A Bewildered Retreat
Join Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan
for a “culture cleanse” in beautiful Costa Rica!
Join Martha Beck
and Rowan Mangan
for a “culture cleanse”
in beautiful Costa Rica!
Jan 31 – Feb 5
SOLD OUT
Feb 10 – Feb 15
About the Retreat
When was the last time your body felt truly at ease?
Do the relentless demands of each day drown out your sense of who you are and what you’re here to do? Do you ever just want to put it all down for a minute and breathe? You’re not alone.
There is a part of you that remembers who you were before the world told you who to be. It hasn’t disappeared, but has grown quieter beneath the noise of culture, expectation, and responsibility.
That’s why we’re inviting you to the wilds of Costa Rica for a culture cleanse. Pure Wild Self is a retreat designed to turn down the volume on the outside world and gently reconnect you with what’s deepest, truest, and already alive within you.
A taste of Pure Wild Self
“The retreat was incredible; exactly what I needed when I needed it.
The combination of Martha’s deep, soul-changing workshops, supportive community, and gorgeous Imiloa with its blend of comfort and jungle wildness, was magical.
I feel like a huge part of my wild nature was restored.”
Gail W.
Retreat Participant – 2025 & 2026
Come Play!
The Pure Wild Self Retreat is an intentional break in the year for those who are feeling bewildered and want to feel be-wilder-ed.
With guidance from Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan, you’ll be led through the process of reconnecting with your truest nature while being held in the gentle embrace of the Costa Rican jungle and a loving village of kindred spirits.
I want to express my deepest gratitude for one of the most intensely joyful, spiritual and connected experiences of my life.
What a beautiful village of souls you called together. Never in my life have I experienced such a level of spiritual connection, vulnerability and simultaneously safety with people I have never met before.
Last but by no means least, what an unbelievable program you both put in place for us. Your wisdom, generosity, warmth, and infectious joy combined with the amazing life-force and love from the jungle…..well, sometimes words are inadequate.
If I can sustain just an ounce of that knowing into my regular life, great things will happen……are happening.
Georgina S.
2025 + 2026 Pure Wild Self
Who Is This Retreat For?
You might be a great fit for PURE WILD SELF if you:
- feel the pull toward something wilder and more true
- trust the intelligence of the natural world more than the noise of a broken culture
- are longing to spend time with kindred spirits who feel the same way
- sense that the community this creates is part of a larger transformation
…and, last but not least, if you like to laugh!
SO… WHAT EXACTLY IS
THE PURE WILD SELF RETREAT?
The Pure Wild Self Retreat is a guided culture cleanse, designed to help you step out of habitual ways of living and back into deeper alignment with yourself.
Culture is everywhere. It’s the air we breathe. It shapes the people around us and the ways we eat, drink, dress, and speak.
It’s present each time the mind insists, “You must,” or “You should,” even while the body and heart quietly plead, “Please don’t.”
A culture cleanse means intentionally stepping away from that constant pressure and learning how to listen beneath the noise. At the Pure Wild Self Retreat, you’ll be supported in reconnecting with the deeper intelligence within you that knows when to move, when to rest, and what is truly yours.
- We’ll be immersed in the wild beauty of the jungle.
- We’ll eat nourishing gourmet vegetarian comfort food at Imiloa’s “dry” campus. (That means no alcohol or drugs—we did say this is a cleanse!)
- We’ll be surrounded by the sounds of birds and running water. And silence. And each other.
THE PURE WILD SELF RETREAT WILL GIVE YOU…
- The rare chance to receive in-person wisdom from world-renowned thought leader Dr. Martha Beck.
- A “self-development” experience that will make you laugh out loud, even as your consciousness expands.
- Expert guidance in understanding the difference between cultural messaging (which keeps you stuck in the illusion of safety) and your own deep knowing (which will liberate you into creativity and truth).
- A connection—maybe for the first time ever—with the voice of your unique “true nature,” which is always talking to you and knows exactly what you were born to do.
- The opportunity to form an intimate relationship with the earth, the elements, animals, and plants that constitute your natural home and “family.”
- An opportunity to escape from all the “shoulds” in your life that are clogging your soul.
