Transformational Retreats for Gay & Queer Men in Costa Rica

Qasa is a queer-owned eco-chic retreat center in the jungles of Costa Rica, created for gay and queer men to feel more alive, connected, and at home in themselves.

AS SEEN ON

See Qasa for Yourself

Step into the land, the spaces, and the feeling of a Qasa retreat. Throughout the year, we host Sacred Plant Journeys, Embodied Pleasure retreats, and Out & Wild Nature Adventures – each held with care, choice, and experienced facilitation.

Retreats are offered on confirmed dates throughout the year. Hotel stays may also be available on select dates outside retreat periods.

John L

This experience introduced me to a community of men who were more than their trauma. I felt liberated, loved, and heard.

Find the Retreat That Fits Your Life

Both paths balance adventure with recovery, connection, and time to breathe. The exact itinerary changes with the land and weather.

Browse by date

See every confirmed retreat in chronological order, beginning with the next available experience.

Explore the retreat

Open any date to review the full experience, facilitator team, pricing, room options, and availability.

Choose how to move forward

Register directly and pay your deposit, or book a free discovery call when you want guidance first.

Every participant completes an eligibility and screening process after registering. If Qasa determines that the retreat is not the right fit, the deposit is fully refunded.

Three Paths. One Place to Come Home to Yourself.

Each Qasa retreat offers a different doorway into connection, embodiment, nature, and queer joy.

Awaken: Sacred Plant Journeys

Guided ceremonies, embodiment, reflection, nature, and integration for men drawn to deeper inner work.

Unleash: Embodied Pleasure Retreats

Consent-centered journeys into body awareness, touch, pleasure, confidence, and authentic connection.

Out & Wild: Nature Adventure Retreats

Nature, movement, adventure, play, and queer community in Costa Rica’s wild landscapes.

What Guests Are Saying

Read verified experiences from people who came to Qasa for retreat, community, nature, embodiment, and meaningful time away.

The Qasa Way

Every retreat has its own rhythm, but all of them rest on the same three pillars: Authenticity, Embodiment, and Belonging.

We hold them close in a phrase we call the Qasa Mantra:

As I am
Authenticity

No part of you needs to be hidden or fixed to be welcome here. You arrive enough, exactly as you are. We curate experiences and an environment that invite your most authentic self to shine its brightest.

In this body
Embodiment

Your body holds innate intelligence. Through yoga, dance, breath, sensuality, nature, and adventure, we help you move beyond the thinking mind and reconnect with the safety, aliveness, and wisdom found within your body.

I belong
Belonging

Real belonging doesn't ask you to change to fit in. It begins with staying true to yourself. We create the conditions for meaningful connection, shared moments, and genuine community to emerge safely and naturally.

The Arc of the Journey

Before, During, and After

Prepare

Before arrival, you receive practical guidance, packing information, activity expectations, and support so you can come informed and ready.

Explore

At Qasa, the retreat unfolds through nature, movement, guided adventure, community, rest, and play.

Integrate

Reflection and post-retreat resources help you notice what the experience changes in how you feel, connect, and move through daily life.

The point is not only what you do here. It is what you carry home.

Experienced People. Different Paths.

Qasa retreats are led by facilitators with years of experience across ceremony, embodiment, consent, movement, adventure, somatic practices, and integration. The team changes according to the retreat and date.

Alex Sloan

Alex Sloan (he/him) is a San Francisco–based kinkster, facilitator, and longtime explorer of pleasure, power, and embodiment.

Ash Ruiz

Ash Ruiz is a seasoned guide in self-realization, nonduality, and trauma informed plant medicine facilitation, with over 30 years of experience.

Dan Link

Dan is a biologist, survivalist, and six-time Naked and Afraid champion who brings deep knowledge of the natural world, practical wilderness skills, humor, and steady guidance to Out & Wild.

John Jacob Mubarak

John Jacob Mubarak is a passionate advocate for holistic healing and integrates the power of sacred plants, breathwork, psychology…

Luke Anthony

Luke has been a Kahuna Bodyworker for over 10 years, learning this connective and energetic practice in his native Australia where Kahuna Bodywork is very popular.

Rocky Heron

Rocky Heron is an artistic wonder – a singer, songwriter, yoga instructor, and alignment coach with an ability to weave together community through devotion and skillful embodiment.

Upcoming Retreats

Choose a Date. Explore the Experience.

Every confirmed Qasa retreat is listed below in chronological order, beginning with the next available date. Open any retreat to see its full schedule, facilitator team, complete pricing, room options, availability, and registration details.

 
 
 

Upcoming

A vibrant coastal escape blending movement, shared experiences, authentic self-expression, and the playful spirit of Provincetown with meaningful queer connection.
 
