Costa Rica · El Cielo
Seven days above Lake Arenal
El Cielo sits in the hills of Costa Rica, above the lake, surrounded by rainforest and very little else. No more than twelve people at a time.
It is not a vacation, and nobody pretends otherwise. It is a week where nothing else is asking anything of you, so that for once you can give the work your whole attention.
7–10
days, residential
Longer stay by request only
12
people maximum, always
3 months
of online integration afterwards
Year-round
dates throughout the year
A day here
One step a day, and time to let it land
Mornings are for the work. Afternoons are deliberately unstructured — what surfaces in a group session needs somewhere quiet to settle, and that is not something you can schedule.
Morning
Movement or yoga before breakfast, when the valley is still cool. Then the day's step, worked in the group — someone volunteers something real and the rest of the room watches it happen.
Afternoon
Deliberately open. Walk, swim, sleep, sit with what came up, or talk quietly with someone. Several one-to-one sessions are available across the week if you want them.
Evening
Dinner together, then something lighter — a reading, a meditation, or nothing at all. Nobody is required to be anywhere. Most people are asleep earlier than they have been in years.
The place
Rainforest, and very little else
Howler monkeys wake you before the alarm does. There is no town to walk to and nothing to be late for. That is deliberate — the setting is doing part of the work.
What is included
One price, and it covers the week
There is no upsell at the end and nothing charged separately once you are there. What you pay before you arrive is what the week costs.
Accommodation at El Cielo for the full stay
All meals, prepared on site
Every group session, led by Diederik and the facilitators
Movement, yoga and meditation through the week
One-to-one sessions during your stay
Three months of online integration after you go home
Coming with someone
Two people who already love each other
Some of the most significant work we see happens between a couple, two siblings, or a parent and a grown child — people who have been stuck in the same loop for years and have never had a room in which to say the honest thing.
You do not both need to be equally ready. You do need to be willing to be in the same room while it gets said.
From people who came
What the week did
"How empowering is it to be told you have a choice, when it is said from an undeniable truth? With forgiveness as a key, they allowed me time to discover my true self. They showed me a way to freedom from sadness, anxiety, and worthlessness to joy, peace and love. I am immensely grateful."
Michel, 60 — Medical Doctor, Pennsylvania · January 2024
"As a single, working parent, a stay at El Cielo seemed an impossible dream and with that single judgement my own barrier was put up. When I made the decision to get out of my own way at last, I opened up to love and possibility and everything fell into place."
S.V., 38 — British Columbia · January 2025
"I can truthfully say attending the Choose Again retreat transformed my view of myself and the world. It was the best investment of time and money I have made in myself in my six decades on the planet."
C.S., 62 — Teacher, British Columbia · November 2024
Read more stories
Upcoming dates
Eight days at El Cielo, most weeks of the year
Every retreat runs Sunday to Sunday, with no more than twelve people. A completed intake form is required before your place is confirmed, and full payment is due at booking.
2026
August 16 – 23
October 17 – 24
October 28 – November 4
November 7 – 14
November 18 – 25
November 28 – December 5
December 9 – 16
December 19 – 26
December 30 – January 6
2027
January 9 – 16
January 20 – 27
January 30 – February 6
February 10 – 17
February 20 – 27
March 3 – 10
March 13 – 20
March 24 – 31
How a place is confirmed
The interest form comes first
This is the first step, not a commitment. Someone will reply personally, and we will talk before anything is booked or paid for. The form asks what brings you, which dates suit, and anything we should know to support you well during the week.
Afterpay is available at checkout if you would rather spread the cost. It does not change the terms.
Interest Form
Cost
One week at El Cielo - Costa Rica. Three prices.
Everyone shares the same experience — the same room, the same table, the same time with the Choose Again team. Choose the rate that works for you. When you’re able to choose a higher rate, you help make this experience accessible to someone with fewer financial resources.
Tier one - Supported Rate
$2,700
Choose this rate if it makes coming possible. No explanation needed. Your choice is private.
Tier two - Standard rate
$4,050
The middle rate. If you can meet it without strain, this is the one to take.
Tier three ·Generous
$5,400
When you contribute more, you help create access for someone who otherwise couldn’t afford to be here.
USD, all inclusive and payable in full at booking. Scholarship support is available for qualifying applicants — say that cost is the obstacle and we will talk about it without embarrassment.
Choose Again USA
Choose Again USA, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit and the American sister organization to Choose Again, founded by Diederik Wolsak.
© 2026 Choose Again USA, Inc. · Choose Again is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Not sure yet?
Talk to someone first
One conversation, no cost, and we will tell you honestly if we do not think a retreat is the right next step for what you are carrying.
Call us at 1 (888) 864-4133