Yes! To Life Retreat
Cultivating Sexual Sovereignty, Honoring Wholeness
Join Dr. Saida Desilets, Barbara Collier, and Aaron Michael
for a life-changing experience at Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica.
Yes! To Life is a journey of profound self-discovery, empowerment, and liberation.
It's a place where you can learn to move beyond limitations and claim your primal aliveness.
FLASH SALE $500 off from Ergos Institute
EXPIRES: APRIL 30th at 11:59pm PT
CODE: YESAPRIL500
Sexual Sovereignty
Sexual Sovereignty is not just about individual freedom; it’s about cultivating a deep and respectful relationship with our own sexuality in a way that honors our bodies, desires, and boundaries. It is an invitation to step into an embodied, attuned connection with ourselves—one that embraces presence, consent, and the art of titration, allowing for healing, transformation, and the unlearning of inherited narratives that may have shaped our relationship with sexuality and our bodies. Through sensory immersion and deepening awareness, we reconnect with our innate wisdom and our bodies’ intelligence, awakening to the richness of sensation and self-trust. In a supportive and judgment-free space, we move beyond shame and cultural conditioning, reclaiming our wholeness. In doing so, we create a more fulfilling, nourishing, and inspiring intimate life rooted in self-trust, inclusivity, relational presence, and mutual respect.
During this retreat, nestled in the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica, you will explore:
Self-regulation & safety in the body
Recognizing and honoring your body's yes, no, and maybe
Consent & boundaries
Presence & attunement
Trust & thriving
Solo attunement & enlivenment
Healthy, playful partner dynamics
Meet Your Retreat Instructors
This retreat is guided by three distinguished experts in intimacy, trauma healing, and embodied wellness.
Aaron Michael, MA, and Dr. Saida Désilets, co-founders of Embodied Love, bring over 50 years of combined experience in revolutionizing intimacy and relationship coaching. Their work spans three published books, 20+ online courses, and the upcoming Embodied Love University, a groundbreaking platform for sexual wellness education. Dr. Saida, a TEDx speaker and researcher, specializes in PsychoSexuality and the erotic individuation process, integrating somatic awareness and neurobiological re-patterning. Aaron, author of Optimal Sex Life, is a globally recognized coach in sexual health and intimacy, known for his science-backed methods to enhance pleasure, resolve dysfunction, and optimize sexual well-being.
Joining them is Barbara Collier, a seasoned trauma recovery expert with over 30 years of experience in somatic psychotherapy, nursing, and embodied psychosexual healing. A certified Somatic Experiencing® and Embodied Psychosexual Practitioner, Barbara specializes in addressing developmental, intergenerational, and sexual trauma. Her integrative approach combines movement therapies, nature-based healing, and equine-assisted support to guide individuals toward deep healing and resilience. Together, these three leaders will create a transformative retreat experience, offering a unique blend of science, embodiment, and soulful connection.
“A wild, robust life awaits—one that honors your wholeness and the vibrant interconnection that has always been your birthright.”
Who Should Attend?
The Yes! To Life Retreat: Cultivating Sexual Sovereignty, Honoring Wholeness is designed for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to themselves, their sexuality, and their sense of wholeness. This retreat is for individuals of all genders and sexual orientations, whether attending solo or with a partner.
Those seeking personal growth: If you are on a journey of self-discovery and wish to explore the intersection of sexuality, identity, and wholeness, this retreat offers a supportive and safe environment for exploration.
Individuals looking to reclaim sexual sovereignty: For those ready to reconnect with their authentic desires, boundaries, and self-expression, this retreat empowers you to embrace your unique sexual identity with confidence.
Couples seeking deeper connection: Partners who want to strengthen intimacy, communication, and mutual understanding will benefit from guided practices and tools for cultivating a healthier, more harmonious relationship.
Anyone navigating past experiences: If you are processing the impact of trauma, cultural conditioning, or shame around sexuality, this retreat provides a compassionate space for healing and transformation.
People desiring an inclusive community: Whether LGBTQ+, cisgender, or nonbinary, this retreat is an inclusive and affirming space for all individuals to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Why Should You Attend?
To cultivate sexual sovereignty: Learn how to honor your boundaries, desires, and choices while fostering a sense of agency over your sexual experiences.
To celebrate and honor wholeness: Engage in practices that support self-acceptance and integrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your being.
To explore in a safe space: The retreat is a judgment-free zone where participants can safely explore their relationship with their sexuality and self-expression.
To connect and grow: Experience the power of being part of a community that values inclusivity, authenticity, and mutual respect.
