7-DAY SACRED PLANT RETREAT FOR GAY & QUEER MEN IN COSTA RICA
AWAKEN: Sacred Plant Journeys
A private week in the Costa Rican jungle shaped around two guided ceremonies, embodiment practices, connection, reflection and integration.
AS SEEN ON
What Is Awaken?
Awaken is Qasa‘s Sacred Plant Retreat series for gay and queer men. Guided ceremonies, embodiment practices, nature, preparation, and integration come together in a fully private, non-sexual setting where you can explore your inner world at your own pace alongside others seeking the same. Here, you’re met with a sense of belonging — a space where authentic connection can unfold freely.
Choose between Grandmother Vine and Mycelial Muse – two distinct experiences into deeper listening and reconnection with the self.
Sacred Plant Journeys
Guided ceremonies held in a safe trauma-informed container with care, preparation, and respect for the traditions that inform them.
Created for Gay and Queer Men
A private sanctuary shaped around shared experience, authentic connections, belonging, and community.
Preparation Through Integration
Support before arrival, throughout the retreat, and after you return home.
No Pressure. Plenty of Choice
Move at your own pace in the way that feels most aligned to you.
John L
This experience introduced me to a community of men who were more than their trauma. I felt liberated, loved, and heard.
Why Come to Awaken
Whatever brought you here, it starts with coming home to yourself.
Reconnect
Create space to hear yourself beyond everyday noise.
Reflect
Look honestly at the patterns and questions asking for attention.
Clarify
Explore what feels true, meaningful, and worth carrying forward.
Deepen
Reconnect with inner wisdom, the living world, and a larger sense of belonging.
Release
Make room around stories and habits that no longer feel aligned.
Remember
Return to the parts of yourself that feel creative, playful, and alive.
See Qasa in Motion
A closer look at the land, the people, and the feeling of being here.
Next Awaken Retreat
Next Awaken Retreat
- Dec 13 - 19, 2026
- Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
- Group size: Range from 10 to 28
- Privacy: Fully private retreat
- Investment: $2,800–$3,750 per person, depending on accommodation
Additional dates are available throughout the upcoming season.
Two Sacred Paths. One Shared Intention.
Grandmother Vine and Mycelial Muse have different rhythms, yet both invite deeper listening, reconnection, a more honest and compassionate relationship with yourself. Each path includes two guided ceremonies held in a fully private, safe, trauma-informed setting.
Choose your journey:
Grandmother Vine
Visionary, releasing, revealing — ceremonies surface what’s beneath, opening space for reflection and meaningful shifts.
Energy: Deep and profound
Mycelial Muse
Gentle, opening, connecting — ceremonies soften what’s guarded, inviting clarity, creativity, and felt connection.
Energy: Open and reflective
Check out our Reviews on Google
A Rhythm for the Week
Awaken balances intentional structure with room to rest, reflect, and listen to what you need.
Mornings
Meditation, group reflection, movement, breath, or embodiment practices help you welcome in the day.
Afternoons
Time may include nature, workshops, riverside journaling, rest, integration practices, or authentic connection.
Evenings
Some evenings are held for guided ceremonies. Others create space for meaningful connections, shared meals, music, reflection, community, and joy.
We shape the schedule around the retreat, the needs of the group, and what the moment calls for.
The Arc of the Journey
It is not just what happens here. It is what you carry home.
Prepare
Personalized support, screening, practical guidance, and preparation resources help you arrive informed and grounded.
Experience
The week unfolds through guided ceremonies, introspection, reflection, and embodiment practices — alongside shared meals, community, authentic connection, nature, rest, and joy.
Integrate
Post-retreat support guiding you back into your everyday life.
Your Awaken Facilitators
Awaken is held by experienced facilitators who bring distinct practices, perspectives, and ways of supporting the group.
Rocky Heron
A singer, songwriter, yoga teacher, and alignment coach who weaves music, movement, and embodied presence into the Awaken journey.
Rafa Gondim
John Jacob Mubarak
A facilitator whose approach brings together sacred traditions, breath, psychology, embodiment, and personal development.
Choose Your Awaken Date
Compare the upcoming Grandmother Vine and Mycelial Muse Plant Journeys and choose the date that feels right for you.
