Inner peace and being held in community go hand in hand. Here are five retreats we recommend you add to your 2024 wishlist to quiet the noise, immerse in nature, and recharge.

Three years ago almost to the day, I reluctantly sat with the grandmother plant, Mama Ayahuasca, in a charming family home in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Spitting distance from El Paso, Texas, and situated on the Rio Grande River just five minutes from the US-Mexico border, Juarez was formerly known as El Paso del Norte. It is both the largest border crossing in the country and known as “a city too dangerous to live in”; by some accounts, it’s among the most perilous, lawless, and abandoned places in the world. I doubt anyone would consider it a wellness destination by any stretch of the imagination, but it was there that I stepped through a portal that would usher me into the life I had dreamed of—finding a place of deep belonging, becoming a mother to identical twin boys, and redefining my concept of ‘home’ in Mexico.

The year before my ayahuasca ceremony, I spent the first seven months in what resembled a rigid quarantine apart from essential trips to work or to get groceries and home goods, meeting no more than one friend at a time outdoors with masks on, no hugs or touch. The most people I gathered with throughout those long, touch-starved months was three; we went kayaking outdoors and wore face coverings the entire time. So, at the end of my two-day ceremony, when a bundle of yerba buena was shoved in my mouth in a tiny living room filled with 15 other people in the “second most dangerous city in the world” by a Colombian shaman who subsequently spit vigorously, directly onto my face, I shocked even myself. Truth be told, I had tried in various ways to get out of this ceremony, using my menstrual cycle among other excuses to make my case (to myself and to my hosts) that it wasn’t the right time for me to receive the wisdom of the plants.

But, two small inhalations of rapé (one in each nostril) later, I felt a tingling in my nose, my eyes filled with watery pools, and a body high similar to cannabis but with none of the mental blur. In its place was only supreme clarity. I felt instantly ready to receive, and to proceed on my plant medicine journey. In preparation for the ceremony, I ate one apple, one avocado, and a handful of spinach. All day long, my ceremony hosts had been preparing their home with a wood-burning fire outside, copal smoke curling in every corner, and other smudges rising in the stale desert air. White candles adorned the space, while individual rolls of toilet paper and plastic-lined personal buckets for the inevitable “purging” I so desperately feared were generously dotted around the room for the ceremony participants. As a young woman healer tied a red string around me with a protective talisman meant to sit comfortably in the crevice of my navel, instructing me to do the same to her next, I felt my moon cycle take on an extra importance, knowing that four of the 15 of us would all be bleeding in a shared rhythm throughout the night.

While anyone who has experienced the intense transformational potential of plant medicine knows, often compared to decades of therapy in a single sitting, the “downloads” or information that you may receive from spirits and ancestors can be profoundly impactful. My guides made one resounding message clear to me: “You are resting for generations of women in your family because the intergenerational trauma stops with you”, as I lay glued to the ground, wrapped in copious layers of blankets, and tears fell in all directions around my face. Sacred geometry whirled in spirals and in somersaults as I was sucked into a dark, black magnetic pull. A baby floated slowly toward me, as if an astronaut in space. I fed her at my breast, and when I asked to see her face, the ancestors said in chorus, “Not yet, but we will bring her back to you soon.” Less than a year later, my twin boys chose me as their mother, at the unexpected late(ish) age of 38.

It is important to note that I have also been fortunate enough to experience sitting with The Grandfather plant, hikuri (peyote), around a massive fire with a great multigenerational lineage of Wirárika healers who allowed us onto their picturesque, sacred ancestral lands in San Blas, Nayarit, where the Goddess of the Sea is said to be. While each ceremony held its own eternal importance for the trajectory of my personal healing journey, I want to emphasize that in order for a wellness retreat (especially with plant medicine) to be right for you, it is often the divine meeting of time, circumstance, feeling “called” to the medicine, and surrendering to the unknown.

Here’s our Favorite Five Wellness Retreats to Transform Your Life in 2024

Editors’ Pick:

The Rythmia Way | Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Editor Haley Oberon had never explored the sacred medicine of Ayahuasca before her weeklong retreat at Rythmia. “I personally experienced a rebirth and received my miracle during my first ceremony,” recounts Oberon. “It was such an insanely beautiful experience that it is hard to put into words. Every day at Rythmia, I felt so incredibly supported and I can’t imagine going through this experience anywhere else,” she adds. Describing her seven-day retreat as “one of the best weeks of my life,” Oberon says one of the things she cherished most about her time at Rythmia was fully dedicating the space for herself and her personal healing, something she had never had the opportunity to do before.
The Rythmia Way program is the world’s only medically licensed plant medicine center, which instills added trust in their approach to fusing ancient wisdom and modern healing medicines. An invitation to awakening your highest potential is extended through ayahuasca ceremonies, yoga, metaphysics classes, volcanic mud baths, life coaching, hydrocolonic cleanses, Rhythmic breathwork, massage, and farm-to-table organic food. With Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s 400 miles of sprawling beach coastline and lush rainforests surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, Rythmia is an idyllic, all-inclusive luxury plant medicine center for those seeking to go inward.

