Overview
Some places make it surprisingly easy to relax. This is one of them. For four nights, we'll stay at a family-run rainforest lodge tucked into one of Costa Rica's most beautiful corners. Built from wood harvested on the property, the cabins are rustic, comfortable, and full of character, with comfortable beds, hot rain showers, fireplaces, and porches made for slow mornings. The days begin with fresh Costa Rican coffee, often paired with rich drinking chocolate made from cacao grown just up the road. All meals are included and a highlight of the retreat, with much of what you'll eat coming directly from the farm, from fresh vegetables and herbs to eggs collected that morning. This is the Costa Rica most visitors never experience. The people welcoming you all live in the nearby village. It's a working farm, not a polished resort, and that's exactly what makes it special. Everything feels genuine, relaxed, and connected to the land. You'll have plenty of free time to enjoy the property however you'd like. Swim in the river or natural swimming hole, jump from the rocks, relax in a wood-fired sauna, walk rainforest trails, fish in the lake, ride horses, or take a farm tour where you can even try milking a cow. If you'd rather spend an afternoon reading in a hammock while listening to birds overhead, that's a great choice too. One day we'll hike to a brilliant blue river fed by the same mineral-rich waters that create Río Celeste, one of Costa Rica's most remarkable natural wonders. Throughout the retreat, you'll also have the option to earn your Reiki Level I or Level II certification. Whether you're completely new to Reiki or continuing your practice, this peaceful setting is an ideal place to learn, reflect, and reconnect. More than anything, this retreat is about remembering what makes you feel most like yourself. Fresh food. Time outside. Meaningful conversations. A slower pace. It's amazing how quickly the noise disappears when you're surrounded by nature. Sometimes five days is all it takes to feel like yourself again.
A Different Kind of Luxury
The greatest luxury isn't extravagance. It's having nowhere you need to be and nothing you need to prove.
Here, life revolves around good food, nature, meaningful conversation, and the simple pleasure of letting someone else take care of the details.
The Experience
Climate
One of the reasons we love this area is its incredibly unique climate. At about 1,800 feet above sea level, the days are warm enough for swimming in the crisp river and relaxing outdoors, while the evenings cool off beautifully. We sleep with the windows open, and while every cabin has a fan if you'd like one, air conditioning simply isn't needed. As the sun goes down, we gather around the fireplaces with a cup of tea, a good book, or great conversation (because it's cool enough to do that)! The climate in this area is one of those simple pleasures that makes this place feel so special.
Reiki Level I & II (Optional)
One of the unique opportunities on this retreat is the chance to earn your Usui Reiki Level I or Level II certification while surrounded by the Costa Rican rainforest with Natalie Cowden, CHT. Natalie is the founder of Wild West Herbals & Energetics and an experienced teacher of Reiki, herbalism, hypnotherapy, and holistic healing practices. Her approach is warm and practical, creating a welcoming environment where students build confidence, deepen their intuition, and leave with tools they'll continue using long after the retreat. Reiki is a gentle Japanese healing practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support overall well-being. Even modern Reiki has been around over 100 years! During a Reiki session, the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the body, creating space for deep rest and healing. Many people experience Reiki as calming, grounding, and restorative, though every person's experience is unique. Natalie teaches the traditional Usui system of Reiki, providing a practical foundation whether your interest is personal growth, supporting family and friends, or eventually working with clients. Reiki Level I is a 3–4 hour workshop designed for beginners. You'll learn the history and principles of Reiki, how a Reiki session works, traditional hand positions, and how to practice Reiki on yourself and others. You'll receive your Level I attunement, hands-on practice, and Reiki Level I certification. Reiki Level II is offered in a separate 3–4 hour workshop the following day for those who have already completed Level I. Reiki Level II allows you to be a reiki practitioner through in-person healing and distance healing (and operate as a Reiki practitioner). We'll build on the foundations of Reiki by introducing the traditional Reiki symbols, exploring distance Reiki, and expanding your confidence through guided practice. Whether you're simply curious about Reiki or have wanted to learn for years, there is no better classroom than the Costa Rican rainforest. You can add this on to your experience in 'Add-Ons' during checkout. Learn more about Natalie's approach in our FAQ section.
Wood-fired Hot Tub
For many years, there was no electricity at this lodge. When the owner decided he wanted a hot tub, he found another way. Today, it's heated by firewood, and soaking in it right beside the river has become one of the experiences guests remember most.
