Return to Wonder: A Soulful Photography Retreat in Costa Rica
July 6-11, 2026 (Optional early arrival: July 5)
Costa Rica has a way of softening everything.
The light, the ocean air, the vast skies, and the unhurried rhythm of nature gently invite us back to something simpler — a quieter, more curious way of seeing.
Return to Wonder is a restorative, slow photography retreat designed to help you reconnect with that sense of curiosity, presence, and creative joy. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, we’ll spend our days noticing more, photographing intuitively, and allowing inspiration to unfold without pressure.
This retreat offers an experience in slowing down, seeing differently, and rediscovering the pleasure of creating from a place of openness and wonder.
Instructor: Mindy Véissid
Who Can Join?
This retreat is open to photographers and non-photographers alike.
All cameras are welcome — including smartphones.
No photography experience is necessary.
Whether you’re looking to reconnect with creativity, deepen your photography, or simply spend meaningful time in a beautiful environment, this experience meets you where you are.
Teens are welcome to attend with a guardian, making this a meaningful shared creative experience across generations.
Our Setting: Playa Coyote, Costa Rica
We’ll gather on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula at the beautiful beachfront sanctuary of Salvatierra, located on Playa Coyote along the Pacific coast.
The Nicoya Peninsula is one of the world’s five renowned Blue Zones — regions known for longevity, vitality, and deep connection to nature and community. Surrounded by abundant wildlife and natural beauty, this peaceful eco-resort offers an environment that naturally invites rest and renewal.
Our lodgings sit on a long, flat, soft-sand beach stretching nearly 8 kilometers, with very few neighboring properties — creating a sense of quiet seclusion and spaciousness.
Retreat Experience
Each day will include photography sessions, journaling, and creative explorations designed to awaken curiosity and presence. You are welcome to participate in all sessions, some of them, or simply enjoy the environment and photograph on your own.
This is a slow photography retreat — spacious, restorative, and nourishing.
There will be time to:
walk along a pristine stretch of beach
take a surfing lesson if you feel adventurous
go horseback riding along the water
enjoy a massage
relax by the pool or daydream in a hammock
savor nourishing meals
stargaze beneath expansive night skies
nap, wander, and simply exhale
What Makes This Retreat Different
This experience is about returning to wonder.
Through photography sessions, playful exercises, and mindful exploration, you’ll:
reconnect with your creative voice
notice patterns and beauty more deeply
tap into childlike curiosity
photograph from intuition rather than pressure
and rediscover joy in simply seeing
Nourishment & Meals
All meals are included and thoughtfully prepared on site.
The retreat center maintains a fully gluten and dairy-free kitchen, with vibrant vegan options always available. Meals are fresh, nourishing, and designed to support a light, energized, and restorative experience throughout our time together.
Accommodations
Guests will stay in charming beachfront accommodations, just steps from the ocean, pool, and gathering spaces.
Rooms are simple, comfortable, and integrated into the natural surroundings, allowing you to feel immersed in the landscape while still fully supported.
✔ What’s included:
5 (or 6) nights accommodations
All meals
Daily photography guidance with Mindy
Journaling and creative exercises
Optional one-on-one image review and editing support
Group gatherings and image sharing
All hotel taxes
✘ Not Included
Airfare
Airport transfers
Travel insurance
Optional excursions (massage, horseback riding, etc.)
Gratuities
Detailed travel guidance will be provided after registration.
Optional Experiences (Not Included)
For those who would like to explore a bit more, there are several beautiful optional experiences available during our stay. These can be arranged on site and enjoyed entirely at your own pace.
Horseback riding along the beach — $100
1 hour massage — $100
A visit to the Jungle Butterfly Farm — $35
Day trip to a local coffee farm — $150
There is absolutely no pressure to do anything beyond rest, photography, and simply be. Some participants may choose daily adventures, while others may spend hours in a hammock with a book or journal in hand. This retreat is designed to support both.
Your Investment
We will be staying in beautiful beachfront cabinas just steps from the ocean, pool, and dining area. Rooms are spacious and airy, each with a full bathroom and private outdoor shower.
Single Occupancy (private room)
5 nights (July 6–11): $2,800 per person
6 nights with early arrival July 5: $3,300 per person
Double Occupancy (shared room)
5 nights (July 6–11): $2,300 per person
6 nights with early arrival July 5: $2,600 per person
Triple Occupancy (shared room)
5 nights (July 6–11): $2,150 per person
6 nights with early arrival July 5: $2,350 per person
To pay the $500 deposit with Venmo, Zelle or check please contact us.
Click button below for credit card payment.
Space is limited to 12 people. Grab your spot now before it’s too late!
Activity Level: easy
Instructor: Mindy Véissid
Mindy is an innovative, award-winning international fine art photographer, founder of Art of Intuitive Photography, a boutique photography school in NYC, and an educator.
Her approach to photography focuses on using intuition, vulnerability and trust to show a deeper sense of who she is and what she sees. Mindy's intention is that her photos tell a story or a poem, guiding the viewer deeper into her image to show that's it's ok to be who you are, to trust yourself and your body (intuition). Mindy's photos have been exhibited in the US and Europe and have been published in various magazines and websites.
Mindy started teaching her Art of Intuitive Photography classes and workshops in 2010. In her classes she helps her students trust their intuition and creativity providing a fun and experiential approach to photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport should I fly into?
The closest international airport is Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR), about 2.5–3 hours ride from the retreat center..
What is your cancellation policy?
There is a nonrefundable deposit of $500 to hold your spot.
The full balance is due by June 1st, 2026. If you are not paid in full by then, we reserve the right to offer your spot to our waiting list or the public, and to retain your deposit.
Cancellation: In the event you need to cancel your trip after your full balance is paid, you will not be refunded. You are welcome to sell or give your ticket to another person. In the event that we have a waiting list we will try to fill your spot with a person from that list.
Travel Insurance: We request that you get travel insurance.. We have used Allianz travel in the past. https://www.allianz.com/en.html
In the case of acts of God, war, disaster, pandemic, border closure or unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to retain your fees and reschedule or make any necessary changes to the trip. Because there is planning on our and the hotel’s part, rescheduling the trip is the best option.
Do I need to be an experienced photographer?
Not at all. This retreat is open to all levels — including complete beginners.
All cameras are welcome, including smartphones. The focus is on seeing, creativity, and intuition rather than technical mastery.
I’m not a photographer. Can I still come?
Yes. Some participants come simply for the creative experience, the environment, and the opportunity to see the world in a new way. Photography becomes a beautiful tool for mindfulness and presence, regardless of experience.
Can I bring my teen?
Yes. Thoughtful, creative teens are very welcome. Please reach out if you’d like to discuss whether the retreat would be a good fit for them.
What will a typical day feel like?
Each day will include gentle photography sessions, creative prompts, and time to photograph — balanced with generous free time to rest, explore, swim, journal, or simply be. You’re welcome to participate in everything or move at your own pace.
Will there be time for personal guidance?
Yes. There will be time to spend with Mindy to look at images together and offer support with editing or creative direction if desired.
What are the meals like?
All meals are included and prepared fresh on site. The retreat center is completely gluten and dairy-free, with abundant vegan and plant-forward options available.
Can dietary needs be accommodated?
Yes. The kitchen is very experienced in supporting a variety of dietary needs.
What is the weather like?
July is lush, green, and vibrant in Costa Rica. Expect warm tropical temperatures, ocean breezes, and occasional refreshing rain showers. The weather is typically more comfortable than peak summer in New York City.
Can I reach out to you with more questions?
Absolutely! Please contact us.