Yes! To Life Immersive Retreat
Embodying Your Vitality, Joy, and Wholeness
Join instructors Dr. Saida Desilets, Aaron Michael, and Barbara Collier
for an immersive awakening at Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica
Featuring practices with Jameelah Creates &
support from Dawn Angel Averitt and Melissa Stager
READ BIOS FOR RETREAT INSTRUCTORS & SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS
December 11 - 18, 2025
7-Night In-Person Retreat
Imiloa Institute, Costa Rica
Yes! To Life is a journey of profound self-discovery, empowerment, and liberation.
Join us for a free Yes to Life! Info Session on Tuesday, October 28th, 8:30am-9:30am PST — a live conversation to explore if this transformative Costa Rica retreat is the right next step for you. Featuring support team member Jameelah Creates + team. Learn More & Register. Includes recordings of previous Info Sessions.
It’s common to take time before saying yes. In fact, most people make the decision to join a healing retreat within the last six weeks. It’s not hesitation — it’s part of the process of preparing for real change. If you’ve been considering joining us at Imiloa, or simply want to connect with the retreat facilitators and one of our support team members in a warm, supportive space — you’re welcome here.
Are you feeling anxious, frozen, or disheartened?
In uncertain times, it’s easy to lose touch with your body, boundaries, and future desires. The Yes! To Life Retreat offers a safe, supportive space to reconnect with your sense of wholeness—and move from fear and stuckness into embodied joy.
At this retreat, discover how to make your sexuality, truth, and personal power sources of strength and peace. Joining in person is your chance to prioritize yourself, release what no longer serves you, and return to life with clarity, choice, and grounded energy.
Even when the world feels unstable, caring for yourself is the most fulfilling investment you can make. Break free from fear, uncertainty, and scarcity—learn to live from your own yes, no, and maybe.
Co-taught by Dr Levine’s trusted colleague Barbara Collier, along with experts Dr. Saida Desilets and Aaron Michael, this retreat brings together a skilled, compassionate team to guide you through the experience.
Through grounded presence, movement, breath, and attuned practices, we will begin to re-inhabit the self—not as a performance, not for anyone else— but as a sovereign being in relationship with their own aliveness. This is the foundation for embodied wholeness: a kind of inner alignment where truth, pacing, and choice are not just concepts, but felt realities within the body. Together, in a respectful and boundaried space, we create conditions for healing—not through intensity, but through safety. Not through catharsis, but through attunement. Here, we honor each person’s unique rhythm, history, and capacity. This is not about intimacy with others. It is about restoring the inner connection that makes authentic relationship possible.
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
Releasing shame
Consent & boundaries
Presence & attunement
Trust & thriving
Solo attunement & enlivenment
Healthy, playful partner dynamics
Cultivating sexual sovereignty, honoring wholeness:
Sexual sovereignty is not something we acquire – it’s something we remember. A return to the quiet pulse of aliveness within. To the body as a wise, sensing being—not an object to be shaped, judged, or performed. This work is not about sexual expression or erotic touch with others. It is about listening—deeply, slowly—to what lives inside. To the subtle rhythms of desire, the boundaries shaped by lived experience, the body’s own timing, intelligence, and need for safety. We unlearn the patterns that taught us to override ourselves. We disentangle from the cultural and familial scripts that told us how to feel, what to want, or who to be.
This retreat is not just about individual freedom;
it’s about cultivating a deep and respectful relationship with ourselves 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.
“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.”
Investment
The 7-night retreat offers a variety of lodging options at the gorgeous Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica. We all personally love this venue—it’s serene, beautiful, and perfect for reconnecting with yourself and nature. Register soon to reserve your preferred lodging.
Retreat Offerings Tuition $1,495 USD
7-Night Imiloa fees range between $2,495 and $3,595 USD based on your lodging selection.
*The fees for your stay at Imiloa are all-inclusive—covering the hopper flight, beautiful venue amenities & grounds, lodging, stellar service, and gourmet meals.
*To learn more, see the “What Does Your Retreat Investment at Imiloa Include?” section below.
If you’d like to schedule a discovery call with Barbara about the upcoming Yes! To Life Retreat, please contact the office after you read more about this unique offering.
A FREE Yes! To Life Online Introduction is also available.
This online program allows you to meet the team and experience a small taste of what the retreat will deliver.