Night Walk
Have you ever experienced the rainforest after dark? This photo was taken on this very walk with nothing more than a phone. As the rainforest comes alive at night, we'll join local naturalist guides to explore a private reserve just 25 minutes from the lodge. Following well-maintained gravel trails, we'll keep an eye out for colorful frogs, sleeping birds, sloths, insects, and other nocturnal wildlife that most visitors never get to see. The walk lasts about two hours, is mostly flat, and is suitable for all fitness levels. A little bug spray is all you'll need to keep mosquitoes at bay, making it easy to enjoy one of the most unique experiences of the week.
Explore the Farm
Go behind the scenes on a guided tour of the farm that makes this place so special. We'll wander through the gardens and orchards, meet the cows, goats, chickens, and pigs, taste fruit straight from the tree, and, if you're feeling adventurous, even try milking a cow. Along the way, we'll see firsthand where so many of our meals begin. Back in the open-air kitchen, these fresh ingredients are transformed into traditional Costa Rican dishes cooked over wood-fired stoves and grills.
Traditional Cooking Methods
There's no rush in this kitchen. Meals are prepared over wood-fired stoves and ovens using ingredients grown just steps away. Expect smoky grilled meats (from animals on the farm), fresh fish, tropical fruits, garden vegetables, homemade gallo pinto, and dishes that reflect the traditions of rural Costa Rica.
Farm to Plate
We'll spend the week enjoying meals prepared with ingredients grown, raised, and harvested just steps from where we'll eat. Fresh vegetables come from the gardens, tropical fruit is picked from the orchards, milk comes from the cows, and the meat is raised right on the property. In fact, the only ingredients that typically come from outside the area are a few root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes.
Open-Air Dining
We'll gather for family-style meals served on handcrafted wooden tables in an open-air dining room, with candlelight, a crackling fire, and the sounds of the rainforest all around us. Fresh ingredients from the farm take center stage, and the kitchen happily accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary preferences. One thing that surprises many guests is how comfortable the setting is. Even though you're surrounded by rainforest, there are remarkably few bugs, making it easy to linger over dinner and enjoy the outdoors long after the sun goes down.
Rainforest Living
"There's so much life here." This is the feeling, and it's hard to describe until you experience it yourself. From more than 100 species of birds to vibrant flowers, towering trees, and the constant sounds of the rainforest, life is everywhere. There's an energy to this place that's impossible to miss. It has a way of helping you slow down, breathe a little deeper, and feel like nature is giving you a big hug.
Swimming Hole
Whether you're jumping from the rocks or wading in, this natural swimming hole is the perfect place to cool off in clean, fresh water. Explore the rock beds and bring your camera -- don't forget to grab one of the farm's field guides to identify the many native plant and animal species in this unique water ecosystem.
Comfort in Nature
The cabins are handcrafted from wood harvested on the property, giving them a rustic charm that's perfectly in tune with the surrounding rainforest. But don't mistake rustic for roughing it. Each cabin features a beautiful stone rain shower with plenty of hot water, fresh towels each day, and the kind of comfortable "Goldilocks" mattress that's not too soft, not too firm, just right. Soft linens and the sounds of the rainforest make for some of the best sleep you'll have all year. The cabins are intentionally simple. Small windows let in enough natural light to gently wake you with the morning sun and help keep your body's natural rhythm in sync, while the interiors remain cool, cozy, and restful. A few thoughtfully placed lamps provide light after dark, but you'll likely find yourself spending more time on the porch, by the river, or under the stars than inside your room. And while you may occasionally spot a tiny gecko or a curious insect, this isn't an Amazon survival experience (the bugs here are not an overwhelming nuisance).
Explore the Lake
We have access to a beautiful, privately-owned lake where you can fish or paddle around in a boat. It's also one of the best places on the property to spot birds and enjoy a different side of the rainforest.
Hike to Rio Celeste
If you’ve never heard of Rio Celeste, drop everything and Google it now. Rio Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s most sought-after natural attractions. And lucky us — we have private access to a family-owned section of the river and its swimming holes. You'll have plenty of time to basque (in bliss we might add) in the river's famous turquoise-blue water. Traveling there is easy enough: a 20 minute van ride, followed by a half-mile (800-meter) hike. The trail is moderately challenging, and we'll take our time, stopping for breaks whenever we need.
