The Science and Practice of Wellbeing: A week-long immersive wellbeing retreat

Join us March 15-22, 2025 for a wellbeing retreat at Surf Synergy in Jaco, Costa Rica. The Science and Practice of Wellbeing is a one-week intensive retreat lead by Dr. Phil Dunwoody and Dr. Neal Utterback. Together they have certifications to teach crossfit, mindfulness, Tai Chi, and yoga.

They regularly lead short-term study abroad trips to Costa Rica focused on the science and practice of wellbeing through Juniata College. These trips have been transformative for participants who report that they leave with a new sense of calm and balance in their lives. They are now offering this experience to the public. 

You will...

• learn the science and practice of wellbeing through weekly pre-departure seminars
• spend one full week focused on your own wellbeing practice in a retreat environment
• enjoy a week full of yoga, mindfulness, Tai Chi, and gourmet meals prepared by one of the top chefs in Costa Rica
• enjoy four-days of surfing lessons from some of the best surfing instructors in the world in a friendly and supportive environment (video analysis included)
• take a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park to see some of the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica​
• learn about cutting edge research on happiness and wellbeing and leave with an evidence-based plan to enhance your long-term happiness

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Your Guides, Phil Dunwoody & Neal Utterback

Reserve Your Spot! This is a small, intimate retreat. To reserve your spot, we will need a $500 deposit by October 1st, 50% by December 1st, and the balance by February 1st 2025. We have received a great response so far and expect these slots to go fast.  If for any reason we do not get enough interest to make the trip financially viable, your money will be refunded in October. Once committed in October, we can't issue refunds.

Call Phil Dunwoody (814-599-6441) or Neal Utterback (818-220-7385) for questions. 

What does it cost?  Costs are almost all-inclusive. Costs include housing, all instruction, all meals at Surf Synergy, and transportation to and from San Jose airport.  Rates start at $2100 per person, depending on housing choice. Photos at https://www.surfsynergy.com/resort

• Bungalows (6 available): 
  $2900 single occupancy.
  $2100 per person, 2 to 3 people.
• King Room (2 available): 
  $2150 per person, 2 to 3 people.
• Double Queen Room (2 available): 
  $2100 per person, 2 to 4 people.
• Double Bunk Room (1 available): 
  $2100 per person. 2 to 4 people.
• Quadruple Bunk Queen Room (4 Queen beds, 1 available):  
  $2100 per person. 4 to 8 people.
• Penthouse Suite (1 available): 
  $2900 per person. 2 person min.  We could put a rollaway in these rooms for 3-4 people
• Penthouse King (1 available): 
  $2900 per person, 2 person min. We could put a rollaway in these rooms for 3-4 people
  
  

​What isn't included? You must purchase your own airfare arriving in San Jose on March 15th and leaving San Jose on March 22nd, 2025. Your lunch during the day-trip to Manuel Antonio is not included. In other words, almost everything is included outside of airfare, souvenirs, and other optional activities. Additional optional activities include massages, canyoning, and whatever other fun stuff you can think of!

Pictures from Past Trips