Yin Rising Retreat:
The Medicine of Kuan Yin
Uvita, Costa Rica –April 18-23rd 2027
Early bird pricing ends on November 3rd, 2026
A women’s Qigong retreat to explore what it means to truly listen: to ourselves, to our bodies, to one another, and to the world around us—held in the lush jungles of Costa Rica.
About | Location | Daily Flow | Accommodation & Pricing |Testimonials
I have seen what becomes possible when Qigong is woven together with storytelling, ritual, contemplation, and community. The medicine comes alive in a different way.
Much of the Qigong taught today has come to us through the doorway of martial arts. Because of this, many of the forms and practices were developed within male bodies and male systems of training, with little attention given to the womb, the rhythms of blood, or the changing tides of emotion, intuition, and energy that move through a woman’s life.
Over the years, as I listened to my clients and students speak about their struggles with menstruation, menopause, exhaustion, emotional overwhelm, and the many transitions of womanhood, I began adapting the practices I taught to better support them. I simplified certain forms, added meditations and practices from Chinese medicine, and began creating Qigong forms specifically to support feminine flow.
I created Yin Rising, both the retreat and the online course, because I believe in the power that awakens when a circle of women gathers with intention and begins to weave a new narrative together. Sometimes we need to step outside the patterns and responsibilities of our daily lives to see ourselves more clearly.
We need space to recognize what we are ready to put down, what is asking to change, and what within us needs tending and support.
Yin Rising is for women who are ready to put down the patterns that contribute to dis-ease, soften the constant efforting, stop carrying everything alone, and learn how to receive. It is for those who give and give, yet rarely take the time to fill their own well. It is for women who long to gather with other women, restore vitality to the womb space, and deepen their understanding of Qigong and women’s health.
Each year, we gather around a story or feminine archetype that becomes a thread running through the retreat. Last year, we journeyed with the fairy tale of The Handless Maiden. This year, we will enter the world of Kuan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion and mercy. Her name, Kuan Shih Yin, is often translated as “the one who hears the cries of the world.” She is the one who listens deeply enough to hear suffering and who responds with compassion.
Throughout our time together, we will explore her stories and teachings through Qigong, meditation, ritual, contemplative practice, and compassion practices. We will explore what it means to truly listen: to ourselves, to our bodies, to one another, and to the world around us. We will ask what compassion requires of us, including the moments when compassion needs boundaries, courage, or fierceness.
These are the themes I want to bring into our circle this year, and I can think of no better guide than Kuan Yin.
I would love for you to join me.
-Stephanie
This is not a vacation, but a practice retreat—an immersive space for personal transformation and journey of remembrance.
This retreat is an invitation to listen, receive, restore…
About the Retreat
Yin is the feminine force, and it is a powerful energy that rises.
Yin energy flows up the channels, from the feet toward the head, while Yang energy flows down from the head toward the feet. Though Yin is yielding and dense, it is also powerful, magnetic, and life-giving.
This retreat is about reclaiming that Yin power and learning how to work with it consciously. Together, we will explore what blocks its natural movement and how thousands of years of repression of the feminine continue to live within our bodies, families, and inherited beliefs. Through Qigong, storytelling, contemplation, and ritual, you will be invited to notice the patterns you carry and what you may be ready to release.
Together we’ll explore Qigong, Yin Yoga, meridian stretching, embodied acupressure, storytelling, and ritual to tend the feminine energy within us and cultivate practices that nourish rather than deplete.
Through Qigong, we will work directly with the energetic body. We’ll practice forms that nourish the Liver, supporting the smooth flow of blood and emotion, and forms that strengthen Kidney essence, the root of our vitality and trust. We will also work with the extraordinary vessels, including the Du Mai, Dai Mai, and Ren Mai, which play an essential role in women’s health and the movement of Yin and Yang through the body.
This year, the teachings of Kuan Yin will be woven throughout our time together. Through her stories, meditation, and compassion practices, we will explore what it means to listen deeply and to meet ourselves and the world with compassion, including the forms of compassion that require boundaries, courage, and fierceness.
You will leave with a deeper connection to your own essence, a clearer sense of what is asking to emerge in your life, and a more embodied relationship with your feminine strength.
Together we’ll explore Qigong, Yin Yoga, meridian stretching, embodied acupressure, storytelling, and ritual to tend the feminine energy within us and cultivate practices that nourish rather than deplete.
Throughout the retreat, we’ll journey with the stories and teachings of Kuan Yin, exploring compassion, receptivity, listening, and the many ways these qualities can be embodied. Her presence will offer a thread through our practices and an invitation to consider where we might soften, where we need stronger boundaries, and what we are ready to release.
Our time together is designed to give you space away from the demands of daily life to practice, reflect, rest, and gather in community. You’ll leave with practices you can bring home with you and a deeper connection to your own rhythms, energy, and feminine strength.
