bow lake, icefields parkway. photo: billy dekom

A trip to Banff National Park Canada will leave you in awe of the sheer power of Mother Nature. Everything in the Canadian Rockies feels larger, grander, and wilder. Some of the mightiest peaks stand over 3,000 meters high and hundreds of species of wildlife call this 6,000-square-kilometer stretch of wilderness “home.” You can expect to share these Rocky Mountain views with a few of these wild creatures and fellow adventure seekers from around the globe. Last year, over four million people from various corners of the world came to visit this park. And after you’ve spent a little time wandering around the steep trails, turquoise lakes, roaring waterfalls, and glacier-studded mountain ranges—it becomes abundantly clear what drew them here. Swapping city skylines for crisp mountain air and wide open spaces leaves you feeling more at ease as soon as you pass under the “Welcome to Banff” road signs. As you drive along the main highway, the sweeping glacier-carved valley will continue to climb up past dense tree lines and up to rugged summits—the scale of which feels almost impossible to capture with pictures alone. The peaks in Alberta are truly massive. Staring up at them you can’t help but feel acutely aware of your smallness in the world and wonder what must have happened geologically to bring these giants into existence. Standing among these towering mountains, you can breathe deeply and let that sweet feeling of oneness with nature and your surroundings wash over you. Here is just a sampling of what stands out in this national park along with some of the top things to do in Banff, Canada.

The drive alone through this park is stunning and makes for an epic road trip.

Even just standing outside a café in Canmore or strolling between stores in the Town of Banff—you’ll be immersed in jaw-dropping 360-degree mountain views. The wild beauty of this place is, in a word, inescapable. The first trip we took here, we remember driving along the paved highway cutting through the park. We were ducking down and twisting, turning, and craning our necks trying to catch a glimpse of the mountain tops through the rental car windows. Clouds swirling slowly and hypnotically around the highest peaks. It’s the kind of drive where you end up turning the radio dial down low. Keeping an eye on either side of the road, pointing excitedly across the windshield. Looking, searching, taking it all in. Hoping to spot ribbons of water cascading down the steep slopes. Squinting for signs of critters between the evergreens. Peering past the edge of the road as the ice blue Bow River comes into view. You almost don’t know where to look, there’s just so much beauty to take in. While this park certainly attracts a subset of people drawn to challenging outdoor sports and activities—there’s tons to see just from the road or by those able to take short walks to the water’s edge. Further up in Banff, along the Icefields Parkway, you can spot glaciers from the road. Look for large snow-white masses tucked into the mountains and don’t be surprised if you find yourself stopping at almost every turnout, viewpoint, or lake along the way. mistaya canyon. photo: billy dekom

Canada’s first national park is best known for its stunning glacial lakes.

There is no denying that the breathtaking glacial lakes are considered the best of Banff. The color of the water here takes on such vibrant tones of blue and green that you almost have to experience them in person to believe they’re real. Varying from deep jade to vibrant turquoise, these glacier-fed lakes draw people from all over the world who hope to stand at the water’s edge and see them with their own eyes. Crossing their fingers that the shots they take from the shoreline will capture the color well enough to inspire others to make the trip north. These lakes owe their signature color to something called “rock flour,” which is made of fine-grained particles of rock created by the grinding of bedrock during the glacial erosion process. Since the material is so small, it becomes suspended in the meltwater—making the water appear slightly cloudy and giving it that solid-looking, surreal blue-green color (totally different than clear blue ocean water). Along with the ability to see some of the world’s remaining glaciers, these bodies of water are what set Banff apart from any other vacation destination.

Banff is a dream destination for adventure seekers.

Wondering what to do in Banff if you love an adventure? There are ample opportunities for hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, biking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, running, paddle-boarding, and sightseeing. As the snow melts in the summer and the higher elevation trails start to reopen, you can expect the park to draw more travelers. But the winter months offer slightly smaller crowds. In those months, you can also take advantage of the snow-packed trails and frozen lakes to enjoy some downhill skiing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snow-shoeing.

The vastness of this place will keep you coming back.

We’ve spent a combined six weeks, spread across two summers, exploring this stretch of Alberta and still the list of things we have yet to see continues to grow. The sheer number of things to do and places to explore in Banff can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of things to do in Banff. If you come visit in the summer months, you may leave itching to see the same lakes you hiked around when they’re frozen in the winter time. Or wonder how magnificent the landscape looks during larch season in the fall. You’ll want to find a way to see, hike, and do it all, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself making a “must-see” list for your next trip as soon as you wrap up your first one. We’ve heard park rangers say that even if you were to stay there all summer long and backpack the entire time…you still wouldn’t make a dent in it. That’s how vast the number of lakes, trails, and peaks is. And while it would be a fool’s errand to try to capture all of its wonders in just these few pages, in this travel guide to Banff, we’ve collected a list of what keeps us coming back year after year. bighorn sheep on the icefields. photo: billy dekom

1. Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

There are a lot of things to do in Banff National Park, which include wildlife viewing. Wildlife is abundant here. Like much of the American Rocky Mountains, this is bear country. Banff National Park is home to both black bears and grizzlies. They share this territory with a number of other species—including other predators like wolves, foxes, coyotes, cougars, lynxes, and various birds of prey. You’ll also see elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, caribou, deer, and moose along with plenty of smaller animals like pine martens, marmots, pikas, squirrels, and more. But don’t let the wildness of this place scare you off. With simple respectful, sensible practices and an awareness that these are indeed wild animals—you can travel very safely throughout the park. Just stop by any visitor center to speak to a friendly park ranger for a quick, but thorough, lesson on wildlife safety practices. Bear spray is also available throughout the park for purchase, and you’re encouraged to carry it if you plan to hike or camp during your stay. Some of the best times to view wildlife are at dawn or at dusk, when they are most active and out foraging for food. Bow Valley Parkway is supposed to be one of the best spots to see them but we’re willing to bet you’ll stumble across plenty of them just on your drives throughout the park.

2. Experience a Sunset at Moraine Lake

Experiencing the sunrise at Moraine Lake is one of the many things to do in Banff. When you search for “Banff National Park” chances are very good that an image of Moraine Lake at sunrise will come up right away. This spot is known for its picturesque views and is particularly striking at sunrise. Early in the morning, the still lake waters look like glass—perfectly reflecting the snow-capped mountains on its surface. This lake sits in the Valley of the Ten Peaks and taking in a sunrise here can be a very calming, spiritual experience. moraine lake. photo: billy dekom Another reason to arrive early is that the parking lots at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise tend to fill up very quickly. Occasionally they do have overflow parking lots with shuttles available, but it’s worth it to sneak some time in while everyone else is asleep. Park at the lot right near the lake edge and make your way up on top of the rock pile. It’s a short walk up there, but this height lets you fully appreciate the reflective views. On your way up, listen for high-pitched squeaks coming from the rocks and keep your eyes peeled for the darling little critters called pikas. They are tan colored with short bodies, round ears, and no tails. You can also take in the view from the water’s edge or rent canoes to paddle out onto the water. From this spot, hikers can choose to take the Larch Valley Trail to Sentinel Pass. In September, the larches start to change to a lovely golden yellow color—making for a very striking autumn scene in the valley along the trail. Photographers travel to this spot every year to try to capture the larches turning.

3. Stop and See Lake Louise

No Banff travel guide would be complete without recommending this stop. The main draw of this area is its namesake body of water—Lake Louise. Sitting at the edge of the Fairmont Chateau, its turquoise waters are truly stunning. People traveling in groups will love how easily accessible Lake Louise is—just a few hundred feet from the main parking lot.You can take in a view from the rocky lakeshore, rent canoes to spend time out on the water, or walk around toward the backside to see where the glacial melt feeds into the lake itself. You’ll be mere steps away from the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise—and, even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s a great place to wander around or grab a meal.

4. Hike from Trail to Tea House

Not surprisingly, hiking is one of the many things you can do in Banff, Canada. From Lake Louise you have your pick of several hiking trails. Two of which have tea houses waiting for you once you arrive at your destination. What makes these tea houses so unique is that they have no electricity and no running water—supplies like flour and sugar are flown in by helicopter at the beginning of the season. All fresh food is packed in by the tea house staff members, carried on their backs up the trail. All trash is packed out the same way. Their menus feature specialty teas and made-from-scratch goods. Heading off to the right side, up and away from the lake will take you up to Lake Agnes—another glacial lake with clearer waters and a tea house serving snacks, sandwiches, desserts, and tea. You’ll want to bring cash with you if you’re interested in enjoying some food while sitting by the lake. If you continue past the tea house, you can take the trail even further up to Big Beehive, which overlooks Lake Louise and the Chateau down below. Those craving a challenge can head up for an even higher vantage point at the forebodingly named Devil’s Thumb. Going back to Lake Louise, if you chose instead to take the trail that goes around the shoreline, it will lead you to the trail of the Plain of Six Glaciers. This will also take you to a tea house; but between the two options, this is the one we prefer to spend our money and time on. It’s decidedly less crowded here and the Swiss-style rustic building (built in 1924) is very charming. There’s also a friendly dog, named Arlo-Barlo, who has spent the last ten summers living up at the tea house. It’s a sweet place to enjoy some tasty food in Banff and pause before continuing to the final area where you can view the Plain of Six Glaciers. And depending on the time of year, you may even spot an avalanche off in the distance. In contrast to the one at Lake Agnes, where you’ll find long lines (for the food and for the outhouses) and people talking loudly, bustling around—at the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House you’ll find most hikers and patrons are often quieter. Smiling at each other over sips of tea, remarking upon the delicious bread freshly baked that same morning. Respectfully, calmly taking in the scenery around them. Happily sharing tables with hikers who have just arrived, regardless of whether they know one another or not. Chili and hot meals are made on a propane stove, along with freshly baked goods, and an impressive selection of specialty teas (especially considering this spot is a 6.4 kilometer climb away from the trailhead). Experienced hikers might try hiking from tea house to tea house—connecting the two trail routes we’ve laid out here with little detours to Big Beehive or Devil’s Thumb.

5. Hike along Rushing Water and Waterfalls in Johnston Canyon

One of the best places to stay in Banff if you want to relax is in Johnston Canyon. There’s a number of hiking trails sprinkled along the Bow Valley Parkway but one of the most rewarding day hike areas is in Johnston Canyon. Like most places in Banff during peak season, get here early to avoid the crowds and park in the lot right at the trailhead. In the early morning driving in, you may be able to spot wildlife feeding along the road. johnston canyon. photo: billy dekom The paved trail and series of walking bridges follows rushing water up to several beautiful waterfalls. You can even take the trail further out to an area called the Ink Pots—where five gorgeous, turquoise pools in an idyllic meadow setting will be waiting for you. These pools are mineral springs, and you can sit on benches and watch sandy pools swirl in circular patterns. With mountain ranges surrounding you and Johnston Creek just past the pools, it’s a perfect place to picnic after this moderate hike.

6. Take a Gondola up to Sunshine Meadows

One of the best places to escape the crowds and see wildflowers is in Sunshine Meadows. You can take a shuttle up to a gondola that drops you off at the very top. With a view of Mount Assiniboine in the distance and a platform overlooking three stunning lakes, you can take in some gentle hiking trails up here and see a huge variety of flowers. Even with a wildflower guidebook in hand, we still came across some blooms that we’d never seen before or didn’t know the names of. The views up here are breathtaking, and because you have to drive a bit away from town and pay for a ride up—you’ll shake some of the crowds by heading up to this gorgeous day-hike area. On the gondola ride, keep an eye out for bald eagles circling in the skies, and see if you can spot the winter ski lifts glimmering on the other hills in the distance. Tickets are available online for advance purchase. If you are still wondering what to do in Banff, this is a great option for many. Lush greenery and tall trees are everywhere you look. And if you find yourself here during peak wildflower season (mid-July to mid-August), you’ll find bright blooms of all shapes and colors dotting the landscape too.

7. Take a Road Trip up the Icefields Parkway

Along the drive up the Icefields Parkway, you may feel the urge to pull over the car and stop at every viewpoint. This is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the world, and there really aren’t any “bad” places to stop to take it all in. Not only can you spy glaciers from the road but there’s an unbelievable number of peaks surrounding you along the way. As you leave behind the busy Lake Louise village area and your cell service drops out, you’ll start to become fully immersed in miles of ridgelines. It is one of the funnest things to do in Banff because you can choose your own adventure. Stop at Herbert Lake, just off the road, for a beautiful mirrored view of the skyline. Then continue up the parkway to see even more gorgeous lakes. Once you arrive at Bow Lake, pull into the parking lot and take the short trail out to the water’s edge. Walk along the shore and cross the little bridge to get a better view of Bow Glacier Falls across the water. Further up the parkway lies Peyto Lake—where you can park and take a short, paved walk up to a viewing platform. Further past the platform, you’ll find a trail that heads out to an even more scenic spot. Keep going on the paved section until you see a dirt path disappear into the trees. Take that path. It leads you to a large rock pile and open area overlooking the lake where you can enjoy the views with far fewer people. peyto lake. photo: billy dekom Mistaya Canyon is another beautiful spot to stop at—a few minutes’ walk will take you to a bridge overlook where you can see and hear the water thundering through the narrow slot canyon. Cross the bridge to access spots that take you even closer to the edge, though be wary of wet rock ledges in the summer and slippery ice in the colder months. One of the most impactful and scenic hikes along this stretch of the parkway is Parker Ridge. A hike up to the top gives you a fantastic perspective of the Saskatchewan Glacier just on the other side. The ratio of distance to wow factor can’t be beat here—for a relatively short hike you will be rewarded with epic views. Now, that we’ve covered what to do in Banff, you might be wondering where to sleep, where to eat and where to explore next!

Lodging

When it comes to lodging, you’ve got several choices of where to get a restful night’s sleep. Within the park boundaries, the Town of Banff offers a number of hotels to choose from. The advantage of this is that it places you close to restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and cafés within walking distance from your room, but expect crowds and difficulty finding street parking. Look for a hotel that offers free parking for guests, and keep in mind that many of these underground garages have a height limit (good to know when you’re choosing a rental vehicle that bigger isn’t always better). For a unique experience just outside of town with stunning views, check out the Juniper Hotel. Perched up on the hillside, many of its rooms have a panoramic view of the park. There’s a bistro right on site, making it one of the best places to stay in Banff. The Lake Louise area also has a handful of places to stay, but with fewer dining options available. You can expect prices per night to be about the same in either area but expect to pay a premium if you choose to stay in the historic hotels. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and the Fairmont Banff Springs both offer luxe accommodations for those looking for an upgraded experience. Just outside the park boundary is Canmore. After two three-week trips to this area, this is our favorite place to stay and where we recommend you go if (like us) you’re crowd averse. There are plenty of options here for dining and shopping, with a much more laid-back vibe than the touristy (but lovely) Town of Banff. Plus, there’s a greater selection of grocery stores and a Canadian Tire (a large department store where you can pick up any outdoor gear you forgot to pack for a cheaper price than shops in the park). No matter where you choose to stay, try to secure your bookings in advance. Places fill up quickly in the summer and in peak season you’ll be hard pressed to find vacancies in town.

Camping

Of course, the most affordable way to experience this area is to opt to stay in the many campgrounds sprinkled throughout the park, which is also one of the most highly recommended Banff National Park things to do. Tent camping, trailer, and RV sites are available. Some can be reserved in advance and others (usually the ones sprinkled along the Icefields Parkway) are first-come first-serve. Something unique about Canada’s park service is that it stocks many campgrounds with wood piles for campers to use—just ask at check-in if fires are allowed and pay for a fire-permit for your site. Each place has different amenities available, and it’s worth noting that not every one has showers—so if you aren’t mixing your campground stints in with hotel stays, choose one that has the facilities you need. Having tried a few of the campsites and places to stay in Banff, we recommend trying to reserve a spot at the Lake Louise campground. While this will put your home base further away from the dining options in Banff and Canmore, the campground is fantastic. Clean, large sites; showers; flush toilets; and an electrified bear fence surrounding the entire campground. Plus, it’s just a short drive away from Moraine Lake and Lake Louise if you want to catch a sunrise or get an early start out on the trails. Parks Canada has an online reservation service you can use with detailed information on each of their campgrounds, along with pictures of each site when you book.