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Group Size
Range from 10 to 28
Privacy
Fully private retreat
Location
Valle Diamante, Costa Rica
UPCOMING DATES
- Dec 13 - 19, 2026
- February 14 - 20, 2027
- March 28 - April 3, 2027
- May 23 - 29, 2027
- June 13-19, 2027
- Aug 01 - 07, 2027
Jeffrey Oliver
This retreat, the accommodations, and the amenities all exceeded my expectations. It is lovely to see such a beautiful queer space in the middle of the jungles in Costa Rica. Will definitely return.
Choose Your Accommodation
Your retreat price depends on the room type you select. All options include the complete Awaken experience, six nights of accommodation, meals, scheduled transportation, preparation, and integration support.
*additional services provided at additional cost
| Accommodation | Investment per person |
|---|---|
| Shared Four-Bed Jungle Cabin | $2,800 |
| Shared Twin Jungle Cabin | $3,550 |
| Private King Cabin | $3,700 |
| Private Deluxe Cabin | $4,000 |
Room availability is confirmed separately for each retreat date.
What’s Included
Everything You Need for the Week
RETREAT EXPERIENCE
- Two guided ceremonies
- Daily movement, embodiment practices, and meditation
- Preparation resources
- Integration circles and reflection
- Experienced facilitation
- Community connection throughout the week
STAY + NOURISHMENT
- Six nights of accommodation
- Chef-prepared meals
- Tropical beverages
- Dietary accommodations
- Access to Qasa facilities
- A fully private retreat environment
TRAVEL + SUPPORT
- Scheduled airport transportation
- Pre-arrival guidance
- On-site team support
- Post-retreat integration resources
- Access to the Qasa community
❌ NOT INCLUDED:
- Flights
- Optional massage or private services
- Personal purchases
- Transportation outside scheduled retreat transfers
- Personalized 1:1 preparation & integration support
Sleep in the Heart of the Jungle
Rest in handcrafted bamboo cabins surrounded by jungle sounds and open views of Valle Diamante. Choose shared or private accommodation according to the balance of connection and privacy that feels best.
Shared Four-Bed Cabin
A spacious community option with two bunk beds and room to settle in.
Shared Twin Cabin
Share an airy cabin with one other participant while keeping your own bed and personal space.
Private King Cabin
A spacious private cabin with a king or queen bed, private sink, and jungle terrace.
Private Deluxe Cabin
A quiet private option that can be arranged with one king bed or two twins.
The Jungle Is Part of the Retreat
Barefoot mornings, moving water, open sky, and spaces made for both connection and quiet.
Diamante Waterfalls
Walk to waterfalls and natural pools directly from the property.
Open-Air Shala
A bamboo sanctuary overlooking the jungle and Diamante waterfall.
Chef-Prepared Food
Fresh, nourishing meals made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Pool and Jungle Trails
Swim, wander, rest, or let the day move more slowly.
Movement and Strength
Use the jungle-view gym for strength and functional movement.
Massage Space
Book optional bodywork in a peaceful outdoor setting.
Alexis Pedroza
I feel Qasa is an absolute “must-go” experience for anyone wanting to explore in a safe queer environment.
Is This Your Kind of Retreat?
Awaken May Be A Fit if you:
- Want a safe, trauma-informed gay and queer centered container for deep inner work
- Are open to ceremony, reflection, embodiment, and integration
- Value consent, privacy, and community
- Want to explore at your own pace
- Are looking for something deeper than a vacation or party
awaken May nOT Be A Fit If you:
- Want an unstructured or purely hedonistic experience.
- Do not want preparation, screening, or integration.
- Are unwilling to respect boundaries and group agreements.
- Expect guaranteed medical or psychological outcomes.
- Are looking for pressure or intensity for its own sake.
Queer Medicine: Research Meets Lived Experience
In 2024, Qasa partnered with Unlimited Sciences on a naturalistic study exploring a seven-day Sacred Plant Retreat experience with LGBTQIA+ participants. The project brought research and personal stories together to expand conversations about safety, belonging, and queer wellbeing.
Emotional Wellbeing
Participants reported changes in mood, stress, and emotional wellbeing following the experience.
Quality of Life
Some participants described greater stability, purpose, and connection in everyday life.
Self-Compassion
Participants reported feeling more accepting of themselves and more comfortable expressing their identities.
Meaning and Connection
Many described a deeper relationship with inner wisdom, spirituality, and community.
Connect With Us
We’re excited to meet you and answer any questions you may have. Please choose your preferred communication channel below.
