Mermaids Welcome
7-Day Beachside Retreat in Costa Rica
April 19 - 25, 2027
Costa Pacifica Hotel in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
EXCLUSIVE INVITATION
7 Day Beachside Retreat
$3500 per person
Early Bird Special!
$2500 per person
(Only $500 deposit)
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What is the
Mermaids Welcome Retreat?
Slip into a mermaid tail to embrace your beauty and feel deeply connected to nature, even if it's your first time.
As a mermaid, you will dive into workshops on swimming with a tail, breath control, water safety, and content creation as a mermaid.
We have daily activities for you, including swimming in waterfalls, hanging bridges, photo shoot, margarita pool party, and much more.
Your retreat fee includes all activities, breakfasts, select dinners, and beachside hotel accommodations. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, everyone is welcome.
About our Event Host: Dani Cecil
I’m Dani Cecil, the mermaid and content creator behind All Things Mermaid. I’m a certified freediver, and this is my third year co-hosting mermaid retreats in Costa Rica.
Mermaiding changed the way I see myself. When I first put on a tail, I was nervous about being seen and what people might think. But embracing something I loved helped me become more comfortable in my own skin, and now I love helping others experience that same freedom.
I believe mermaiding is for every body. You don’t need to look a certain way or have experience to belong here. Whether you’re trying on a tail for the first time or already feel at home in one, I can’t wait to share a week of swimming, laughter, and adventure with you—and help you discover your own mermaid magic.
About our Photographer: Mary Ann
Mary Ann is an experienced underwater photographer and the creative eye behind Sunni Water Photography. A freediver and scuba diver with a lifelong love of the water, she specializes in creating beautiful underwater portraits that help people feel confident, graceful, and at home beneath the surface. Her underwater adventures have taken her throughout the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico, and as our mermaid photographer, she brings together her love of the ocean, photography, and people to capture the magic of becoming a mermaid.
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.
Beachside Retreat
Hotel Costa Pacifica
Enjoy your stay at Hotel Costa Pacífica, where guests enjoy stepping out of their rooms into lush tropical gardens, with the white sand beach just a five-minute walk away.
The property includes 5 acres of gardens, spacious rooms, hammocks, gardens, restaurant, 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.
Your Room
Whether you are coming with a friend, a partner, or solo, our guests enjoy comfortable queen rooms with either single or double occupancy options.
Each room has A/C, a patio, and a garden just outside your door. Rooms feature either a peaceful garden view or a pool view.
The regular event fee includes a shared queen double room, with the option to upgrade to a private queen single room for $699.
What can I expect to learn?
The Workshops
🧜♀️ 1. Mermaid Safety
We’ll start with the basics of mermaid safety so you can feel comfortable and confident from the beginning, including how to use your tail safely, get in and out of the water, and know what to watch for while mermaiding.
🌊 2. Mermaid Swimming & Breathwork
You’ll learn how to swim comfortably and confidently in your tail while building breath control through dry-land breathing exercises, meditation, and static breath holds in the water.
🐚 3. Content Creation
You’ll learn how to create engaging mermaid-style content as we create content together. We will work together to capture engaging group photos and videos in your tails, develop strategies for creating content intentionally, and collaborate on group Reels you can share from the retreat.
Your RETREAT Excursions
We have activities included for you every day!
Morning Coffee with Macaws
Start the morning with coffee in our Birdwatching Area and soak up a little inspiration before putting on your own tail.
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.
Jaco Artisan Market
Browse local art, handmade crafts, jewelry, and gifts while experiencing one of Costa Rica's vibrant beach communities.
INCLUDED.
Rainmaker Park
Explore Rainmaker Park's hanging bridges, tropical forest, and natural swimming pools. Take in the beauty of Costa Rica's nature.
INCLUDED.
Tortuga Island Adventure
Visit Monkey Island, snorkel, swim at a secluded beach at Tortuga Island, and enjoy a day on 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 day one! The drive to Esterillos Oeste beach town is about an hour and 45 minutes 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, have dinner, and then join us for dessert & drinks at our Wine & Welcome Kickoff.
Day 2
Start your day with breakfast before joining us for your first Mermaid workshop in the Event Pavilion.
We’ll cover safety, how to move and pose in your tail while in the water, breathwork meditation on dry land, static breath holds in the water, and swimming techniques in a tail.
