It's not every day that you stumble upon a retreat that combines immersive sound, breathwork, heat, cold, movement, meditation, and horses in the midst of a tropical rainforest. But that's exactly what The Vessyl has to offer. Nestled on 118 acres of lush greenery beneath Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, this adults-only retreat is a sensory overload in the best possible way.
As I walked onto the property, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and curiosity. The Vessyl's founders, Josh Stanley and the Stanley brothers, have created a space that's equal parts wellness retreat and adventure playground. With its 13 accommodations and room for roughly 32 guests at a time, it's an intimate setting that's perfect for those looking to disconnect from the world and reconnect with themselves.
The first thing that struck me was the Frequency Dome, a circular sanctuary that combines spatial audio, immersive projection, programmable lighting, and a floating floor fitted with 24 transducers. It's an experience unlike any other, with sound moving around and above you while vibration comes through the floor beneath you. You don't just hear it; you are inside it.
I spent hours in the Frequency Dome, exploring different programs and experiences. From meditation and breathwork to yoga and deep tissue massage, each session left me feeling like I was tapping into a deeper sense of calm and connection. And yet, it was the Bio-Well scan that really got my attention. With its electro-photonic response around the fingertips, it produced visualizations that practitioners interpreted through an energetic wellness framework. I won't lie, I was skeptical at first, but the results were surprising, to say the least.
One of my scores, labeled "psychology," came back lower than most of the others, reflecting the pace and stress of my life. The practitioner described it as a reflection of my nervous system, which could use some support. It was a moment of clarity, and I realized that I had been neglecting my own well-being in favor of others.
But The Vessyl is more than just a series of individual experiences. It's a community, a sense of connection and belonging that's hard to find in today's fast-paced world. The facilitators are knowledgeable, supportive, and non-judgmental, creating a safe space for guests to explore and grow.
And then there are the horses. Oh, the horses. They're more than just a novelty; they're a symbol of trust, communication, and connection. Before we rode, we spent time learning how to approach the horses and earn their trust. The emphasis was on communication, awareness, and what we were conveying without words. It was a powerful reminder that, in today's digital age, we often forget to slow down and truly connect with others.
As I looked out at the rainforest, I realized that The Vessyl is more than just a retreat; it's a state of mind. It's a reminder that, in a world that's always on the go, it's okay to slow down, take a deep breath, and listen to your inner voice. It's a place where you can let go of your worries and fears, and simply be.
And so, I left The Vessyl feeling like a different person. Not a permanently quiet brain, but an awareness of how much noise I carry and how different I feel when I stop filling every empty space. It's a feeling that's hard to put into words, but it's a sense of peace, of calm, of connection to something deeper and more meaningful.
The Vessyl is a place where you can find yourself, and that's the most excellent thing of all.
Written by: Shred & Dread | The Citizen Edition
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