Where to Eat

There is a variety of food in Banff. Just outside of the park in nearby Canmore is our favorite spot to eat when in Banff—Communitea Café. They have options for vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike, with a variety of nourishing bowls, fresh salads, in-house baked goods, and a truly delicious breakfast burrito. They serve up fantastic coffee from Pilot Coffee Roasters. Pick up a bag of their light roast called “Academy” to take home with you as a souvenir. The Town of Banff also has some great options for food and dining: The panoramic view of Banff from Juniper Bistro is hard to beat, some even considered it the best of Banff. Definitely plan on coming here for brunch at least once. The menu has healthy foodie favorites like avocado toast, a “brekky salad,” and shakshuka. But the indulgent brie-stuffed French toast is also worth consideration. Balkan Restaurant has delicious, fresh Mediterranean fare with lots of gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options. The Greek bowl makes for a great lunch. The creamy feta dressing is wonderful, and the crispy fried chickpeas taste like buttery croutons, but better. Indian Curry House has delicious food with plenty of options for omnivores and vegetarians alike. Hidden in an upstairs location, it might not seem like much at first glance, but their garlic naan, coconut rice, and tikka masala are fantastic. Indulge in some of the world’s best ice cream at COWS (ranked number 1 on the world’s top ten places to get ice cream by Tauck World Discovery in 2017). On a hot summer day, you can spot the line snaking out the door on Banff Avenue. They have classic and unique flavors—including strawberry ice cream made from fresh-picked berries from Prince Edward Island. Some of our other favorite food in Banff includes Park Distillery + Restaurant + Bar (quality food with a commitment to sustainability practices) and Earl’s Kitchen + Bar (offering a wide selection with a great choice of mocktails). In the Lake Louise area, we recommend skipping the eateries in the village area. Drive up to the Chateau instead. For something light, head to the very back of the hotel to visit Jusu Bar (featuring fresh juices, acai bowls, and smoothies). For lunch, just past the main lobby, you can dine at the Lakeview Lounge. It has fantastic views overlooking the lake, and you won’t want to miss out on their sweet potato fries or house-made seasonal sodas. Grocery For those who want to cook on their own (whether in an Airbnb or in their camp kitchen), you can stock up on healthy food staples at the natural grocery store—Nutter’s Bulk and Natural Foods—in Canmore. This is the only place we were able to find things like stevia, organic snacks, clean bath and body products, nut milk, and quality local honey. There’s also a Safeway in Canmore with a lot of produce options. And if you’re really in a pinch, there’s two grocery stores within the Town of Banff with much more limited selection—IGA and Nester’s Market. Farmer’s Market We also suggest that you look into the farmer’s market schedule while you’re in town. Although it’s not one of the top things to do in Banff, the combination of fresh produce, local goods, and mountain views can’t be beat. In the summer, Canmore has a farmer’s market every Thursday—check out the artisan soaps, local berry jams, and fresh food vendors. The Town of Banff holds theirs on Wednesdays.

Beyond Banff

If you have time to explore a little beyond Banff’s borders, consider making the drive out to any of the adjacent parks. Here are some of the most notable spots where you can experience even more of the wonders that the Canadian Rockies have to offer.

8. Jasper National Park + Mount Robson Provincial Park

When it comes to hiking here, the 360-degree views from the top of Sulphur Skyline are well worth the steep trail it takes to get there. After trying out all the interesting things to do in Banff National Park, traveling here could be the best idea. For a relaxing trip on the water, book a boat tour at Maligne Lake out to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the entire world. athabasca glacier. photo: billy dekom For an unforgettable bucket-list experience, book a tour with Ice Walks to spend some hours walking on the Athabasca Glacier. Do yourself a favor and skip the tour with the rovers—you can spend some real time on the ice, peeking into ice-blue crevasses and trying a sip of pristine glacial water with a mountaineering guide instead. A short drive outside of Jasper and into Mount Robson Provincial Park will take you to the world-renowned Berg Lake Trail. The full trail up to Berg Lake is a multi-day hike for experienced hikers and backpackers. But there’s a gentle day hike out to Kinney Lake that offers exceptional views as well and gets you closer to the base of Mount Robson—the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.

9. Yoho National Park

After hiking the best of Banff, traveling to Yoho National Park is highly recommended. About a 15-minute drive from the Lake Louise area will take you out of Alberta and into British Columbia where the Banff National Park terrain transitions into Yoho National Park, which sits just to the west. Hikers will recognize Yoho as the home of famed Lake O’Hara—another beautiful glacial lake area with miles of trails. Besides the gorgeous color of the waters, what makes a stay at Lake O’Hara so unique is the limited access. Unlike some of the other lakes in this area, you cannot just drive up to it—you have to park your car at the bottom of the 11 kilometer road and either hike up or take the paid shuttle bus. You’ll need advance permits if you want to snag a camping spot in this idyllic hiking destination. You can also look into advance reservations if you prefer to stay at the Lake O’Hara lodge. Either way, expect to call (and call again) on opening day for reservations—it’s an internationally sought-after destination for lovers of the outdoors.

10. Kananaskis Country

If you have extra time to visit other locations beyond the stunning town, you may choose to drop by the Kananaskis Country. Just southwest of Banff, this area includes several other provincial parks all in one park system. Away from the hustle and bustle of the Town of Banff or the tourist-packed Lake Louise area, things look and feel a little wilder out here. This area has a number of ridge hikes for those who are up to challenging hikes and scrambles. Opal Ridge in particular offers exceptional views from the top. The hike up is difficult—you’ll have to use your hands to scramble up the last stretch of scree to the top, but the view from here is well worth it. This lesser-trafficked trail means you might have those views all to yourself. If possible, try to schedule enough time up here to weave in a trip that doesn’t just include spots in Banff but includes Jasper and a few other surrounding areas as well. You won’t be sorry you did. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Alberta, there are hardly any wrong choices. The abundance of beautiful trails and ways to spend your days up there can feel overwhelming, but we hope this Banff travel guide inspires you to keep coming back season after season.

About The Authors Lauren Kenson is the recipe creator and writer behind Free Your Fork, a taste-driven yet health-minded food blog. She is passionate about helping others discover the joys and benefits of cooking in their own kitchen. Her blog is a resource for those looking to develop more mindful eating habits and a happier relationship with food. She is committed to using local, seasonal, and organic ingredients whenever possible. Outside the kitchen, she is an avid long-distance hiker who loves camping and exploring the outdoors with her partner and food photographer, Billy DeKom. Learn more at freeyourfork.com Billy DeKom is a self-taught landscape and adventure photographer based out of the California Bay Area. He’s an avid hiker and backpacker who is passionate about conservation, leave-no-trace, and eco-friendly practices. Billy seeks to encourage others to get out and explore the outdoors by showcasing some of nature’s wildest places through his photography. His Instagram and website are inspiration for those who love to travel. He also does food photography for his wife’s wellness blog, Free Your Fork. Learn more at billydekom.com

This is a hard article to write… because, as I write, I am acutely aware of the fact that words can never truly capture the immense, life-altering profundity of what I experienced at Rythmia. But I am going to try to capture as much as I can in the hopes that those who are ready for a quantum leap in their personal and spiritual growth will get a sense of what awaits them if they decide to make the journey down to this beautiful little slice of planet Earth. So, with that being said, let’s begin. First off, it’s important to know that there are two layers to this story: the trip to Rythmia and the trip at Rythmia. The edges of where each begins, and ends are fuzzy as there is a fair bit of overlap, but I’ll do my best to sort it all out into something coherent that captures the essence of each.

The Trip to Rythmia

Rythmia Life Advancement Center is a luxury wellness resort located on the northern end of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, which just happens to be ground zero for one of the world’s most famous Blue Zones. What is a Blue Zone, you ask? In a nutshell, it’s one of those special places on the planet where people live longer than anywhere else, with many breaking the 100-year-old mark and far beyond. Experts aren’t entirely sure why that is, but it has something to do with the food, the culture, and the pristine nature of the region that all combine to produce extraordinary levels of health and well-being. Great place to put a resort—and if that is all Rythmia had to its name, it would be a great reason to go. But, they do something very special here that makes all of this pale in comparison—they serve Ayahuasca, and when Ayahuasca is served, it always steals the show. Sure, longevity is great, but when it comes to life, it’s all about the quality of time spent over the quantity of years walking this earth. If you want an ultra-high quality, deeply fulfilling life, there are few faster ways to achieve that than through the intentional use of plant medicines like Ayahuasca, which is why a resort like Rythmia, which is dedicated to improving your quality of life big time, puts this sacred medicine front and center. These days, most people have heard of Ayahuasca in some form or another, but in case you haven’t, or in case what you’ve heard about it isn’t accurate, here’s a quick primer.

Ayahuasca and Accelerated Personal Growth

In a nutshell, Ayahuasca is a sacred plant medicine used for many hundreds, if not thousands, of years by indigenous tribes throughout the Amazon basin and adjacent regions of South and Central America for miraculous levels of healing and highly accelerated spiritual growth. How the plant does that is by sending you on a powerful, deeply transformational, and oftentimes psychedelic journey over the course of about 6 to 8 hours that typically takes you to the edges of the universe and back, with healthy doses of exploring the depths of your heart, mind, and soul. If that sounds intense, well, I am not going to lie, it is, but trust me it is so worth it. Admittedly, it’s not for everyone and once again, fair warning that it can be extremely challenging and unpleasant at times. But it can also be the most exquisitely beautiful experience of endless waves of bliss washing over your body for hours as your heart chakra is blasted open, overflowing with unconditional love for everyone and everything, burning away your deepest fears and anxieties forever. The fact is, you never quite know what you are going to get (and it’s usually a little bit of both ends of the spectrum), but you can always count on it being massively transformational at the highest levels. Every single person I met there was incredibly glad they chose to partake of the medicine by the end of the week, even those that had more challenging experiences. Out of our group of 60 or so people, there were miraculous healings of chronic illnesses and pain of all flavors, peace made with family members and lifelong grievances, letting go of deep trauma from childhood experiences, clarity on one’s life purpose, the lifting of long-seated, stubborn depression and anxiety, journeys into peak spiritual experiences of oneness, bliss, and the pinnacles of consciousness, and much more. When all was said and done, everyone got something profound, and no one was the same person who walked in at the beginning of the journey. Just another week at Rythmia…

Nourishing Your Body, Mind, and Soul

If the only thing they did is serve Ayahuasca, that would be another great reason to go; but the truth is that Ayahuasca is only half of the transformational equation they have incredibly well dialed in here. Rythmia is also a world-class destination for breathwork (which is just as powerful as plant medicine in its own way), workshops from leading spiritual teachers, and all the healing and lifestyle amenities to support the deep transformation that ensues that you could want. When you couple that with the incredibly kind and loving facilitators and staff, who make the whole experience feel like coming home to a long-lost soul family, you have the recipe for a peak experience that you’ll never forget. It helps to think of Rythmia like this: everything here is meticulously designed and continually being optimized to facilitate deep healing, deep transformation, and deep rejuvenation at every level of your mind, body, and spirit. Literally. Gerry Powell, the founder of Rythmia, is obsessed with feedback from people who come to visit and is constantly making tweaks and upgrades to the facilities and programming to deliver a beautiful, heart-opening experience that flows smoothly and effortlessly from start to finish. And it’s working. As someone who spends quite a bit of time sampling luxury retreats all around the world, I can say that my time at Rythmia was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, especially in terms of its ability to catalyze high levels of personal growth. And I have high standards too. As someone who has been committed to eating the highest quality organic food whenever possible, who practices breathwork, meditation and yoga daily, who has spent nearly a decade being personally mentored by and studying with many leading spiritual teachers (and could write a book on all of the different types of healing modalities I’ve experienced), and who has co-hosted and co-facilitated wellness retreats all over the world for 100+ people, I know what constitutes quality on many levels, and Rythmia hit the mark on every single one of them.

The Equation for Deep Transformation

Let’s start with the food. First off, the quality is awesome, and it’s 100% organic, which is an incredibly hard thing to pull off in Costa Rica. We spent a month traveling the country a few years ago and finding high-quality, organic food was probably the most difficult part of the trip. But somehow, they’ve figured that out here. Second, all of their food has a secret ingredient that makes it exceptionally delicious and nourishing: copious amounts of love. I know, I know, that probably sounds very corny, but stay with me for a minute. The restaurant at Rythmia is run by an incredibly beautiful and caring soul, Meg Pearson—a talented holistic chef—who radiates love and happiness out of every pore of her being, and the local Blue Zone-raised staff who support her share that same kindness and passion. And, if you have been following the latest quantum physics and noetic sciences research, you’d know that our intention most definitely affects the food we eat and actually changes it at a molecular level, affecting how healthy it is for us and whether our body reacts positively or negatively to it. So, the fact that the kitchen crew here is oozing loving kindness means you are getting very special food that is very rare to come by. Now a word of caution: don’t come expecting five-course gourmet meals. The food here is tasty, but simple. And that’s intentional—it’s actually not good to eat richly when drinking Ayahuasca and engaging in deep transformational work. Your body needs a simple, light diet to conserve energy for the internal rewiring and healing that is going on, and you want food that is going to make you feel great and energetically light. And that’s exactly what they serve here: organic food, infused with love that supports healing and doesn’t add any burden to your body. We highly recommend their organic juice cleanse option, and yes, whatever unique diet you are on, you will find plenty of options here, even for the most restricted palette. To support the healing of your physical body even further, all Rythmia visits include massages and colonics to help purify and release any tension and toxins that might be lingering in your system. While I didn’t personally get to try the colonics (I was busy experiencing waves of profound insights, bliss, and joy from all the Ayahuasca), I heard they were excellent from many people. I did, however, get a massage and that was fantastic. Costa Rica is a good country for massages. All of the ones I have had down there were excellent, and Rythmia’s was no exception—they used 100% natural and organic lotions infused with your choice of deliciously fragrant essential oils, and the therapist who worked on me was very experienced. I felt amazing during and afterwards, and it was a nice touch after the long nights of ceremony. After your massage, you are just a few paces away from their geothermal, spring water-fed hot tubs, steam room, and mud baths, featuring deeply exfoliating and detoxifying mud from local Costa Rican volcanoes. Quite frankly, after a trip to their spa center, it’s hard to feel anything but amazing, and most of it is open 24 hours, so you can visit whenever it feels right. And finally, if you really want to go all the way with your physical healing, you can try their NovaCell program, which is a cutting-edge, research-backed stem cell treatment that has been shown to measurably reduce inflammation and confer an incredible range of anti-aging benefits. I spent one of the nights there in deep conversation with their medical director John Jacob Mubarak learning all about it, and I can confirm it’s truly a breakthrough in holistic medicine that you will be hearing a lot more about from leading universities and medical journals in the coming years and decades. Rythmia is one of the only places on the planet that offers it currently, so if you are interested, be sure to check out their presentation on it while you are down here. All of these things combined create a beautiful foundation for what are, in my opinion, the main attractions of Rythmia: the breathwork, the workshops, and the quality time with mother Ayahuasca, which take the physical healing to another level entirely and add on copious amounts of mental, emotional, and spiritual expansion. First, let’s start with the breathwork. If you’ve done it before, you know how powerful it can be; and if you haven’t, well, just know that you are in for a real treat. For some, it’s more transformational than the Ayahuasca itself, and once you learn how to do it, you’ll have it as a tool you can use whenever you want in your day-to-day life. And unlike Ayahuasca, it’s something you can safely do at home without having to take a break from your normal routines in life. But, like everything they do at Rythmia, this is not just a basic breathwork workshop. It’s an expertly facilitated, multi-sensory journey that helps to not only integrate everything you experienced on the plant medicine, but also take you to places the plants can’t. There is something uniquely organic about breathwork, which uses your body’s own energy and capabilities, to heal itself that is distinctly different from, and yet still complementary to, the plants. I saw some of the biggest breakthroughs of the whole week happen in the two breathwork journeys I participated in, and many people said it was the highlight of their experience. In short, the breathwork sessions make a great combo with the plants; and with the experienced facilitation of Christian Minson and his crew helping and guiding you throughout the process, it’s absolutely not to be missed.

