Journey Through the elements
Costa Rica
OSA Peninsula
Iguana Lodge
Matt Giordano
Immerse yourself in Yoga and Nature
December 5-10 2020
Get away from it all and focus on yourself. This is the perfect opportunity to recharge your emotional body and enliven your spirit. You will get to live amongst the monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds while you practice yoga in the jungle, sit by the pool, enjoy delicious food, and soak up the sun on the beach. There is no better location in Costa Rica to get the best of all worlds in one place than Iguana Lodge.
This Immersion uses the Elements (Earth,Water, Fire, Air, and Space) as a basis for self awareness and deeper knowledge of both body and mind. As we journey through the elements you will become aware of both the obvious and hidden needs of your body, mind, and heart. Through yoga, meditation, enriching conversations, and supportive connections this retreat will leave you feeling inspired, empowered and completely refreshed.
“Attending Matt’s retreat in Costa Rica was hands down one of the very best gifts I have ever given myself.”
Kristin Pilgreen
The Experience
Picture 6 days in one of the most beautiful place on earth, practicing yoga with some of the best people, and enjoying authentic and delicious Costa Rican cuisine all in one trip! Together we will take a trip through the elements and how they relate to the physical body in our yoga practice. You will come away from each practice with an increased body awareness and ability to access new postures for yourself. Beyond the physical practice, this retreat is about reconnecting to the depths of our hearts and souls. We will tap into our surroundings, feel the earth’s energy, and allow it to fill us with a rejuvenating vibrancy. This retreat is also about cultivating community and support for one another. Together we will lift each other up, listen to one another, and share time with one another while surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Day 1
- Flight from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez
- Arrival between 8am- 5pm
- 4:30-5:30 Optional Practice (Earth and Water) Root Down and Settle in
- 6:30pm Welcome Gathering
- 7pm Dinner
- Settle in and sleep.
Day 2
- Wake Up, Sunrise, Optional coffee/fruit.
- 7:30-9a Practice (Earth) Foundation & Balance)
- 9am Breakfast
- 10-11am Meet and Greet
- Free Time/lunch
- 3-5p Practice (water) Hip Opening
- 7pm Dinner
Day 3
Monday
- Wake Up Optional coffee/fruit
- 7:30-9a Practice (Water) Warm up and Inside Flow with Rebecca Rasmussen
- 9am Breakfast
- Free Time/lunch – Optional Excursions
- 4-5:30p Practice (Fire) Finding Courage, Balance and Strength – Handstand
- 7pm Dinner
Day 4
- Wake Up. Optional coffee/fruit
- 7:30-9am (Fire) The Core Of Twists
- 9am Breakfast
- Free Time/lunch
- 3-5p Practice (Air) Discover the Joy of Back Bends
- 5:30p Beach BBQ
- 6:45p Fire Burning Ceremony
- 7:15 Satsang and Group Meditation
Day 5
- Sunrise Wake Up. Optional coffee/fruit
- 7:30-9am Practice (Air) Shoulders: Boundless Freedom
- 9am Breakfast
- Free Time/lunch
- 4-5:30p Heart Openers
- 7pm Dinner
Day 6
- Sunrise Wake Up. Optional coffee/fruit
- Departures throughout the day
- 7-8am optional Practice
- 8-10am Breakfast and departures
- Optional Stay for an extra night to be booked directly with Iguana Lodge
The Perks
- All levels yoga
- Accessible meditation techniques
- Meaningful conversations with great people
- Incredible sunrises!
- Clean, clear, and warm ocean
- Relaxation spots: hammocks and beach huts
- Authentic and amazing food by local chefs
- Community building and life long friendships
- Optional Excursions (see optional add on’s)
- Beach bon fire night
- Natural environment with comfortable amenities
What is inluded
- 8 Yoga practices/Workshops
- 1 Evening Satsang and Meditation (guided group discussion)
- 2 Breakfasts
- Lunch
- Dinner made by one of Costa Rica’s best chef’s, Jose!
- Ground Transportation from Puerto Jimenez to Iguana Lodge
- Pool
- Hot Tub
- Direct Access to The Beach!
Optional Add On’s
- Extra Night(s) stay
- Horse Back Riding
- Nature Preserve
- Zip Lining
- Surf Lessons
- Water Fall Repelling
- Kayaking through through the Jungle
- Massage
- Jungle hike and wildlife watch with expert naturalist, Sidnar
- Wine, and tropical mixed drinks
- Spa Treatments
Accomidations
Club Rooms & Casitas
Choose your experience
Club Room
Club Rooms are lovely hotel-like rooms with gorgeous travertine bathrooms and outdoor living areas for hanging out – facing the beach or the jungle.
