What Now?
Reclaiming the Abandoned Self
with Kerri Howland and Elaine Vani White
February 29 - March 7, 2020
RETREAT FULLY SUBSCRIBED
As women, we can be called upon to play many roles. We can often feel pulled further and further out of ourselves until, we fell we have lost touch with our core identity, the essence of who we truly are and our innate purpose.
Are you ready to reclaim the part of yourself that has been forgotten?
Spend a transformational week with us at the breathtaking Blue Spirit Retreat Center, in NW Costa Rica. Gentle daily yoga, breath work, inspirational teachings and meditation will set the foundation for stimulating group discussions, profound self-inquiry and introspective journaling. These ancient practices help to create an inner stillness and clarity that will illuminate that authentic and timeless part of ourselves that we may have thought was lost.
Are you ready to reclaim the part of yourself that has been forgotten?
Spend a transformational week with us at the breathtaking Blue Spirit Retreat Center, in NW Costa Rica. Gentle daily yoga, breath work, inspirational teachings and meditation will set the foundation for stimulating group discussions, profound self-inquiry and introspective journaling. These ancient practices help to create an inner stillness and clarity that will illuminate that authentic and timeless part of ourselves that we may have thought was lost.
Discover
What makes you come alive
What brings you joy
What is most important to you now
What makes you come alive
What brings you joy
What is most important to you now
Our schedule will allow time for relaxation, naps, excursions, and the many wonderful body work and longevity treatments available on site. There will also be opportunities to share experiences and to form deep, lasting bonds .
About Us

Kerri has been a seeker and student of life for as long as she can remember. Her curiosity and zest for living an extraordinary life took her on a journey living and working around the world for most of her 20's. Over the last 25 years, Kerri has continued her studies with inspirational teachers while working full time and mothering two incredible children. The philosophy and tools she has learned along the way have been a vital compass for navigating her way through life's challenges. Her career has been built on helping others find a way back to health, vitality and peace of mind.
Most recently, Kerri has worked alongside her husband in the corporate sector, as wellness co-ordinator, personal trainer and yoga teacher. She also offers yoga classes in the community and volunteers with the Alzheimers and Dementia and Peace within Prison Yoga groups. Her style is a slow, alignment-based flow that draws from a variety of styles and therapeutic methods, creating a nourishing practice that focuses on the integration of mind, body and spirit. When these are aligned, our minds clear, our bodies come alive and our spirits soar.
Most recently, Kerri has worked alongside her husband in the corporate sector, as wellness co-ordinator, personal trainer and yoga teacher. She also offers yoga classes in the community and volunteers with the Alzheimers and Dementia and Peace within Prison Yoga groups. Her style is a slow, alignment-based flow that draws from a variety of styles and therapeutic methods, creating a nourishing practice that focuses on the integration of mind, body and spirit. When these are aligned, our minds clear, our bodies come alive and our spirits soar.

Elaine began to look for something more from life when her work in the high-stress world of advertising led to burn out. In the early 1990’s she discovered Yoga and changed her life. She and her husband left London, traveled across America, bought a sailboat and explored the eastern Atlantic and Caribbean islands.
Whilst traveling, Elaine’s passion for Yoga grew and in 1999 she trained as a Yoga teacher at Satchidananda Ashram, Virginia. She has since completed and staffed several Integral Yoga trainings in USA, India and Bermuda, while also furthering her skills in Costa Rica and New Zealand.
Over the past 19 years Elaine has shared the teachings of Yoga with a wide cross section of the Bermuda community. She easefully blends classical yoga with contemporary styles to leave her students feeling relaxed, inspired and vibrant.
Elaine has also developed a great interest in Functional Medicine over the past five years and was recently certified as a FM Health Counselor.
Whilst traveling, Elaine’s passion for Yoga grew and in 1999 she trained as a Yoga teacher at Satchidananda Ashram, Virginia. She has since completed and staffed several Integral Yoga trainings in USA, India and Bermuda, while also furthering her skills in Costa Rica and New Zealand.
Over the past 19 years Elaine has shared the teachings of Yoga with a wide cross section of the Bermuda community. She easefully blends classical yoga with contemporary styles to leave her students feeling relaxed, inspired and vibrant.
Elaine has also developed a great interest in Functional Medicine over the past five years and was recently certified as a FM Health Counselor.
This magnificent retreat center is perched on a hilltop that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and has access to a three-mile long white sand beach that is protected as a turtle refuge. Blue Spirit offers an extraordinarily beautiful and natural setting. Voted "Best Yoga Escape" by Yoga Journal 2017.
The retreat is located in one of the worlds' five Blue Zones, hence the name. A Blue Zone is an area where people live the longest and report the highest levels of well-being. While visiting Blue Spirit, you will feel the resonance of a vibrant, inspiring and healing energy, because of the rich subtropical environment and the relaxed cultural lifestyle.
