RESTORE YOUR SPIRIT at bella vida
A retreat for women seeking creativity & connection, calm & comfort
Our home for the week will be the 18-acre Bella Vida (“beautiful life”) retreat centre, nestled in a beautiful remote mountain villa. The retreat includes a main house with four bedrooms and an additional seven cabins. It’s located in the Diamante Valley, a quiet area of the country away from crowded beaches and tourist hot spots. It’s home to lush rainforests, breathtaking flora and fauna, majestic waterfalls and rolling mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Daily yoga in the pavilion, a bird watcher’s paradise and an infinity pool with a view.
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN AN EXOTIC TROPICAL WONDERLAND
Awake to the sounds of nature, including the cascade of waterfalls, the squeaking of playful howler monkeys and the caw of colourful parrots and toucans before heading to the main lodge to start your day with a delicious communal breakfast.
Mornings will be spent in intimate, inspiring and lively memoir writing workshops (designed for absolute beginners as well as more experienced writers) led by retreat co-leader Anne Bokma, an award-winning published author, journalist and memoir coach. This will be followed by an hour of gentle Hatha yoga led by retreat co-leader and trauma-informed psychotherapist Lee Horton-Carter in the covered wooden yoga pavilion which is surrounded by coconut trees and overlooks the jungle.
No writing or yoga experience is necessary. This retreat is adapted to suit all levels of experience. A moderate to to good fitness level is required to navigate hills, uneven terrain and up to 10-minute walks to various cabins on the property.
THE GIFT OF TIME TO RELAX, WRITE, STRETCH & CONNECT
An opportunity to connect with yourself and others.
Over the course of the week, you will receive expert guidance on developing a true story from your life with a series of compelling writing prompts, instruction on fundamental elements of memoir, examples from powerful memoirs to inspire you as well as one-on-one time with Anne who will provide personal coaching on developing your story.
Get in touch and we’ll reach out about next steps!
SATISFYING FOOD IN GOOD COMPANY
Classic Costa Rican fare will be among the meals served in the spacious dining hall. Afterwards, take a nap in a hammock.
Lee and her assistant cook/dessert chef, Theresa Hanley, will be in charge of preparing all of the delicious meals and desserts, many of which will be authentic Costa Rican fare. All dietary preferences will be accommodated.
This retreat is styled on a cooperative model of communal meal prep and cleanup with Lee Horton Carter and her assistant chef, Theresa Hanley, serving as chefs and guests chipping in to help with table setting and clean-up.
AFTERNOON ADVENTURES
Nauyaca Waterfalls
After a scrumptious lunch on the dining hall deck, your afternoon options are plentiful. We have a couple of afternoon excursions planned: a visit to a local bird sanctuary followed by an authentic outdoor Costa Rican dinner at a private local residence in a beautiful mountain setting, as well as a hike to the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls, where we’ll swim in a natural pool of crystal-clear waters before sitting down to a classic picnic dinner beside the falls.
You can also spend your afternoons taking a guided hike through the bamboo forest and botanical gardens on the expansive property, relaxing by the pool, swinging in a hammock on the yoga deck, reading, writing, napping, socializing and having a one-on-one coaching session with Anne.
If you are interested, we can assist with arrangements for optional excursions to local beaches, nature parks, snorkeling, ziplining, shopping, etc.
Magnificent sunset views
at the fire pit
RESTORE AND RECONNECT
Your day ends with thoughtfully prepared communal dinners and desserts followed by any number of activities, from games to movie nights to quiet time for conversation and connection as well as an optional massage. Lee also will offer gentle yoga nidra sessions in the evenings to help ensure a blissful sleep.
One thing’s for certain, by the end of the week you feel restored and reconnected with yourself and others, having developed trusted new friends. Both Lee and Anne have many years of experience in leading groups and understand the importance of creating a safe, confidential and mutually respectful group setting that will allow for close connections to flourish.
We have room for a maximum of 16 guests.
Get in touch and we’ll reach out about next steps!
ABOUT BELLA VIDA
Bella Vida is a lovingly renovated, woman-owned villa designed with simplicity and comfort in mind. The owner herself (along with two staff members) are always on the premises to assist with everything from guided hikes to transportation and excursion planning.
