Our retreat is located in the beautiful and serene La Paloma eco-lodge that overlooks Drake Bay, an ideal location for meditation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Drake Bay is positioned on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. Adjoining Corcovado National Park, Drake Bay offers quiet secluded beaches, tropical rainforests, and wildlife that includes several species of monkeys, sloths, butterflies, scarlet macaws, and more. During January, it’s typically warm and sunny. You will enjoy pristine modern accommodations, expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, and friendly service. 

From the Buddha’s earliest teaching to the wanderings of Zen masters, students of mindfulness have appreciated the power of nature to cultivate mindfulness and the understanding of interdependence. This retreat will awaken your senses and enhance your awareness while surrounded by lush tropical jungle, wildlife, warm ocean waters, and pristine beaches. Individuals and couples will be guided on the path of mindfulness through meditation, gentle mindful movement, clinical education, excursions into nature, and delicious cuisine—all within a beautiful eco-lodge at Drake Bay in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, where sparkling ocean meets verdant jungle to provide a safe and nurturing container for our time together.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

For complete CE information for licensed mental health professionals, physicians, and nurses, please click on Educational Programs prior to registering. 

Learning from Non-Ordinary States: Mindfulness, Compassion, & Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy with Dr. Ron Siegel

This program is educational in nature and does not involve the administration of psychedelic medicine.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn practical tools and techniques derived from mindfulness and compassion-oriented treatment and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy to help clients with a wide-array of disorders. We’ll explore ways to help clients integrate split-off traumatic memories, open their hearts, embrace vulnerability, surrender to the flow of ever-changing experience, move from isolation to deep connection with people and nature, appreciate the unreliable fluidity of thought, and find meaning in everyday moments. You’ll learn how to use mindfulness and self-compassion practices along with other techniques to harness these healing mechanisms, while also gaining the knowledge necessary to help clients who might be experimenting with psychedelics to integrate and grow from their experiences.

Mindful Movement for Self-Regulation with Dr. Larry Cammarata

This educational program integrates the application of mindfulness, mindful movement, and body awareness skills in the treatment of psychological and psychophysiological disorders. Mindful movement is an accessible body-centered mindfulness practice that may be of particular benefit to clients and patients who are challenged by the sitting required of many mindfulness practices. Mindful movement can be used as a standalone mindfulness practice or as a complement to seated meditation. The practice of mindful movement develops the ability to regulate the mind, body, and breath, which can reduce the symptoms and suffering associated with psychological conditions such as Anxiety Disorders and Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders. We will examine mindfulness, mindful movement, and client-directed body-oriented interventions designed to facilitate self-regulation, mood stabilization, enhanced concentration, and quality of life.

RETREAT OVERVIEW

Educational Programs

Learning from Non-Ordinary States: Mindfulness, Compassion, & Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy with Dr. Ron Siegel 

Mindful Movement for Self-Regulation: Evidence-Based Benefits and Clinical Applications with Dr. Larry Cammarata 

For complete CE information for licensed mental health professionals, physicians, and nurses, please click on Educational Programs prior to registering. 

Also included at the retreat

•      Yoga classes with Linda Cammarata, RYT

•      Gorgeous accommodations in an eco-lodge overlooking Drake Bay

•      Delicious fresh cuisine (all meals), including beach picnics

•      Mangrove river excursion 

•      Jungle hike with an expert naturalist guide 

•      Swimming & kayaking      

•      Time for relaxation, personal exploration, and connecting with nature   

•      Ground and boat transportation to the Lodge   

•      Plus many optional activities (e.g., snorkeling excursion) available at the Lodge

"I had the opportunity to join Linda and Larry Cammarata (L & L) with guest co-facilitator Dr. Ron Siegel for a Mindfulness Retreat in Costa Rica. L & L are skillful event planners and organizers starting with the location choice of an eco-lodge in Costa Rica. Daily itineraries showed attention to detail and included a rich blend of activities supporting mindfulness practices. They demonstrated flexibility in making adjustments as the needs of participants evolved.  I wanted to share these thoughts because as travelers know, logistical problems can spoil an otherwise potentially wonderful experience. L & L create sacred space. I experienced awe, grace, humility, gratefulness, gentleness, kindness, connection, surprise, and laughter. I would characterize it as soul laughter. We were asked to consider identifying an intention for the week. I rested in 'reclaiming my joy'. When Mary Oliver asks, 'Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' I would suggest you consider getting to know Larry and Linda through one of their adventures." 

