IMILOA PRESENTS
A 5 day deep immersion healing retreat to nourish, replenish, awaken, inspire and activate vitality, creativity and connection to self, the Earth & Spirit.
April 28 – MAY 3, 2024
About The Retreat
Both a spiritually transformative healing retreat and a hands on workshop in tropical plant medicine and traditional folk healing, participants will be guided on a journey through the chakras through plant meditation, herbal medicine making, ceremony, rituals of earth magick, while deepening relationship with the spirits of wild nature in a safe and sacred circle.
Join herbalist, teacher, healer and author Marysia Miernowska for a 5 day immersion in the healing lands and waters of the tropics in Costa Rica. In a safe and sacred container, participants will be guided into deeply restorative, magical and enlivening experiencing connecting them deeply with themselves, the Earth and the spirits of the tropical lands and healing plants.
This, nourishing, healing and vitality enhancing journey welcomes participants into the practice of “relaxing and receiving”, to drop into the consciousness of the Earth and renew our energy, health, sense of purpose, and connection to our hearts and the Spirits of the Earth.
Through daily plant ceremonies, plant spirit meditations, nourishing food medicine, yoga & embodied movement, hands on traditional folk healing, medicine making, nature immersion, waterfall swims, cacao ceremony and play, reflection time and restorative rest, we will weave ourselves into the regenerative, healing and transformative energies of the Sacred Wild.
What You Will Learn
-
Learn the language of the plants & the art of Plant Spirit Communication.
-
Learn about tropical healing herbs & make herbal medicine to take home
-
Rejuvenate your body, heart and soul with ritual, ceremony, relaxation, ceremony, play and deep communion.
-
Embody the regenerative practices found in permaculture, and in untamed, wild Nature.
-
Which herbs to continue drinking at home for your optimal health & well being.
What You Will Gain
Physical, mental, creative and spiritual rejuvenation
Knowledge about folk herbalism & plant medicine
Chakra balancing from healing herbs and rituals
Deeper connection to self, the Earth & Spirit
Your Host
Marysia Miernowska
Marysia Miernowska is an herbalist, teacher, author, Earth activist, gardener, and green witch rooted in the Wise Woman Tradition of Healing. She teaches herbal medicine, regenerative farming practices, Earth magick and holistic healing and is the director of The School of The Sacred Wild. A multilingual and multicultural devotee of Mother Earth, Marysia has grown up internationally and traveled extensively, learning different ways of tending to the Earth and sharing regenerative, grass roots Earth medicine. She draws on her background as a community organizer and activist; she keeps her feet rooted by designing and tending to medicinal and sacred gardens using permaculture and biodynamic practices. Marysia makes herbal medicine, runs a yearly apprenticeship program, consults, formulates for natural healing companies, curates educational events, writes, speaks and teaches internationally. Her work and devotional practices are centered around the mission of supporting a deepening of the love and regenerative relationship between Earth and People, for the mutual healing of both human and plant communities. She has authored the book, “The Witch’s Herbal Apothecary: Rituals & Recipes for a Year of Earth Magick and Sacred Medicine Making”.
You can follow Marysia on instagram @Marysia_Miernowska @sacredrituel and learn more about her 10 month long Apprenticeship by visiting The School of the Sacred Wild website: www.schoolofthesacredwild.com
Testimonials
The retreat with Marysia at Imiloa was life-changing. Marysia created a safe container where we got to connect with others and ourselves in a deep and beautiful way. Each day we worked with a different element, water earth fire and air – incorporating movement and breath. She introduced us to the tropical plants and shared ways that we can help to protect the land and rainforests. The pace of the retreat was so lovingly crafted to allow for deep learning as well as rest and integration of the lessons and healing we received. I am so grateful for the experience Marysia created for us – the memories and connections will stay with me forever.
I came to Marysia’s retreat on impulse, to fulfill a decades long dream of meeting tropical plants. As a student of the SOSW, I knew it would be an amazing experience. What I received, though, was life changing. Marysia’s ability to gracefully and lovingly hold space while also inviting deep, embodied, magical medicine into our open hearts is something I will forever be grateful for. Such a safe space for all of us to be held, witnessed, loved in our transformation. The connections woven among us will last a lifetime, I have no doubt. I have found my tribe at last. This has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life!
This course has helped me ground myself in a nourishing spiritual practice. It’s opened up new channels of knowing, sensing, and communication. Marysia has a piercingly strong connection to the plant realm and an incredible ability to hold space for others to journey with her. Under her guidance we learned invaluable life tools and wisdoms that are ready to be reclaimed. I’m incredibly honored to have these teachings passed on to me.
I think what differentiates this program from any other herbalist school is the sacred practices, rituals and co-creating with the elements, the land & Mother Nature. Marysia has such a vibrant, powerful way of speaking in linear & non linear terms, meaning she is rooted in the science of the plants & their medicinal properties but at the same time she can feel the land speak and listens. Her wisdom & her love for the plants is inspiring & powerful to witness. She holds impeccable space for the group, & her commitment to this work is so inspiring.
