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3-Day Trauma-Informed Huachuma (San Pedro) Retreat in Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Location icon
952F+X29 Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica
Users icon
Up to 10 in group
Date
January 9 - 11, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • We invite you to experience the new paradigm of plant medicine care at Ananda Lodge. Supported by an experienced, compassionate medicine carrier guests will experience 1 sacred ceremony in luxury accommodations. San Pedro or also known as Huachuma, is a cactus revered as a sacred plant medicine for over 3,000 years in Peru. Despite being sometimes overlooked, Huachuma possesses profound healing properties, facilitating deep exploration of self-imposed barriers and limitations.
  • Ceremonies Led by an Experienced Huachumero
  • Max 10 Participants
  • Honoring Authentic Sacred Traditions
  • 1 Medicinal Plant Ceremony for Holistic Healing
  • Supportive Integration for Personal Growth & Healing
  • Safe Space for Self-Exploration and Transformation
  • Nurturing Community Connection
  • Serene Environment Promoting Comfort and Ease
  • Nourishing Meals Showcasing Local Costa Rican Flavors and Traditions
  • All-Inclusive Package (Taxes, Fees, and More as Detailed on Main Retreat Page)

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

We invite you to experience the new paradigm of plant medicine care at Ananda Lodge.
Limited to only 10 people, this retreat is unlike any other available. Experience safety, intimacy, and trauma-informed somatic care in this all-inclusive 3 day/2 night retreat hosted by Huachuma Medicine Carrier, Nikki Szeghalmi. Trained in Peru, Nikki has a depth of experience of working with the sacred medicine of Huachuma. Held in a stunning private location, this retreat offers luxury accommodations, private chef meals, and individualized care in the serene setting of Playa Grande, Costa Rica. 
Nikki grew up just outside Toronto, Canada and currently lives nestled amongst the Andes in the Sacred Valley of Peru. As a teacher dedicated to working with people with special needs and at-risk youth, she has devoted her life to being a support to others. 

Coming from a background of addiction and depression, she was called to Peru in 2018 to start working with her teachers Bernard Kashagen and Chase Moore for a deep dive into her healing. Wanting others to experience the grace of the medicine as she has, she offers a safe space of presence and love, weaving in various mind, body, and energetic practices. She is a balance of grit and softness, embodying permission for each guest to explore their unique experience with the medicine. 

With deep reverence for the magic that unfolds in ceremony and thereafter, she meets each individual where they’re at. She loves to play with life and you’ll often find her cracking jokes and laughing, seeking lightness and joy amidst the challenges of life.

Nikki approaches her work with humble reverence, always aiming to be compassionately attuned to each guest and how to support them to receive exactly what they need. Ceremonies with Nikki are always limited to a small number of participants to ensure personal, one-on-one time with each person.
At Ananda Lodge Costa Rica, nestled in the natural beauty of Playa Grande, we offer a sanctuary where trauma-informed care meets ancestral wisdom. Our carefully crafted accommodations provide comfort as you engage in transformative experiences guided by respected Indigenous facilitators. We honor sacred plant medicines and integrate somatic practices, creating a safe, nurturing environment that supports each individual's unique healing journey, allowing for deep restoration of body, mind, and spirit.
Unveiling the Wisdom Within: A Unique Huachuma Experience

Are you ready to:
Peel back the layers of your being and discover your true essence?
Tap into ancient knowledge that resides in your very cells?
Embark on a profound journey of self-revelation in a nurturing environment?

This Sacred Exploration Is For You If:
You seek a safe haven where trauma-informed care meets ancestral plant wisdom
Your soul yearns for an authentic wellness experience that honors both the medicine and the healers
You understand the value of time - to process, integrate, and allow insights to root deeply within you
You're drawn to intimate settings where personalized support cradles your journey
The idea of empowering education & guidance resonates with you
You're prepared to meet yourself anew, embracing both shadow and light

WE'VE CRAFTED AN INTIMATE RETREAT THAT PUTS YOU AT THE CENTER OF THE TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE:

Intimate Setting: With only 10 participants, you're guaranteed personalized attention and care.
Safety First: Our CARE team is expertly trained in somatic, trauma-informed plant medicine facilitation, creating a secure space for deep exploration.
Holistic Approach: We empower you with tools and resources before, during, and after the retreat, reconnecting you with your innate wellness intelligence.
Sacred Pause: In our fast-paced world, we offer you the rare gift of slowing down, reconnecting with nature and yourself.
Integral Medicine Carriers: Our experienced medicine carriers take the time to know you, tailoring their support to your unique needs.
Prepare with Purpose: Begin your journey before you even step foot on our grounds, setting the stage for profound experiences.
Awaken Your Body's Wisdom: Discover the deep connection between your physical and spiritual self through our unique somatic practices.
Personalized Path Forward: Choose from 3 tiers of post-retreat programs tailored to integrate your insights into daily life.
Unlock Your Inner Healer: Reconnect with your body's innate intelligence, empowering lasting positive changes.
Create Ripples of Change: Watch as your personal growth transforms not just you, but the world around you.