 
 

Upcoming

An immersive exploration of Costa Rica’s rainforest, combining jungle expeditions, water activities, survival skills, and time away from technology to awaken instinct and presence.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A 7-day erotic immersion for queer men ready to explore their deepest desires with curiosity, courage, and consent. Through kink-informed practices, ritual touch, and embodied spirituality, you’ll discover pleasure not as a guilty indulgence, but as a sacred force for
 
 
 

Upcoming

A profound journey of healing and self-discovery, inviting you to release deeply rooted patterns, reconnect with your inner truth, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A playful journey through Costa Rica’s waters, combining kayaking, mangrove exploration, and hidden waterfalls with refreshing adventure, natural beauty, and meaningful queer connection.
 
 
 

Upcoming

An unapologetic celebration of queer freedom, blending music, movement, playful self-expression, and wild jungle energy with vibrant community connection.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A restorative journey into Kahuna massage, combining intentional touch, embodied practices, and deep relaxation with consent-forward exploration and meaningful queer connection.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A wellness retreat in Costa Rica for gay men ready to awaken their bodies, open their hearts, and experience deeper connection through tantra, conscious touch, and embodied practice.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A water-lover’s paradise led by legendary adventurer Dan Link, combining whitewater rafting, surfing, mangrove adventures, and beach days with embodied practices and vibrant queer community.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A gentle inward journey that opens new perspectives, awakens creativity, and deepens your connection to yourself through emotional exploration, embodied practices, and guided integration.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A profound journey of healing and self-discovery, inviting you to release deeply rooted patterns, reconnect with your inner truth, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A water-lover’s paradise led by legendary adventurer Dan Link, combining whitewater rafting, surfing, mangrove adventures, and beach days with embodied practices and vibrant queer community.
 
 
 

Upcoming

 
 
 

Upcoming

An immersive exploration of Costa Rica’s rainforest, combining jungle expeditions, water activities, survival skills, and time away from technology to awaken instinct and presence.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A 7-day erotic immersion for queer men ready to explore their deepest desires with curiosity, courage, and consent. Through kink-informed practices, ritual touch, and embodied spirituality, you’ll discover pleasure not as a guilty indulgence, but as a sacred force for
 
 
 

Upcoming

A gentle inward journey that opens new perspectives, awakens creativity, and deepens your connection to yourself through emotional exploration, embodied practices, and guided integration.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A vibrant celebration of queer joy, freedom, and belonging, blending music, movement, authentic self-expression, and meaningful community connection.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A gentle inward journey that opens new perspectives, awakens creativity, and deepens your connection to yourself through emotional exploration, embodied practices, and guided integration.
 
 
 

Upcoming

An immersive exploration of Costa Rica’s rainforest, combining jungle expeditions, water activities, survival skills, and time away from technology to awaken instinct and presence.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A restorative journey into Kahuna massage, combining intentional touch, embodied practices, and deep relaxation with consent-forward exploration and meaningful queer connection.
 
 
 

Upcoming

A profound journey of healing and self-discovery, inviting you to release deeply rooted patterns, reconnect with your inner truth, and move forward with greater clarity and purpose.

Still deciding? We can help you compare the paths and dates without pressure.

Two Paths. One Wild Invitation.

Both Out & Wild paths blend nature, movement, embodiment, and queer community. The difference is where the energy goes: deeper into the land or deeper into the water.

Into the Jungle

A land-led, phone-free jungle retreat centered on trails, wildlife, hidden waterfalls, practical wilderness skills, movement, and unhurried time away from screens.

Energy: Active, immersive, off-grid

Best for: Men who want hiking, exploration, challenge, and a deeper relationship with the land

Splash

A water-led adventure retreat centered on waterfall hikes, rappelling, canyoning, river and natural-pool swims, aerial movement, recovery, and playful flow.

Energy: Active, fluid, playful

Best for: Men who feel most alive around water and want challenge balanced with restoration

Register Directly or Talk With Us First

When you find a retreat that fits, you can register from its date page. Choose your accommodation, pay the required deposit, and then complete the eligibility and screening process.

If Qasa determines that the retreat is not the right fit, your deposit is fully refunded.

Choose your retreat and room

Pay the required deposit

Complete the eligibility form and screening

Receive confirmation and preparation instructions

A discovery call is optional. It is available for guests who want to compare retreats, understand the process, or ask questions before paying a deposit.

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.

Stay at Qasa

Qasa is located in Costa Rica’s Diamante Valley, where handcrafted jungle cabins, wellness amenities, shared meals, waterfall access, and communal spaces become the home base for the adventure.

Shared Four-Bed Jungle Cabin

A spacious community option with two bunk beds and room to settle in.