Casa Lotus, the main home, was newly built in 2022 and has four beautiful bedrooms, with sweeping views of the jungle valley below. Nearby is the Monkey Cabin, which includes a kitchenette and a spacious balcony where you can hear the sounds of the nearby creeks. Ylang Ylang is a studio-style apartment tucked beneath the Rancho with a kitchenette, and has quick access to the pool and amazing sunset views. A 5-minute walk down a path with stairs will lead you to the 2-story Perezoso Cabin, with a kitchenette, a full bathroom, two double beds, and a large wraparound private deck. Lower on the property, you will find three small rustic cabins, the Toucan, Mariposa, and Colibri, equipped with a full-sized bed, two sets of bunk beds, and two twin size beds respectively.
The property includes an infinity pool, two fire pits, 18 acres of hiking, full laundry, a spacious yoga pavilion and an outdoor dining area.
BELLA VIDA REVIEWS
“The property is amazing – truly we felt like we stepped into paradise”
“Very clean and comfortable, peaceful and relaxing – the grounds for birding are incredible.”
“Just WOW! Absolutely gorgeous views of the valley!”
ACCOMMODATIONS TO SUIT A VARIETY OF TRAVEL BUDGETS
Get in touch and we’ll reach out about next steps!
YOUR RETREAT LEADERS
Lee Horton Carter & Anne Bokma
Anne (left) and Lee
Your retreat will be guided by registered psychotherapist, certified trauma-informed yoga instructor, and talented cook, Lee Horton-Carter along with Anne Bokma, an award-winning author, journalist, speaker and writing coach who will lead the writing workshops and work with you one-on-one.
Lee has been a trauma psychotherapist for 30 years and brings that lens of mindfulness and radical self-compassion to the all-inclusive yoga classes she teaches.
As well as being an author (My Year of Living Spiritually: One Woman’s Secular Quest for a More Soulful Life), Anne is a memoir coach and workshop leader who is skilled at helping people bring out the truth, emotion and authenticity of their stories.
The combination of embodiment through yoga and helping participants claim their voices through writing their stories, along with Lee and Anne’s expertise in creating cooperative community, are the elements that make their retreats a simultaneously powerful and rejuvenating experience.
Lee and Anne are committed to creating intimate, cooperative and transformational retreats with the goal of good food, good programming, good accommodations and good company in the most beautiful places in the world. They are driven by a mission to create safe, welcoming, supportive, cooperative and inspiring retreats that create a strong sense of community.
Dessert chef/Assistant Cook
Theresa Hanley
Theresa Hanley of Kitchener, Ontario, is a kitchen wizard, chocolatier, menu designer and health food enthusiast who has developed her own line of vegan energy bars and vegan chocolate fudge. She has had a long career in catering (her specialty is desserts!): “It’s my greatest pleasure to prepare food filled with love and nutrition for anyone wishing to be nourished,” says Theresa.
TESTIMONIALS
Here’s what some of our previous participants have to say about our retreats
Tuscany retreat, May 2024
“For total strangers at the beginning of the trip, there was a wonderful bonding and ease of connection between us by week’s end. It was a life changing trip in terms of personal growth — one I am so grateful for.”
“This retreat is an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime. Lee and Anne are fantastic leaders, highly skilled in sharing their unique energy, talent and expertise.”
“The retreat was perfectly structured, restful and productive. I encourage anyone to go on this incredible journey!”
“I was a little nervous about the writing portion of the retreat since I’ve never written before, but Anne was a great teacher, always available for one-on-one coaching and by the end of the week we’d each written a personal story to share…We talked, we laughed, we cried and, of course, we drank some wine! It’s an experience I would highly recommend.”
“This retreat was a wonderful experience with a marvellous bunch of women….everyone was so friendly and supportive. I have made new friends that I can count on.”
“Not only did Anne’s prompts and feedback help me write a memoir piece that I was proud of, but I also became motivated to begin writing the book that has been in my head for ten years — I just needed some encouragement and more confidence, which is exactly what this retreat gave me.”
ITINERARY
Arrival
Jan. 30: Arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, Costa Rica, and take hotel shuttle (a very short drive) to Hampton by Hilton San José Airport.
