A space for women of Corporate America to gather together and restore lost pieces of themselves.
An intimate retreat and coaching support to rediscover your wholeness within Costa Rica's lush embrace. Cultivating connections with like-hearted sisters, tapping into your feminine power, and most of all, reclaiming your precious inner peace.
Early Bird Special!
Sign up by May 8th and receive $100 off any package!
This is for you if…
you are feeling burnt out and depleted
you have lost parts of yourself and want them back
you feel unsure of how to use your natural voice and way of being at work
you are exhausted from working in hyper masculine spaces
you are aching for a more easeful way of living
you recognize your work/life balance needs some balancing
you desire a more feminine way of being in a masculine work world
you are tired of being “on” 24/7
you feel alone and long to have sisters beside you in this journey to wholeness
Let us tell you, friend…
You are not alone.
Your story is the story we hear over and over again.
It is time to gather together, speak up, hold hands as well as hearts, and walk towards a better way of being.
This is not just a getaway.
This is more than a pause from the hustle.
It is a getaway to pause,
take a deep breath,
nourish the soul,
restructure,
and come back a renewed woman -
ready to engage with life in a new, fulfilled way.
All Packages Include:
Accommodations:
4 nights / 5 days in safe, rural, retreat center in a gated community
Private, trusted shuttle to and from retreat center (complete with stop at the famous Crocodile Bridge)
Exclusive use of facility including nature trails, pool, + hammocks
Retreat will cap at 12 guests and facility will have no outside guests - it’s just us soaking it all up for ourselves! This is the life.
Daily morning fruit spread with coffee + tea
Daily vegetarian brunch + dinner (local, organic, and curated by Registered Dietitian)
Curated Offerings:
Daily yoga classes with Johanna + Melanie (aimed at resting and resetting the nervous system - accessible for all levels)
Women Circles on topics specifically applicable for Women in Corporate America with experienced Circle Leaders
Forest Therapy session by FTS Certified Guide, Johanna
Inner Seasons Workshop (aligning cyclical, feminine energy to fit into a masculine, linear world)
Guided wildlife hike
Beach excursion at local secluded beach (private transportation included)
Virtual Support:
1:1 Life Cultivation Coaching session with Johanna via Zoom pre/post retreat (see more info in “What’s on the agenda?” section below)
1:1 Career Coaching session with Certified PMP, Melanie via Zoom pre/post retreat (see more info in “What’s on the agenda?” section below)
*Does not include: airfare, lunch on day 1, lunch / dinner on day 5
Fostering space to…
stay connected to your feminine intuition
keep your job and your sanity
root into your own innate wisdom
return to your home and workspace in a centered, grounded way
feel equipped with tools that support you
connect deeply to Self
find peace and solace that stays
stay rooted in who you are no matter the hat you’re wearing
tap into presence
activate your feminine power
engage with life in a new, refreshed way
All women are welcome here in this space.
ALL.
No matter your background, sexual orientation, political views, or religious beliefs, etc…
We vow to hold space together respectfully, carefully, and with love.
Early Bird Special!
Sign up by May 8th and receive $100 off any package!
Meet your hosts
Johanna Bowen (She/Her)
Co-Host
Johanna is a Life Cultivation Coach, Women’s Circle Leader, RYT200, and Forest Therapy Guide. She is passionate about creating community and empowering women to embrace their inner voice, authentic power, and innate goodness. She has a love for traditions and anything ancient. Her heart is to incorporate ancient traditions of red tent gatherings, spiritual practices, and wisdom with modern modalities of self-love, self-care, and self-growth to help guide women to get in touch with their Wild Self and live the life they’ve always wanted to live.
Melanie Sassano (She/her)
Co-Host
Melanie has over 20 years of leadership experience in various technology industries. She holds degrees in Photography and Project Management. She has certifications in Project Management (PMP), Scrum, Circle Leadership, Yoga Teaching, and reiki and has traveled extensively, volunteering, photographing, and teaching around the world.
She has a passion for marrying the structure of her industry experiences with the magic of the road and healing modalities.
Melanie’s Story and Inspiration
“After years of relentless hustle in corporate America, I reached a holistic rock bottom. Sleep became a distant memory as I each night my mind spun with all that awaited me the next day. My first thought in the morning was “How am I going to get this all done?”
Despite outward appearances, my life felt hollow, with parts of myself crying out for attention.
