The Ultimate Business Refresh
A 6-Day Retreat in Costa Rica
for Small Business Owners & Company Leaders
Who Know that Wellness IS Business Strategy!
You missed our retreat in Costa Rica!
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You missed our retreat in Costa Rica! 〰️
Sign up here to get the scoop on future retreats!
6-Day Retreat for Entrepreneurs & Company Leaders
April 14th-19th, 2024
Your well-being IS business strategy!
You’ve worked hard to build your business, and your business is your baby!
It also leaves you stressed, exhausted, and teetering on the edge of burnout. On your best days, you feel proud of your accomplishments, and on your worst days, you are ready to throw the towel in.
You crave free time, so you can relax, spend time with the people you care about, and take better care of yourself. These are—after all—some of the reasons why you started down this road in the first place!
You need an opportunity to disconnect + recharge!
Yes, I know it’s super difficult for business owners to get away from their businesses, but hear me out.
Taking an opportunity to intentionally rest and relax is better than burning out, throwing the towel in, and losing everything you’ve worked so hard for. Taking a moment to pause and reflect is also better than forcing yourself to continue grinding while any remaining creative juices get depleted.
If you burn out, your business burns out!
Do you hear what I’m saying?
Enjoy this blue clay by the waterfall with us!
Imiloa Private Retreat Property in Costa Rica
Give yourself permission to retreat + recharge with other business owners + leaders
in Costa Rica!
You’ll have the opportunity to rest, relax, and unwind while connecting with other business owners in meaningful ways.
The activities on our agenda are designed to give you opportunities to reflect, reconnect with your “why,” and uncover ways that you can run your business in a more sustainable and aligned way.
We’ll be taking a holistic look at your wellness as a business owner, so you can return back home with a new plan to take care of yourself and your business.
You’ll also get support & feedback from other business owners during your stay!
See what you can expect at our Costa Rica Retreat!
Your wellness as a small business owner matters!
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, I have years of experience helping people improve their overall wellness. In case you’re not convinced that this applies to you, let me share some information with you!
According to research, “Extant evidence indicates that the owners/managers of SMEs (small-medium enterprises) have a high risk of experiencing occupational stress, burnout, and depression.” (Source)
“This high risk is commonly attributed to financial pressures, social isolation, long work hours, and the lack of a “safety net” of occupational health and human resource management systems.” (Source)
One study found…
92 percent of small business owners have experienced mental health problems over the past two years (Source)
The majority didn’t take any sick time even when it became apparent their mental health was suffering, only 21 percent took any leave (Source)
In another study…
80 percent of small business owners reported experiencing symptoms of poor mental health (Source)
Despite this, 44 percent of small business owners have never accessed mental health support (Source)
Are you noticing any patterns yet?
The research is clear that the stress and responsibility of business ownership takes a great toll on us (but you didn’t need research to tell you that!). What I do find interesting is that, despite the struggles, these studies show that business owners are not responding to their stress with the self-care & support they need. This is your opportunity to change that!!
Imagine returning home feeling refreshed and reinvigorated with a newfound excitement for your company and self-care!
Imagine making meaningful connections with other business owners who understand the challenges of being an entrepreneur! Imagine getting the support you need in Costa Rica and going home with a newfound community of successful entrepreneurs who want to support you and see you be successful! YOU can have that!
Taking time out for yourself creates ripple effects of change!
Taking care of yourself obviously benefits you, but since caring for ourselves is—for whatever reason—not a big enough motivator for us, let me remind you that taking this time out for yourself benefits your business, staff, and your family and friends.
When you are healthy, rested, and excited, your business will reflect that. Your team will see that!
When you prioritize self-care and create a more sustainable way of doing business, you’ll have the time and capacity to be fully present with the people you care about (rather than giving them the little bit of remaining time and energy in your day).
Is that something you can get on board with?
Prioritize yourself & register for our 6-day Ultimate Business Retreat in Costa Rica
As they say, “talk is cheap.” If you’re serious about taking time out for yourself, your business, and the people you care about, it’s time to take action.
Here's What You Need to Know!
Here's What You Need to Know!
Dates & Location
Remote, Pre-Retreat Logistics Meeting
Monday, 3/25 from 12-1 PM EST
Early Sign-Up Post-Retreat Bonus
Friday, 5/3 at 12 PM EST
Retreat
April 14-19th, 2024
Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Registration Cost
Rates: $3,297-$5,297*
*Cost depends on lodging you select
Documents You’ll Sign
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✔ Private jet from SJO airport to our location in Puntarenas Province
✔ Private land transportation for our group’s scheduled outings
✔ Lodging
✔ Gourmet vegan meals
✔ Access to the smoothie bar and gourmet coffee bar throughout the day
✔ One massage
✔Business and wellness oriented break-out sessions
✔ Private experiences for our group (yoga, beach mandala experience, beach trip, clay by the waterfall, mindfulness hike)
What is NOT Included
✘ Airfare from your location to San Jose Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica
✘ Travel insurance from Global Rescue with Cancel For Any Reason Clause*
It is highly recommended that you purchase insurance from the following company
Who’s This Retreat For?
People Like You Who…
✔ Need an opportunity to get away from their businesses, so they can recharge and get excited about their mission, vision, values, and reasons for pursuing the life of an entrepreneur.
✔ Need to refresh + recharge, so they can show up the way they want to for the people they supervise.
✔ Want to meet other business owners and build community.
✔ Want to walk the walk by modeling self-care for others at their office.
✔ Want to learn self-care strategies and concepts to take better care of themselves.
✔ Value opportunities to get support and feedback from other business owners.
✔ Value self-care and wellness and are willing to pursue it, knowing that it will have a positive impact on their business.
