Soul Alchemy Women's Retreat
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
with Amber Tande & Melissa Lundsgaard
Welcome to the Soul Alchemy Pilgrimage
This is going to be more than a retreat, it's an alchemical soul pilgrimage into the heart of Being, where devotion, rest, ritual, and joyful community connection sit at the altar of transformation.
On this journey, you’re invited to bring every part of yourself–the tender, the radiant, the uncertain, the fierce. We’re going for full feeling, full expression, full expansion, and total return to what’s real and right.
We gently drop old ways that we’ve been dragging along behind us, come into remembrance that we are here as illumined light in complete and whole brilliance and belonging, and then we turn to our visionary wisdom to the necessary pathways for Soul Alchemy.
May 16th -23rd 2026
If you feel called, join us:
For a pilgrimage to the heart.
For years, we’ve been walking with the dream to hold a group of beautiful women
who are in a life season of going all in.
Women who want to fall in love again...
with Life, with Self, with Community, with their own Brilliant, Loving, Creative, Peaceful Self.
Women who are craving emptying the Self of the self.
To access a wild liberation through purposeful, devotional, nurturing practice and connection.
This retreat is going to be gloriously joyful, regenerative, and supportive.
We’ll play with the balance of:
deliciously still, quiet, contemplative spaciousness
AND
enlivening our own bold, powerful, authentic voice-activated visionary Self.
In the Blue Zone of Nosara, Costa Rica—where jungle meets ocean, where some of the longest-living and happiest people in the world thrive, we’ll gather above the shoreline, in the tree tops in a gorgeous retreat space that we’ll have all to ourselves!
Here, in our studio with sweeping views of the ocean below, we’ll:
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Sing our way into Divine Loving Presence through Mantra, Sacred Sound, & Bhakti Yoga.
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Enter the luminous practices of rest, creativity, and regeneration through Yoga Nidra, Meditation, & Ritual.
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Work with Visionary Practices to attune to the Dharmic Life in the way that’s most authentic for the Soul Season you’re currently in.
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Steep in the Remembrance and Feel Good Community Togetherness that naturally returns the Body-Mind-Spirit System to a beautiful coherence.
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Yes, we’ll definitely practice some yoga asana for a divine re-patterning of the physical system, but really this is a Full Being Retreat.
It’s as much for You as it is for Each Other, as it is for how we’re living in a way that ripples something of beauty into the Field.
A Win-Win-Win.
You are so welcome to join us!
Bring your devotion, your longing for more depth and connection, your voice, your grief, your wonders and cravings….all of it.
All of you is welcome.
Your Hosts
Your guides are dedicated practitioners and ceremonialists who weave together decades of devotion, study, and lived experience, and who are over the moon about crafting a week of super lush and deep nourishment and enlivening practices for you.
Melissa & Amber will hold you in a gorgeous container of Bhakti Yoga, Kirtan, Voice Activation, Yoga Nidra, Shamanic Practices, & Ritual Wisdom.
Together, they hold space with skill, heart, and ceremonial artistry, with a bit of discipline and an ocean of devotion. They bring traditional lineaged wisdom transmissions into the everyday, through rich and simple rituals practices.
AMBER TANDE
Amber is a lifelong student and guide of the inner world, devoted to helping others access their own sanctuary of stillness, wisdom, and empowerment. With 30 years of experience and practice in the yoga arts, meditation, and shamanic practices, she weaves together ceremony, ritual, yoga nidra, and sacred journeying to create safe, transformative spaces for healing and growth.
Holding degrees in Holistic Health Psychology (Bastyr University) and Integrative Studies in Psychology (Antioch University), as well as certifications as a Reiki Master, Shamanic Practitioner, and Meditation Teacher, and Yoga Nidra Teacher, Amber brings both depth and a light hearted touch to the work. Blending ancient teachings with practical tools, her approach invites presence, insight, and a joyful embodiment of the spirit-led life.
MELISSA LUNDSGAARD
Melissa is a kirtan artist, singer, holistic vocal coach, and yoga teacher devoted to the healing power of mantra, voice, and devotional practice. With over a decade of teaching, she creates grounded, joy-filled spaces where music becomes prayer and every voice is welcome.