Spending Time with Gerry

Next up on their transformational buffet are the workshops held throughout the week by visiting guest teachers like Reverend Michael Beckwith, Graham Hancock, John Gray, Anita Moorjani, and many more, including Rythmia founder Gerry Powell himself. And let me tell you: make sure to go to all of Gerry’s workshops if he is there when you are. They are absolutely not to be missed and were definitely a highlight of the trip. He’s hilarious—really, truly laugh-out-loud-for-hours-straight funny (he should really consider a second career as a stand-up comedian)—and his workshops prepare you very well for the Ayahuasca journeys. Plus, he knows a thing or two about life, having created and sold a $90 million company and overcome extreme drug addiction. He’s also very experienced with plant medicine and has one of the most lucid understandings of the dynamics of the medicine journey I have seen in a while that really adds to the experience in ways that are hard to describe. Moreover, he has a heart as big as the moon, and he takes a personal interest in the transformation of all of the guests.

The Art of Being Well Cared For

That’s another thing I really liked about Rythmia. It was very casual, not pretentious, and down to earth. Gerry and all the visiting guest teachers, shamans, and facilitators mingled openly throughout the week with participants, tracking their journey and transformation closely and offering support above and beyond the call of duty whenever needed. These people aren’t simply doing their jobs—they are here because they care deeply—they show up from a loving place for those who attend because they are incredibly passionate about helping others. I experience this from time to time at retreats, and when it is present, it always turns the event into a peak experience. The fact that they are able to do this authentically, week after week, is a testament to their commitment to creating miracles for everyone who attends. It’s also a testament to the power of Ayahuasca, when consumed regularly (which pretty much all of the staff do), to opening your heart in a big way and helping you transform into a very high quality human being. And, it probably doesn’t hurt that this all takes place in a Blue Zone too. The land here is powerful; don’t be surprised to see wild howler monkeys and giant iguanas roaming through the property. After all, this is the jungle, and the jungle itself is its own healing medicine. The incredibly fresh air, the close proximity to the gorgeous beach at Playa Avellanas (which is only a short bike or shuttle ride away), and the beautiful star-filled night sky, which is absolutely unreal when seen through the lens of Ayahuasca, combine with everything else at Rythmia to make the experience a real treat for the senses that works its magic in subtle yet profound ways. Each night as I returned to my cozy bed in my cozy casita, I noticed a different aspect of the experience that I previously had missed that made it that much more special than the night before. And this is in large part because each day, I was truly a new person, having been transformed at the deepest levels from my nightly journeys on the wings of Ayahuasca.

The Trip at Rythmia

As amazing as everything I just described is to experience, few things can truly compare to the magnitude of what I experienced during my time with Ayahuasca. Before I dive into the nuances of what I personally experienced, there is an important disclaimer I need to make for those who are interested in what an Ayahuasca journey is like: What I experienced is unique to me, and what you experience (if you decide to sit with the medicine) will be unique to you. No two journeys are ever the same for the same person, let alone different people, and it’s important to trust at all times that you are getting exactly what you need, because that is exactly what is happening. Now, with that being said, there are often overarching similarities between people’s journeys. Common things that most people tend to experience include: visions of all kinds and flavors, healing of physical ailments, physical purging and crying, laughing and feeling waves of bliss and joy, release of long-held mental and emotional blocks, being brought to the edge of what they think they can handle, having direct experiences of one’s soul or God, deep forgiveness of oneself and others, psychedelic imagery, profound insights into the nature of reality, visiting higher dimensions, and so on.

A Father-Son Journey into the Unknown

With all of that being said, here’s what my father and I experienced. That’s right, I went with my dad. In fact, there were a few families there. Brothers and sisters, mothers and daughters, parents and children, and so on. And even though we went together, we had wildly different experiences. My father’s intention was largely to get to the mental and emotional roots of his stubborn and intense health challenges from Type 2 diabetes that weren’t really being helped by the treatments he had been doing over the last few years. Despite his best efforts with both natural and western medicine, he felt stuck and, in many ways, hopeless as things were getting worse. It was clear to both of us that some kind of miracle was desperately needed, and when the opportunity to go to Rythmia presented itself, it quickly became obvious that this was likely his best shot. Being a fully licensed medical facility, staffed with EMTs and doctors around the clock, this was pretty much the only place he could safely do Ayahuasca. As a young, radiantly healthy 34-year-old who has spent the last 14 years deeply committed to my personal growth, my intentions were somewhat different. I chose to generally focus on expanding into the next level of my personal and spiritual evolution, whatever that entailed. Be it deep healing of unconscious blockages, or activating higher psycho-spiritual faculties I had been exploring for many years through my meditation practice, and everything in between. There was, however, a shared intention between us: that we trusted the plant’s wisdom deeply and surrendered to the experience, whatever it should bring. These plant teachers are unfathomably complex and intelligent, far beyond what we think we know; and when dealing with a power of that magnitude, it is always wise to ask for a bit of protection from your helper spirits (a tried and true shamanic practice) and to try and stay in beginner’s mind throughout. And with that, we were off.

The Ayahuasca Ceremonies

Every night for four consecutive nights, they offer Ayahuasca ceremonies at Rythmia. I say offer because nothing is mandatory, yet participation is highly encouraged. At around 5:30 each night, you gather with the other participants in your cohort to enter the Maloca—traditionally a long, ancestral house used by the natives of the Amazon, notably in Colombia and Brazil—the name of the meticulously kept space where Ayahuasca is consumed at Rythmia, named as such to honor the indigenous tribes from whom the medicine came. After a relaxed introduction and a question and answer session with the shamans and facilitators conducting the ceremony for the night, Hapé is offered. Hapé is a traditional indigenous snuff made from a mixture of wild jungle tobacco and sacred psychoactive plants that is traditionally consumed before Ayahuasca ceremonies to prime the mind, body, and spirit to receive the medicine. Once the serving of this medicine is complete, the Ayahuasca itself is offered next. Everyone starts with about one cup, more or less, depending on what the shamans determine that you need, and throughout the ceremonies, further doses are offered if one is feeling called to go deeper. Each night, different shamans facilitate the ceremonies; and yet they all share one core trait: they are highly experienced, highly trained masters of working with the plants, who have largely studied in the Inga lineage under the tutelage of Taita Juanito, a master Colombian shaman that carries the traditional ways of his people and oversees much of the Ayahuasca work at Rythmia. Although they each have a unique energy and style that changes the dynamics of each ceremony, one thing persists, you can intuitively feel you are in good hands, and there copious healers, helpers, and EMTs on staff with Rythmia to help ensure you are as safe and as cared for as can be. After receiving the medicine from the shaman’s, you return to your mattress to wait for the journey to begin. Some also choose to go outside, but either way, nature is never far away as the Maloca is designed to have minimal separation between you and the jungle—just enough, essentially, to keep you quite comfortable and free from bugs. Large windows encircle the space, offering glimpses into the starry night sky, and the sliding glass doors are almost always left wide open, letting the warm Costa Rican breeze seep in and allowing the purifying smoke from the burning copal resin to drift out. If you are feeling coherent enough to venture outside during your journey, it is highly recommended, but know that you will get exactly what you need wherever you decide to rest.

The Sacred Journey Begins

And then it begins. Over the course of a few minutes to a few hours, the medicine begins to take over your awareness and usher you into a world far beyond the edges of what we perceive as reality. For me, it was rather quick the first night: within about 30 to 40 minutes, I had been blasted off into a higher plane of existence—the intensely psychedelic symbolic realm where the archetypal forms that permeate our reality are birthed. My entire field of vision was filled with a rainbow-like spectrum of sacred geometric shapes and forms that shifted and changed with each passing second. It was simultaneously amazing and confusing, and then frustrating. This was it? After 30 minutes or so of cosmic fireworks, I wondered if all Ayahuasca was going to be for me was some psychedelic eye candy devoid of any real depth. But no sooner had I had that thought than the experience began to change. I laid down on my mat and that’s when the real journey began—the journey into the heart. Suddenly, the medicine spoke to me for the first and only time those entire four days as it whispered, “This is going to be a lesson in love.” As soon as the words finished, a flurry of warm energy began piercing into my heart, blasting it open into a direct experience of unconditional love, which, little did I know at the time, I would be bathing in continuously for the next four days and, in fact, many weeks after. Still to this very day, the feeling lingers, something forever changed and softened in me, but we’ll come back to that later. As I acclimated to the new reality of profound joy and wonder that I was thrust into, everything intensified in the best way. I was suddenly being shown aspects of my life now (and in the future) in a profound way. I was tapped into the cosmic Google—the Akashic field—where the essence and secrets of the things I pondered were shown to me in real time. I was “learning,” as the tribes who drink Ayahuasca regularly say. I was aware of myself evolving in real time and the experience of being shown those things essential to my personal expansion and growth that would prepare me for what was ahead in life both literally and at the level of the soul. Speaking of which, in the midst of this hours-long cosmic download, I saw my soul purpose (that is, one’s purpose or essence that transcends lifetimes) as clear as day, the experience of which filled me with a deep peace, confidence, and knowingness that catapulted the journey into an intensely transcendental space far beyond the concerns and worries of everyday life. Revelations of this magnitude continued throughout the night. It was like a getting a Ph.D. in the mechanics of my personal reality and our collective reality in one sitting. I was shown lesson after lesson of why and how things are the way they are, some of it known to those seekers of truth who dedicate their lives to this level of understanding, some of it yet to be known widely. A sacred gift of immense proportions that is still unfolding and influencing my life greatly to this day. And everything I have just shared is only skimming the surface of what transpired on night one. To capture everything would require hundreds of pages for each ceremony. Such is the nature of these medicines and why they are often lovingly referred to as “teacher plants.”

Night Two: Deeper and Further

Night two continued the journey I began on the first. I went deeper into unconditional love. Further out to the edges of reality. I bathed in the perfection of all that is—the immensity of the wisdom of nature. I saw its inner workings, our inseparability from its essence and its cosmic proportions that dwarf our human melodrama a trillion times over. I became the Tao. I watched the galactic interplay between light and dark unfold over eons of time and how this Shakespearean epic continues to unfold on our planet to this very day. I wandered outside this night. Good move. It was stunning. Seeing the stars under the influence of the medicine was astonishingly beautiful. People were dancing, meditating, smiling, praying, and channeling messages from higher dimensions in ancient languages I had never heard, but I nevertheless understood because in that moment, I was telepathic. I received the transmission directly into my body, not filtered through the limits of the mind like it normally would be. As I paced back and forth, laughing to myself in gratitude and bliss, my deepest fears and anxieties were being burned from my nervous system. Each moment spent occupying this divine frequency was purifying my body and mind from old hurts, wounds, and traumas that had somehow escaped my awareness after all these years. I came back inside to close the night. The absolutely exquisite music being played—sacred icaros and inspired songs from those singing and creating directly from the level of the soul—was its own transformational experience. As we sat in the closing circle that night, speaking freely about our experiences together as a group, it became clear that many miracles had taken place only two days into the journey and quite a few more were clearly on the way. Although my journeys were nothing short of profound, not everyone was having the same kind of experience. My father, for one, was stuck at the edge of a breakthrough. Each night the medicine would confront him with the very things he needed to let go of, inviting him to surrender his desire to control and allow the transformation he sought on this trip to occur. To make peace with his past once and for all—to unhook the wounds of disappointment and shame that were almost certainly contributing to his illness. He toed the line but was not yet able to cross. I wondered if he would get what he came for—if he would let himself have it. Others were in a similar place too—and this is why the medicine is traditionally consumed for multiple nights in a row. It’s clearing out lifetimes of pain and suffering—decades upon decades of self-doubt, fear, trauma, and self-sabotage. It almost always takes more than one go. And so, no matter where people were on the spectrum from blissed out to burned out, we all continued the journey on night three. Sort of.

Night Three: Cosmic Dreams

I actually decided to sit the ceremony out. This is not the normal protocol; and for the vast majority of people who go, it would be a mistake. But I spent the entire day in meditation, listening deeply to my intuition and being clearly told that I was supposed to sit this one out. I consulted with the shamans and facilitators, and they agreed that although it is best to attend all the ceremonies, if one’s intuition is clearly saying no, then that is the highest wisdom of all. But the truth is, it didn’t matter that I didn’t drink Ayahuasca that night, because I had one of the most intense journeys of all my time there, despite my abstinence. For one thing, the Ayahuasca is most definitely in your system for quite a few days after even just one glass, so I was still very much on the medicine. Secondly, Ayahuasca is far more than a plant. It’s a living breathing field of energy, and if you happen to be in close proximity to a group of 60+ people deeply in its throes, you are going to have some kind of transcendental experience yourself—like it or not. And that’s exactly what happened. I thought I was staying in my room to get caught up on sleep—what I got instead was the medicine taking over my dreams and pushing me even further out to the edges of reality as I lay by myself in the darkness of my room going, higher, farther, and deeper into the depths of my soul. That night I confronted my own mortality. In fact, I went even further than that, having long made peace with death—I confronted the existential concept of existing on any level, period—human, spirit, or otherwise. I was brought to the edges of the primordial void, the edge of the universe, the eye of god, and asked if I was ready to proceed into the unfathomable mystery of what lies beyond all of it. I hesitated. I wasn’t sure what yes meant. Would I cease to exist? Not just physically, but at all? Would my soul dissolve into nothingness? I didn’t know, and quite frankly, I wasn’t sure if I was prepared to find out.

Night Four: The Edges of Reality

But the next night, I did. The last night of ceremony was supposed to be an all night, 12-hour marathon celebration that all the Rythmia staff had been singing the praises of all week. It was not to be missed, I was told. They served Yagé, I was informed, a special type of brew popular with many indigenous tribes in the Amazon that was different from the rest. At this point, for me, everything was icing on the cake. The first three nights, in ceremony or not, were incredible; and if I had left right then, it would have already been a peak experience. But I was ready to go deeper. After all, that is why I had come, to go as deep as possible, and this was promised to be the deepest night of all. It started like any other. We received our Hapé, we drank our Yagé, and that’s where the similarities ended. The Yagé was very different than the first three brews. It was thicker, and denser, and more elusive… literally in how it tasted going down and in its psychological effects. For me, at least. Three hours or so after drinking my first and only cup, I wasn’t sure if I was feeling anything. And then like a jaguar pouncing upon its unsuspecting prey, it snuck up on me with a fierce intensity. I was suddenly thrust to the edges of my capacity. The self I thought I knew as Justin was being burned away. I was discovering what was on the other side of the void, and its immensity was swallowing me whole. But I didn’t disappear. I didn’t die. I didn’t lose my conception of self. Instead I became infinite. And while I am tempted to try and describe what that was like, I can’t. As anyone who’s been there knows, it’s simply beyond words. Sure, I could describe what unfolded… I could recite the facts as they happened. But at the end of the day, it’s not something that can be fully communicated, only experienced, and attempting to put it into words most often diminishes the sacredness of what transpired. In order to know what I experienced, you have to go there yourself. You have to be willing to journey deep into the unknown and confront the vast and often times overwhelming mystery of inner space. Whether you do that work with plants or not is up to you, but that is the price of admission to venture into the territory of the infinite. As the sun rose and the night came to a close, I found my father once again precipitously at the edge of receiving the miraculous healing he came to get. Something had changed that night. He was different, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. I later learned he had died that night. Not physically, but existentially—his old self was gone. The part of him that was holding on to the story of struggle and pain. After three cups of medicine and his fair share of purging, he was “clean.” Exhausted like all of us, he looked like shit, but even though his physical appearance reeked of tiredness, his energy had noticeably shifted. We went our separate ways and met again briefly over lunch. Gerry checked in with us both, and we all set our sights to reconvene at breathwork that night. The week wasn’t over yet, and everyone was determined to see him get what he came for.

