If you’re ready to step out of the overwhelm and finally experience what it feels like to exhale, this retreat was made for you. Over five transformative days in Costa Rica, you’ll shed the weight of stress, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and rediscover the joy and clarity waiting beneath the chaos. This isn’t about escaping your life. It’s about returning to yourself, equipped with tools and insights to create lasting peace and purpose.
The Invitation
Imagine waking up to the sounds of birdsong and distant waterfalls, feeling rested for the first time in ages.
Imagine taking a deep breath and realizing… you’re not responsible for anyone or anything except your own healing.
At the Serenity Retreat, we invite you to leave behind the endless to-do lists and expectations and step into a sanctuary where you are finally allowed to rest, reflect, and renew.
Nestled in the lush rainforest of Costa Rica, this retreat is your sacred space to:
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Unwind from chronic stress
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Quiet the mental noise
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Gently uncover what your heart’s been trying to tell you
Through nourishing practices, immersive nature experiences, and soulful connection with like-minded women, you’ll return home feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply reconnected to what matters most.
What Makes This Retreat Special
This is more than a getaway. It’s a guided journey home to yourself.
Created by a psychologist with 30 years of expertise in stress management and a certified master coach, every aspect of this retreat is intentionally designed to support your healing, transformation, and empowerment.
Here, you won’t just relax. You’ll release what no longer serves you and gain the clarity and courage to step into a life that feels aligned, meaningful, and joyful.
You’ll return home carrying not only beautiful memories but a renewed sense of self, with simple, sustainable practices to help you stay grounded and clear—even in the midst of life’s demands.
Your Serenity Retreat Includes:
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A warm welcome and private shuttle with Dr. Sandra & Sydney, who will greet you personally at San José International Airport and accompany you to the Vajra Jahra Retreat Center
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A peaceful private or shared villa with air conditioning and stunning waterfall views
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Wholesome, chef-prepared meals that nourish body and spirit
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Daily personal growth experiences blending reflection, journaling, and guided practice
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Heart-centered group sharing circles to process insights and deepen connection
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Gentle, restorative movement and mindfulness sessions
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Plenty of unscheduled time to nap, read, explore, or simply be
What's Not-Included:
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Your round-trip airfare from home
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Any transportation by uber/taxi to and from the venues outside the itinerary
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Airport transfer at non-designated pick-up & drop off times
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Other non-included items would include souvenir shopping, personal phone calls, spa services, taxis, rental cars and laundry
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Your meals when out on excursions
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Your resort/hotel meals if you stay back from the scheduled adventures
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Alcohol, room service & incidentals
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Personal, medical and trip cancellation insurance
One-Bed Villas
Our one-bed villas are perfect for those seeking privacy and tranquility. There are six one-bed villas available, each with a private outdoor space. Each villa is air-conditioned and features a queen-sized bed, a spacious en-suite bathroom, a cozy sitting area, and a kitchenette.
Two-Bed Villas
Two-bed villas provide ample space and comfort for guests. Situated at the top of the property, we offer a total of six two-bed villas, each featuring two queen-sized beds. Four of these villas are uniquely stacked on top of each other, creating a distinctive layout ideal for those who enjoy a more communal setting.
In addition to retreat programming, enjoy features like the sunset viewing deck, infinity pool, and easy-to-access hiking trails.
Meet Your Retreat Leaders
Sandra Thebaud, PhD
Co-Host and Facilitator
Dr. Sandra Thébaud, PhD is the creator of StressAway and a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping people effectively manage stress. Dr. Thébaud began her career as an active-duty Navy Psychologist and has published three books on stress management.
Throughout Dr. Thébaud's career, she has dedicated herself to understanding stress, its effects, and—most importantly—the science-based techniques that truly help people regain control and thrive. She’s excited to bring all of that expertise directly to you.
Sydney Jackson-Clockston
Co-Host and Facilitator
Sydney (she/her) is a Certified Master Coach, Award Winning Author, Speaker, Trainer, and Event Designer committed to empowering her clients with holistic leadership development. Sydney is known for her ability to curate transformational experiences, much like the SERENITY Retreat.
When Sydney is not out in the community supporting advocacy efforts for mental health and disabilities, you can find her hanging out with her partner and fur babies, exploring the newest exhibits at one of her local museums, meeting up with friends to check out a new food spot, or at the movies catching the newest action film.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival and Grounding
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Afternoon: Welcome, Airport Pick-up & Transportation
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Evening: Orientation & Intention Setting
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Morning: Workshop: The Psychology of Stress
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Late Morning: Workshop: Letting Go of Societal Expectations
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Afternoon: Excursion: Nauyaca Falls
- Early Evening: Workshop: The Biology of Stress
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Morning: Workshop: Rediscovering Fulfillment
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Afternoon: Workshop: Crafting a Life Vision
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Evening: Transforming Your Life From The Past
Day 4: Charting a Personal Journey Forward
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Morning: Workshop: Visualizing Future Self
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Afternoon: Excursion: Catamaran Tour
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Evening: Celebratory Dinner & Integrating Retreat Learnings into Daily Life
Day 5: Preparing to Enter Your New Life
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Morning: Breakfast and Optional Video Testimonials
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Late Morning: Transportation to the Airport
Cancellation policy:
For the Serenity Retreat, the deposit of $500 is non-refundable.
Any cancellation made between October 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, will result in a loss of 50% of the retreat price. Any cancellation made between January 1, 2026, and the retreat start date will result in a 100% loss of funds.
We reserve the right to cancel the retreat if it does not meet the trip minimum of 10 participants (if we do so, you will receive a 100% refund). Trip cancellation insurance/Travel Protection is required whenever making travel plans more than 60 miles from home.