Costa Rica | March 26-April 3, 2025
Surrender + Release
A Call from the Jungle
If the whisper of the leaves in the trees speaks the language of your heart,
And the crash of the waves syncs your mind and breath,
If the core of your essence - the natural cycles of our universe -
are asking you to rise to the occasion of your most free being,
We invite you to step into the jungle.
Are repeating patterns of self-sabotage getting in your way?
When you imagine your Self worth, does your mind get muddy?
Are you ready to step into the power of truly being your first priority?
The Wandering Soul Collective is honored to host space for an…
All-Inclusive, 8-day rejuvenating retreat at the edge of the jungle in Costa Rica
March 26-April 3, 2025.
On this serene yoga retreat, we embark on a transformative journey where body, mind, and spirit connect + harmonize with the natural world. Through mindful movement, tokens of silence, and facilitated breath work, we will begin to awaken dormant energies, aligning chakras and illuminating the inner light of the soul.
Guided by Mother Earth, we will explore our truest nature and how to surrender to our unique calling using the tools of yoga.
In loving awareness, we will gather to release our grasp on what does not align with our deepest potential.
Within this co-created sanctuary, the mind has potential to discover profound stillness, each breath a sacred connection to the cosmos. As we wander through nature's embrace, we ground ourselves, drawing wisdom and solace from the ancient land.
Our container will hold shared stories and reflections that weave a tapestry of unity and spiritual growth. This retreat then, becomes a holy space for awakening, balance, and alignment with the divine rhythms of life, leaving each soul eternally transformed.
Our sacred space to plant new seeds.
Selvática Eco Retreat Center | Guapinol, Costa Rica
Selvática Eco Retreat is strategically situated in the tiny rural village of Guapinol on the stunning rolling hills behind the famous pristine beach, Playa Bejuco. Guapinol is free of shopping malls and cinemas, with not even a corner store in sight, with the convenience of shopping and restaurants in the nearby coastal towns of Parrita and Esterillos. We chose this space as the mirror for our transformation into our True Nature because, in Spanish, selvática means “primal” or “like the jungle.” Selvática is the perfect retreat away from society where you can kick off your heels and pull on your hiking boots, trade your phone for binoculars, and ditch your jeans, make-up, and bra for good - welcome to the jungle!
Guapinol is where raw jungle meets picturesque cattle fields, all with magical views of the sea. A quick 20 minutes down the hill from town are Playas Bejuco and Esterillos Este which boast consistent beach breaks all year long, making this a hotspot for surfers at every level. These secluded beaches are ideal for never-ending beach walks and seashell observation or simply just relaxing with a good book under a coconut palm. Drive 45 minutes in one direction and you can find souvenir shopping in the bustling beach town of Jaco. To the south sits the most popular National Park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio. Nearby attractions include a myriad of spectacular waterfall tours, cacao farms, monkey mangrove tours, and opportunities for wildlife spotting all along the way.
Answer this call if you…
love or wish to travel.
are interested in discovering or amplifying a yoga practice.
are yearning to bridge the connection between your mind and body.
are feeling a need to expand into every crevice of your being + take up more space.
are thirsty for the practices to illuminate and transform trauma-based patterns into mind-body harmony.
are seeking community and tools to inspire meaningful conversations, impactful connection with nature, and a deeper knowing of the Self.
are ready to explore a practice with radical self- and community-acceptance by committing to non-violent communication.
are eager for Self-responsibility and awareness of your energy + how that energy impacts a space.
are a soul craving the initiation of connecting with Earth.
are a human desiring a sense of belonging.
*no prior experience is necessary*
What Is included:
Shuttle to and from the airport & Selvática
Yoga, meditation, and philosophical group discussions days 1-8
3 vegetarian meals daily + juice, coffee, tea, and fruit
Filtered drinking water
Wifi (although we recommend unplugging)
Ice bath access
Nature trail access
Swimming pool
Surf Lesson + Beach day
Mala Making
River + Canopy Bridge Hike Excursion
Surprises!
E-Book filled with inspiration and information
What’s Not Included
Airfare
Massage Packages
Additional Excursions
Add-On, Extended Offerings
Food outside of the Retreat Center
Additional lodging and travel fees after the retreat
Pricing
Each room is equipped with a high-powered ceiling fan (AC is available for a small fee), a private bathroom, and orthopedic/hypoallergenic mattresses.
To nurture a more profound sense of community and closeness, this retreat container is limited to 12 participants.
** Please note: this retreat is open to all humans. There are shared sleeping arrangements with private spaces to dress. If you are uncomfortable possibly sharing a co-ed room, this may not be the right retreat for you.
