Early Bird Price: $3800 plus taxes and fees. Until July 31st, 2026.
A return to play, presence, and embodied joy.
The Joyful Playcation Retreat is an immersive experience designed to reconnect you with your inner child, awaken your inner wisdom, and restore your natural capacity for joy. Set in the warmth and beauty of Costa Rica, this retreat invites you to slow down without disconnecting—to move your body with curiosity, create with intention, and remember what it feels like to feel truly alive.
Expect a carefully held balance of guided workshops, breathwork, movement, creative ritual, and unstructured time to rest, explore, and integrate. Each day blends meaningful inner work with lightness, laughter, nature, and play—supporting both personal insight and nervous system regulation.
You’ll leave feeling more connected to yourself, clearer in your values and vision, and resourced with practices that protect and sustain joy long after the retreat ends. This is not an escape from life—it’s a recalibration toward a more joyful way of living.
❋ Intentional StructureWe weave together guided joy-filled experiences, playful exploration, and spacious moments to pause and integrate—creating a retreat that feels intentional yet light, structured yet free, and deeply aligned with the spirit of the Joyful Playcation.
❋ Collaborative EnergyConnection is woven into every part of the experience. Through shared play, presence, and authentic moments, the group becomes part of the magic—offering mirrors, laughter, and insight that deepen the journey just as powerfully as the practices themselves.
❋ Expert FacilitationGuided by experienced facilitators who know how to hold space with care, invite playful participation, and keep the energy flowing with intention—so the experience feels safe, engaging, and joy-led from start to finish.
❋ A Supportive SpaceOur events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
Reconnect with your body and mind as you escape the noise of everyday life.
Itinerary
Arrival ~ Day 1
NOVEMBER 15
As everyone arrives, you’ll be welcomed into a relaxed, spacious environment designed to help you gently transition from travel into presence. This time is intentionally unhurried, allowing you to settle in, unwind, and begin forming natural connections with the group.
Because participants will arrive at varying times, the first day follows a flexible flow rather than a fixed schedule. This ensures we can gather as a complete group to open the experience together, while remaining responsive to travel logistics and the rhythm of the moment.
This is where the journey begins—not with pressure or expectations, but with ease, curiosity, and the first spark of connection.
Remembering Joy ~ Day 2
NOVEMBER 16
Reconnecting to what joy feels like in your body and life
Joy Workshop • Waterfall • Meditation • Journaling • Breathwork • Joyful Movement
Living Your Values ~ Day 3
NOVEMBER 17
Aligning with what truly matters and learning to listen inward
Joy-Based Values • Turtle Excursion • Compassion in Action
Vision, Create & Receive ~ Day 4
NOVEMBER 18
Clarifying your joy-led vision and bringing it into form
Joy Visioning • Crystal Gridding • Mala Bracelets • Floating Sound Bath
Play, Trust & Possibility ~ Day 5
NOVEMBER 19
Building confidence through curiosity, play, and forward momentum
Set Yourself Up for Success • Treasure Hunt • Inner Child Play
Protecting Your Joy ~ Day 6
NOVEMBER 20
Learning how to sustain joy as you return to everyday life
Joy Protection • Dolphin Tour • Sunset Boat Ride • Ocean Breathwork • Closing Ceremony
Departure Day ~ Day 7
NOVEMBER 21
Beach time, reflection, and carrying joy forward
Integration • Farewell
FAQ’s
Please fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) in Costa Rica, which is the closest airport to the retreat location.
We will offer two group shuttle times from the Liberia airport to the resort on arrival day. Shuttle times will be confirmed closer to the retreat date once participant arrival schedules are finalized, allowing us to align transportation with the majority of the group.
If you arrive outside of the scheduled shuttle times, private transportation options can be arranged at an additional cost.
Yes. Group airport transfers are included and will be offered at two designated shuttle times on the arrival day, November 15, from Liberia International Airport (LIR) to the resort.
Return shuttles will also be provided at two designated times on the departure day, November 21.
