Explore the heart and soul of Dragonfly Awakenings. Learn about our story, mission, team and how we create transformative healing experiences in Costa Rica.
Sweet souls, what an AMAZING world God and the universe has paved for me! A path that is beautiful and unique, as I am a spark of the divine, and so are you! I am living in the magical country of Costa Rica where the people and the land of Mother Earth are so welcoming; I have found my new home to live my dream. I never imagined that God and the universe would pick me to be on this journey!
On a daily basis, I am gifted with unconditional love and guidance from my ancestors and spiritual team. With talents, skills and wisdom, accrued over many lifetimes, I have found the strength and fortitude to share with others, to help them find that divine spark. I am living my best life, better than anything I could have dreamed of, and it will only continue to get better!
But it wasn’t always this way… Make no mistake, I haven’t always felt this divine spark. I was repeatedly sexually violated in my childhood, I lost both of my parents within a nine-month period and then was blindsided when the foundation of my 28 year marriage crumbled beneath me. This soul went under the sea. Every day I would experience short periods of coming up to breathe, but they were becoming less and less.
I had a business teaching gentle yoga and mindfulness and was a Reiki practitioner, also teaching these skills to 9th and10th grade students. But they were draining me… I was empty. I tried using all of these tools from my toolbox as well as self-help books and courses, but absolutely nothing was relieving the pain and suffering.
I began having this powerful feeling that I needed to go, but did not know where and I had never travelled alone. However, I could no longer dismiss this intense feeling. I searched online for ‘solo traveling for women’ and Costa Rica appeared. Within 3 days I landed in this beautiful country and my life changed forever!!!
In November 2019, I received my new heart for my divine soul from the plant medicine Mother Ayahuasca. In order to receive this healing, I had to surrender all of my pain, sorrow, trauma and regrets as she was VERY clear with her message. She taught me the importance of finding MY love for myself as I had always loved everyone else but had no idea how to LOVE MYSELF!
Now, I begin each and every day by nurturing myself with the things that feed my soul and connecting with my divine spark! I truly LOVE myself and this makes it easier to spread that love to others!
This is what inspired me to become a student of other plant medicines, such as psilocybin and kambo, and then to become a certified Plant Medicine Integration Coach through the Plant Spirit School. Now, I am ready to guide you on your plant medicine journey to find forgiveness and your new heart, divine spark and understanding of what feeds your soul.
From the Couch to the Costa Rican Jungle (with a few horses along the way).
For a long time, I lived the life I thought I was supposed to want. I had the house, the job, and the partner, but inside, I was navigating the heavy aftermath of trauma, loss, and a deep sense of "is this it?" I spent my 40s numb, waiting for a "someday" that never seemed to arrive.
Then, I finally woke up and realized "someday" had to be now.
I traded my comfort zone for a life of radical adventure and deep healing. That journey took me from the Great Barrier Reef to the Arthur Findlay College, and eventually into the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest.
Along the way, I studied Past Life Regression with Dr. Brian Weiss and energy healing with masters like Barbara Brennan.
But my most profound teachers? They have four legs and manes.
I’ve always loved horses, and today, they are a core part of the healing we facilitate at our retreat center. As I work toward my Equine Therapy Practitioner Certification, I’m witnessing firsthand the incredible way horses mirror our energy and help us process what words cannot. There is something about the silent wisdom of a horse that gets straight to the truth—no "woo-woo" required.
I’m deeply spiritual, but I’m also a firm believer in keeping it real. I love to laugh, I don’t take myself too seriously, and I believe healing should feel like a homecoming, not a chore.
Today, whether I’m guiding you through a workshop, a plant medicine integration, or a session in the paddock with the horses, my goal is the same: to help you release what no longer serves you and find your own answers.
Ready to join me in the jungle? Let’s find your joy together.
Imagine this - two women, each with unique paths and aspirations, find ourselves drawn together by an invisible thread of destiny one afternoon in a swimming pool in Costa Rica.
Denise, a seasoned medium, past-life regression practitioner, reiki practitioner, and published author with a deep reverence for divine healing powers, crosses paths with Teresa, a compassionate reiki practitioner and gentle yoga/mindfulness teacher with a profound empathy for human resilience and a therapeutic approach.
Despite our diverse backgrounds, a powerful connection sparked between us. We share a passion for healing, a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all living beings, and an unwavering belief in the inherent potential of humanity to transform through the process of plant medicine and its allies. Each of us had faced our own demons, battled through traumas, and emerged victorious with the help of psychedelic medicine and deep spiritual practice. Experiencing the transformative power of natural medicines firsthand, we decided we should open our own retreat center and thus the idea for Dragonfly Awakenings was born.
Our journey had only just begun. We dove deeper into the world of natural healing and in specific, integration, to help us build a center that catalyzed deep, long-lasting positive transformation. We embarked on a 9-month journey to become certified psychedelic Plant Medicine Integration Coaches through the Plant Medicine School and attended an authentic relating training, "The Art of Being Human," at Brave Earth. This wealth of knowledge alongside years of natural medicine and spiritual healing experience laid the foundation for Dragonfly Awakenings.