But first, keep going to learn more about the Yes! To Life Retreat…
-
🌟 Meet the Team Leading Yes! To Life
READ BIOS FOR RETREAT INSTRUCTORS & SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Saida Desilets • Aaron Michael • Barbara Collier
These three seasoned guides bring together decades of expertise in somatic healing, trauma‑informed empowerment, and embodied presence. They weave together breath, movement, and relational practices designed to help you reconnect with your body’s intelligence and live in alignment with your authentic vitality.
With Dedicated Support from:
Jameelah Creates • Dawne Angel Averitt • Melissa Stager
A compassionate trio ensuring every aspect of your experience is held with warmth, precision, and attunement. Whether it’s in one‑on‑one check‑ins, daily logistics, leading practices, or curating emotional safety, they are committed to your rest, resonance, and lasting integration.
Why This Team is Exceptional
Synergistic skillsets: A deep blend of trauma awareness, somatic practice, boundary & consent work, and relational attunement—ensuring you’re held safely from multiple angles.
Masterful container-creating: Every moment is curated to be nourishing and co-regulatory—no intensity, no catharsis, just deep safety and felt support.
Personal attention: A thoughtful facilitator-to-participant ratio means you’re not just another body in the room—you’re seen, heard, and fully welcomed by team members anchored in presence and responsiveness.
🌿 And… this all happens at Imiloa Institute, a sanctuary designed for your unfolding:
20+ acres of pristine rainforest with private waterfalls, gentle jungle-pathways, and spacious structures praised for their warmth, beauty, and eco-conscious architecture
5-star “conscious comfort” meals—plant-based, locally sourced, artfully served—to support your body & mind
A fully-supported, cashless campus with thoughtful amenities (spa offerings, quiet hours, reliable Wi-Fi in social spaces)
Bottom Line:
For a journey rooted in somatic intelligence, safety, and deep integration, this team + container combo is rare — expert practitioners held within a sanctuary that mirrors your own commitment to wholeness.
Ready to meet these humans IRL? Join us for Yes! to Life December 11–17, 2025, at Imiloa, Costa Rica
Secure your spot now and step into a container built for your awakening.
READ BIOS FOR RETREAT INSTRUCTORS & SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS -
The Yes! To Life Retreat 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 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.
To cultivate sexual sovereignty: Learn how to honor your boundaries, desires, and choices while fostering a sense of agency over your sexual experiences.
This retreat is a transformative opportunity to reconnect with yourself, honor your journey, and step fully into your authentic self and relational wholeness.Additional Information
Space is limited to approx. 30 participants for an intimate, transformative experience.
Participants must be 18+.
Non-participating guests are not allowed on campus.
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. (Imiloa has an area for smokers, if needed)
This retreat is not intended to treat active addiction, medical illness, psychosis, or untreated mental illness. If unsure, please consult your doctor or therapist prior. This retreat is not intended to replace your medical or therapeutic care.
-
Our online pre-retreat meetups offer 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.
90-minute Pre-Retreat Gatherings:
Friday, October 11 at 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)
Friday, November 15 at 9:00 AM (Pacific Time)
These live online sessions with our retreat team and fellow participants are a wonderful opportunity to connect, ask questions, and set intentions before we arrive in Costa Rica.
-
Our group gatherings and check-ins 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
Letter to Barbara…
“Being in this space with you was unlike any other learning experience I’ve had. Your facilitation feels less like instruction and more like an invitation into presence—into the kind of learning that happens through the body, through relational field, through timing and resonance. You have a way of weaving poetic language, deep listening, and somatic attunement that made the entire experience feel alive. I could feel how you were tracking the group—not just what we said, but how we said it, what was underneath, and where the collective energy wanted to go. You model what it means to lead without control: there was clarity, there was steadiness, but also so much space. I felt both safe and free. These sessions weren’t just about content—they were transmissions. Something settled in me. Something remembered. Thank you for that.”
- Student from Argentina
“A wild, robust life awaits—one that honors your wholeness and the vibrant interconnection that has always been your birthright.”
-
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.
-
Occupancy Options:
Single, double, and triple rooms are available in various accommodation styles
Single rooms are limited
Each lodging option features:
Premium mattresses & 850-thread-count sheets
Storage & daily cleaning service
En-suite bath & fiber optic internet
Indoor/outdoor design blending nature & privacy
Thrice-filtered private well water
See lodging options with/ imagery below.
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING IN USD
See the “What Does Your Retreat Investment at Imiloa Include?” section below to learn more about what the venue offers as part of your accommodation fee and why all participants must lodge onsite.
Need help choosing lodging? Contact us!
-
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. -
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 18th
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.
“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.”
