A hidden gem overlooking Lake Arenal...
Our 10-day intensive retreats combine daily therapeutic sessions
The foundation of every Choose Again retreat is the Six Steps to Freedom a therapeutic process for discovering and undoing the root cause of recurring negative patterns in our lives. The Six Steps to Freedom is taught and practiced in daily therapeutic processing circles, guided by our team of highly trained counsellors.
With an experiential, holistic approach
The mental wellness is supported by a carefully designed program of experiential body-based and mindfulness practices. The purpose of the somatic component is to help you integrate what you have learned, access deeper emotional states, while releasing hidden stress.
And a 3-month Aftercare Integration Program
It's only natural to have a transformative experience in tropical paradise, away from daily stresses and in a purpose-built environment. But what about integrating all you have learned when you get back home? We support your ongoing your growth and healing with our built-in 3-month aftercare program, led by the same expert counsellors you worked with at the centre.
Each retreat includes
Group therapy and mind-training: Over the course of 10 days, participants will become well-versed with the Six Steps to Freedom process. Highly-skilled counsellors will lead participants through the Six Steps, teaching them how to the process for themselves, and how to guide others through the process. (34+ hrs)
Personal therapeutic work with highly-skilled counsellors: with an intimate group size of maximum 12 per retreat.
Holotropic breathwork: 2x life-changing 2-hr breathwork sessions. (4 hrs)
Yoga and movement: Holistic body-mind practices such as yoga, hiking, and expressive movement, tailored to our participants' levels of physical fitness (daily)
Excursions: At least 2 excursions to local sites of incredible beauty, including the Arenal hot springs and nicoya beaches.
Meditation: Start your day with a 6:30am meditation practice, with instruction. (5+ hrs)
Silence: Every morning is silent, and several days of the program are silent outside of program times. Silence allows for going inward and integration of what you have been learning.
Time in Nature: Wake up to the howler monkey, fall asleep to a frog chorus. Our manicured gardens amidst lush jungle offer daily delights for the eyes, ears, and heart. (daily)
Gratitude: Nightly gratitudes around a candle-lit dinner table is many participants' favourite part of the program.
Digital detox (optional): Put away your digital devices and reclaim time for contemplation, reflection, and creativity.
A 3-month coaching & integration aftercare program: Our online aftercare program offers you 4 integration coaching sessions, 12 circles, and 1 private session, all with the same expert counsellors you worked with at the Centre.
-->See a typical daily retreat schedule here.
Personal therapeutic work with highly-skilled counsellors: with an intimate group size of maximum 12 per retreat.
Holotropic breathwork: 2x life-changing 2-hr breathwork sessions. (4 hrs)
Yoga and movement: Holistic body-mind practices such as yoga, hiking, and expressive movement, tailored to our participants' levels of physical fitness (daily)
Excursions: At least 2 excursions to local sites of incredible beauty, including the Arenal hot springs and nicoya beaches.
Meditation: Start your day with a 6:30am meditation practice, with instruction. (5+ hrs)
Silence: Every morning is silent, and several days of the program are silent outside of program times. Silence allows for going inward and integration of what you have been learning.
Time in Nature: Wake up to the howler monkey, fall asleep to a frog chorus. Our manicured gardens amidst lush jungle offer daily delights for the eyes, ears, and heart. (daily)
Gratitude: Nightly gratitudes around a candle-lit dinner table is many participants' favourite part of the program.
Digital detox (optional): Put away your digital devices and reclaim time for contemplation, reflection, and creativity.
A 3-month coaching & integration aftercare program: Our online aftercare program offers you 4 integration coaching sessions, 12 circles, and 1 private session, all with the same expert counsellors you worked with at the Centre.
-->See a typical daily retreat schedule here.
I have been in 12-step recovery for addiction for over 20 years. Although I have stayed sober I have continued to struggle with depression. I have read dozens of books and studied several spiritual practices, but none of them presented me with what Choose Again did. If true happiness has eluded you and you believe no human power can help. There is a solution here.
