Madre Tierra Retreat
March 21-26th, 2023
Expressive Arts | Nature | Yoga | Adventure
San Gerardo, Costa Rica
Dear Creative Soul,
I know that these past couple of years haven't been easy, and that pushing through while the world is in constant crisis can be exhausting.
Many of you have expressed your daily challenges, frustrations, lack of inspiration, and compassion fatigue, yet, you continue to show up for your family. You continue to show up at work, and you manage to do it all while keeping a smile on your face.
I see you.
Sometimes we get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily life and the mask we wear for the world starts to suffocate us. It can feel like we've lost touch with our inner child, that spark of joy- that sense of adventure and playfulness in our lives.
This is precisely why I created Madre Tierra Retreats. I am here to guide you back to your wild, intuitive, and creative nature.
I didn't create Madre Tierra Retreat because I thought people needed to be “fixed” or because I thought one retreat could solve all of their problems.
I created Madre Tierra Retreats for people who want to awaken their inner creative genius and ground themselves in the wisdom fostered by Mother Earth- people who long for adventure, community and expansion.
Deep inside of each Madre Tierra guest is a fearless, adventurous, intuitive, passionately creative soul. Inside of them lives a wild child ready to live out the full expression of their radically authentic self.
Is this you?
I want you to imagine waking up in a lush jungle steps away from a private river. Your personal chef has prepared a healthy breakfast, you have nothing to plan, no work to do, no taking care of others, simply allowing yourself to be guided...
a moment for YOU.
Allow me to guide you toward that part of yourself that is living, but just needs to be reawakened, to be remembered, to be expressed.
With Love,
Ella
The Venue
I’m honored and humbled to have the opportunity to host my 8th Madre Tierra Retreat here in the heart of Mt. Chirripo. Nestled in the wooded valley, Rio Chirripo Lodge and Yoga Retreat is a boutique hotel retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. As soon as I stepped foot on the property, I felt like home, not just in my physical body, but in my soul. Rio Chirripo Lodge amenities include 6 comfortable rooms and 5 deluxe suites, a private river, a yoga shala, lush tropical trails, a fire pit, a pool, two hot tubs, and much more!
Private River
Pool & Hot Tub
Yoga Shala
The Experience
Art
We will paint, draw, sculpt, collage, and explore other forms of creativity. There is no right or wrong way to express yourself. No experience or skill required.
Discover a deeper love and understanding of self through the healing powers of art making.
Connect to your intuitive self and the world around you by tapping into your inner creative wisdom.
Meditation, Yoga & Sound Healing
Beginner and experienced restorative yoga sessions surrounded by mountain views.
Daily guided meditations and breathing techniques for centering, anxiety relief, and grounding.
Sound healing sessions to quiet the mind and ease the body.
Eco-Adventures
Enjoy exotic beach sunsets and the restorative flow and wisdom fostered by Mother Earth while swimming in her waterfalls.
Ground yourself by working with the clay that comes directly from the ground in Costa Rica.
Experience magnificent bio-diversity of the region.
Meet Your Guides
Ella Dufrene
Art Therapist, Visual Artist, Founder of Madre Tierra Retreats
I’m an artist, dancer and art therapist, but above all, I am human, and I am here to guide you back to your wild and intuitive creatress nature.
Together, we’ll paint, draw, sculpt, collage, and explore other forms of creativity. It’s ok if you do not know how to use these materials, I will guide you. When we work together, there is no right or wrong way to express yourself and there is no artistic skill required.
Through play, nature immersion, and creativity I will help you gain a deeper connection to your intuitive self and the world around you.
Nina Beeman
Yoga Instructor, Sound Healer, & Meditation Facilitator
We all have our stories. My past was filled with challenging moments, which ultimately became the platform to rise into my most empowered self. Yoga, meditation and sound healing were tools I learned throughout my life that helped me heal in layers so that I could create a new story. My passion is to hold compassionate space for you and provide you with the tools as you lead your own path. One of my favorite quotes is by Yung Pueblo who says, "you are your own hero, healer and leader".
I am here to inspire and empower you to find your own strength as you move past old conditioning and remember the light that you are.
Early Bird Prices
Make your deposit before January 1st, 2023 and save $500!!!
