Free retreat planning support - Successful Retreats

Successful Retreats

If you’re an experienced retreat leader dreaming of Costa Rica for your next retreat, Successful Retreats offers a free service to match you to your aligned retreat center and support you in planning
and coordinating your retreat from start to finish.

Why choose Upward Spirals to plan your retreat?

We also coordinate the venue logistics, retreat providers, excursions, transportation and the culinary team. Our goal is to make the experience effortless for you, so you can focus on your participants, your program, and the transformational work you’re here to do, while you lean on us to seamlessly coordinate all the details.

You receive these FREE services!!

Work directly with an expert retreat consultant

Helping you envision what your ideal event looks like
Selecting a venue from our portfolio which is best matched to your vision
Coordinating all retreat providers and the venue to offer your guests a seamless experience
Offering expert designed, successful event flow and itinerary models you can choose from
Providing market data on similar programs across Costa Rica to help you set the best rates
Customizing our best-practice pricing strategies and models to your event
Being available to offer guidance and answer questions through the whole process

Event Coordination and logistics specialists

Arranging professional quality staff and chef
Ensuring your event is served with the highest quality organic food, sourced from local farmers
Coordinating excursions and ecotourism
Organizing all transportation from the airport to the venue, and throughout the event
Connecting you with our local network of service providers, educators, and wellness experts to add a huge range of options to your event
Sharing our massive resource library with guides and tips for event coordinators and social entrepreneurs

We include several marketing services

Marketing and lead generation strategies and tactics
Event listing in the RegeneraVida events and retreats calendar for Costa Rica
Benefit from our high search engine rankings resulting from our social benefit programs and broad network
Assistance with marketing and pricing strategies and how to incentivize your network

Why is this free?

Who is Upward Spirals?

Here is a sneak peak at some of our partner locations

Call us for center match-making

So how does it work?

Set up a phone call

Let's talk to discuss your retreat vision and ideal venue accommodations

Pick retreat location

We will send you a few of our best matched locations for your retreat vision for you to pick your favorite

Create your retreat together

Our team of experts will partner with you to create the most successful retreat

All these services available for you at No Cost

Email or Call us to find out more information

Create@SuccessfulRetreats.com

Schedule a call: https://calendly.com/successful-retreats
Call toll-free 1 800 752-8707
Within Costa Rica +506 8521-6016

Kind words from our Retreat Leader Community

"Working with the Successful Retreats team has been an amazing experience. From the very beginning, their exceptional support and meticulous organization made the planning process smooth and stress-free. They took the time to truly understand our vision, and their collaborative approach helped bring every detail to life in a way that exceeded all our expectations. The team's dedication and passion were evident in every interaction. They were always available to answer questions, offer creative solutions, and provide encouragement. Their expertise and commitment to excellence ensured that every aspect of the retreat was thoughtfully planned and executed. What stood out the most was their genuine care and investment in making our retreat a success. They went above and beyond to ensure that everything aligned with our goals and values, creating an environment where participants felt supported, inspired, and rejuvenated. We couldn't have asked for a better partner in this journey. Successful Retreats not only helped co-create a memorable and impactful retreat, but they also made the entire process enjoyable and fulfilling. We are so deeply grateful for their guidance and support, and look forward to collaborating with them on future retreats soon."

- Julia McBride from Heal with Juls

First retreat: " I could not have done this without HappE's support. From the very beginning when trying to figure out what we wanted and needed a retreat and location. Providing location options and helping us find the most perfect place was so important. I had no idea what I was doing or what to expect and everything exceeded our expectations. I can't imagine trying to do this on my own. Knowing we had local contact support and guide us was vital to our success. Thank you for connecting us with Community Carbon Trees and Tree Jenny!"

Second retreat: "Working with the Successful Retreats team to bring my Costa Rica retreat to life was an incredible experience from start to finish. Their support was caring, thoughtful and heartfelt—they truly listened and co-created every detail with me to make sure my vision came to life in the most beautiful way. From the initial planning stages through to the final days, their organization, communication, and calm presence made the entire process feel seamless and inspired. I felt completely supported, which allowed me to focus on what I love most—connecting with and guiding the amazing group of people who joined us. This retreat was more than an event—it was a transformational experience for all involved, and I couldn’t have done it without their thoughtful guidance, attention to detail, and genuine care"

- Gina Galli from Better Bones

First Retreat: "Connecting with HappE was the best thing that could have happened! I was excited to plan my first retreat and HappE made it so easy! With excellent suggestions and constantly being available to answer all my questions, she helped me pick the most perfect location, and set me up with amazing facilitators, assistants and chefs. She helped me create a unique retreat which included unique experiences, including a tree-planting activity to honor our husband's who had passed away, which inspired even the men who helped us that day. HappE and her team made me feel supported every step of the way. Although I anticipated this first retreat would be a learning experience for me, I am happy to say that it was a huge success and basically flawless. I am sure I could not say this if I had done a retreat without HappE and her caring team. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!"