- D.F., Real Estate Developer, Colorado, Healing Trauma Retreat, January 2024
Carefully Curated Amenities
Vibrant gourmet cuisine
As everyone who has been to El Cielo knows, we take eating very seriously. The mind and body healing that we offer to our guests is necessarily supported by vibrant and nourishing cuisine.
Our international, in-house chefs serve three buffets a day of globally-inspired, locally-sourced food. The menu is high in salads and vegetables, with local fresh fish or chicken for protein, and low in refined carbohydrates. Meals range from fresh eggs and avocados for breakfast, creative Buddha bowls for lunches, and delicious gourmet dinners; all augmented by fresh fruits, green smoothies, and a regular supply of salads and micro-greens grown in our on-site greenhouse. Coffee, tea, and snacks available all day.
Vegetarian and vegan preferences can be accommodated.
Our international, in-house chefs serve three buffets a day of globally-inspired, locally-sourced food. The menu is high in salads and vegetables, with local fresh fish or chicken for protein, and low in refined carbohydrates. Meals range from fresh eggs and avocados for breakfast, creative Buddha bowls for lunches, and delicious gourmet dinners; all augmented by fresh fruits, green smoothies, and a regular supply of salads and micro-greens grown in our on-site greenhouse. Coffee, tea, and snacks available all day.
Vegetarian and vegan preferences can be accommodated.
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Beautiful accommodations, garden and lake view
El Cielo, Choose Again's holistic retreat centre, was opened in 2006 in northwestern Costa Rica. This unique mid-elevation locale boasts manicured gardens in the midst of lush jungle overlooking the stunning Lake Arenal. Our facilities include a communal dining hall, spaces for indoor and outdoor group circles, a yoga studio and a greenhouse where we grow our own greens.
All rooms have posturepedic mattresses, a private bath, and veranda with garden and lake view.
All rooms have posturepedic mattresses, a private bath, and veranda with garden and lake view.
Rejuvenating Excursions to Hotsprings, Lake, and Beaches
In every workshop we make sure to make at least one excursion to a local site of extraordinary beauty. This could be to the wild hot springs by Arenal Volcano, the tranquil Lake Arenal that is our spectacular view, our local equine therapy centre, and/or one of the vast and peaceful beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula.
The excursions are an essential part of the therapeutic program, offering participants an opportunity to practice what you are learning, engaging with local people and natural surroundings.
The excursions are an essential part of the therapeutic program, offering participants an opportunity to practice what you are learning, engaging with local people and natural surroundings.
Retreat registration is by telephone only.
For more information, or to register directly, call us toll-free:
1 (888) 832 5959
For more information, or to register directly, call us toll-free:
1 (888) 832 5959
Upcoming Retreats
Freedom
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Heal Your Mind, Transform Your Life
The Choose Again Essentials! Whether you are new to this work, or a veteran of the process, this workshop offers a deep dive into the unconscious core beliefs that block you from leading a joyful and fulfilling life. Master our powerful Six Step to Freedom process and gain a tool for a lifelong journey of transformation and growth. UPCOMING DATES March 23 - April 2, 2025 with Diederik Wolsak & Fred Wilberts April 20-30, 2025 with Gad Sprukt & Fred Wilberts May 18-28, 2025 with Gad Sprukt & Claudia Mosele June 15-25, 2025 with Gad Sprukt, Fred Wilberts, & Claudia Mosele July 13-23, 2025 with Sean Smith, Fred Wilberts & Claudia Mosele |
Healing Relationships
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Go Deep! 24-day Intensive Program
Our intensive allows you to join two consecutive 10-day retreats of your choice, and enjoy free time in the days in-between to either rest and integrate with us at the Centre, or discover the natural beauty of Costa Rica. You will receive a discounted rate on the second workshop. Contact us for details.
This program will allow you to:
- Complete two consecutive 10-day retreats of your choice (see above)
- Have time for deepening and integration with all-inclusive full-board stays between workshops.
- Have opportunities to explore some of Costa rica's most magical areas: Volcano Arenal, the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and the stunning beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Retreat registration is by telephone only.
