Stories from Pure Bliss
Every person arrives with a different story, intention and reason for being here.
These are real stories from guests who came to Costa Rica for a personalized Pure Bliss Retreat and left with experiences they’ll carry home with them.
“I know I needed a private retreat and the description of Fern’s retreat stirred something in me and knew I needed what she was offering. I also knew 4 days would not be enough and Fern easily adjusted to provide what was needed. I’m so glad I said yes!!
My time with Fern in Costa Rica was nothing short of amazing. I arrived burned out, in need of rest, and craving a way to reconnect with my spirit team and myself. Fern had a beautiful week planned, while also holding the awareness that we would shift and adapt based on what was needed in the moment. Throughout my time there, and even after returning home, I experienced the bliss of my nervous system being reset. I had felt so wound tight from burnout that I wasn’t even sure it was possible to feel that calm and at peace again. I unintentionally lost almost three pounds during my week there (which I welcomed since I had felt stuck at a plateau after some menopausal weight gain), but I’m pretty sure my body released what it no longer needed once it finally felt safe.
The care and attention Fern paid to what my soul needed in each moment was a healing balm. She holds beautiful space, listens without judgment, and intuitively works with what you need as it unfolds. She also equipped me with tools to use when I got home so I could stay connected, maintain my serenity, and enjoy my life again.
My time with her helped remind me of who I am, who I was created to be, and what I’m meant to do with my time here. And having released so much during my time there I now have the capacity to step more into my aligned calling. It was a beautiful experience, but it also helped me establish practices I can continue in my day-to-day life. I may not have monkeys as my morning alarm clock at home, but I brought plenty of inspired wisdom from Costa Rica back into my life. This was also my first trip traveling solo, and I felt completely safe during my time at Dragonfly Beach Retreat. The food, morning yoga, access to the pool and beach, the staff, the peaceful accommodations, and the facilities were all exceptional. Thank you Fern! I can’t wait to come back to Punta Uva!”
— Kim Johnson“After spending years putting my career, relationships, and responsibilities first, I realized I had lost the relationship with myself. I was looking for a retreat that would help me slow down, reconnect with who I am, and create space to simply be instead of constantly doing. I wanted to deepen my mindfulness practice, experience yoga and meditation, meet like-minded women from around the world, and spend time in nature. Most importantly, I wanted to learn how to trust myself again, find joy in my own company, and remember what it feels like to choose myself. This retreat gave me far more than I expected. I left feeling calmer, more grounded, and more connected to myself than I have in years.
I learned that I genuinely enjoy my own company and don’t need to fill every moment with productivity or plans. I found the courage to slow down, trust my intuition, and simply be present. The friendships I made reminded me that meaningful connection is always possible, and the combination of yoga, meditation, healing sessions, nature, and time for reflection helped me reconnect with joy. I returned home with a renewed sense of peace, a deeper trust in myself, and the confidence to continue choosing myself every day.”
— Naomi Hartl
“If you’re on the fence, make the leap!
I went into this with no expectations and was taken aback by how transformative it was. I experienced so much healing in such a short amount of time. After a tough year, this was the nervous system reset I needed. Even though I booked last minute, you’d never be able to tell. I had a full itinerary, wonderful accommodation thanks to Fern, had the ability for more quiet time and also made lifelong friends. Fern is truly gifted and makes you feel comfortable from day one and in her daily sessions. My experience was full of fresh, delicious food, yoga, beach and hiking on my own time, and breath work and connection with Fern and others with the beach and jungle as the backdrop. Fern also connected me with an incredible massage therapist, Anastasia, who is the real deal.
I will definitely be back and am grateful for such a vibrant trip that was made incredibly easy and fulfilling thanks to Fern!!
I felt a genuine reconnection with myself, and I can fully refresh my zest for life rekindled!”
— Natasha“Magical Experience, Don't Hesitate
I booked a somewhat last-minute retreat with Fern, without a clear understanding of exactly what I am getting myself into. I was at a major turning point in my life, and, honestly, just wanted to get away and didn't care much about the details. However, the experience was truly AMAZING, life-changing to some extent.
Fern shared with me the jungle, the community, the healing, and the music. The place is truly special. Highly recommend! My personal favorites are the yoga at the shala on the beach, the cacao beach ceremony (so much fun!), the sound healing and voice activation. Lastly, I should mention that as a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and taken care of.
THANK YOU FERN!”
— Emilia
“Before going on this retreat, I was severely dysregulated and living in fight or flight. My capacity became so limited, and I stopped taking care of myself. I struggled trusting myself, disconnected from my body and mind, and life felt like it was happening to me. I was going to therapy and thought I was "doing the work" but I was in such a rush to "fix" myself that I wasn't slowing down enough to feel or listen. I was missing a spiritual connection, a reminder that I'm not alone in this, and life can happen for me if I trust it to. Fern's Intuitive Healing retreat description called to me immediately; I just knew it was the reset my mind, body and soul needed. My 30th birthday was approaching and I'd been feeling ready for a deep transformation, so I took the leap and booked it a week in advance. And then I extended my trip mid-way through, it was that good.
