The short: this is a Healing Retreat Center with an abundance to do and experience, or a chance to relax and do nothing at all! The long: When you’re ready to detox your mind, body, and spirit, learn lessons and receive answers to some of your most pressing questions, visit Rythmia.

This is a long review, but bear with me, it has a happy ending.

It was my first time to Costa Rica, and Rythmia was the only reason I was visiting. I needed a break and needed to focus on me for a moment. A friend recommended I visit Costa Rica and another friend knew someone working at Rythmia, and after reviewing their website, I decided to make a reservation.

The Arrival

I arrived in the middle of March – the dry season. Located in the northwestern Guanacaste Province, I wasn’t prepared to see brown all around. From all I had heard about Costa Rica, I was expecting lush green foliage and humid conditions. Boy, was I surprised!

Let my healing begin! My arrival began with a 25+ minute wait for my driver. Lesson number one: have patience.
Shortly into our ride, we stopped at a gas station to fill up, and I purchased a bottle of water in the mini-mart. Thank goodness I had some cash on me!

An hour and a half later we pulled up to Rythmia where there was a flurry of activity. A large group had been in attendance for Kyle Cease, and I was overlapping their check-outs. I was greeted and seated with a bottle of water and a folder with my name on it. There were four pages that needed my signature. It was rather intense, after a flight and long drive, to be mentally aware to discern the rules and regulations of this medically licensed resort. I signed the pages and then proceeded to a nice air-conditioned room where my photo was taken. The purpose of this picture was so that staff could recognize you and address you by name. Personally, I felt it would have been better if they did a “before and after” photo. (Hint, hint, Rythmia!) After, I was whisked off in a golf cart to the Medical Intake/Psychological Diagnosis with Dr. Jeff. I was cleared for Plant Medicine AKA Ayahuasca and handed over the required cash so I could receive my tokens for the Ceremonies. Quick note: I did not know that the Plant Medicine was Ayahuasca until a few days before my trip. I was under the impression that I’d be learning about how to use plants and trees to make medicine. I was most drawn to this option, but not interested in Ayahuasca. However, my intuitive interest in “Plant Medicine” alerted me that I needed to trust this, and participate in a ceremony. And I did! I participated in five ceremonies! More on that later.

The Miracle

Gerry Powell, the creator of Rythmia, had a trip of his own on another type of Plant Medicine, Iboga. It was during this trip that he received clarity about his life, and miraculously this instantly changed his life. He had a vision; he needed to create a center where others could receive healing and miracles.
Your stay at Rythmia has one pre-requisite: receive your miracle.

The Accommodations

This is a luxury retreat center for Costa Rica. It’s not quite Four Seasons, as I’d hoped, but still comfortable and spacious.

One of the things I loved most about the rooms at Rythmia, was that there was a Salt Lamp in every room. Breathe easy; the air is being cleaned.

The Grounds

So serene and peaceful, nature and humans coexist harmoniously. The resort blends relaxation into its surroundings.

The Healing Modalities

The Dead Sea Cleanse – Colon Hydrotherapy – Clean out your colon!
Ahhh, it is so lovely to have years of crap cleared out of my body! For those who have never had this done, let me tell you, you will feel much lighter and ‘relieved’ in so many ways!

Massage – You will receive tokens for 50min massages, and I highly recommend you take advantage and use them! All the massage therapists are excellent! One caveat, if you want a light touch, it is important you let them know! Otherwise, you will receive one of the deepest deep tissue massages you’ve ever had! The ladies are no joke!

Mud Bath – Oh what fun it is to be covered in mud!
It’s like being a kid; playing with mud and it’s okay! Smear it on your face and your body (wear a swimsuit you don’t care much about), let it dry, so you look like a statue and then rinse off and get in the hot jacuzzi or cold plunge pool! Fun!

Aura Photography – Have your photo taken and then learn what’s showing up in your energy field! You will be given a full report (a multiple-page printout) with insight into your personality and areas where you might not be in balance.

Yoga – Offered twice a day, at sunrise and sunset, get your stretching on and help your body assimilate to all the healing you are processing.

The Ceremonies

If you’ve been medically cleared to participate, you will receive tokens for Plant Medicine Ceremonies.
This is not to be taken lightly. Ayahuasca is not a drug and having respect for your body and nature’s remedies will enhance your experience.
I had never considered doing Ayahuasca before coming to Rythmia, yet I was drawn to the Plant Medicine. I conceded because I felt I was in a safe space. Gerry created a VIP experience complete with your own mattress, pillow, blanket, eye mask, and bucket. Yes! Your very own bucket! I was also grateful to know there were doctors on the premises and thus honored my calling to participate.

There are different types of journeys to be had, and your experience will be specific to you. Since I participated in five ceremonies, I had a myriad of highs and lows – purging and visions, psychedelic trips and consults, and I slept too!

Tips for participating in Ceremonies:

1. Wear loose clothing. As loose as possible. Ladies, I highly recommend you do not wear a bra. You do not want to wear anything that is tight across your body or difficult to remove. Especially with pants or shorts, elastic waistbands are recommended.

2. Have some coconut water and food ready to eat after the ceremony, when you get back to your casita.

3. If you are there on a Friday, participate in the Ceremony with Mitra. It goes all night long, and it’s an extraordinary experience!

The Food

Yum. Healthy. Service with a smile. ‘Nuff said.

The Classes

Overwhelmed yet? In addition to the healing modalities, there are classes too! Most weeks there are visiting thought leaders presenting mini-workshops, in addition to Rythmia’s class series. I attended as much as I could fit into my brain. Go with what resonates!

Summary

I participated in nearly everything that was offered. I didn’t want to miss out, yet by the end, I was exhausted! My body collapsed on the plane and by the time we landed I had a full-blown cold! I went there for rest and needed relaxation. In the end, I did receive my miracle. However, it was in a package I didn’t expect. And that’s usually how life goes. As a bonus, I met so many beautiful people, soul sisters, and brothers, and the staff at Rythmia is gold.

Since I have returned, healed, and integrated, I’ve had radical changes in my life. So, yes, I recommend a stay at Rythmia if you are seeking guidance and need something ‘new’ in your life. It may not be for everyone, but if a change is what you desire, leap, and the net will appear!

‘Til next time, thanks for reading, and Happy Travels!