The Art of Glass:
A Costa Rica Retreat
Seven days in paradise to elevate your glassblowing skills.
Costa Pacifica Hotel in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
EXCLUSIVE INVITATION
7-Day Beachside Retreat
$3500 per person
Early Bird Special!
starting at
$2750 per person
(Only $500 deposit)
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What is the Costa Rica Art of Glass Experience?
Spend seven days in Costa Rica, building your glassworking skills through hands-on workshops, open torch time, and plenty of time to practice. Between sessions, enjoy waterfalls, beaches, local art, and time to relax.
Does this sound like you?
You’re craving dedicated time to work with glass and want to step away from your normal routine for a week of creating with new friends.
You already have some glassworking experience and want to learn new techniques and spend more time at the torch.
You’re looking for meaningful travel and a chance to experience Costa Rica.
You’re ready for a mix of studio time and fun: workshops, open torch sessions, waterfalls, beaches, local art, and great friends along the way.
Meet Your Retreat Hosts
Glassblowing Skills & Studio Retreat with Cher Corcoran
April 13 - 19, 2027
Practice new techniques, improve your torch control, and create your own glass pieces with hands-on instruction and studio time.
Cher Corcoran is a Utah-based glass artist and co-founder of Studio Blue, the creative arts center at Hotel Costa Pacífica.
Cher has exhibited and sold her work through arts events and organizations throughout Utah and beyond. Her work combines strong technical skill with a willingness to experiment, making her a great instructor for artists who want to sharpen their technique and try new approaches at the torch.
At the retreat, Cher will teach hands-on glassworking techniques, work alongside guests at the torch, and help artists build their skills through practice and direct feedback.
$2750 per person
Signature Techniques Retreat with Windstar Glass
May 9 - 15, 2027
Learn stringer work and other advanced techniques directly from award-winning flameworking artist Shayla Windstar.
Shayla Windstar Behrman is a Colorado-based flameworking artist and the founder of Windstar Glass.
She began working with glass in 2014 and is known for colorful, highly detailed work using techniques including stringer work and stained-glass-inspired designs.
Shayla has demonstrated at the Corning Museum of Glass and the International Flameworking Conference and has participated in glass-art events and collaborations around the country.
At the retreat, Shayla will teach hands-on flameworking techniques, demonstrate her process, and work directly with artists at the torch as they practice and refine their skills.
$3350 per person
About our Event Host: Katie Triest
Katie’s love of birds began in college when a roommate taught her the call of the Red-winged Blackbird. Since then, she’s sought out birds across the globe, from Hawai’i to South Africa, and built a career around sharing that passion.
As a licensed Wild Bird Rehabilitator and former Director of Education at the Wild Bird Fund in New York City, she created hands-on programs that inspired her students to connect more deeply with nature.
Now based in Telluride, Katie continues to lead birding programs through her business The Birding Co. She’s particularly excited to bring you to Costa Rica where nearly 950 bird species have been recorded, giving you one of the richest bird-watching experiences on Earth.
Who Will Be Hosting This Event
Kim Flynn, the owner of the Fenix Hotel & Retreat Center, will be hosting this event along with a local birding expert.
Each morning we will head out on a birding excursion, and our local bird guide will share practical birding techniques and help you connect deeply with the rhythms of nature.
We are so excited to invite you to Costa Rica, where nearly 950 bird species have been recorded. This is one of the richest bird-watching experiences on Earth.
Whether you’re hoping to spot that one special species or simply want to spend your days outdoors enjoying birds in a beautiful setting, this retreat is designed for you.
What can I expect to learn?
The Workshops
🔥 1. Torch Skills and Control
Develop your skills at the torch with focused instruction on heat control, flame positioning, and shaping. Techniques will be adapted to each retreat's skill level and focus.
🎨 2. Color & Design
Explore color combinations, layering, patterns, and detail. Experiment with different approaches and see how technical choices influence your finished pieces.