Additional Activities
If you'd like to add a little more to your stay, there are plenty of options. Let us help you make all the arrangements. - Massage at the creekside spa - Horseback Riding - Visit a nearby chocolate farm to learn how cacao is grown and make your own chocolate - Join a guided birdwatching walk - Ziplining - Tube the Blue River
A Place that Gives Back
One of the things we love most about this venue is the people behind it. The owners have built more than a beautiful lodge; they've created a thriving community. Many of the women who work here are from the nearby village. Through stable, meaningful employment, they've been able to purchase homes, support their families, and build lasting careers. The owners have also invested in the local community by helping build a nearby school and supporting projects that benefit the families who call this area home. As part of this experience, Away Retreats will donate a portion of every registration directly back to the local community, allowing our visit to have a positive impact long after we leave.
Accommodation
Cozy Lodge Room for 1 person (Main Lodge)
Enjoy your own room and a shared bathroom. These rooms are in the middle of the action at the main lodge. There are 4 rooms that share a living area. This selection is perfect if you'd like your own space for sleeping and communal areas for relaxing.
FROM$1,700.00/pp
Rustic Room for 1 person (Garden Lodge)
Enjoy your own queen bed and a private, en-suite bathroom. There are 3 of these rooms, set away from the main lodge and river area that share a porch with a fireplace.
FROM$2,200.00/pp
Cabin #1: Shared Riverside Cabin with Fireplace (Triple Occupancy, Single Bed)
This cabin accommodates three guests of the same gender and includes one king bed, one queen bed, two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. This booking is for one twin bed.
FROM$2,400.00/pp
Cabin #1: Shared Riverside Cabin with Fireplace (Triple Occupancy, Queen Bed)
This cabin accommodates three guests of the same gender and has 1 king bed, 1 queen, 2 singles and an ensuite bathroom. This selection is for the Queen Bed.
FROM$2,550.00/pp
Cabin #1: Shared Riverside Cabin with Fireplace (Triple Occupancy, King Bed)
This cabin accommodates three guests of the same gender and includes one king bed, one queen bed, two twin beds and an ensuite bathroom. This booking is for one King bed.
FROM$2,700.00/pp
Cabin #2: Cabin above River with Fireplace (Double Occupancy, King Bed)
This cabin has 1 King bed, 1 single, and a private, en-suite bathroom. Book with a friend. Price is per person.
FROM$2,240.00/pp
Cabin #2: Cabin above River with Fireplace (Single Occupancy, King Bed)
This cabin has a King bed, a single bed, and a private, en-suite bathroom. The photo is of the porch overlooking the river.
FROM$3,200.00/pp
Cabin #3: Riverfront Cabin with Fireplace and Hot Tub for 2 people
Enjoy your own private porch, hot tub, and fireplace. This cabin has 1 King and 1 Single bed with an ensuite bathroom. Book with a friend. Price is per person.
FROM$3,100.00/pp
Cabin #3: Riverfront Cabin with Fireplace and Hot Tub for 1 person
Enjoy your own private porch, hot tub, and fireplace. This cabin has 1 King and 1 Single bed with an ensuite bathroom.
FROM$4,700.00/pp
Cabin #4: Private Cabin Above River with Hot Tub & Fireplace (Single Occupancy, King Bed)
Enjoy your own King bed, hot tub and rustic cabin. This cabin is referred to as the "honeymoon" cabin.
FROM$3,500.00/pp
Cabin #4: Private Cabin Above River with Hot Tub & Fireplace (Double Occupancy, King Bed)
Enjoy your own King bed, hot tub and rustic cabin. This cabin is referred to as the "honeymoon" cabin. Book with a friend. Price is per person.
FROM$2,450.00/pp
Cabin #5: Shared Room in Cabin Above River with Wraparound Porch (Double Bed)
This large cabin has 2 rooms. This selection is for a double bed in a large room that has two double beds. The porches and bathroom are shared with 3 total people of the same gender. The cabin is up a set of long stairs and sits higher than any of the other cabins (view of the sunset, cabins, and horses).
FROM$2,400.00/pp
Cabin #5: Private Room in Shared Cabin Above River with Wraparound Porch (Queen Bed)
This large cabin has 2 rooms. This selection is for a queen bed in a private room. This large cabin has 2 rooms. The porches and bathroom are shared with 3 total people of the same gender. The cabin is up a set of long stairs and sits higher than any of the other cabins (view of the sunset, cabins, and horses).