Single Bed in 5 person Luxury Dorm
1 available
$3,120/person
Single Bed in 3 Person Room
3 reservations available
$3,460/person
Full Bed in 5 Person Luxury Dorm
3 reservations available
$3,215/person
Single Bed in 2 Person Room
1reservation available
$3,700/ person
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot on this retreat followed by two subsequent, equal payments. Custom payment plans are available for those who need.
Early-bird pricing is available for all who register by November 1st, 2024.
Spaces are limited for this retreat and accommodations are filled on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to share a room with a friend, please inform us upon registration.
Scholarship Opportunities
We are committed to making our retreats as accessible as possible for everyone, but are especially proud to allocate funds for multiple scholarship offerings.
For individuals facing chronic illness or disease, I (Kait), like many of you, understand how daunting it can be to navigate life when each day brings uncertainty. It is our belief that these experiences can offer invaluable perspectives, enriching our collective journey.
We recognize the importance of diverse viewpoints and are committed to acknowledging the unique difficulties faced by people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. While we may not be an affinity space exclusively for these individuals, we are dedicated to fostering a safe(r) and inclusive environment where everyone can embrace their true selves, radiating their light into the universe.
To honor and support these communities, we are offering three scholarships of $200 each to help alleviate the expenses associated with our retreat. We hope this assistance will allow more individuals to embark on this transformative journey, fostering harmonious relationships that resonate throughout our world.
The Facilitators
Lindsay Chestnut & Kait Giancarlo
This retreat has been brewing for SIX years. We are so eager to finally extend this offering in all of its ripened glory.
Since we first made acquaintance, we have been helping one another on our spiritual journeys.
It is our deepest intention to be a guiding light for souls like us
who continue to weigh themselves down with fear and judgement,
so we may all have access to the freedom of
experiencing the intuitive wisdom within all beings.
Hi! I’m Lindsay…
I am a passionate student and humble teacher of the patterns of nature. Most of my time is occupied with studying, practicing and sharing ancient and modern practices of herbalism, permaculture, astrology, yoga, and other ideologies that focus on cultivating harmony and right relationship in the ways that the essence nature does so beautifully.
My love for plants and curiosity for ancient ways and natural systems have helped me find peace and hope in the same wild world that once made me feel crippling anxiety and pessimism. It’s my mission to tickle awake the intuitive wisdom within all beings so our innate abilities to create harmony can come alive and transform our deeply traumatized world into one that - not only is healing but - thrives in its abundant nature.
I stand firm in the knowing that all beings carry their own unique essence that is made up of all things. This knowing is central to my practice of radical acceptance. It is my intention to walk through the world in full acceptance of what is present in each moment and each being so all beings feel safe to be in raw authenticity.
Sun: Scorpio | Moon: Libra | Rising: Scorpio
A little more about me, Kait…
I’m a spiritual guide who merges the teachings of yoga and my career as a portrait photographer to ignite and capture the raw essence of cultivated unity. My mission is to inspire through reflective imagery and the harmony of breath and body, acting as a torch of integrity and a beacon of light. With a wandering soul, I seek to flow in harmony with my spirit, striving to know myself more fully each day.
As a practitioner of radical kindness, I aim to empower others to live from their heart space, with love at the forefront of my intentions. My journey has been deeply shaped by chronic health conditions, which have thrust me into even deeper realms of compassion, empathy, and love. These gifts of life navigated, have led me to pursue a trauma certification, guiding me to approach my teachings through a new and refined lens that prioritizes people first. I am constantly in awe of the wonders this universe has to offer, and strive to welcome it all (glorious + tumultuous) as an extension of my imprint on this world.
Sun: Libra | Moon: Capricorn | Rising: Sagittarius
Why Costa Rica in March/April?
Costa Rica surrendered their army in 1949 to reallocate the defense budget to education and healthcare. This fundamental shift has resonated throughout the land and social scenes, bringing an essence of peace, curiosity, and healing acceptance. Our space is nestled within the jungle in a non-touristy, rural destination, which invites us to connect more intimately with the natural land.
Costa Rica and, more locally speaking, Selvática, are role models for sustainable living.
Whenever possible, food offered at Selvática is locally and organically grown, as well as prepared with Ayurvedic intentions by a Registered Dietitian, to instigate well-being and nutritious delicacy, from the inside out. In fact— they even have a fruit + herb garden right onsite!
These months are within the dry season, so while we shouldn’t encounter much rain, ocean temperatures range from 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and insect populations are lower than other times of year.