After 6 months of searching, we are now nestled in the lush rainforest of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, blessed with an abundance of nature, visits from exotic creatures and breathtaking views of the majestic Arenal Volcano. Our healing center offers a unique blend of spiritual retreats along with other natural and psychedelic plant medicine retreats with comprehensive integration support.
Dragonfly Awakenings places immense emphasis on preparation, navigation, and processing of natural healing experiences. We understand that true healing and transformation extend beyond the ceremonies themself, requiring dedicated integration work.
We operate with integrity and non-judgment, always striving for the highest good of all. Here, you are not just a client; you are a valued being embarking on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Dragonfly Awakenings provides the guidance and support you need to unlock your full potential and embrace the life you were meant to live.
Are you ready to awaken to your true self?
The dragonfly is nature’s master of transformation. It begins its life in the depths of the water, only to emerge, shed its old skin, and take flight in a burst of iridescent color. At our center, we see that same profound renewal in every person who walks through our gates. The name "Dragonfly Awakenings" is a nod to that journey of rebirth, adaptability, and finally seeing yourself clearly for the first time.
There is a beautiful legend that says dragonflies were given an extra set of wings so that angels could ride on their backs. Whether you believe in literal messengers or simply the magic of the universe, encountering a dragonfly is a delicate reminder that you are never walking your path alone.
We’ve built this center to be a sanctuary of integrity and non-judgment—a place where you are truly seen, heard, and understood. You aren't just a guest here; you are a soul in motion. We’re here to provide the steady guidance you need to shed what’s heavy, spread your wings, and finally live the life you were meant for.
The wind is at your back. It’s time to see how far you can fly.
We are so excited and grateful to share our vision of becoming a world renowned healing, integration and wellness retreat center.
With love, our mission is to empower individuals on their path to healing and spiritual growth through diverse wellness retreats and effective integration.
We combine safe and transformative natural medicines, various alternative healing modalities and professional, trauma-informed integration to enable profound personal empowerment. We create a safe ceremonial container for every guest, so that lasting well-being and self-fulfillment is integrated into the tapestry of their lives. We help every guest connect with their higher self, awaken to their life’s purpose and make a positive impact on the world.
By honoring our calling, adhering to our values below and providing every guests with the most beautiful healing experience, we know we will become one of the worlds most reputable healing, integration and wellness retreat centers - an incubator for everyone's divine lights.
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At the heart of Dragonfly Awakenings is Integration, the cornerstone for profound, lifelong healing. Often missing from today's medicine experiences, we champion a journey of deep, safe transformation, ensuring every experience is integrated into the tapestry of your life. Read more on our Integration page.
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Healing in Mother Nature's embrace is our mission. We provide a sanctuary where emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual healing occur in harmony, guided by the wisdom of ancient practices, skilled healers and certified facilitators.
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Safety is paramount in our sacred space. We're dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where you can explore, heal and grow with peace of mind, surrounded by professional care.
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Love and compassion are the soul of our retreat. In every interaction and ceremony, we nurture a space of unconditional love, inviting you to connect deeply with yourself and others without judgement.
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Our retreat is a haven of spirituality, where the mystical meets the tangible. We celebrate the spiritual journey and divinity of natural medicines, honoring the profound connection between the Self, Mother Nature, the Universe and Source.
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Integrity guides us in all we do. We're committed to honoring our clients, indigenous healers, the sacred medicines, and the land. With, authenticity, ethical practices and integrity, respect for you, our providers and ourselves always comes first.
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Professionalism is woven into our retreat's fabric. Our team of certified integration coaches and skilled, vetted practitioners uphold the highest standards, ensuring your journey is both deeply transformative and expertly guided.
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Community is at our core. We foster a sense of belonging and connection, not just within our retreat, but also in our interactions with the local community, contributing positively to the world around us.
Carmen’s life purpose is to help you release beliefs holding you back from living a better life. Her life has been a journey of studying to heal herself and sharing these therapies so that her clients can truly stop struggling and reclaim their lives.
Extensively trained in many fields she is a graduate of ‘The Past Life Regression Academy’ in England with pioneer Andy Tomlinson, author of 7 life-changing books, and an International speaker.
Carmen has given lectures and hosted workshops around the world. She has been featured in magazines, on radio and television in both English & Spanish.
As an artist, Carmen paints her emotions to release them and has hosted and been featured at numerous art exhibits around the globe.
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Jacqui is not just a facilitator – she’s a real one – as many of her clients have said. She combines unconditional love with a dose of tough love when it’s needed, creating an environment where deep healing and transformation can take place.
With a nurturing yet direct approach, Jacqui is committed to guiding individuals on their journeys toward emotional release, self-discovery, and lasting personal change.Her background as a mortician, combined with her work as an Emotional Intelligence Leadership Coach, gives her a unique ability to hold space for those navigating life’s most profound transitions.
Jacqui is known for her “no time to waste” philosophy – especially when it comes to expressing love and embracing the present moment.Clients often describe Jacqui as a grounded, loving, and caring person with a natural ability to help them feel safe and supported in their healing journey.
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Katie’s deep soul journey of connection with the wisdom of the plant realm has been the focus of her heart and career for over 20 years.
