Oceans of Care

A Retreat for Mothers, Caregivers & Tenders of Life

May 5–11, 2026 | Tamarindo, Costa Rica

You spend so much of your life giving. This week is about receiving. Nestled between the jungle and the sea, Oceans of Care offers the rare gift of time — time for solitude, time for connection, and time to be truly cared for.

Step away from the roles and responsibilities of daily life and rest in the beauty of Costa Rica’s coast. Together, we will gather in circle, share meals crafted by a private chef, and explore practices for renewal, self-care, and community connection.

With a private beach, swimming pool, and circle space in nature, every detail has been chosen to support rest, play, and deep renewal. Join Dr. Jessica Sweet and Dr. Melissa Kuser for an unforgettable week of restoration and reconnection in Costa Rica.

Beach with numerous seashells scattered on the sand, ocean waves in the background, a hill covered in greenery, blue sky with some clouds.

The Experience

  • Morning movement and guided reflection to awaken body and spirit

  • Daily workshops exploring rest, self-care, and rewilding connection

  • Ample free time for ocean swims, journaling, and exploration

  • Nourishing, locally sourced meals prepared by a private chef

  • Evening circles and gentle rituals for grounding and renewal

  • Optional excursions or spa treatments available mid-week

This retreat is designed to help you slow down, receive, and remember what it feels like to be supported.

The Setting

Our retreat takes place in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, at a private oceanfront property owned by a Costa Rican family that has lovingly cared for this land for generations. Nestled between lush jungle and sea, the space offers:

  • Private beach access

  • Saltwater swimming pool

  • Open-air yoga and circle pavilion

  • Shared kitchenette and gathering areas

  • Beautifully appointed rooms with air conditioning and daily housekeeping

The property’s family heritage and connection to the land bring a sense of authenticity, warmth, and rootedness to your experience.

What’s Included

✔ Lodging

7 days / 6 nights accommodations in private beachfront bungalows with pool access.

✔ Meals

Three nourishing meals daily prepared by a private chef — local, organic, and seasonal whenever possible.

✔ Group Sessions

Daily workshops and circles guided by Jessica Sweet and Melissa Kuser.

✔ Embodiment Practices

Gentle movement and embodiment practices such as morning yoga, breathwork, meditation, Qigong, or dance.

✔ Community Connection

Be seen, heard, and supported in circle with other mothers, caregivers, and tenders of life.

✔ Catamaran Excursion

Sail the Pacific coast on a catamaran cruise with swimming, snorkeling, and opportunities to see dolphins, whales, and sea turtles.

✔ Massage

One 60-minute massage with a local massage therapist.

✔ Rest & Integration

Spacious time for rest, journaling, reflection, and integration — allowing you to embody and carry home the wisdom of your retreat experience.

✔ Airport Shuttle

Round-trip group airport transfer between Liberia International Airport (LIR) and the retreat center (for arrivals and departures at designated times).

✔ Optional Surf Lesson:

2-hour beginner surf lesson with local instructors (equipment provided)

What’s Not Included

✘ Airfare (to and from Liberia International Airport)

✘ Travel or Medical Insurance

Highly recommended for all participants

✘ Personal Expenses

Such as souvenirs, tips, or additional excursions

A bedroom with white walls, wooden accents, and dark wooden floors featuring a large bed with a light-colored striped bedspread and pillows. There is a small bedside table with a vase of pink flowers, and a work area with a desk and a metal chair. The room has windows allowing natural light.

Accommodations & Pricing

All accommodations are thoughtfully designed for comfort and connection.

Shared Room: Two twin beds with attached full bath and access to shared kitchenette and seating area. Early Bird: $2,500 | Standard: $2,800

Single Room: One king bed with private full bath and shared kitchenette. Early Bird: $3,100 | Standard: $3,400

Payment & Registration

  • Early Bird discount ($300 off) available through January 1, 2026.

  • Standard Pricing: Applies from January 2 – March 1, 2026.

  • Flexible payment plans available upon request.

Accessibility & Connection

We believe that healing experiences should be as accessible as possible.

  • Bring-a-Friend discount: $150 off each when registering together. Please use code FRIEND at checkout.

Please reach out for additional information.

Led by:

A woman with long red hair smiling at the beach, wearing a colorful baseball cap with 'Costa Rica' written on it. Behind her, there are trees, sand, and a few people walking along the shoreline with water and mountains in the distance.

