What is the time zone in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is in the same time zone as US Central Standard Time. They do not adjust for Daylight Savings Time. As an example during our retreat, 9:00am CDT in Costa Rica is 8:00am PDT and 11:00am EDT. 

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Which airport is closest to Blue Spirit?

The closest airport to Blue Spirit is LIBERIA, Costa Rica (LIR).  Multiple airlines fly into LIR, including Alaska, Southwest, United, Delta, American, and JetBlue.

Is there special transportation to/from the airport and Blue Spirit? What is the cost? How long is the ride? 

Blue Spirit offers group shuttles to/from Liberia International Airport (LIR). These shuttles operate only on Saturdays for groups of 3 or more. It is a scenic two and a half-hour drive. The group shuttle rate is $65 + 13% tax per person each way. While we strongly recommend that you use the Blue Spirit shuttle service, you may consider a car rental at your own expense. You will need to coordinate parking directly with Blue Spirit.

Are adults of all genders invited to attend the HWB Retreat?

Yes. We welcome adults of all genders, gender identities, and gender expressions.

 

Are children able to attend the HWB Retreat?

No. This is an adult only retreat (18 years and older).

 

Why is there a registration fee in addition to the cost for accommodations and food? What does this additional fee cover?

We have an amazing group of Teacher-Healers and high quality programming planned for you. The Retreat Program Fee pays for teachers, HWB staff, operational costs, and various retreat materials. We put our heart, soul, and years of experience into careful and intentional planning motivated by a commitment to contributing to healing spaces for Black people. Our retreats are not profitable for us. We attempt to keep the prices as reasonable as possible in the context of our costs.

 

Can I bring someone with me who doesn't participate in the HWB Retreat activities and doesn't pay the Program Retreat Fee?

No. All occupants of our Blue Spirit rooms must pay the Program Retreat Fee and are expected to be part of our Healing While Black retreat community. 

Can I attend the HWB retreat activities and stay at a different hotel nearby?

No. All retreatants must stay at the Blue Spirit Retreat Center. This shared experience is an integral part of the HWB retreat.

 

Will the retreat center rooms be similar to a luxury hotel?

As this is a retreat center, the amenities are designed for simplicity and basic comfort. Blue Spirit  rooms are very nice! Many rooms are quite spacious with ample space for personal belongings. Many include desks and small patios. Rooms have standard amenities such as towels and washcloths, warm/hot water, and daily room cleaning. There is air-conditioning and internet in all rooms except for the eco-cottages and platform tents. There are no TVs or landlines in any of the rooms.

What happens if I don’t get the room type that I requested?

During registration we ask you to rank order room type preferences. The various room types are limited in availability and are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. If your preferred room type is sold out, we will give you the next available room type based on your rankings.

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What should I know about the Blue Spirit property?

Please note that Blue Spirit is located on an incline and the Main Building has multiple levels.  There is an elevator in the main building but additional stairs are required to access some rooms or reach the Reception Desk. The dining and pool areas are on different levels, and the Longevity Center, as well as Massage Rooms and smaller meeting locations, are located along a hill. The Nature Suites and Pacifico Cottages require walking up and down a hill or using outdoor stairs to reach the Main Building. The beach and outdoor exploring around will involve walking up/down hilly paths or steps.

    
What amenities are offered at Blue Spirit?

For an additional charge, Blue Spirit offers services through their Longevity Center, as well as a variety of Massage Services from therapists trained in techniques from all over the world. See the Blue Spirit website for additional details. The massages get rave reviews and are highly recommended!

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How many people will be attending the HWB Retreat?

Our intention is to create a safe and intimate healing space with a limited number of retreatants. Our vision is to provide an experience of community that also enables people to get to know each other. There will be approximately 36 regular program retreatants. Our Scholarship program for graduate students will add 12 additional retreatants to our community.
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Will there be other retreats/activities occurring at Blue Spirit separate from the HWB Retreat?

While we will have private and exclusive use of Sky-Mind Hall for our HWB program activities, there will possibly be other smaller retreats occurring during the same week on the Blue Spirit property. Common spaces such as the lobby, dining area, cafe, and infinity pool will be shared.

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What type of weather is typically expected in Costa Rica in late June?

Blue Spirit Retreat Center is located in a tropical environment with variable sunshine and rainfall during this time of the year.  On average, daytime temperatures can warm up to 85°F and evenings can cool down to around 76°F. 

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What should I bring to the HWB Retreat?

Comfortable clothing for hot weather; shoes for walking; swimsuits and beach attire; insect repellant; sunscreen lotion; sun hat; umbrella; light rain jacket; a white outfit for the Opening Ceremony. Blue Spirit provides beach towels, yoga mats, and meditation pillows. However, you are welcome to bring your own personal items to facilitate your comfort. 

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Will there be time to do some sightseeing during the HWB Retreat week?

Not really. The HWB Retreat is designed for retreatants to receive the optimal benefits of healing-in-community. We are exploring possibilities for some time for local island explorations on one of our retreat days. However, more extensive sightseeing can be scheduled on your own prior to, or following, the HWB retreat week. Also, there is a lengthy beach that extends beyond the Blue Spirit property to explore.

Can I extend my stay at Blue Spirit once the HWB Retreat ends?

We will not coordinate extended stays at Blue Spirit. You can certainly speak with Blue Spirit representatives to determine if there are rooms available to extend your stay after the HWB retreat ends.

What type of food is served for the meals that are included in the cost of the HWB Retreat?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner include freshly prepared gourmet vegetarian dishes with vegan options. Fish is served 2-3 times during dinner each week.

Is there food for purchase at Blue Spirit?

Yes. There is a cafe that has a smoothie bar and bakery with delicious treats for an additional charge.

Are there nearby restaurants?

Yes. There are a few nearby restaurants. However, we encourage everyone to eat in community with the other retreatants and enjoy the deliciously prepared food provided by Blue Spirit that is included with your accommodations.

 

What travel documents are required?

US citizens do not require an entry visa to Costa Rica. You must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica within 90 days (either to return to the US or to go to another country). US passport must be valid for a minimum of one day from the day you enter Costa Rica. Please visit the official Costa Rica travel website for more information or if you are a citizen of another country.

 

What is the COVID Policy/Protocol?

At minimum, we will follow the guidelines current in Costa Rica at the time of the retreat. We will update you closer to the start date of our retreat.

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Should I convert money to Costa Rican colones?

US dollars are accepted in most tourist locations and can be used to make purchases at Blue Spirit. Check the exchange rates to determine which currency is best when making purchases. Feel free to use this link to determine the exchange rate: https://markets.businessinsider.com/currency-converter/united-states-dollar_costa-rican-colon

 

Do I need a special international calling plan while in Costa Rica?

We recommend checking with your cell phone carrier to determine what you need to do to optimize your cell phone service while in Costa Rica.

 

Is it safe to drink the water in Costa Rica?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in most of Costa Rica, including on Blue Spirit’s property.

What is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

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For a cancellation made prior to January 1st, 2026, you will receive a refund less a 3.5% Processing Fee.

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For a cancellation made between January 1st and February 28th, 2026, you will receive a refund less a 3.5% Processing Fee plus a $200 Cancellation Fee.

 

For a cancellation made between March 1st, 2026 and 60 days of the start of the retreat, you will receive a refund less a 3.5% Processing Fee plus a $500 Cancellation Fee.

 

No refund or credit will be offered for cancellations made within 60 days of the start of the retreat, no-shows, or early departures.

 

For any incidentals or unforeseen circumstances we strongly suggest Traveler’s Insurance.

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