The Location: Uvita, Costa Rica
This is not simply a villa; it is a temple of nature, beauty, and luxury, created with the intention of offering deep nourishment to the soul.
Perched high on the emerald mountainside above Uvita, with uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean and the famous Whale’s Tail, lies Casa de las Diosas & Hecate — a sanctuary designed for rest, renewal, and awakening.
From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in the magic of Costa Rica
The sounds of the jungle, the colors of the ocean, and the warmth of the sun weave together to welcome you into a space where time slows down. Every corner of Casa de las Diosas invites you to exhale — from the infinity pool that stretches toward the horizon, to the floating jacuzzi where you can soak beneath the stars.
The villa’s architecture seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor living.
Expansive terraces open to the sea breeze, adorned with a king-size hanging bed for dreamy afternoons, a grand outdoor dining table for shared meals, and cozy lounge areas where toucans and macaws fly past in flashes of color. Even the most private spaces carry the imprint of this natural abundance.
Each bedroom offers sweeping ocean views, private balconies, and elegant ensuite bathrooms — some with outdoor jungle showers and secluded hot tubs.
Beyond its luxurious accommodations, Casa de las Diosas has been thoughtfully designed for gatherings like Yin Rising.
Between sessions, you may wander to the games room, refresh in the dip pool, or linger at the beach bar as the day gives way to glowing sunsets.
A floating yoga shala, open to the ocean on all sides, becomes a temple for practice, movement, and stillness. A second outdoor yoga deck offers sunrise meditations with panoramic vistas.
Tucked below the main villa, a private casita offers an intimate retreat within a retreat — complete with its own kitchen, veranda, and bedrooms framed by jungle and sea. It’s a space for rest, privacy, or quiet contemplation, while still remaining connected to the larger group.
A Day in the Yin Rising Retreat
Imagine waking up to the soft light of dawn and the sounds of the jungle gently calling you into a new day. Each day unfolds in a nourishing rhythm designed to restore your body, mind, and spirit.
Example Day
7:00 am
Morning meditation and gentle movement session, welcoming the day with breath and presence.
8:00 am
A wholesome, organic breakfast to ground your energy and fuel your body.
9:30–11:30 am
Morning Qigong workshop
12:30 pm
A vibrant, nourishing lunch shared in community.
1:30–3:30 pm
Free time to rest by the pool, journal, or receive optional bodywork and massage sessions designed to deepen your retreat experience.
3:30–5:30 pm
Afternoon Yin practice, meditation, and creative time—a gentle unfolding into stillness and inner listening.
6:00 pm
Dinner infused with local flavors and mindful nourishment.
8:00–9:00 pm
Evening sound healing with Tish or guided meditation with Stephanie, inviting the body to integrate the day’s energy in a field of deep peace and resonance
*daily schedule subject to change
Each moment is crafted to help you remember your wholeness, reconnect with your natural rhythm, and return home renewed—soft, open, and deeply resourced.
You will leave with a deeper connection to your own essence, a clearer sense of what is asking to emerge in your life, and a more embodied relationship with your feminine strength.
What’s Included
5 nights / 6 days luxury accommodation at our villas
Daily Qigong, yin, yoga, meditation & workshops.
All meals (plant-based, healthy, local organic).
Soundhealing
Waterfall Excursion
Return Airport transfer in shared shuttle
Community support + Retreat gift
What’s Not Included
Flights.
Travel insurance.
Optional extras (tips,massage, excursions, etc.).
You’ll enjoy nourishing, locally sourced, plant-forward meals prepared by our in-house chef. Meals are designed to support cleansing, grounding, and vibrant energy throughout the retreat.
Accommodation & Pricing
By registering for this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Terms & Conditions.
Luxury Retreat in the Jungle
Tier 1: Private VIP with Ocean View and Tub - 1 spot
Tier 2: Private King Bedroom - 3 Spots
Tier 3: Private Queen
Tier 4: Shared Bedroom (Queen or Twin) with either 2 or 4 beds (first come first serve)
The Villas
Meet Stephanie
Stephanie Nosco is a somatic educator and dedicated practitioner of Qigong, yoga, Chinese medicine, and depth psychology. Holding degrees in Religious Studies, Education, and Counselling, her work bridges emotional, energetic, and spiritual healing through embodied practice.