Marysia is far and wide one of the most passionate Teachers with whom I have had the privilege of studying. If you approach her with an open heart, she will help you to learn far more than just the constituents and properties of herbs. She will help you to remember the community of Plant Spirits and the loving connection with all of Gaia that is our birthright as creatures of this planet.
Working with Marysia over the years has been truly transformative, so saying, “YES!” to journey to Costa Rica for a retreat with her and my fellow apprentices was a no-brainer. So many of us long to experience more magic in our everyday lives and having the opportunity to create the magic we seek together, in sacred community with rest, play, rejuvenation, connection, movement, meditation, and of course learning directly from the native plants of the jungle is absolutely transformative. To me, there is not doubt about the value of this experience. It has been the greatest, life-impacting gift I could've given myself. Saying yes to this retreat has not only benefited me, it continues to benefit everything I do and all I come into contact with.
The space Marysia holds is impeccable. The magic is so palpable and the group she created was full of heart, deep love of the earth and each other. It was such a deeply healing experience for me – a true rebirth after a very difficult year. The plants showed up in such a big way and we showed up for each other. I reconnected with my body, the spark of my essence, and my gift I had been avoiding. I was truly seen and I am so so grateful. I fell in love with the land and with the people in the group. My heart is expanded, refreshed and pulsing with life.
My soul is still glowing from our time together at Imiloa. Thank you, thank you, thank you:)! I would highly recommend a retreat with Marysia for anyone who is ready to open themselves up and go deeper in experiencing an amazing connection to nature and to their inner self. Marysia weaves a magical web so that everyone feels included, supported, connected and loved. It was the trip of a lifetime for me to go to the rainforest in Costa Rica and is now one of my favorite memories to share with others. When sharing my experiences from the retreat and from the connections with the other wonderful people who also learn from her, I am reminded how grateful I am to her for holding such a safe space for all of us. The rainforest location she chose was perfect. The experiences were mystical, tangible & undeniable. They helped to create a lasting memory that continues to feed my soul. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend gifting yourself some time away from the normal day-to-day and stepping into the Beautiful Sacred Wild with her as your caring and compassionate guide.
This course is everything and MORE. Not only do you learn the properties of plants, but you attune yourself to truly commune with them and all living things. This course guides you to connect to your innate intuition. It slows you down. It acts as intense therapy. It reintroduces you to Earth. Essentially, it brings you back home. This is a highly transformative experience mentally, physically, and emotionally and should be a requirement for all human beings. Our world would be a much nicer place.
Ticket Pricing
QUADS
$2,900
Quad occupancy in a Geodesic Dome with views of the jungle
TRIPLES
$3,100
Triple occupancy in a Geodesic Dome with views of the jungle
DOUBLES
$3,300
Double occupancy in a Jungle Bungalow with views of the jungle
SINGLES
$3,750
Single occupancy in your own private Bali style suite with beautiful jungle views
VIP SINGLES
$4,200
Single occupancy in your own private, 200-Year-Old Balinese villa with a private deck and stunning views of the jungle and ocean
Included
A completely private campus; available to your retreat group only. Access to a private waterfall, nature paths, incredible flora and fauna, and an ocean view infinity pool. Also included is a dedicated team of 20+ local professionals to coordinate everything for your enjoyment, from touch down to take off.
Private transportation from the International airport to our campus; a private driver and transportation to our campus in Imiloa Mountain.
What’s Not Included
Flights to SJO, Spa Services
THE VENUE
You will be immersed in a 22-acre jungle oasis in Dominical, Costa Rica.
This enchanted mountainside jungle venue is ten minutes from the beach and it is the perfect setting to experience deep healing, embraced by nature, yet completely luxurious.
While staying at Imiloa you will enjoy our nature paths, our private waterfall, our salt-water pool, stunning views and delicious and nutritious meals by our five-star vegan chef.
Accommodations
Included in each accommodation is the comfiest mattresses, 850 thread count sheets, storage space and dry rooms as needed, fiber optic internet, daily cleaning service, private en-suite bath, indoor/outdoor design for every accommodation with a focus on nature and being your private refuge, and full service, thrice-filtered private well for drinking water throughout the property.
BALI VILLAGE
Bali Village is perched 1200 feet about the Pacific Ocean, on a ridge line of flora, fauna and wildlife every direction you look. These 5 accommodations are 160-200 year old homes imported from Bali. Each with their own en suite bathrooms, the homes bring you back and create a self space for rejuvenation and transformation.
BALI MASTER SUITE
200 Year Old Homes from Bali. Imported from the Java Islands, these homes boast outdoor showers, full kitchen access, surreal vista views to the Pacific, their own salt water plunge pools and hand-carved art that is as old as the houses.
JOGLO HOUSE
Perched on the edge of the cliff, at the furthest end of the property, sits a 170 year old home from the Java Islands we call Joglo. Complete with a writer’s desk, outdoor Balinese shower, hand-carved architecture that will transport you to another land and time, Joglo is teeming with history and comfort. Your cold plunge pool is adjacent to a warm bath, both outdoor. Full kitchen, too.
POTOO HOUSE
This two-floor imported home from Bali will have you wishing you’d never leave. Complete with a King Bed and a twin in the corner of the 180 year old home, Potoo has modern luxury with 360 views of the Pacific. On the lower level, a plunge pool and private spa. Potoo also includes many outdoor chairs, hammocks and a full kitchen, too.
BUNGALOW HILL
Six Jungle Bungalows built on the side of the mountain on the pathway to our very own private waterfall. Bali inspired, the interiors feature natural finishings and a gorgeous exposed shower and bath tub.
DOMELAND
Six Buckminster Fuller inspired Geodesic River Domes, among the best made in the world and partially powered by solar energy, sit perched on the edge of our private river with the fresh, flowing water feeding up to the domes. Experience the soothing sounds of relaxing and sleeping next to flowing water. Amazing!
THE HOUSE OF MASTERS
The House of Masters, located in the center of the property, is a 2,000 square foot Balinese structure hanging 100 feet in the Jungle canopy. Adjacent are restrooms and a yoga storage room for mats, blocks and more. The space can be converted for any type of retreat, workshop or dance party.
THE HEART OF IMILOA
A sprawling 3,000 square foot space that is the “Heart of Imiloa,” our social space features loungy, multicultural inspired furnishings, couches, and 5 imported tables from Bali, all under a Polynesian style roof.
THE PATHS
Jungle paths connect the 20+ acres at Imiloa, with hand-made stairs and lighting, creating an immersive, easy experience for you and guests.
THE WATERFALL
Beyond the Jungle Bungalows is a path that leads to our own private waterfall. Descend into what feels like an enchanted jungle forest as you bask in the magic and beauty of the surrounding nature.
Food
Spa
Imiloa’s world-class spa is a curated, sensual and deeply moving experience. Choose from Ayurvedic massages and practices, to a shamanic masseuse from our team members who are from the Boruca indigenous tribe here in Costa Rica, to more traditional Swedish, relaxation or Thai yoga massages, body wraps and others. A full list of spa offerings and a link to book during your free time will be provided to you before you arrival.
LUXURY TRANSPORTATION
- Schedule your plane to arrive at SJO. In order to access your private plane charter, all guests must be at the Domestic Terminal at SJO San Jose, Costa Rica no later than 3PM on the arrival day.
- Once landed, proceed to customs and instructions will be provided to meet Imiloa concierge.
- Proceed to baggage claim with concierge and proceed to Domestic Terminal (3 minute walk from International Terminal). Please be at the Domesitc Terminal at SJO San Jose, Costa Rica no later than 3PM on your day of arrival.
- Private Imiloa plane will be waiting to fly you to Quepos.
- Private ground transport shuttles will pick you up in Quepos and bring you to Imiloa.
- If you are already in Costa Rica, ground transport may be coordinated from Quepos, Dominical or Uvita as inclusive.
- Please do not plan to drive to Imiloa on your own. It is not permitted.
- If you need to arrive the day before, please stay at the Hampton Inn across from the airport, or plan to be in the San Jose Domestic Terminal for private flight to Imiloa by no later than 3PM (instructions will be emailed).
- You will depart Imiloa at 10AM, and arrive at the landing strip at 10:30AM, with an estimated arrival to SJO airport at 11:30AM. The domestic terminal is a 5-10 minute walk to the international terminal at SJO. 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 11:30AM on departure day.
Questions? Email us: impact@imiloainstitute.com
Team
TRAVEL INSURANCE and COVID PROCEDURES
- Imiloa has partnered with a comprehensive travel insurance provider that meets the entry requirements for Costa Rica and offers “cancel for any reason” plans to maximize coverage: www.globalrescue.com/imiloa (additional cost)
- COVID tests for entry and exit requirements to your home country can be done on site. We have an on-call physician that can come to the property for testing and results sent in English.
- We follow cleansing and sanitization protocols as per Ministry of Health to ensure a safe environment
- Staff and retreat participants are asked to follow and safety guidelines such as social distancing, washing of hands, and proper mask wearing.
Location
Imiloa is located in the jungle, at the top of a mountain, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Our lush retreat center is located adjacent to the second most biodiverse land on the planet.
Dominical, only 13 minutes away, is a beach town with surfer vibes, great coffee and plenty of shopping. Just north of our municipality is Quepos and to the south, Ojochal and Uvita, which is known as the Whale’s Tail.
Just 45 minutes east sits Costa Rica’s second largest city, San Isidro. Within an hour of Imiloa in all directions, you have access to airports, cafes, beaches, waterfalls, biodiversity and happy people ready to show you the lush, lovely area we call home.
You’ll arrive easily on our private plane, and your group will enjoy unlimited transportation to and from the beach, to and from the airport and throughout your stay with us.
