Wellness Retreats in Costa Rica

Starts: TBA

Ends:  TBA

Location: Borinquen Resort & Spa and Ricón National Park 

Occupancy: 6 people

Teacher: Susan Steiner OTR/L, CST-D

prerequisite: SER I

 4 Nights / 5 Days 

Join us in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica for this Clinical Applications class, taught by Susan Steiner OTR/L, CST-D. Susan has been an instructor with the Upledger Institute for 30+ years. For more information about Susan and her offerings please click the link above or check out her website at cstmastery.com for tools to advance your Craniosacral and Somatoemotional Release practice.

This course is designed to help you deepen and refine your clinical skills in craniosacral therapy. Throughout the program, you will further develop your ability to blend with clients by learning to better read and understand the needs of the body, while fine-tuning your palpation skills. Participants will also have the option to request to take their Practical Exam for Techniques or Diplomate Certification. This can be arraged before the course with Susan. 

Participants will review the SomatoEmotional Release (SER) process, including methods for locating and releasing energy cysts. The course will also explore the integration of therapeutic imagery and dialogue, while diving deeper into evaluation techniques, locating and releasing energy cysts, meridian relationships and chakra integration.

Students will have the opportunity to practice each position involved in multi-hands sessions, including the role of the lead therapist. The small-group format allows for meaningful dialogue and collaborative learning, helping you gain insight into how to use your time and therapeutic energy most efficiently. Participants will also be able to review specific material of their choice and engage in in-depth discussion with colleagues. This class offers a unique opportunity to experience multi-hands craniosacral therapy in an intimate and supportive environment. Participation is limited to six students, ensuring ample opportunity for personalized mentoring from Susan, along with extensive hands-on practice to help refine and elevate your clinical skills.

The course format will include:

• Daily multi-hands sessions
   
• Discussion and review of anatomy, clinical techniques, and treatment strategies
   
• Supervised practice sessions
   
• Personal treatment time
   
• Two multi-hands CST session for each student from the group

 This 5-day class will take place on the slopes of the majestic Rincón de la Vieja Volcano at the beautiful Borinquen Thermal Resort. Surrounded by lush forests, thermal springs, and expansive views, this setting offers the perfect environment to reconnect with yourself, your practice, and the global healing potential we cultivate through our work.

The schedule allows for generous personal time to support individual practices such as meditation, hiking, journaling, swimming, or simply resting in nature. Each day will also include dedicated time for mentorship, working with clients and therapists to exchange one-on-one or multi-hands healing sessions, deepening connection within the group while nurturing our own well-being.

This class is designed to weave together the natural wisdom of the elements—thermal waters, flowing rivers, fresh air, and lush jungle—with the collective healing presence of the group. Together we will explore our own restoration while reflecting on the ripple effects our healing work can have in the world.

Our group programming is designed to leave ample time for deep rest, reflection, and personal enjoyment—whether alone or in connection with fellow practitioners.

Included in the Retreat:

• Airport transportation from and to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)
   
• Lodging at Borinquen Thermal Resort
   
• Access to the thermal springs experience
   
• Select meals during the retreat
   

Come experience the beauty of Costa Rica while reconnecting with yourself, your practice, and a community of fellow healers. Pura Vida

Class Price:

$2700 USD per person (tax included)
Gratuities are not included.

This price includes the $1200 for the CASR course price with the Upledger Institute.

Early Registration Discount:
Register by July 15, 2026 and receive $250 off the class price.

Payment Schedule:

• $550 non-refundable deposit due at the time of booking to reserve your space
   
• Remaining balance: $2150 due by September 15, 2026
   

Your space in the retreat is confirmed once the deposit has been received.

• The $550 deposit is non-refundable.
   
• The remaining balance of $2150 is fully refundable until September 15, 2026.
   
• Cancellations after September 15, 2026 will receive a 50% refund of the remaining balance ($1075).
   

Refunds issued afterSeptember 15, 2026 will be processed minus any applicable bank fees, including but not limited to transaction fees and international currency conversion charges.

Upledger Credits:

30 CEU

Pre-requisite: 

All participants must be alumni of the Upledger Institute, have taken SER I and have the intention of keeping the sessions within the Upledger paradigm. 

Included and Not Included

In an effort to keep the retreat affordable and flexible, some meals and optional activities are not included in the retreat price. This allows participants the freedom to explore, choose their own dining options, and select activities that best fit their interests.

• 4 nights lodging in a villa at Borinquen Thermal Resort
   
• Double occupancy (2 people per villa room) is included in the retreat price
   
• Private room option: add $100 per night to your total
   

• Daily breakfast buffet featuring traditional Costa Rican dishes along with continental options
   
• Welcome dinner on arrival night
   

• Round-trip airport transportation between Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) and the resort
   
• Arrival shuttles will be available morning and afternoon
   
• Departure shuttle to LIR on Monday
   

For departure flights, booking a flight leaving after 3:00 PM is recommended. Earlier flights may not be compatible with the group shuttle schedule.

Participants may choose to purchase the following individually:

• Lunches
   
• Dinners (Arrival dinner is included)
   
• Optional tours, such as waterfall hikes, zip-lining, horseback riding, or other activities offered in the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano area

Your Host: 

My name is Catherine Cranford, and I am your grateful host for this retreat. I am a Diplomat Certified Craniosacral Therapist, study group leader and teaching assistant with the Upledger Institute. I have often lived in remote areas with few craniosacral therapists nearby, making it harder to receive treatments. I have organized this experience to connect through healing specifically using Upledger techniques. I have been traveling to Costa Rica for the past 18 years and have been living on the southern Nicoya Peninsula in Santa Teresa for the past 11 years. My intention is to make this an effortless trip where you can relax and focus on your healing process. I look forward to meeting and healing with all of you.