Breathwork and the Final Miracle

The transformational theatrics I witnessed during the four nights of the Ayahuasca ceremonies with a room full of people purging, crying, laughing, dancing, and channeling different dimensions were truly over the top, but little did I know that would continue so strongly into the breathwork sessions that followed. While no one purged physically, they did emotionally, my father included. Twenty minutes into the session, I was absolutely certain the air everyone was breathing had been spiked with more Ayahuasca. The catharsis taking place was downright intense at times. My journey into waves of bliss and insight continued, but all around me people were writhing in some sort of shrieking, orgasmic ecstasy as they released any lingering blocks that had not yet been healed. By the time the workshop finished an hour later, people literally looked 20 to 30 years younger. No joke. The before and after photos from that experience would be priceless. It was truly an incredible experience, and as mentioned previously, I am no stranger to breathwork. I looked back at my father who was in the row behind me. His face had changed color. He had vitality and life for the first time in years. It was palpable. At dinner a few hours later, we met as a group to begin saying our goodbyes. Many people were leaving the next morning, and they casually made the rounds dropping in to part ways with their newfound family they didn’t know existed a week earlier. Each person who stopped to talk to my father and I remarked how different he looked. Instead of his normal, somewhat frustrated and pessimistic self that had developed since the diabetes set in, he was hopeful, even excited about life. He spent the dinner rattling off all the changes he was going to make from that moment forward, describing his new life in detail. Already many of the symptoms he had come to Rythmia with (from dizziness to neuropathic pain to a metallic taste in his mouth that made eating unpleasurable and caused him to lose a dangerous amount of weight) had become significantly better. You could see it just by looking at him. As he scarfed down the biggest meal I had seen him eat in years, he received a seemingly endless stream of compliments from the people who stopped by, all of whom shared the same glowing reflections, despite not knowing what the people before them had said. It was truly a miracle. In one week, he had healed more than three years of allopathic and naturopathic care combined. He truly got a new lease on life and, perhaps most importantly of all, a permanent shift in mindset that has persisted to this very day, over a month and a half later. In the time since leaving Rythmia, his symptoms have continued to recede, and a full recovery is looking very hopeful. As for me, well, I’m doing great and continuing to embody the shifts and insights I received during my journeys have thrust my trajectory even further upward than it was already. The last month and a half has been especially remarkable and shows no signs of letting up. My creative output has tripled, the daily flow of synchronicity and wonder I experience is off the charts, and my heart is still wide open from the experience. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about my time there and the people I met on the trip. I’m looking forward to heading back soon… I can still hear the medicine calling my name.

Visiting Rythmia

If you are interested in visiting Rythmia, head over to their website where you can nd out more information about their retreat pack- ages and which teachers will be visiting each week: rythmia.com Be sure to also check out their social media channels where they o er free workshops from their resident and guest teachers: facebook.com/rythmia instagram.com/rythmia_

About The Authors Justin Faerman is the co-founder of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine.

dusk falls on the heart of the old city of jerusalem, just as it has for thousands of years.

Editor’s Note: The following article documents a seven-day cultural journey we embarked upon with a group of 50 leaders in the health and wellness space as part of the annual Schusterman Foundation REALITY Wellness trip—an epic journey into the heart of Israel for global changemakers on a mission to repair the world. It’s unfortunate that the only time most people hear about Israel is when there is some sort of controversy being stirred up by the media. What those stories fail to capture is the incredible beauty, strength and resilience of the people, the rich cultural history pouring from every square inch of the deeply spiritual land and the complexities of daily life in a country caught between extremes of every sort—old and new, conflict and peace, hope and despair, history and future.  Looking in from the outside it all seems so simple, but once your feet hit the ground, a different reality unfolds—a juxtaposition of all of the above and beyond that creates a cultural tapestry so intricate and varied it could take a lifetime to fully comprehend. And we should know, since we traveled in the company of one of the great historians, professors and storytellers of our time, Michael Bauer, who is one of the leading experts in the world on Israel and Middle Eastern geopolitics. Some of his first words to us were that Israel is complex and he himself has more questions than answers.

A Fresh Perspective on The Land of Milk and Honey

With that being said, let us be clear that we are going to tell a different kind of story about Israel—one that you may not have heard. A story that diverges from traditional narratives… not about its past, not about its conflicts, but its bright future as an emerging nation floating in a sea of possibility amongst great uncertainty. Because the Israel we saw was filled with the hopes and dreams of multiple generations for a place to call home, to love, to feel at peace with, no matter what cultural group, religion or identity was being represented. And while yes, there are those who don’t fit that mold and perhaps even want the opposite of that, they are very much in the minority. Like most places on earth, everyone is simply trying to get on with their lives as best they know how.

Tel Aviv

Our journey began in Tel Aviv, the rapidly evolving economic and technological capital of Israel, where you might be forgiven for thinking you had ended up in a middle-sized city somewhere in South Europe was it not for the Hebrew lettering on most of the signs. It’s a fusion of modern international architectural styles with a fair bit of Bauhaus and eclecticism thrown in—just enough to make you never quite sure what to expect around the next corner. This gives the city a sort of mosaic feel—each block slightly different than the next, similar but also distinct, sometimes historic, but mostly modern given how the city didn’t really exist before 1909. That’s with the exception of Jaffa, of course, the ancient Arab port city (which archaeologists date back to nearly 7500 BCE) now neatly incorporated into the southern coastal bosom of Tel Aviv. If you are looking for old world charm, this is where you will find it because the rest of the city seems like it’s racing toward the future with its growing urbanization and development. perched on the edge of the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean sea, tel aviv has a little bit of chill built right in. photo: justen tabert These days, Tel Aviv is attracting the country’s best and brightest searching for a future in the startup space, tech, finance, the arts, academia… anything really that is more aligned with the future than the past. While we were there we were treated to an art-infused organic vegan dinner with Avital Sabag, a forward-thinking dietician, chef, teacher, chinese medicine and holistic health expert, in a modern loft somewhere in the heart of the city. The morning after we wandered historic Rothschild Boulevard (where the statehood of the country was declared) and the fruit tree-lined alleyways of ultra-hip Neve Tzedek, the veritable SoHo of the city. Michael led us over to meet Ohad Naharin of the word renowned Batsheva Dance Company and experience his ecstatic dance hybrid movement practice called Gaga at the hands of one of his top students. We were then treated to an impromptu rehearsal of his latest dance production, which was a blend of hip-hop and racy cultural commentary that seemed more appropriate for the streets of Brooklyn than the biblical story land of Israel you hear about in synagogue or church. But, that just goes to show you, that’s a stereotype fostered by outdated cultural narratives and the reality of daily life here is anything but what you’d expect. The Tel Aviv we saw was a young, modern, culturally rich, first-world city on par with any North American or European capital emerging into the 21st century. It’s no wonder that it has become a sort of under-the-radar mecca for twenty- and thirty-something designers, jet setters, artists, musicians and entrepreneurs over the last few years. It’s sexy, hip, cool and the weather and food are pretty hard to beat.

Galilee & The Golan Heights

After a beachside lunch at the nearby, dazzlingly picturesque Michmoret Beach, we headed north for a long drive to the edge of the Golan Heights, arguably one of the most beautiful areas of the country. The drive there was nothing to sneeze at either, winding through Garden of Eden-esque scenes of rolling, rocky, tree-lined hills in full bloom after recent rains. Michael narrated the drive with fascinating bits of modern and ancient history, helping to unravel the cultural complexities of the land and its peoples. That night we had the pleasure of staying at the Mizpe Hayamim Resort—an organic farm and food wonderland overlooking the tranquil Sea of Galilee of biblical fame. That’s right, the place where Jesus is said to have walked on water and performed countless other miracles. Such is the nature of Israel—modern life coexists right alongside ancient history like few other places on the planet.

Mizpe Hayamim Eco-Resort

Mizpe Hayamim served us up some of the best food we had on the trip—a truly farm-to-table experience, sourced from the grounds of the hotel and the surrounding organic farmland on which it sits. Dinner was a 5-course meal of locally inspired fusion cuisine, and breakfast didn’t disappoint either—some that traveled with us said it was the best they had ever had, all delivered with a distinctly Israeli flair. We are happy to report that the organic food movement in Israel is growing and Mizpe Hayamim is poster child of what’s possible in terms of holistically integrated living, not just in Israel but worldwide. From the shores of the Galilee we headed northwest to the small village of Peki’in—a rarity in the Middle East. Peki’in is a predominantly Christian Arab and Druze town—two ethnic groups that are very much in the minority in both Israel and other Arab countries on the whole. While cultural integration is still a touchy issue in Israel, the Middle East and, in some sense, the world as a whole, Peki’in is an anomaly in that it is a place where Jews, Arabs and Druze people live in harmony and peace.

The Birthplace of Kabbalah

While there we saw two remarkable things: The first was the birthplace of Kabbalah—an unassuming entrance to a small cave where Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai is said to have divined the Zohar, a foundational text in one of the most profound systems of esoteric spirituality known to man. The second was Grandma Gamila—an inspirational and entrepreneurial Druze woman who built a $50 million per year natural soap empire in the face of overwhelming cultural oppression from humble roots in the village. We spent an hour with her, hearing her story and gleaning gems of life wisdom from an icon of women’s rights and entrepreneurial success.

Tsfat: The Hilltop Town of the Mystics

From there we headed north to the historic hilltop city of Tsfat (also spelled Safed), a hotspot of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah, where we had a lively group discussion with Evan Yisrael Strauss on the finer points of the nature of reality, consciousness, human psychology and their intersecting path at the heart of Jewish philosophy, Kabbalah and metaphysics on the whole. Our backdrop was The Way Inn, an impeccably designed, biblical-chic sanctuary in the heart of the historic artist’s quarter of the city. Run by the heart-centered but sassy husband and wife duo Gita Zohara and Rony BarEl, think equal parts cozy, bohemian, metaphysical and boutique with some of the best food in the country cooked up in-house with a healthy mediterranean flair. If you are in the area, stopping by is an absolute must, and we couldn’t think of anywhere else we’d rather stay in the city. master storyteller and historian michael bauer regals the group with the history of tsfat. photo: sam lucid After a stroll through the quaint but impressive art market, a quick meditation in a secret alleyway near a laughter-filled playground with Expectful founder Mark Krassner and a couple glasses of fresh-squeezed local pomegranate juice, we departed the city for the Syrian border.

Getting Up Close and Personal at the Syrian Border

The Golan Heights, for those of you who don’t know, is a controversial place. At once phenomenally placid and beautiful with lush green fields of rolling grass, wildflowers and farms, it has a war-torn past that can still be felt right up to the modern day. To the northwest it borders Lebanon, and while things have settled down there for the most part, tensions still run high. In the northeast, it borders Syria and, as of this writing, Syria is in the middle of civil and regional war. And when you start to get close to the border, you can tell. Fences and signs warn you of entering seemingly innocuous fields due to unexploded land mines, and gun shots can sometimes be heard in the distance, echoing in from nearby border towns in Syria. We got as close to the border as we could—a bombed-out Soviet-era building only a few hundred meters from the fence. There is not much to see other than a few destroyed villages, but it was, at least for us, more about what the place represents culturally and politically in the region. Just a few hundred meters further south you might have to pinch yourself to believe an active civil war is going on less than a mile away—there are tracts of residential housing and life seems as beautiful and normal as it does anywhere else, but the future of the area is uncertain. Michael, in typical fashion, artfully explained the delicate complexities of the situation as objectively and philosophically as possible. It’s a mess, to put it lightly, but there was a story of hope among it all—that Israeli soldiers, in a voluntary showing of humanity and compassion, would freely treat the injured Syrian victims of war left at the border fence by friends and families in modern Israeli hospitals nearby. When strong enough to leave, they returned them to the communities from whence they came, hopefully with a touch of gratitude in their hearts for the selfless care they received that transcended the false boundaries of race and ideology. I couldn’t help but wonder what the solution to a problem of such intensity and complexity was.

Mt. Bental

The answer came as we climbed nearby Mt. Bental, perched in stunning panorama of the region—the intention for all involved parties must be harmony, cooperation and peace. For some it is, but for many it is not—it is still about who is right and who is wrong, who controls the power, the money, the politics. Or worse yet, hatred, hurt and retaliation still being harbored for past wounds and losses. The situation reflects the collective consciousness of those involved and, in that sense, thing are headed in the right direction. The region is stable and peaceful now compared to how it has been in the past, but more healing and evolution is needed to get it to where it needs to be. We held this vision for a new future of harmony, cooperation and peace in our hearts and minds during a group meditation before we headed back down toward our destination for the night. the group meditating for peace and harmony on mt. bental overlooking the border of syria and the expanse of the golan heights. photo: sam lucid Our last stop in the Golan was the family-run Assaf Winery, where we enjoyed yet another beautiful farm-to-table dinner, created with love from food grown and harvested from surrounding farms. Over a round of their delicious wine, we shared and celebrated the family’s vision of actively owning and operating a family-run wine business in this wild region of the country, bringing normalcy and peace to reshape the land and culture towards a more holistically integrated lifestyle.

Jerusalem

The next morning we set off toward Jerusalem, arguably the spiritual capital of the world, with three of humanity’s five major religions considering it one of, if not the holiest place. And with good reason—the city is hands down the greatest collection of sacred sites and treasures on the planet. You can feel it too. Coming into the city we all were taken aback by thousands of years of collective spiritual intent and prayer we felt radiating from the ethers of the biblical stone walls. the iconic dome of the rock in the heart of the old city of jerusalem. photo: justen tabert I once asked a man who had been to every country on earth what the most interesting place he ever visited was and, without hesitating for a second, he said Jerusalem. And it’s not hard to understand why—there truly is nowhere else like it on the planet. Architecturally, it’s a work of art—a veritable labyrinth of endless limestone alleyways built atop a series of hills that make it impossible to tell where the ground actually is. Like a living M.C. Escher painting, the streets snake upwards, downwards, sideways and diagonally in the old city—where one person’s roof might be another’s walkway. For thousands of years the residents have been building on top of sacred ruins and each other’s houses trying to cram ever more matter into a fixed, architecturally challenging space. The sheer ingenuity of the whole setup is a spectacle in and of itself, with Arabs, Jews, Armenians and Christians all jumbled together in a mish-mash of ever-shifting neighborhoods and streets. And in the middle of it all you have historical treasures like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Wailing Wall, the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock and countless other lesser known but extremely important world heritage sites littered like grains of sand across the city. Interwoven into it all are colorful old world markets, modern boutiques and the to and fro of daily life for the hundreds of thousands of people who call the area home.

An Ancient City For Modern Times

Sprawling outward from the epicenter of the old city lie the newer neighborhoods, thankfully still built in the same gorgeous, timeless Jerusalem style, which house everything from residential neighborhoods, to bohemian artists’ colonies to the century-old Machane Yehuda Market, which functions as a farmer’s market selling fruits, cheeses, meats and other fares during the day but at night transforms into a hip, thriving scene that attracts the young and trendy from all corners of the city with its vibrant selection of food and secular bar scene. If you are not from Israel, it’s easy to think of Jerusalem as a “holy land” and forget that nearly a million people call it home and operate much the same way as we all do in the rest of the world. The Machane Yehuda Market might as well be in San Francisco, if it weren’t for all the people speaking Hebrew and Arabic. light night adventures in the machane yehuda market with stephen brooks, co-founder of envision festival, punta mona and all around master permaculturist. photo: sam lucid We stayed at the famous Mt. Zion Hotel just outside the old city, overlooking the edge of the Palestinian territories, where we were treated to a presentation by the program directors of MEET—an organization that partners with MIT and is working to foster friendship, community and positive social change between Palestinian and Israeli youth through innovative, technology-based programs. Our last night in the city we visited the Western Wall and let ourselves get swept away in the sea of spiritual pilgrims offering ritual prayers and intentions en masse as they have been for thousands of years. We ended the night with a traditional Shabbat dinner at the Harp of David Art Gallery where we were serenaded by one of the top up-and-coming Israeli musicians Hadas Kleinman and her amazing husband Giora Israel, who embody everything about what is working and progressive in Israeli culture and who are beacons of consciousness and creativity in the region.

