Join Diana Stobo, the founder of The Retreat Costa Rica, in an inspired conversation with Kim Bagayawa as she shares intimate stories of personal growth and powerful insights from her journey. This series invites you to explore Diana's personal reflections on healing and wellness, and learn from the wisdom she's gathered to help guide your own journey toward deeper well-being.
Celebrating the power of transformation
In this conversation, Diana reflects on the evolution of The Retreat's vision, exploring how it has transformed lives and where its headed next, all while sharing some of our most uplifting guest transformations over the years.
The Birth of a Dream
When Diana opened The Retreat Costa Rica ten years ago, she embarked on a lifelong dream to create a haven for healing. Initially, her mission was to teach people how to heal their bodies through food, coaching, and spiritual guidance. Diana’s vision was simple yet powerful—to offer a place where people could learn, heal, and grow.
"It was a lifelong dream to have a retreat center," says Diana. "I was teaching people how to heal their bodies through food, coaching life and spirit, and conducting Kundalini sessions. I needed a brick-and-mortar place where I could bring these people to spend time learning everything that I have been teaching."
Evolution of the Vision
The initial concept for The Retreat included rustic elements, focusing on connecting guests with nature. However, as construction progressed, the land itself seemed to call for something different. The design shifted to incorporate nature into the very fabric of the buildings, creating a clean, white, and serene environment—a blank canvas for guests to paint their lives anew.
"As I was building it, things started to shift and change," Diana reflects. "The design of the buildings began to incorporate nature more and more. I started to see life here as a blank canvas and a reset for our guests."
Heaven on Earth
What emerged was nothing short of magical. The Retreat became known as "Heaven on Earth," a name inspired by the mystical clouds that envelop the surroundings during the green season. This ethereal atmosphere created a perfect setting for guests to retreat, reflect, and rejuvenate.
"The clouds would come in, and as far as you could see, everything was white. It was as if you were literally walking in heaven," Diana recalls. "It provided a beautiful, mystical experience for everyone who visited."
A Sanctuary for All Seasons
Initially, The Retreat hosted specific retreats. However, Diana realized that the need for a retreat could arise at any moment. This insight led to a significant shift—transforming The Retreat into a year-round sanctuary where guests could find solace whenever they needed it.
"Retreats should not be limited to certain dates; they should be available 24/7, 365 days a year," Diana explains. "When you need to retreat, you have a place to go—a place to call home that makes you feel safe, cozy, and able to release all that ails you."
From Retreat Center to Luxury Wellness Resort
Eight years ago, The Retreat underwent a relaunch, transitioning from a retreat center to a luxury wellness resort and spa. This shift brought about new challenges and opportunities. Diana had to think beyond the initial vision and adapt to the growing needs of the guests.
"I went from managing a $10,000-a-month operation to dealing with $60,000 to $100,000 a month," Diana shares. "We needed to ensure we could maintain the resort while meeting the expectations of our guests."
Addressing Evolving Needs
Over the years, The Retreat has continuously evolved to address the changing needs of its guests. From weight loss programs inspired by Diana's book "Get Naked Fast" to emotional support packages during the pandemic, The Retreat has always been in tune with global trends and individual needs.
"We created packages to support various ailments," Diana says. "During the pandemic, we saw a need for emotional support as people felt isolated. We provided a place for them to regroup, heal, and reconnect."
Looking Forward
We look forward to many more years of transformation, growth, and healing. Our commitment to providing a sanctuary for those seeking wellness and rejuvenation remains unwavering. We are excited about the future and the new heights we will achieve together.
Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and to continue exploring the path to deeper well-being with us.
Join Our Community and Transform Your Life
If you’re inspired by Diana’s story and would like to experience the magic of The Retreat Costa Rica yourself, we invite you to book a stay with us. Join our community of health-focused travelers and discover the healing power of our luxury yoga retreat in Costa Rica.
Contact us today and start your journey towards a healthier, more balanced life.