From the “next level” staff who made Oberon feel safe to the teachers and shamans who showed “gentle, gracious support” for the processing and integration of the medicine, her experience was further enhanced by the onsite amenities like the salt water pool, the sauna and cold plunge, and the nourishing foods she ate throughout the retreat. Like many plant medicine novices, Oberon hesitated at first to do all four ceremonies. “Now I can’t imagine doing it any other way,” she shares, “It was amazing to see how they all flowed together and created such a cohesive experience, from the introduction to the medicine on the first night to the divine feminine night and closing with the yage ceremony, where we had the honor of witnessing two people in our group be married by Taita Juanito. It all felt so divinely orchestrated and beautiful, and something I will remember for the rest of my life.” Oberon says she ended the week feeling like a new person, filled with excitement to see how the medicine has changed her and is also still working through her. Unsurprisingly, 97 percent of the 15,000+ guests who have completed The Rythmia Way program report miracles, healed relationships, freedom from limiting beliefs, and clarity of life’s purpose as among the top life-changing outcomes of this transformation vacation.

Know Before You Go

Location | Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Dates | Ongoing; book a free consultation to get dates and details

Who should go? Anyone serious about self-discovery and growth at the World's only medically licensed plant medicine center.

Pricing | Starting at $4,900 for the 7-day, all-inclusive experience, Rythmia also offers scholarships and a chance at a free stay for one lucky winner during their monthly giveaway.

The Good Vibe Retreat | Good Moms Bad Choices

(pssst … get *10% OFF)

Hosted by Erica and Milah from the Good Moms Bad Choices podcast, The Good Vibe Retreat is the ultimate girls' trip. Combining relaxation, personal growth, and endless fun, this retreat aims to help you unwind, connect, and create lifelong memories with like-minded women. Expect rejuvenating activities, self-care practices, empowering workshops, and lots of laughter at this one-of-a-kind getaway in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica.

“Our retreats offer a unique and empowering journey that goes beyond traditional experiences,” says The Good Vibes Retreat producer and manager, Nellie June Hernandez. “Our retreats are not just about wellness; they are a celebration of sisterhood.” According to Hernandez, Erica and Milah have created a space where mind, body, and soul are nourished. What further sets this retreat apart from other woman-centric gatherings is a holistic approach to wellness, including transformative workshops, rejuvenating activities, plant medicine ceremonies, and self-care practices that are specifically designed to foster greater depths of connection and community.

Along with empowering discussions, yoga, meditation, ceremonies, and personal growth opportunities, retreat participants are encouraged to freely express themselves, play, dance, laugh, and share together. Those seeking a safe and inclusive space for women to embrace their freedom, celebrate life, and form lifelong bonds will find their vibe and their tribe here. Don’t miss this opportunity to nourish your soul, find your authentic voice, and create beautiful memories with fellow sisters. Keep reading for an exclusive 10% discount for Urban Wellness readers!

Know Before You Go

Location | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica

Dates | February 1-6; February 8-13; July 31-August 5; August 8-13, 2024

Who should go? Mothers and women seeking authentic connections with new best friends

Pricing | All-inclusive pricing starts at $3,333 and includes a curated $300+ VIP bag

Special discount for UWM readers | Enter discount code URBANWELL10 at checkout for 10% off The Good Vibes Retreat. Discount valid for all 2024 retreat dates!

Medicina Ancestral | Metsa Nete

Consider this retreat if your spirit is being called to tap into a long lineage of ancestral healing from the Amazon. Offering experiences deeply rooted in the sacred wisdom and practice of the Shipibo Ayahuasca healing tradition with healers from the Ucayali region in Peru leading the way, Metsa Nete’s “Medicina Ancestral” Retreat goes beyond a typical wellness retreat. With a firm commitment to safety, integrity, and respect, Metsa Nete has created a nurturing environment where participants can delve into the depths of their being, let go of what no longer serves them, and awaken their true potential. Each retreat is carefully crafted to incorporate traditional Shipibo plant medicine rituals, along with meditation, yoga, and authentic group bonding experiences, all designed to support the transformative power of Ayahuasca.

“From the moment you register to the final stages of post-retreat integration, our experienced facilitators and guides are dedicated to serving each individual through their unique healing journey. We provide supportive written material, one-to-one and group preparatory and integration guidance, ensuring that you have the tools and support necessary for a profound and intentional experience. Our aim is to introduce and work with this incredible medicine in the most honorable and beneficial way, calling forth the highest possible rewards for each participant,” the Metsa Nete organizers recently shared with us.

The Shipibo, with their advanced plant knowledge and shamanic healing capabilities, have established one of the most comprehensive healing systems in the Amazon. Their expertise and understanding of the plant world enable them to facilitate an effective co-creative healing process. Through the collaboration of the healer, the spirit of ayahuasca, other plant spirits, and the participant, they work together to liberate the mind, body, and spirit from discordant patterns. Employing a multi-faceted approach to healing, the Shipibo utilize intricate and sophisticated sound technology, operating in the energetic realms. This technology serves to cleanse dense, unwanted energies from the system and restore overall balance and harmony to the individual.

