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Inside High on Life Retreat: Surf, Yoga & Soulful Healing in Nosara, Costa Rica
- Christine Gordineer
- May 8
- 4 min read
A Journey Back to Yourself in Nosara, hosted by Lise Techer
There are moments in life when something deeper begins to stir.
Not loudly. Not urgently. But quietly… persistently.
A pull toward something more alive. More present. More you.
That’s where Lise’s story begins, and perhaps, where yours does too.
The First Time She Chose Herself
At just seventeen, Lise found herself at a crossroads.
In a relationship that slowly dimmed her voice, she was given an ultimatum
Stay… or leave to pursue her dream of studying abroad.
She chose the dream.
That decision became a defining moment, the first time she chose herself without hesitation. It wasn’t just about travel. It was about reclaiming her identity.
From that point forward, she made a quiet but powerful vow: to live life on her own terms.
When the World Stopped, Everything Became Clear
Then came 2020.
Like so many, Lise was forced into stillness, but instead of resisting it, she listened.
She began questioning everything:
Why am I on this path?
Who am I doing this for?
What does freedom actually look like for me?
At eighteen, studying math and physics for a future she couldn’t feel, she made another bold decision: she walked away.
Not because she had all the answers, but because she was finally asking the right questions.
The Moment Everything Shifted
Her journey eventually led her to a beachfront surf camp in Panama.
It was there, during a breathwork session, that everything changed.
She had a vision.
A circle of women.Sunrise yoga by the ocean. Deep connection. Laughter, ceremony, movement, healing.
And in that moment, she saw herself, not as she had been, but as she was meant to become.
That vision became the seed of what is now High on Life Retreat.
The Path Wasn’t Linear—But It Was Necessary
What followed wasn’t immediate clarity or success.
There were misaligned relationships. Moments of self-doubt.Attempts to build something meaningful before fully living in alignment.
But life has a way of redirecting you.
Through stillness, challenge, and deep inner work, Lise began to rebuild, not from expectation, but from truth.
The Practices That Brought Her Home
Interestingly, the transformation didn’t come from constant movement, but from learning to be still.
Through yoga, meditation, and breathwork, she discovered something profound:
Not answers…but a quiet inner knowing.
A realization that nothing was missing.That everything she had been seeking externally had always existed within her.
These practices didn’t just change her routine, they reshaped her entire way of being.
And today, they form the foundation of what she shares with others.
Why “High on Life”?
The name isn’t just poetic, it’s deeply personal.
After witnessing the effects of external escapes, alcohol, distraction, disconnection, Lise recognized something different within herself.
A natural aliveness. A joy that didn’t require anything outside of her.
“High on Life” became more than a phrase.It became a way of living.
And now, it’s an experience she invites others into.
Why Nosara?
There are places in the world that feel different.
Places that don’t just welcome you, but recognize you.
For Lise, that place is Nosara.
Known for its raw natural beauty and grounded energy, this coastal sanctuary offers:
The world-renowned surf at Playa Guiones
Lush jungle landscapes and hidden waterfalls
A deeply conscious, wellness-driven community
Sunsets that feel almost ceremonial in themselves
It’s not just a destination, it’s an environment designed for transformation.
What the Retreat Experience Feels Like
This isn’t a retreat where you escape your life.
It’s where you return to yourself.
Mornings: Grounding & Alignment
Sunrise yoga, breathwork, and meditation—creating clarity before the world wakes up.
Afternoons: Play & Expansion
Surfing, nature excursions, and embodied experiences that reconnect you to joy.
Evenings: Connection & Ceremony
From cacao rituals to ecstatic dance, each evening is intentionally curated to deepen your experience.
And woven throughout it all:
Nourishing, locally sourced meals
Meaningful conversations
Space to rest, reflect, and simply be
What You’ll Walk Away With
Beyond the itinerary, this retreat offers something far more lasting:
A deeper relationship with yourself
A renewed sense of clarity and direction
The power of being seen, held, and supported by other women
A feeling of aliveness that stays with you long after you leave
Who This Is For
This experience is for the woman who feels the pull.
The one standing at a threshold. The one ready to let go of what no longer fits.The one craving space—to breathe, to feel, to reconnect.
You don’t need experience in yoga or surfing. You don’t need to be “ready.”
You simply need to be willing.
An Invitation
For Lise, this retreat is more than an offering.
It’s the realization of a vision she first saw years ago, and the embodiment of the woman she chose to become.
Now, she’s holding space for others to do the same.
If something in you feels stirred…If there’s even the slightest whisper of yes…
Trust that.
Because that’s where transformation begins.
Your next chapter might not start with a plan. It might start with a feeling.
And if that feeling is calling you here—this is your invitation to answer it.
From Tranquil Escapes — Let Us Help You Curate That Journey
If you’re ready to answer the call of the jungle, the sea, and your own inner journey, I’m here to help you craft the full retreat experience. This includes travel logistics, arrival, comfort, and even personalized add-ons like journaling guides, packing checklists, or post-retreat integration plans. Click HERE to explore add-ons.
If you feel called to join us from July 5-11, 2026, now is the time. Spots are limited, and registration is open. Reserve your place through this link.
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