Join us at the Rios Lodge along the world famous Pacuare River in Costa Rica.
with Savonn Wyland and Stacey Degen
NEW dates: February 11-15, 2025
Save $200 with Early Bird Pricing if you sign up by September 15, 2024
Retreat Highlights
Whether attending solo or with friends and loved ones, our retreat offers a transformative experience that harmoniously blends exhilarating activities with serene relaxation. There are plenty of active adventures to inspire you, and don’t forget “old world” activities like board and card games and great books to make the most of relaxing on your vacation! Plan for days filled with:
Pacuare River Whitewater Rafting. Navigate the rapids on 2 fun-filled excursions to and from the lodge (there is also an option to hike in and out).
Guided Rainforest Hikes. Discover the rainforest’s ecosystems and hidden secrets on guided hikes with a naturalist.
Relaxation and Exploration Time. Ample free time to relax or explore the pristine beauty surrounding the Rios Lodge including secluded soaking pools and swimming holes. Lots of birdwatching opportunities and others ways to discover the surrounding area.
Curated Yoga Classes Taught by Savonn and Stacey. Join Savonn and Stacey for curated yoga classes, with up to two classes a day (morning and late afternoon), offered in a variety of styles, such as Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, and Yin. All classes are optional and will be taught by either Savonn or Stacey. All yoga props and mats are supplied by the lodge including blocks, straps, bolsters, and blankets. A new dedicated yoga space was just completed.
Staying at Rios Lodge. At Rios Lodge, you are surrounded by the beauty and splendor of Costa Rica’s rainforest and wildlife. Enjoy comfortable, well-appointed rooms overlooking the jewel-like Pacuare River. Relax deeply in lodge rooms with fully screened windows where the sounds of the Pacuare River will lull you to sleep. There are different cabin rooms to choose from ith a variety of bed configurations. All the cabin rooms have private, attached bathrooms and walk-in tile or stone showers.
Enhance Your Adventure. Go big on adventure, or chill on the lounge deck and swing in a hammock while watching toucans fly across the river. Customize your retreat with additional activities to suit your fancy:
- Horseback riding amid breathtaking scenery.
- Horseback riding with a tour of the Pacuare Butterfly Garden
- Tubing and/or waterfall rappelling
- Conservation reforestation tour
- Zipline and jungle canopy tours to soar through the treetops
- Additional guided hikes with a naturalist
- Professional bodywork and massage services to soothe and rejuvenate
Getting to and from the Lodge
The journey to Rios Lodge is an integral part of the adventure. Choose the thrill of whitewater rafting or the tranquility of hiking—both paths lead to the lodge.
FYI: the group transport from San Jose, Costa Rica, and the beginning of the retreat happens early on Tuesday, February 11. Please plan to arrive in San Jose prior to February 11. There are no automobile roads that go directly to Rios Lodge. All guests and supplies come in via hiking the trail or rafting down the river. Getting to the lodge by raft or on foot is definitely part of the adventure and fun! We will travel as a group, as hikers and rafters take the same shuttle from San Jose, to a location where everyone will organize their luggage for transport on rafts to the lodge.
Rafting into the Lodge
Rafting on the world-renowned Pacuare River is an experience not to be missed! It’s a truly unique and exciting way to get to and from remote Rios Lodge. At the put-in, you’ll get your rafting gear and a safety briefing from guides. There are changing rooms and bathrooms at the put-in. You’ll raft approximately 16 kilometers of Class 1-2 whitewater for a 2-3 hour paddle to the lodge, depending on the water levels.
Rafting out of the Lodge
Rafting out of Rios Lodge on the final day of your stay brings the fantastic excitement and incredible scenery of the Pacuare River Gorge. Enjoy thrilling Class 3-4 whitewater, tropical wildlife and birds, and mesmerizing canyon high waterfalls. National Geographic rates the Pacuare River as one of the top 10 whitewater rivers in the world. The second half of the river will take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the water levels, and takes out near the town of Siquirres. Your transportation shuttle back to San Jose will meet you at the take-out and will have any bags you stored while at the lodge.
OR
Hiking into the Lodge
Hikers depart via shuttle van to the Pacuare River cable car crossing to start the hike to the Rios Lodge on the Pacuare River Trail heading downstream. The 1.5 km (0.9 miles) trail is rolling and is a 30-45 minute moderate hike along the river, depending on your mobility level and how many stops you make to take pictures. You will rejoin with the rafters and all have lunch at the lodge together in the early afternoon.
Hiking out of the Lodge
Hiking out of the lodge is also on the Pacuare River Trail, traveling upstream along the Pacuare River. You’ll hike to the cable car crossing over the river and cross on the cable car. A 4×4 shuttle vehicle will meet you on the other side of the river and will transport you to the rafting takeout meeting location to meet up with the those who rafted out from the lodge. This facility has changing rooms, bathrooms, and plenty of space to repack your gear and head back to San Jose.
