Nueva Vida Retreat Center
We provide a sacred space for healing, harmony and self-discovery.
Nueva Vida Retreat Center was born from a vision of creating a sanctuary for those seeking healing and transformation. Founded by Jane, a dedicated healer with a profound connection to the land, Nueva Vida has evolved into a space where people from all paths can reconnect with nature and themselves. From dance and movement therapy to holistic wellness practices, our center offers a journey into renewal and empowerment in harmony with nature.
Welcome to Nueva Vida Retreat Center.
OUR TEAM
Meet the heart and soul of Nueva Vida—our dedicated team of founders, facilitators, and our beloved chef each bring their unique gifts to create a sanctuary of healing, nourishment, and transformation inside the sacred lands of Chirripo.
Jane Jennings
Caitlin Austin
Chris Nusz
Johannah Conant
Discover the Soul of Nueva Vida
A note from Jane: Nueva Vida Retreat Center is truly a hidden gem nestled in the mountains of “The Land of Eternal Waters,”—the Chirripo Mountains of Costa Rica. This is a place for self-discovery and harmony with nature. It’s a haven where you can come home to yourself and embrace the beauty of a natural environment. Its high elevation, surrounded by diverse wildlife and the proximity to a pristine primary forest, adds to the sacredness of the land. Here at Nueva Vida, we enjoy the presence of three waterfalls and a river on the property, including a cave-like waterfall. Come rest in the natural beauty and serenity on our completely private 30+ acres, and rest well amidst clear skies free of light pollution and city noise. Wake to the tranquil sound of tropical birds chirping outside of your window while the sun rises over the mountains, and rejuvenate yourself for your new life. The moment I stepped onto this sacred ground, tears filled my eyes. The sheer beauty of the place moved me deeply and, in that instant, I felt its profound essence. While I initially had a grand vision of what could be, the land itself has revealed its purpose over time, layer by layer, guiding me toward what it is meant to become.
This land holds a rich history. Once a coffee farm and later a school for the indigenous people in the 1930s, it carries the whispers of generations past. Nestled within the tallest mountain range in Costa Rica, the Chirripó Mountains, the property offers not only stunning views and cooler climates, but also an unmatched biodiversity that draws people seeking connection and renewal through nature. Though private and secluded, it is close enough to invite exploration of the surrounding natural wonders. Across from this sanctuary lies a primary forest that will remain untouched, preserving its timeless beauty.
At 4,300 feet above sea level, Nueva Vida is cradled in a crevice of the earth— offering epic mountain views, the symphony of birdsong, and the towering presence of rainbow eucalyptus trees. The land feels alive, sacred, and deeply special. Here, plantains, bananas, water apples, tacacos, guava, hecote, wild berries, mandarinas, sweet mandarinas, oranges, and more will flourish, with plans for large greenhouses and exotic fruit trees expanding this abundance.
A spacious bunkhouse, soon to be completed, will welcome up to 20 guests A maloka is also on its way to serve as a gathering space for healing, ceremony, and connection. The vision for Nueva Vida is coming together in perfect harmony, as collaborations and a sense of enduring community grow. This land is attracting gifted healers and practitioners from these mountains, weaving their unique energies into this dream as it takes form.
Nueva Vida is a sanctuary for deep healing work, a refuge for those who seek to digitally detox, and a space for somatic therapies to release stored stress and tension from the body. It hosts a variety of classes, workshops, and transformative experiences. Exciting partnerships and possibilities are unfolding here, inviting you to become a part of this vibrant vision.
Welcome to Nueva Vida, a place where you can start anew. Here, everything can become fresh and alive again. This is more than just a retreat—it is a homecoming—a return to the inner chambers of your heart and being.
Pura Vida. Nueva Vida. Welcome home.