PURE WILD SELF RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
- Daily group conversations and self-discovery sessions with Martha and Rowan
- A range of curated ceremonial experiences to truly step beyond our culture
- Luxurious accommodations in the wild jungle of Costa Rica
- Gourmet plant-based cuisine prepared using all local and organic produce
- Private charter flights between San Jose, Costa Rica and the Imiloa campus
- An idyllic setting where you can explore the twin beauties of the jungle and the beach
- The Imiloa Wellness Bar features signature beverages ranging from superfood smoothies, detoxifying elixirs, freshly pressed juices, custom mocktails, and delicious specialty coffees (Wellness Bar not included in price of retreat)
- Imiloa’s signature massage treatments, offered by skilled local specialists, which will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, surrounded by the serenity and soothing sounds of the rainforest (not included in the price of the retreat)
- A dedicated online community space to get to know your fellow “Wildlings” before the retreat and to share photos and details
INCLUDED IN YOUR RETREAT
What’s Not Included
YOUR RETREAT HOSTS
Dr. Martha Beck
is a New York Times bestselling author, life coach, and speaker. She holds three Harvard degrees in social science, and Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.” Martha is a passionate and engaging teacher, known for her unique combination of science, humor, and spirituality. Her newest book, Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life’s Purpose, was an instant New York Times Best Seller.
In her own words: “All my work is dedicated to freeing all beings from suffering. This requires a commitment to valuing all humans as equally and infinitely precious. Integrity, creativity, inclusion, antiracism, and the preservation of our planet are my primary values in all that I do.”
Rowan Mangan
Accommodations
Please note that retreat prices vary according to the accommodation option you select—see Pricing, below! Some have been reserved for those traveling alone, while others are for those who are bringing a friend or want to be paired with a roommate.
You can also read more about the different room types on the Imiloa Institute website.
BALI SUITES
The Bali Suites are elegantly situated at the top of the mountain in the 200 year old Bali Village. The suites are located just a few steps away from our shared infinity pool, with gorgeous views overlooking the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean.
- King bed
- Shared infinity plunge pool
- A/C
- Fiber Optic Internet
Jogolo House
- King bed
- Private cold plunge pool
- Wrap-around sun deck
- No AC | Fans + Open-air construction that allow for natural ventilation
- Ocean & Rainforest Views
POTOO House
- King bed
- Private cold plunge pool
- Wrap-around sun deck
- No AC | Fans + Open-air construction that allow for natural ventilation
- Ocean & Rainforest Views
Geodesic River Domes
- 2 king beds or 4 twin beds
- Private jungle deck
- Open-air shower with rainforest views
- AC
- Jungle Views
Jungle Bungalows
- King bed
- Private jungle deck
- Soaking tub
- No AC | Open-air construction with fans and screens that allow for natural ventilation
- Jungle Views
Sky Forest
- Each room can hold one King bed
- 3,500 sq/ft of space + 500 sq/ft outdoor space
- Private campus within the campus
- Infinity pool with magnificent views of the Pacific
- Outdoor Space in Each Suite
- All Rooms have A/C
- Jungle view, mountain view and ocean view (each suite has separate view)
PRICING
DOMES
$9,500
PER PERSON
BUNGALOWS
$12,500
PER PERSON
BALI SUITES
$14,500
PER PERSON
SKY FOREST
$13,500
PER PERSON
SKY FOREST DELUXE
$14,500
PER PERSON
VIP VILLA
$19,500
PER VILLA
Double Occupancy
A charming 200-year old Bali Villa with a king bed, private deck, private plunge pool and stunning views of the jungle and ocean
THE VENUE
GOURMET PLANT BASED CUISINE
Imiloa takes pride in being a conscious comfort food campus. That means the culiary team serves healthy, locally-sourced, gourmet vegetarian meals that are as artistically plated, scientifically nourishing and delightfully crafted for retreat guests.
SPA & WELLNESS BAR
THE SPA
THE WELLNESS BAR
ALL INCLUSIVE TRANSPORTATION
Included in your retreat ticket is a privately charted plane from SJO to Imiloa as well as luxury ground transportation to and from the airstrip. For more details and information on transportation please email Imiloa’s retreat team at retreats@imiloainstitute.com.