Masada and the Dead Sea

No trip to Israel is complete without visiting the Dead Sea—one of the great natural wonders of the world that sparkles from miles away like a sapphire oasis in the otherwise dry and desolate desert environment. The clash of the crystal blue waters against the sterile off-white backdrop of the dusty desert is an extraordinary sight to behold, especially perched high upon the edges of the crumbling cliffs of the infamous Masada fortress. As we toured the mysterious ruins of the  centuries-old stronghold under the watchful eye of our faithful guide Michael and the Schusterman team, who were the thoughtful masterminds behind our journey through the sacred land, the blazing midday sun pushed us to the point of no return, and we descended the mountain for a soak in the beckoning sea. one of the most starkly beautiful places on the planet, mount masada is in many ways the gateway to the dead sea and all that lies beyond. photo: justin faerman I won’t say much about the experience, lest I ruin some of the surprises this magical body of water has to offer, but suffice it to say that it is quite the sensual experience on every level. From the unusual feel of the hyper-saline waters, to the unique geological formations hiding just below the glassy surface, to the sacred geometry-infused clusters of salt that form on the shores, it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves you feeling deeply refreshed and rejuvenated as your body soaks up the highly concentrated trace minerals abundant in the salty sea.

Mitzpe Ramon Crater and the Deserts of the South

After a quick shower, we headed further south into the famous Negev Desert, somewhere between the borders of Egypt and Jordan, making a beeline to the Mitzpe Ramon Crater to catch what turned out to be an epic sunset. Mitzpe Ramon is, in every sense of the term, in the middle of nowhere, where the lines between civilization and nature blur into a hazy palette of orange-hued desert pastels. Spanning nearly 40 kilometers long by 9 kilometers wide and almost a 1000 feet deep, it’s the largest erosion crater in the world—a fact that is not easily forgotten as you stand precariously close to the edge of its vertical cliffs, staring off into the vastness of what seems like the edge of the world. As our journey edged ever closer to its close, the 50 or so of us who journeyed together that week as part of the Schusterman REALITY Wellness trip came together to name our appreciations and gratitude for the group we traveled with and to seal the container with a shamanic ceremony at the cusp of the crater, the desert wind scattering our intentions for the future of Israel, Palestine its people and the world across the desert lands. if you are looking to get off the beaten track, head south to the negev desert for a stop at the absolutely massive and surreal mitzpe ramon crater, where you might just see some wild nubian ibixes. they are very friendly, just for the record. photo: amir a We greeted the wild Nubian ibexes native to the region who wander the area in search of food and made our way back to the impeccably designed Beresheet Hotel perched precariously close to the edge of the cliffs before heading down into the crater itself for a private celebration deep in the heart of the abyss. This was a night that could only be described as a peak experience for everyone involved. We feasted, we danced, we laughed, we cried, we connected at incredibly deep levels and solidified friendships that would last lifetimes. We emerged from the valley in the early morning for a too-short night of sleep before heading back toward Jerusalem and Tel Aviv for our final goodbyes.

Looking Toward the Future

On the way back toward Tel Aviv from Mitzpe Ramon, you can’t help but pass by David Ben-Gurion’s grave. For all intents and purposes, he is the founder of the state of Israel, which means that, depending on who you ask, he’s either a hero or someone to be hated. Whatever side of the coin you fall on, you can’t deny that he was a visionary and someone who inspired millions of people to do something next to impossible. And when you strip away the politics and endless debate over right and wrong, in many ways the greatest lesson we can learn from him is the power we all individually and collectively have in shaping our future through intention, vision and determination. So much so, in fact, that he decided to spend the later years of his life working to settle the Negev Desert—one of the most harsh and barren (and beautiful) pieces of land on the planet—because of his deep belief that it was an area that could be settled peacefully and without encroaching on the lands of other people already living in the Palestine area when Israeli statehood was formed. As the story goes, he asked to be buried there at Sde Boker and sure enough, his vision lived on as a result—development continues in the area to this day with the formation of a University and the settlements around the Mitzpe Ramon crater.

Shanti House

After the meditative stop at Sde Boker, we made our way to Shanti House, a forward-thinking sanctuary of peace and support created for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth by Mariuma Ben Yosef whose abusive home life left her homeless as a teenager. To date, the two Shanti House locations that she runs in conjunction with her husband have welcomed over 46,000 youth ages 14 to 21, including Muslims, Jews, Christians, gays and lesbians—there is no discrimination, only two rules: no sex, no violence. According to Mariuma, “It doesn’t matters what you believe it matters what you choose.” Some of the youth who end up there live long term and others come for just a few hours, building a much-needed bridge of support between Shanti House and their actual home, knowing they always have a community to turn to in times of need. As we wandered through the grounds, which include a farm, gardens and modern art projects, among many other interesting projects they have birthed, we saw just how much love and intention Mariuma and her husband pour into their work. When it seems like no one else will, they do everything in their power to make sure the young adults who find them are supported mentally and emotionally through various therapeutic modalities, as well as creatively and physically through interaction with art, nature and animals.

Organic Israel

After our visit at Shanti House, we continued onward to the home of Hedai Offaim for one of the most delicious freshly grown, farm-to-table meals of our lives. A pioneer in the sustainable food movement in Israel, Hedai has co-created an innovative, holistic farming system with his brother, Yinon, that allows them to profitably grow organic food using the best of both new and old-world practices. Offaim grows his crops slowly, by hand, without pesticides, preservatives, hormones or genetic engineering, and all his products are sold locally in and around Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Hedai’s fruit-tree lined property was the perfect backdrop for our closing ceremony where we collectively reflected on what we had learned, how we had grown and what had been forever altered by our masterfully crafted trip through these magical lands.

The Oasis of Peace

As we headed back toward the airport in Tel Aviv, there was one final stop at Neve Shalom (also called Wahat al-Salam), a forward-thinking, integrative community on the outskirts of Jerusalem where Palestinian Arabs and Jews live together in self-governed harmony and peace—a reflection of what we can only hope is to come for the region and its people. Giora and Hadas, who call Neve Shalom home, once again took the stage to give us insight into how the community operates and the principles behind why it works so well in a region where people often have such a hard time getting along. They bid us farewell with a profoundly deep meditation and musical performance as the reality of returning to our lives back home loomed on the horizon. And as if in a final farewell from the land and her people, a hushed silence fell over the country as a network of sirens blazed in the background commemorating Israel’s independence day so many years ago. It was an auspicious reminder of the past in a town so focused on the future. Such is the nature of this land of paradox that so many desire to call home. We are forever grateful to Yaniv Rivlin, Seth Cohen, Shir Marom, Cas Feder, Michael Bauer, the Schusterman family and the Schusterman Family Foundation team for facilitating this incredible and deeply transformational journey. Thank you.

About The Authors Justin Faerman & Meghan McDonald are the co-founders of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine, working to change the world for the better for all people, cultures and identities from the inside out so that we may collectively live in harmony, peace, equality and mutual compassion, cooperation and respect.

science meets spirituality at the annual science and nonduality conference in san jose, california. learn from the world’s greatest philosophers, teachers, scientists and wisdom keepers what is happening at the cutting-edge of higher consciousness.

Imagine being surrounded by the world’s top consciousness researchers, philosophers, spiritual teachers, scientists and artists—all sharing their deepest insights and wisdom into the nature of reality, consciousness and spiritual evolution. Now imagine that you are in a historic mansion in beautiful Northern California surrounded by fellow seekers from around the world, all there to grow, expand and evolve on every level; exploring interactive workshops on everything from health and wellness to the nature of reality, spirituality, meditation, mindfulness, energy medicine and just about anything else you can think of.

Cutting-Edge Science Meets Ancient Wisdom for Powerful Personal Transformation

It’s a powerful experience that happens every year as part of the Science and Nonduality Conference aka SAND. Grounded in both cutting-edge science and ancient wisdom, SAND brings together interdisciplinary thought-leaders from around the globe, headlined by dozens of luminaries as diverse as Deepak Chopra (physician, metaphysican, author of 70+ books); physicist Peter Russell (who uniquely blends scientific rationale, global vision, and intuitive wisdom); Sally Kempton (meditation teacher and spiritual philosopher); and legendary physicist and mystic, Fritjof Capra (who encourages us to look at the interdependency of all systems in our lives and the universe as a whole). This year’s theme, The Mystery of Being Human, will be a 5-day immersive gathering to explore what Non-dual teacher and author Will Pye (who learned how to thrive despite having a brain tumor) calls the “BIG questions, utilizing all lenses in a fun environment.” From the perspective of emergence—even with the unique challenges of the 21st century—SAND is a celebration of both science and timeless wisdom traditions that validate the core truth of our existence—that we are not limited or separate.

Over 100 Talks and Workshops: A Selection of Some of Our Favorites

With over 100 speakers and talks, interactive workshops will present cutting-edge theories and practical tools on everything from inner space to outer space, with the potential that your individual awakening shifts a complex, chaotic worldview—what IONS Chief Scientist Dean Radin calls “a major breakdown in how civilization works”—into a composed, unified and humanistic paradigm, a fractal, of how your next-level consciousness affects not only society but the cosmos. Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D. and Mark Gober, exemplify SAND’s twin themes. LaBerge is the first scientist to empirically prove the existence of the phenomena of lucid dreaming. His work has developed this technique into a powerful tool for studying mind-body relationships in the dream state and he has demonstrated the considerable potential for lucid dreaming in the fields of psychotherapy and psychosomatic medicine.  Gober, a Princeton graduate and financial analyst turned consciousness researcher, will be discussing the everyday implications of the findings that consciousness does not emerge from the brain but is a fundamental aspect of reality. You’ll have a chance to learn how these somewhat existential topics actually apply in quite practical ways in our day to day life for greater happiness, health, awareness and ultimately peace of heart and mind. From the past to the future, from the head to the heart, topics will be wide-ranging and compelling; here’s just a sampling:

+ Healing ancestral trauma with Mark Wolynn author of It Didn’t Start with You;

+ Charles Eisenstein’s insight on the ecological initiation and opening the masculine heart;

+ Awakening to the divine feminine with Nadeshwari Joythimayananda;

+ Quantum physics and the boundless mind, presented by Jean Houston, scholar, philosopher and researcher on the human potential movement;

+ Understanding how the Enneagram provides an elegant mapping congruent with current neuroscience and psychological understanding to create a receptive mind;

+ Exploring consciousness through both dreaming and awakening with lucid dreaming expert Stephen LaBerge;

+ How tapping into practical applications of spirituality can create socially impactful, deeply fulfilling and prosperous lives and businesses;

+ On-site, experiential guided meditations and embodiment/movement workshops with leading teachers and researchers.

Join an inspired and vibrant community of co-creators for a 5-day immersion filled with talks, panels, meditation, performances, music and dance that takes place at the elegant, century-old Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose, CA. Stroll the palm-dotted gardens while contemplating the great mystery of being human.

Where Science and Spirituality Meet

SAND is a “a real meeting of science and spirituality” comments Peter Russell and author Will Pye concurs, “It’s the connecting of the head and the heart.” Expect these workshops and events to help you find more peace, joy, self-expression and to deepen your understanding of how your unique gifts have a ripple effect that truly creates a shared reality. “Guaranteed at least one person will touch you and change your life forever!” quips ‘Guru Puppetji’.

How to Attend This Years Event

SAND kicks off October 24th-28th with one day of pre-conference workshops. The main conference begins on Thursday evening Oct. 25th at 7 p.m and ends on Sunday afternoon Oct. 28th at 6 p.m. To get tickets, see a program listing with all the talks, workshops and speakers and get all your questions answered, visit their website here: Science and Nonduality Conference

cerro chato, a high-altitude volcanic lake nestled in the middle of the jungle and one of the top adventure destinations in costa rica.

Everything about Costa Rica is wild: from the omnipresent, ever-encroaching jungles and encyclopedia of rainbow-colored animals, to the unpredictable roads, to the micro-climatic weather that seems to change at a moments notice, everything here is alive, vibrant and evolving in real time.  I can say this with relative certainty, having recently returned from a 5 week journey through the country’s top conscious destinations, traveling well over 2,000 km visiting and exploring at least 4 unique and distinct regions from the sweltering jungles of the South to the lush Volcanic highlands of the north and everything in between.  As we experienced it, Costa Rica is like a theme park of biodiversity—the highest on the planet to be exact containing 6% of the world’s plant and animal species—each area of the country has a unique feel, flavor and local culture that makes journeying throughout the Central American paradise exciting and fresh no matter where you decide to go.  And Costa Rica has it all—from lush cloud forests to impenetrable jungle, to white, black and pink sand beaches nestled against inviting crystalline waters, overflowing mineral hot springs, mystical, active volcanoes, howling monkeys, rainbow-colored parrots, wild jaguars, giant iguanas, insects and more varieties of exotic, mouthwatering fruits than possibly anywhere else on the planet.  If you stay away from the overly-manicured resort destinations and opt-in for an experience of the real Costa Rica, you’ll be surprised, shocked, awed, entertained and most definitely transformed if you go far enough off the beaten path.  A friend who we met somewhere in the mountains North of San Jose told us, “There’s never a dull moment in Costa Rica.”  And no sooner had the words left her mouth than two wild cows wandered onto the property a few feet away and a dog began chasing a giant, psychedelically colored frog. We’d have to agree. the montverde cloud forest, one of the top eco-destinations in costa rica. Ask anyone who’s been there where to go and they’ll rattle off a list of quaint towns, cities and destinations with unusual Spanish names that range in character from semi-touristy to totally off-the-grid (literally speaking as there are no street addresses for destinations in Costa Rica!) all of them with some unique undefinable tropical charm that lures the adventurous from around the globe.  There are literally hundreds of places to visit in the tiny country, roughly the size of West Virginia, so how does one choose where to go?  Well, that all depends on how you like to travel, what you value in life and what you like to do.  For us, we value (in no particular order) access to healthy, organic, natural food, conscious community, vibrant, wild, alive nature as close to its unadulterated state as possible and thriving local and indigenous culture.  So it is with these criteria that we set out on our journey across this notoriously mystical and untamed land… to map a trail of consciousness, ecological harmony and Costa Rican soul and document what we found for the awakened travelers who seek the same.

Envision Festival and the Jungle Wonders of the South

A true microcosm of the country as a whole, Envision Festival is a wild, 4-day transformational celebration of everything conscious and Costa Rican nestled deep in the jungles of the Southern Osa peninsula in a beautiful area just north of Uvita and slightly South of Dominical.  Imagine you and all your conscious, awake friends from around the world converging in the middle of a tropical rainforest for wisdom talks, transformative workshops and retreats on everything from permaculture, to herbalism to healing, sustainability, spirituality and everything in between, the best organic and natural food in Central America, world-class music and DJ’s and ongoing yoga and movement classes all infused with local culture nestled alongside some of the most beautiful beaches in the county and you’ve got Envision Festival in a nutshell.  It is, of course, so much more than that on every level, and we’ve covered Envision in great depth here where you can get a taste of the full flavor of the experience if this kind of thing gets you going. But in short it checks all of our travel values from above and it is definitely a seminal Costa Rica destination and experience that’s not to be missed. for the conscious traveler, few destinations in costa rica can compete with envision festival. photo: @verodubbie & salty souls Festival or not, Dominical and Uvita are great places to visit either way for truly world-class surfing and beaches, along with hiking and ziplining in the dense jungles that surround them. If you are in the area, be absolutely sure to visit Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita, which is one of the most stunning beaches, Costa Rican destinations and land formations on the planet, where the ocean literally crashes into itself and is home to excellent snorkelling and is a frequent stop for passing whales. Dominical is home to Mama Toucan’s, which is one of the best health-food stores in the country offering a pretty thorough selection of organic and natural foods and right next door is Cafe Mono Congo, a delicious, lively vegetarian restaurant that is definitely one of the best options in the area.