To heal and transform: Gain tools to release limiting beliefs, heal past wounds, and step into a more empowered and joyful relationship with yourself and others.
This retreat is a transformative opportunity to reconnect with yourself, honor your journey, and step fully into your authentic sexual and relational wholeness.
All-inclusive Pricing Includes
+ Daily lessons, practices, and integration sessions w/ Q&A
+ In-depth group work w/ experienced practitioners
+ Healing movement, resource integration, and meditation
+ Opportunities to reconnect with nature and yourself through mindful exploration
+ In-depth informational materials
+ Online pre-retreat gathering
+ Online post-retreat integration support
Venue
+ Access to the Imiloa Institute pool, lounge areas, waterfall, wildlife, and serene hikes
+ 6 nights of on-site lodging
+ Gourmet plant-based meals to nourish your body
+ Open-air dining and program space
+ A closed/private campus just for our group
+ Dry campus (no substance use)
+ Short hopper plane ride via San Jose, Costa Rica Airport to the Imiloa Institute campus
+ Detailed travel guidance
*Space is limited to 32 participants to ensure a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Not Included
Costs associated with passports (required for Costa Rica), airfare, flight changes, airline baggage fees for any and all baggage, additional lodging, medical and travel insurance, vaccinations, gratuities for staff, spa services, and tours/excursions must be met by the participant.
Beginning
Online Pre-Retreat Gathering
Our online pre-retreat meetup offers valuable benefits by fostering connection, preparation, and ease before the retreat. Meeting the team and fellow participants will help build trust and a sense of community, easing nerves and creating a supportive environment. During our time together, we will provide an opportunity to clarify expectations, address logistical questions, and align on the retreat’s purpose. Additionally, participants can share intentions, setting the stage for a more meaningful and connected retreat experience.
Integrating
Online Post-Retreat Gathering
Our group gathering and check-in after this intensive retreat will provide invaluable support for integrating insights and sustaining healing. It will offer a space for shared understanding, connection, and validation among those who have shared a transformative experience. Gathering will help you navigate challenges, reinforce new practices, and foster a sense of community and belonging. By participating in post-retreat reflection, guidance, and accountability, you can ensure that the retreat’s benefits are carried forward into daily life, promoting continued growth and healing.
*We will provide a referral list of SE Practitioners who work both in-person & online
“The retreat was life-changing. The skill and professionalism of the team were an inspiration and far exceeded my expectations. I entered with the goal of taking my personal development further and beginning a new path. I left with the clarity I was seeking, a clear plan, renewed enthusiasm, more tools to help me succeed, and precious new friends.”
Location
About Imiloa Institute
Imiloa Institute is a world-class retreat center in Costa Rica’s lush jungles, offering a perfect blend of luxury, nature, and transformation. Perched 2,000 feet above sea level with breathtaking ocean and rainforest views, it provides a serene space for renewal. The 22-acre campus features farm-to-table dining, thoughtfully designed accommodations, an ocean-view saltwater infinity pool, and private access to waterfalls and hiking trails.
Located in the South Pacific region, Imiloa is about 40 minutes from Uvita and an hour from Manuel Antonio. The retreat balances connectivity with fiber-optic internet while maintaining Wi-Fi-free zones for deeper immersion. Spa services, including Ayurvedic, Swedish, and Thai massages, are available at an additional cost. Guests should expect a jungle experience with varied terrain, nature sounds, and occasional wildlife encounters. Imiloa’s commitment to community, inclusion, and personal growth makes it an inspiring destination for transformation.
“There is a primal aliveness that belongs to every human.”
Gourmet Plant-Based Cuisine
Conscious Cuisine at Imiloa
Imiloa offers a gourmet plant-based dining experience that blends artistry, nutrition, and sustainability. Thoughtfully prepared by a 5-star chef, each meal is crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing a nourishing and flavorful journey for all guests.
Dining Highlights:
Daily Gourmet Meals – Enjoy organic, plant-based dishes served family-style in an open-air setting, with a four-course dinner each evening.
All-Day Refreshments – Fresh organic tea from the garden, locally sourced coffee, energizing snacks, and seasonal fruit are readily available.
Pure, Safe Water – Imiloa’s water is UV triple-filtered from its mountain well, ensuring clean, safe drinking water from every tap.
Allergies & Dietary Preferences
Guests can specify dietary needs during registration, and a special wristband will be provided to accommodate meal modifications. While 80% of visitors consume animal products before their stay, 100% rate Imiloa’s plant-based cuisine between 4.9 and 5.0 stars—a testament to its exceptional quality and taste.
“When we come back home to ourselves and start to trust and live by our inherent genius, we become the unstoppable force of nature we were born to be.”
Travel Information
Your luxury retreat experience begins in San José (SJO), where you’ll board a private 15-20 minute charter flight to Quepos. From there, Imiloa’s welcoming team will meet you with SUVs, handle your baggage, and drive you 30 minutes up the mountain to the retreat center.
Key Travel Details:
Airport: We recommend San José Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
Arrival December 11th
Plan to land in San José no later than 7:30 AM on arrival day.
Domestic Transfer: The domestic terminal is a 5-10 minute walk from the international terminal.
Charter Flight: Arrive at the San José Domestic Airport by 8:45 AM
(the charter flight is included in the retreat cost - ground transportation is available for an additional fee.)
Departure December 17th
We leave Imiloa at 9:00 AM, arriving at San José International Airport by 11:30 AM.
Book flights with at least three hours for check-in before your international departure.
*Registered participants will receive detailed transportation guidance and a packing list.
Lodging & Registration
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE REGISTERING
Accommodations
Occupancy Options: Single, double, and triple. Limited single rooms are available—book early. Triple occupancy domes will be assigned based on registration details.
*If you are a couple and you see a room you like that is designated for single or triple occupancy, please let us know, and we will do what we can to accommodate you.
Each lodging option features:
Premium mattresses & 850-thread-count sheets
Ample storage & daily cleaning service
En-suite bath & fiber optic internet
Indoor/outdoor design blending nature & privacy
Thrice-filtered private well water
Lodging ranges from shared Geodesic River Domes to private imported Bali Homes. The Jungle Bungalow & Bali Villa Potoo are ideal for couples or close friends.
Pricing & Registration Details
Once you review the information below, scroll to the lodging imagery to explore PRICING and lodging options, review agreements, pay your deposit, and register.
*Each participant must select lodging, complete an intake form, and pay separately—even if attending together.
Intake Form
We recommend completing the intake form during registration if possible.
Note: The form may time out, so we suggest saving your responses in a separate document as you go to avoid losing any information.
Need more time? No problem—just type “later” in the required fields and complete your deposit. We’ll email you the form afterward so you can finish it at your convenience.
Deposit: $1,000 (balance invoiced within two weeks)
Registration Cancellation: After three unanswered payment attempts
Payment Plans: Available
Important Information
Refund policy, insurance, registration agreements, and transportation details are included in the registration process.
Traditionally, there are no refunds for in-person programs that we pre-pay for, but if you need to cancel and your spot fills, we will happily refund minus a processing fee.
If you don’t receive a registration receipt, check your spam folder.
Your order remains pending until paid in full.
Expect a welcome email within two weeks from programs@healinginformed.com.
Scholarships
A limited number of $1,000-off scholarships are available for:
Applicants facing financial need due to BIPOC systemic discrimination
Healers, educators, and others serving underserved communities (e.g., clinics, reservations, volunteer work)
Scholarships are provided by Healing Informed Somatic Education. Donations are welcome but uncommon. Please email us with your qualifications.
Additional Notes
Space is limited to 30 participants for an intimate, transformative experience.
Participants must be 18+.
Non-participating guests are not allowed on campus.
Need help choosing lodging? Contact us!
This is a substance-free retreat: A substance-free environment is one in which all guests agree to keep their space free from substances. Substances are defined to include alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cannabis, other smoking materials, and illicit and illegal drugs.
Note: This retreat is not intended to treat active addiction, medical illness, psychosis, or severe mental illness. Please consult with your doctor or therapist before attending.
Ready to Begin Your Transformative 6-Night Journey?
FLASH SALE $500 off from Ergos Institute
EXPIRES: APRIL 30th at 11:59pm PT
CODE: YESAPRIL500
Click below to explore PRICING IN USD and lodging options, review agreements, pay your deposit, and register.
Reserve your spot now
Space is limited.
Various payment options and plans are available
Email us after you pay your deposit if you can pay by bank wire or Zelle
For any retreat-related support, please reach out to our team directly.
Kindly refrain from contacting the teachers, as they are focused on preparing for the retreat experience.
We're happy to assist you!
“I have attended three in-person programs hosted by this team, and each time, they felt seamless in execution and plentiful in support. They are more than facilitators; they truly understand and embody their offerings.”
Contact
Retreat Director
Melissa Stager
Text/WhatsApp 760-815-7588
Calls and Zoom by appointment
Email Retreat Support
The below video is about a different retreat offering, but it offers good visuals of the energy of Imiloa - worth a watch.
