Time Left To Register
Discover a leadership experience like no other!
Leadership Retreat in Santa Ana, Costa Rica August 2-12, 2025
Time Left To Register
Discover a leadership experience like no other!
Leadership Retreat in Santa Ana, Costa Rica August 2-12, 2025
Are you leading in a world that feels fast, complex, and constantly shifting?
Are you looking for deeper clarity, renewed purpose, and bold ways to create real lasting impact?
Are you ready to step into your next level of leadership?
Join a transformative experience designed for
global-minded leaders, NGO professionals, and impact-driven entrepreneurs.
Expansion is more than a retreat—it’s a personal AND professional journey into self-discovery, purpose alignment, and meaningful action.
Body, Mind, Heart & Soul
Daily sessions focused on holistic leadership
Global Perspectives:
Remembering Your Roots-Deep cultural immersion with indigenous leaders and local entrepreneurs
Your Purpose Story:
Define and articulate your impact in the world
Nature & Wellness:
Hikes, monkeys, river tour, yoga, massage, and more
Expansion is an immersive experience set in the lush heart of Costa Rica, designed to inspire professionals, visionaries, and changemakers to reconnect with their true selves and uncover what's next in business and in life.
Through daily guided practices, expert mentorship, nature-based healing, and deep inner work, you’ll break through old patterns and emerge with the clarity, courage, and confidence to lead from a place of expanded alignment.
Whether you’re navigating a life transition, pivoting your organization, or seeking a more purpose-driven path, this retreat offers the Imagespace, support, and structure to move you and your business to the next level.
Join us August 2-12, 2025 in beautiful Costa Rica!
Be part of SOMETHING BIGGER!
Find the Perfect Balance Between Professional and Personal Development at Expansion
At the heart of your professional growth during the Expansion experience is the two-day workshop, The Inner Compass: Becoming Catalysts for Collective Change.
This seminar offers an immersive experience that bridges personal transformation with professional leadership development. Through deep exploration and actionable strategies, you’ll:
Refine your leadership style
Align your values with your goals
Learn how to catalyze meaningful change within your organization and community.
In this workshop, we dive into powerful leadership principles that integrate both personal insight and collective impact. You’ll discover how to lead with purpose, harness your authentic power, and inspire others to do the same.
Whether you are at the helm of a large team or leading change from within, this workshop will equip you with the tools, clarity, and confidence needed to drive transformation both personally and professionally.
Is EXPANSION right for me?
This retreat is for you if you are:
At a crossroads in your life or business
Feeling disconnected from your purpose or intuition
Seeking clarity on the 'what's next'
Ready to shed patterns that no longer serve you
Longing to lead with more authenticity, courage, and presence
You’ll be surrounded by nature, nourished with healing food, and supported by a community of fellow leaders who are also committed to their growth.
This retreat is designed to disrupt burnout, awaken your wisdom, and catalyze a powerful internal shift.
What Your Investment Covers
We’ve thoughtfully curated every detail of this experience to ensure you feel supported, inspired, and held from the moment you arrive.
1
10 nights of boutique accommodations in a serene, nature-rich setting (most meals included)
2
In country ground transportation between the airport and retreat location, plus all on-site group activities.
3
Daily guided practices including meditation, breathwork, and embodied movement
4
Transformational workshops and leadership sessions facilitated by award-winning global leaders
Day 1 - Arrive & Connect
-Arrive
-Get settled in
-Group gathering - boat ride - drinks and appetizers
-Evening Welcome, fun program and dinner
-Music and social time
Day 2 - The First Step Inward (laying the foundation)
-Yoga & Meditation on the beach/Lead by local professional (traditional morning)
-Basilica of Cartago Experience (Pilgrimage)
-Dinner
Day 3 - Discovering your purpose (identifying your story line)
-Yoga & Meditation on the beach/Lead by local professional (traditional morning)
-Breakfast
-MORNING SESSION
-Lunch & Self Discovery Time
-AFTERNOON SESSION
-Dinner - Evening laughter and entertainment
Day 4 Walking into your Worth (discover your inner superpowers)
-Breakfast
-Costa Rican Humanitarian Experience (lunch included)
-AFTERNOON/EVENING SESSION
-Dinner & Cocktails/Mocktails
Day 5 Preparing to tell your story (writing your Purpose Blueprint)
-Yoga & Meditation on the beach/Lead by local professional (traditional morning)
-Breakfast
-MORNING SESSION
-Lunch
-AFTERNOON SESSION
-Dinner
Day 6 Articulate your story (Storytelling expert full day workshop)
-Yoga & Meditation on the beach/Lead by local professional (traditional morning)
-Breakfast
-MORNING SESSION
-Lunch
-AFTERNOON SESSION
-Dinner
Day 7 Local ImpactPreneur Journey
-Yoga & Meditation on the beach/Lead by local professional (traditional morning)
-Breakfast
-MORNING SESSION
-Lunch with special guest speaker
-AFTERNOON SESSION
-Dinner
Day 8 IMPACTing future generations
-Yoga & Meditation on the beach/Lead by local professional (traditional morning)
-Breakfast
-MORNING SESSION: Local Youth Club (DYC) connection - a day in the life of a student
-Lunch with students
-Dinner & Celebration
Day 9 Staged for the journey
-Yoga & Meditation on the beach/Lead by local professional (traditional morning)
-Breakfast
-MORNING SESSION
-Lunch
-AFTERNOON SESSION
-ImpactPreneur Showcase
-Dinner & Celebration
Day 10 ReEntry & Continuing your Journey (Embracing your transformation)
-Yoga & Meditation on the beach/Lead by local professional (traditional morning)
-Breakfast
-MORNING SESSION with guest speaker
-Lunch
-Prepare to leave
-Dinner on the beach
Day 11 - Travel home
Why EXPANSION Matters
We believe that real leadership starts with coming home to yourself.