  • With over a decade of experience as a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist, Jessica weaves clinical precision with intuitive wisdom to support women through all phases of hormonal, reproductive, and nervous system health. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing unfolds when we slow down, listen, and remember the body’s innate intelligence.

    She is a co-owner of The Ren Clinic, an integrative medical practice in Oregon, where she leads with a blend of clinical clarity, collaboration, and heart.

    Jessica draws upon the Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™, Holistic Pelvic Care™, Shiatsu, and osteopathic-inspired manual therapies to support hormonal function, pelvic health, gut function, and stress physiology—tending to the subtle ways modern life pulls us away from our natural rhythms.

    She has extensive international travel experience and has journeyed to Central America five times, often returning to the ocean as medicine. She and Melissa have traveled abroad together and were roommates during naturopathic medical school, offering participants the support of seasoned, easeful guides.

    Nourished by yoga, Qigong, dance, and her love of astrology, Jessica integrates movement, breath, and ritual into her facilitation, inviting softness where the body has learned to brace. Her retreats help women reconnect with inner wisdom, deepen trust in their bodies, and rediscover the joy of being fully alive. Jessica lives in Oregon with her husband and two young kids, finding daily inspiration in nature.

Close-up of a smiling woman with short reddish hair, wearing a blue sleeveless top, outdoors with a blurred green background.

  • With over 15 years of experience as an integrative healthcare provider, Melissaweaves together science, spirit, and embodiment to guide others toward deep healing and authentic living. Her clinical work has focused on women’s health, cardiology, and gender-affirming care, grounded in a holistic understanding of the human body and heart.

    She brings specialty training in Five Element Acupuncture, Qi Gong, the Arvigo® Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, Holistic Pelvic Care™, and HeartMath® heart rate variability coaching. Her passion for teaching and facilitation began early in her career as a high school English teacher, swim coach, and sea kayak guide—roles that fostered her lifelong love of helping others grow, learn, and connect.

    A former competitive swimmer, Melissa once learned to push through pain and perform through disconnection. As an adult, she has embraced embodied movement practices that invite presence, healing, and joy. She is a certified NIA White Belt teacher and is currently training as a Qoya dance instructor, exploring movement as a path to wholeness, vitality, and creative expression.

    Mother to two teenage daughters, Melissa finds inspiration in the wonder of everyday life and the natural rhythms of the world around her. She believes that when we slow down, breathe deeply, and truly listen, every moment offers an invitation to return home to ourselves. Her retreats are an opportunity to realign body, mind, and spirit—cultivating greater self-awareness, connection, and harmony with the natural world.

Registration, Payment & Cancellation Policies

May 5–11, 2026 | Tamarindo

We are so honored you’re considering joining us in Costa Rica! To create a safe, supported, and clear container for all participants, please review the following policies before reserving your spot.

In addition to the registration form, please complete the Informed Consent & Liability Waiver. This form is designed to ensure that you understand the nature of this retreat, the scope of services provided, the potential risks involved, and your responsibilities as a participant. By signing, you acknowledge your informed consent and agree to the policies outlined below.

    • Payment in full is required to secure your spot.

    • Flexible monthly payment plans are available upon request.  Please contact the organizers directly to request this. 

    • Spaces are limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.  For those who prefer single rooms, there are only 3 single rooms, so sign up early.  

    • If you are registering for a double room and have a specific roommate in mind, please note that at the time of registration.

    • Early Bird Pricing: Register before January 1, 2026 and receive $300 off your retreat package.

      • Double occupancy: $2,500 (regular $2,800)

      • Single occupancy: $3,100 (regular $3,400)

    • Standard Pricing: Applies from January 2 – March 1, 2026.

      • Double occupancy: $2,800

      • Single occupancy: $3,400

    • Bring-a-Friend Bonus: Register with a friend or partner, and you’ll each receive $150 off your retreat package. 

  • We believe healing experiences should be as accessible as possible. To honor that, we are offering the following options:

    • Payment Plans: Flexible monthly installments available.

    • Partial Scholarship Opportunity:

      We are committed to making this retreat as accessible as possible while honoring the energy and resources that go into creating it. To support this intention, we are offering one partial scholarship for a participant who feels deeply called to this work and may not otherwise be able to attend.

      The scholarship will be awarded based on a combination of financial need and alignment with the retreat’s mission of healing, embodiment, and connection with Earth and self. Applicants will be invited to share a brief statement (approximately 250 words) about why this retreat feels meaningful for them at this time.

      If you are interested in applying, please complete the short application form by January 1. All applications will be reviewed with care and confidentiality. Whoever is selected will be charged based on the early bird pricing schedule. 