The retreat is located in one of the worlds' five Blue Zones, hence the name. A Blue Zone is an area where people live the longest and report the highest levels of well-being. While visiting Blue Spirit, you will feel the resonance of a vibrant, inspiring and healing energy, because of the rich subtropical environment and the relaxed cultural lifestyle.
Getting there
Two International Airports in Costa Rica - Liberia International (LIR) and San Jose International (SJO)
We recommend you fly into Liberia International Airport. Shuttle from the Airport to Blue Spirit is $60 each way and will take approx 2 hours. An alternative is to take a 40 min short domestic flight from San Jose to Nosara Airport. There is a shuttle that will take you to Blue Spirit for $20 to the driver and will take you approx 20 mins. Book your shuttle here.
We recommend you fly into Liberia International Airport. Shuttle from the Airport to Blue Spirit is $60 each way and will take approx 2 hours. An alternative is to take a 40 min short domestic flight from San Jose to Nosara Airport. There is a shuttle that will take you to Blue Spirit for $20 to the driver and will take you approx 20 mins. Book your shuttle here.
Accommodation
Retreat Fee includes:
7 nights’ comfortable and elegant accommodation
3 gourmet organic meals per day
A full and varied selection of Yoga, Movement and Meditation Classes
Inspirational teachings for exploration, discussion and reflection
Retreat Fee does NOT include:
Travel to Costa Rica (nearest airport is Liberia LIR)
Transportation to Blue Spirit (approx. USD$60 each way – 2 hour journey)
Staff Gratuity (USD$70 added to your bill)
Spa and Longevity Treatments - may be booked on arrival at front desk
Additional Food and Beverages from the Café
Excursions - must be booked at the front desk
*Due to the intimate nature of our retreat, we have limited numbers of rooms in each category. If you would like to secure a room, particularly a private room, we suggest early booking. (Please see booking form below)
If you would like to share a room, we are happy to assist
Double Occupancy Rates are per person based on two adults sharing
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - Take $200 off rates below for all bookings (paid in full) by October 31, 2019
7 nights’ comfortable and elegant accommodation
3 gourmet organic meals per day
A full and varied selection of Yoga, Movement and Meditation Classes
Inspirational teachings for exploration, discussion and reflection
Retreat Fee does NOT include:
Travel to Costa Rica (nearest airport is Liberia LIR)
Transportation to Blue Spirit (approx. USD$60 each way – 2 hour journey)
Staff Gratuity (USD$70 added to your bill)
Spa and Longevity Treatments - may be booked on arrival at front desk
Additional Food and Beverages from the Café
Excursions - must be booked at the front desk
*Due to the intimate nature of our retreat, we have limited numbers of rooms in each category. If you would like to secure a room, particularly a private room, we suggest early booking. (Please see booking form below)
If you would like to share a room, we are happy to assist
Double Occupancy Rates are per person based on two adults sharing
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - Take $200 off rates below for all bookings (paid in full) by October 31, 2019
If you have mobility issues, consider choosing a room in the main building. Many room options are built on a hill and will have a long flight of steps to reach the main building, yoga studio, pool and beach. There is an elevator in the main building.
Rooms in the Main Building
Mountain View Room - (with A/C ): SORRY, SOLD OUT This double room has a step-out balcony and large windows with an extraordinary mountain view. The room is tastefully furnished and provides the perfect space for two people. It has a king-sized bed or two twins with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Single occupancy $3,450.00 Double occupancy $2,500 pp SOLD OUT
Hermitage Room (with A/C): SORRY, SOLD OUTThese rooms are specifically designed for singles and provide privacy and elegance, while being cozy and inexpensive. Many of these rooms have partial views of the ocean and others of the mountains nearby, a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and a natural ventilation system. There are also a few Hermitage Rooms available with twin beds for two people.
Single occupancy $ 2,450.00 SOLD OUT Double Occupancy SOLD OUT $ 2,155.00pp
Single occupancy $ 2,450.00 SOLD OUT Double Occupancy SOLD OUT $ 2,155.00pp
Rooms down the hill from the Main Building
Accessed by stairs and pathway that wind through the beautiful grounds
Nature Suites (with A/C): SORRY, SOLD OUT!Nature Suites are very cozy and located on a hillside overlooking the lush vegetation. They are simple and natural wood frame structures and have private bathrooms with an outdoor shower overlooking the jungle. Each Suite can sleep two people and includes a separate enclosed porch with a desk. All Suites have solar hot water as well as air conditioning. The Suites are a short walk up the hill to the main building. Single Occupancy $3,090.00 Double Occupancy $2,395.00pp
Pacifico Cottages (with A/C): SORRY, SOLD OUT The Pacifico Cottages are tucked away amidst the lush tropical gardens and close enough to the sandy Pacific Beach so that the sound of the Ocean will rock you into sleep. These beautiful and rustic new rooms feature a private porch with a hammock, one queen-size bed, an outdoor shower, air conditioning, and a safe big enough to fit a 17" laptop. From the main building the Cottages are a short walk down the hill towards the beach. Single occupancy $3,390.00 Double occupancy $ 2,400.00 SOLD OUT
Eco-Cottages: SORRY, SOLD OUT-The cottages are beautifully situated in lush vegetation, allowing for a sensual being-in-touch experience with nature. They are simple and natural wood frame structures with screening for natural ventilation. Each cottage sleeps two people and has a private bathroom with ambient temperature water shower, or you can use our shared bath house with hot water showers. Everything runs on solar powered electricity to provide a comfortable and ecological setting. The Eco-Cottages are situated below the main building and involve a short hike up a stone stairway to get to the main building.