Instructors
Savonn Wyland
Co-Owner/Co-Founder of Sellwood Yoga
With over 25 years of experience teaching, Savonn has developed a teaching style that is both grounded and inspiring. Her approach to teaching emphasizes skillful and detailed instruction, while also inspiring students to find their own personal expression on the mat. By blending various styles and approaches, she creates a unique and transformative experience for her students. Savonn’s classes, workshops, and retreats are designed to help students deepen their practice, explore their own personal expression, and connect with a supportive community.
Stacey Degen
Licensed Acupuncturist, Practitioner of Chinese Medicine & Health Advocate
A lifelong student of all things nature, health, and well-being, Stacey has spent the past 30 years working with people of all abilities in the outdoors, empowering them to live their best lives possible. As a Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and Health Advocate, Stacey’s true passion is working with people to deepen their connection to their mind, body, and spirit and the body’s natural healing capabilities. You can learn more about Stacey by visiting her website: www.truenorthmpls.com
Location
The Rios Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Pacuare River, is the perfect escape from your everyday modern routine. Here you are surrounded by the beauty and splendor of Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest, all while enjoying comfortable rooms overlooking the river, private baths, in-room electricity, lighted walkways at night, and sumptuous tropical meals and beverages. Sustainably built using reclaimed wood and totally off the grid with hydroelectric power, the ecolodge is an award-winning model of positive ecotourism. The lodge was recently featured in Forbes and USA Today Outdoors Wire for places to travel responsibly in 2023 and best zipline courses in the world.
Pricing and Registration
Save $200 with Early Bird Pricing if you sign up by September 15, 2024
Save $200 by signing up by September 15, 2024. Please click on the “Sign Up” button to the right and make a non-refundable deposit of $500 to reserve your spot. On January 10, 2025, your remaining balance will be charged to the card you use for your deposit. For alternative payment options, please reach out to us at retreats@sellwoodyoga.com.
Once we receive your deposit, we will follow up within 24 hours to review your lodging preference and confirm other details about the retreat.
Retreat Deposit
secures your spot on the retreatAccommodation Options
There are 14 Deluxe Cabins and 3 Suite Cabins. Another option is a bed in the Eco Hostel area of the Lodge.
- Shared Deluxe Cabin Room (2-3 People) includes en suite Bathroom: $1700 per person (price increases to $1900 on 9/15/24)
- Private Deluxe Cabin Room (1 Person) includes en suite Bathroom: $2400 (price increases to $2600 on 9/15/24)
- Shared Cabin Suite (2-3 People) includes en suite Bathroom: $2100 per person (price increases to $2300 on 9/15/24)
- Private Suite (1 Person) includes en suite Bathroom: $3000 per person (price increases to $3200 on 9/15/24)
- Eco Hostel (Private Bed) shared Bathroom: $1300 per person (price increases to $1500 on 9/15/24)
All lodging rooms include linens, towels, and eco-friendly shower toiletries. Regular 3-prong electrical outlets are in all rooms.
All Cabin Rooms have private bathrooms, hot showers, fully screened windows, and covered porches. The Eco Hostel option is a shared bunkhouse with individual beds and shared bathrooms with private shower stalls.
Retreat price includes:
- Four nights of eco-luxury accommodation at Rios Lodge.
- Daily yoga classes with up to 2 classes per day. No yoga class on departure day.
- All meals from breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5. Juice, tea, and coffee are included. Other mocktails, cocktails, beer, and wine can be purchased onsite.
- All transport between San José and Rios Lodge.
- Whitewater rafting or hiking expeditions into and out of the lodge.
- Guided group hike with a naturalist from Rios Lodge.
- 13% VAT tax.
Retreat price does NOT include:
- Airfare or other travel expenses to and from Costa Rica.
- Travel insurance.
- Optional excursions and add-ons.
- Bodywork and spa treatments.
- Additional food, beverages, wine, or alcohol outside of what is provided.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
We know that life happens and unforeseen situations and circumstances can change and impact your plans. Our cancellation/refund information is listed below. We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance so that you have more travel-related protection in case you need it. There are no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays, injury, family emergencies, or illness.
Full payment is due by January 10, 2025. The card that you use for your deposit will be charged for your balance on January 10, 2024. If you would like to pay the balance with a different credit card or by check, please make arrangements in advance by emailing retreats@sellwoodyoga.com.
- The $500 deposit is non-refundable.
- If you have paid in full by December 1, 2024, and need to cancel, we will issue a refund (not including the $500 deposit).
- If you have paid in full and need to cancel between December 1, 2024, and January 10, 2025, we will issue studio credit that needs to be used within 365 days (not including the $500 deposit).
- No refunds or credit will be given for cancellations later than January 10, 2025.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to provide additional protection in case of any unexpected situations that may alter your travel plans. You can check out travelinsure.com, insuremytrip.com, or speak with your credit card, airline, or travel company to find suitable options for your needs.