Her path has taken her from the corporate world to India, where she studied with Yogrishi Vishvketu, Mataji Devi Vanamali, and Mataji Keya Goswami. Certified in both Akhanda and Bhakti Yoga, she blends classical training with a heart-centered, intuitive approach.
Through kirtan, Bhakti Yoga, and vocal empowerment, Melissa guides students into a flow of breath, sound, and presence where expression arises naturally—transforming self-consciousness into self-discovery. Whether in the call-and-response of chant, a circle of singers reclaiming their voices, or the quiet intimacy of retreat, her work is an invitation into devotion that is alive, embodied, and deeply transformative.
The Pillars of Our Practice
Bhakti Yoga | Love, Devotion & Song
Through mantra, song, and sacred story, the voice becomes a bridge to Divine Loving Presence. Singing together, we awaken joy, dissolve barriers, and open to the bliss of devotion.
Yoga Nidra, Journeys, Meditations & Visioning | Rest, Awakening, Creation
Practices to guide us through doorways of conscious rest and insight to restore the nervous system, awaken clarity, empower intention, amplify creativity and deepen spiritual satisfaction.
Yoga Asana & Ceremony & Ritual
Each day we’ll weave movement through our practices of deep rest, devotion, sound, and envisioning in a way that honors body as a sacred vessel.
We’ll practice Bhakti Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and some creative free form movement as well. Movement will be beautifully balanced for optimal energy throughout the week.
What You Can Expect to Feel
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The pure joy of singing in community
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Spaciousness of being and deeply restorative rest
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A steadier, more radiant, and focused mind
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The blissful vibration of mantra resonating in your body & brain
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The empowerment of calm, alert, knowing that arises when your nervous system is fully supported
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An ancestral memory of wholeness, a devotional life, and creative prowess
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A coherent, generous heart-mind field
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Renewed vitality, inspiration, and clarity
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A finely attuned spiritual toolkit you can carry into daily life
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The empowerment to weave the magical into the practical with ease
Practices & Rituals
Every day is anchored in spiritual ceremonial arts; fully accessible for everyone.
You come as your whole self, experience authentically, and we then allow the container
to shape itself in the most authentic of ways.
Woven into our days, a few rituals you’ll experience:
Silent Tea Ceremony to attune to subtle energies within and around and to draw Life to us and through us.
Bhakti Yoga Practices: kirtan, mantra, and sacred storytelling to awaken the heart.
Yoga Nidra to restore, calm and aware state of being, and empower authentic envisioning.
Nada Yoga: through toning, sound, drum journeying, & mantra we awaken brainwave states that help us to “see” beyond the veil of the day to day.
Sacred Visioning: Reorienting to the Soul Life Map via several thousand year old practices.
Elemental Blessings & Honoring. Healing our connection to Land & Place, Earth Blessing Ceremony.
Grief Ritual: Honoring full circle cycles.
Community Care Ritual Surprise!
Sweat Lodge Ceremony (off-site, optional)
Daily Meditation, Ritual Movement, & Soul Song Activation.
Beach Walks & Ocean Dips (optional)
Conscious Lounging: structured rest for nervous system repair and creative expansion.
A Day in the Life
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Silent Morning: Silent Morning Meditation (lightly led)
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Movement Practice — Yoga or embodied flow woven with mantra and breath
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Workshop 1 (2.5 hrs) — Bhakti, Nidra, Nada, or Ritual, always including movement and voice
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Late Brunch — organic, locally sourced, nourishing and shared
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Free Time — explore jungle trails, rest by the pool, journal, or walk the beach
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Workshop 2 (2 hrs) — Voice, Visioning, Rest, or Ceremony, designed to deepen your journey
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Dinner — communal, crafted with love and local ingredients
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Evening Fire Circle (8–9 pm) — adaptogenic night drinks, poetry, mantra, story, and heart-sharing
Nourishment
Every meal is a celebration for the taste buds -crafted with fresh, locally sourced, and mostly organic ingredients. The in-house chef creates dishes that are both vibrant and deeply satisfying, designed to support balance in body, mind, and spirit. With menus that can be tailored to dietary needs, each meal is both wholesome and delicious.
Meals are organic, seasonal, and lovingly prepared—each dish attuned to the practices and rhythms of the day.
Crafted with creativity and devotion:
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Light morning bites
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Nourishing late brunch/early lunch
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Organic communal dinners infused with love
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Special treats delivered throughout the retreat by Chef Colin.