Getting to Qasa
Qasa is located near Dominical, Costa Rica, approximately 3.5-4.5 hours from San José International Airport. Scheduled ground transportation is included for retreat participants at specified arrival and departure times.
From San José
Join the scheduled retreat transfer or arrange private ground transportation.
From Quepos
Take a short domestic flight from San José, followed by ground transportation to Qasa.
Driving
A 4WD vehicle is recommended and may be required during the rainy season.
book a discovery call Here
Take the time to book a call with our team and provide your contact info. This allows us to get to know you better, answer your questions and guide you through the booking process.
frequently asked questions
FAQs
Got questions about our retreats in Costa Rica? Read the FAQs or get in touch via the contact form below.
Need more insights? Read our comprehensive blog about all things retreat-related in Costa Rica.
A Sacred Plant Retreat is a structured experience combining guided ceremonies with preparation, reflection, embodiment, nature, and integration. At Qasa, Awaken lasts seven days, is fully private, and is created for gay and queer men. Every participant completes an eligibility and screening process before attending.
While our retreats are predominantly for GBTQ+ men, our hotel welcomes all guests who value conscious community, natural beauty, and authentic connection – regardless of background, identity, or how you love.
Qasa offers an eco-chic boutique hotel and transformational experiences, including sacred plant journeys, nature-based adventures and embodied pleasure retreats. We also offer intentional gatherings, parties, and festivals, as well as daily world-class classes, workshops, and events.
Yes! You can stay with us as a hotel guest during “off-retreat” times. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy nature, community, and rest. Check availability here.
Absolutely. We celebrate body freedom and comfort. Nudity is welcome in common areas, and respected as a non-sexual form of self-expression. Please always sit on a towel 🙂
Yes. We are an adults-only space (18+). Our programming and environment are not suitable for children.
Yes, Costa Rica has a good track record in terms of safety, and its growing social acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community makes it a relatively safe destination.
Yes. Awaken is held as a fully private retreat. Activities and meals are exclusive to your group.
No. You do not need previous retreat experience. What matters most is openness, honesty, and willingness to engage at your own pace.
Your investment includes accommodations, meals, airport transportation, retreat programming, facilitation, and integration support.
The week includes two guided ceremonies, embodiment practices, meditation, nature, shared meals, rest, group reflection, and integration. Some days focus on preparation or ceremony, while others offer space for grounding and meaning-making. Participation is consent-centered and paced with care.
Grandmother is generally experienced as the deeper and more intensive of the two paths. Mycelial Muse offers a gentler rhythm centered on openness, creativity, and insight. Both include preparation, two guided ceremonies, embodiment, community, nature, and integration.
Awaken is designed for gay, bisexual, trans, and other queer men who feel aligned with a men-centered retreat environment. You do not need to look, behave, or express yourself in any particular way to belong.
No. Awaken is a non-sexual retreat centered on Sacred Plant Journeys, embodiment, reflection, nature, community, and integration. Clear boundaries apply to participants, facilitators, and team members.
Participation is always discussed during screening and remains a personal choice. You can ask questions, discuss concerns, and understand the retreat structure before confirming your place.
Awaken costs between $2,950 and $4,000 per person, depending on accommodation. The price includes six nights of lodging, meals, retreat programming, scheduled airport transportation, preparation, integration resources, and access to the Qasa community.
Yes. Many men attend alone. The retreat provides opportunities for community and connection while also allowing space for privacy, rest, and personal reflection.
You complete an eligibility form, attend a screening conversation, review the required agreements, confirm payment, and receive preparation guidance. Your place is confirmed once the required steps are complete.
Qasa can accommodate many dietary needs and preferences with advance notice. Share allergies, restrictions, or access needs during the application and screening process so the team can confirm what support is available.
Qasa is in Valle Diamante, Costa Rica, approximately 3.5-4.5 hours from San José International Airport. Scheduled transportation is included for retreat guests at specified times.
Not Sure Awaken Is Your Path?
Unleash
Embodiment, touch, conscious pleasure, and consent-centered connection.
Out & Wild
Nature, movement, adventure, and brotherhood in the Costa Rican jungle.
Find Your Retreat
Compare Qasa experiences and explore which path may fit you best.
We also host special gatherings and community events throughout the year.
A CONVERSATION IS THE FIRST STEP
Is Awaken Calling You?
Book a free discovery call to ask questions, understand the screening process, and explore which Plant Journey and date may feel right for you.
Booking a call does not reserve the retreat.