🧪 3. Technique & Precision
Learn and practice flameworking techniques demonstrated by your instructor, with time to repeat, adjust, and refine your skills.
✨ 4. Developing Your Own Work
Use open torch time to apply what you’ve learned to your own pieces. Experiment with new ideas, get personalized feedback, and enjoy dedicated studio time.
Tropical Garden Location
Costa Pacifica Hotel
Enjoy your stay at Costa Pacífica Hotel, where guests enjoy stepping out of their rooms into lush tropical gardens, with the beach just a five-minute walk away.
The property includes 5 acres of gardens, a dedicated artist area with Studio Blue, spacious rooms, hammocks, a restaurant, a gym, and relaxed gathering spaces.
We’re one of the closest beachside resorts to the San José airport in Costa Rica. Easy to reach, yet far enough away to feel like a true escape.
Studio Blue
Studio Blue offers a unique opportunity to spend a week developing your glassworking skills in a creative, equipped art studio surrounded by Costa Rica's tropical gardens and just minutes from the beach.
You’ll be at the torch throughout the retreat during workshops and during Open Torch Time to work on your own pieces.
Some sessions are guided, some are more open-ended. There’s plenty of room to experiment and make a few beautiful messes along the way.
By the end of the week, Studio Blue will probably feel a little like your second home.
Your Room
Whether you are coming with a friend, a partner, or solo, our guests enjoy comfortable, spacious rooms with either single or double occupancy options.
Each room has A/C, a mini fridge, and a patio overlooking the gardens or pool area.
The regular event fee includes a shared double queen room, with the option to upgrade to a private, single queen room for $699.
Your RETREAT Excursions
Each day features hands-on glassworking sessions, with time for exursions, creative exploration, and relaxation.
Morning Coffee with Birds
Start the morning with coffee in our Birdwatching Center and soak up a little inspiration before heading to the studio.
INCLUDED
Nauyaca Waterfall
Join us on the back of a pickup truck to Nauyaca Waterfall, one of Costa Rica’s most iconic sites. Explore the falls, take a swim, and be dazzled by nature.
INCLUDED
Artisan Market & Art Walk
Browse local art and handmade goods at the artisan market, then explore the Jacó murals and a visit to a local art gallery.
INCLUDED
Tortuga Island Adventure
Visit Monkey Island, snorkel, and swim in a secluded cove at Tortuga Island, and enjoy sunset from the water. OPTIONAL
$250/person
The 5-Day Add-On Adventure Agenda
The Optional Add-on Adventure is a 5-day tour through Costa Rica, just for participants in the retreat who want to experience more of Costa Rica. Included: Ttransportation, all breakfasts, housing, and daily activities/tours.
Please note: the Add-on Adventure Itinerary depends on time of year, weather & other circumstances. Your exact itinerary might change, but we will always keep it fun and adventure-filled!
Rio Celeste
Watch for birds as we hike through a rainforest to the turquoise Rio Celeste waterfall and its striking blue lagoon. INCLUDED.
Hanging Bridges
Stroll across hanging bridges through a cloud forest with breathtaking views. OPTIONAL.
~ $80/person
Cloud Forest Hike
Join a local birding guide for a walk through Monteverde’s world-famous cloud forest, spotting some of its most iconic species. INCLUDED.
White Water Tubing
Join us on an exhilarating adventure through lush tropical scenery, featuring stunning scenery and yes--more birds. INCLUDED.
Sloth Sanctuary
Meet adorable sloths up close and learn their stories at a serene sanctuary nestled in the rainforest.
INCLUDED.
Your Daily Retreat Itinerary
Your exact itinerary is subject change based on weather and availability.
Day 1
Arrive in San Jose Airport. We will coordinate and provide a shuttle for you as long as your flight is scheduled to arrive by 3 pm on the first day! The drive to Esterillos Oeste beach town is about a 2-hour tide through well-paved green mountain roads. Our driver will pull over if he sees a sloth.