Location: Nosara, Costa Rica
Welcome to the ultimate retreat setting.
Our sanctuary is perched on the hillside above Nosara, where jungle meets the sea. Just a short walk to the beach, yet away from the bustle of town, it offers both the grounding of nature and the expansiveness of the ocean. From the meditation deck, you’ll feel the spaciousness of sky and see the sun set into the sea each day.
Nosara is one of the world’s five Blue Zones—renowned for longevity, health, and joy. Here, time is a bit slower, community thrives in togetherness, and the land itself holds incredible deep healing potential.
Nosara was once pilgrimage land, where countless others have come to lay down their past pains, sing their prayers, and renew their bodies and minds.
It’s a place where magic occurs in small simple every day ways and in big change your life for the better sorts of ways. Soul Alchemy sorts of ways.
We’d love to welcome you to this pilgrimage to the Heart of Being.
Accommodations
Hosted in a private retreat center featuring:
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Ocean-view meditation deck
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Three spacious houses with pools and shared spaces
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Walking distance to the beach yet tucked away in peace
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Cozy corners for solitude, journaling, and contemplation and alone time, even if you're sharing a room.
Room Options:
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Double Occupancy Room (2 per room) – $2,800
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Single Occupancy Room w/ Shared Bath – $3,190 (only one left)
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Single Penthouse Queen w/ Shared Bath -- $3,585 (sold out)
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Single Penthouse King Suite -- $3,950 (sold out)
Who Is This Retreat For?
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Women seeking to deepen their wellness and spiritual practice.
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Practitioners, teachers, or healers longing to be replenished and inspired.
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Those ready to feel held, honored, and renewed in sacred space.
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Women desiring to release old patterns and step into new vitality.
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Anyone longing for a clear mind, open heart, and activated soul vision.
Next Steps:
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If you'd like, submit an Inquiry email to amber@MysticLiving.org or schedule a quick call to clarify your hopes and dreams and to cover any questions you might have.
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Reserve Your Spot with a $500 non-refundable deposit.
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Let’s Go! Book your flight and transport, and get ready to roll.
The Fine Print
Your Booking is a Contract
When you book a trip with Melissa Lundsgaard and Amber Tande (sometimes referred to as “we” or “us”), you agree to the Terms & Conditions below. Together with the details of your chosen trip as listed on our website, this forms a binding agreement between you (the “traveler” or “client”) and us. If you book for multiple travelers, everyone in that booking is considered to have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
Deposit
To confirm your spot, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required. If you’re booking within 60 days of the trip start date, the full amount is due at booking.
Final Payment
The remaining balance is due 60 days before the trip begins. If payment isn’t received by then, we may need to treat your booking as cancelled.
If You Need to Cancel
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Cancel 61+ days before the trip: you’ll receive a refund of everything paid except the deposit.
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Cancel within 60 days of the trip (or if you don’t show up or leave early): no refund is available.
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Bookings are non-transferable.
If We Need to Cancel
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If we cancel 61+ days before your trip, you’ll receive a full refund of all payments.
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If cancellation is due to circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, political unrest, etc.), we’ll refund what we can, minus any costs already paid to vendors that cannot be recovered.
Travel Recommendations
Travel from Airport to Nosara is not included in retreat pricing.
Airport Options
We recommend booking flights into Liberia (LIR) International Airport, which is the closest major airport to Nosara (approx. 2.5–3 hours by car). From Liberia, you’ll have several options to reach our retreat center:
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Private Shuttle / Terra Tours – Terra Tours is a trusted local transport service offering shared and private shuttles from Liberia to Nosara. They are reliable, safe, and easy to book in advance.
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Private Driver – If you prefer a more personal transfer, we can help connect you with reliable private drivers. (Closer to the retreat—about 30 days before—during our pre-retreat Zoom call, we’ll gather arrival times so groups landing together can share a driver.)
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Sansa Airlines – A small regional airline offering short domestic flights within Costa Rica. From Liberia, you can fly directly into Nosara’s tiny airstrip, which is just a few minutes from the retreat center. This is the fastest option and offers incredible views of the coastline. If you’re planning the Sansa route, be sure you’re not waiting until the last minute as the flights can sometimes be a bit sparse.