Fern held such a safe and sacred space to be vulnerable and truly seen. She intuitively guides each session and offers a personal, truly life-changing experience. Fern shows up as a friend (or the big sister you always wanted), never with judgment and always with love and warmth. Through each breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and intuitive practice, I loosened my grip and leaned in, unlocking new tools within myself. The retreat was a perfect balance of rest, play, and discovery. I connected with fellow retreaters, local people, the land and wildlife, and made so many beautiful friendships and memories. Fernan transported me to and from the airport like a pro. I traveled alone and felt so safe with him. So professional, knowledgeable, and kind. He has great recommendations and was so helpful throughout my trip-thank you Fernan! Virginia's delicious meals truly healed my relationship with food. She delivers flavorful, balanced, vegan meals right to your door. (Cannot thank you enough, Virginia!) Shout out to Siren Sanctuary for hosting me the first half of the trip! Such welcoming hosts and the accommodations were beautiful and serene. I slept like a baby in the A/C. But the best part was spending my mornings sipping coffee, watching sloths and monkeys in their natural habitat, right outside my front door. A five-minute bike ride away, Dragonfly Retreat Center is a dreamy, beach-side oasis. Vibrant tropical flowers, luscious greenery, towering trees. And my favorite, the beautifully crafted wooden yoga shala, just steps away from the ocean beach.
Since the retreat my perspective has totally shifted, noticeable to my friends and even acquaintances. I finally have the capacity to regulate, to pause and check in with myself in times of uncertainty or stress. I've reclaimed my autonomy in choosing to show up for myself, nurture my own needs, and create my own happiness. And now I do it out of love for myself, and because I believe I'm worthy of it. I no longer do things out of shame or needing to fix myself, because I trust myself enough to know I'm on the right path.
This retreat truly reminded me why life is worth living.
If you're looking for a reset or a rebirth, you couldn't pick a better guide, destination, and experience than Fern's retreats will offer.”
— Heather Auffert
“Fern and her team are truly exceptional!
“Fern and her team are truly exceptional. From the very beginning, their light, positive energy, accessibility, and constant, caring presence made this experience unlike anything I’ve ever known.
I was drawn to this guided experience at a moment when I felt lost and overwhelmed by the everyday stresses of life. I had reached a point where I no longer felt connected to myself, and I wasn’t sure what the right path forward looked like. What I was seeking wasn’t just rest, but clarity, grounding, and a way to reconnect, and this format felt like the right space to begin that journey.
What made this journey so special was the beautiful balance between time spent alone in reflection and time guided through powerful practices - from breaking thought patterns, to sound work, body movement, yoga, and massage. Every element felt intentional and deeply supportive. The connection with nature was equally transformative. The lush jungle surroundings and the breathtaking meeting of forest and sea created the perfect setting to reconnect, reset, and fully embrace my intention for being there. Fern, thank you for holding such a mindful, warm, and soulful space. This journey felt complete in every sense, and I leave with deep gratitude”
— Nathalie“I feel so deeply grateful for my 10 day retreat and every moment of it.
The entire experience was held with so much love, warmth and care! Fern Olivia created such a safe, nurturing and truly special space fir each of us. Her presence was incredibly inspiring, and I felt deeply supported throughout. Her breathwork sessions and cacao ceremonies were especially touching and allowed for deep connection and inner growth. Her program was beautifully diverse, offering so many inspiring practices.
The daily yoga with different teachers was a true gift, my favorite teachers were Lauren & Sorian, each bringing such a special and unique energy. The vegan food by Virginia was really delicious and so lovingly prepared, she even brought it to my apartment every evening, which I was so grateful for. The massages by Daniel and Kayla were pure bliss and added even more depth to the relaxation. The Dragonfly Retreat location is simply magical and filled with kind, open-hearted people.
This experience will stay in my heart forever. One of the most beautiful journeys of my life and definitely not the last!”
— Livia
“I wanted the opportunity to focus on me for a week. It had been a tough year personally and I wanted time to regroup, recenter and find myself again. I chose this retreat because it had some structure and lots of flexibility. I could chose what activities I wanted to participate in and felt fully supported. I can away feeling rested, centered and happy. My friends and family said I was glowing when I returned and just happy. :) I'm so glad I traveled by myself. I met and spent time with some amazing women. Fern, is so kind, loving and supportive. She embraces you wherever you're at and supports you on your journey.”
— Amanda“I was looking to travel. I wanted a balance of schedule & 'free time' I knew I wanted to go to Costa Rica. I really appreciated the appealing info that was already provided on the website & also how Fern offered to do a zoom/facetime. The individuals involved with this retreat are very committed to making you feel comfortable, welcomed, & relaxed. I also was thankful how they organized pickup/drop off from airport to retreat. I felt so relaxed & blissful the whole time. I had engaging conversations with Fern & the other 3 women on my retreat. I had my alone time to explore the beach & local restaurants + stores. I only wish I stayed longer than 8 days. The area this retreat is located in feels (& is) very safe. I am a 27yr old woman that traveled solo.