You will probably arrive in the late afternoon/early evening, just in time to change into your tropical attire, take off your shoes, and join us for dinner at Origen Restaurant then a Wine and Welcome party at the event pavilion.
Day 2
Start your day at the Event Pavilion with fresh Costa Rican coffee and a relaxed morning. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings while getting ready for the day’s glassblowing activities and sharing the morning with fellow guests.
Your first glassworking workshop begins today! Get acquainted with the studio and review essential safety practices before diving into hands-on instruction tailored to your skill level. You'll have plenty of opportunities to practice techniques and develop your skills with guidance from your instructor.
Take a walk to the white sand beach and enjoy the serene surroundings. We will probably be the only people in sight. At low tide, take a swim and enjoy some time by the water.
In the evening, join a fun photo scavenger hunt to explore town and discover local spots for food and drinks. We'll wrap up at a local restaurant to share stories, announce the winner, and enjoy a meal together.
Day 3
Early risers can enjoy optional Open Torch time at Studio Blue before breakfast. Or take it slow with a morning coffee and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Breakfast at the hotel is always included before the day's scheduled activities begin.
Head to Studio Blue for your second hands-on glassworking session. Build on techniques from the first workshop, practice new skills, and explore different approaches with guidance from your instructor.
Unwind with an optional massage at the resort spa, take a dip in the pool, or relax among the tropical gardens. Enjoy some downtime to recharge and find inspiration in Costa Rica's natural surroundings.
Enjoy dinner at the resort restaurant or explore one of several dining options in town. Afterward, head back to Studio Blue for optional Open Torch time to practice techniques, work on your creations, or experiment with new ideas.
Day 4
Start the day with optional Open Torch time at Studio Blue, followed by breakfast at the resort. Then return to the studio for your third guided workshop, building on your skills and exploring new techniques with your instructor.
Take an excursion to Nauyaca Waterfalls, one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural landmarks. Enjoy a refreshing break, swim in the falls, and walk away inspired by nature.
After a dip in the pool and dinner at the resort or in town, join a resident artist for a Paint & Sip session. Enjoy a relaxed evening exploring a different art medium, or head to Studio Blue for evening Open Torch time.
Day 5
We have an optional excursion today: Join the boat tour to Tortuga Island, with snorkeling, a stop at Monkey Island, and time to swim at a quiet private cove. Lunch is included.
In the late afternoon, we’ll spend some time at the Jacó Artisan Market and take a mural walk through town. Browse local crafts, find something to take home, and take in the colorful murals and local art along the way. We will also visit the local art gallery and support local artists.
Enjoy dinner in Jacó, where the group will all meet up, in a casual spot for good food and a relaxed evening.
Day 6
Spend the morning putting the finishing touches on your creations. Refine details, complete your favorite pieces, and prepare your glasswork to take home as a reminder of your creative week in Costa Rica.
For dinner, we’ll gather for Pizza. We like to invite a local tattoo artist (always optional!) if you want to leave Costa Rica with an artistic momento.
Wrap up the evening with margaritas, live music, and good company by the pool.
Day 7
The event officially ends on the morning of Day 7 as you gather for the last breakfast together, then head back to the airport. After one week together, you might just leave with new glassworking friends for life.
Optional Add-On Adventure Itinerary
Thursday
Adventure Week is all about exploring more of what Costa Rica has to offer, and more birding opportunities. You will see the must-see's (national parks, coffee tours & sloth sanctuaries) along with a few local secrets (hot springs, thousand year-old trees, and local food favorites).
We will kick off the day in Samara with a horseback riding adventure and cross rivers to nearby beaches, strolling through lush farmland and hidden backroads to discover views along the coast.
