2024 Costa Rica Retreat: A Gift from Mother Earth Group Page
Welcome to your group retreat page. This is where you’ll find updated retreat information.
The password for this page is TalkingTrees (it is case-sensitive and does not work if you copy and paste)
VERDESANA
♥ Nestled within 100 acres of regenerated forest, the Verdesana secluded campus offers a harmonious blend of native species and pine trees. Meandering trails and paths wind through the verdant landscape, inviting exploration and discovery. Beautiful gardens and native flowers dot the landscapes around the property.
You will also have direct access to a river providing exclusive access for those seeking moments of solitude by its tranquil banks. For nature enthusiasts, our haven is a sanctuary of biodiversity, boasting over 20 different species of hummingbirds and the potential to encounter an array of wildlife including coatis, agoutis, deer, wild pigs, kinkajous, and more. Temperatures can range from 50°F-80°F, with an average around 64-68°F so it’s a good idea to bring clothes for both ends of this range.
♥ Verdesana will contact you in August to get your flight information, as they will provide the shuttle back and forth from the airport. If you are staying an extra day due to flight times, they will take you to your hotel instead of the airport, but you and the hotel will arrange to get to the airport for your flight. There are several hotels recommended by Verdesana/Imiloa listed in the FAQs.
♥ You will also be contacted by Verdesana for any special needs or food allergies/sensitivities, etc. in August.
If you have any questions at all, you can email welcomehome@imiloainstitute.com. No question is too big or too small. If you do ask a question, share the info in the comments section.
RETREAT WAIVER
The retreat waiver is required to attend the retreat. Please print it out, follow the instructions, and return it via SNAIL MAIL and email. The waiver is a legal document, so don’t be scared by the language.
Please send it to SpiritHeal Institute, 9953 Woodruff Lane, Newbury, Ohio, 44065, by July 15, 2024. It is due the same day as your final payment.
Click to download the PDF RETREAT WAIVER
Retreat Participants List
Does anyone have an issue sharing their address, email and cell phone number to facilitate communication? Email me at spiritheal@aol.com and let me know if it’s an issue, and I won’t share it.
- Gina Cote Saxtons River, VT
- Marc Cote Saxtons River, VT
- Renee Jennings Pittsburgh, PA
- Cindy Rakow Cleveland, OH
- Char Frires Cleveland, OH
- Becky Distad Winter Park, FLA
- Mary Hackman Laguna Beach, CA
- Ananda Cronin North Garden, Virginia
- Charles Osburn Placitas, NM
- Kathleen Osburn NM
- Cindy Shickendantz Cleveland, OH
- Mark Schickendantz Cleveland, OH
- Donna Kinzer Columbus, OH
- Lisa Paulino Cleveland, OH
- Elena Daggett San Carlos, CA
- Kim Miller, Santa Fe, NM
- Fran Schaul Cleveland, OH
- Cindy Murphy Cleveland, OH
Travel Insurance
Imiloa has partnered with a comprehensive travel insurance for travel to Costa Rica and offers “cancel for any reason” plans to maximize coverage: www.globalrescue.com/imiloa
This is recommended but not required.
Ken and Sarah's Information
Here are the cell numbers for Ken and me for use in emergency or travel issues.
Sarah Weiss 216-218-5458
Ken Weiss 216-299-7652
Ken and I are flying United. This is our flight information from Cleveland to San Jose and back.
Sunday, October 27, 2024: Cleveland to Houston UA1645 departs @ 6:15 AM
Sunday, October 27, 2024: Houston to San Jose: UA 1096 arrives San Jose @12:17 PM
Saturday, November 2, 2024: Cleveland to Chicago: UA 1952 departs @ 1:05 PM
Saturday, November 2, 2024: Chicago to Cleveland UA 2347 arrives @ 11:23 PM
Important Arrival and Departure Information/Passports, TSA/Global Entry
From the Verdesana Retreat Center: Arrival to Costa Rica & Verdesana:
Arrival date October 27, 2024
Please book your international flight to San Jose International Airport (Airport code: SJO).
Our private ground transportation will depart from SJO international airport at 2:00PM on the arrival day of your retreat. Please account for time to go through customs and immigration. This process can take as little as 15 min and as much as 2,5 hours depending on the day at the airport and how busy it is. After you exit the airport we will have a representative waiting for you with an Imiloa sign, and the representative will guide you to the domestic terminal where you will wait with the rest of your group for departure at 2:00PM.
If you are already in Costa Rica, you will simply need to show up at the domestic terminal entrance at 1:45PM. The domestic terminal is very small, and you will have no problem meeting our representative and the rest of your group there.
Please note:
- If you do not arrive in time for your scheduled transportation we can still assist with your transport, but you will be responsible for any extra cost incurred.
- If you choose not to utilize the method of transportation provided for your retreat to/from Verdesana Campus you are responsible for the cost of alternate/ground transportation.
Departure from Verdesana
Departure date November 2, 2024
You will depart Verdesana at 9:00AM, and the estimated arrival to SJO international airport is 10:30AM.
Typically, it is suggested that you be at the international terminal 2.5 hours before your international departure. Please book your departing international flight accordingly, knowing that you will be at the airport at 10:30AM on departure day.
If you book your departure flight earlier than this, you will be responsible for your own transportation to SJO airport and any extra cost incurred.
From Sarah: Check your passport and make sure it is current.
Do you know that most credit cards pay for TSA or Global Entry? They pay for one every five years, so you’ll need two different credit cards if you have two people. I’ve used Chase and American Express. Check with your credit card company. When you register for TSA or Global Entry and pay with the credit card, it will deduct the fee from your total on your next statement. Global Entry is the best, but you’ll need time to have the interview, depending on your location that can take a few weeks or months.