(Accommodations not listed are sold out)
Double Standard (Ceiba & Caraos) $2,249 Per Person
Double Deluxe (Mot Mot, River Cabin, Rio Vista, Guanacaste) $2,449 Per Person
Single Standard (Ceiba & Caraos) $2,649 Per Person
Single Deluxe (Mot Mot, River Cabin, Rio Vista, Guanacaste) $2,849 Per Person
After January 1st
Double Standard (Ceiba & Caraos) $2,749 Per Person
Double Deluxe (Mot Mot, River Cabin, Rio Vista, Guanacaste) $2,949 Per Person
Single Standard (Ceiba & Caraos) $3,149 Per Person
Single Deluxe (Mot Mot, River Cabin, Rio Vista, Guanacaste) $3,349 Per Person
How do I sign up?
Schedule a 15 minute introductory phone call to meet & determine if this retreat is right for you!
Make a $500 deposit, please include the name of occupancy you would like and dietary restrictions in the notes. Deluxe accommodations will be first come, first serve basis.
Fill out a health questionnaire that will be sent to you upon receipt of deposit.
Pay the remaining balance on or before February 24th, 2023.
Cancellation Policy
$500 deposit refundable up to 48 hours after reserving your spot and is non-refundable thereafter. Your deposit can however be used as a credit toward 5 individual art therapy sessions or Fundamentals of Therapeutic Arts Training. The remaining balance is due February 24th, 2023. Cancellations made before March 7th, 2023 are fully refundable minus the $500 deposit. Any cancellations made after March 7th, 2023 are non-refundable however can be used as a credit for a future retreat. If you have to cancel for any reason, your spot, including the deposit, is fully transferable to another person.
In the event that we are unable to arrive in Costa Rica due to border closure or any other natural disaster sometime before September 30, 2023, after one or more unsuccessful attempts to secure a change of date due to ongoing travel restrictions/border closure, all guests will receive a full refund of the monies paid to attend Madre Tierra Retreat minus the $500 deposit, which can still be used as a credit toward 5 individual art therapy sessions.
I (Ella Dufrene) reserve the right to cancel the trip, if I need to cancel the trip for any reason, all monies paid, including the deposit are refunded in full. I reserve the right to determine if you are not a good fit for this trip (if so your deposit will be refunded in full). Should the exchange rate vary more than 5%, price is subject to change.
Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended whenever making travel plans.
Testimonials
Faye Ibars
“I have now been to 5 different Madre Tierra retreats and that's just the beginning. These experiences have been transformative for me, and I will continue to attend as many retreats as I can. I've benefitted immensely from the varied workshops and especially meeting from the fellow attendees. What a beautiful way to connect with like-minded people. Madre Tierra retreats combine nature and art with a focus on personal growth. It's spiritual summer camp! Personally, I was so inspired by the last retreat that I've continued to pursue art, painting, collage, and try all kinds forms of self-expression. Can't wait for the next time I can reconnect with myself and Mother Earth!"
Xochi
“I use my social media to focus in on and reinforce the idea of self-care, physically and mentally. I do not do this for others but as a consistent reminder to myself. I’ve been actively working for the last year towards acknowledging and confronting my demons such as anger, irrationality, self-pity, resentment, immaturity, etc… A few months ago at the Madre Tierra Retreat, I moved from acknowledgement to acceptance. Since then i have felt freed from the burden of these traits. I discovered that I am fully empowered and in control and I was taught some strategies to work on. It’s not easy for me to say I’m no angel, but at least now I no longer feel helpless towards.”
Steph Blanco
“Words can’t even begin to describe the beautiful experience I had at Madre Tierra retreat. During my time I had the chance to experience so many different things... I got to spend time with my friends on a deeper level, and also got to meet some extraordinary people that were new and amazing. The environment that was created was so unique and special that people including myself were able to release their inhibitions and truly be themselves. The tears, laughter, openness and appreciation that joined us all as one is something I’ll never forget. The Madre Tierra retreat came together in such a harmonious way that it left all of us who started as strangers - feeling connected, peaceful and as if we had known each other forever. I truly believe everyone found a little piece of themselves that they didn’t know they were searching for.”