Price Per Person Starts at
$208/month
Casita
Straight out of Jungle Architectural Digest, the secluded two-story casitas possess what designers call “tropical allure.” Tarzan would be proud.
Payment Plans Per Person Start at
$246/month
Private Premium Casita
Premium Casita’s are beautiful upstairs casitas with private bathrooms and a balcony. You can sign up as a single with your own space or as a double.
Payment Plan: Private Casita
$458/month
The Beach House
The Top floor of the beach house is absolutely epic, and hands down the best room in the house. With its own private bath and balcony it is Ideal for a single looking for the fullest experience, or couple who want a romantic get away, or a group of friends that want the top notch experience. Want to sign up for 3 people use the contact form at the bottom of the page to request.
- Private Bathroom
- One Queen Beds and one Single Bed
- Balcony Overlooking the Ocean
Prices Vary: Payment Plans starting at
$475/month
I cannot speak highly enough of the experience I had with Matt at the Iguana Lodge. Matt not only taught almost everything I know and love about yoga in a wonderfully unique way, but with the most genuine sense of passion and dedication. I was blown away by Matt’s knowledge and broad range of retreat activities from the yoga to a handstand workshop, meditations and a satsang. My favorite aspect of this experience was how personal it all was. Matt interacted with all of the yogis from start to finish – meal times, downtime in between yoga classes and after dinner. It was so fun and down to earth and the connection is felt instantly. I
Information
Amenities
Free WiFi
Wifi is free and it is accessible throughout most of the retreat center.
Washer & Dryer
Should you decide to pack light or need a wash of clothes, the service is available for a separate fee.
Pool
The amazing saline filtered pool is accessible at all hours.
Tennis Court
There is a brand new tennis court with rackets and balls available.
Pottery Studio
There is a pottery studio at the lodge for the artists looking to get creative!
Coffee All Day
Coffee is available from 4am-8pm in the main pavillion
Checkin & Checkout
Checkin Saturday December 7th at any time! arrive early to get the fullest experience. Check out on December 12th between 6am-12pm. Should you want to stay later you will be able to leave your luggage with the front desk and pay for lunch separately and leave as late as you’d like. If you’d like to extend your stay for another night you will book this directly with info@iguanalodge.com and you will receive a retreat discount.
Cancellation Policy
Your first payment is non-refundable. All other payments will be refunded with a 90 day or more notice of cancellation. Should you need to cancel with 60- 90 days your first 3 payments are non refundable with the exception that someone fills your spot, in which case you will be refunded all payments with exception of first payment. Should you not be able to attend, and at anytime find someone to take your spot for the retreat, a full refund may be granted.
Free Airport Transfer
A free tairport transfer from Puerto Jimenez to Iguana Lodge will be provided for you. Please send your flight details to Info@Iguanalodge.com so they can arrange your pickup.
Plan Your trip
Transportation Information
Information
International Airport and Domestic Airports
Costa Rica has two international airports, I recommend flying in to SJO international. Either arrive early on Saturday Dec. 7th or on Friday Dec. 6th and stay a night in San Jose. There are several Hotels in San Jose that are beautiful, close to the airport, and reasonably priced. Domestic flights from SJO to Puerto Jimenez, where Iguana Lodge is located run between 6am and approximately 430pm.
Your Domestic Flight
There are two options for booking your domestic flight, you can either go directly to www.flysansa.com or email info@iguanalodge.com and they book the flight for you. I recommend doing this step first so that you book your international flight accordingly. The domestic terminal is a 3-5 minute walk for SJO, but with customs and potential late arrivals I recommend 2 hours or more between landing in SJO and take of from the Domestic Terminal.
Passport
Common protocol is make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your departure date.
International Flight
plan your international flight around your domestic flight or at least look at the times on www.flysansa.com or check with iguana lodge info@iguanalodge.com prior to booking your flight. I suggest looking fo flights to SJO international. some websites you might try are www.cheapoair.com and www.orbitz.com
San Jose Hotels
Should you decide to arrive a day early or leave a day late than I suggest www.Orbitz.com for hotel options. There are some hotels that offer shuttles, but taxi’s are cheap and safe in San Jose. If you are looking for an exceptional hotel try the Marriott located 15 minutes from the airport – there are several close to SJO, but this one is far superior. On a budget I recommend the Holiday in Express which is only a few minutes away and has a free shuttle to and from the airport.
Cash?
Most of Costa Rica takes USD and Costa Rican Colognes. You can exchange at the airport if you wish. When you are at Iguana Lodge you will not need cash unless you’d like to leave tips or head into town. All extra’s such as excursions, massages, and alcohol can be paid for via credit card at the end of your stay at iguana lodge.