FROM$2,700.00/pp
Cabin #6: Cozy Cabin for 2 people (Queen Bed)
This private cabin is just steps from the main lodge and features a queen bed, spacious en-suite bathroom, and a covered porch with a fireplace. You can hear the river from the porch! Book with a friend. Price is per person.
FROM$1,900.00/pp
Cabin #6: Cozy Cabin for 1 person (Queen Bed)
This private cabin is just steps from the main lodge and features a queen bed, spacious en-suite bathroom, and a covered porch with a fireplace. You can hear the river from the porch!
FROM$2,700.00/pp
Itinerary
Everything is optional on all of our experiences. This is your retreat. You choose what you'd like to do each day.
Previous
Next
Our Time in Costa Rica
AM
Journaling Workshop or Morning Meditation
Movement Class
Breakfast at 8:00/8:30am
Morning Activity:
- Thursday - Farm Tour
- Friday - Hike to Rio Celeste
- Saturday - Free Morning
- Sunday - Departure Day
PM
12:30 - Lunch
Afternoon Activity:
- Thursday - Optional Level I Reiki Certification (2:00-5:30pm)
- Friday - Optional Level II Reiki Certification (2:00-5:30pm)
- Saturday - Leave at 5:00pm for Night Walk
6:30 - 7:30 - Group Dinner (timing depends on the activity)
All classes are accessible to all levels.
Free time blocks provide ample time to relax or find adventure. Additional experiences that we can help you book are:
- Massage at the Creekside Spa
- Horseback Riding
- Guided Birdwatching Tour
- Chocolate Making Class + Cacao Farm Tour
- Zipline Adventure
- Tubing Rio Celeste (blue river)
We remember to go with the flow and enjoy a slower pace of life in this part of Costa Rica. Activities may be switched from morning to afternoon depending on weather and other factors.
What's included
What's Included
Pre-trip & Logistics Support
Arrival gift
Transportation to and from Liberia airport (LIR)
All meals
Farm Tour
Night Walk in the Rainforest
Daily Meditation and Movement Class (morning)
Hike to Turquoise Blue River
Access to Swimming hole and Private Lake
Donation to Local Community
What's Not Included
Roundtrip airfare to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR)
Travel insurance (we have recommendations for you to explore)
Private Reiki Session with Natalie
Reiki Level I or II (or both) certifications
Any meals during traveling that take place before or after you meet the group
Specialty drinks (smoothies or alcoholic beverages)
Additional Activities or Spa Services
Hosts
Our retreats are led by a small, collaborative host team that brings together complementary expertise, genuine hospitality, and thoughtful on-the-ground support. Together, we create an experience that feels well organized, welcoming, and easy to settle into, so you can focus on being fully present, connecting with others, and enjoying the journey.
Natalie Cowden
Natalie Cowden, CHT is the founder of Wild West Herbals & Energetics and has spent years studying herbalism, Reiki, hypnotherapy, spiritual coaching, and holistic healing traditions.
Known for her warmth, curiosity, and practical teaching style, she helps students build confidence in their own intuition while providing a strong foundation in traditional Reiki.
Natalie's path to this work was deeply personal. After years of struggling with depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and substance abuse, she began exploring the healing practices that eventually transformed her own life.
What she discovered wasn't a single modality, but a process of reconnecting with herself and learning to trust her own inner wisdom.
Today, Natalie combines extensive training with a genuine love of teaching. Whether she's leading a Reiki workshop, talking about herbs, or helping someone connect the dots in their own healing journey, her goal is the same: to create a welcoming space where people leave feeling more confident, more connected, and equipped with tools they'll use long after the retreat ends.
Lindsay Eldridge
Lindsay Eldridge is the founder of Away Retreats, where she designs and leads small-group experiences that combine adventure, movement, meaningful conversation, and connection in extraordinary places around the world.
For more than 20 years, Lindsay's career has centered on creating meaningful experiences through travel and the outdoors. She has led adventure and educational programs across the U.S. and internationally, including guiding sea kayaking trips in the U.S. Virgin Islands, leading expeditions in Ecuador and the Galápagos, Thailand, Australia, and South Africa, teaching English in South Korea, and completing a 75-day National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) expedition in the Alaskan wilderness.
