The Art of Bliss: Costa Rica
Recharge. Reset. Refocus.
August 2-8, 2026
.jpeg)
The Experience
The Art of Bliss invites you into a rhythm of shared presence, where connection happens naturally through movement, play, stillness, and time immersed in nature.
Regenerative Lifestyle Immersion
From the moment of arrival in Costa Rica, the pace begins to soften. For those who wish, an optional evening at a boutique hotel near San José offers space to land gently, rest deeply, and settle into a more spacious rhythm. The journey continues the following morning with a private charter flight to Quepos, where sweeping views of jungle and coastline unfold, followed by a scenic transfer into the Diamante Valley and the secluded sanctuary of Vajra Jahra.
Once settled, the retreat opens in circle with featured facilitator Gretchen Fox Palmer. Her R³ practice—Recharge, Reset & Refocus—introduces a supportive and spacious framework for the days ahead, weaving together guided reflection, intention setting, and gentle coaching.
The opening days are devoted to arrival in its fullest sense. Mornings invite mindful movement and quiet connection with nature, followed by rainforest walks and a grounding blue clay ritual. Afternoons remain open and unhurried, offering time for swimming, deep rest, or optional spa treatments—an immersion into restoration at its own natural pace.
As the rhythm deepens, a sense of play and wonder emerges. A day on the Pacific brings the possibility of whale watching in Uvita, where the protected waters of Bahía Ballena and its iconic whale tail formation create a feeling of awe and expansiveness. Another day unfolds slowly, with a late poolside brunch, a creative vision boarding session, and a hands-on Costa Rican cooking experience using fresh, local ingredients.
Throughout the week, moments of connection and reflection continue to weave through each experience—a visit to a regenerative farm, a relaxed wine tasting dinner, and time to simply be. The final full day offers a sense of quiet celebration: a hidden waterfall, a local artisan market, and a sunset gathering by the ocean. The evening closes around a bonfire, with a simple integration ceremony honoring what is ready to be carried forward.
The retreat includes six nights at Vajra Jahra, nourishing meals crafted from locally sourced ingredients, private charter flights and ground transportation, curated excursions, and on-site facilitation throughout.
What lingers beyond the experience is not only a sense of renewal shaped by Costa Rica’s wild beauty, but a deeper connection to clarity, vitality, and the quiet unfolding of what comes next.
The Venue
Nestled in Costa Rica’s Diamante Valley, Vajra Jahra Villas & Retreat Center is a secluded sanctuary designed for rest, presence, and connection. Surrounded by rainforest and waterfall views, the property offers private villas that blend modern comfort with the rhythms of nature. With an infinity pool, open-air gathering spaces, and a peaceful sense of privacy, it’s an ideal setting to slow down, exhale, and truly arrive.
Designed for those who value presence, deep connection with nature, and the beauty of shared experience.
Featured Facilitator
Gretchen Fox Palmer brings more than 30 years of leadership, entrepreneurial experience, and transformational coaching to her work. Her career began in the film industry before she went on to help pioneer the early social media landscape, later becoming a Fortune 500 Vice President and founding a seven-figure Brand and Culture agency. Today Gretchen focuses on guiding individuals through meaningful life transitions, helping them reconnect with purpose, clarity, and well-being. During the retreat she will facilitate her R³ practice, Recharge, Reset & Refocus, offering supportive reflection, intention setting, and coaching moments woven naturally throughout the week.
Curated by Avia Collective
This experience is a collaboration between Avia Collective and Vajra Jahra; rooted in shared values of connection, cultural integrity, and thoughtful hospitality. Together, we offer a curated journey that supports local communities while inviting guests into a deeper relationship with place.
Host Venue: Vajra Jahra
Designed for those who value presence, deep connection with nature, and the beauty of shared experience.
Your Retreat Host
Sara Champagne is a Transformational Experience Designer, Heart Math mentor, international wellness event producer, and regenerative travel advocate. She co-leads the Bliss Costa Rica retreat with presence, intuition, and deep reverence for connection. Inspired by her own healing journey and a devotion to embodied awareness, Sara blends sound, breath, gentle movement, and intentional dialogue to support nervous system regulation, heart coherence, and sustainable inner resourcing. A community builder, facilitator, and lifelong learner, she believes transformation comes not from becoming more, but from remembering that we are already whole, especially in moments of change and responsibility.