✔ Want to learn self-care strategies and concepts, so they can take these ideas back to the office and train others.
✔ Are excited about the opportunity to travel internationally for work.
✔ Adapt well to being in another country and culture.
Who is this retreat NOT for?
This retreat is not for business owners who…
✘ Are experiencing significant mental health symptoms that could prove difficult to manage in Costa Rica (ex. debilitating depression or anxiety, active self-harm, thoughts of suicide, active substance misuse).
✘ Do not adapt well to life in other countries or cultures.
✘ Would have difficulty going 6 days without alcohol or other substances (this is a drug and alcohol-free campus)
✘ Would have difficulty eating vegan meals for 6 days (no animal-based products used or consumed on this campus)
Unique Experiences
Beach Mandala Experience -- Unwind on the sandy shores as you engage in the meditative process of creating and following intricate mandalas, allowing the rhythmic waves and soothing environment to guide you towards inner peace and restoration.
Deep Tissue Massage - 60 Minutes -- Experience the bliss of a 60-minute deep tissue massage, a highlight among our five exclusive offerings at our Costa Rica retreat. Melt away tension against the backdrop of serene tropical surroundings, providing a rejuvenating escape for ultimate relaxation.
Blue Clay Waterfall Experience -- One of the most popular signature experiences at Imiloa! This guided experience allows you to use this healing, blue clay to paint onto your body, allowing the sun to dry it before washing it off under the waterfall and river. This anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory clay has been used as a naturopathic remedy for various ailments for centuries.
Beach Excursion -- Rejuvenate your spirit and immerse yourself in the soothing coastal atmosphere, where a leisurely stroll along the pristine shores and refreshing dips in the ocean provide a perfect respite, promoting relaxation and revitalization.
Outdoor Yoga -- Alleviate burnout and stress under the lush canopy of tropical greenery. Reconnect mind and body as expert instructors guide you through invigorating yoga sessions, fostering a serene environment where stress melts away, leaving you refreshed and restored.
Retreat Cuisine
Enjoy organic, gourmet vegan meals that are both nourishing and beautiful each day!
More Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Your spouse and/or business partner would be great people to bring. They both support your business, can provide helpful feedback during our exercises, and can help provide accountability upon return home.
Just add that 2nd person to your “shopping cart” when you check out. You and that 2nd person will then be assigned to the same room.
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To register, make your payment online and sign all required documentation including the retreat contract and waiver form. And…don’t forget to purchase your travel insurance.
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I highly recommend that you purchase insurance for your trip. Trip costs are non-refundable, as is the cost of this insurance. You can purchase insurance for your trip using the company linked below.
Global Rescue—Make sure to select a plan that includes a Cancel for Any Reason Clause.
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Registration costs paid for this trip are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Once you register for this trip, it’s important that you mark your calendar to save the dates.It is highly recommended that all participants purchase travel insurance that includes a “Cancel For Any Reason” Clause. It is recommended that you purchase insurance from the following company.
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Melissa will be going to Costa Rica in August to finalize the itinerary. In general, however, the retreat will consist of meals together, relaxing group activities, structured exercises to reflect and learn together, as well as down time for you to use as you see fit.
Where will you stay?
Meet your host,
Melissa Wesner, LCPC!
Melissa Wesner is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and she is the Founder & Owner of LifeSpring Counseling Services.
As a business owner herself, she understands the unique challenges that business owners face!
She’s an avid traveler and life-long learner who has previously led immersion-based continuing education workshops for therapists in Mexico.
Hosting events and bringing people together for meaningful experiences are things that she loves to do! It’s why she’s back to hosting retreats!
Testimonials
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![A headshot of Claire Fultz]()
"I have had the good fortune to participate in a previous retreat with Melissa and, most notably, a cultural immersion workshop in Jantetelco, Mexico for mental health providers. The intentionally crafted workshop structure meaningfully brought together professionals to learn and grow together, to support and develop best practices toward serving the greater community, and to practice self care. I found the experience transformative in multiple ways - on an emotional level, I was incredibly moved by the tenacity, resilience, and generosity of everyone I met in Mexico. On a professional level, I could see first-hand how services in the U.S. fail to recognize or acknowledge the many lived experiences of individuals from Mexico who now live in the U.S. On a healing level, the connections I made with the other participants allowed me time to step outside of my professional role and focus on my own wellness needs, while building a network of support and resources to better serve our clients and communities. I will gladly take up the opportunity to participate in future workshops and retreats facilitated by Melissa Wesner."
Dr. Claire Fultz, DSW, MSc, MSW, LCSW-C, CCM (she/her/hers)
Severin Green Behavioral Health -
![A headshot of Caroline Brady]()
"I am a 2018 participant of Melissa’s Cultural Immersion workshop in Jantetelco, Mexico for mental health providers. My week-long workshop had a two-fold purpose, building cultural competence and continuing education. Our hosts were both knowledgeable about the culture and sensitive to the needs of their participants. We were challenged to question our beliefs and to become familiar with the struggle of others. The invaluable part of this experience was the connections I made with my fellow participants and the speakers. 5 years later, we remain in touch. I cannot say what I enjoyed more, trips to see Mexico’s national treasures such as the pyramids of Chalcatzingo or shopping at the market in Amayuca. The presentation entitled Stereotypes about Mexico/Mexicans, US demographics and application to mental health practices in Maryland laid the groundwork for roundtable discussions with residents of Jantetelco who have lived in the US and a group of women who built a business and the location of the workshop, Piedra Rojada. Go ahead, sign up for this retreat for business owners!"
Now is the time to decide!
If you’re ready to make a commitment to you and your business, click the link below to register. If you have questions, you can send them to melissa@lifespringcounseling.net