Shared Twin Jungle Cabin

Share an airy cabin with one other participant while keeping your own bed and 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 cabin that can be configured with one king bed or two twin beds.

The Jungle Is Part of the Retreat

Out & Wild unfolds on Qasa’s 400-acre property in the Diamante Valley, with protected forest, private trails, waterfalls, bamboo spaces, and room to move between adventure and rest.

Diamante Waterfalls

Six major waterfalls and natural pools within walking distance on the property.

Open-Air Shala

A bamboo space for movement, grounding, reflection, and recovery.

Pool and Jungle Trails

Space to swim, wander, rest, and reconnect between activities.

Chef-Prepared Food

Fresh, nourishing meals made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Movement and Strength

A jungle-view gym for strength and functional movement.

Optional Bodywork

Massage and bodywork are available at an additional cost.

Private and Communal Showers

Hot-water bamboo shower facilities with both shared and private options.

Alexis Pedroza

I feel Qasa is an absolute “must-go” experience for anyone wanting to explore in a safe queer environment.

No Retreat Date Fits Your Calendar?

Flexible Stays

Qasa hosts retreats throughout most of the year, often with new experiences available each month. The retreat schedule is generally quieter from August through October, but our eco-chic hotel may still be available on select dates.

Come solo, with a partner, or with friends and enjoy the jungle, waterfalls, accommodations, meals, and available activities without joining a structured retreat.

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.

Apply Here

We review every application. 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.

Qasa offers three retreat series for gay and queer men: Awaken Sacred Plant Journeys, Unleash Embodied Pleasure Retreats, and Out & Wild nature adventures. Each series includes different paths, facilitators, activities, and confirmed dates throughout the year.

Each retreat has its own focus, but Qasa experiences generally combine guided programming, queer-centered community, nature, shared meals, rest, preparation, and integration. Individual date pages explain the practices, schedule, facilitators, accommodations, and participation expectations for that experience.

Open the retreat date that fits you, review the details, choose an available room, and pay the required deposit. You then complete the eligibility form and screening process before your participation is confirmed.

After paying the deposit, you complete the required eligibility and screening steps. If Qasa determines that the retreat is not the right fit, your deposit is fully refunded. If approved, you receive confirmation, payment information, and preparation guidance.

Yes. You can book a free discovery call to compare retreat paths, dates, facilitators, prices, and room options. Booking a call does not reserve a retreat or require you to register.

Qasa retreats are primarily created for gay, bisexual, trans, and other queer men who feel aligned with a men-centered experience. Each retreat page explains its audience, environment, privacy, and participation expectations in more detail.

Qasa generally hosts retreats throughout most of the year, often with one or more experiences available each month. The retreat schedule is usually quieter from August through October, when flexible hotel stays may still be available.

Yes. On select dates outside retreat periods, Qasa welcomes hotel guests of all identities. You can visit alone, with a partner, or with friends and enjoy the property, accommodations, nature, meals, and available activities.

Your Qasa Experience Starts Here

Ready to Find Your Retreat?

Book a free discovery call and we’ll help you understand the different paths, dates, facilitators, pricing, and room options so you can choose with clarity.

Booking a call is free and does not reserve a retreat.

Alex Sloan

Alex Sloan (he/him) is a San Francisco–based kinkster, facilitator, and longtime explorer of pleasure, power, and embodiment. For over 25 years, Alex has been deep in kink—as a bator, fister, and curious student of sensation—not just to learn the how, but to explore the why: why kink opens us, why pleasure tells the truth, and why the body remembers what the mind can’t.

Alex’s work lives where kink meets meaning. Alex is drawn to the edges—control and surrender, shame and release, intimacy and autonomy—and uses intentional touch, ethical polyamory, and embodied practices to help queer men drop performance and come home to themselves.

Outside the play space, Alex has spent decades building leadership programs and transformational learning experiences in the world of philanthropy and social impact.
Alex splits time between San Francisco and Costa Rica, and feels most alive in spaces where honesty is hot, sensation is sacred, and pleasure gets to lead.

Ash Ruiz

Ash Ruiz is a seasoned guide in self-realization, nonduality, and trauma informed plant medicine facilitation, with over 30 years of experience. From performing for millions as a teen in Menudo to experiencing deep immersions with Curanderos in the Amazonian Rain Forest, his journey has been one of profound healing and transformation.

Having lived in Peru for over 2 years in his early 20s he was welcomed into the shape shifting realms of many indigenous cultures most notably the Shuar where he got to live and absorb their teachings, traditions and magical songs aka icaros.