At Ananda Lodge, we're not just offering a retreat - we're inviting you into a new paradigm of plant medicine care. Here, your safety, growth, and transformation are our highest priorities.

Schedule

PRE-RETREAT
Intake Call & Somatic Preparation Session

DAY 1 (ARRIVAL)
3:30 PM | Arrive at Ananda
4:30PM | Group welcome, orientation, and grounding
6:00PM | Dinner

DAY 2 (CEREMONY)
7:30AM | CEREMONY
1:00PM | Delicious fruit salad
5:00PM | Grounding and Ceremony Close
6:30PM | Dinner

DAY 3 (INTEGRATION & DEPARTURE)
8:30AM | Breakfast
9:30AM | Group Integration
11:00AM | Departure
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Ananda Lodge, 952F+X29 Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, Costa Rica

Directions

Ananda Lodge's prime location offers easy access to and from key destinations:
- 1 hour to Liberia (LIR) Airport
- 30 minute drive to Tamarindo or 5 minutes by boat ride
- 40 minutes to Potrero
- 40 minutes to Marina Flamingo

Accommodation

Capturing a sweeping view of the property and the ocean, our 8-room lodge is nothing but spectacular. With eco-sustainable construction and natural, local wood elements, the lodge is our primary housing for guests. Guests enter their rooms through the back of the lodge, allowing for unobstructed views of the property and ocean from the oversized, private balconies. Each room is thoughtfully designed for comfort, sustainability, and ultimate relaxation. Accommodations can be customized for single or double occupancy, as designated by the guest preferences. Each room is outfitted with natural, local wood and stone accents, and an open-air shower to enhance your connection with nature.

King Room

Accommodation
Enjoy sustainable luxury and artisanal, designed furnishings in your private king, ocean-view bedroom.  Designed for relaxation with an expansive, private balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the forest. Each room is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with earth elements using local woods and stones and an open-air shower designed to make you feel as if you are one with nature. Reserving this option guarantees the entire suite for your exclusive comfort. Each room is a sanctuary of comfort, equipped with: En-suite bathroom with hot showers Breathtaking views of the lush natural surroundings and the majestic Pacific Orthopedic beds and luxury linens for a restful night's sleep Beautiful handcrafted, locally-sourced decor and personal artisanal touches In-room safe for your peace of mind Pure filtered water available throughout the retreat Fresh towel service and housekeeping for your convenience Utilization of all-natural cleaning agents to ensure a healthy environment Laundry service available upon request (additional fee applies) As part of our commitment to your well-being, all accommodations include: All meals showcasing local, fresh flavors Medicinal plant ceremonies for holistic healing Yoga and meditation classes to rejuvenate mind and body Workshops to enrich your experience Taxes, fees, and more, as detailed on our main retreat page At Ananda Lodge, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Playa Grande while enjoying the comfort of our carefully crafted accommodations and the enriching experiences that come with your stay.

Shared Twin Room

Accommodation
Our shared double rooms, for 2 guests of the same gender, are meticulously designed to provide a serene retreat with abundant natural light and panoramic views of the awe-inspiring Pacific Ocean and the forest that envelops our retreat space. Discover intentional design with each room ensuring a unique experience. When reserving this option, you may book as a single traveler, and you will be assigned a roommate of the same gender or you may book with a friend. Immerse yourself in the charm of Playa Grande with thoughtfully curated, all-natural artisanal touches, warm woods, local stone, and decor that mirrors the vibrant Costa Rican culture. Each room is a sanctuary of comfort, equipped with: En-suite bathroom with hot showers Breathtaking views of the lush natural surroundings and the majestic Pacific Orthopedic beds and luxury linens for a restful night's sleep Beautiful handcrafted, locally-sourced decor and personal artisanal touches In-room safe for your peace of mind Pure filtered water available throughout the retreat Fresh towel service and housekeeping for your convenience Utilization of all-natural cleaning agents to ensure a healthy environment Laundry service available upon request (additional fee applies) As part of our commitment to your well-being, all accommodations include: All meals showcasing local flavors Medicinal plant ceremonies for holistic healing Yoga and meditation classes to rejuvenate mind and body Workshops to enrich your experience Taxes, fees, and more, as detailed on our main retreat page At Ananda Lodge, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Playa Grande while enjoying the comfort of our carefully crafted accommodations and the enriching experiences that come with your stay.

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
At Ananda Lodge Costa Rica, nestled in the natural beauty of Playa Grande, we offer a sanctuary where trauma-informed care meets ancestral wisdom. Our carefully crafted accommodations provide comfort as you engage in transformative experiences guided by respected Indigenous facilitators. We honor sacred plant medicines and integrate somatic practices, creating a safe, nurturing environment to support each individual's unique healing journey, allowing for deep restoration of body, mind, & spirit

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

Be catered to with private chef gourmet meals, attuned to your specific dietary needs. Vegan, vegetarian, allergies, and dietary restrictions welcomed.

What's Included

  • 3 Day/2 Night All-Inclusive Experience
  • Ocean-view king bed accommodations
  • 1 Plant Medicine Ceremony
  • Max participants of 10
  • Private chef prepared meals
  • Trauma-informed Facilitation
  • Ananda’s Guide to Huachuma
  • Ananda’s Guide to Somatic Integration

What's Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Massage
  • 1on1 Sound Healing Sessions

Customer Reviews

4.98 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Safe, powerful, transformative
I am overwhelmed with deep gratitude for my experience at Ananda’s ayahuasca retreat. I found Ananda after significant research. Having sat with the medicine ten years prior, I knew for this next journey I needed to find a Shipibo-led ceremony and program that would offer ALL of the components I believe are critical for a safe, meaningful, and integrated experience. I was confident I’d made the right choice after my first exploratory call with Kimberly, but my stay and experience far surpassed my expectations.

Reflecting on the support and care everyone at Ananda provides brings me to (happy) tears. I actually did not know “trauma informed” could be more than a terminology. I did not know it was possible to feel so safe and emotionally held. Each team member adds so much empathy and wisdom in their own way that it’s genuinely restored my faith in humanity. Everyone at Ananda truly embodies the care philosophy and upholds extremely mindful communication and energetic hygiene.

Maestra Orfelinda and Tia Lucia guided our ceremonies with strength, protection, and love. I especially appreciate how available and accessible they were. We ate every meal with them and had the opportunity to sit one on one with them prior to each ceremony. This was an essential part of ensuring focused, individualized healing during ceremonies. For lack of a better word, Maestra’s icaros and healing capabilities are simply magical.

In addition to ceremonies, the program was perfectly planned with plenty of necessary down time, massages available, daily somatic yoga/movement, meditations, beach visits, and an art therapy class. Each day was special.

While the people were the most amazing part of this retreat, I would also like to relay how beautiful, peaceful, comfortable, and supportive the property is. Ananda is beautifully designed, and it is obvious how much thought and care went into each area of the resort. With ocean views from the eco-friendly suites, you are constantly enveloped by nature while still enjoying luxury comforts - bedding, towels, soaps, and small elegant touches throughout - that keep you feeling cozy and relaxed. The food is incredible - abundant and healthy. Each meal was an absolute delight, and it was so nice to sit and share meals with the whole team.

If you’re called to sit with ayahuasca share the concerns I had surrounding authenticity, environment, physical/spiritual/emotional safety, and integration: Ananda is the safe, respectful, authentic, and compassionate place to have a powerful shift.

5.0
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Amazing Plant Medicine Retreat!
Going to a different country on your own can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for anyone. With this retreat, I felt so comfortable and honored to be a part of it. What Kimberly and Jason have created in Costa Rica is truly magical. They made me feel like I belonged and was part of the family for years.
I cannot thank everyone at Ananda Lodge enough for my 7 nights that I stayed with them. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone.

5.0
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Beautiful space and retreat
I attended Ananda for a weekend Huachuma retreat and had a really great experience. It’s a family owned center and they make you feel right at home and supported in your journey. The accommodations are beautiful and the grounds were situated in beautiful Costa Rican nature. The retreats are intentionally kept to small groups and the center itself seems to be run in a very ethical way. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a plant medicine retreat.

5.0
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All around excellent
From the accommodations tk the attention to detail, to Kimberly and Jay making sure everyone had everything they needed, to Chase (the huachumero) being a wonderful guide, Ananda delivered on all front. I’ll be back

5.0
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Something real happened to me at Ananda...and I’ll never forget it
I don’t even know how to put this into words, but my time at Ananda changed me in a way I’m still trying to understand. The property is absolutely magical!

Peaceful, natural, and just full of soul. You can feel it the moment you arrive. Kim and Jason put so much love into this place, and it shows in every detail. They made us feel so welcome, like family, and that meant a lot to me.

Working with Chase and the medicine was something I’ll never forget. I had some intense releases and honestly, it wasn’t easy. But Chase saw something in me, and the work we did together reached a place in me that needed healing for a long time. He never pushed..just held the space with this calm, grounded energy, and somehow knew what needed to be done. It was deep, spiritual, and emotional — like something old was finally let go.

Even though I didn’t have big visions, I felt the shift. I’m still processing everything, and I know it’s going to take time to fully integrate. But something is different. I’m different.

If you’re feeling the call to do real inner work, to shed what’s not yours, and to reconnect with who you really are...Ananda is where you want to be. I’ll always be grateful for the experience.

P.S. and kudos to Jason who was our chef for the week...the food was absolutely delicious!

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