-
Retreat Offering Tuition 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 guided mindful exploration
+ In-depth informational materials - videos and handouts to prepare
+ Online pre-retreat gatherings
+ Online post-retreat integration support gatherings
+ The deposit to hold your spotTuition $1,695 USD due at Registration
(see special offer on the site for a potential discount)All-Inclusive Fee for Hopper Flight / Venue / Lodging/ Meals Includes:
+ Access to the Imiloa Institute pool, lounge areas, waterfall, wildlife, and serene hikes
+ 7 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
+ Impeccable service
+ Round-trip hopper plane to and from Imiloa Institute via San Jose, Costa Rica Airport
+ Detailed travel guidanceFee varies by room selection. Balance due later.
Note:
*Space is limited to 30 participants to ensure a deeply personal and transformative experience.
*Campus is 18 or older.
*All participants must stay on-site.
*Non-participating guests are not permitted.
*Please read the Agreements during registration.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, potential travel vaccinations, gratuities for staff, spa services, and tours/excursions must be met by the participant.___________________
Why Pricing May Feel High To Some
At Imiloa, everything is designed to support your retreat experience from the moment you arrive in Costa Rica. Because it’s an all-inclusive retreat center, the venue charges us a single package fee based on the number of participants, and lodging costs are divided by room type. While it would be simpler if all rooms were the same, this system allows you to choose the level of comfort that best fits your needs. To keep things fair and transparent, we’ve now structured lodging prices to reflect exactly what the venue charges us if the retreat sells out. If it doesn’t, we as organizers absorb the difference, so you’re paying only your share.
Yes, all-inclusive retreat centers come with a higher price than hotels or community spaces where lodging and meals are arranged separately—but the difference is transformative. At Imiloa, you’re immersed in a safe and serene rainforest sanctuary, with private access to the pool, waterfall, and trails, nourishing meals, and impeccable service from dedicated Imiloa staff that allows you to fully let go and focus on yourself - with no commuting or meal seeking to interfere. Another bonus: the hopper flight is included in the venue fee, which normally would be an additional cost when traveling to remote centers.
What truly sets this retreat apart, however, is our large, skilled, and compassionate team of facilitators and support staff. From daily lessons, practices, and integration sessions to in-depth group work, movement, meditation, and nature explorations, our team ensures that participants receive support, guidance, and attention throughout the retreat. This depth of presence and care—combined with the extraordinary venue—creates a rare container for growth, connection, and transformation that simply isn’t possible in larger, hotel-based workshops.
We also provide pre-retreat materials, online gatherings, and post-retreat integration support so your experience continues beyond the week at Imiloa.
*For those seeking a lower-cost or more flexible option, we are offering a three-day workshop in Los Angeles in November. This workshop provides excellent content and instructors and has been highly recommended by past students (even though it cannot match the small group's immersive depth, intimacy, and dedicated team experience of the Costa Rica retreat).
For questions on either program, please reach out for a discovery call.
___________________
Why You Can’t Stay Offsite
This retreat center does not allow participants to stay off-site. The campus is closed and secure, creating a safe, immersive environment where you can fully connect with yourself, the group, and the natural surroundings. While we understand this might not be ideal for everyone, this approach is common at specialized retreat centers—and the care, attention, and support you receive at Imiloa are truly exceptional. They are experts in holding this kind of work, and if you join us, you’ll quickly see why leaving the campus during the retreat could disrupt your experience.
In addition, the center charges us a lump sum for everything they provide, based on an estimated number of participants, with beds pre-reserved for each attendee. Even if a bed went unused, the cost would still need to be covered, so your staying onsite helps ensure the pricing is fair and accurate for everyone.
-
Register below to secure your lodging preference and confirm your retreat spot.
To Register & Pay Tuition:
+ Select the best lodging option for you (below).
+ Register with the email address where you would like to receive all future communication.
+ Each participant must register and pay separately.
+ Once you complete your registration and tuition payment, you’ll receive an email receipt confirming your lodging selection is secure.
+ We’ll invoice you for the balance within two weeks of your registration. Due upon receipt.
+ Closer to the retreat, you will receive an intake form by email to share more about yourself and your intentions, plus you will be given access to the Retreat portal, which is filled with resources.Payment Methods Include: Wire, Wise, ACH, Card, and Zelle. Payment plans are available through Klarna.
Please contact us with questions.