Second Retreat: "Meeting and working with HappE and her team has been one of the best things that ever happened in my business. They all make planning so easy, and I feel fully supported to create a unique and unforgettable experience for my participants. Beyond the planning stage, I love having the on-site support, that ensures nothing will go wrong, or if it does, they are there to make things right. I can honestly say that working with the Successful Retreats team enabled my current success, and I only wish I could partner with them for all my retreats outside of Costa Rica. Truly, I adore them all!"

We are planner her 3rd retreat for next year with us

- Beth Levin from Joyous Again

First retreat: "When I began to search for the perfect location for a Goddess Retreat in Costa Rica, I kept coming up just short... until I connected with HappE and Successful Retreats! HappE not only answered all of the logical questions I had, she went above and beyond in what Successful Retreats would be able to offer me as a retreat leader, from marketing support to on-location support, and everything in between. Her energy was exactly what I needed: enthusiastic, bright, all while grounded and nurturing! She helped me determine which activities were going to be best suited for my group and coordinated all of the local logistics with clear and timely communication. Even when we had a couple attendees with flight delays, HappE and her team kept me calm and coordinated everything so that we retreat could continue to run as smoothly as possible and helped all of our attendees have a wonderful experience. I truly can't imagine hosting a retreat in Costa Rica with anyone else!!"

Second retreat: "When I begin creating a retreat, I have a specific vision and flow for how it will unfold. What I love most about the Successful Retreat team is that they not only listen and help plan how it will come to life, they add ways to make it even better than I could imagine! Their ability to handle the fine details such as schedling transportation and activities as well as big picture success including client satisfaction, is beyond impressive!"

- Marie Kueny from Goddess of Light

"Working with Successful Retreats over the past four years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Shannon, HappE and the entire team consistently provide exceptional organizational and logistical support, allowing me to fully focus on serving my participants and leading transformational experiences. What stands out most is their unwavering dedication and care. When my villas unexpectedly cancelled on us at the last minute — a situation that could have derailed the entire retreat — they stepped in immediately, problem-solved with calm professionalism, and secured a beautiful alternative. Not only was the retreat saved, it was seamless, nourishing, and deeply supportive for everyone involved. Their onsite team — from the chefs to the Mamas, massage therapists, and activity providers — are warm, skilled, and truly invested in the experience. I always feel like I have an entire heart-centered crew behind me, making sure every detail is handled with love and excellence. Successful Retreats doesn’t just provide logistics — they provide peace of mind. I trust them completely and can wholeheartedly recommend them to any facilitator who wants a team that truly has your back, no matter what arises.”

- Robyn Vogel from Come Back to Love

"From our very first conversation, I felt fully supported in bringing my retreat vision to life. HappE/Shannon helped me plan appropriate excursions, events and find the most beautiful space to host a retreat in Costa Rica. Upon arrival, our onsite support, our Yoga Mama, was extraordinary! Her presence allowed me and my team to stay fully in our roles while she thoughtfully anticipated needs, supported workshop set-ups, captured beautiful moments through photos, and remained attentive to both spoken and unspoken needs of the entire group. By the end of the retreat, she felt like part of our community. In addition, the culinary team created meals that were nourishing and delicious. Every meal felt fresh and inspired. For any retreat leader considering partnering with Successful Retreats and HappE/Shannon, I can say with complete confidence, this is a team that understands the heart of what we do. They don’t simply organize retreats. They help you create transformative experiences while allowing you to remain fully present with your guests. This was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend you and your team! Thanks again for everything!"

- Kathi Szabo from Eclectic Wellbeing

First retreat: "HappE was PHENOMENAL. It was scary booking our first international retreat, but I felt HappE really had our best interest at heart and listened to our needs. She made the best recommendations for our retreat venue and excursions and gave good options for us to try. We literally just had to show up and everything was already scheduled, paid for and booked. Plus her communication is fantastic. She is quick to respond and help provide guidance."

Second retreat: "Working with the Successful Retreats team was one of the best decisions we made. HappE’s organization, thoughtful planning, and deep understanding of our goals helped create an experience that felt intentional, joyful, and unforgettable. As the host I felt well taken care of and the whole team made everything so simple. I can’t wait to do it again!"

We just finished her 3rd retreat and she is planning her forth with us as well.

