Lesbian & Queer Women: Connection While on Vacation
Retreat & Adventure Travel in Costa Rica
Retreat: June 21 - 27, 2025
Add-on Adventure: June 28 - July 2, 2025
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!
$1577 retreat
+ $1577 optional add-on
( Only $300 deposit! )
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What is the Connection
While on Vacation Retreat?
This event is exclusively for lesbians & queer women. Jody Potiker, powerhouse facilitator and retreat leader extraordinaire, is your host at this double event of relaxation, connection, and fun.
Join Jody for the 7-day retreat experience that blends insightful facilitation with relaxation, play, and deep connections with your new-found community.
Optional: then join your new friends in a 5-day adventure tour around Costa Rica. Zip lining, white water rafting and cloud forests, oh my!
The event fee covers your ocean-front lodging, some meals, and daily activities and adventures. Both solo travelers and couples are welcome.
About our Event Host: Jody Potiker
I am a community and group organizer, as well as a club promoter, dedicated to the women-loving-women community. We create and provide meaningful travel experiences, both internationally and domestically, specifically tailored to the needs and interests of this community.
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 includes a shared room with two XL twins.
You may also upgrade to a private room with a King bed for $699.
All bedrooms have A/C.
Your RETREAT Activities
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.
Massage on Site
Our massage therapist can give you a private massage in your room or on the beach while you listen to the waves. OPTIONAL.
~ $70/person
Sunset Cruise
Enjoy unlimited drinks as we chase the sunset on this magical excursion. You might see whales! OPTIONAL.
~ $55/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
Surfing Lessons
Ride gentle waves and soak up the Pura Vida spirit with expert surf lessons in Costa Rica’s stunning beaches. INCLUDED.
Hanging Bridges
Stroll across hanging bridges through a cloud forest with breathtaking views. INCLUDED.
Cloud Forest Hike
Wander through lush trails to discover the vibrant flora and fauna of Costa Rica, a true natural wonder.INCLUDED
Waterfall Tour
Marvel at the cascading beauty of Rio Celeste’s waterfall on a guided tour through its enchanting rainforest. INCLUDED.
Sloth Sanctuary
Meet adorable sloths up close and learn their stories at a serene sanctuary nestled in the rainforest.
INCLUDED.
Your Retreat Itinerary
Saturday
Arrive in Liberia Airport. You can rent a car at the airport (everyone speaks English) or you can 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 a fish fry. Change into your beach attire, take off your shoes, and join us in the yoga shala for a fish fry and meet and greet.
Go to sleep with the sounds of the waves in your apartment on the beach.
Sunday
Wake up to fresh coffee overlooking the beach. Maybe take a walk down the beach and start exploring Samara Bay.
Your first circle group starts around 9-10am lead by the amazing Jody. 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.
Lunchtime: we will take everyone into town (or you can walk 15 minutes) and go grocery shopping for the week. Select from fresh fruits, veggies you have never seen before, and the local beer Imperial.
Evening: Join us for a huge bonfire activity on the beach, where we will lead you through an exercise in letting go and embracing a new start. Optional: or just have some beers and dance around the fire. :)
Monday
Our very gentle and kind yoga instructor Ashley will lead you through a meditation, followed by a gentle morning yoga routine overlooking the ocean waves.
After morning circle, 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 walk to one of the cutest ocean front restaurants you have ever seen to enjoy dinner and drinks while we watch the sun go down.
Tuesday
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, get a boogie board lesson and grab a board to play in the waves. We are in a bay, so the waves are gentle and good for beginners.
In the evening, we have an optional Dolphin and Whale watching tour scheduled. Chase the whales and the sunset in this boat tour with drinks included.
Wednesday
This morning's activity is all about taking care of our natural resources, when we walk the beach and do a beach trash pickup, followed by a communal breakfast in the Casa.
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.
It's BBQ night with the whole group tonight as we all make and bring a dish to our communal dinner in the yoga shala.
Thursday
You will learn how to build and decorate a giant sand castle on the beach, and enjoy the entire community joining in to add shells and decorations as they walk by.