Afternoon, we’ll take a walk to the beachfront and spend time swimming in the tide pools with the sirena mermaid at high tide.
After dinner, join us for a fun photo scavenger hunt around town.
Day 3
Start your day with breakfast before we drive to Rainmaker Park. Bring your mermaid tail and get ready to explore the beautiful natural surroundings.
Once you are in the park, you’ll experience the hanging bridge and natural swimming areas. We’ll also have time for a group photoshoot. Solo photoshoots will be available for those who want additional photos.
For dinner, we’ll enjoy a meal at a local soda or the hotel. Then it’s time for a fun Paint & Sip night.
Day 4
Start your day with breakfast before diving into Mermaid Content Creation.
We’ll spend the day actively making content together, including group Reels and other fun mermaid moments.
After dinner: Optional karaoke night. Expect a mix of great voices, off-key anthems, and a big group sing-along.
Day 5
We’ll drive to Jacó to drop off guests joining the optional boat tour, while others can stay in town to shop and explore.
We have an optional excursion today: Join the snorkeling boat tour to Tortuga Island, with a stop at Monkey Island and time to swim at a quiet private beach. Lunch and snack included.
We will also spend time at the Jacó Artisan Market and spend the afternoon at the nearby beach town for tourist shopping and dinner.
Day 6
Enjoy a day at Nauyaca Falls, one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural landmarks. Take in the falls, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and make the most of this unforgettable stop.
For dinner, we’ll celebrate our entire week together with pizza and invite a favorite tattoo artist if you want to leave with a one of a kind piece of art.
End the evening with margaritas and music around the pool, a laid-back way to unwind together under the Costa Rican sky.
Day 7
The event officially ends on the morning of Day 7 as you head back to the airport. After one week together, you might just leave with mermaid 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.
All transportation to/from the airport to/from the hotel is included, as long as your flight is scheduled to arrive by 3 pm on day 1, and you leave on the last day. (You are welcome to stay for longer though!)
All transportation to excursions is included.
Activities are included every day, with some optional activities (boat tour & massages)
All breakfasts are included.
For lunch and dinner you will have a choice of the Origen restaurant, or several local restaurants within easy 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 airport do I fly into? Do I need a passport?
You will fly into the San Jose, Costa Rica airport. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Yes! You will need a passport.
Q: At the retreat, how much time will be spent in birding tours vs other activities?
We will go on excursions almost every day.
The rest of the day is a mix between planned activities (always optional) and rest & relaxation.
Q: Is the area safe? For solo travelers?
Costa Rica is known for being very safe for travelers. It is known as being the Swizerland of Latin America. No standing army, and the Pura Vida culture is usually very appealing to travelers.
Q: Will there be both men & women there?
Everyone is invited, but we usually (always) have had exclusively mermaids in attendance.
If you are a merman, you are also invited to attend! You will need to pay for a private room upgrade.
Q: Can I get a private room as a solo traveler?
The regular retreat price is for a shared room. If you come solo, you will be paired with another solo traveler, or you can upgrade to a private room.
Private rooms are available until they sell out. Just select the $699 upgrade when you check out.
Q: What is the age group? Are kids allowed?
All adults are welcome, though most of our guests tend to be 40+. No kids under 16 or babies will be at the event.
Q: How much is airfare to San Jose SJO Airport from the US?
$500- $750 round trip is normal right now, but it depends on what city you are flying from. Most major cities in the US have direct flights.
Q: How far are we from the beach?
About a 5-minute stroll to a white sand beach. You can swim at low tide in the tide pools next to the Siren statue in the ocean.
Q: Can I come early / stay after for longer?
As long as the hotel has availability for those dates, absolutely. Contact us to book the hotel as a regular hotel guest outside of the event week.
Here is the website to book as a regular hotel guest before or after the retreat: www.CostaPacificaHotel.com
Q: Will there be mostly solo travelers or friens who know each other already?
We usually have about half solo travelers and half friends/family. This event was designed for solo travelers, so if you are coming solo, you won't be solo for long!
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! And yes, you can take surf lessons while here.
Q: Do I need to upgrade to a private room if I am coming with a friend?
You do not need to upgrade to a private room if you are coming with a friend/partner. If you purchase separately, simply let us know who you would like to room with!
All beds are queen sized. All rooms have A/C.
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.
And yes! 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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