Jan. 31: Pick up at 9 a.m. by private drivers for transport to Bella Vida Retreat. Welcome lunch, settling in and relaxing before sharing a communal dinner.
Daily schedule
8-9 a.m.: Breakfast
9-11:30 a.m.: Memoir writing workshop led by Anne
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Yoga led by Lee
12:30-1:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:30-6 p.m.: Free time/excursions
6-8 p.m.: Dinner
8-11 p.m.: Free time, games, activities, yoga, etc.
Special afternoon events
Visit to local bird sanctuary followed by outdoor authentic Costa Rican dinner in a beautiful mountain setting.
Afternoon hike and swim at Nauyaca Falls followed by picnic dinner.
Sharing our stories in ceremony with one another
Optional excursions
Departure
Feb. 6: Leave for airport hotel (Hampton by Hilton) after lunch. Dinner on own at hotel.
Feb 7: Airport departure for home
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE
Life is short. Give yourself this gift of spaciousness to be creative, to explore, to engage in the healing practice of yoga, to relax and to make new friends. This is a time for you and a time to be together in community.
During our week together, you will be guided in life-sustaining movement exercises and inspirational memoir teaching. You will be nurtured in beautiful soul-satisfying surroundings with delicious meals and the company of a caring community of fellow retreat participants. This is a week that will help increase your capacity for resilience, joy, movement and creativity in your life.
Your retreat experience includes:
7 days/6 nights accommodation in Bella Vida
2 night stay (upon arrival on Jan. 30 and departure on Feb. 6) at Hampton by Hilton (includes airport shuttle and complimentary breakfast)
Group transport to and from airport hotel to the villa
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with menus adapted for dietary preferences
Daily1 hour mindful morning yoga with Lee
Daily 2.5 hour memoir writing workshops with Anne
One-on-one writing coaching with Anne
Group self-compassion workshop led by Anne & Lee
Closing ceremony of shared stories
Guided hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls followed by picnic dinner
Guided birding session and authentic outdoor Costa Rican dinner at a neighbouring private residence
Local guided rainforest hikes
Beautiful yoga pavilion complete with all yoga supplies (mats, bolsters, etc.)
Infinity pool, two fire pits and birding platform
Owner/staff on site to assist with additional excursions
Onsite laundry is available for a fee of $10US (staff member will wash, dry & fold)
Retreat fee does not include:
Airfare
Travel insurance (mandatory for this experience)
Alcohol (Note: If you would like to purchase alcohol for your vacation, the best place to do this is at the duty-free shop at the airport.)
Your dinner at the airport hotel on Feb. 6
Optional one-hour massage ($50US)
Gratuities for staff who will clean your room and transport your luggage
Optional excursions
THE BEST PART?
We’ve done all the work for you, including finding the best direct return flight from Toronto to Costa Rica, booking your airport hotel accommodations where you will stay on your first and final nights, and a wonderful week of meals and activities that are planned and organized on your behalf.
All you need to do let us know you’re interested.
Only 16 spots available.
YOUR INVESTMENT
$2,950 to $3,950 CDN based on type of room occupancy (ranges from private rooms with king-size and queen-sized beds and full baths to cabins with twin beds and shared baths to cabins with bunk beds).
After our Zoom call to explain the format of the retreat and the variety of the accommodations available to you, we will send confirmation of your participation. A nonrefundable deposit of $1,000 CDN will be required at this time to reserve your spot.
Payment plan: After your initial $1,000 CDN payment, the balance of your retreat fee is due by December 1, 2024. Please let us know if you need to create a payment plan.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE – SAN JOSE´AIRPORT/HOTEL
You will be staying at the The Hampton by Hilton airport hotel in San José on the nights of Jan. 30 and Feb. 6. We have reserved a block of double rooms (if you are travelling with a friend you can share the room, otherwise we will pair you with an appropriate roommate) for the two nights).
The selected/flight to the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) arrives in San José on the evening of Jan. 30, which requires a one-night stay at the hotel. The hotel has a 24-hour shuttle that will take you directly from the airport to the hotel in less than five minutes. The hotel also has a free hot breakfast available. On Jan. 31 at 9 a.m. guests will be picked up by our drivers for the 3.5 hour drive to Bella Vida.
At the end of the retreat after lunch on Feb 6, our drivers will take you to the same hotel to stay the night before your early morning departure home on Feb. 7.
ADD ON A POST-RETREAT EXPERIENCE!
Ziplining and beach visits can be part of your post-retreat stay if you so choose.
There is the opportunity to expand your stay at Bella Vida and enjoy additional days on the property.
Bella Vida owner Kerry Manter is generously offering our guests a post-retreat deep discount for rooms in the main house or any of the cabins (rates range from $50-$80US per night per room/cabin). To make your post-retreat arrangements (and to discuss/arrange for transportation meals, etc.) contact Kerry Manter directly at: kmant33@gmail.com
Kerry is also available to assist with any excursions you’d like to plan during your post-retreat stay, whether it’s ziplining in the cloud forest or heading to a local beach town for shopping and swimming.
Your questions answered:
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Not at all! Whether you’re a novice or practice yoga at an advanced level, yoga sessions will be appropriate for all levels. Lee will offer guidance on the importance of mindfulness towards your body's abilities, which may vary day to day, and how yoga can work to contribute positively towards mental health and overall enjoyment of life.
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No worries! Anne, is an experienced writing coach who works with all levels of writers, including those who have never written a word before. With her positive and approachable nature, she has successfully coached many people in crafting both short memoir style pieces as well as book-length memoirs and will guide you through the process step-by-step. She will use a series of writing prompts, exercises and lessons on memoir that will see you create a 1,000-word true life story. At the end of the week, we will share our stories with one another.
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We are unable to provide refunds after booking due to deposits that are required to reserve the villa, transportation, staffing, etc. While we fully expect this retreat to sell out quickly, we reserve the right to cancel if there are fewer than 14 participants. We will be meeting via Zoom with those interested in booking the retreat before confirming your registration.
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If you are flying from Toronto, please ensure you book this flight.
• Air Canada non-stop to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, Costa Rica. Departs Toronto on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. Arrives in San Jose at 9:25 p.m. local time.
• Return flight to Toronto on Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 a.m. local time. Arrives in Toronto at 1:15 p.m.Please do not book your flight until we have confirmed the retreat is fully booked.
If you are flying from outside of Toronto, please ensure that you arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José on January 30. A room will have been booked for you for that evening and our driver will be picking you up on the morning of Jan. 31. If you arrive at any other time, we cannot be responsible for your transportation to the villa.
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During this time, most of Costa Rica enjoys hot and sunny weather with less rain. Temperatures range from a low of 17°C to a high of 27°C
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No vaccinations are required.
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Yes, wi-fi is generally available throughout the property, especially in the main house and in four of the cabins (wi-fi is spotty in the three cabins that are furthest from the main house).
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Yes, closed toed shoes for hiking/walking throughout the villa as well as rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat.
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Snakes are a rarity on the property (the owner has only seen two in 10 years). It’s wise to always be mindful where you step. Bugs are minimal. The trails on the property are illuminated at night to guide your way. It’s a good idea to keep a flashlight with you for additional lighting. Flashlights are provided in each cabin. During hikes on the property an experienced local guide/staff person will accompany us.
Note: Remember, this is Costa Rica, and it’s the jungle. Although there are fewer bugs in the mountain area where the villa is located, they are part of the territory. If you have an extreme aversion to bugs, this may not be the trip for you.
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A moderate to good level of fitness is required. The Villa is located on a mountain and it’s about a 10 minute up-and-down walk to navigate the property.
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It is very important to have your hotel and villa reservation documents and your return flight information handy for customs agents, who may ask for them.
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We encourage our guests to shop at the duty-free at the airport to bring any wine or alcohol. The nearest food/alcohol outlet is a 30 minute drive from the villa (a $50US taxi ride).
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Yes, we will require that you provide proof of travel/health insurance after booking and we will also require you to you sign a liability waiver.
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There is a Red Cross trained and certified volunteer group in the area that is available 24/7. The hospital is located one hour away and transport is available to the hospital in the event of an emergency.