This experience is a sacred pause. A chance to step away from the noise and tune back into your inner knowing. Through heart-centered guidance, connection, and reflection, you’ll:
Gain clarity about your purpose and next steps
Learn how to lead from your most aligned self
Release what’s holding you back emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
Deepen your trust in your intuition
Develop tools to integrate this transformation into everyday life
Gain clarity about your purpose and next steps
Learn how to lead from your most aligned self
Release what’s holding you back emotionally, mentally, and spiritually
Deepen your trust in your intuition
Develop tools to integrate this transformation into everyday life
This is not about fixing you — it’s about remembering who you are and reclaiming your innate power to lead.
Meet the Expansion Team:
Annie Vander Werff, MA
As an experienced international nonprofit executive, best-selling author, and global award-winning leader, I’ve dedicated my life to two things: helping NGOs and nonprofits thrive through meaningful alignment, and empowering women to lead with boldness, clarity, and purpose in every area of life.
As a woman in business, I know firsthand the tension between chasing your dreams and showing up for everyone else. That tug-of-war can feel overwhelming, even selfish at times. But here’s the truth: investing in yourself is not just necessary, it’s powerful. When you step fully into your purpose, the transformation is undeniable—and it radiates through every part of your life, even to your family.
With more than 20 years of global experience as a speaker, author, and executive leader, I’ve designed programs that speak to the unique challenges and aspirations of mission-driven women. These programs are built to help you rediscover clarity, ignite your confidence, and strengthen your connection to what truly matters.
If you’re ready to uncover the purpose you were born for and lead with intention and impact—I’m here to walk beside you every step of the way.
Gail Nystrom, MA
Founder and Director of the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation.
Gail is an award winning leader. A trailblazer. A visionary. Action-oriented. A storyteller for change.
The international nonprofit executive began her journey following her dream of entering the Peace Corps to the (then) little known country of Costa Rica. The country won her heart and one year later she returned for good. In 1997 she formed the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, and continued her work to bring together different populations to promote the Spiral Model of Development (c) and teach about empathy and compassion.
Gail has worked with populations as varied as children of multinational company employees, Salvadoran refugees, street children, Nicaraguan refugees, small villages and ultimately, poverty neighborhoods.
A native of the East coast of the United States Gail holds her Master of Education degree from the University of Denver in Special Education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much does it cost?
Each Ticket will cost $4997. A $250 deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your spot. The deposit will be applied to the total cost of your ticket.
Is this retreat just for women, or can anyone attend?
This retreat is women-focused and designed with women’s experiences and needs in mind. However, all are welcome! If you feel called to be part of this experience, we’d love to have you join us.
Am I able to make payments?
Yes! You have two options at registration:
Pay in full at the time of registration, or
Reserve your spot with a $250 nonrefundable deposit.
If you choose the deposit option, please note that the $250 deposit is in addition to the total retreat fee. The remaining experience balance of $4,997 will be split into two equal payments:
-First payment of $2,498.50 due on June 21, 2025
-Final payment of $2,498.50 due on July 21, 2025
This flexible payment plan is designed to make your journey to Costa Rica as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What are the additional costs I need to consider?
Travel to and from Costa Rica is not included in the retreat price. You’ll also be responsible for your own transportation from the resort back to the airport after the retreat ends. While the retreat covers all core activities, the resort offers optional add-on experiences like massages and spa treatments—should you choose to indulge, those services will be at your own expense. We also suggest budgeting around $150 USD for additional outside expenses that may arise during your stay.
Can I bring a friend or partner?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring a partner or guest! Please note that they will be expected to fully participate in all retreat activities alongside you. This ensures the experience is cohesive, immersive, and meaningful for everyone involved.
Do I need leadership experience to attend?
Nope. If you feel the call, that’s your invitation.
Am I sharing a room, or will I have my own space?
Everyone will have their own private room to relax, recharge, and reflect. If you're bringing someone with you and would prefer to share a room, just reach out—we’re happy to discuss availability and adjusted pricing options. Email us at [email protected]
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