Travel Insurance
While not included in your ticket cost, Imiloa has taken the extra step to ensure your peace of mind by partnering with a trusted and comprehensive travel insurance provider. Imiloa’s carefully chosen provider meets the entry requirements for Costa Rica and offers “cancel for any reason” plans that provide maximum coverage. With this additional option available through www.globalrescue.com/imiloa, you can travel with confidence, knowing that your retreat experience is safeguarded against unforeseen circumstances. Discover the true essence of worry-free travel where every detail is carefully curated to enhance your journey of wellness and adventure.
LOCATION
Nestled in the heart of the jungle, atop a mountain with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Imiloa offers a truly immersive nature experience. Adjacent to the second most biodiverse land on the planet, the location is a nature-lover’s paradise. Just a quick 15-minute drive away, you’ll find Dominical, a vibrant beach town with surf, excellent coffee, and local shopping opportunities.
To the north, you can explore Quepos, and to the south, discover Ojochal and Uvita, famously known as the Whale’s Tail.
But that’s not all. Imiloa’s convenient location also provides easy access to other attractions. Just 45 minutes to the east lies San Isidro, Costa Rica’s second largest city. Within an hour’s drive in all directions, you’ll find cafes, beaches, waterfalls, biodiversity, and friendly locals eager to share the beauty of the lush, lovely area.
Your journey is made even more convenient with Imiloa’s private plane, ensuring a smooth arrival. During your stay, your group will enjoy unlimited transportation to and from the beach, airport, and throughout your retreat, making your experience seamless and stress-free.
Come, immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and experience the warm hospitality of Imiloa.
THE EXPERIENCE
DAY ONE
Welcome & intention setting
- Enjoy a private flight from San Jose, Costa Rica, to the landing strip near Imiloa. You will meet the rest of your retreat group and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you fly over Costa Rica’s mountains and the Pacific coastline.
- Upon arrival at Imiloa, we will gather for delicious mocktails and an introduction talk from the Imiloa team, followed by a chance to settle in your room.
- After a break, we’ll meet for our first workshop with Martha and Rowan, where we’ll set a course for the retreat—both collectively and individually.
DAY TWO
Leaving culture behind
- Begin your first day at Imiloa with a hot beverage of your choice delivered to your doorstep.
- Enjoy some morning journaling or meditation before heading to a delicious gourmet breakfast.
- Today we’ll talk in our workshops about what we want to leave behind us from culture.
- We’ll enjoy a beautiful sunset and a 3-course dinner.
After dinner, we will relax in our luxurious rooms to rest, listen to the jungle chorus, and prepare for the wonders to come!
DAY THREE
Your true nature is trying to get your attention
- After breakfast, our first workshop will introduce the ways that our true nature tries to help us get back on course.
- We’ll enjoy a break after lunch and the chance to enjoy forest bathing or journaling and keep listening to that quiet voice of our nature (oh, and maybe get a massage too!).
- After another spectacular sunset and workshop, we’ll enjoy dinner together before retiring to our rooms for plenty of R&R.
DAY FOUR
The New Consciousness
- After breakfast, we will begin the day with a symbolic shedding of our “encultured” identity! This might be your first real encounter with your true nature, cleansed from all the “shoulds” of culture.
- After rest and massages and journaling, we will spend time together debriefing and discussing what Martha calls “the new consciousness.”
- After our nightly conversation over a gourmet dinner, we will choose between bonfire communion or a quiet night.
DAY FIVE
Living it
- In today’s workshop sessions we’ll be learning what it means to really live the new consciousness. Martha and Ro will be working with you on skills and practices you can use at home to create mini culture cleanses in daily life.
- Tonight we celebrate the culture we have created in our group over the week! We’ll be heading down to the beach for our 3-course gourmet dinner and a beach party with music and celebrations under the stars.
DAY SIX
Return with the elixir
- Like the heroes described in Joseph Campbell’s work, we will not be going home empty-handed—the “elixir” we receive on our last morning is a way to take our wild selves home with us and stay connected after we go home (maybe until we see each other again next year!).
- We will have an early breakfast, and you will be departing Imiloa around 9 am to take the private plane back to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO).
Questions & Contact
CHECK OUR FAQs on our registration pages (choose the relevant retreat dates for you):