She also spent more than seven years with Broadreach, a leading study abroad organization, where she directed international programs and helped thousands of students experience the world through travel and education.
In addition to founding Away Retreats, Lindsay also built her own Pilates business and is a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor through Balanced Body. She believes movement is one of the best ways to clear the mind, build resilience, and create space for fresh perspective.
As an entrepreneur and mom of two, Lindsay understands the challenges of balancing ambitious goals with everyday life. She created Away Retreats to offer the kind of experiences she wanted for herself: thoughtfully designed adventures that inspire curiosity, encourage meaningful conversations, and create lasting connections.
Gallery
Reviews
FAQs
Is this group going to be woo-woo?
No. The AWAY guides are grounded, practical, likeable humans.
I'm not interested in Reiki. Is this retreat for me?
Absolutely. The Reiki offering is a true add-on experience and may not appeal to everyone.
The setting here is perfect for reading books, birding, hiking, journaling and all of the other activities that we've mentioned.
You do not miss out on anything if the add-on isn't for you.
I'd like to receive Reiki, but not take a course.
Great! Natalie has a few slots open during the retreat just for this. You may add these to your experience in 'add-ons' at check-out.
Where can I learn more about Natalie's approach to Reiki?
Please take a look at her website here.
What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are refundable for 7 days.
If cancellation occurs more than 120 days prior to the retreat start date, you will receive a 100% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel 90-120 days prior to retreat start date and receive a 50% refund, less the deposit.
Cancel 46-90 days prior to the retreat start date and receive a 25% refund, less the deposit.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations that occur 45 or fewer days before the retreat start date.
However, we CAN apply any amount paid toward a future AWAY retreat!
What is the payment policy?
A 25% deposit is required to reserve your spot on the retreat.
The remaining balance is due 120 days before the retreat start date.
Please reach out if you'd like to chat about a payment plan that might work better for you.
Is everything really optional?
Yes! This is your trip. Every scheduled activity is available to you, and you are in no way pressured to join any or all of them. There is freedom in doing what you would personally like to do, each day.
Can my dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes! There are options for vegetarians, pescatarians, omnivores and carnivores alike.
Gluten-free diets can be accommodated as well.
Are vaccinations recommended or required?
You may read about the current CDC recommendations and guidelines here.
Is there WIFI?
Yes. While it’s nice to unplug from the outside world, many of us have lives at home that require some communication.
We understand. There is WiFi at the main lodge.
May I see a list of available activities in the area?
If you'd like to schedule one of the many activities that are offered, we're here to help!
Check out the noncomprehensive list below:
- Massage/Spa Services
- Horseback Riding
- Ziplining
- Tubing Rio Celeste
- Chocolate Farm Tour
- Guided Birdwatching Tour
Why do you require travel insurance?
As experienced travelers who’ve learned to expect the unexpected, we require travel insurance.
Travel insurance helps protect your investment in the retreat and provides coverage for unexpected events such as illness, injury, family emergencies, travel delays, lost luggage, or trip interruptions.
Because retreat payments are subject to our cancellation policy, we require all guests to carry travel insurance so they have protection if plans change unexpectedly. It's best practice to purchase a policy shortly after booking (and we provide a recommended insurance provider in your confirmation email).
What is on the packing list?
You'll receive a packing list which will include things like:
✔ Swimsuit
✔ Simple layers
✔ Sun hat & sunglasses
✔ Walking shoes and hiking shoes/sandals
✔ Activewear for excursions
...and not much else!
Add Ons
Reiki Level I Certification
Spend 3.5 hours learning the foundations of Reiki Level 1 through guided instruction, hands-on practice, and self-healing techniques in a supportive, small-group setting. This gives you the knowledge and confidence to continue practicing on yourself and share Reiki with others. The session takes place on either a beautiful platform beside the river or the deck of the Away Instructor cabin.....
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FROM$222.00/pp
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Reiki Level I & II
Spend 7 hours across two afternoons combining foundational techniques with advanced training, guided practice, and distance healing. You'll leave with Reiki Level 1 and 2 certifications and the skills and confidence to incorporate Reiki into your own life or begin offering it to others. Most people that take Reiki Level I are curious to learn more through Reiki Level II. The session takes place on a beautiful platform beside the river or on a large deck of the Away guide cabin. Reiki Level II is required to operate as a practitioner....
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FROM$350.00/pp
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