For more information, or to register directly, call us toll-free:
1 (888) 832 5959
For more information, or to register directly, call us toll-free:
1 (888) 832 5959
Participants testimonials
I chose to gift myself a retreat to El Cielo. It was the best birthday present I have ever received or given. I didn't know much about this magical place in Costa Rica or the Choose Again Six Step Process. I was hesitant. Now, after being through the program and coming back to my world and seeing first hand how peace and happiness is attainable, I encourage all other folks reading this review to "Go for it." Pack your bags and transform your life. This really works. Everyone in my group had a life changing experience. You will re-connect and discover through the help of the fantastic staff that all along the key to happiness and peace exists right in you. They will help you navigate how to access that truth. I am forever grateful to myself for choosing to go to Costa Rica, the amazing Team at Choose Again and the people who shared in my journey.
- Debbi Levins, NY,
2023 Retreat Participant
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As a busy working mom, I felt that I was ‘destined’ to be stuck in the rat race of life, putting everyone else first and never having time for me. Because of this belief I was unhappy and constantly looking to find love and relief in all the wrong places. Making the decision to come to El Cielo, to put myself first was the greatest gift I gave myself (and my family). First, the program is designed to nourish your body and mind. The food is fantastic and the beauty of the silent walks took my breath away. Knowing and believing now that I am joy and peace at my core and that it is only my choice to be anything but that, has given me the trust in myself to go forwards with love.
~M.Y. 38, Corporate Secretary, Canada, January 2024 retreat participant
....Read more testimonials
Recognition of the Six Steps to Freedom Process
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"Direct and eloquent… a practical six-step program to self-liberation.”
Gabor Maté
Renowned Speaker & Bestselling Author / Canada
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“It has the power and the potential to truly change your life.”
Jerry Jampolsky
Founder of Attitudinal Healing International & Bestselling Author / USA
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Getting here
The Choose Again Intensive Retreat Center is located in northwest Costa Rica, by Lake Arenal.
The nearest airport to us is in Liberia, Guanacaste. A free shuttle is provided on workshop start and end dates for arrivals and departures. If you need to book a flight on another day of the week or via another airport in Costa Rica please let us know in advance so we can work with you on travel arrangements prior to registration.
Due to the distance, we are unable to run an airport transfer from San Jose, if you choose this route, please contact us at [email protected] for details for other transport options.
The nearest airport to us is in Liberia, Guanacaste. A free shuttle is provided on workshop start and end dates for arrivals and departures. If you need to book a flight on another day of the week or via another airport in Costa Rica please let us know in advance so we can work with you on travel arrangements prior to registration.
Due to the distance, we are unable to run an airport transfer from San Jose, if you choose this route, please contact us at [email protected] for details for other transport options.
Retreat registration is by telephone only.
For more information, or to register directly, call us toll-free:
1 (888) 832 5959
For more information, or to register directly, call us toll-free:
1 (888) 832 5959
SUMMER 2025
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Healing minds since 2005
In December of 2011, Warren Helfrich, a program evaluation consultant in private practice, was contracted to complete an evaluation of the services offered by Choose Again at their Healing Centre in Costa Rica (El Cielo).
Here are only a few of the highlights of the results:
Here are only a few of the highlights of the results:
- 95% of those attending the Centre reported having ‘very good’ quality of life at the time of exit, an 89% improvement over the pre‐test result.
- 77% of individuals exiting the Centre indicated that they had a strong sense of the purpose and value of healthy relationships, an increase of 148% over pre‐test results.
- The total number of individuals indicating that they had a very positive relationship with their spouse/partner more than doubled from pre‐test ratings to follow‐up (a 132% increase)
Learn more about the evaluation here
Questions? Get in touch
- Toll-free phone - 1 (888) 832 5959 Our offices are open Monday-Friday from 8am - 4pm (Pacific Time). If you call outside these hours, please leave a message and we will get back to you the next working day.
- Email us: [email protected]
- Or book a call with our registration consultant:
Read an independent evaluation of our program |
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