Carara National Park

In perhaps one of the greatest locations in Costa Rica sits the little-known Carara National Park.  Seemingly close to everything important (the beach, San Jose, the main city, lush, untouched jungles, waterfalls, etc.) and yet far enough away from it all to feel remote, secluded and wild. The Carara mountains are home to some of the richest biodiversity in the country.  As we drove in to the burgeoning Carara Resort area, which is a sustainable, ecologically minded, permaculture-based development happening in a handful of exclusive spots on the mountains, we we’re greeted by no less than 8 vibrant, rainbow colored wild McCaw parrots perched in a precariously placed tree overhanging the edge of the multi-thousand foot mountains.  They made regular appearances throughout our stay along with countless other stunningly beautiful birds. In fact, the Audobon society recorded Carara mountain as having more bird species in one place than anywhere else in the world and jaguar sightings are known to happen as well from time to time, reflecting the raw, wild beauty of the area, almost untouched by human development. carara mountain offers the best of both worlds—luxury eco-living in a virtually untouched, wild natural setting, making it a top costa rican destination for nature lovers. According to Raymond James who is the caretaker and head visionary overseeing the sustainable property development on Carara mountain, there are plans to create a true semi-off the grid ecological community, with an extensive permaculture operation supplying the residents with organic, locally grown food grown with extraordinarily pure deep mountain spring water that feeds the entire area.  They’ve teamed up with Marc Coppola and the Valhalla Movement—world leaders in building sustainable communities and training a new generation of eco-activists and entrepreneurs—to oversee the project, who we met up with while we were down there to enjoy truly mind bendingly beautiful sunsets, night after night like clockwork.  Perched atop the mountain you have a near 360 degree panorama of the ocean and mountainous highlands of the local area that is absolutely one of the most beautiful spots in the country. A short 20 minute drive—but world away—is the Costa Rican resort town destination of Jaco, which has a great natural restaurant we ate at frequently with good wifi and live music called the Green Room.  When we visited there was a local artisan market featuring handmade goods of all kinds from all over the country and a vibrant, albeit slightly touristy, local scene.  Another five minute drive further south is Playa Hermosa, a stunningly beautiful beach lined with coconut palms, black sand and featuring world-class surfing and relaxing—definitely worth the trip if you are in the area.

Arenal Volcano

If epic natural beauty and adventure travel is your thing, you’ll definitely want to make a point to visit Arenal and the surrounding areas. Greeting you as you arrive into La Fortuna, the neighboring town is a 5,500 ft. active volcano that towers above the landscape like the great pyramids of Giza.  Almost a perfect cone in shape, smoke billows out the top regularly reminding you that the land in Arenal is very much alive.  So alive, in fact, that the volcano has erupted quite recently in 2010 and before that in 1998.  It’s not unusual to feel tremors and earthquakes in the area, a sign that mother nature rules the show here.  However, despite the paradoxically beautiful and ominous presence of the active volcano, the area is fairly well developed and established by Costa Rican standards (which means very little compared to any normal Western measure).  The town of La Fortuna sits a few kilometers away from the base of the volcano and is a charming, restaurant packed area featuring some of the best organic food in the country. Our favorite destination by far was Oragnico Fortuna, a lovely, all organic cafe serving all manner of delicious food from local vegetable stir frys sauteed in ultra-fresh coconut oil, to superfood smoothies, gluten-free treats and everything in between.  This was hands down some of the highest quality (and consciousness) food we experienced in the country and the restaurant featured a health and superfood store with all Costa-Rican sourced products.  The owners, Juan and his lovely wife, greeted us daily with smiles and shared all the best local secrets that were off the beaten path. arenal is spectacular on every level and it should come as no surprise that its one of the top destinations in costa rica. even so, while we there it was very empty. photo: xlove&peacex photocase.com One of those being the Chollin hot springs, which is fed by a geothermally active river emerging from the base of the volcano, carving its way through vibrantly green, lush jungles.  Water temperatures were in the 90-100 degree fahrenheit range, which we made a point of visiting as often as possible. Hot springs abound in the area with signs advertising them nearly everywhere, but the quality varies wildly and most are substandard at best.  However, a few places stand out as truly world class, one of those being the El Springs resort.  The perfect blend of wild jungle and creature comforts, the El Springs resort is a massive, open air luxury Costa Rican travel destination sitting just across the valley from the volcano, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.  The resort is truly a work of architectural magnificence, tastefully built and integrated into the side of a mountain and complementing the natural beauty of the area.  Featuring 18+ hot spring pools of all shapes and sizes, each featuring unique mineral water compositions and temperatures, it makes a great home base for exploring the area. The property is infused with wild flora and fauna including fragrant Guava trees which were fruiting while we were there making you feel like you are sitting in the middle of the jungle in the more remote parts of the sprawling property minus all the normal nuisances like fire ants and any number of skin-hungry jungle bugs.  The El Springs property also features river rafting, a wild animal preserve and facilitates other exciting adventure trips you might want to experience. Just down the road from the resort is Benedictus farm and restaurant, another all too rare all-organic restaurant featuring true farm to table food, all of it grown on the surrounding property.  Somewhat hard to get to and mystical in nature, it’s worth the trip as the food is outstanding by anyone’s standards. The Arenal Volcano, lake and surrounding areas are one of the top destinations in Costa Rica for adventure travel with a myriad of options from whitewater rafting to zip-lining, to backpacking, flyboarding, mountain biking and everything in between.  If this is your kind of thing, we recommend booking your tour with Sky Adventures, one of the most reputable and well-established companies in the area.

Nosara and the Guanacaste Peninsula

Let’s cut right to the chase: Nosara and the surrounding communities are the beating heart of the conscious community in Costa Rica.  This area is hands down the place to be if you value spiritual and personal growth, healing, sustainability, yoga, meditation, longevity (Nosara is in a ‘blue zone’ where people live longer than anywhere else on the planet), natural beauty, organic food, friendly, thriving, vibrant local community and an active social life based around all of the above.  The locals in Nosara fought hard over the last decade or so to resist the money and tourist-driven development that has become rampant across many parts of the country, instead working to preserve the integrity and vibe of the local community as much as possible.  Although Nosara has not escaped development, it is and especially tasteful and intentional destination compared with the rest of Costa Rica and most definitely geared toward the conscious crowd. The area features a number of amazing accommodations and experiences for conscious travelers and is an international destination for yoga, meditation, healing and spirituality focused retreats.  One of the best in the area is the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, which is tastefully designed in the style of a hidden Balinese temple.  We can safely say that you will be floored with the magnificence and beauty of this property, featuring a superfood-infused juice and smoothie bar and a daily organic and natural, gourmet buffet.  We had the pleasure of attending the Trailblazer’s Retreat while we there led by Lynan Saperstein, creator of the Experience Experts, and her wonderful crew of conscious entrepreneurs. Just up the road from the Bodhi Tree is Naked Foods cafe, a wonderful all organic vegan cafe featuring a number of superfood-infused options all with a local Costa Rican flavor.  The owners greeted us with smiles and love and offered to make us food to suit our particular tastes and needs, which was a real treat after four weeks of adventure travel in the sometimes sweltering heat.  Definitely stop by and support the organic food movement down here if you are in the area… they might even tell you where the fabled pink quartz sand beaches are. this is not nosara, but nosara looks very similar to this. another amazing, jungle-lined beach destination in costa rica. photo: @verodubbie & salty souls Even further up the road toward Samara is the Blue Spirit Retreat Center, another not-to-be missed architectural wonder and uber-conscious Costa Rican destination nestled in the jungles of the surrounding area.  We we’re greeted onto the property by a pack of wild howler monkeys that put on quite the show, watching us just as much we were in awe of them.  Home to concerts, healing retreats of all kind and an amazing natural restaurant, Blue Spirit is a pillar of the conscious community in the area. In the heart of downtown Guinoes—for all intents and purposes one of the main areas of Nosara—is the ultra-chic-but-conscious Harmony Hotel.  We definitely spent our fair share of time at this beautiful beach-side spot sipping on organic smoothies and juices and sampling their mouth watering, Costa-Rican inspired cuisine, the vast majority of which is grown organically at local farms.  We also sampled their 90 minute therapeutic massage at the Harmony Healing Centre, which was one of the best we’ve ever had.  Given by local Costa Rican healers, it felt amazing to nourish ourselves and simultaneously support the locals directly in a line of meaningful, skilled work that pays an honest, living wage, which unfortunately can be a hard thing to come by as the country makes its journey into the modern world.  If you are looking for conscious accommodations close to all the action in Nosara, this is most definitely your spot.  Within walking distance to the beach and the main areas of both Guiones and Nosara proper, it’s a top conscious destination in Nosara and a great place to call home for your time in the area. If you are looking to get off the beaten path and have a more authentic, spiritually raw experience in Costa Rica, then making a few-day trip (or few-month trip) to PachaMama, a conscious, spiritual community nestled deep in the jungle a 30 minute drive up the road from Nosara is most definitely your thing.  PachaMama is a modern, thriving experiment in community living similar in style to the kibbutzim of Israeli fame, although most definitely very different as well.  Members live, work, eat, sing, dance, celebrate and journey together in a co-operative style, all sharing a common ethos and collective vision for the community.  You can come for any number of retreats open to visitors, stay for a few months (or years) to get more deeply integrated into the community, stop by for their notoriously transformational parties or plant medicine ceremonies, or drop in for the day just to get a tiny taste of what goes on here.  No matter what you decide to do, check in with them first as some planning is required for a smooth arrival at this semi-off the grid Costa Rican spiritual destination. Other conscious places to dine, stay and relax in the Nosara area worth mentioning are the Living Hotel and it’s lovely cafe, which serves hearty, high-quality, natural and organic foods using healing ingredients like coconut oil, which although common in the US, is quite hard to find in Costa Rica.  The staff embodied the ‘Pura Vida’ attitude with big smiles and lots of laughing, clearly imbuing the food with love, which was incredibly tasty and fresh. And finally, if you are in the the area don’t miss La Casa, a cozy, secluded and gorgeously designed farm to table restaurant just up the street from Living Hotel.  They serve simple but delicious, Costa Rican-mediterranean style fusion all sourced freshly from local farms, mostly organic and all-natural at the very least.  Talking with the owner after the meal, he let us know all their meats are sourced from neighboring farms, pasture-raised without antibiotics, growth hormones or anything unnatural and fed superfoods like Moringa in addition to native grasses, which are extra hearty and rich in Costa Rica. Nosara just happens to be one of the best destinations for surfing (or learning how to surf) in the country.  The ocean is magnificent in this part of the Costa Rica and slightly cooler than the South, making it a refreshing relief to the at times intense midday heat.  Great snorkeling and diving is to be had both in the Nosara area and slightly further north, up near PachaMama in the small town of San Juanillo.  If the ocean is not your thing, there’s plenty of hilly terrain for mountain biking, hiking, nature walks, ziplining and other land-based activities. The area is particularly rich in wildlife as well with regular appearances from monkeys, iguanas, geckos, frogs and birds of all manner.

Puerta a La Vida

Saving perhaps the best for last (and only because we are describing our journey chronologically), we ventured to Puerta a La Vida, a 65-acre conscious community and retreat center just near the tiny seaside town of Miramar, which straddles the magnificent Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific coast and is home to some of the most magnificent sunsets on the planet.  If you want to be surrounded by some of the most amazing, aware and inspiring people you will ever meet and instantly feel at home and loved just as you are, come to Puerta a la Vida.   The bohemian-meets-jungle-chic hilltop rancho is a worldwide beacon and destination for healers, artists, visionaries, change-makers, conscious entrepreneurs and all around awesome, interesting people of all colors, shapes and sizes.  Upon arrival, we we’re greeted with smiles, hugs, holy basil infused spring water and a feast of hibiscus-veggie stir-fry, a welcome, gourmet treat after many weeks of very simple Costa Rican style food.  And that was just the first hour.  The days that followed were a never ending feast of superfood-infused flavors conveniently sourced from the onsite permaculture gardens and converted into masterpieces by the resident vegan chef and artist Rosie Santos. puerta a la vida is all the best parts of costa rica mixed with copious amounts of love, consciousness and nature, which means its basically paradise. go. Puerta a La Vida is home to world-class retreats, workshops, lectures, musical performances, special events and adventures all revolving around transformation, health, wellness, healing, sustainability and ecology as well as a growing, semi-permanent conscious community of artists, healers, entrepreneurs and change-makers who call the area home for all or part of the year.  Think of it like a prototype for a new way of communal living based around shared values of sustainability, personal and spiritual growth and holistic health.  Future plans to consciously develop the surrounding property beyond the already magnificent grove of wild mango, coconut and cashew trees include a wellness center, spa and organic restaurant.  These things, in fact, already exist here to some degree but founders Edward Zaydelman and Brooke Coleman (some of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet) have a big vision for the property, despite their already impressive list of current offerings, which include boutique eco-conscious travel and event planning and hosting services on-site at any of the luxury glamping villages dotted throughout the jungle property. With backgrounds in large-scale event and festival planning and fashion design respectively, Ed and Brooke infuse Puerta a La Vida with their own unique signatures—from Brooke’s organic, colorful artwork, mandalas and murals tastefully integrated into the large open spaces to their impeccable design tastes, which create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that encourages collaboration, interaction and community building.  When you arrive at Puerta a La Vida, you can tell nothing is an accident here—the level of intention and attention to detail is extraordinary from the sustainable building materials they use, to the native varieties of organic superfoods they choose to grow in the gardens, to the people they invite to be part of the core team. Like, for example, Marisa Gross, one of the most loving, funny, caring people we’ve ever had the pleasure of spending time with—herself a gifted healer and entrepreneur like so many who visit the space. bohemian chic in the middle of the jungle is how they roll at puerta a la vida, one of the top conscious destinations in costa rica. If you are thinking about making Costa Rica your home, we can hardly think of a better spot than Puerta a La Vida, especially if you value being surrounded by amazing conscious people on the same wavelength.  About an hour or so drive west of San Jose, it’s an easy and highly recommended place to stop by if you are in the area. And as much as we saw of the tiny country, we only experienced a fraction of this wonderful land.  Conscious friends who have spent many years in Costa Rica also recommend visiting destinations like Limon and the Punta Mona Center for Regenerative Design and Botanical Studies on the Caribbean Coast, home to one of the greatest collections of edible plant species on the planet, the cloud forests of Monteverde and the Tortuguero National Park.  Our only recommendation is to stay as long as you can to soak up and integrate the ‘Pura Vida’ philosophy and vibe that permeates the country and is the perfect antidote to our hyperactive digital culture… a lifestyle grounded in appreciation for the simple things that give our lives meaning: connection, community, fresh food, abundant time in nature and an appreciation of and alignment with the rhythms and flows of the natural world.

About The Authors Justin Faerman has been studying and writing about holistic health practices, herbalism and natural medicine for over 14 years and is a leading authority on both modern and ancient therapies for creating lasting health and wellness. He has a degree in Environmental Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and has conducted field research into organic and regenerative agriculture practices and eco-social sustainability during his time there. He is also the Founder of Lotus Superfoods, a boutique purveyor of rare herbs and superfoods as well as the Co-founder of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine and the Flow Consciousness Institute. Learn more about his work at flowconsciousnessinstitute.com and lotussuperfoods.com Meghan McDonald is the Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine. She holds a master’s degree in social psychology from San Diego State University where she conducted award-winning research into the nature of human social behavior. She is an advocate for many environmental and social justice causes and a champion of social impact-focused brands and products that adhere to high sustainability and ethical standards. As a regular travel and lifestyle contributor to Conscious Lifestyle Magazine, Meghan funnels her extensive knowledge of natural products, organic living, and consumer behavior into researching and reviewing brands and products that promote health, wellbeing, sustainability, equality, and positive social change. She has traveled to over 25 countries and loves exploring diverse destinations worldwide while documenting the local artisans and businesses offering conscious, healthy alternatives.

getting wild during a sunrise set of ecstatic dance at the envision festival in costa rica. photo: jb photo, courtesy of envision festival

Ask anyone who’s attended at least a handful of transformational festivals and they’ll be quick to tell you that each of them, like each one of us, has its own unique personality and character. As you wander into the tropical jungle home of Envision Festival, you can’t help but notice that nature most definitely runs the show here. From the undulating buzz of the ever-present cicadas to the detoxifying semi-equatorial heat to the screaming green jungle canopy filled with rainbow-colored birds and curious monkeys, this gathering of consciousness is alive and vibrating with a very unique flavor of elemental energy that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world. Couple that with an endless stream of deeply transformational wisdom teachings and workshops with many of the world’s top conscious thinkers, healers, visionaries, and permaculturists, some of the finest organic, sustainable food in Costa Rica, and the pulsating rhythms of ultra-creative musicians and visual artists, and you’ve got a divinely intoxicating blend that penetrates straight to your core.

