A Blue Zone–Inspired Retreat at The Nëst
July 1–6, 2027 | Five Nights | Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Step away from your everyday routine and explore what it means to live with greater purpose, nourishment, movement, and connection.
Join Willow Yoga for five nights at The Nëst, a secluded jungle sanctuary near Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa, reserved exclusively for our group. Inspired by teachings from Blue Zone communities, each day invites us to explore a different part of living well, from discovering our sense of purpose to sharing nourishing meals and making time for meaningful relationships.
Our days bring together yoga, reflection, chef-prepared meals, and time to enjoy Costa Rica. Begin with Ashtanga Mysore practice, explore Vinyasa, Qigong, and Yin throughout the retreat, and gather in the evenings for conversation and ceremony. Follow a jungle trail to the beach, try an included surf lesson, explore Santa Teresa’s cafés and coastline, and spend a day boating, snorkeling, and enjoying the beach at Tortuga Island.
Along the way, we’ll consider the everyday choices that help us feel more connected to ourselves and one another. There will be time to move, learn, laugh, and rest, and space to reflect on what you’d like to bring home with you.
Come for the Costa Rica experience. Leave with shared memories, new connections, and ideas for bringing more intention into your daily life.
Imagine waking to the sounds of the jungle, stepping into the warm Costa Rican air, and beginning your day surrounded by lush greenery. Welcome to The Nëst Treelodge, a secluded sanctuary near Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa and our home for five unforgettable nights.
The Nëst Treelodge isn't just a place; it's a sanctuary where the whispers of the forest breathe new life into your retreat. Here, nestled high among the towering trees, the exclusive treehouse villas - and renowned “ecocoons” - await to transport you to a realm of serene tranquility and unparalleled connection with nature. Each ecocoon is an architectural gem, meticulously designed to elevate your experience—literally.
Suspended amidst the lush foliage, these treehouses offer you a bird's-eye view of the jungle's majesty. Crafted from eco-friendly materials, with roofs camouflaged to blend
with the verdant surroundings, they provide a secluded haven where nature's orchestra performs just for you.
Reserved exclusively for our retreat, The Nëst is central to the experience. Handcrafted architecture, natural textures, and spaces open to the surrounding landscape invite you to slow down and settle in. Suspended jungle nets offer a place to lounge above the greenery, while thoughtfully designed gathering spaces make it easy to connect or find a quiet moment to yourself.
Practice in the open-air yoga shala, where the sounds and beauty of nature become part of your time on the mat. Between sessions, explore the property’s wellness amenities, including two saunas and a cold plunge, or simply enjoy an unhurried afternoon immersed in the jungle. As evening arrives, gather over chef-prepared meals and linger in conversation with your retreat community.
The Bamboo Lodge is our 8-bed villa featuring a spacious living area, large pool, open kitchen & Tree Bar. Each room has its own bathroom, with kitchenettes in select rooms and private balconies in Rooms 4 and 5.
For those seeking a space entirely their own, Roble Private Casita offers a queen bed, an outdoor kitchenette, a chilling net, and a private plunge pool. Enjoy a refreshing dip between activities or a quiet morning before joining the group. Reserved for one guest, Roble pairs the connection of a shared retreat with the freedom to return to your own peaceful hideaway.
From your first morning practice to your last evening together, The Nëst offers a setting that makes slowing down feel natural and staying a little longer very tempting.
Each day of our Costa Rica retreat invites you to explore a different way to live well. Inspired by teachings from Blue Zone communities, we’ll weave purpose, nourishment, movement, rest, and connection into our practices and shared experiences. Through thoughtful conversation, time in nature, and moments of reflection, you’ll have space to discover what resonates with you and what you’d like to carry home.
Day 1 - Arrive & Exhale: Settle in, decompress, and make space for the days ahead.
Day 2 - Plan de Vida—Life’s Purpose: Reflect on what matters to you and what gives your days meaning.
Day 3 - Nutrition for Longevity: Explore nourishment through shared meals, conversation, and a cacao ceremony.
Day 4 - Daily Rhythm & Stress Resilience: Consider how movement, rest, and everyday routines can support a more balanced life.
Day 5- The Power of Connection: Make time for community, conversation, and the relationships that enrich our lives.
Day 6 - Carry It Home: Close with practice and take a moment to reflect before departing.
Dr. Raelynn Deaton Haynes
Raelynn is the owner of Willow Gardens Yoga and an experienced E-RYT 500 yoga teacher, certified Pilates and Barre instructor, teacher trainer, and lifelong educator. Her extensive training spans a variety of movement traditions, including Ashtanga, Original Hot Yoga, Vinyasa, Rocket Yoga, Forrest Yoga, Yin, and Qigong, as well as yoga assisting, adjusting, and yoga massage. She earned her Pilates and Barre certifications through the Pilates Sports Center in Encino, California.
Alongside her work in yoga and movement, Raelynn holds a master’s degree and a PhD in Biology and Zoology and has spent more than 20 years teaching in academia. She currently lectures in anatomy at Texas State University, bringing her deep understanding of the human body into both her teaching and teacher trainings.
Raelynn leads the Willow Gardens Teacher Training School and facilitates Yoga and Pilates trainings, workshops, and retreats. She especially loves hosting retreats and creating experiences that bring people together through movement, travel, adventure, and meaningful connection. For Raelynn, a retreat is about more than stepping away from everyday life—it’s an opportunity to explore somewhere new, deepen your practice, build community, and return home feeling inspired and renewed.
Your selected room or casita at our exclusive group property.
Ashtanga Mysore, Vinyasa, Qigong, Yin, and additional yoga sessions throughout the retreat.
Discussions and activities exploring purpose, nourishment, daily rhythms, and connection.
Scheduled meals at The Nëst including arrival dinner and departure day breakfast.
An optional hike with a chef-packed picnic lunch.
A group boat excursion with snorkeling, beach time, and lunch included.
An evening gathering alongside our nutrition and longevity discussion.
We will travel together by private propeller plane from the San Jose Airport to the Santa Teresa area and continue to The Nëst, arriving in the late afternoon.
Private propeller flight transfer back to San José.
International airfare to and from San José.
Horseback riding, ATV rentals, zip line, additional surf lessons.
Café purchases, meals, and drinks outside the included meal plan.
Individually booked massages, Reiki, and sound sessions.
Highly recommend purchasing.
Willow Gardens Yoga is a boutique Yoga, Pilates, and Barre studio with locations in Buda and Lockhart, Texas, just south of Austin. We’re passionate about providing exceptional teaching and thoughtfully curated retreat experiences that bring together movement, wellness, adventure, and connection. Whether in the studio or somewhere beautiful around the world, our goal is to create meaningful experiences that leave you feeling stronger, inspired, and connected.