If you choose to arrive or depart on dates outside of November 15–21, transportation will need to be arranged independently by the participant. You are welcome to meet the group at the airport on November 15 to join one of the scheduled shuttles; however, transportation outside of the designated retreat dates will not be arranged.
This structure allows us to keep logistics streamlined while ensuring a smooth and supportive arrival and departure experience for the group.
Your Joyful Playcation Retreat investment is fully all-inclusive, allowing you to arrive, exhale, and immerse yourself without having to think about logistics or add-on costs.
Your investment includes:
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6 nights accommodation at the retreat resort
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All meals throughout the retreat, thoughtfully prepared and nourishing
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Daily guided workshops centered on joy, inner child connection, values, visioning, and sustainable integration
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Yoga, movement, breathwork, meditation, and journaling practices designed to support embodiment and nervous system regulation
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Opening cacao ceremony and intentional group experiences
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Creative and ritual-based activities, including crystal gridding and mala bracelet making
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Floating sound bath experience
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Nature-based excursions, including:
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Waterfall lunch and walk
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Turtle excursion
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Dolphin experience
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Sunset boat tour with ocean-based breathwork
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Play-based experiences, including a treasure hunt and inner-child play activities
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Group airport transfers at designated shuttle times on arrival (November 15) and departure (November 21) from Liberia International Airport (LIR)
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Facilitated group connection and integration time in a small, intimate group setting
Flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
This retreat has been intentionally curated so that once you arrive, everything is taken care of—allowing you to fully relax, explore, play, and reconnect with yourself in a supportive, joy-led environment.
To ensure clarity and transparency, the following items are not included in the retreat investment:
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International airfare to and from Costa Rica
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Travel insurance (is required in order to be at the retreat and is the responsibility of the participant)
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Transportation outside of the designated group shuttle times on November 15 (arrival) and November 21 (departure)
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Private or early/late airport transfers outside the scheduled group shuttles
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Personal expenses, including souvenirs, additional snacks, or optional off-site activities
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Optional add-ons or services not listed in the retreat itinerary
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Gratuities for local staff or service providers (at the participant’s discretion)
This structure allows us to offer a truly all-inclusive on-site experience while giving participants flexibility around travel arrangements and personal preferences.
Yes. Travel and medical insurance are mandatory for all participants attending this retreat.
All participants are required to carry:
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Travel insurance, including trip cancellation and interruption coverage
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Medical insurance valid internationally, including emergency care
Proof of both travel and medical insurance must be provided no later than two (2) weeks prior to the retreat start date.
Failure to provide proof of the required insurance by this deadline may result in removal from the retreat without refund.
This requirement is in place to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all participants while traveling internationally.
You’ll be staying at Blue Iguana, a welcoming, relaxed retreat space located in the heart of Sámara—just a short walk from the beach, local cafés, and the natural beauty of the town.
The accommodations are comfortable, simple, and thoughtfully designed to support rest, ease, and connection. Rooms are clean and cozy, with private bathrooms, fans or air conditioning, and the essentials needed to feel settled and at home. This is not a luxury resort—it’s an intentional, grounded space that encourages presence, community, and simplicity.
The property features a shared pool and common areas, offering plenty of opportunities to relax in the sun, gather with the group, or enjoy quiet moments between sessions. The atmosphere is warm, friendly, and unpretentious—perfectly aligned with the spirit of the Joyful Playcation.
This setting allows you to unplug from excess, slow your pace, and fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience—balancing comfort with authenticity, and rest with adventure.
Yes—absolutely. Spaciousness is a core part of the Joyful Playcation experience.
While each day includes guided workshops, practices, and group activities, the retreat is intentionally designed with ample free time to rest, integrate, explore, or simply enjoy the beach and surrounding area. You’re encouraged to listen to your body and choose what feels most supportive in each moment.
This balance of structure and freedom allows you to fully absorb the experience—whether that means journaling by the pool, walking into town, resting in your room, or connecting with others organically.
Nothing is mandatory. This retreat honours both participation and pause, so your experience feels nourishing, playful, and aligned with your own rhythm.
