Finding Renewal in a Hillside Sanctuary: My Stay at The Retreat Costa Rica

There was a time when I knew what true well-being felt like. I moved with intention, nourished my body in ways that fueled me, and made space to pause. But somewhere along the way—between the back-to-back meetings, the constant need to perform, and the belief that slowing down meant falling behind—I lost touch with it.

By the time I took my sabbatical, I wasn’t just tired. I was depleted. I needed more than just time off—I needed a space where I could slow down long enough to see what my mind and body had been trying to tell me.

That’s how I found myself at The Retreat Costa Rica—a wellness sanctuary perched on a remote hillside, surrounded by nature. It wasn’t about exploring dense forests or trekking through vast landscapes; instead, it was about being immersed in an environment designed for stillness, clarity, and renewal.

Why Being Surrounded by Nature Supports Renewal

Burnout doesn’t just live in the mind—it’s stored in the body. Many of us don’t realize how much stress we’re carrying until we step away from the noise. Research confirms what we often forget: being in nature—even without actively exploring it—has profound effects on our well-being.

✔ Lowers Cortisol Levels – Even 20 minutes in a natural setting can reduce stress hormones (Frontiers in Psychology).
✔ Boosts Immune Function – Fresh air and natural surroundings enhance immune response and reduce inflammation (Environmental Health & Preventative Medicine).
✔ Restores Mental Clarity – Simply gazing at greenery can improve focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills (Journal of Environmental Psychology).

I was surrounded by rolling green hills, expansive sky, and a quiet stillness that I didn’t realize I had been craving. That sense of space—of being removed from the rush of daily life—was exactly what I needed.

The Retreat Costa Rica: A Space to Reset

Nestled on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Retreat Costa Rica isn’t about adventure—it’s about calm. Every element of the experience was intentionally designed to promote relaxation, from the anti-inflammatory meals to the daily healing rituals and movement practices.

Here’s what made my time there truly transformative:

1. Nourishment That Fuels Renewal

I’ve always known that food is more than just fuel—it’s a source of energy, vitality, and well-being. But knowing something and living it are two different things.

Over time, the demands of my career overshadowed that knowing. Rushed mornings led to skipped breakfasts, lunch became whatever I could eat between meetings, and dinner? Usually a quick air-fried meal in front of my laptop. Eating was functional—something to get through, not something to experience.

At The Retreat, I reconnected with what I had let slip away. Every meal was organic, locally sourced, and crafted with healing in mind. Instead of leaving me sluggish, food became a source of renewal. I slowed down. I savored. I remembered what it felt like to truly nourish myself—not just eat to keep going, but to eat in a way that restored me.

2. The Power of Simple Daily Rituals

There was a time when mindfulness was woven into my daily life—when I paused to breathe, moved with intention, and created space for stillness. But as my career accelerated, those practices faded, replaced by early meetings, never-ending to-do lists, and the belief that productivity mattered more than presence.

One of the biggest gifts of my time at The Retreat was remembering how small, intentional rituals can shift everything. Every morning began with movement, meditation, and intention setting—nothing elaborate, just simple moments of presence.

✔ Morning yoga with ocean views helped me feel grounded and reconnected to my body.
✔ Sound healing sessions encouraged deep relaxation and emotional release.
✔ Guided meditation & breathwork quieted the mental noise I had learned to live with.

These weren’t things I had to add to my day. They were things that helped me experience my day differently. I left with a renewed understanding that true restoration isn’t about one big reset—it’s about the small, consistent habits that help us feel whole.

3. Unplugging & Learning to Be Present

I used to believe that slowing down meant I wasn’t doing enough. That stillness was indulgent. That if I stopped moving, everything would fall apart. But the truth is, I had been moving so fast for so long that I didn’t realize how exhausted I had become.

At The Retreat, I was given something I didn’t even know I needed—silence. No back-to-back meetings, no notifications, no endless to-do lists. Just space. At first, the stillness felt unfamiliar, even uncomfortable. But once I allowed myself to settle into it, I realized:

💡 Stillness isn’t unproductive—it’s clarifying.

I journaled without rushing. I walked the simple hiking path without distraction. I let myself breathe—deeply, fully, intentionally. And in that space, I started to remember who I was before I became someone who measured my worth by how much I got done.

What This Experience Taught Me About Renewal

Stepping away from my daily routine and immersing myself in a sanctuary surrounded by nature gave me clarity I had been chasing for years. I realized that renewal isn’t something we achieve—it’s something we create space for.

Key takeaways from my stay at The Retreat Costa Rica:
✨ Renewal starts with slowing down. You can’t heal what you don’t acknowledge.
✨ Being in nature matters—even if you’re not exploring it. The environment we immerse ourselves in affects our well-being.
✨ Small rituals create lasting change. You don’t need an elaborate routine—just consistency.
✨ You don’t have to wait for burnout. The best time to prioritize well-being is now.

This retreat was a pivotal moment in my sabbatical, but you don’t need to fly to Costa Rica to experience renewal. You can bring elements of intentional rest into your daily life—starting today.

Final Reflection

If you’re feeling depleted, like you’re running on autopilot, or like you’ve lost connection with yourself, taking time away in a peaceful environment—whether it’s a weeklong retreat or a simple weekend unplug—can shift everything.

The Retreat Costa Rica reminded me of the power of rest, reflection, and renewal—the core of what inspired me to create Solaris Global Pathways.

✨ If you’re considering a retreat of your own, The Retreat Costa Rica is a truly special place. But wherever you go, remember: the most important journey is the one back to yourself.