Kay, Chicago

"I’m still reeling from our beautiful Mindfulness Workshop that Ron, Larry and Linda provided for all of us. Our particular group of participants was outstanding! I have literally been to hundreds of workshops and this was by far the very best I have ever attended.  My experience with you in Costa Rica was marvelous as well as educational.”

B.G., Psychologist 

Retreat Fee, Registration, and Contact Information

$ 3950: Per-person, shared occupancy (USD credit card; airfare not included)

Register now to reserve your place. This retreat has sold out early for the past five years.

Registration and Payment: Please email Linda Cammarata to register. After registering, you may pay by credit card through an online invoice that will be emailed to you.

Questions? Email Linda Cammarata

Photos and Teaching Team

"Perched above Drake Bay, with open views of the Pacific and the lush of Osa Peninsula, La Paloma Lodge is a place that seems to get better each passing hour.” The New York Times

"...One of the most stylish Lodges in Costa Rica - polished hardwoods and hammocks, floor to ceiling windows, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean…" Harper's Bazaar Travel Guide

"La Paloma Lodge is a spectacular eco-lodge experience…one of those once-in-a-lifetime places you'll always want to return to. I left feeling more like a friend than a guest." Costa Rica Guide

Monkeys are frequent visitors here, reminding us of our monkey minds!

Our Drake Bay, Costa Rica 2019 retreat group

The beach at Drake Bay invites your presence.

MEET OUR TEAM

Ronald D. Siegel, Psy.D. is Assistant Professor of Psychology, Part Time, at Harvard Medical School. He is a long-time student of mindfulness meditation and serves on the Board of Directors and faculty of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. He teaches internationally about the application of mindfulness practice in psychotherapy and other fields, and maintains a private clinical practice in Lincoln, Massachusetts. He is author of The Mindfulness Solution: Everyday Practices for Everyday Problems, coeditor of Mindfulness and Psychotherapy and Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy: Deepening Mindfulness in Clinical Practice, coauthor of Back Sense: A Revolutionary Approach to Halting the Cycle of Chronic Back Pain and Sitting Together: Essential Skills for Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy, and author of the new book, The Extraordinary Gift of Being Ordinary: Finding Happiness Right Where You Are.

Linda Cammarata, RYT is a Registered Yoga Teacher and retired Registered Nurse who specializes in applying mind-body practices of self-regulation to stress, mood, and sleep health. She is the Founder and Director of Mindfulness Travels. Linda has designed and presented wellness programs at world renowned spas in the US and internationally. She integrates mindfulness, gentle yoga, qigong, and contemporary science into her teachings. Her professional experience spans over 30 years in tradtional and complementary healthcare and wellness settings. 

Larry Cammarata, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who specializes in mindfulness-based therapy and education, including the  science and practice of mindful movement. He is the Director of Education of Mindfulness Travels and is also the Director of Training for East Bay Mindfulness Center. Larry is also an instructor of Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and Qiogong who has received advanced training in China and in the US. He was designated as an "Author-Expert" by IDEA for his writing, teaching, and service in the fields of mind-body health, fitness, and wellness. His mindful movement work was presented at the 11th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine.  Along with renowned mindfulness teachers Jack Kornfield, Daniel Siegel, Tara Brach, Sharon Salzberg, Sylvia Boorstein and others, Larry made a contribution to the book A Year of Living Mindfully: 52 Quotes & Weekly Mindfulness Practices (edited by Richard Fields, Ph.D.).

For more information or to register, please email Linda.