Lesbian & Queer Women: Connection While on Vacation
Retreat & Adventure Travel in Costa Rica
Retreat: August 7 - 13, 2026
Add-on Adventure: August 13 - 17, 2026
Fenix Hotel & Retreat Center in Samara, Costa Rica
EXCLUSIVE INVITATION
7 Day Oceanfront Retreat
+ 5 Day Optional Adventure Add-on
$2500 per person
Early Bird Special!
Singles & Couples Invited
$1799 per person
( Only $500 deposit! )
CLICK THE AUDIO ICON TO TURN ON SOUND!
Want to stay longer? The 5-day Add-On Adventure is the same price as the retreat: $1,799 (early bird price)
What is the Connection
While on Vacation Retreat?
This event is exclusively for lesbian and queer women and non-binary folks. Adriana Smith, powerhouse facilitator and Queer extraordinaire, is your host at this week-long event of relaxation, connection, and fun times with other queer and lesbian women.
Join Adriana for a retreat experience that blends insightful facilitation with playful exploration and leave with a renewed sense of self and connection with other queer folks.
Enjoy Costa Rican activities scheduled each day, from yoga to waterfalls to kayaking. The event fee covers included daily activities and entertainment, in a boutique beachfront hotel room (each unit is 1 or 2 beds, 1 bathroom & full kitchen). Solo travelers and couples are welcome.
About our Event Host: Adriana Smith
Adriana loves a good dance party and has the same enthusiasm for a logic puzzle in a hammock. A firm believer in the transformative power of creativity and embodiment, Adriana crafts experiences that encourage both self and group development in a way that is both engaging and deeply meaningful.
Adriana is passionate about self-exploration and connection through the power of creativity. As an International Development Consultant that lives & travels throughout Latin America and the U.S., Adriana brings a multicultural perspective to her work sharing her zest for life with diverse communities.
Ocean Front Experience
Ocean Front
Fenix Hotel
Our guests at the Fenix Hotel enjoy stepping out of their rooms onto the white sand beach.
The property includes a small pool, hammocks and beach beds for everyone, and a quiet unpopulated beach front.
It is a WOW.
We are a 15-minute ocean stroll to the city center with 20+ restaurants. Close enough but far enough to get away from it all.
Your Room
Whether you are coming with a partner or solo, our guests enjoy an apartment-style hotel room with a main living area and full kitchen. The regular event fee as a solo traveler includes a shared room with two XL twins. Coming as a couple? You will both pay the regular event fee for a King bed.
As a solo traveler, you may also upgrade to a private room with a King bed for $699.
All bedrooms have A/C.
Your RETREAT Activities
Each day begins with breakfast, then a morning workshop and daytime activity. In the afternoon, return for another evening experience. You just need to show up. Your entire vacation is planned for you!
Margarita Party
Enjoy live music and pineapple margaritas as you watch the sunset with new friends. This is a magical night you won't want to miss. INCLUDED.
Yoga on the Beach
Enjoy yoga overlooking the beach, led by our amazing staff of yoga teachers. INCLUDED.
Hike to a Waterfall
Hike through a jungle trail to a waterfall, then cool off with a swim in the pool below. INCLUDED.
Sunset Cruise
Enjoy unlimited drinks as we chase the sunset on this magical excursion. You might see whales! OPTIONAL.
~ $80/person.
Kayak to an Island
Free activity with event purchase! Enjoy a kayak rental and tour exclusive to our group to an uninhabited island. Soak in the natural habitat, then head back for the sunset.
INCLUDED.
The Add-On Adventure Agenda
The Add-on Adventure is a 5-day tour through Costa Rica, just for retreat participants. Transportation, housing, and activities are included; food is not.
Please note: Add-on Adventure Itinerary depends on time of year, weather & other circumstances. Your exact itinerary might change, but it will always be fun and adventure-filled!
Rio Celeste
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
Wander through lush trails to discover the vibrant flora and fauna of Costa Rica, a true natural wonder. INCLUDED.
