Hands of Light: Unlocking the Powers of Thai Massage in Costa Rica with Shai

Your TourHero

Photo provided by Shai Plonski

Shai is the creator of the Still Light Center system and school of Thai Yoga Massage and the author of 17 books and manuals on the subject, including the #1 Amazon Best-Seller, Couples Thai Massage, Your Guide to Sharing Mutually Beneficial Loving Touch. With over two decades of experience in practicing and teaching Thai Yoga Massage, Shai has transformed the lives of countless individuals, empowering them with the tools of healing touch and the philosophy of Metta, or universal loving-kindness.

Thai Yoga Massage became Shai’s anchor during pivotal moments in his life, helping him navigate personal challenges such as the loss of his father, the passing of his primary massage teacher, and major life transitions. For Shai, this practice is more than just a technique — it is a profound gateway to personal health, self-discovery, and connection. It has taught him what it means to be human in a complex world, grounding him in moments of vulnerability while illuminating the joy and peace found in giving and receiving compassionate care.

Today, Shai continues to share his passion and expertise through his teaching, writing, and the transformative power of Thai Yoga Massage. His work bridges the physical, psychological, and spiritual realms, offering students and practitioners a pathway to personal growth, professional development, and deeper, more meaningful relationships. Above all, Shai is driven by the belief that Thai Yoga Massage is a gift—one that fosters healing, connection, and a profound sense of belonging in a disconnected world.

Socials
www.stilllightcenter.com
YouTube: @shaiplonski
Facebook: Shai Plonski
Instagram: @shaiplonski

Duration

6 days · 5 nights

Travel Date

Mar 3 – 8, 2026

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

6 – 9

Transportation

Group transportation

Tour Price

From
USD 2,450
per person
Flexible payment plans available
19 people interested
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Your Fellow Explorers

Age range

18+

Travel interest

Relaxation, community, Thai massage, self-improvement

Your Local Guide

Naya Nosara logo

Naya Nosara is an eco-conscious retreat nestled in tranquil Nosara, Costa Rica, just a five-minute walk from the picturesque Playa Pelada and the Lagarta Lodge Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by lush jungle and vibrant wildlife, this serene refuge features six stand-alone rooms that blend harmoniously with nature. Embracing the principles of one of the world's Blue Zones, Naya Nosara promotes a lifestyle of health and happiness through its nature-centric ethos, preserving old-growth trees and fostering a deep connection with the environment.

Costa Rica>Hands of Light: Unlocking the Powers of Thai Massage in Costa Rica with Shai

Embark on a profound journey of healing, connection, and mastery at our exclusive Thai Massage Retreat, set in the lush, serene surroundings of Naya Nosara in Costa Rica. Nestled within this vibrant eco-village, our retreat offers a peaceful sanctuary to reconnect with yourself and nature. Whether you're a seasoned Thai Massage practitioner, a curious couple, or a first-time learner, this immersive experience is thoughtfully designed to inspire and nurture all levels.

Discover the pinnacle of Thai Massage techniques - the exact system I've refined through years of working with high-end private clients. You'll learn a comprehensive approach that combines technical precision with heart-centered healing, ensuring you leave with the confidence and skills to practice immediately.

Our retreat transcends traditional training, offering a holistic transformation that touches body, mind, and spirit. Through carefully curated daily experiences, you'll:

- Deepen your Thai Massage practice with advanced, proven techniques
- Connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals
- Engage in daily meditation and yoga to align your inner landscape
- Participate in sacred cacao ceremonies that open the heart
- Explore the magical surrounding area, including nearby Mayan ruins
- Refresh your spirit by swimming in pristine, mystical cenotes

This is more than a retreat - it's a gateway to personal healing, professional growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you're looking to enhance your professional skills, share a transformative experience with your partner, or begin your Thai Massage journey, this retreat offers a nurturing, empowering environment for all.

You'll release old patterns, cultivate deep connections, and return home with a profound toolkit for wellness and a compassionate touch.

Here are the key transformative themes for both individuals and for those who chose to come as a couple or with a loved one:

1. Holistic Healing and Personal Renewal
- Transcending physical techniques to address emotional and energetic healing
- Offering a comprehensive approach to wellness that integrates body, mind, and spirit

2. Mastery and Empowerment
- Demystifying advanced Thai Massage techniques
- Building confidence through accessible, professional-level instruction
- Enabling participants to immediately apply learned skills with competence

3. Community and Connection
- Fostering a supportive, intentional community of practitioners
- Creating opportunities for deep interpersonal bonds and shared learning
- Emphasizing collective healing and mutual support

4. Cultural and Spiritual Immersion
- Blending traditional Thai Massage techniques with the mystical energy of costa rica
- Integrating sacred practices like meditation, yoga, and cacao ceremony
- Connecting participants to both ancient healing traditions and the natural world