After 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.
Friday
The Retreat portion of the event officially ends Friday morning, and if you aren't staying for the Add-on Adventure, you will head back to the airport. Our guests often leave Costa Rica with new friends for life.
If you are staying for the add-on adventure portion, Friday is a day to relax in the hammocks, dip in the pool, and enjoy deepening conversations with your new friends and community.
Optional Add-On Adventure Itinerary
Saturday
Adventure Week is all about pushing you out of your comfort zone, trying new things, and exploring more of what Costa Rica is all about!
Start your day with Surf Lessons! Even if you have horrible balance, have never tried it before, are scared of the water, and every other fear that might come up for you . . . Samara is one of Costa Rica's best beginner surf beaches because the waves are so gentle. The surf instructors will do the work for you, and you will be amazed that YOU, yes YOU, will most likely be standing up on a surf board in the water during the lesson!
After surf lessons, we have OPTIONAL ATV tour for you. This jungle and wildlife tour will take you through 2 hours of adventure on a quad. OPTIONAL. about $80/person
Enjoy your last night at the Fenix Hotel, listening to the waves.
Sunday
We are 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 on a night tour. Experience the magic of the Monteverde rainforest after dark on a guided night tour, where you’ll encounter nocturnal wildlife and the enchanting sounds of the jungle under the starry Costa Rican sky.
Monday
Start your day in Monteverde with an exhilarating adventure on the Zipline and Hanging Bridges Combo Tour, set amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
In the afternoon, chill in the hotel, walk the town, or join us on an OPTIONAL trip to a bird-watching reserve, Curi Cancha Reserve. You might see a Resplendent Quetzal and more!
For dinner, enjoy live music at one of the iconic tree top restaurants and enjoy the company of your new best friends.
Tuesday
We are off to Rio Celeste this morning, one of the most iconic spots in all of Costa Rica.
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 the stunning Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, where you’ll experience Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife and serene natural beauty.
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!
Wednesday
The event officially ends Wednesday morning as you fly out of Liberia Airport. You will leave with travel friends for life.
Travel FAQ's
Q: Do I need to bring adapters? Hair dryer?
Nope, regular plugs work fine. You won't need a hairdryer--your hair will dry in minutes with ocean breeze.
Q: What airport do I fly into? Do I need a passport?
Liberia, Costa Rica. Yes, you will need a passport.
Q: Is the area safe? For LGBTQI+ travelers?
Costa Rica is known for being very safe for all travelers.
Q: Will there be people who aren't part of our group there?
Nope. The entire boutique hotel will be our retreat guests.
Q: How much is airfare to Liberia Airport from the US?
Discount airlines like Southwest and Alaska have round trip flights regularly for around $500, depending on the city you are traveling from.
Q: What is the age group?
All ages of adults are welcome. We find most of our guests are 40+.
Q: How far are we from town?
About a 15-minute beach walk from Samara city center.
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: 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: 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: Can I come solo?
Yes! Feel free to come alone because you won't be for long. Many of our guests leave with friends for life.
Q: Is food included?
Your breakfasts and some dinners are included in the retreat week. For the rest of your meals, you may cook in your apartment or visit one of 20+ restaurants in the area.
Your food is not included on the Adventure Add-on, but you will be taken to restaurants with the group.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
All payments including deposits and full payments are 70% refundable up to 90 days before the event. Payments are not refundable 90 days before the event. We recommend travel insurance!
Q: Should I rent a car?
You can rent a car at Liberia Airport for the Retreat Week. We can also coordinate a private or shared airport shuttle for you (about $150).
You will not need a car rental for Adventure Add-on. All of your transportation will be provided for you for the tours.
Q: Can I come for just the retreat and not the Add-on? Can I come for just the Add-on Adventure week?
The retreat portion of the event (the first week) is designed as a stand-alone experience. Yes! You can come just for Retreat Week.
The Add-on Adventure portion is only for people who have already attended the Retreat Week together.
Q: Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We can do $300 down payment for both the retreat week and the Adventure Add-on with the remainder due 30 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.
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