.5 hours
Q: Do I need to purchase travel insurance? A: Yes, we require you to purchase travel insurance, we highly recommend the travel insurance provider: Global Rescue PROPERTY & ACCOMMODATIONS A: Yes, we require you to purchase travel insurance, we highly recommend the travel insurance provider: Global Rescue PROPERTY & ACCOMMODATIONS
Q: Is my registration transferable? A: Yes, if you're unable to attend the retreat, you can transfer your registration to someone else. However, we will not facilitate the transfer of funds, and no refunds will be issued.
AMENITIES & SERVICES
Q: Is Verdesana accessible for people with special needs or disabilities? A: Yes, we have a cabin designed for people with special needs, which is extra spacious and accessible.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi onsite? A: Yes wifi will be available at certain areas of the campus
Q: What are the cabins like? A: Our beautiful cabins are handcrafted with cypress wood directly from our plantation. They have been carefully designed to be functional, aesthetic, safe, and eco-friendly.
FOOD
Q: I know you’re a vegan campus, but what if I want animal products or some alcohol? A: We do not police our guests, we are sharing our values and why they’re important to us. If you are seen with alcohol on campus, you will be reminded of why we have an alcohol-free campus once, and if we observe it again publicly, we will respectfully ask you to leave.
Q: I have health issues or very specific food allergies. How will I communicate my needs to the team? A: Before arrival, you are sent a form to include all of your personal information, such as allergies or dietary needs. Our kitchen team will ensure that all of your allergies are considered while preparing your food.
Q: Is the water safe to drink? A: Yes! Our water is triple-filtered UV from our mountain’s well and perfectly healthy and safe to drink from all faucets on the property.
Q: I’m hungry often, especially with a plant-based diet. Can I have food on demand? A: We serve three big meals daily. Between meals, we also serve fruits, snacks, nuts, juice, etc., and coffee and tea are available at all times throughout the day. If you get hungry between meals and snacks are not sufficient, please let our kitchen staff know, and they will be happy to provide extra food for you.