5. Personal Transformation
- Providing a transformative experience that goes beyond skill acquisition
- Inspiring participants to live with greater purpose, presence, and compassion
- Offering a holistic reset that touches multiple dimensions of personal growth

The retreat is transformative because it:
- Breaks down barriers between skill learning and personal development
- Creates a container for profound inner and outer healing
- Empowers participants across different experience levels
- Connects individual growth to collective well-being
- Offers an immersive experience that touches head, heart, and hands

6. And for those who choose to come with a loved one or their life partner: Intimate Partner Connection and Relational Healing
- A unique opportunity for couples to deepen their physical and emotional intimacy through therapeutic touch
- Learning to communicate more deeply and sensitively through the language of mindful, healing bodywork
- Developing shared skills that can transform how partners support and nurture each other's physical and emotional well-being

Transformation for Couples:
- Cultivate a new form of non-verbal communication and mutual understanding
- Break down barriers of physical and emotional guardedness
- Create a shared practice of healing and care that extends beyond the retreat
- Learn to approach each other with more presence, compassion, and intentional touch
- Develop a mutual toolkit for stress relief, emotional support, and physical connection
- Rekindle intimacy through a practice that requires trust, vulnerability, and mutual respect
- Experience collaborative learning that can strengthen relationship bonds
- Shift from potential patterns of disconnection to intentional, mindful partnership

The retreat offers couples a rare opportunity to:
- Learn together without the pressures of daily life
- Explore new dimensions of physical and emotional intimacy
- Create a shared language of healing and support
- Build confidence in supporting each other's wellness
- Reconnect in a beautiful, nurturing environment that invites vulnerability and growth

Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Dec 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -6), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Dec 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -6) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer you the best deals and group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers to book this trip. If this number is not met, or an act of force majeure occurs, TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may make the call to cancel or reschedule. If the departure is canceled or rescheduled out of your control, you will be alerted by December 2, 2025 and will receive a full refund.

We recommend booking refundable flights/accommodations just in case. This protects you from losing your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, or any other cost associated with planning your trip.

Your TourHero

Photo provided by Shai Plonski

Shai is the creator of the Still Light Center system and school of Thai Yoga Massage and the author of 17 books and manuals on the subject, including the #1 Amazon Best-Seller, Couples Thai Massage, Your Guide to Sharing Mutually Beneficial Loving Touch. With over two decades of experience in practicing and teaching Thai Yoga Massage, Shai has transformed the lives of countless individuals, empowering them with the tools of healing touch and the philosophy of Metta, or universal loving-kindness.

Thai Yoga Massage became Shai’s anchor during pivotal moments in his life, helping him navigate personal challenges such as the loss of his father, the passing of his primary massage teacher, and major life transitions. For Shai, this practice is more than just a technique — it is a profound gateway to personal health, self-discovery, and connection. It has taught him what it means to be human in a complex world, grounding him in moments of vulnerability while illuminating the joy and peace found in giving and receiving compassionate care.

Today, Shai continues to share his passion and expertise through his teaching, writing, and the transformative power of Thai Yoga Massage. His work bridges the physical, psychological, and spiritual realms, offering students and practitioners a pathway to personal growth, professional development, and deeper, more meaningful relationships. Above all, Shai is driven by the belief that Thai Yoga Massage is a gift—one that fosters healing, connection, and a profound sense of belonging in a disconnected world.

Socials
www.stilllightcenter.com
YouTube: @shaiplonski
Facebook: Shai Plonski
Instagram: @shaiplonski

Duration

6 days · 5 nights

Travel Date

Mar 3 – 8, 2026

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

6 – 9

Transportation

Group transportation

Costa Rica>Hands of Light: Unlocking the Powers of Thai Massage in Costa Rica with Shai

Embark on a profound journey of healing, connection, and mastery at our exclusive Thai Massage Retreat, set in the lush, serene surroundings of Naya Nosara in Costa Rica. Nestled within this vibrant eco-village, our retreat offers a peaceful sanctuary to reconnect with yourself and nature. Whether you're a seasoned Thai Massage practitioner, a curious couple, or a first-time learner, this immersive experience is thoughtfully designed to inspire and nurture all levels.

Discover the pinnacle of Thai Massage techniques - the exact system I've refined through years of working with high-end private clients. You'll learn a comprehensive approach that combines technical precision with heart-centered healing, ensuring you leave with the confidence and skills to practice immediately.

Our retreat transcends traditional training, offering a holistic transformation that touches body, mind, and spirit. Through carefully curated daily experiences, you'll:

- Deepen your Thai Massage practice with advanced, proven techniques
- Connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals
- Engage in daily meditation and yoga to align your inner landscape
- Participate in sacred cacao ceremonies that open the heart
- Explore the magical surrounding area, including nearby Mayan ruins
- Refresh your spirit by swimming in pristine, mystical cenotes

This is more than a retreat - it's a gateway to personal healing, professional growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether you're looking to enhance your professional skills, share a transformative experience with your partner, or begin your Thai Massage journey, this retreat offers a nurturing, empowering environment for all.