The Joyful Playcation Retreat is intentionally limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
This small group setting creates a deeply contained, supportive, and intimate environment—one where you are truly seen, held, and met exactly where you are. With fewer people, there is more space for meaningful connection, personalized support, and the kind of safety that allows genuine transformation to unfold.
This level of intimacy invites you to explore your inner child with curiosity and care, to gently stretch beyond familiar edges, and to experiment with new ways of experiencing joy—without pressure or comparison. It’s a space where play feels safe, vulnerability feels honored, and connection happens naturally.
By design, this retreat offers the kind of closeness that allows magic to happen—where trust builds quickly, laughter comes easily, and each person’s journey is held with presence, respect, and heart.
Absolutely. This retreat is welcoming and accessible for all levels, including beginners.
All activities, practices, and workshops are thoughtfully guided and adapted to meet the group where they are. There is no prior experience required with yoga, breathwork, meditation, or any of the experiential offerings. Everything is offered with choice, care, and respect for individual comfort levels.
Our intention is to create a space where everyone feels supported, safe, and empowered—no matter where they are on their journey. You’re encouraged to participate at your own pace, honor your body, and explore joy in a way that feels authentic and sustainable for you.
This retreat isn’t about doing it “right.” It’s about showing up as you are and being met with guidance, encouragement, and compassion every step of the way.
We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies whenever possible.
To ensure your needs are met, please share any dietary requirements or allergies in advance of the retreat. This information will be communicated directly with the kitchen staff so meals can be prepared with care and attention.
Your comfort and wellbeing are important to us, and providing notice ahead of time allows us to support you fully throughout the retreat.
This retreat includes a variety of gentle to moderate movement-based activities, such as yoga, breathwork, hiking, and walking. All practices will be adapted to suit the needs of the group, with options and modifications offered whenever possible.
That said, participants should be comfortable with basic mobility, including the ability to get down to the floor and return to standing, as well as navigate uneven terrain during outdoor activities. A general level of physical independence is required to fully participate in the retreat experience.
At this time, we are not equipped to accommodate mobility aids. We encourage anyone with specific physical concerns to reach out in advance so we can help determine whether this retreat is the right fit.
Our priority is to create a safe, supportive environment where participants can move, explore, and play with confidence and care.
A detailed packing list will be shared closer to the retreat, but below is a general guide to help you prepare for a comfortable and joyful experience in Costa Rica.
Clothing & Footwear
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Lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm, tropical weather
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Yoga or movement-friendly clothing
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Swimwear
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Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
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A light layer for evenings
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Pajamas / sleepwear
Retreat & Activity Essentials
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Reusable water bottle
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Journal and pen
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A small day bag or backpack for excursions
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Sun hat and sunglasses
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Reef-safe sunscreen
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Insect repellent
Personal Items
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Toiletries and personal care items
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Any required medications
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Travel documents (passport, insurance information)
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Cash or card for personal purchases
Optional & Playful Extras
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A favorite small item that brings you joy
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Snorkel gear (optional)
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Light beach blanket or sarong
We recommend packing with intention—bringing what supports comfort, ease, and play, while leaving space for souvenirs, memories, and moments of joy you’ll collect along the way.
If you have specific questions about packing, we’re happy to support you.
Due to the nature of international retreats and advance commitments required, the following cancellation policy applies:
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Partial refunds may be available for cancellations made more than one (1) month prior to the retreat start date, excluding the non-refundable deposit.
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No refunds will be issued for cancellations made within one (1) month of the retreat start date.
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No refunds will be provided for missed days, early departures, or unused services.
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
This policy allows us to honour commitments with venues, facilitators, and local partners while offering clarity and fairness to all participants.
The retreat organizers reserve the right to modify, substitute, reschedule, or cancel activities as necessary to ensure participant safety and to protect the quality of the overall retreat experience. Should any changes be required, we will make every reasonable effort to offer suitable replacement activities that align with the spirit and intention of the retreat.
Please note that no refunds will be issued for itinerary changes resulting from weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
This flexibility allows us to remain responsive and grounded, ensuring the experience remains safe, meaningful, and supportive for all participants.
