Mindful Movement Club 03: Costa Rica Travel Diary
Day 1 (February 8, 2025) – Travel Day
Ah, the joys of travel! My flight was at 8:20 AM, which meant the Niagara Airbus picked me up at 3:30 in the morning. Because nothing says relaxing vacation vibes like getting up in the middle of the night. The first surprise of the day? A bus swap in Grimsby. Nothing like a groggy shuffle in the dark to make you question your life choices.
By the time I arrived at Toronto Pearson, I was running on sheer adrenaline and airport signs. Security was a breeze (I think—I may have blacked out from exhaustion). With time to kill, I found myself at Fionn MacCool’s for breakfast, where I learned an important lesson: mimosas can be served VERY early in the morning. Who knew? (Apparently, Fionn MacCool’s did.)
At the gate, I met fellow Lost ‘n Found retreaters, and we bonded over our excitement for Costa Rica. I boldly declared my enthusiasm for zip-lining, blissfully unaware of the terror Future Me would experience.
We left -8°C Toronto and landed in sunny 30°C Liberia. Glorious! Except for the small detail that I was still dressed for a Canadian winter. Standing in an immigration line in long pants and a sweater was an experience. After what felt like an eternity, we gathered our bags, found more retreaters, and hopped in a van to La Fortuna. Surprise #3? Costa Rican roads are thrilling—if you consider roller coasters a form of public transit. Shoutout to April for warning us and suggesting Gravol.
Upon arriving at The Majestic Lodge, I met the rest of the crew and discovered my shampoo had exploded in my toiletries bag. RIP, travel-sized bottle.
Day 2 (February 9, 2025) – Waterfall & Humility
Our first yoga practice was at 11AM and focused on joint mobility.
In the afternoon, we hiked to La Fortuna Waterfall—500 steps down. Easy. Gorgeous scenery. But what goes down must come up. And friends, those same 500 steps turned into the stairway to my own personal reckoning.
This is where I learned my first lesson—from Cathie, who powered through all 1,000 steps like a warrior. Meanwhile, I comforted myself with the fact that at least Steve hadn’t lapped us. However, moments later, Steve lapped us. We made it, though! The cheering at the top? Not for the view—for us survivors.
The evening ended with restorative yoga on the deck, accompanied by a live orchestra of frogs and insects. Nature’s version of a white noise machine.
Day 3 (February 10, 2025) – Earth Element & Mango Smoothies
Morning yoga focused on stability and strength. Foreshadowing? Absolutely.
Later, we visited the Butterfly Conservatory (beautiful) and then embarked on the 4.7 km Arenal 1968 Volcano Hike (exhausting).
The trail options were Green, Yellow, and Red. I made it to the fork, saw where Red separated from Yellow, and thought, absolutely not. I took the Yellow Trail like a sensible person and, by the end, crawled to the café for a mango smoothie.
45 minutes later, the Red Trail folks returned looking victorious. I looked hydrated. We all had wins that day.
Day 4 (February 11, 2025) – Water Element & “Where’s Your Husband?”
Morning yoga focused on the water element —flow, adaptability, and balance. I adapted right back into bed and missed it. Self-care!
After a rough night of sleep, my confidence wavered about zip-lining. I almost bailed. Then April, hero and enabler of adventure, offered to pay another $89 USD just to push me off the first platform if needed. (What are friends for?)
This zip-line was no joke—8 lines spanning entire mountains. My lesson today? Orlando, the tour guide, is sneaky. Right before my first launch, he distracted me by casually asking, “Where’s your husband?” and then—WHOOSH—I was flying before I could answer. Well played, Orlando.
Meanwhile, our group was thriving—Steve’s kindness, Denise’s fun scream, and Mara and Jackie’s zest for life made the whole thing a joy. Lorie’s bravery was especially inspiring—she faced her fears and came out glowing.
10/10 would recommend zip-lining.
Day 5 (February 12, 2025) – Fire Element & Chocolate FOMO
Morning yoga was all about fire. Translation: core work. I wisely skipped it.
I was off all morning—dehydrated and possibly still riding yesterday’s adrenaline rush. So, while others went on the Chocolate & Coffee Tour (heartbreaking to miss), I napped like a champion and felt much better by lunch. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is listen to your body.
New discovery: I did not pack enough clothes. Oops.
Day 6 (February 13, 2025) – Air Element & Peak Relaxation
Our last yoga session focused on the air element—lightness, movement, breath. Perfect, because today was all about ease.
Some of us went on a sloth tour, some kayaked, some got massages. Everyone won the day. Sunset yoga wrapped up the trip, and we shared one final dinner together—already dreaming of next year’s retreat.
Day 7 (February 14, 2025) – Travel Day & One Last Surprise
After breakfast, we hit the road to the airport, stopping at a grocery store for last-minute Costa Rican goodies. (Priorities.)
We flew out at 2:55 PM from a glorious 32°C, landed in a harsh -7°C Toronto, and of course there was one last surprise. The Airbus driver pulled into a parking lot, next to a taxi, and said, "This is where you get off." Classic. I was home by midnight, exhausted but so full of life.
When I first heard about this retreat, I never expected to be a solo traveler. But traveling solo in a group of like-minded adventurers? Perfect. I left Canada seeking adventure and returned with new friendships, new lessons, and a renewed sense of self
Will I go on the retreat next year? Absolutely.
Should you join? Without a doubt.
Pura Vida!
Mary