Friday
We are jumping in the big white van and traveling to MonteVerde today! Nestled in the lush highlands of Costa Rica, Monteverde is a world-renowned eco-destination celebrated for its breathtaking cloud forests and incredible biodiversity. Wear a jacket! The weather is much cooler up in the clouds than on the beach.
Spend your afternoon exploring the enchanting town, nestled high in the clouds, with its delightful shops, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants.
In the evening, you will tour the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Experience the magic of the Monteverde rainforest after dark on a guided night tour, where you’ll encounter nocturnal wildlife and the sounds of the jungle under the starry Costa Rican sky.
Saturday
Day two in Monteverde starts with with an optional Hanging Bridges Tour, walking through the breathtaking beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
In the afternoon, we will visit a local coffee farm and spend time with the family who runs it. Learn how coffee is grown, harvested, and dried, then try pressing sugar cane and tasting the juice, and take home freshly processed organic beans. Local coffee makes the perfect gift for friends and family.
For dinner, enjoy live music at one of the iconic tree top restaurants and enjoy the company of your new travel friends.
Sunday
We are off to Rio Celeste this morning, one of the most iconic spots in all of Costa Rica.
After a few hours of hiking, discover the mesmerizing turquoise water of Rio Celeste, a natural wonder nestled within Tenorio Volcano National Park. Complement your adventure with a visit to a Sloth Sanctuary and then relax at a nearby hot springs resort, where you'll rest after your day of hiking.
In the evening, we will head to Liberia to stay in a hotel right across the street from the airport. No need to worry about morning travel!
Monday
The event officially ends Monday morning as you fly out of Liberia Airport. You will leave with a depthy exploration of birding in Costa Rica, and travel friends for life.
Travel FAQ's
Q: What is included for the Retreat? Lodging? Activities? Food? Transportation?
All lodging is included for the retreat.
Transportation from the airport is included as long as you arrive on the first day by 3:00 P.M. Transportation back to the airport is included on the last day of the retreat.
Activities are included every day, with some optional activities.
Workshops, basic materials, safety gear and instruction are all included.
All breakfasts are included. For lunch and dinner you will have a choice of the hotel restaurant, or several local restaurants within walking distance.
Q: What is included for the Add-on Adventure? Lodging? Activities? Food? Transportation?
All lodging is included for the Add-on Adventure.
Activities are included every day, with some optional activities.
Breakfasts are included. For lunches & dinners, we will take you to a mix of local and well-known restaurants around the country.
All transportation from the Fenix Hotel around Costa Rica, ending at the Liberia airport is included.
Q: Can I come to just the Retreat? Just the Add-on?
Yes! You can come to just the first week: Retreat week!
Yes! You can attend both the Retreat Week and the Adventure Add-on.
Nope, you can't attend just the Adventure Add-on. This portion is not stand-alone. Everyone will already know each other. Usually about half of our Retreat guests elect to come on the Add-on Adventure.
Q: What materials are provided? What do I bring?
We’ll provide the torches, shared studio tools, safety equipment, and a basic glass kit for the workshops.
Your included glass kit provides the materials needed for the main workshop projects. Additional colors, specialty glass, and other materials will be available for purchase during the retreat.
Bring your favorite personal tools if you would like to.
Q: What about safety gear?
You are welcome to bring your own favorite didymium or flameworking safety glasses if you have them.
Gloves are not generally required for torch work, but you may bring any personal protective gear you normally use.
Closed-toe shoes and natural-fiber clothing are strongly recommended. Wear tighter-fitting clothing made from natural fibers such as cotton, and avoid loose sleeves or highly synthetic fabrics while working at the torch.
Q: Can I come with a Companion?
Yes! Companions are welcome to join the retreat at a discounted price. They don’t participate in the glassworking workshops or use the torches.
The Companion Rate is $1,795 (early bird) or $1,995 (regular) and includes accommodations, breakfasts, included excursions, and all non-glassworking group activities, so your companion can enjoy the Costa Rica experience alongside you.
Q: Can I come solo?
Yes! You do not need to bring a companion. Solo travelers have a private room.
Q: How many artists will be there?
Our glassblowing retreats are limited to just 10 artists. Some will come with companions and some will come solo, so the final group size is usually around 15 people.
Q: What airport do I fly into? Do I need a passport?
You will fly into the San Jose, Costa Rica airport, called the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Yes! You will need a passport.
Q: How much is airfare to San Jose SJO Airport from the US?
Around $700-$1000 round trip is average for tickets right now, but it depends on what city you are flying from. Most major cities in the US have direct flights.
Q: Is the area safe? For solo travelers?
Costa Rica is known for its welcoming culture and relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle. Our retreat takes place in Esterillos Oeste, a small, laid-back beach community.
Many guests travel solo and group activities make it easy to connect with others. As with any destination, we recommend taking basic safety precautions.
Q: Can I come early / stay after?
As long as the hotel has availability for those dates, absolutely. Click here to book the hotel as a regular hotel guest outside of the event week.
Q: Will there be mostly solo travelers or friends & companions there?
About half our guests come solo and half come with friends or partners. The group tends to connect quickly, so solo travelers fit right in.
Companion guests are fully included in the group, even if they're not participating in glassblowing workshops.
Q: How far are we from the beach?
We are a five-minute walk to a stunning, walkable white-sand beach in Esterillos Oeste.
This is a surf beach! You can swim during low tide in the tide pools. And yes, you can take surf lessons while here.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! You can make a $500 down payment with the remainder due 60 days before the event.
We also accept AfterPay and Klarna (choices upon checkout). These offer monthly payment options, some without any interest.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Deposits are non-refundable.
All other payments are 70% refundable up to 90 days before the event.
All payments are non-refundable 90 days before the event.
We recommend travel insurance that will cover you in case of trip cancellation or medical issues! https://www.imglobal.com/travel-insurance
Q: If I have mobility issues, will I be able to do the Adventure Add-on?
Costa Rica is rugged and natural. You will need to be able to hike over rugged terrain, sometimes for extended periods. Many of our activities will include hiking and walking. If you have joint, feet, knee, or leg issues, or have difficulty walking for long periods of time over uneven terrain, we recommend attending the Retreat portion but skipping the Adventure Add-on.
TESTIMONIALS
What guests are saying
"Amazing Hosts!"
You were amazing hosts! You made us all feel at home quickly and created an atmosphere that encouraged all of the visitors to interact with one another. I loved that Kim joined us for nearly everything we did."
"Amazing Experiences"
This is one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life. The place was perfection the the dynamics of the group of people that were brought together just everything was magical I couldn’t have asked for anything more except being able to stay there forever.
"Wonderful Connection"
Staff made a wonderful connection with guests and went the extra mile for us. You also hire terrific people - Bird guide was fantastic as were the singer, yoga instructor, and masseuse.
"Welcoming and Friendly!"
You and your team are so welcoming and friendly! I knew there wasn’t a thing I could ask for that wouldn’t be fulfilled.
"Thoughtful & Engaging"
Great attitude of all of the staff including the facilitator. Listen well and responded to our needs. Very thoughtful workshops and engaging.
"Personal and Fun!"
Everyone was committed to care for us as customers, welcoming, friendly and helpful. Also the delicious dinners and breakfasts. We absolutely LOVED the team! They made the workshops and environment feel personal and fun!
"It was truly joyous!"
I enjoyed the entire experience! It was well balanced and very freeing. I cherish the sense of well-being and acceptance that permeated the retreat.. to be at ease amongst like minded beings... It was truly joyous!
"Everything Was Spectacular!"
Everything was just spectacular! The grounds were beautifully kept, and the staff were extremely helpful!
"EVERYTHING was done well"
EVERYTHING was done well. Kim’s skills in bringing us together and fostering a sense of community was wonderful, and greatly contributed to the great time we had.
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