This retreat is for anyone who feels curious about reconnecting with their joy—whether you feel deeply connected to it already or sense that it’s been buried, forgotten, or dimmed by the pace and pressures of life.
In a world that can feel chaotic, demanding, and overwhelming, the Joyful Playcation Retreat offers a sacred pause to return to what truly matters. It’s an invitation to remember joy not as a fleeting emotion, but as an inner compass—one that guides more aligned choices, nourishes your energy, and reconnects you to your natural vitality.
This experience is for those who are ready to rekindle their inner fire, explore what joy genuinely means for them, and learn how to walk their path with greater ease, authenticity, and love.
If you’re longing to live more fully, feel more deeply, and choose from a place of joy rather than obligation—this retreat was created for you.
Early Bird Pricing (available until July 31, 2026)
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$3,800 CAD base price, plus applicable taxes and processing fees
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Full payment is required by July 31, 2026
Regular Pricing (available August 1 – September 30, 2026)
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$4,200 CAD base price, plus applicable taxes and processing fees
Spaces are limited, and early booking is recommended to secure the reduced rate.
Yes. A $1,000 CAD non-refundable deposit is required to reserve and secure your spot in the retreat.
The deposit confirms your commitment and allows us to finalize accommodations, excursions, and retreat logistics. The remaining balance must be paid according to the selected pricing timeline.
Due to the nature of this international retreat, the deposit is non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.
Yes. We are committed to making this experience as accessible as possible and are happy to offer flexible payment plan options.
Payment schedules can be arranged to align with your budget and timeframe, while still meeting retreat requirements. Full payment must be completed by September 30, 2026, regardless of the payment plan selected.
If you’re interested in a payment plan, please email us directly to discuss available options and find a schedule that works best for you.
Our Team
Co-creator
Melissa Rioux is a dedicated Reflexology Therapist, yoga instructor, and holistic wellness practitioner with years of experience supporting the body’s natural capacity for balance, ease, and healing. Her work is grounded in the understanding that joy, rest, and vitality emerge when the body feels safe, supported, and listened to.
Through reflexology, Melissa works with targeted reflex points to encourage the gentle movement of energy and release patterns of holding—supporting both physical wellbeing and subtle energetic flow. Her approach is intuitive, grounding, and deeply attuned to the body’s wisdom.
As a certified yoga instructor, Melissa is known for her unique facilitation of Yin and Tonic Yoga, a practice that blends slow, nourishing movement with the restorative benefits of reflexology. This combination invites participants into deep states of relaxation while supporting regulation, balance, and embodied presence—creating space for both rest and renewal.
Melissa also brings experience in Ayurvedic Head Massage, Reiki, and the Black Pearl Technique, weaving these modalities together in a way that feels gentle, playful, and deeply supportive. Her sessions offer an invitation to soften, reconnect, and experience the body as a source of pleasure, safety, and joy.
At the heart of Melissa’s work is a passion for helping people reconnect with themselves—through movement that feels good, touch that is intentional, and practices that remind us how natural it is to feel at home in our bodies. Her warm, compassionate presence creates a nurturing environment where participants feel held, supported, and free to explore what joy truly means for them.
Lyndsy McFadden
Co-creator
Lyndsy McFadden is a Joy Embodiment Facilitator, guide, and space-holder devoted to supporting people in reconnecting with their natural joy, inner wisdom, and sense of belonging within themselves. Her work is grounded, compassionate, and deeply human—rooted in the understanding that joy becomes sustainable when it is lived and felt in the body, not just understood in the mind.
Rather than offering quick fixes or rigid formulas, Lyndsy creates intentional spaces where people can slow down, feel, and remember who they are beneath the roles, expectations, and survival patterns of everyday life. Through breathwork, embodied practices, reflection, and play, she invites participants to experience joy as a felt, lived state—one that can be accessed even in the midst of real life.
At the heart of Lyndsy’s work is the belief that joy is not something to chase or perform—it is something to come home to. With warmth, presence, and deep respect for each individual’s journey, she walks alongside others as they explore their inner world, gently stretch their edges, and reconnect with the parts of themselves that know how to live with openness, curiosity, and joy.