Based on Vancouver Island, she draws inspiration from nature, dreams, and the wisdom of the five elements. As the founder of Nosco Learning, she shares Qigong and energy-based teachings with a global community and has guided over 500 women through her signature course Yin Rising. She is also the author of Follow Your Tao, a guide to the physical and spiritual intelligence of the five primary organs in Chinese medicine
“I’ve witnessed the quiet, unstoppable power that awakens when women practice Qigong together.” – Stephanie
Meet Tish Natashia Steenkamp
Tish Steenkamp is a sound practitioner and ceremonialist with a gift for weaving sound as a pathway to remembrance and healing. Her journey began over a decade ago when she was gifted her first set of crystal bowls—an initiation that opened her to the profound intelligence of vibration and the unseen world of resonance. Since then, her offerings have become sacred spaces of prayer, intention, and safety, where every tone is an invocation for the heart to soften and the body to return home. Through her sound journeys, Tish invites others to rest deeply, release gently, and remember the harmony that lives within all things.
“When we listen deeply, we begin to hear the quiet rhythms of nature moving through our bones — calling us into harmony of body, mind, and soul. May we honor sound as a timeless vessel for healing and restoration” – Tish
What our guests say..
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“I want to say again how beautiful learning our qi gong set with you was and how essential and transformative even those five days have been for me. I am very much carrying the practice into each day and allowing the space it makes in me to integrate into my life.”
Erica Kane, MD.
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I had never been to a Qigong retreat before but when I saw this offering it sounded so good. I was dealing with some grief and stress and doing Qi gong and meditation. A beautiful place felt like it would be just what I needed. It turned out even better than I imagined. I was held in silence and the whole program. The things I I learned on Stephanie’s retreat have become a restorative part of my daily routine. I couldn't recommend it more highly!
Doren Day, L. Ac.
Each moment is crafted to help you remember your wholeness, reconnect with your natural rhythm, and return home renewed—soft, open, and deeply resourced.
Travel & Logistics
Please fly into the international airport Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in San José, Costa Rica.
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To make your journey stress-free, a shared group shuttle is included in your retreat price.
• Arrival Shuttle: Departs on March 5th at 10:00 AM from Restaurant Malinche, located just outside SJO Airport.
• We highly recommend arriving in Costa Rica the day before to ensure you are rested and ready to meet the driver on time.
• Departure Shuttle: Leaves the retreat villa on March 10th at 10:00 AM, arriving at SJO Airport around mid-afternoon.
• Travel Time: The journey from San José to Uvita is approximately 4.5–5 hours, depending on traffic.
Important Notes:
• If you miss the included shuttle, you will be responsible for arranging and paying for a private driver.
• Should you wish to take your own transport to the villa, we will provide the exact location and directions.
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For those who prefer a shorter journey, you may book a domestic flight with Sansa Airlines from San José (SJO) to Quepos (XQP).
• Flight time: approximately 25 minutes.
• From Quepos, it is a 1.5-hour taxi ride to the villa.
• This option is not included in the retreat price and will need to be arranged and covered individually.
• Book flights here: Sansa Airlines
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When passing through customs, you may be asked where you will be staying. You can provide the following retreat details:
Address:
Casa de las Diosas (HR7)
2.3 km de la Costanera, Calle San Josecito
Uvita, Costa Rica
Local Contact:
Tish Steenkamp
+506 8493 1888
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United States, Canada, and most European Union citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your entry date is required.
• Proof of onward or return travel may be requested at immigration.
• If you are traveling from outside these regions, please check Costa Rica’s entry requirements for your specific country.
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Costa Rica in March is warm, sunny, and tropical. Pack light, breathable clothing and essentials for both practice and relaxation.
• Light, fitted summer clothing
• Yoga / movement clothes for Qigong and Yin practice
• Swimwear
• Sun hat & sunscreen
• Journal & pen
• Refillable water bottle
• Natural bug spray
• Comfortable sandals or flip flops
• Light walking shoes for nature excursions
• No need to bring towels — the villas provide them
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For those arriving a day early, we recommend these hotels close to the airport:
Pricing, Payment Plans & Early Bird
Tier 1: Private VIP room with Ocean view and tub *VIP Room Price:$6,000
Price: $6,000
Early Bird: $5,850
Spaces: 1 total
Tier 2: Private King Bedroom Price: $5,750
Early Bird: $5,500
Spaces: 3 total
Tier 3: Private Queen Price: $4,750
Early Bird: $4,500
Spaces: 2 total
Tier 4: Shared Rooms Price: $3,750
Early Bird: $3,500
Spaces: 10 total
*Early Bird Deadline November 3rd, 2025
All prices in USD
Payment plan options:
A 3-part payment plan is available. Please note that the final balance must be paid in full by February 7th.
Yin Rising is for women who are ready to put down the patterns that contribute to dis-ease, soften the constant efforting, stop carrying everything alone, and learn how to receive.
It is for those who give and give, yet rarely take the time to fill their own well.
It is for women who long to gather with other women, restore vitality to the womb space, and deepen their understanding of Qigong and women’s health.
If you feel called to join this intimate circle of women-
to not only practice Qigong, but to remember the deeper wisdom that lives within you, to listen to your inner truth, and to strengthen your capacity to live from that truth—then this retreat is for you.