White Water Rafting
Join us on an exhilarating adventure through lush tropical scenery, featuring stunning scenery. 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
Friday
Arrive in Liberia Airport. We recommend renting a car at the airport (everyone speaks English) or you can easily coordinate a shuttle through us.
If you come in a shuttle, our favorite driver Alex will give you a mini tour of Costa Rica sights. You might see monkeys, stop at a local fruit stand, and can stop to get lunch. The drive is about an hour and 45 minutes through well-paved green mountain roads.
You will probably arrive in the late afternoon/early evening, just in time to join us on the beach for dinner on the grill, under the palms. Change into your beach attire, take off your shoes, and join us in the yoga shala for a meet and greet & introductions.
Go to sleep with the sounds of the waves in your apartment on the beach.
Saturday
Start your morning with coffee by the sea, then head to the bustling local farmer’s market—a guest favorite. Browse stalls overflowing with tropical fruit, sample fresh empanadas, listen to live music, and take in the vibrant local flavor. From handmade crafts to unique souvenirs, it’s the perfect way to soak up Costa Rican culture.
Your first circle group starts at 10am lead by the amazing Adriana. You will learn authentic relating activities, getting to know each other and yourself in a deep and fun way. There will be laughter and maybe tears.
Evening: Explore Sámara with a photo scavenger hunt designed to help you discover your home for the week. Meet locals, find the best local bars, and enjoy live music and the roaming horses (yep
For dinner, we will walk to a beautiful ocean front restaurant to enjoy dinner and drinks while we watch the sun go down.
Sunday
Our yoga instructor Ashley will lead you through a meditation, followed by a gentle morning yoga routine overlooking the ocean waves. Yoga (and all activities) are always optional.
After a very connecting morning circle with Adriana, join us in kayaking to an uninhabited island. This is a relaxing, unstrenous paddle with a partner to a close by island. You might see turtles, pelicans, sting rays and definitely crabs.
For dinner, we will introduce you to our closest restaurant tucked away on a beach path--only 7 minute walk from the Fenix Hotel.
For those who enjoy night life, we will take you to local latin dance class lessons to learn Salsa or Bachata, and then join us for a bar hopping night of the best of Samara bars.
Monday
Wake up this morning to partner yoga--a very connecting and sometimes hilarious feat as we use each other for balance. People who have never done yoga before often LOVE partner yoga!
After morning circle, strap on your hiking sandals and join us on a 30-minute hike through the jungle to a waterfall and swimming hole. Prefer to keep it low key? Stay at the restaurant above the waterfall with gorgeous views and watch the weather roll by.
After dinner: Optional karaoke night at a local bar where the Sámara community comes together for lively singing in every language. Expect a mix of great voices, off-key anthems, and a big group sing-along.
Tuesday
Today is a rest & relax morning with lots of hammock time and beach walks. Sit in the pool and chat with your new friends, sip a few Imperials, and maybe go boogie boarding.
You can book an optional massage on the beach today, and listen to the waves and feel the ocean breeze while you get a massage.
In the evening, we have an optional Dolphin and Whale watching tour scheduled. Chase the whales and the sunset in this boat tour with dancing. Drinks included.
Wednesday
After your final breakfast and morning circle group, head into town for a last chance to browse shops, pick up souvenirs and t-shirts, and enjoy the morning with new friends.
For dinner we will celebrate our entire week together with a private Margarita party and live music provided by the lovely Zoe. Adriana likes to take over the DJ role as we move the party to the pool. Depending on the crowd, we listen to Tracy Chapman or Def Punk. Wildness may or may not ensue.
Thursday
The event officially ends Thursday morning as you head back to the airport. However, many of our guests elect to join us on the optional adventure tour of Costa Rica together. Either way, you can expect that you will make travel friends for life.
Optional Add-On Adventure Itinerary
Thursday
Adventure Week is all about exploring more of what Costa Rica has to offer. 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 traveling to MonteVerde cloud forest 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 this charming 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 best friends.
Sunday
We are off to Rio Celeste this morning, one of the most iconic spots in all of Costa Rica.
After a refreshing hike, 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 we'll 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 travel friends for life.
Retreat FAQ's
Q: What is included for the Retreat? Lodging? Activities? Food? Transportation?
All lodging is included for the retreat.
Activities are included every day, with some optional activities.
All breakfasts and some dinners are included. When they aren't, we will take you on a culinary tour of our favorite restaurants in town.
Transportation is not included, but we are happy to coordinate a shuttle from the airport to the Fenix Hotel if you don't want to rent a car.
For the add-on adventure, transportation IS included from the Fenix Hotel, all around Costa Rica, with a drop off at the airport at the end (see below).
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. We will take you to our favorite local haunts, as well as the best of the more well-known restaurants around Costa Rica.
All transportation from the Fenix Hotel around Costa Rica, ending at the Liberia airport is included.
Q: Can I attend just the Retreat, or just the Add-on Adventure?
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: At the retreat, how much time will be spent in workshops vs activities?
We will have one or two workshops a day, for a few hours each day.
The rest of the day is a mix between planned activities (always optional) and rest & relaxation.
Q: Is the area safe? For LGBTQI+ travelers?
Costa Rica is known for being very safe for all travelers. As an experienced Latin American traveler, I have never felt more safe in a country down here than in Costa Rica!
Tourism is an incredibly important part of the life here, and tourists are treated well. Yes, you can walk to the town and to the beach during the day solo and feel safe.
Q: Can I get a private room?
Yep, private rooms are available until they sell out. Just select the $699 upgrade when you check out.
Q: Will there be people who aren't part of our group there?
Nope. All lesbian and queer women and non-binary folks.
Q: How do you define "lesbian & queer women"?
Queer: An identity label that is non-specific towards a person’s sexual orientation; this could be lesbian, bisexual, asexual, sapiosexual, polysexual, and so on.
Women: Cis and trans women.
Non-binary people: An umbrella term for a person who identifies with or expresses a gender identity that is neither entirely male nor female: this includes androgynous, gender non-conforming, gender fluid, agender and genderqueer.
Q: What airport do I fly into? Do I need a passport?
Liberia, Costa Rica. Yes, you will need a passport.
Q: How much is airfare to Liberia Airport from the US?
$700- $1000 is normal, and we recommend checking the discount airlines directly. Southwest and Alaska have round trip flights regularly for $500.
Q: How big is Samara?
Samara is a quaint, travel-friendly beachfront town with 20+ restaurants and shops, banks, etc. It is not a party town.
Q: What is the age group? Are kids allowed?
All adults are welcome, though most of our guests tend to be 35+. No kids or babies will be at the event.
Q: How far are we from town?
About a 15-minute beach walk from Samara city center.
Q: Can I do additional tours / excursions?
If you have dream to helicopter, zipline, or surf, we have tours for that and more. We'll have a list to choose from when you get here.
Q: Can I come early / stay after?
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. (This site is the only place to book a spot for this event.)
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
Payment in full is due to book your spot. All payments are 70% refundable up to 90 days before the event. Payments are not refundable 90 days before the event.
Q: Should I rent a car for the Retreat Week?
We recommend it, but it isn't required. You can either rent a car at Liberia Airport to get to the retreat center, or we can also coordinate a private or shared airport shuttle for you.
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 lots of monthly payment options, some without any interest.
Q: Will there be mostly singles or couples there?
We usually have about half singles and half couples. The group dynamic tends to be cohesive, so even if you are coming solo, you will be part of the cohesive group.
Q: Do I need to upgrade to a private room if I am coming with a partner or friend?
There is no need to upgrade to a private room if you are coming with a partner. Just let us know if you would like two twins or a king bed in your shared room. Both partners will pay regular attendance price.
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, we recommend attending the Retreat portion but skipping the Adventure Add-on.