- Tammeca Rochester from Harlem Cycle

“My experience creating and hosting my retreat with HappE was definitely the best experience I’ve had in this industry of retreat planning! HappE knowledge and ability to communicate everything from the smallest details in such a transparent and professional way made my experience smoother than I’ve ever dreamed possible! Her kindness and commitment to my success was felt in every aspect, before, during and after my retreat! My guests and my self were showered with love and care, the entire team and the retreat center was absolutely wonderful! I am forever grateful for co creating and excited to my future retreats there! Much love and gratitude!"

- Shiran from Sheer Boutique

"Hosting our 9-day Zen retreat was an extraordinary experience — and all of that is thanks to the exceptional team at Successful Retreats. From the very first moment our group of 13 women arrived at the airport, every detail was handled with professionalism, warmth, and precision. Transportation, excursions, daily logistics, nourishing meals, and accommodations at a stunning luxury retreat center near the ocean and the rainforest were seamlessly coordinated. What truly set this experience apart was their remarkable attention to detail and genuine care. The team’s kindness, responsiveness, and dedication to creating a meaningful and memorable retreat environment exceeded our expectations in every way. Our participants felt supported, relaxed, and deeply cared for throughout the entire journey — which allowed us, as hosts, to fully focus on delivering a powerful and transformational retreat experience. We are already planning our return to Costa Rica and look forward to partnering with them again."

- Nicola and Katja from Omkisa Retreats

"The team from Successful Retreats lived up to their name and beyond! We felt so supported by their communication, collaboration and care. They truly accompanied us every step of the way and showed us incredible patience and kindness on the journey toward realizing our vision. Once we arrived, our guests were given impeccable service and an experience they are still talking about to this day. Would highly recommend Successful Retreats to other teachers and retreat producers!"

- Ben Caron from Ben Caron Creates

“HappE was an absolute dream to work with! From start to finish, everything was very organized and she was so supportive. Of course as a retreat leader, we go through stressful times, and she worked with me to the best of her ability to ensure the process was as stress-free as possible. I cannot say enough great things! She suggested the perfect sound healer and masseuses and basically handled everything for me, which made my job a lot easier! When I met her in person, I cried because I was so happy and appreciative of all of the support she gave me throughout it all. I would highly suggest working with Successful Retreats, they will not let you down!”

- Alexis Amato with VIBE

"“I can't say enough about working with this team! I appreciated all the background phone calls, communication between staff during the event, the questions and understanding of our vision, and just having someone to answer all the little questions. It felt like every person contributing to this retreat experience was working as one. I still got to be as intimately involved with the planning process as I wanted, but with the support and expertise of many! Thank you for a wonderful experience, we'll be back!"

- Nikki Strong from Nurturers Way

First retreat: "Working with HappE and her team was a dream come true. Before the retreat, communication was easy and I never felt like my inquiries and questions were inconvenient. Once we arrived at Synergy, everyone was personable and professional and so well suited for their particular role. I felt that my group participants were in great hands from the moment they arrived. The food was amazing and filled with love. Our chef went above and beyond to not only make amazing plant-based meals, but to also align them with our elemental themes for the day which made meals even more exciting. The excursions were seamlessly woven into the flow of each day and the retreat team arranged our transportation and communicated with the drivers so we stayed on track and cared for. Overall, I felt like my dream of leading a retreat in Costa Rica was not only realized but elevated. Thank you so much! "

Second retreat: “I loved leading my second Costa Rica retreat partnering with the Successful Retreats team. The support we received prior to the retreat and during it was amazing. The team of the chef and the retreat staff were top notch and so supportive. All of our excursions were of high quality and super fun, including the most wonderful drivers who became friends by the end. HappE and her team are organized, professional, and ready to make retreats easeful for retreat leaders. You provide such a cohesive and high quality experience! Thank you!"

- Hannah Levin from Heartfelt Wellbeing

"Working with Successful retreats made planning our Costa Rica Retreat a very pleasant experience. HappE is extremely knowledgeable and was able to coordinate everything from airport transfers to sourcing local products for us to use once we were at the centre. She was able to take care of all the minor details so my co-facilitator and I could focus on our guests. Once we arrived at the retreat Center it was amazing to have an on-site helper with us the entire week along with the chef and support staff. They were able to accommodate our guests needs, allergies and preferences. We loved the centre and experience so much that we are coming back for a second time this fall. Thank you HappE and everyone else who made our retreat a reality. xoxo"

- Emma Gourlie from Soma & Soul Movement

"Planning my first international yoga retreat felt overwhelming at first, but HappE and her team made it seamless from start to finish. They went above and beyond to help me secure the perfect venue and coordinate every vendor — from transportation, a private chef, massage therapists, and off-site excursions — so I didn't have to juggle it all on my own. Every detail was handled with care throughout the planning process and I had on-site support for the entire retreat to make sure that everything went smoothly. If you're planning a retreat in Costa Rica, I can't recommend HappE & Successful Retreats enough!."

- Araglin from Asana with Araglin