While online gatherings offer beautiful opportunities to learn, there is a unique potency that arises in person—especially within circles that honour the rising feminine energy so needed in these times. It’s such a joy to connect face-to-face, to share tea and conversation, and to experience the way our practice deepens when we devote a full week to it together.
I truly hope to meet you in Costa Rica.
Please apply now, as space is limited to 16 women.
FAQ
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What airport should I fly into?
Please book your flight to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), the main international airport in San José, Costa Rica.
When should I arrive?
We recommend arriving one day before the retreat begins to ground, rest, and ensure you’re on time for the group shuttle.
When does the group shuttle depart?
The included group shuttle will depart from SJO airport at 10:00 AM on March 5th.
Please plan to be at the meeting point (Restaurant Malinche, located just outside the arrivals terminal) by 9:30 AM.
When does the retreat end?
The return shuttle will depart the villa at 10:00 AM on March 11th, with a 4.5–5.5 hour drive back to San José depending on traffic.
Can I fly to Quepos instead?
Yes, if you prefer a shorter drive, you may book a domestic flight from SJO to Quepos with Sansa Airlines. The flight is about 35 minutes, followed by a 1.5-hour taxi ride to the villa (not included in the retreat fee but we are happy to help arrange this for you.)
What address should I provide at customs?
If customs asks where you’ll be staying, you can say:
Casa de las Diosas (HR7), 2.3 km de la Costanera, Calle San Josecito, Uvita, Costa Rica.
Contact: Tish Steenkamp +506 8493 1888
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What payment methods are accepted?
Payments can be made via bank transfer (Costa Rican bank account) or credit card payment link. Guests are responsible for any outgoing bank or transfer fees.
What is your cancellation policy?
Up to 6 months prior to check-in: 100% refund of deposit, minus a $400 administrative fee.
Up to 2 months prior to check-in: 50% refund of deposit, minus a $400 administrative fee.
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What types of rooms are available?
Each villa offers a unique sanctuary-style space designed for rest and renewal. Options include:
Private Suites with king ensuite bathrooms
Shared Rooms with or twin beds in room of 2 or 4 guests
Room selections are based on your chosen package and availability at the time of booking.
What’s included in my stay?
5 nights, 6 days accommodation
All group meals and refreshments
Daily yoga, meditation, and movement sessions
Workshops and ceremonies with Stephanie
Group airport shuttle (arrival & departure)
Access to all on-site amenities (pool, gardens, temple space, Wi-Fi in common areas)
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What kind of food will be served?
You’ll enjoy nourishing, locally sourced, plant-forward meals prepared by our in-house chef. Meals are designed to support cleansing, grounding, and vibrant energy throughout the retreat.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Please share any dietary preferences or allergies when you complete your registration form (e.g., vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free). We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
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We encourage you to travel light and intentionally. Suggested items include:
Lightweight clothing for warm weather
A light sweater or shawl for cool evenings
Swimwear
Comfortable yoga or movement clothes
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and reusable water bottle
Journal and pen
Any personal altar items (crystals, sacred objects, etc.)
Valid passport (ensure it’s valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival)
Cash (USD or CRC) for tips or optional purchases
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Who do I contact before booking?
For questions about pricing, room availability, or retreat details, please reach out to:
📩 Tish Steenkamp — Retreat Coordinator
Email: followyourblisscr@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +506 8493 1888
Who do I contact after I’ve booked?
Once your registration is confirmed, you’ll receive a Welcome Email with a detailed travel guide, packing list, and WhatsApp group link for all retreat participants.
Tish will remain your main point of contact for travel coordination, arrival logistics, and on-the-ground support.
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation & Refund Policy
• Up to 4 months prior to check-in: 80% of payments refunded, minus a $200 administrative fee.
• Up to 2 months prior to check-in: 40% of payments refunded, minus a $200 administrative fee.
• Within 30 days of check-in: Payments are non-refundable.
• If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another guest with prior approval from the retreat organizer.
Payment Terms
• A non-refundable deposit of $1500 is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.
• Remaining balance is due no later than December 31st, 2027 or otherwise agreed with Stephanie.
• Your registration is not complete until payment is received and confirmed.
Assumption of Risk & Responsibility
• Participants are responsible for their own health, well-being, and travel arrangements.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
• Retreat organizers are not responsible for any injuries, illnesses, accidents, or losses that may occur during travel or the retreat.
Health & Safety
• Please inform the organizers of any medical conditions, allergies, or dietary requirements upon registration.
• This retreat is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment.
• Participation in all activities is voluntary.
Travel Responsibility
• Participants are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their own flights.
• Transportation to the retreat venue will be provided only as specified in the retreat inclusions.
• Any additional nights, excursions, or travel costs are the responsibility of the participant.
Please read our liability waiver.