Costa Rica
handstand retreat
with Marie-Ève Dicaire and Nicolas Montes de Oca
24 – 30 April 2027
Join us for a 7-day intensive handstand retreat in Costa Rica.
Open to all levels.
Intensive handstand training
The intensive handstand retreat is open to individuals of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced hand balancers. The group will be divided into two levels, so that we can tailor drills to each individual’s needs and ensure everyone can progress at their own pace. During this retreat we will teach methodology based on the renowned techniques of Chinese and Ukrainian hand balancing.
What does it cover
Beginners:
- Exercises specifically designed to prepare the body for handstands
- Exercises to develop proper alignment
- Drills to help you transition smoothly from your feet to your hands
- Wall exercises to build confidence and familiarity with being upside down
- Confidence-building drills for freestanding handstands
- Various methods for learning how to kick-up into a handstand
- Techniques for achieving and maintaining balance in a handstand
- Spotting techniques for safe and effective practice
Advanced:
- Drills to optimize alignment
- Exercises specifically designed to prepare the body for handstands
- Exercises to test your two arm handstands
- Exercises to play with isolation
- Practising press handstands
- Techniques for building stamina
- Various spotting methods
- Exercises for one arm handstand transfers
- Techniques for building stamina in one arm handstands
- Practicing various one arm handstand shapes, such as side bends and Figa.
Relax
/
Train
/
Renew
Schedule
24 April
- Check-In: after 3 p.m.
- Training: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Welcome meal: 6:30 p.m.
25 April
- Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.
- Training: 9 a.m. — noon
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6 p.m.
26 April
- Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.
- Training: 9 a.m. — noon
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6 p.m.
27 April
- Rest day: there are lots of activities available around the site which you can organize upon arrival.
28 April
- Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.
- Training: 9 a.m. — noon
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6 p.m.
29 April
- Breakfast: 7:30a.m.
- Training: 9 a.m. — noon
- Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
- Free time to enjoy the surroundings
- Training: 3 p.m. — 5 p.m.
- Evening meal: 6p.m.
30 April
- Breakfast: 7:30 a.m.
- Check-out: 10:00 p.m.
Training only
(no meal & accommodation)
Package details
Costa Rica 2027 handstand retreat
Only 3 spots available. No food or Accommodation included, TRAINING ONLY
$USD 1,700
$USD 1,700
Shared accommodation
(double occupancy)
Package details
Costa Rica 2027 Handstand Retreat - Shared Accommodation
$USD 2,499
$USD 2,499
Single occupancy
(private room)
Package details
Costa Rica 2027 handstand retreat - Single occupancy
$USD 3,399
$USD 3,399
Who is Marie-Ève?
Marie-Ève Dicaire began her artistic journey as a dancer, but after three years of training, she felt that something was missing. She auditioned for the National Circus School of Montreal, where she was accepted as a hand balancer, and quickly discovered a love for this rare blend of precision and fluidity.
Since graduating in 2006, she has performed around the world with numerous circus companies, including Circus Monti, Circus Starlight, Cirque Plume, Cirque Éloize, Cirque du Soleil, and The 7 Fingers, and has performed in many variety shows across Germany. More recently, she has had the privilege of spending three years teaching hand balancing at the prestigious National Circus School of Montreal.
Marie-Ève is still evolving as a dancer, but now she does it while balancing on her hands.
@dicairemarieeve
Who is Nicolas?
Nicolas Montes de oca is a professional circus performer who has dedicated his life to hand balancing and the circus arts. He has developed his own unique hand balancing style, fusing it with dance and movement, which has led to him performing all over the world.
Originally self-taught, Nicolas Montes de Oca took his skills to new levels, receiving professional tuition at the Shanghai Circus School in China, at ESAC (École Supérieure des Arts du Cirque) in Belgium and at the Kiev Circus Academy in Ukraine. He has performed at many prestigious companies such as Franco Dragone, The 7 Fingers and Cirque du Soleil.
@nicolastanding
What is The Goddess garden?
Nestled amidst the verdant embrace of the jungle, The Goddess Garden is an idyllic sanctuary just a few enchanting steps away from the rhythmic embrace of the Caribbean Sea. This intentional haven beckons those seeking respite from the cacophony of the outside world, inviting them to rediscover the serenity of their true selves.
Draped in the lush tapestry of the Costa Rican rainforest, The Goddess Garden stands as a tropical oasis, a sublime fusion of nature's bounty and exquisite design. Within this expansive 14-acre jungle sanctuary, guests are enveloped by the exotic allure of vibrant flowers and the captivating presence of native wildlife.
A mere five-minute stroll unveils a secluded and pristine beach, offering a tranquil escape for those yearning for the soft caress of ocean breezes and the symphony of rolling waves. Alternatively, guests seeking a moment of quiet rejuvenation can immerse themselves in the allure of a meticulously crafted pool, a sanctuary of serenity amidst the splendor of this tropical paradise.
What kind of Food is available?
Immerse yourself in a dining experience where The Goddess Garden celebrates the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica, where every dish is a testament to their commitment to quality, sustainability, and the rich abundance of the region.
At the heart of their gastronomic offerings lies a dedication to freshness and wholesomeness. They take pride in sourcing the finest organic vegetables and locally grown fruits, ensuring that each ingredient is not only flavorful but also a tribute to the lush landscapes that define Costa Rica.
Catering to discerning palates and diverse dietary choices, their menu warmly embraces omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free enthusiasts. Come join us on a gastronomic adventure that captures the essence of Costa Rica, one delectable dish at a time.
How do you get there?
The Goddess Garden Eco Resort is located in Cahuita, along the beautiful Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica.
For your convenience, we recommend flying into San José International Airport (SJO).
Transfer options
-
Complimentary airport shuttle on April 24:
We provide transportation from San José International Airport to the retreat venue. The shuttle will depart at approximately 10:30 a.m., with the exact time confirmed around 3 months before the retreat. -
Complimentary return shuttle:
We also provide transportation back to the airport early in the morning on the final day of the retreat. -
We recommend arriving the night before:
To make sure you can catch the morning shuttle on April 24, we suggest staying at a hotel near San José International Airport. -
Alternative transportation:
If arriving the night before doesn’t work with your plans, the venue can help arrange a private transfer, shuttle service, or rental car. These options will be at your own expense. -
WhatsApp group:
We’ll create a dedicated group so participants can connect and coordinate shared transportation if needed. Any additional transportation arranged through the group will be at your own expense.
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