You'll release old patterns, cultivate deep connections, and return home with a profound toolkit for wellness and a compassionate touch.

Here are the key transformative themes for both individuals and for those who chose to come as a couple or with a loved one:

1. Holistic Healing and Personal Renewal
- Transcending physical techniques to address emotional and energetic healing
- Offering a comprehensive approach to wellness that integrates body, mind, and spirit

2. Mastery and Empowerment
- Demystifying advanced Thai Massage techniques
- Building confidence through accessible, professional-level instruction
- Enabling participants to immediately apply learned skills with competence

3. Community and Connection
- Fostering a supportive, intentional community of practitioners
- Creating opportunities for deep interpersonal bonds and shared learning
- Emphasizing collective healing and mutual support

4. Cultural and Spiritual Immersion
- Blending traditional Thai Massage techniques with the mystical energy of costa rica
- Integrating sacred practices like meditation, yoga, and cacao ceremony
- Connecting participants to both ancient healing traditions and the natural world

5. Personal Transformation
- Providing a transformative experience that goes beyond skill acquisition
- Inspiring participants to live with greater purpose, presence, and compassion
- Offering a holistic reset that touches multiple dimensions of personal growth

The retreat is transformative because it:
- Breaks down barriers between skill learning and personal development
- Creates a container for profound inner and outer healing
- Empowers participants across different experience levels
- Connects individual growth to collective well-being
- Offers an immersive experience that touches head, heart, and hands

6. And for those who choose to come with a loved one or their life partner: Intimate Partner Connection and Relational Healing
- A unique opportunity for couples to deepen their physical and emotional intimacy through therapeutic touch
- Learning to communicate more deeply and sensitively through the language of mindful, healing bodywork
- Developing shared skills that can transform how partners support and nurture each other's physical and emotional well-being

Transformation for Couples:
- Cultivate a new form of non-verbal communication and mutual understanding
- Break down barriers of physical and emotional guardedness
- Create a shared practice of healing and care that extends beyond the retreat
- Learn to approach each other with more presence, compassion, and intentional touch
- Develop a mutual toolkit for stress relief, emotional support, and physical connection
- Rekindle intimacy through a practice that requires trust, vulnerability, and mutual respect
- Experience collaborative learning that can strengthen relationship bonds
- Shift from potential patterns of disconnection to intentional, mindful partnership

The retreat offers couples a rare opportunity to:
- Learn together without the pressures of daily life
- Explore new dimensions of physical and emotional intimacy
- Create a shared language of healing and support
- Build confidence in supporting each other's wellness
- Reconnect in a beautiful, nurturing environment that invites vulnerability and growth

Timeline

Details

Day 1 · March 3, 2026

Arriving in harmony

-Begin your journey as you arrive in the vibrant embrace of Costa Rica, a land of lush jungles and pristine beaches. Feel the excitement build as you prepare to immerse yourself in this transformative retreat.

-Meet your fellow retreat participants as we travel together to Nosara, a serene beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula, renowned for its yoga retreats, world-class surf breaks, and lush jungle landscapes.

-Settle into your accommodations, thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the tranquility of the jungle. Take a moment to unwind, breathe deeply, and ground yourself in this sacred space that will serve as your home during the retreat.

-Share a nourishing dinner made with fresh, local ingredients, connecting with your new community over a delicious meal.

-Afterward, join our introductory Thai massage session — a heart-centered experience that introduces the core principles of mindful touch and loving-kindness. Whether you're new to Thai Massage or looking to deepen your practice, this evening sets the tone for the personal and collective transformation to come.

Day 2 · March 4, 2026

Honing in on rejuvenation

-Awaken your body and center your mind with a morning yoga and meditation session. Rooted in mindfulness and flow, this practice prepares you to fully embrace the day’s immersive Thai Massage training while aligning your spirit with the serene energy of the jungle.

-We'll spend the day honing in on the rejuvenating powers of Thai massage through training sessions.

-Lunch and dinner will serve as pauses in the day for us to savor the finer moments in life. There'll also be time to explore the retreat sanctuary your own way.

Day 3 · March 5, 2026

Exploring ancient wisdom

-Thai massage training and a delicious breakfast kick off another wonderful day here in Costa Rica.

-Enjoy a free afternoon to do as you please. Relax at the resort/beach, explore the town of Nosara, or book an option activity, such as stand up paddle boarding, horseback riding on the beach, breathwork session, or a jungle walk. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.)

-In the evening, we’ll come together for a Temazcal experience - a traditional Mesoamerican steam lodge ceremony, offering a rejuvenating experience of cleansing, reflection, and connection with nature.