Visiting CR is an opportunity for you to experience another way of life; connected to nature, living in harmony with Mother Earth and all living Beings. We want to share this way of living with you and want to provide you with as many comforts as possible to make your stay incredible. That being said, you may find yourself outside of your comfort zone at times and while we believe this is a wonderful opportunity for growth and new understanding, it may not suit everyone. With an open mind and compassionate mindset, we are sure that you will adore the space + retreat that has been and will continue to be, infused with so much love.
Flights
Arrival
Schedule your flight to arrive by 10am on March 26, in San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO). This allows you enough time to collect your belongings and get through customs.
If you need some down time between flying to Costa Rica and traveling to Selvática, we recommend coming as early as you’d like and booking a room at a hostel or hotel near the airport and taking an Uber/Taxi back to the San Jose airport on March 26.
A private shuttle will take us from the airport to the retreat location. This shuttle leaves at 12:00pm.
Departure
You are welcome to take the private shuttle with the group back to San Jose airport on April 3.
To leave time for traffic, schedule your flight for anytime after 3pm on April 3.
You are responsible for your accommodations if you need a place to rest your head before your flight back home, or you’d like to extend your stay in Costa Rica after the trip!
Travel Requirements
Passport and proof of departure from Costa Rica are required to enter the country.
Acquire your passport as soon as possible. Pictures or printed copies of your passport and flight info are helpful when technology fails.
If you are traveling from a country other than the US or Canada, a visa may be required for entry.
For the most up-to-date information on the country’s vaccination requirements, visit the site at this link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will we be near a store/ATM?
Please note that the nearest restaurant is 2km from Selvática and the nearest stores and ATM are in Esterillos or Parrita, both 20-minute drives from the retreat center.
I have a dietary restriction/allergy/intolerance/preference - can Selvática accommodate me?
Yes! We are happy to accommodate all of the above to the best of our ability. Please give plenty of notice (>1 month) to your retreat leader and specify whether it is a true allergy or if it is just a preference. We can accommodate lactose/dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan diets. We do not accommodate Raw Diets. We strive to accommodate our guests, however due to our location, there are not always delicious substitutions (ie. limited gluten free pastas, no vegan cheeses, etc). However, we will do our best! With more notice, we can search for more ingredients. Please note that when a diet restriction is ordered, you must abide to that restriction because we have shopped and prepared food based on your restriction. For example, if you request a dairy-free meal plan and ice cream is served one day, you cannot decide that you want ice cream.
Is there WiFi at the retreat center?
Yes, there is Wifi throughout the property. It is reliable; however we are in the jungles of CR so in true “Pura Vida” lifestyle, it can go out from time to time. In these limited circumstances, we encourage you to disconnect from your screens and reconnect to nature and the present moment.
Is there clean drinking water available?
Yes! There is a double-carbon, UV water filtration system on the property that feeds filtered water to all of the rooms, the dome, and the kitchen. As an Eco Retreat, they do not sell or encourage the use of plastic water bottles. Please bring your refillable water bottle and stay hydrated!
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended for your stay at Selvática Eco Retreat. We recommend Trawick International for affordable and comprehensive travel insurance quotes. You will be required to sign a standard liability waiver upon arrival at Selvática Eco Retreat, as well as on many tours.
Is CR safe to travel to?
CR is a country famous for eco-tourism and there is no shortage of tourists. That being said, please be mindful of bringing valuable items, especially those that hold emotional value to you. *Selvática is not responsible for any lost or stolen items during your stay or on affiliated tours. Upon writing this document in March 2024, the US embassy declares CR as a Level 2 travel advisory-tourists should take extra precautions when traveling. As with traveling anywhere in the world (including the US) it is recommended to be mindful of your surroundings, lock your doors at night and when not in your room, do not flaunt your wealth, etc.
We recommend adding trip protection to your travel insurance in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
What is the local currency in CR?
CR uses the CR colones (CRC). As of March 2024, the exchange rate is 500 CRC = $1. US Dollars are widely accepted though the exchange rate may vary per tour operator/restaurant and is often in favor of the seller.
Are there bugs at Selvática?
Yes! We will be located in the jungle where they do not use chemical pesticides or sprays on the property. Expect to see critters, bugs, and many different animals of all kinds during your stay. Most of the building is open air with butterflies, birds, frogs, and bugs freely moving in and out. The rooms are closed and screened so these friends are few and far between. The owners are happy to help you remove any critter friends from your room should they make their way in, and we encourage you to think twice before killing Mother Nature’s friends. We recommend packing an eco-friendly bug spray for mosquitos at night.
Gratitude to you, friend, for taking the time to explore this new and exciting offering. We hope to share space with you in Costa Rica!
Want to be sure this retreat is the best option for you?
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”