Heredia, Costa Rica
A unique experience of learning, exchange, and practice in Casa Nube, Costa Rica with Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat.
We invite you to "Oh Healing River: Hope for the Watershed," a unique retreat designed for those seeking a deeper connection with creation and a renewed commitment to environmental stewardship. Held on the serene 27-acre property of Casa Nube, nestled on the slopes of Braulio Carrillo National Park, this experience combines spiritual reflection with hands-on learning amidst regenerating forests and open green spaces.
Arrive in Costa Rica on the morning of February 14 to begin a journey that evening with an opening session. Over the following days, we’ll dive into activities focused on faith, community, and ecological awareness, with ample time for reflection, exploration, and relaxation.
Casa Nube offers an immersive experience surrounded by natural beauty. Participants will stay in comfortable quadruple, triple, or double rooms, each featuring single beds, a bathroom, and a desk. Bedding and towels are provided for your convenience. An additional night of accommodation can be arranged for February 13 or February 17 (subject to availability), for those who wish to arrive early or extend their stay. Costa Rica has numerous nearby natural and cultural destinations, perfect for further exploration before or after the retreat.
Enjoy delicious, locally sourced meals shared in the communal dining room, with vegetarian options available. Let us know of any medically significant allergies when registering. Fresh, safe-to-drink water is readily available on-site, along with coffee and snack stations. Wifi is provided, although cell phone coverage may be limited due to the remote setting.
Please come prepared with:
Casa Nube’s main building includes an accessible restroom. However, please note that the bedrooms are not wheelchair-accessible. This retreat involves moderate physical activity, including birdwatching, forest walks, and a composting toilet workshop, which require a certain level of mobility.
Participants are responsible for arranging their travel to Costa Rica. However, we will coordinate a group airport transfer (fee included in the retreat cost). Once registered, please share your travel details with us to ensure a seamless arrival experience.
Costa Rica is home to nearly 900 bird species; some are common and easy to observe, while others are more elusive and shy. This activity will be led by Marco Quesada, an experienced Costa Rican birdwatcher with a passion for sharing his knowledge on bird identification and behavior.
The hike will begin early in the morning. It is recommended to wear warm clothing, bring a water bottle, binoculars (8 x 42 or 10 x 42), and be very mindful of the need to walk in silence to make the most of the activity. Casa Nube will provide a snack to take and eat during the activity.
This activity will be led by Natalia Vega, an agricultural engineer with over 20 years of experience in the design and construction of eco-toilets. This workshop includes both a theoretical and practical component, where the science behind their functioning will be analyzed and doubts related to their operation will be cleared up. No prior construction experience is required.