Extend Your Stay!
You will have the option to extend your stay at iguana lodge at a discounted rate for 1 or more evenings. Or should you want to extend your retreat experience you could either come early and take the Flow into Bliss retreat with Rebecca Rasmussen and Beau Campbell aka @DancinBecka and @theyogarina or you can stay after for the Handstand Retreat with Kyle Weiger @KyleWeiger for more info on these retreats email matt@theyogimatt.com or check www.dancinbecka.com and www.kyleweiger.com
REgistration open
Below you will see your room options, ALL the room options are nice, and you really can’t go wrong. If you have questions or concerns use the contact form at the bottom of the page.
Recommendations:
1. Signing up by yourself to share a room? Look at the two club room option
2. Signing up with a loved one: The beach house “deluxe casita” is the best option. Upstairs Casitas with Private Bath is the next best! 3. Signing up with a friend: All options are suitable, choose what attracts your both the most. If either of you are not used to the jungle experience and have some fears around it than choose the club rooms as they are more similar to a beach resort hotel.
MEALS: Pre-practice breakfast, Post Practice 2nd breakfast, lunch, and Dinner, and taxi to and from Puerto Jimenez to Iguana Lodge are all included in the fees below. Yoga is also already included.
NOTE: EARLY BIRD PRICES are in effect through April 30th 2020
Standard Rooms
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Club Room Jungle View
Club Rooms are lovely hotel-like rooms with gorgeous travertine bathrooms and outdoor living areas for hanging out – These club rooms are on the jungle side without a beach view but tend to be cooler in temperature. Each room has a bathroom to be shared with your Roomate.
Economy Rate - Shared Room
Economy Rate: I want to sign up as an individual, in a shared Room (you will be assigned a Roomate)
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $240 billed monthly
Total: $1,440
Early Bird Rates: Cost before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 payments of $208 billed monthly
Total: $1,248
For Two
For Two: I want to sign myself and a friend up to share a room with each other
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $480 billed monthly
Total: $2,880
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $416 billed monthly
Total: $2,496
Private Room
Private Experience: I want to sign up for my own room without a Roomate
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $350 billed monthly
Total: $2,100
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $315 billed monthly
Total: $1890
Club Room Ocean View
Club Rooms are lovely hotel-like rooms with gorgeous travertine bathrooms and outdoor living areas for hanging out – These club rooms have an amazing view of the beach and the ocean. Each room has a bathroom to be shared with your roomate.
Economy Rate - Shared Room
Economy Rate: I want to sign up as an individual, in a shared Room (you will be assigned a Roomate)
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $260 billed monthly
Total: $1,560
Early Bird Rates: Cost before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 payments of $228 billed monthly
Total: $1,368
For Two
For Two: I want to sign myself and a friend up to share a room with each othe
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $520 billed monthly
Total: $3,120
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 payments of $456 billed monthly
Total: $2,736
Private Room
Private Experience: I want to sign up for my own room without a Roomate
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $365 billed monthly
Total: $2,190
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $332 billed monthly
Total: $1,192
Casita With Shared Bath
Casitas are set in the jungle and built from he material of the land. A true tropical experience for those that want to enjoy the magic of Costa Rica at its finest. These Casitas have shared bathrooms.
Standard For Two
Standard For Two: I want to sign myself and a friend up to share a room with each othe
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $558.33 billed monthly
Total: $3,350
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $491.67 billed monthly
Total: $2,950
Private Room
Private Experience: I want to sign up for my own room without a Roomate (shared bathroom with 1-2 other guests)
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $443.33 billed monthly
Total: $2,660
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $410 billed monthly
Total: $2,460
Casita W/Private Bathroom
Casitas are set in the jungle and built from he material of the land. A true tropical experience for those that want to enjoy the magic of Costa Rica at its finest. These Casitas have private bathrooms, and are located on the ground level. ONLY 2 LEFT!
Casita Private Room
Private Experience: I want to sign up for my own room without a Roomate
6 Month Payment Plan:
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $465 billed monthly
Total: $2,790
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $435 billed monthly
Total: $2,610
Casita For Two
For Two: I want to sign myself and a friend up to share a room with each other
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $615 billed monthly
Total: $3,690
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $585 billed monthly
Total: $3510
Premium Upstairs Casita W/ Private Bathroom
Enjoy the comforts of having a room with your own bathroom in a casita. These Casitas are located upstairs for a better view and have their own private bathrooms. ONLY 2 LEFT!