San José (SJO) Option
We do not generally recommend flying into San José International Airport unless you plan to take a domestic “jumper flight” on Sansa Airlines directly to Nosara. This is a short 40–45 minute flight. Once you land in Nosara, it’s a quick tuk-tuk ride to the retreat center or your accommodations.
Closer to Your Travel Date
About 30 days before the retreat, we’ll host a group Zoom call to answer travel questions, share transition practices, and meet the circle.
If several participants land at the same time, you’re welcome to arrange a shared private driver to make your journey smoother and more affordable. At that time, we can also share the names and contact information of a few trusted private drivers we work with regularly.
Travel Insurance Recommendation
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your journey to Nosara and for the Soul Alchemy Retreat. This helps protect your investment in case of unexpected events such as flight delays, illness, weather disruptions, or lost luggage.
A couple of reliable options to consider:
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World Nomads – Great for international travelers, especially if you plan to surf, hike, or do other adventurous activities.
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Trawick International (Safe Travels plans) – Solid coverage for medical, trip cancellation, and emergencies.
Whichever provider you choose, make sure your policy includes:
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Emergency medical & evacuation coverage
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Trip cancellation/interruption protection
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Coverage for luggage and travel delays
We suggest purchasing your plan soon after booking your flights and retreat spot for the best coverage.
In Nosara, Costa Rica, May is the beginning of the Green Season (sometimes called the rainy season), which runs from May through November. Here’s what you and your retreat guests can expect:
Weather in May in Nosara, Costa Rica: May is the beginning of the green season. It’s not yet rainy season but typically there might be a short shower in the late afternoon. Because Nosara can be so dry and dusty during March & April, May is beautifully lush and clean and clear.
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Temperatures: Warm and tropical, typically 75–90°F (24–32°C). Days are hot, evenings are balmy and comfortable.
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Rain: Light late afternoon or evening showers start appearing in May, but mornings and afternoons are usually sunny and bright. The rain often comes in short, refreshing bursts rather than all-day storms.
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Humidity: Higher than in the dry season (Dec–April), bringing lush, green landscapes and vibrant jungle life.
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Ocean: The Pacific is warm and swimmable, around 82°F (28°C). Surf conditions can be excellent in May, especially for intermediate surfers.
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Vibe: May is quieter, with fewer tourists. Everything is greener, the rivers and waterfalls begin flowing again, and sunsets can be dramatic with cloud play. It’s really a gorgeous time of year.
Please see the Terms and Conditions page for further information.
What's Included
Accommodations
Nourishment
Daily Morning Practice
Daily Afternoon Workshop
Daily Free Time
Evening Circles
Concierge Service+Meetup
What's Not Included
Airfare to/from Liberia
Transport to/from
Dinner off-site
Free Time Adventures
Additional Services
Gratuity
7-days and 7-nights at a private retreat center
Light morning bites, nourishing late brunch/early lunch, organic communal dinners infused with love
Lightly guided silent morning meditation, followed by Bhakti, Nidra, Nada, or Ritual, always including movement and voice.
Voice, Visioning, Rest, or Ceremony, designed to deepen your journey
Explore jungle trails, rest by the pool, journal, enjoy a massage, or walk the beach
Adaptogenic night drinks, poetry, mantra, story, and heart-sharing
Our pre-retreat meet up on zoom is a great way to connect with fellow participants, we'll help with travel arrangements and answer any questions that may come up in the planning process.
Ideally, you'll want to fly into Liberia and organize tranport to Nosara.
We will work with you to arrange transport to/from Nosara, but please arrange your travel so that you arrive by 4pm on May 16th to the retreat center.
Please join us for a special night out at one of the breathtaking local restaurants!
One afternoon is reserved for you to take part in the local wonders (horseback riding on the beach, surf lessons, whale-watching, boat cruise, in-town exploration... )or take deep rest.
Massages, transportation, and extra smoothies, drinks...etc from the retreat center are your responsibility.
It is recommended that each guest contribute $15-$20 per day for the staff, totaling $120-$140 per week and is deeply appreciated by the team.
This is your invitation.
To step away from the noise and into the rhythm of ocean, jungle, and community thriving.
To remember what it feels like to be deeply rested, wildly alive, and fully yourself.
To gather with other women in devotion, rest, rhythm, and ceremony.
We would love to welcome you into this circle.