-Close out the day with dinner and great company.

Day 4 · March 6, 2026

Mastery through practice

-Ease into the morning with a yoga and meditation session, enhancing our mindfulness and focus, creating the perfect mindset for diving deeper into your Thai Massage journey.

-We'll continue our explorations of Thai massage, expanding our understanding with advanced techniques and build confidence as a practitioner, all while enjoying its healing effects.

-Lunch and dinner will offer us the opportunity to come together a retreat community to enjoy delicious food and lighthearted moments.

Day 5 · March 7, 2026

Integration and celebration

-Ground yourself with a calming yoga and meditation practice, weaving together the lessons and energy of the retreat.

-Engage in a focused Thai massage training session that integrates all the techniques you’ve learned so far. This is an opportunity to refine your mastery, explore creativity in your practice, and receive personalized guidance.

-Enjoy a free afternoon to do as you please. Relax at the resort/beach, explore the town of Nosara, or book an option activity, such as stand up paddle boarding, horseback riding on the beach, breathwork session, or a jungle walk. (See add-ons for pricing and more information.)

-Gather for a celebratory dinner, followed by a sacred cacao ceremony. This heart-opening ritual blends ancient tradition with the spirit of gratitude and joy, offering a beautiful space to honor your journey and the connections you’ve made throughout the retreat.

Day 6 · March 8, 2026

Farewell and new beginnings

-Enjoy a final breakfast in the serene retreat setting, reflecting on the transformative journey you've experienced and the bonds you've built.

-Participate in a final yoga and meditation session to prepare you for a day of travel and close out this experience.

-Pack your belongings and bid farewell to the tranquil haven of Nosara, carrying with you the tools, memories, and connections forged during the retreat.

-Depart with a renewed sense of purpose, empowerment, and inspiration, ready to bring the practices of holistic healing, connection, and mindfulness into your daily life.

Accommodation

  • Naya Nosara

    Naya Nosara is an eco-conscious retreat nestled in tranquil Nosara, Costa Rica, just a five-minute walk from the picturesque Playa Pelada and the Lagarta Lodge Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by lush jungle and vibrant wildlife, this serene refuge features six stand-alone rooms that blend harmoniously with nature. Embracing the principles of one of the world's Blue Zones, Naya Nosara promotes a lifestyle of health and happiness through its nature-centric ethos, preserving old-growth trees and fostering a deep connection with the environment. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi in common areas and personalized assistance for arranging guides, experiences, and transportation, all within a sanctuary designed by artists, yogis, and surfers dedicated to creativity, simplicity, and self-work. Exclusive use of resort. Room type / configuration: See package options at checkout.

Included

  • 5 nights in Naya Nosara

  • All meals

  • All activities described in the itinerary

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

  • Exclusive use of the resort

Not included

  • Flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses not stipulated

  • Gratuities

FAQ

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

Please check the cancellation policy section on this itinerary page for specific details.

Will TourHero or the operator take care of my visa (if applicable)?

Travelers are responsible for researching visa requirements and obtaining a visa if needed. Please check government websites to ensure you have the necessary documents, along with passport requirements, before your departure date. This includes necessary transit visas, permits, and vaccinations required prior to travel and any required reciprocity fees for the destination. TourHero will provide a booking confirmation document after purchase, which may be needed to obtain a visa.

If your visa is denied for any reason, TourHero will issue a refund based on the cancellation policy. However, we are unable to provide a refund after the cancellation due date has passed.

Do I need a passport for this trip?

A full and valid passport is required for all persons traveling to any destination outside of one’s home country. Most international tours require a passport that's valid for at least six (6) months beyond the scheduled end of your itinerary. TourHero will not issue refunds based on passport issues such as renewals or lost passports.

What's included in the price?

Please check the inclusion and exclusion sections above. You'll find information about included meals, transfers, flights, and activities. If you have any questions or need support, please contact hello@tourhero.com.

Available add-on

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Price: USD 86

9 spots left

stand up paddle boarding

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Price: USD 86

9 spots left

Breathwork Session

Price: USD 86

9 spots left

Breathing

Ecstatic Dance

2-hour guided group experience

Price: USD 318

9 spots left

Ecstatic dance

Nature reserve tour

This tour has a max capacity of 20 people.

Price: USD 43

9 spots left

Jungle tour

Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Dec 2, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT -6), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Dec 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT -6) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer you the best deals and group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers to book this trip. If this number is not met, or an act of force majeure occurs, TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may make the call to cancel or reschedule. If the departure is canceled or rescheduled out of your control, you will be alerted by December 2, 2025 and will receive a full refund.

We recommend booking refundable flights/accommodations just in case. This protects you from losing your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, or any other cost associated with planning your trip.

USD 2,450
Per person