I began to sense these neglected parts first whispering and then shouting at me for attention. Before I answered their call, my body stopped me in my tracks. I had no choice but to begin the search for these lost parts of myself.
Through yoga, brave stories from wise women, and Johanna's invaluable guidance, I learned to embrace parts of female spirit lost in the daily grind. To my surprise, everything I needed was already within and around me. I found that I didn’t have to mimic others corporate behavior to find a way to be successful and be wholly me. The experience of rock bottom inspired me to pave a smoother path for fellow hard-working women back to their wholeness.” - Melanie
Destination: costa rica
A common phrase in Costa Rica is “pura vida” - meaning “the pure life” or “the simple life”. It is a way to remind oneself and others to sink in to rest and just enjoy life for everything there is to offer. It is a common expression and a deep part of the culture that you feel immediately upon arriving. The essence of 'pura vida' is a balm for the soul, healing not just the five senses, but also the sixth—the sense of being present and enjoying the simpler pleasures. We chose Costa Rica for this exact medicine.
Room Options
Dorms
shared dorm room with shared bathroom (5-bed and 3-bed options)
Cost effective and plenty of personal space to journal and get that needed rest. Opportunities to interact and enjoy the experience with other women who know exactly what you are going through.
$2650 $2550 for Early Bird Special!
Private King Room (Sold Out)
King bed and private bathroom
Create a little haven for yourself in privacy. Enjoy some solitude and rest quietly…or let it out and dance naked.
Your choice ;)
$2950 $2850 for Early Bird Special!
Private Jungle Dome
Single King Bed, small kitchenette, private bathroom, deck, and garden
Immerse yourself in the jungle complete with the sounds of nature and private views of Costa Rican animal diversity. The Jungle Dome is a 3 minute walk from the main building and into the jungle, offering you a beautiful getaway.
* Please note the dome does not have hot water. Enjoy a cold shower on a hot day or slip inside the main center for a hot one.
$3300 $3200 for Early Bird Special!
Turn the Private Jungle into a friendship dome! If you and a friend want to share the dome they can be added on for $2300. That’s just $2800 each! Both spots must be booked together.
Early Bird Special!
Sign up by May 8th and receive $100 off any package!
What is on the agenda?
Tell me more about . . .
Click to learn more about each section.
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Women’s Circles are spaces to connect to our inner selves, the Divine, and like-hearted sisters.
With topical questions, the group is guided to share one at a time from their most authentic truth. While one sister shares, the rest listen silently in support. This is not a group that offers advice or feedback - it is a way for you to find your own answer with sisters listening and believing in you. We sit in a circle to tap into the feminine, cyclical energy as well as reminding ourselves of the equality we all share.
Circles often include a mix of: guided discussion, journal work, ritual, somatic movement, guided meditation, and more.
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Life Cultivation Sessions are aimed to hone in on your desires, remove obstacles that are in the way, and utilize natural gifts you have within yourself to bring the biggest of dreams into your lived experience.
Johanna’s approach is one of partnering with you to co-creatively explore your inner world and find the answers you’ve been seeking. Sessions include a mix of deep listening, intuitive questions, discussion, ritual, somatic movement, meditation, and more.
This deep work is perfect for someone that is ready to make major life changes (career, way of living, relationship, etc), put away unhelpful habits, step into dreams that have long seemed unattainable, and more. Or maybe it’s not even about shifting something…but expanding it! Taking something that you love and watching it grow even bigger…beyond your wildest dreams!
Life Cultivation Sessions are held via Zoom and can be scheduled for a date before or after the retreat. Reach out to Johanna to find what would be best for you at: womxninthepines@gmail.com
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Career coaching sessions are personalized to fit your specific needs. Melanie is there to guide you through handling a difficult customer, project, or co-work situation. She can also help you approach your manager about a raise, promotion, or request reimbursement for more training.
With extensive experience in job searching AI, Melanie can help boost your resume or job search to get you in front of that hiring manager of a job that is a perfect fit. She also is there to help coach you through feeling comfortable and standing out in an interview to land that next dream job.
Read more about her experience and services here.
Career Coaching Sessions are held via Zoom and can be scheduled for a date before or after the retreat. Reach out to Melanie to find what would be best for you at: melanie.sassano1@gmail.com
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The majority of our yoga sessions will be gentle, Restorative and Yin yoga with some energizing Hatha classes as well.
