Race Realities Costa Rica Retreat - April 2026

Join us for an immersive retreat in beautiful Costa Rica, where we'll explore manhood in a community of care and healing.

Race Realities™ in Costa! April 24-May 1, 2026

Join us for an unforgettable retreat in the breathtaking coastal town of Cahuita at The Goddess Garden, an oasis of peace and nature on the Caribbean ocean side. Get ready to immerse yourself in a transformative experience like no other!

Our goal is to offer a safe and brave space for men of color from all backgrounds to participate in a brave and safe space to examine masculinity in changing world. Topics include antiblackness, brain and mental health, compassion, entrepreneurship, faith, justice, and love. Through critical thinking exercises, thought-provoking discussions, and challenging real life cases, together "men speaking to men" will further explore the complexities of surviving and thriving as a man in our society.

Our Race Realities™ retreat, founded by Dr. Deborah Stroman, will kick off on Saturday, April 24, 2026. Over the course of several days, you will have the opportunity to connect with like-minded men, co-learn from therapists in the field, and gain valuable insights that will empower you to recharge and recommit to creating positive change in your own communities.

What to expect?

During your stay, you will also have the chance to heal, relax, and rejuvenate in the stunning natural surroundings of southern Costa Rica. From pristine beaches to lush rainforests, this oasis offers the perfect backdrop for self-reflection and personal growth. Our Race Realities™ Costa is designed to leverage the strengths and skills of all attendees to ensure a professional, engaging, and fun experience! Note: To ensure full engagement, intimacy, and value, this retreat is limited to 12 participants. We will host a pre-retreat Zoom call to answer questions and discuss the itinerary and logistics.

Who should attend?

Men (ages 25-75) who are activists, educators, organizers, strategists or simply someone passionate about living and promoting a healthy life. Race Realities™ Costa 2026 is an event you won't want to miss. Systems or institutions represented range from business, education, government, healthcare, law, nonprofits, and more. Join us on this transformative journey and be part of the movement towards championing men as leaders and guides for families and communities. Note: A Race Realities retreat for young men under the age of 25 is being planned and will be held in the United States.

Why Healing in Costa Rica?

Voted the #1 Travel Destination (Travel + Leisure Magazine) and defined as the "rich coast," Costa Rica has become a haven for people seeking peace or a simple life (aka pura vida). Race Realities Costa offers registrants many ways to heal including: Art - drawing, coloring, painting; Exercise - walk, run, zumba, dance, horseback riding; Expressive Art or Music - drumming, song; Games - cards, charades, board games, chess, checkers; and Journaling/Writing; Meditation. And more! Come to the land of beauty and rest for healing.

All-Inclusive Pricing - $3500

• Seven nights stay at The Goddess Garden (Less than a 8-minute walk to Caribbean Sea)
• Single room
• Transportation (attendees arrive at the San Jose airport and will be transported to The Goddess Garden)
• Three delicious meals per day, including a variety of vegetarian and ayurveda fare as well as chicken or fish
• Use of The Goddess Garden first class amenities
• Guided tour through the Cahuita National Park
• Cultural and natural immersion in the Watsi Bribri Community at Talamanca Mountains
• Waterfall exursion
• Experienced and innovative Black male therapist facilitators
• Race Realities™ curriculum and shirt

A La Carte Pura Vida!

• Massage
• Yoga classes
• Limón Black History Tour
• Cacao/Chocolate Tour
• Transport to amazing beaches, shopping, Cahuita businesses, and Puerto Viejo
• Boat excursion with optional snorkeling
• Reggae Bar (ocean view) - Food, Dance, and Drink
• Sloth Center
• Animal Sanctuary (aka Jaguar Center)

The instructional team is experienced, talented, and inspired to guide Race Realties Costa. As a co-learning space, we will facilitate conversations and an equity examination that maximizes the cohort's best practices, interests, lessons learned, and vision for a healed world. Sessions are designed for men speaking and sharing with men only.

With registration, attendees accept the terms and conditions:

1. Booking policy: Payments are electronic only in US dollars. To book your single occupancy* reservation and reserve your package, you have the option to pay-in-full payable electronically through Eventbrite or make three installments of $1250. Please contact info@racerealities.com or call 910.359.1860 to arrange the payment schedule. We require all final payments before March 31, 2026. All booking fees paid are non-transferable.

2. Cancellation policy: If one must cancel their early bird special reservation, we will refund your first-installment. Cancellations made 30 days before the check-in date will receive a 50% refund or credit towards another Race Realities Costa retreat. Emergencies are handled on a case-by-case basis. In case of a no-show with no communication, you will not receive a refund. If one leaves Race Realities Costa before their reserved stay is over, no full or partial refunds will be credited. In this case, paid fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. The guest leaving is responsible for transportation back to San Jose airport.

* Please contact info@racerealities.com if you are interested in double occupancy.

More information on the Costa Rica Travel Policy.

“Managing our stress and our rest is a sign of living wisely. Refueling as a way to find joy, to create pleasure, and to celebrate life in the midst of all its demands fills our hearts with renewed hope. When we take the time to breathe, listen, and rest from the daily grind to see miracles bubbling up in our lives.” ― Sally Clarkson, author

Thanks to Julian Myles for the Unsplash photo.