Premium Private Room
Private Experience: I want to sign up for my own private room
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $482 billed monthly
Total: $2,892
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $458 billed monthly
Total: $2,748
Premium For Two
For Two: I want to sign myself and a friend up to share a room with each other
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $649 billed monthly
Total: $3,894
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $625 billed monthly
Total: $3750
Luxury Sweet
This is the honey moon sweet at Iguana Lodge and it features one double bed and one single bed. Stay here solo, with a friend, loved one or group of 3! It has a private bath and private balcony with a hammock and seating area. Only one available.
Luxury Private Room
Private Experience: I want to sign up for my own room without a Roomate
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $499 billed monthly
Total: $2,994
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $475 billed monthly
Total: $2,850
Luxury For Two
Luxury For Two: I want to sign myself and a friend up to share a room with each other. Below is the total cost for two guests.
Cost: After April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $665 billed monthly
Total: $3,990
Early Bird Rates: Before April 30, 2020
Payment Plan: 6 Payments of $642 billed monthly
Total: $3,852
Reviews
Testimonials
This retreat was my very first both w/Matt Giordano and in Costa Rica @ The iguana lodge on the OSA Peninsula.
Everything about this adventure was stupendous! to list a few highlights; bonfire and dinner on the beach ; a picturesque sunrise over the water every morning; yoga and meditation led by a warm and welcoming yogi teacher who manages to guide me to places I haven’t been before; perfect weather for any activity ; a naturalist every morning who knows exactly where to find the abundant wildlife right on the property, delectable meals , gracious hosts and I could go on and on. I am truly grateful to have shared this experience with Matt and a group of beautiful like minded yogis. Cannot wait to return!!!
I am not sure I can even put into words how AMAZING this Costa Rica Retreat was. If you have been on the fence about doing a retreat as I have been for the past few years, this retreat is a MUST. It was a life changing experience. Matt was an incredibly caring, inspirational, and giving host. Doing this was completely out of my comfort zone, but I left with so much growth and my heart is so full. I met new like-minded people, deepened existing friendships, truly advanced my yoga practice through Matt’s creative workshops, and grew personally through self reflection and facing fears. Adding to the Immersion Retreat was being present in the serenity of the Jungle in Costa Rica. The Iguana Lodge was an incredible setting in every aspect and my favorite part was being able to enjoy dinners with your Retreat group at the community dining table, eating outstanding local foods, getting to know each other better, and reflecting on our retreat experience. This was a once in a lifetime adventure…
“Thanks Matt for sharing your unique gift of teaching yoga. I always learn something new with you. I also had a wonderful experience in Costa Rica — from the beautiful scenery to the friendly people in Iguana Lodge and the yoga community.”
This retreat was absolutely perfect from start to finish. Matt has a way of immediately making you feel welcomed and seen and comfortable; on an international retreat with many people you may not know, I think that is important. The yoga was great as always; a theme is incorporated throughout the week so there is purpose to each and every session. Matt’s instruction is clear and concise and his knowledge base is something that I find inspiring as a fellow teacher.
The iguana lodge as a retreat center is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. The yoga deck(s) are stunning, the pool, the plants and flowers, monkeys all over the place. The staff was incredibly welcoming and happy and helpful, they spoke good English so it was easy to communicate. The food was amazing; I felt spoiled from start to finish. Can’t say enough good things about the whole experience; I’d go back year after year.
Attending Matt’s retreat in Costa Rica was hands down one of the very best gifts I have ever given myself. Aside from spending a week in a most stunning and relaxing environment that is the Iguana Lodge, enjoying new friendships and delighting on the delicious cuisines offered daily, I left the retreat with the complete reset and revitalization I felt my mind, body and spirit were needing.
Matt’s vast knowledge and passion for anatomy and understanding the body’s ability and potentiality to flex, bend, strengthen and align under its optimal efficiency is really felt in his classes. He brings and holds a beautiful and spiritual space and presence for his students and his passion and reverence for being a teacher is greatly felt. His care and dedication to teaching from a very pure and anatomically inclined space encourages his students to tune inward and become more conscious, aware and curious with their own anatomy and approach to various asanas. Through being encouraged to examine what I was feeling and what did I want to feel, I gently felt old physical patterns that weren’t serving me anymore unwind and melt away. Leaving me with so much more freedom in my mind and body space. His classes will challenge, inspire and grow you and his fun and humble spirit at the helm, will provide for an all encompassing yogic adventure. I give this retreat a 10! It’s one not to be forgotten and it might just become a yearly tradition in your life like I hope for it to be in mine.
REady for a nourishing adventure?
Looking forward to seeing you in Costa Rica!
Thanks for treating yourself to the practice of yoga.
Need Something Else?
Send Matt an email below with your questions!