“For those seeking to embark on a transformative journey towards holistic healing, this offering is tailored for those who yearn to forge a deeper connection with themselves and the natural world, seeking profound insights and rejuvenation along the way. It beckons to those who are intrigued by alternative methods of addressing deep-seated health concerns or are keen to delve into the uncharted territories of their consciousness. By engaging with the healing potential of the plant realm and tapping into an ancient legacy, participants can unlock powerful means to purify the interconnected facets of their being—mind, body, and spirit,” the retreat organizers told us.

Know Before You Go

Location | Punta Monterrey, Mexico (or check out their other offerings in Peru here)

Dates | March 4-8; March 12-16; Dec 1-5 & 8-12, 2024

Who should go? Those seeking a unique opportunity to work with Shipibo ‘Onanya’ ancestral healing techniques over five transformative days on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, plus a fully comprehensive program complete with a medical intake process, preparation, ceremony, sharing circles, somatic therapy, integration, and follow-up support from experienced facilitators

Pricing | Starting at $2,750 for a shared private room with need-based scholarships and two discounted grants available until February 1, 2024

The Sicily Writer’s Retreat | Trust + Travel

This five-day immersive writing and wellness experience in Pantelleria, a volcanic island in the Sicilian strait, isn’t your ordinary creative gathering. During the retreat, you’ll be spending your days meditating, writing within the archaeological lands of the guest house, swimming in hidden coves, making pasta from scratch, and creating work you’re thrilled about. You might also find yourself dancing on the roof of a dammuso at sunset, hanging out with goats, or having your tarot read by friends. With farm-to-notebook dining options served at an open-air table, including the finest Mediterranean cuisine from the island’s rich garden soil and sustainable farms, it makes us wonder and daydream: what is writing without sensory indulgence?

“Our retreats are different for several reasons,” says Trust + Travel founder, Jade Moyano. “First, we challenge the notion that great writing can only happen in isolation. Second, we allow the writing to happen at its own pace, with the support of mentors and guides. Third, we see writing as a tool for self-awareness, personal growth, and healing.” According to Moyano, Trust + Travel retreats help you to lean into building confidence, courage, and ownership over your life’s story.

Even if you have no intention of ever publishing your work, Moyano says the space allows retreat participants to reflect, learn from others, and explore the terrain of a writer while developing rituals and new tools for writing at home. For this reason, the Trust + Travel founder is convinced that writing is key to overall well-being. “I call it emotional and spiritual well-being rather than physical,” she says, though tuning into the body through daily yoga, meditation, breathwork, and other forms of movement are an integral part of all their retreats. “To me, writing is the most healing tool of all. It works like a compassionate inquiry into the self.”

Unlock your creative potential while you connect with your authentic voice at the writer’s retreat where all are welcome with a generous invitation from Moyano and her co-conspirators to “write to live twice.” Be reminded that you are a writer, you deserve the work, and the world needs to hear your story, led by thoughtful guides and embraced by a community to share it all with.

Know Before You Go

Location | Pantelleria, a volcanic island in the Sicilian strait, Italy

Dates | June 11-16, 2024

Who should go? Anyone seeking to reignite their creative potential or deepen their writing practice; no prior writing experience is required (workshops are all levels)

Pricing | Starting at $3,000 with single and shared occupancy options, plus dedicated scholarships available for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community members. Not ready to travel yet? Check out their online workshops for more accessible workshop options.

The Wellness Retreat + Sanctuary | Amor Arenal

Looking for an adult-friendly resort offering rustic luxury in a wild verdant rainforest? Sitting atop the foothills of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, Amor Arenal’s separate cabins all feature heated spring water plunge pools and double head rain showers overlooking the jungle canyon. Surrounding the property, you’ll find an extensive jungle trail network where the higher elevation, relaxing breezes and cooler temperatures will lure you outdoors for panoramic views of the San Carlos Valley and long walks through the spectacular local flora and fauna. Even more delightful is the property’s exclusive access to the canyon’s babbling streams below.

“Inspired by ancestral living, we take each being as an individual and recognize the elements of nature (fire, air, water and earth) in them to create a personalized therapy and experience,” says the Amor Arenal leadership.

The five-star amenities and personalized guest services include nutritious local and international offerings, customizable wellness retreats and a constellation of naturally occurring and curated settings that intend to help visitors relax, recharge, connect with the forest rhythms on the meditation deck, practice yoga (complimentary sessions are offered daily), and harness the forest’s regenerative spirit and the volcano’s heat-etched energy. Get in contact with the venue directly to choose from a large booklet of services and healers for a tailor-made retreat or vacation with intention for enhanced mind-body-spirit wellness.

Know Before You Go

Location | Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

Dates | Ongoing; inquire directly with the venue here

Who should go? Those seeking a 5-star experience tailored to their individual needs with access to wellness sanctuaries, a rainforest spa, onsite hiking, and off-the-beaten-path adventures in nearby hot springs or trekking the local canyons and volcanoes

Pricing | Available here based on single and double occupancy