She is guided and inspired by the spirits of the plants, and weaves many healing traditions into her offerings.
Katie works with sacred tools such as; sound frequencies, somatic movement, medicinal plant preparations, flower essences & vibrational medicines to channel healing and tend your whole being.
She is the founder and director of Embodying Herbalism, an educational program and healing practice based at her family home and center, Casa Vida Flor, in the Arenal region of Costa Rica.
Reya has been a Holistic Coach since 2005. With over 1500 certified hours in yoga and meditation Reya´s passion is healing through connection and transformation.
Her journey started in 2005 while studying for her certification as a Reiki Master. This led her on a life long journey of holistic modalities to enrich not only her life, but those she could share her experiences with.
Reya is a Trauma Resolution and Emotional Diagnostic Therapist. She teaches quantum physics and neuroscience in combination with a variety of therapies to help others remember and reawaken into their power.
From a young age, she has had a passion for music and now offers insight into the science of sound while giving sacred Sound Baths. She works with people from all over the world, creating sacred spaces to heal, transform and connect to our internal light and higher self.
My name is Maureen, a native tica (Costa Rican) but a world citizen.
After 18 years in the spa industry, working worldwide and cruising the world, I decided to find my grounding and autonomy in Arenal.
I found myself integrating my personality, experience, and spiritual drive into a unique massage technique that goes from the surface of the skin to the deepest of the spirit.
It’s a very personalized massage and every person on the table bed is in charge.
The body is the gate to a whole inner work that sometimes scares, but to me it is fascinating!
My name is Mariona, a devoted space holder for women on the path of healing, awakening, and self-remembrance.
I began my journey over ten years ago through yoga, which awakened me to the mind-body, breath, and soul connection.
After a life-changing heartbreak, I stepped into a deep healing process — grieving, unlearning, and slowly returning to myself through immersive retreats, spiritual exploration, and soul integration.
Motivated by a desire to heal and empower myself on all levels — I became a certified Holistic Health Coach, trained in Kundalini Activation, and deepened my path through Women-Centered Coaching, focused on feminine energy, self-empowerment, and embodied truth.
Enrique’s passion for horsemanship brings a unique touch to our adventures with these therapeutic animals.
He practices relationship-based techniques that foster a deep connection with his horses.
Enrique will help facilitate a profound connection between you and your soul horse.
After gaining permission from your equine companion you will join as one for a ride through picturesque trails, witnessing the beauty of nature from a whole new perspective, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
You will be immersed in the wonders of Costa Rica as hidden off-the-beaten-path gems are unveiled!
Dr. Nicole Wissar is a proud descendant of healers, originally from Peru, who certified as a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the prestigious CITCM in Calgary, Canada.
Dr. Nicole dedicates her passion and specialized knowledge to help people find their natural balance (homeostasis) with the application of detox treatments, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, nutritional adjustments, herbal medicine and emotional bio-decoding.
Dr. Nicole focuses her studies on holistic detox, which involves body, mind and spirit and has successfully treated patients from all over the world who suffered from a variety of health issues.
Maestra Eunice had her first contact with the spirits of the plants at just five years old, when her grandmother Ruanbena, a Shipibo medicine woman, initiated her with liquid mapacho and the ritual of the stones.
At ten, she entered her first plant dieta with Piñon Colorado and Toe, and soon after began learning ancestral recipes for plant baths. At twelve, she was initiated into the wisdom of Ayahuasca by her grandfather Yosi Ocha.
Since childhood, she has walked the path of plant medicine with devotion.
Today, as a mother of four and grandmother of two, she continues to dedicate her life to helping people heal and transform through the spirits of the plants.
Her vision is to carry forward her lineage by building Bena Caya in Iquitos — named in honor of her grandmother Ruanbena. In the Shipibo language, Bena means “new” and Caya means “spirit.” Bena Caya — “new spirit” — will be a school and retreat dedicated to the rebirth of the spirit and the ancestral teachings of plant medicine.
Maestra travelled from Peru to Dragonfly Awakenings for the first time January 2026 and plans to make this an annual pilgrimage. We are honoured!
Soledad, blessed with the spiritual name 'Inirama' ("good-smelling medicine"), embodies a rare depth of wisdom in sacred plant medicine.
Her path has been one of rigorous, traditional initiation, including extended periods of isolation and strict plant-based diets while living with the Shipibo tribe in the Peruvian Amazon.
Trained by generations of esteemed indigenous Master Healers, including Cesar Maynas, Fidelia, and her current master, William, Inirama has gained profound knowledge of sacred plants like Ayahuasca, Toe, and Noya Rao.
This journey has shaped her into a humble and honest master, gifted with beautiful Shipibo Ikaros – powerful medicinal songs that guide the healing process.
With her protective, confident, and deeply compassionate presence, Soledad creates a safe container for profound emotional healing, helping individuals release traumas, fears, and addictions, and fostering a deep emotional bond with those she guides.
Please send us a WhatsApp message, book a zoom call or send us an email to find out more information about our natural healing, integration and wellness retreat center. The best decision of your life could be just one message away.
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