— Iliana
“Attending Fern’s retreat was quite literally one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I truly arrived as one person and left as someone completely different. The shifts I experienced in just one week are difficult to put into words, but I left feeling more connected to source and more alive than I have in years.
Fern has an extraordinary gift. She creates a space where you feel completely safe to let your walls down, do the deep inner work, and reconnect with the truest version of yourself. Her wisdom, intuition, and presence are unlike anything I’ve experienced. She has a way of seeing people so deeply and gently guiding them back to their own power.
Every part of the retreat was intentional and infused with love. From the breathwork to the ceremonies, coaching, and moments of reflection, each experience built upon the next in a way that created profound healing. I laughed, literally cried, released years of emotional weight, and walked away with practical tools that I know will continue to change my life long after returning home. She’s also checked in on me after I arrived home, and truly held space for me to heal after the retreat was over.
What surprised me most wasn’t just how much healing happened during the retreat, but how much of it stayed with me afterward. I returned home feeling calmer, more resilient, and with a completely different perspective on myself and my life. My relationships have already begun to change because I have changed, and I have Fern to thank for that.
If you are even considering attending one of Fern’s retreats, trust that feeling. It is so much more than a yoga retreat. It is a journey back to yourself. It is an investment in your healing, your growth, and your future. I will be forever grateful that I said yes to this experience, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Fern has truly changed my life.
—Noosheen Jahavi“Fern has literally changed my life.”
“everything was perfect for me.”
“I wanted an opportunity to unwind, meet like-minded people and build a yoga practice.
I liked the combination of location, 8 days and retreat leader reviews.
I am returning more positive and energized, with new practices in yoga and Qi Gong. With the clean, vegetarian diet, I also lost 7-8 lbs:) In addition to our retreat leader Fern, I met some amazing people on retreat, trainings and living locally.
My retreat with Fern was transformative. I left with a full heart and new habits. Fern’s sound healing was a first for me and so cathartic. I traveled solo but found so many welcoming people and new experiences. Also loved this part of Costa Rica.”
— Cean Tan“I was overworking and burnt out, and really needed a relaxing/peaceful vacation where I was able and decompress.
I chose this retreat because the location looked beautiful, the host seemed amazing, it was more flexible.
While I was in the process of booking this retreat, I was very nervous because I was going by myself so I had a ton of questions and just needed a lot of clarity on what I was getting into. And after this experience, I realized I could totally do it by myself and also I was really able to relax, decompress, feel better, recenter, the one with nature and just completely disconnect.
I’m really grateful and so happy that I attended this retreat. Before I booked, and before I arrived, Fern really helped me feel better and more comfortable by answering all my questions. I was nervous until I arrived, and then it completely went away when I realized how incredible the location is, and how lovely, caring and kind Fern was. As soon as I arrived I felt better and more relaxed.. the jungles and the beaches are so incredible, it really felt like paradise. It was amazing to have flexibility within the day and in the schedule to do what you wanted. The sessions and classes were all wonderful and exactly what we all needed. It was overall the most beautiful place and a really magical experience. and the people on staff are amazing. You can also do other activities, take time for yourself, go down the street and get Matcha every day like I did, etc. I also quickly bonded with the other ladies on the retreat which made it all that more incredible and super impactful. I’m very grateful to Fern, my new soul sisters from the retreat, all the teachers and staff and the land.”
-Tanaz“I was searching for my inner peace that I lost years ago! Found it by truly surrendering on Pure Bliss with Fern.
I treated myself to massages every day! The location right on the beach and tucked in the jungle was perfect! Beautiful and the best spot to really heal. Dave, the owner of Dragonfly Retreat Center was awesome! He made us feel welcome and really down to earth. He gave us tips on where to go and what to do. He was a blast!
I found inner peace, forgiveness, got rid of my grief. The 3rd day I finally surrendered and opened up! It was during the breath work and sound therapy with Fern. I was holding in my tears, then she starting singing and I cried so hard. I truly believe it was my grief, guilt, anxiety and stress releasing. I could mentally and physically feel the weight off of my shoulders. Everyone kept coming up to me and telling me I had such a great vibe and glowing! I tried meditation at home before by myself but with Fern it was different. I felt safe to really open up and release.
Don't hesitate! They truly care about you as a person! Small classes and plenty of one on one time. Not corporate at all!”
— Kimberly Richardson“I was overstimulated and overworked and needed to do something for myself to calm my nervous system and slow down.
I just loved what Fern said about women empowerment and calming the nervous system with breath work and mediation and yoga. Inner peace and clarity. I want to bring all the good feelings and calmness back home into my daily life.
It is really beautiful to connect with others, people are so friendly and the property is so gorgeous! The breakfast was delicious. Fern checked in with me daily and organized sound baths, yoga, massages, and anything I needed. Do this for yourself! This retreat really allowed me to do what I want and go at my own pace and desire based on my needs.
-- JordanaYOUR STORY COULD BEGIN HERE.
Come experience Pure Bliss for yourself.
Whether you're coming alone, with someone you love, or simply following the feeling that it's time for something different, we'd love to welcome you to Costa Rica.
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