Double occupancy $2,250.00 pp SOLD OUT
Double occupancy $2,250.00 pp SOLD OUT
Platform Tent: ( SORRY SOLD OUT) Glamping in Costa Rica! Each platform tent has a queen-sized regular mattress and is placed on a platform under a wooden roof for protection against the sun and rain. The tents are surrounded by nature and close to a shared bath house. All linen, pillows, and towels are provided to guests. Guests in the tents can bring valuables to be stored in the safety box at reception at no charge. Single Occupancy $1,875 .00 (SOLD OUT)
Typical Daily Schedule (may be subject to minor changes)
06:30 - 07:30 Meditative Sunrise walk on the beach
08:00 - 09:00 BREAKFAST
09:30 - 12:30 Inspirational teachings, discussion, yoga practice
12:30 – 13:30 LUNCH
13:30 - 15.30 Free time (nap/swim/stop and stare/monkey gazing/surfing etc)
15.30 - 16.30 Sharing, journaling
16:30 – 17:30 Afternoon movement + deep relaxation
17:30 – 18:30 Evening sunset / swim
18:30 – 20:00 DINNER
20:00 Evening programs: beach bonfire gatherings, movie night etc
*Wednesday afternoon ~ you are free to nap, surf, explore, visit the longevity center or spa!
06:30 - 07:30 Meditative Sunrise walk on the beach
08:00 - 09:00 BREAKFAST
09:30 - 12:30 Inspirational teachings, discussion, yoga practice
12:30 – 13:30 LUNCH
13:30 - 15.30 Free time (nap/swim/stop and stare/monkey gazing/surfing etc)
15.30 - 16.30 Sharing, journaling
16:30 – 17:30 Afternoon movement + deep relaxation
17:30 – 18:30 Evening sunset / swim
18:30 – 20:00 DINNER
20:00 Evening programs: beach bonfire gatherings, movie night etc
*Wednesday afternoon ~ you are free to nap, surf, explore, visit the longevity center or spa!
Payment Terms and Conditions
A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due at the time of registration. You are welcome to pay in full upon registration to guarantee your preferred room.
To secure the Early Bird rate, payment is due in full by October 15th, 2019.
General Registration – goes into effect on and after October 16th 2019.
Payment in full is due no later than December 15th, 2019. Rooms not paid in full by December 16th will be released and your deposit forfeited.
If you are registering for double occupancy: Please let us know the name and billing email for your roommate in the “Additional information" field below. Let us know if you would like help finding a roommate.
Please do not make any travel arrangements before receiving confirmation of registration.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel before November 30th 2019, you will receive a refund of your payment, less the $500 deposit.
If you cancel after on or after December 15th, you will forfeit all money rendered, unless your room can be resold.
Travel Insurance
Given our Cancellation & Refund Policy, please protect your investment by purchasing travel insurance immediately after you register. Some insurance policies offer, possibly at a small additional cost, a “Cancel for Any Reason” benefit if you purchase insurance within 24-72 hours of making your initial deposit. (You might like to try insuremytrip.com ). Such a travel insurance policy will cover 75-100% of your non-refundable expenses (i.e., airline tickets etc.) in case you do need to cancel. Be sure to read the terms of the policy carefully to ensure that the coverage suits your circumstances.
To secure the Early Bird rate, payment is due in full by October 15th, 2019.
General Registration – goes into effect on and after October 16th 2019.
Payment in full is due no later than December 15th, 2019. Rooms not paid in full by December 16th will be released and your deposit forfeited.
If you are registering for double occupancy: Please let us know the name and billing email for your roommate in the “Additional information" field below. Let us know if you would like help finding a roommate.
Please do not make any travel arrangements before receiving confirmation of registration.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel before November 30th 2019, you will receive a refund of your payment, less the $500 deposit.
If you cancel after on or after December 15th, you will forfeit all money rendered, unless your room can be resold.
Travel Insurance
Given our Cancellation & Refund Policy, please protect your investment by purchasing travel insurance immediately after you register. Some insurance policies offer, possibly at a small additional cost, a “Cancel for Any Reason” benefit if you purchase insurance within 24-72 hours of making your initial deposit. (You might like to try insuremytrip.com ). Such a travel insurance policy will cover 75-100% of your non-refundable expenses (i.e., airline tickets etc.) in case you do need to cancel. Be sure to read the terms of the policy carefully to ensure that the coverage suits your circumstances.