It was during this time his unique approach to inviting others ‘to notice how vividly awake and free they are’ began to take form. Blending his love of pristine nondual awareness and Plant Medicine Ash often says with a universe of sparkles in his eyes ‘Imaginary medicine, for an imaginary disease’.

As the lead singer of Here II Here, Ash shared stages with luminaries like Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Gangaji and Deepak Chopra, offering music as a gateway to awakening. Now, through retreats, workshops, Satsangs and private mentorship, he supports others in embodying presence, radical authenticity, and the unwaveringly peaceful clarity of being. His work has been featured at The United Nations, Good Morning America, and various spiritual communities around the globe.

Dan Link

Dan Link is an internationally renowned biologist, adventurer, queer rights advocate, and primitive survivalist who brings a unique perspective to the outdoors. Growing up as a self-proclaimed ‘weird kid’ in a small town in Upstate New York, Dan discovered his passion for nature early in life. His love for the outdoors led him to a career as a dedicated biologist for Hawai’i’s remote Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, where he combines conservation with adventure and strives to protect ecosystems worldwide.

Dan’s outdoor expertise has been showcased in five successful primitive survival challenges on Discovery Channel’s Naked and Afraid franchise, culminating in his recent victory on Naked and Afraid competition spinoff ‘Last One Standing’. These achievements highlight his remarkable mental resilience, advanced outdoor skills, knack for adventure, and unmatched recognition as a skilled gay survivalist. As a fierce advocate for diversity and inclusion, his visibility in a traditionally rugged and heteronormative space such as wilderness survival has made him an influential figure for LGBTQ+ representation in outdoor and adventure communities.

Dan’s work is committed to pushing boundaries and breaking societal norms while fostering personal growth and promoting diversity and authenticity in outdoor spaces. His journey aims to inspire others to push their limits and explore the transformative power of connecting with nature.

John Jacob Mubarak

John Jacob Mubarak is a passionate advocate for holistic healing and integrates the power of sacred plants, breathwork, psychology, philosophy, science and ancient wisdom teachings into his retreats to guide individuals towards profound personal and professional growth.

With a background as an Agape Licensed Spiritual Therapist, Elemental Rhythm Breathwork Facilitator, and Teacher in Residence at the Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica, John is dedicated to sharing the Sacred Truth Principles of Acceptance, Joy & Oneness. Through his retreats, breathwork sessions, teachings, and private healing sessions, he empowers participants to unlock their Infinite potential and discover their interconnectedness with the Divine.

John Jacob’s passion and dedication to the study of sacred plants of Central and South America have propelled him on a profound journey of healing and transformation. For the last six years, he worked with thousands of clients helping them to integrate their powerful experiences with sacred plants. As a specialist in sacred plant integration, John skillfully combines ancient wisdom with modern techniques, such as somatic intelligence, diaphragmatic breathing and psychology, to help individuals anchor their experiences and translate them into life-changing shifts in consciousness and profound transformations in their everyday lives.

John leads workshops and retreats that catalyze individual transformation, fostering a harmonious world that thrives for the highest good of all.

http://www.sacred-truth.com/ 

Luke Anthony

Luke has been a Kahuna Bodyworker for over 10 years, learning this connective and energetic practice in his native Australia where Kahuna Bodywork is very popular.

After years of practicing the style Luke wanted to share this beautiful bodywork with other gay and queer men, with the intent to help create intimacy and connection.

The past few years Luke has been hosting men’s retreats where he teaches Kahuna and also Tetra breath work, allowing gay and queer men to connect and share energy in a dynamic transformative way.

Luke has hosted retreats and workshops in Los Angeles, NYC, Australia, Costa Rica and Portugal.

Nude retreats and workshops have become a popular part of the teachings; allowing connection, freedom and intimacy to happen in a safe and energetic space.

Luke is excited to be part of Qasa’s programming, sharing his knowledge and bringing his own enthusiastic, fun and joyous vibe to the mix inspiring gay and queer men to live their best lives!

Rocky Heron

Rocky Heron is an artistic wonder – a singer, songwriter, yoga instructor, and alignment coach with an ability to weave together community through devotion and skillful embodiment.

Known for his open-minded approach to synthesizing ideas and communicating wisdom pertaining to human movement, anatomy, and subtle body physiology, Rocky’s teaching is informed by years of study in many yoga styles and modalities.

Rocky’s passion is in helping others integrate their innate gifts, and live authentically in ways that best honor their true potential. As the founder of Awakened Spirit Coaching, Rocky uses Human Design, in conjunction with yoga, meditation, and other energy modalities, to assist his clients in tapping their innate creative power to construct a life that supports their unique brilliance.

Join Rocky as he unites audiences worldwide with the beauty of his music and his gift for enriching the abundance of spirit in all he does.