Restorative and Yin are both styles that are practiced while sitting and/or lying down on your mat. They both incorporate postures that are held for 3+ minutes but have different aims. Restorative yoga uses props and bolsters to support you in the postures, making it easeful and relaxing to the nervous system while yin yoga tends to use less props and is aimed at nice, deep stretches of the muscles.
Hatha yoga is traditional yoga and incorporates seated and standing postures. Hatha yoga utilizes asana (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation / mantra. Hatha yoga aims to strengthen the body as well as the mind.
All yoga classes at Women InCorporated have been specifically chosen to help you decrease stress and reset your nervous system by slowing down and offering rest, connection, and focus. All classes are beginner friendly.
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Forest therapy walks, also known as forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku, offer a rejuvenating and immersive experience in nature.
During these walks, participants are encouraged to engage their senses fully, allowing the sights, sounds, scents, and textures of the forest to restore their well-being. As they slowly wander through the lush greenery, they embrace a mindful and meditative approach, aiming to foster a deep connection with the natural world.
Forest therapy walks have been scientifically shown to:
• reduce stress
• improve mood
•boost immune function
• and enhance overall mental + physical health
A delightful and therapeutic way to reconnect with oneself and find solace in the embrace of the forest.
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We will visit Esterillos Este Beach, a secluded beach just a short drive from Selvática Retreat Center.
Here you can soak up the sun, wade in the water, rest in the shade of the palm trees and play to your heart’s delight!
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Food is Medicine
The local and organic vegetarian food is prepared fresh onsite and planned by the retreat’s in-house dietitian.
Your day at Selvática, begins with a refreshing fruit platter, showcasing the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica. The richness of Costa Rican fruit must truly be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated.
We then complete the day with a full spread for brunch as well as dinner.
Meals at Salvatica are a communal affair, shared with your fellow retreat members in our open-air dining room. It's a time to connect, reflect, and savor the flavors of our lovingly prepared dishes.
Our chef can accommodate many different diets including gluten- and dairy- free, vegan, and more.
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Selvática Eco Retreat is strategically situated in the tiny rural village of Guapinol on the stunning rolling hills behind famous pristine beaches.
In lieu of being eco friendly, the common spaces are cooled by large fans and open air rooms. Bedrooms are equipped with a/c units as well as fans for your leisure.
Take a break from modern life. Kick off your heels and pull on your hiking boots. Trade your phone for binoculars, ditch your jeans, make-up, and bra for good - welcome to the jungle.
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This retreat is a time to intentionally disconnect from your regular pace in life and connect to self, nature, the Divine, and others to make way for healing and renewal.
With this in mind, we request this to be a time of no substances and no / less cellphone time. Let's keep the channel between our spirit and Spirit as clear and open as we can during this time.
If you would like to periodically check in with your family, you can purchase a sim card or use wifi as long as it is in a way that is not distracting to yourself or others. Please keep in mind that while wifi is available, it is in the jungle and can be spotty at times.
Testimonials
“Coaching with Johanna was an effortless, yet transformational experience. Her attentive listening and insightful questions really helped direct me toward the ideal life I previously felt was only available to me in some distant future. Thank you! Looking forward to growing with you more.”
— Buffie Diaz
“Melanie stands out as an exceptional yoga instructor, embodying a unique blend of calming energy and motivational strength that resonates deeply with her students. Her classes are more than just a series of yoga poses; they are a transformative experience that nurtures both the body and mind. Her expertise in tailoring sessions to meet individual needs, combined with her encouraging demeanor, makes Melanie a beacon of support and inspiration in the yoga community. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced yogi, Melanie's classes offer a balanced challenge and a path to personal growth and well-being.”
— Christi Gray
“The Women’s Circle is a truly wonderful and enlightening experience where women of all backgrounds come together in unity. Where we can speak freely of our past, our hopes, & our fears without judgement and with support. The Circle is a truly magical experience and soul opening experience. Elizabeth (Johanna) has brought back something that women have lost over the years and I applaud her for it.”
— Karen Attaway
“Melanie is extremely knowledgeable and well-versed in her field. She has provided me with a personalized yoga routine that was custom-designed for me based on my needs and problem areas. She not only knows her stuff but is a great listener and question-asker to give you the best practice for you.
She has decades of corporate experience and as such, has great perspective on how to navigate in that world and guide others as well. She has led meetings with groups of all sizes, personality types, experience levels, and is able to keep things on track and professional, especially when there are differing viewpoints and priorities.”
— Sarah Shipley
Early Bird Special!
Sign up by May 8th and receive $100 off any package!