  • Because we make reservations well in advance, we are unable to provide full refunds. Our cancellation policy is:

    • On or before January 5, 2026 (120+ days before retreat): Refund of all payments made, less a $500 non-refundable deposit.

    • January 6 – March 1, 2026 (61–119 days before retreat): 50% refund of total retreat cost, less $500 deposit.

    • March 2, 2026 or later (60 days or less before retreat): No refunds available.

    • Transfers: You may transfer your spot to another person if you are unable to attend. Please notify us by email as soon as possible.

  • In the unlikely event that we must cancel the retreat:

    • You will receive a full refund of all payments made, including deposits.

    • We are not responsible for additional costs incurred (such as airfare, travel insurance, or other personal expenses).

  • We highly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment. Policies should cover:

    • Trip cancellation or interruption

    • Medical emergencies and evacuation

    • Lost or delayed baggage

    • Travel delays

    Some options include: Allianz, World Nomads, or a provider of your choice. Please check coverage details before purchasing.

    • Accessibility note: Participants must be able to comfortably climb stairs.

    • You are responsible for ensuring you are physically and emotionally fit to travel and participate.

    • No refunds will be provided for missed activities due to illness, late arrival, or early departure.

    • All participants are responsible for carrying a valid passport and any required visas or travel documents. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months past our travel dates.

  • Want to join us but still have questions?

    Please reach out to us at drmelissakuser@gmail.com and drjessicasweet@gmail.com

Diagram showing four glass bottles representing different levels of financial privilege and personal financial experiences, from high to low. Each bottle contains text describing financial situation, with a color gradient from dark green to light green, and monetary ranges below the bottles.

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Scholarship Application

We are offering one partial scholarship to support someone who feels deeply called to this experience but may not otherwise be able to attend.

This scholarship is designed to honor both financial accessibility and alignment with the retreat’s mission of healing, embodiment, and connection with Earth and self.

Please complete the questions below by January 1, 2026.

  • Applications will be reviewed by Jessica and Melissa together.

  • The recipient will be chosen based on both financial need and resonance with the retreat’s mission.  

    All responses will be held with care and confidentiality.

Sunset over the ocean with clouds in the sky and a calm tide on the beach.
Sailboat named Marlin Tres on the water with people on board and a partly cloudy sky.
Sandcastle decorated with seashells, cones, a yellow flower, and small toys, on a beach near the ocean at sunrise or sunset.
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A view of the ocean through tree branches and green foliage, with a faint rainbow visible in the cloudy sky.
A rustic outdoor dining table set with various dishes including a large bowl of fresh salad, bowls of rice and fried chicken, a tray of fried plantains, and a seafood rice dish, with condiments and utensils, against a backdrop of grass and trees.
Beach with footprints and shells in the sand, ocean waves in the background, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
The words "love you" written in the sand on a beach, with ocean waves and scattered seaweed in the background.
Covered outdoor deck with wooden flooring, orange cushioned chairs, white folding chairs, and two hammocks among trees
Outdoor deck area with chairs, hammock, and a swimming pool surrounded by trees
Indoor living space with open view of backyard pool, outdoor lounge chairs, and lush green trees.
Open-air kitchen and dining area with a view of a backyard pool and lounge chairs, featuring a white kitchen island with a sink, a fruit bowl, a large wooden dining table with chairs, and surrounding patio furniture with greenery outside.
Small kitchen with white cabinets, gray countertop, stainless steel sink, black appliances, microwave, mini refrigerator, and a bedroom with a bed and wooden shelves in the background.
Bright bedroom with white wooden walls and ceiling, featuring a bed with a red blanket and white pillows, side table with a vase of flowers, built-in shelves, a desk and chair, windows letting in natural light, and a ceiling fan.
Bright bedroom with white wooden walls and dark wooden floors. Features a bed with beige and white striped bedding, a wooden headboard, bedside shelf with a vase of flowers, a corner desk with a chair and a small shelf, and large windows letting in n
Sunset over the ocean with a distant island, reflecting orange and purple hues in the sky and water.
People swimming in the ocean during a sunset.
A beach with many shells scattered across the sand, with the ocean and a green island in the background, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A rustic wooden house surrounded by trees and greenery in a natural setting, with a dirt path leading to it on a sunny day.
Aerial view of a wooden cabin with a metal roof surrounded by lush green trees in a wooded area.
Swimming pool with lounge chairs and trees in the background at sunset.