Costa Rica Tai Chi & Qigong Immersion Retreat
January 2023
We did not meet our minimum for this year’s retreat. Thank you all who signed up, but also those who did not. I know that the pandemic is far from over and that abundance of caution, especially in international travel is the safest route for many at this point.
My hope is to find offer an alternative closer to home this coming spring. Let me know if you are interested and we’ll keep you posted. With love and gratitude, Viola
Join Master Viola Brumbaugh and Sifu Rusel DeMaria for a one-week Tai Chi and Qigong Immersion Retreat at the Pura Vida Retreat and Spa, Costa Rica’s spectacular mountain paradise, at 5200 feet, 20 minutes from the San Jose Airport. Enjoy seven days of exploration through the practices, recreation, relaxation, and adventure.
Located above Costa Rica’s Central Valley, daytime temperatures at Pura Vida Retreat Center average 73F with mild night temperatures. This beautiful estate surrounded by coffee plantations and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. The resort is known for its delightful, healthy, gourmet meals, outstanding accommodations, extraordinarily gifted Healing Arts Spa Therapists, and impressive team of staff members.
Our time together includes Sunrise Qigong and meditation,
morning Tai Chi fundamentals and form, optional afternoon student practice, Free time in the afternoons to enjoy the pool, take a treatment or just relax, and night time Qigong sessions.
Onsite massage and body therapy are also available, as well as optional tours*, including:
• White-water rafting on one of the most beautiful rivers in the world;
• Canopy adventure, flying in harness through the tree tops;
• Visiting waterfall gardens, 
or hot springs and volcanic features
• Hikes into the rain forest — and more.
*Optional tours, Massage, Watsu & Spa treatments charged separately
Tai Chi players of all levels of experience are welcome, and sessions will be designed to meet the needs of each practitioner at their own level of comfort. So whether you are an experienced practitioner or brand new to Tai Chi and Qigong, you will find both the opportunity to safely challenge yourself, and to experience deep relaxation and rejuvenation!
Pricing includes:
– Room Accommodations
– Use of available practice spaces
– 3 Delicious health-minded buffet-style meals with
vegetarian, fish, and chicken options
– Use of outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
– Daily Tai Chi and Qigong sessions
– Guided botanical walk gardens
– Designated Wi-Fi and computer access
– Filtered water throughout the complex
– Round-trip shuttle service to/from SJO airport
*Optional tours and spa treatments available for an additional cost
Master Viola Brumbaugh, 12th generation direct disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, and international Tai Chi competition gold medalist will be the principle instructor, along with Assistant Instructor, Rusel DeMaria, also a direct disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, bring you a combined 50 years of experience to share.
“My wife and I just had the pleasure to complete a one week retreat in Costa Rica with Sifu Viola. It was not only eye opening for me but a life changing experience that I will recommend to all… I have been doing Martial Art since 5 years old and have had the luck to train under the best in the world. What I found in Sifu Viola is a unique mix of deep and true knowledge combined with a kindness and openness that I have very rarely found. Sifu Viola is a master at what she is doing and able and willing to teach it all, explain it all, demonstrate it all always keeping a sense of humor that makes any 2 hours class fly by might it be Qigong or Tai Chi.
Teaching is an art, having the patience and the wisdom to explain to practitioners from beginners to advanced equally well is not easy but what is truly unique is doing it with humility and strength combined. Coming from a strong form, I had to empty my cup every day and Viola was always patient, answering my questions and with her husband Russell working both large or details strokes as I needed.”
-Pierre B., Global Chief Architect BNY Mellon and JKA Shodan
Accommodations:
Tentalow: Spacious six-sided tent bungalows contain the same comfortable beds and relaxing lounge areas as other rooms, electricity (no candles, please), space to store clothes, and of course, plenty of bracing mountain air. Attractive shared baths surrounded by gardens are steps away. Option of king-size or two twin beds.
A-Frame: These bright A-Frame cottages with private balconies offer panoramic tranquil coffee plantation views. Soaring ceilings add spaciousness and light. Option of king-size or two twin beds. Private Bath, coffee maker.
Vista: These deluxe style rooms feature private balconies with gorgeous views. Approximately 250 square feet, these rooms are great for single occupancy but spacious enough for a comfortable roommate set up. King-size or 2 twin beds available. Private Bath, coffee maker.
Cost: Select your housing option below. Cost is based on single or double occupancy. If choosing double occupancy, please indicate if you are reserving with a roommate in mind or would like to be assigned one.*
*When booking and requesting double occupancy and you DO NOT have a roommate, please be advised you cannot be guaranteed a shared room and you will need to pay the SINGLE occupancy price if a roommate is not assigned. You can bring a family member or friend as a non-participant at a reduced rate ($300 discount on rates noted below).
Early bird registration below is discounted $150 through July 31st, 2022
Tentalow: by 7/31, Double occupancy $1,550, Single Occupancy $1,850
from 8/1, Double Occupancy: $1,700, Single $2,000
A-Frame: by 7/31, Double Occupancy $1,775, Single Occ. $2,325
from 8/1, Double occupancy $1,925, Single occupancy $2,475
Vista: by 7/31, Double Occupancy $1,810, Single Occ. 2,390
from 8/1, Double occupancy $1,960, Single occupancy $2,540
Travel Logistics:
Airfare not included. Schedule your arrival into SJO on Jan. 7th, 2022. You can schedule your departure for any time on the following Saturday, Jan. 14th. Pura Vida Resort will arrange for your transportation to and from the San Jose Airport.
Registration:
$500 deposit reserves your spot and is applied to the balance due. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Pay your balance by Aug 15th, 2022 to take advantage of the early bird pricing. After Aug. 15th, tuition increases by $150. All remaining balances are due by October 1st, 2022.
No refunds for canceling within 30 days of the retreat. Participants will receive a confirmation email confirming your acceptance and payment and 45 days prior to the retreat will receive a questionnaire to complete and return. Once registered, you will receive an info letter with details of what to bring and expect.
Whether you take optional day trips, spa treatments, or simply rest by the pool, relax in the Jacuzzi, and enjoy the quiet, natural beauty of one of the world’s pristine locations, here’s a chance to rejuvenate your body, deepen or begin your practice, and refresh your spirit. Mark your calendar and call soon to reserve your space.
Call: 206-321-0613, email: wiseorchidmartialarts@gmail.com
A $500 DEPOSIT (APPLIED TOWARDS TUITION) SECURES YOUR SPOT TODAY! REGISTER NOW AS SPACE IS LIMITED.
Click on the link below to pay your deposit and secure your spot.
Registration: Pay your deposit here for the Costa Rica Tai Chi & Qigong Immersion Retreat 2023
Link here to our flickr page to see the gallery of pictures from our training and adventures both at Pura Vida Retreat and Cahuita National Park.