A Teacher's Journey:

Sydney Young's First Soulful Retreat in Costa Rica

Written by Sydney Young

Hi! My name is Sydney Young and I am a yoga instructor based between Miami, Florida and The Bahamas. I began my yoga journey about 7 years ago and it has truly changed my life in more ways than I could have imagined. I now have the privilege of teaching and guiding others on this same mental and physical journey.

I recently had the honor of hosting my first yoga retreat in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo, on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, radiates vibrant, laid-back energy. The local spirit is rooted in joy, simplicity, and “one love,” while pura vida captures the essence of living with gratitude and an open heart. The people’s warmth and positivity make you feel instantly at home. This is a place I have been visiting for years and have people that are from there very close to my heart, so it only felt right to have my first retreat here.

This retreat was incredibly special, set in an intimate environment with only 11 women, including myself. From the very first night, I shared my intention: to create a space where we could all feel completely free to explore, learn something new about ourselves, and step outside our comfort zones. Every detail, from the local food to the activities and our yoga practices, was thoughtfully planned to enhance this experience.

We worked closely with our local chef to provide nourishing meals using Costa Rica’s rich natural resources, offering fruits like soursop, fresh juices, and herbal teas with every meal. Our activities aimed to take our yoga practice off the mat, pushing us to explore new experiences. We toured with a kind indigenous family who taught us about medicinal plants and how to make chocolate. That same day, our incredible guide took us on an impromptu trip to the Panama border, followed by a visit to a breathtaking waterfall.

The next morning, we challenged ourselves with surfing—a perfect way to apply the balance we cultivate in yoga to something new and exciting. It was a morning none of us will ever forget. On our last day, we honored our bodies with soothing massages at the villa, followed by a calming yin flow to close the retreat on a peaceful note.

Beyond the activities and structure of the retreat, my true intention was to guide the women to push their boundaries and step outside their comfort zones through the yoga practices. Last year, I completed my 300-hour training in Thailand with Jonah Kest, learning the 7 Doorways Vinyasa method. This approach is all about helping students move from their minds into their bodies through free-flowing movement. It allows for a deep connection to the breath, offering space to add or release whatever the body needs in that moment.

This style of yoga transformed my own practice, both on and off the mat. As a teacher, I believe it’s essential to guide students while also encouraging them to listen to their bodies and honor what feels right for them and give them the chance to move on their own. Throughout the retreat, we had so many powerful moments of connection. For example, in poses like chair or boat pose, we would hold each other’s hands and breathe together, supporting one another through the discomfort. These simple, shared moments are what truly create lasting memories and deepen our practice.

I am deeply grateful for the incredible group of women who attended my very first retreat. Their energy and openness showed me that this is truly part of my purpose as a teacher. Throughout my time in Costa Rica, there were so many moments when I simply sat back, took it all in, and thought, this is exactly where I’m meant to be. Retreats beautifully blend my love for travel, yoga, and community, creating the perfect space for me to pour all of my heart and energy into. It’s a gift to be able to share this journey with others, and I’m beyond thankful for the experience.

 To find out more, please visit Sydney's website here,

Or visit her Instagram here

Photography by Livvy List