ATTENTION REGISTRANTS: Our 90-minute Pre-Retreat Gatherings are on Friday, October 11, at 9:00 AM (Pacific Time) and Friday, November 15, at 9:00 AM (Pacific Time). These live online sessions with our retreat team and fellow participants are a wonderful opportunity to connect, ask questions, and set intentions before we arrive in Costa Rica.
Partial Financial Support:
Healing Informed Somatic Education may be able to offer partial financial support. If interested, please email us with your request and a brief note about your circumstances or qualifications.
Please note: We cannot offer full scholarships at this time. Awarded support comes from projected program income.
Refunds
If you request to cancel, you may receive a refund of your Venue and Hopper fee. This refund will be issued if another participant fills your spot at the Retreat (likely). Unfortunately, if your space remains unsold, we cannot issue a refund, as we incur per-person expenses paid to our partners in advance.
The Retreat Registration Fee is a non-refundable deposit to hold your space.
If we cancel the retreat, you will be refunded all paid fees in full. The program host reserves the right to postpone or cancel programs due to unforeseeable circumstances or for other reasons beyond reasonable control. Participants will be fully refunded and shall not be entitled to claim compensation or damages if the program is cancelled or postponed. By registering, the participant explicitly waives any right to claim damages for a cancelled or postponed program.
Please be mindful two weeks before the retreat and during your travel to avoid illness.
*Insurance is not included for retreat participants but is strongly recommended. Insurance purchased should include a “cancel for any reason clause.” Insurance can be purchased through Imiloa’s preferred partner, Global Rescue www.globalrescue.com/partner/imiloa/. Participants must purchase insurance within 20 days of registering if they want to cancel for any reason.
Agreements
During our pre-retreat gathering online, we will review retreat protocols surrounding campus guidelines, photography, group dynamics, consent, cell phones, illness, and more. A recording will be made available to all participants.
By registering, I agree to complete all payments due in a timely manner.
By registering, I agree that I will honor the refund policy.
By registering, I agree to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of fellow participants and copyrighted material.
By registering, I agree that this will be a safe space of openness where cultural, religious, historical, generational, societal, and personal differences are respected without judgment, criticism, or harm.
By registering, I agree not to record or take photographs of others without explicit permission.
By registering, I agree not to share my private portal link and passcode.
By registering, I agree that neither Healing Informed Somatic Education (HISE), our facilitators, Ergos Institute, nor any of the managers, staff, coordinators, assistants, affiliates, online platforms, venues, or representatives are responsible or liable for my participation. Therefore, I hereby release them from all claims in connection with such.
By registering, I agree to be substance-free during the retreat.
By registering, I agree to future health guidelines.
By registering, I agree to directly address all concerns to the retreat host and trust that needs will be considered and adjusted to the best extent possible.
During our Time Together…
We agree to be present to our best degree possible and for that to be good enough for today
We agree not to hold ourselves to the standard of perfectionism - we will simply start with what we can right now
We agree to personal responsibility - accountable for the energy we bring to the group and for our reactions - there is no space here for blaming others for our struggles, our mood, or our reactions - there is no space for saving others
We agree to support this space for everyone - we do not share our trauma stories outside of invitation; we share experience, strength, and hope
We agree to take in what serves us and leave what does not
We agree to receive direction from those who are here to help guide us and respect those who are healing beside us
We agree to consult the host with concerns
*This retreat is for educational and support purposes. Always seek the advice of a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical or psychological condition or treatment before undertaking a regimen.
Time to Begin Your Transformative 6-Night Journey
Reserve your spot now - Space is limited
The 7-night retreat offers a variety of lodging options at the gorgeous Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica. We all personally love this venue—it’s serene, beautiful, and perfect for reconnecting with yourself and nature. Register soon to reserve your preferred lodging.
Retreat Offerings Tuition $1,495 USD
7-Night Imiloa fees range between $2,495 and $3,595 USD based on your lodging selection.
*The fees for your stay at Imiloa are all-inclusive—covering the hopper flight, beautiful venue amenities & grounds, lodging, stellar service, and gourmet meals.
*To learn more, see the “What Does Your Retreat Investment at Imiloa Include?” section above.
Select Your Lodging & Register Below
$1,495 retreat tuition due at registration
Imiloa fees listed below - based on lodging selection
Payment options available
“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.”
Retreat Director
Melissa Stager
Text/WhatsApp 760-815-7588
Calls and Zoom by appointment
Email Retreat Support
For retreat-related support, please reach out to the HISE team directly. Kindly refrain from contacting the Instructors or Support Team, as they are focused on preparing for the retreat experience. HISE is happy to assist you!