The Evolution of Festival Culture

And that’s exactly what festival founder Stephen Brooks is trying to cultivate with Envision Festival, now running into its seventh year deep in the southern jungles of Uvita, Costa Rica. “Our intention is to create an experience that truly spawns transformation over both short- and long-term horizons,” he shared as we interviewed him amidst the midday buzz of the festival in full swing, exotic aromas of tropical fruits and spices wafting in from the colorful nearby food stands. “We want to have an impact that penetrates people’s being… that’s what we are trying to create… that’s our goal.”  Clearly, Stephen and the Envision community don’t want this to be just another festival where people come to party and check out in a drug-fuelled haze, off the grid in some beautiful but semi-cliché part of the world. “Envision is an ignitor!” Stephen exclaims in a moment of passion, as a red-billed Toucan gently shares its song from above our heads. “This is a place for people to find their tribe… to hone in on their vision and their future.” blending old and new, the envision team infused the event with a healthy dose of indigenous culture and spirituality. photo: manuel pinto And we’d have to agree. For us, at least, the highlight of the festival—other than the truly stunning beachside jungle locale and open-hearted, welcoming conscious community hungry for deep connection—were the workshops, which are truly world class in every sense of the word. Envision attracts the crème de la crème of thought leaders in every area relating to consciousness, health, transformation, permaculture, the arts and movement, entrepreneurship and sustainability to share their wisdom and insight in an informal, highly practical, down-to-earth way. At any given moment there were at least three different participatory talks and workshops downloading enlightened ideas into the minds of attendees and spawning new neurological connections, tribe building, and inspired visions for a positive now and future for both Costa Rica and the world at large. In a more secluded corner of the canopy, at any given moment yoga, meditation and movement teachers from around the globe offered food for the body and soul amidst the at times intense daily heat under large, colorful shade structures for those looking for a quieter, more introspective festival experience. Our next favorite thing about Envision was the food. Think organic, local, grass-fed, biodynamic, wildcrafted, gluten-free, all-natural, high vibe goodness from every area of the country—easily the biggest collection of healthy, nourishing food in Central America assembled in one place. From slightly chilled exotic jungle fruits, juices and smoothies from the surrounding communities to cool you off during the peak midday heat to handmade locally sourced organic, vegan veggie burgers served on banana leaves for a hearty meal at night and everything in between, Envision has something for every diet and every taste—all of the highest quality and sourced from permaculture operations throughout the country. Which, of course, should come as no surprise given that festival founder Stephen Brooks has been a pioneer in the growing permaculture and herbalism movement in Costa Rica, working to build sustainable communities based around organic, biodynamic and wildcrafted growing methods throughout the country for over 20 years. a refreshing midday yoga class under the shade of the jungle canopy. photo: eric allen As the founder of the internationally renowned, sustainability and permaculture-focused Punta Mona center for regenerative design and botanical studies in the beautiful southeastern part of the country, his work began in earnest in the mid 1990s as he witnessed the extraordinary environmental destruction that was occurring at the hands of big agriculture as they recklessly destroyed rainforests and sprayed petrochemical pesticides throughout the country, poisoning the people and planet simultaneously. Inspired to not just sit idly by while one of the planet’s greatest areas of plant and animal biodiversity was destroyed, he began working to infuse permaculture values and agriculture throughout the country. Envision Festival is, in large part an extension of that idealism, which today has mushroomed into a massive movement that’s growing throughout the country. As we spoke with Stephen at the festival, he talked about plans to purchase 800 hectares of land in the middle of the jungle to build sustainable communities with local Costa Rican families, permaculture-based ecosystems and cacao plantations all designed to create a holistic, self-sustaining eco-social system based on caring for and synergizing with the planet instead of destroying it. packed house for one of the many transformational workshops going on throughout the festival. photo: jorg photo That ethos runs deep throughout Envision Festival from the food, to the sustainable building materials used to construct the various structures for musicians, artists, speakers and campers, to the composting toilets, and celebration of indigenous culture built into the roots of the event, all of which serve as the foundation for a massive 4-day celebration and party that attracts thousands of visitors from every corner of the planet. But it’s not all workshops, eco-culture and hanging out on the beach. Whatever a transformational festival experience means to you, you can find it at Envision. If partying and running wild until the early hours of the morning is your thing, there’s plenty to keep you busy with three main stages offering all kinds of music from tribal beats to electronica to reggae, house, techno, jam bands and even bossa nova and salsa, honoring the local Costa Rican culture. Mind-bending light shows, aerial performers, fire dancers, drum circles and creatively clad festival goers suddenly appear as the sun goes down, giving way to a more hedonistic experience—although still particularly of a conscious flavor. After all, who doesn’t need a little integration time to just let it all go after an afternoon full of life-changing transformational teaching and culture? If being more mellow and mindful is your thing at night, there are bonfires, drum circles, informal talks and meditations being held in any of the amazing sub-camps and stages peppered throughout the festival grounds. one of the most beautiful beaches in costa rica is just a few minutes walk away from the main festival area at any given moment—a welcome treat during the midday heat. photo: eric allen It is a wild, deep, profound, life-changing, sweaty, nourishing experience that runs a very full four days—but like all good things, it must come to an end… or not.  When asked about his vision for the future, Stephen shared with us that the question he has been asking himself and all the festival organizers for years is: “How can we live like this all the time? How can we take all the best things about this experience and infuse it into our culture?” The answer: Envision-inspired communities, both here in Costa Rica and abroad. Plans and efforts are in the works to launch the ethos- and permaculture-based ideals and community building practices in the United States and throughout Central America. There are also a number of powerful retreats sponsored by and created in collaboration with Envision before and after the festival on everything from herbalism, to permaculture design and implementation, to sacred plant medicine ceremonies, yoga, healing, moving deeper into bodily wisdom, movement and flow and more. The knowledge participants leave with—both from the festival and the retreats—is integrated into the fabric of their being and carried with them wherever they go, spreading the seeds planted at Envision to far corners of the planet, transforming the experience into not just a fond memory, but a living, breathing movement worldwide. Envision is a yearly transformational festival held in late February in the jungles of Uvita, Costa Rica on the southwestern Osa Peninsula. If you are interested in attending the upcoming festival in 2017, you can purchase tickets and find out all the essential details you need to know about attending, retreats, speakers, musicians, artists, vendors and workshops on their website here: envisionfestival.com

one of the most spiritually powerful places on the planet, machu picchu is one of the key activating places to visit in peru. photo: bill damon

Editors Note: The following is the travel diary of the most spiritually activating places to visit in Peru Francesca Cassini as she partakes of a 23-day journey exploring sacred sites, hiking through majestic landscapes, and experiencing the sacred plant medicine Ayahuasca deep in the Amazon jungle. Peru is a mysterious and transformative land with sacred wonders around nearly every corner. Our tour began high in the highlands near Lake Titicaca where Bolivia’s majestic mountain ranges jut up from the landscape off in the distance. We finished at Iquitos a few hundred miles south just shy of Colombia’s border. Our journey was split between extreme landscapes: tracing the spine of the Andes and navigating the steaming jungles below. The following are but a few of the truly life-changing experiences we had exploring this mystical land:

1. Aramu Muru

A massive red rock wall, jutting above the cratered moon-like landscape, was our introduction to the wild landscapes of Peru. An odd-shaped doorway leading nowhere was embedded deeply within it, flanked by two vertical shafts. No one knows exactly when this was built or by whom, but kneel down with your hands on either side, touch the wall with your forehead and you’ll sense this is a gateway to higher levels of consciousness. When I stood in the shafts the energy was so intense my body shook. Our sixteen-strong group became a family as we passed through this “initiation” at Aramu Muru, one of the most spiritually activating places to visit in Peru. off the beaten track, lake titicaca is a wild spiritual power point that is a gorgeous place to visit in peru photo: nicolas ds

2. Lake Titicaca

At 4,000 meters above sea level it took a few days to feel safe on our feet—altitude sickness had us weaving like sailors on the shores of vast Lake Titicaca—a sight if there ever was one. The birthplace of the Andean God Viracocha: it is the highest navigable lake in the world, and local legend has it that there is an extra-terrestrially placed crystal city in its depths, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Peru. Shambling down a steep incline to the lake are the Floating Islands of Uros, not far from the nearby town of Pruno, whose residents are of pre-Incan Aymaran descent.  Their custom is to weave everything out of reeds, the islands themselves, including their tiny homes, their beds and even their boats. They greeted us with huge smiles, and we danced to a traditional song, they in their brilliantly colored, tiered and tasselled clothes, and later bartered for similarly vibrant, hand-woven wall-hangings representing their mythical heritage.

3. Amantani

Three sun-drenched hours beyond the floating islands, the traffic-free village of Amantani rose from the water. Paved paths crawled straight up steep slopes into the past adobe farmhouses to the island’s twin peaks topped with temples dedicated to Pachatata and Pachamama (the male and female earth deities). Amantani is a charming place—an island far removed from the hectic modern pace of life where old women herd sheep, men carry huge bundles and the scent of sage wafts fragrantly in the air. With no hotels locals offer their homes and a feast of freshly caught trout, deliciously fried. This is a very authentic place to visit in Peru, well off the beaten path. A sunrise ceremony to Viracocha had called us here. We endured a challenging walk in the dark, up the steep hillside, encouraged by birdsong; watching the light slip over the horizon was Biblical. The sun crested above distant mountains across the lake, a lone cloud spread its wings like a condor, our shaman held aloft a vessel of burning incense. The power of the moment was tangible to all present.

4. Cusco

Next we hit Cusco, the historic Incan capital built on rolling hills in a valley surrounded by towering peaks. The tiny cobbled streets of the old city are bursting with fascinating shops, restaurants, and hotels for every taste and budget. The Inca Empire held sway between the 13th and 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors invaded, and you can see the influence of both wherever you go. The women and children in the street, resplendent in colorful clothes and ever-ready for a photo opportunity with llamas and bonneted lambs, are Inca descendants finding their way in a modern world. An outer wall of a 14th-century palace, now the Museum of Religious Art, can be found on Hatun Ramiyoc Street. Logic-defying Inca masonry includes the famous twelve angled rock nestled perfectly into the surrounding stones. It seems random at first glance until, upon closer inspection, you see the repetitive design imbued with their mythological hieroglyphs. The condor, puma, and serpent are the main Andean trinity, their depictions found in jewelry and fabric designs as well as their sacred architecture. Above Cusco spreads an extensive walled complex with over 200 archaeological sites: Sacsayhuaman. Dotted with goliath stones up to 300 tons, once again irregular patterns of jigsaw perfection boggled our minds. Historians claim it was some kind of Inca royal retreat or fortress, but if, as the experts claim, the Inca never used the wheel, is it possible they could have wielded these megaliths at all? According to our shaman guide water erosion at this site proved it was built prior to the last Ice Age and therefore can only have been discovered by the Inca. The debate continues in the academic community to this day over who, why, when, and how, making it a fascinating place to visit in Peru.

5. Sacred Valley

Heading North we dropped into the Sacred Valley. This incredibly fertile plateau winds between mountains that literally pulse with life. Most farmers in Peru still tend with ancient methods like gravity-defying terraces winding up mountainsides to produce coca, corn, potatoes and brown, orange and purple quinoa, among many other heirloom crops. While exploring the lofty ruins nestled above the town of Pisac, we walked alongside these deep-stepped agricultural terraces, our starting point for an inspiring downhill journey. Encroaching, craggy walls peppered with the holes of Inca graves guided us as we meandered through the maze of ruins, followed closely by a local musician serenading us with his flute. At Urubamba we zig-zagged back up hill to Moray, where the main attraction is an ancient agricultural research center. In brilliant harmony with nature the Inca embedded circular terraces deep into an irregular bowl of the plateau, cleverly creating a series of microclimates. But despite the magnificent spectacle of it all, the Temple of the Sun—a smaller terraced amphitheater set in a hollow between snow-covered peaks overlooked by a glacier—was our true destination and easily one of the most spiritually powerful places in Peru. We followed our guide to the bottom and lay on the spiky grass, feet pointing inwards, our bodies like petals of a sunflower. Eyes closed, the heat of the sun and the rhythm of the shaman’s drum took us on a profound inner journey. journeying to machu picchu is a virtual right of passage for spiritual travelers in peru. photo: dimitry b

6. Machu Picchu

A restful and luxurious train carried us from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu Pueblo the following day to experience the crown jewel of Peru’s sacred sites. Early the next morning we found ourselves in line just before dawn for the 5am bus—worth the sacrificed sleep to see the sunrise light up the ruins. It’s an absolutely overwhelming scene of solar alignments, roofless temples, crumbling buildings, overgrown gardens and terraces, clustered precariously on top of a mountain surrounded by other guardian peaks and is one of the places you must visit in Peru. It may be a ruin, but it still felt alive to us and was a once-in-a-lifetime place to meditate.

7. Amazon Rainforest

Two weeks had evaporated in the spiritual haze of our travels, and it was time to swap the Andes for the heat and humidity of the Amazon Rainforest. The contrast of entering through the forest-locked city of Iquitos was a shock to our system—the calm of the mountains replaced by the loud frenetic energy of the jungle. The discordance of Iquitos faded into the distance as the boat carried us to our next destination. Our home for the week was an oasis nestled amidst lush banana plants, huge palms, and towering trees. Chickens clucked, ducks waddled, lovebirds woo’d, macaws strutted their rainbow plumage. We let the jungle’s symphony of sound replace our mental chatter in deep reflection on the healing we were all after. If this is what you are seeking this is one of the places you must visit in Peru. attending an ayahuasca retreat deep in the peruvian amazon jungle is a life-changing experience that is not to be missed. photo: Carlos ortiz de zevallos eguiluz

8. Sacred Ayahuasca Retreat

Ayahuasca is a sacred plant medicine revered for it’s healing and divinatory properties, reconnecting those who indulge its spirit directly to the divine. Considered a powerfully wise, sentient goddess, her popularity has increased in recent years, and retreats in the area are big business. Luckily for us, our ayahuasca experience was tended by the reverend Don Lucho, a pot-bellied man with infinite eyes, not some unscrupulous fake that are so easy to come by these days. We had four Ayahuasca ceremonies in the big round thatched hut—we each had a mat, pillow, blanket, and most importantly a bucket. If you didn’t know already, Ayahuasca is legendary for its purgative qualities, and proper diet pre and post journey are of the utmost importance. Music, incense, and tobacco created the sacred space, and ceremonies began at 7pm. One by one we’d kneel in front of the shaman to take our cup. Ayahuasca tasted like an unpleasant combination of very dark chocolate and coffee, drank down in one harsh gulp. Purging is an almost inevitable part of the process, cleaning out mental, emotional, and physical toxins accumulated over a lifetime of unconscious choices. This is not psychedelic fun but a deeply transformative and profound path of growth and a must-experience for spiritual travelers in Peru. Ayahuasca seemed to somehow know exactly what we needed. I had visions of past lives and insights about the one I’m currently living. Most of us received the answers we came for. A man with chronic pain from an accident ten years previous reduced his medication by 80% without withdrawal symptoms. Emerging from the depths of our soul, it was suddenly time to leave the jungle and say our goodbyes. We’d become a tribe at some point during the journey, going deep within ourselves, and emerging on the other side with the integrated wisdom that nothing is impossible to overcome. The synergy woven between the land, the ancient sites we visited, our facilitators, our guides, and our group delivered transformation far beyond anything we could have imagined, truly embodying the richness of the sacred grounds and culture of Peru. Francesca traveled with Outer Travels Inner Journeys on The Peru Odyssey—a 23-day complete spiritual adventure to the sacred sites of Peru. Learn more at outertravelsinnerjourneys.com.

