Costa Rica Tai Chi Retreat

Join Master Viola Brumbaugh 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 is 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 an 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 nighttime Qigong sessions.

On-site 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 a 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


All levels of experience are welcome with sessions designed to meet the needs of each practitioner at their own level. Whether you are experienced or brand new to Tai Chi & 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 gardens walk
–  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

Instructor Master Viola Brumbaugh, a 12th-generation direct disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei and Master David Leung, and international Tai Chi competition gold medalist, offers you over 35  years of experience and passion for these arts.

     “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 setup. King-size or 2 twin beds available. Private Bath, coffee maker.

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 that 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 the rates noted below). 

Early bird registration below is discounted by $70 through July 31st, 2026.
Returning participants receive an additional $50 discount if registering by July 31st.

Tentalow:  early bird by 7/31, Double occupancy $2071, Single Occupancy $2979
from 8/1, Double Occupancy: $2141, Single $2573

A-Frame: early bird by 7/31, Double Occupancy $2309, Single Occupancy $2,325
from 8/1, Double occupancy $2379, Single occupancy $2395

Vista: early bird by 7/31, Double Occupancy $2354, Single Occupancy 3068
from 8/1, Double occupancy $2424, Single occupancy $3138

Travel Logistics:

Airfare not included. Schedule your arrival into SJO on Jan. 2nd, 2027. You can schedule your departure for any time on the following Saturday, Jan. 9th. Pura Vida Resort will arrange for your transportation to and from the San Jose Airport.

Registration:

$600 deposit reserves your spot and is applied to the balance due. This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Pay your balance by July 31st, 2026, to take advantage of the early bird pricing. After July 31st, tuition increases by $70. All remaining balances are due by October 1st, 2026. 

No refunds for canceling within 30 days of the retreat. Participants will receive a confirmation email confirming your acceptance and payment. Then, 45 days before the retreat, you’ll receive a questionnaire to complete and return. Once registered, you will receive an info letter with details of what to bring and what to 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 $600 DEPOSIT (APPLIED TOWARDS TUITION) SECURES YOUR SPOT TODAY! REGISTER NOW AS SPACE IS LIMITED.

Click on the link below (Venmo) to pay your deposit and secure your spot. You can also pay your deposit by Zelle, Check or credit card. Contact Viola for the option that works best for you.

https://venmo.com/u/Viola-Brumbaugh