Restore & Rebalance Retreat in Esterillos Este, Costa Rica: February 21-28, 2026

Join Michelle and Kelly on the west coast of Costa Rica for a transformative week of reflection and renewal of body, mind and heart. Through yoga, pranayama, guided meditation and visualization, we will experience what it feels like to be fully present with the many facets of our humanity. The concept of Anthropos - being fully human - is introduced as we explore and address the balance of feminine and masculine energies alive within each of us. These unifying practices, in combination with time in community and the tranquility of nature, offer space for one’s innate wisdom to emerge, awakening a sense of wholeness.

Our days begin with grounding yoga and pranayama (breathing) practices overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Afternoons include energy balancing workshops inspired by the teachings of Mary Magdalene. Mary Magdalene’s message was, and still is, one of truth, courage and compassion – values that we, and the world, can benefit from greatly today. *Please note that workshops are based on exploring the dance of these energies within ourselves, rather than religion of any kind.

Plenty of free time is offered daily to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Relax by the pool, walk on the beach or get a massage onsite. Take a guided excursion, visiting nearby waterfalls and national parks. Enjoy delicious meals made by resident chefs, soak in nightly sunsets on the beach and immerse yourself in meaningful conversations with new friends. Return home with a renewed sense of balance: embodied, empowered and connected to the wholeness of yourself.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

o   Daily Slow Flow Yoga Classes

o   Daily Guided Pranayama

o   3 Energy Balancing Workshops

o   Restorative Yoga Classes

o   Accommodations for 8 days / 7 nights on Ocean Front Property

o   3 Delicious Meals Per Day

o   Roundtrip Airport Transfers Between San Jose Airport and Encantada Cottages

o   Onsite Yoga Mats and Props

o   Optional Excursions and Services Available: Onsite Massage, Horseback Riding, Waterfall Tour, Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour, Surf Lessons, and More!

ACCOMMODATIONS

Retreat to your enchanting hide-away amidst palm trees, lush gardens and the captivating Pacific Ocean at Encantada Ocean Cottages. Their style is described as rustic tropical meets boho chic. All cottages have air conditioning, fan, hypo-allergenic beds, organic soaps and shampoos, Wi-Fi, security box and mini refrigerator. Spacious, clean and the perfect space to relax and re-energize after the day’s adventures.

OCEANFRONT VILLA | SLEEPS 3 | $2995 PER PERSON

Imagine picture-perfect sunsets on your own private patio overlooking the pacific and falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean.

·      1 king bed & 2 twins

·      1 bathroom featuring walk-in shower with dual shower heads and double vanity

·      Fully equipped kitchenette with gas burner, toaster, rice cooker, coffee maker, refrigerator, and dinnerware

·      Private patio overlooks the ocean

PRIVATE RETREAT | SLEEPS 2 | $2895 PER PERSON SOLD OUT

Your cozy personal retreat, fit with your own private balcony overlooking the pool and lush surroundings.

·       Second floor poolside room

·       1 king bed or convert to 2 twins

·       1 bathroom

·       Private balcony with hammock

POOLSIDE COTTAGE | SLEEPS 2 | $2895 PER PERSON

Picture rolling out of bed and taking a dip in the pool just steps away from your door. This spacious poolside retreat with loft is just perfect.

·       1 king bed | 1 twin | 1 twin in loft

·       1 bathroom

·       Private outdoor lounge

GARDEN COTTAGE | SLEEPS 3 | $2595 PER PERSON

Peaceful garden cottages just a short stroll from the pool, fit with loft and outdoor seating area. Sleeps slightly more people than the poolside cottages.

·       2 queen beds & 1 twin in loft

·       1 bathroom

·       Private garden seating area

THE FACILITATORS 

MICHELLE BEFUS | ERYT-500, YACEP

For over 25 years, Michelle has studied movement, breath and balance; earlier as a professional ballet dancer and as a yoga teacher today. Her accessible, grounded classes integrate anatomical precision, thoughtful vinyasa transitions, breath awareness and intelligent sequencing. Michelle’s articulate, down-to-earth approach educates and inspires, offering techniques that facilitate healthy movement patterns and elevate mind-body awareness.       

Michelle offers teacher trainings, retreats, group and private classes and sound baths in Black Mountain North Carolina, online, and at various retreat centers across the United States.

KELLY GRAHAM | RYT-200

A practitioner of yoga since 1987, Kelly began her yoga journey at YogaWorks in Santa Monica, California, studying with yoga legends such as Erich Schiffmann, Richard Freeman, Maty Ezraty, Chuck Miller, and others. She completed her 200-hour (RYT 200) yoga teaching training and certification from the White Lotus Foundation with Ganga White and Tracey Rich in Santa Barbara, CA. She co-founded and ran the Synergy Center, a yoga and massage center in Salt Lake City, Utah in the 1990s. While in Salt Lake, Kelly partnered with other yoga instructors such as Charlotte Bell, Jay Jones, and Sara Chambers of Hugger Mugger to create a community-based yoga studio.

In 2006, Kelly began studying The Gospel of Mary Magdalene (translated by Jean-Yves Leloup, 2002) which is the first English-language translation of the original Coptic Gospel of Mary Magdalene, and was discovered before the Dead Sea Scrolls. This gospel beautifully reveals the presence, depth, and eminence of the divine feminine.

Kelly has worked as a transformational coach and management consultant since 1998.

A DAY ON RETREAT….

7:15-8:30am Morning Yoga + Breathwork

9:00-10:00am Breakfast

10:00-1:00pm Free Time

1:00-2:00pm Lunch

2:00-3:30pm Free Time

3:30-5:30pm Magdalene Workshop or Restorative Yoga

6:30pm Dinner / Relaxing into the evening

REGISTRATION

Email Michelle.Befus@gmail.com to confirm availability of your lodging preference if traveling with a group. Payment options are listed in the SELECT ACCOMMODATIONS dropdown box above. Choose to either pay the deposit, or pay in full, and then complete a short registration form. A nonrefundable deposit of $595 will reserve your space. Balance due 12/01/25.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Refunds offered minus a $595 administration fee. After 12/01/25 refunds will only be granted if your space can be filled with a new participant. Should Michelle or Encantada Ocean Cottages cancel the retreat, a full refund will be offered.

Flights, travel insurance, optional excursions, alcoholic beverages and gratuities not included in retreat price.

QUESTIONS? Contact Michelle at Michelle.Befus@gmail.com