About The Authors Francesca Cassini loves to translate and share the magic of life. She published a free magazine in London, The Changing Times, on living more lightly on the planet and was a founding member of a social network for conscious living. She’s completed the first novel in her trilogy Waking the Lions. Living nomadically, she is now a freelance writer and lives inspired by her fertile imagination. Visit her website: francescacassini.com

palais el badi, just one of the hundreds of spectacularly beautiful things to do in marrakech, morocco. photo: david stanley

Few places on earth have the ability to conjure up exotic visions of old-world culture and charm quite like Morocco. And, of the country’s countless gems, none shine as brightly as Marrakech. Straddling the towering, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is in every sense an outpost—the last major bastion of civilization before the creeping edges of the Western Sahara Desert. For nearly a thousand years, Marrakech has been a melting pot of civilizations—a vibrant mixture of Sufi, Muslim and French colonial influence—built upon a tribal foundation of the native Berber culture. And perhaps one of its most alluring qualities is that it has retained much of those ancient influences to this very day, despite an ever-encroaching Western culture. Wandering through the snakelike alleyways and passages in the old city of Marrakech, you could be forgiven for thinking you had suddenly been transported back in time to the bustling heart of an Aladdinesque medina—not much has changed here over the centuries. aone of thousands of aladdinesque alleyways in the old city. wandering through them (and getting hopelessly lost) is one of the essential things to do in marrakech. Marrakech has traditionally been—and still is—one of the most prominent cities in, not just Morocco, but the entire West African region; and this is clearly reflected in the city’s often-lavish architecture. Palm-lined palaces with sprawling gardens, towering mosaicked mosques, decadent riads and modern art-deco-á-la-Morocco-inspired hotels dot the desert city and are constant reminders of the power and wealth that have flowed through the region for nearly a thousand years.  

“Marrakech is in every sense an outpost—the last major bastion of civilization before the creeping edges of the Western Sahara Desert.”

  But don’t let me give you the wrong idea and make you think that Marrakech is by any means an expensive destination. For the most part, it’s quite cheap. (I had the best croissant of my life there for the princely sum of two cents.) However, the truth is, how expensive (or inexpensive) it becomes for you is largely a reflection of your haggling skills and what kind of experience you want to have. For about 50% of the things you’ll be purchasing or doing in Marrakech, you’ll enter into a dialogue with the seller and negotiate a fair price. Be warned that Moroccans are arguably the world’s best hagglers—they literally can talk money right out of your pocket! That being said, even a bad deal in Marrakech is usually far less than you’d pay for similar things in the West. And, after all, the general standard of living for locals is substantially lower than it is in the West; so, if you can afford it, it can be—shall we say—philanthropic. la jardin des majorelle, a surreal sight if there ever was one. not to be missed if you are looking for things to do in marrakech. photo: viault Even so, if you want to travel in style, there are plenty of places and things to do in Marrakech that can accommodate that too; you certainly can find ways to spend a lot of money quite easily, especially in the Ville Nouvelle, the newer, more modern part of the city. On the whole, the old city of Marrakech (which is the most vibrant and colorful—it’s what everyone thinks of when they think of Morocco) is substantially cheaper. We stayed at a cozy, ornate riad (an old grand house converted into an inn) in the heart of the souks with absolutely phenomenal, freshly made breakfast every morning for $20 per person per night. And speaking of food, that’s one of the best parts about a trip to Marrakech. The surrounding countryside is basically all farmland and supplies the city with a never-ending supply of incredibly fresh, wholesome produce that is transformed at the hands of local chefs into an array of simple, hearty, spiced-but-not-hot dishes. Moroccan cuisine is reminiscent of traditional Middle Eastern fare but with a distinctly regional bent, with a focus on tajines—heavily spiced stews cooked in special clay pots that add some special je ne sais quoi to the dishes. Delicious mint tea is served nearly everywhere you go in Marrakech and Morocco in general, but be forewarned: it’s got quite a kick! It’s actually about 90% green tea, with a bit of sugar and a few mint leaves thrown in for good measure.  

“Marrakech is one of those cities where wandering aimlessly and exploring whatever catches your fancy is a brilliantly good time.”

  Marrakech is one of those cities where wandering aimlessly and exploring whatever catches your fancy is a brilliantly good time. There are street performers and acrobats and snake charmers and monkeys, and all kinds of unusual things far outside the norms of daily life in much of the world to keep you shocked and entertained. And beyond that, it’s easy to get lost (literally, hopelessly lost; there are no maps and very few named streets in this area of the city) in the endless stalls and alleyways of the souks, which are the vibrant ancient markets in the heart of the old city.  

“If you can dream it, you can probably buy it somewhere in the souks.”

  As great as those things are, a trip to Marrakech would be woefully incomplete without making time for the following essential experiences: hazy, bustling, noir… all appropriate adjectives to describe the night market scene at djema el-fna square in the old city of marrakech, one of the ultimate things to do in the city.  photo: mathias barbagallo

Dinner at Djemaa el-Fna Stalls

The proverbial heart of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna is a large, prominent square in the middle of the old city, which transforms itself like clockwork every night from a largely deserted, sunbaked mid-city oasis to a bustling makeshift marketplace filled with street performers, lights, and a swath of open air restaurant stalls serving all kinds of exotic Moroccan dishes. It’s cheap, it’s fun, it’s delicious, and it’s not to be missed at any cost—absolutely one of the essential things to do in Marrakech. the beating heart of marrakech, the souks are rowdy, vibrant, cheap and fun. one of the ultimate (and unavoidable) things to do in marrakech.

Haggling in the Souks

Bring some extra money because you’re absolutely going to want to buy things in the souks—if only to have the quintessential haggling experience famous the world over. From aromatic spices to ornate metal lanterns to handmade, intricate Berber rugs and everything in between—if you can dream it, you can probably buy it somewhere in the souks. It’s hectic, it’s loud, it’s fast-paced, and it’s the most fun you’re ever going to have buying something.

Spa Day at the Hammams

Throughout Marrakech there are a number of hammams, which are traditional Islamic bathhouses and spas that have a distinctly Romanesque feel. They’re usually unassuming on the outside and stunningly gorgeous on the inside (at least the nicer ones are) and a great place to slip away for a little relaxation and rejuvenation. Typically, there are heated pools, steam rooms, saunas, massages, and an array of expected spa services, making it one of the more relaxing things to do in Marrakech. you haven’t really seen the stars until you’ve spent a night camping in berber tent in the sahara desert, just a few hours drive outside, and one of the ultimate things to do in and around, marrakech. photo: ling wang marina

Sahara Desert

On the other side of the Atlas, lays the legendary Sahara Desert, and it absolutely does not disappoint. This, dear readers, is the trip of a lifetime and worth every cent if you have the time. It’s truly an extraordinary and unique experience. You can arrange overnight trips (or longer) where you literally sleep under the stars with a Berber tribe, meals and camel treks included. It’s a great place to ponder the big questions in life and reflect on the unbelievable magnitude of the universe, which feels oddly tangible in the vast expanse of the dunes. Of course, you can venture out on your own; but be forewarned: you’re getting into some wild areas that are still under dispute, with secessionist movements underway. It’s safe to visit with a guide; but beyond that it becomes more of a “legendary journey”— either way, a wildly fun thing to do just outside of Marrakech. snow melt runoff in the high atlas mountains creates surprisingly lush valleys in the foothills leading toward marrakech. another excellent thing to do just outside of marrakech. photo: ling wang marina

Atlas Mountains

It’s an interesting juxtaposition seeing snow-capped mountains in the distance while you’re baking in the mid-day city heat. Standing at 13,671 feet, the Atlas range is one of the tallest in the world and unusual on the African continent, which is relatively flat by comparison. Within the craggy canyons and valleys of the high Atlas, lay a handful of extraordinarily beautiful Berber towns and villages. This is the real Morocco—the cultural lifeblood that you can only catch manufactured glimpses of in cities. Aside from a few roads and cafes, things remain largely unchanged here from how they have been for thousands of years. Local Berber tribesmen still siphon their water from the pristine snowmelt-fuelled streams, and old women with camels in tow tend farmland and shuttle goods between villages. You can hire a local guide to take you hiking, which can be a hair-raising and downright treacherous experience, but makes for a great story if you survive. There’s probably a way to do it safely, but be sure to ask some questions before paying and committing. You can arrange day trips (or longer) from Marrakech; and renting a car and heading out on your own is also an option if you’re the more adventurous type. Wherever you are and whatever you end up doing in Marrakech and Morocco in general, one thing’s for sure: communication is rarely an issue, which is unusual in this part of the world. Moroccans are master linguists and typically speak fluent Arabic, French and English, which makes travel throughout the area somewhat easier than neighboring countries. And that’s probably also due in part to the fact that Moroccan hospitality is legendary, and they’re just generally happy people; we made friends everywhere we went.

About The Authors Justin Faerman is the co-founder of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine.

getting wild during nighttime ecstatic dance at the envision festival in costa rica. photo: andrew jorgenson, courtesy of envision festival

ENVISION FESTIVAL 2016

UVITA, COSTA RICA February 25-28, 2016 Envision is an evolutionary transformational festival that weaves together everything we consider to be crucial to a conscious lifestyle—movement, healing, spiritual growth, sustainability, holistic health, music, and art. Above all, Envision is dedicated to bringing together a global conscious community that awakens humanity’s potential. Not just another party in a beautiful place, this is an opportunity to deepen your connection to yourself, to others, and to the earth in a truly magical and mystical locale where lush rainforests and mountains meet the warm Pacific Ocean on the South coast of Costa Rica. This year, the Envision collective is offering a number of intensive educational retreats pre and post festival to take the experience even deeper and integrate it more fully into your life. There are six in total, with our three favorite offerings this year highlighted below. To see the full range of experiences, visit their retreats page here: Envision Educational Retreats Reboot Camp: A Reboot for Your Mind, Body and Spirit February 29th – March 6th, 2016 Cleanse. Yoga. Surfing. Improv. Relaxation. Rejuvenation.  Join the Envision crew for a 6-day retreat in paradise and hit the reset button on your mind body and spirit. A gentle 6-day cleanse with delicious food curated by Dr. Cory, therapeutic yoga with Jorja Rivero and Ashleigh Sergeant, and some of the best surfing (for all levels) in Costa Rica. Dancing and improvisational self-expression to unlock your creativity. Come play and return to your life rested, energized, fit, healthy and happy. Click Here to Learn More Jungle Herbal Field Clinic Pre-Festival Workshop February 15 – 29, 2016 This immersive workshop is for those who have experience in herbal medicine, looking for training as a street herbal medic, in herbal first aid, disaster relief and on-the-fly herbal formulation. This is an opportunity to expand clinical experience, while being in service to the Envision community.  Students spend the first half of the workshop at the Punta Mona Center, learning about Physiology and Pathophysiology, formulation, intakes, treatment strategies, case studies and other clinical skills. Continuing on to Envision, we will set up the Herbal Free Clinic and offer our healing services to festival goers and staff. Click Here to Learn More Envision Pre-Tour: A Magical Musical and Sustainable Journey through Costa Rica February 16 – 24, 2016 Join the Envision crew as they visit some of the most epic spots in Costa Rica before arriving at the final destination—the Envision Festival in the Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica. On this coast to coast trip you’ll visit incredible places and attractions while exploring the ecology and permaculture possibilities of the rainforest. As musicians and music enthusiasts your nights will be filled with live music and local culture and, of course, always the most exotic and unique foods. Click Here to Learn More Get Your Tickets to the Event on the Envision Festival Official Website

EVOLVING OUT LOUD

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA April 2-3, 2016 Combining the art of stand-up comedy and transformation, Comedy Central headliner Kyle Cease uses his 25 years of performing, creating, and letting go of what other people think to help his audience move past their old stories and into a new vision of what is possible in their lives. Evolving Out Loud is a powerful event designed to help you release your old conditioned patterns of fear and strategy and tap into your natural flow state of creativity and unlimited possibilities. Click here to learn more

LIVE, LOVE, THRIVE PURA VIDA RETREAT

OSA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA February 13-20, 2016 Marrying happiness and renewal, this is a one-of-a-kind retreat that combines yoga and positive psychology to bring you into a whole new relationship with yourself and your life. Yoga teachers, Ann Averback and Emily Perry have teamed up with positive psychologists Scott Simon and Jennifer Margolis to create a profoundly nourishing and transformative eight-day experience that will revitalize your body, mind, and spirit. Retreat accommodations are at the beautiful, Blue Osa Resort, an eco-conscious, beach-front location serving fresh farm-to-table food. Click here to learn more

CONSCIOUS LIFE EXPO 2016

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA February 19-22, 2016 Conscious Life Expo is a four-day Conference and Exposition with four exhibit halls and over 200 speakers, workshops, lectures and special events, including a conscious film festival. The Expo brings together a community of speakers, filmmakers, authors, artists, and visionaries to explore evolutionary transformations in health, science, spirituality, and healthy lifestyles. This year’s speakers include Dr. Eben Alexander, Lisa Garr, David Wilcock, and Nassim Haramein. This immersive gathering of collective consciousness is accompanied by delicious healthy food, eclectic musicians, and conscious community. Click here to learn more

rai leh beach, near ao phang nga national park in southern thailand. photo: mem-film.de

Although you’ve probably never been there, there’s a good chance you might recognize the dramatic island scenery of Ao Phang Nga National Park, nestled cozily in the warm, jade waters of the Andaman Sea near the southern tip of Thailand. The iconic mangrove-edged bay is spiked with limestone karst formations nearly 900 feet in height—the jungle-clad backdrop permanently etched in the minds of millions as the hideout of James Bond villain Francisco Scaramanga in the 1974 hit The Man With the Golden Gun. Established in 1981, Ao Phang Nga national park covers nearly 250 square miles (400 kilometers) and is home to more than 40 islands with massive vertical cliff faces plunging treacherously into the tranquil waters below; many of which guard secret caves, accessible only during low tide, that lead into hidden lagoons surrounded by solid rock walls. The Ao Phang Nga area is a kayaker’s paradise and exploring it in this manner offers many opportunities to get off the beaten path and avoid some of the more touristy spots during high season. james bond island—one of the most picturesque spots in ao phang nga national park, thailand. Islands Ko Racha and Ko Bon in the heart of Ao Phang Nga national park offer excellent snorkeling and scuba diving in the region’s pristine waters, as well as accommodations for those looking to spend some time immersed in the area. Otherwise, neighboring Phuket province is one of the most stunningly beautiful islands in the country and is so close to Ao Phang Nga that it would be silly to visit the region and not stop by. paradise on earth somewhere in ao phang nga national park, thailand. photo: lucien muller The resort city of Patong is known for its nightlife if you are looking for something more lively, but if that’s not your thing, it’s easy to get away from it all quite quickly in the more remote southern parts of the island where you’ll find locals selling all manner of tropical fruits on luxuriously pristine white sand beaches. There are also many excellent yoga, meditation, and health-focused retreats scattered throughout the province if you seek a more spiritual and rejuvenating experience. boats shuttle visitors around the 250 square mile ao phnag nga national park in thailand. Despite a heavy influx of tourism in recent years, Thai culture has changed little and still retains its famed hospitality, friendliness, and talkative, grinning locals who wholeheartedly embody the philosophy of ‘sanuk’—a Thai word that translates loosely to “enjoy life.” Be warned, many people intend to come to Ao Phang Ngo or anywhere in Thailand for a week or two and end up staying for months. It’s cheap, the food is fresh and delicious, and you’ll make friends everywhere you go, whether it’s with travel-happy Australians or the Thai people themselves. It’s a country with an often times paradoxical balance between ancient culture and modern development, but one that has managed to retain its heart and soul through it all.

Conscious Retreats in the Phuket – Ao Phang Nga National Park Region of Southern Thailand

Dharana Phuket Meditation Center Located in the lush Phuket countryside the Dharana Meditation Center is a truly rejuvenating experience for the mind, body, and spirit with several meditation-focused programs to choose from and a host of healing amenities including herbal steam rooms, saunas, yoga classes, and vegetarian meals for all guests. phuket-meditation.com Atmanjai Health Spa Nestled cozily on the beachfront in Chalong Bay, Phuket, the Atamanjai Health Spa offers a range of detoxes and cleanses utilizing the latest healing therapies from around the world combined with traditional Thai healing practices. If you are feeling more active, the spa also features a range of fitness based programs that include yoga and water sports like paddleboarding and kitesurfing, among other activities. atmanjai.com

About The Authors Justin Faerman is the co-founder of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine.