SLOW DOWN · RECONNECT
A blend of joy and grounding
This unique retreat weaves the joy of game play together with grounding practices designed to restore your body, mind, and spirit.
Surrounded by misty mountains, vibrant greenery, and the sounds of nature, the Mahjong & Mindfulness Retreat is an invitation to slow down and reconnect — with yourself, with nature, and with a community of women seeking the same sense of joy, balance, and connection.
Throughout the week, Mahjong is woven into the retreat with something for everyone: gentle, beginner-friendly instruction for those eager to learn the tiles, and engaging mini-tournament play for experienced players who want a spirited challenge — all guided by our on-site Mahjong experts. Here, you'll experience the game like never before: in a shaded outdoor location beside a flowing river and a multitude of exotic birds, or after dark, under a dazzling star-filled sky.
ALLOW YOURSELF TO IMAGINE...
The pace slows, and something within you begins to settle
Wake each morning to birdsong drifting through the mist. A cup of native Costa Rican coffee — prepared just the way you love it — waits at your door, left by the dedicated Verdesana staff. You savor it on your private porch with majestic greenery sprawling out before you.
Spend your days amid the tropical landscape, your leisurely game play making way for walks on lush forest trails, yoga by the flowing river, and soaking in wood-fired hot tubs, with nothing but Mother Nature's song filling the background. End your evenings beneath star-filled skies in the peaceful Costa Rican mountains.
Here, the world slows. And there's a quiet knowing that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
MAHJONG & MINDFULNESS? REALLY?
The ultimate form of presence
It may sound like an odd pairing at first — but Mahjong really is a form of mindfulness. Mindfulness is about remaining present: not worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. When you become involved in play, you couldn't be more present. From reading your own hand to considering the whole table, you have little choice but to stay in the moment.
There's something that happens when you sit around a Mahjong table with a group of like-minded women — a common interest, a sense of playfulness, a chance for human contact in the context of fun and laughter. Whether you're an experienced player or completely new to the game, you'll be welcomed into the embrace of ease, sisterhood, and simply feeling good.
"All the things social media has taken away, Mahjong has given back to us."
— KELLY RIPA
OUR HOME FOR THE RETREAT
Verdesana - A Costa Rican Paradise
A hidden sanctuary in the Orosi Valley
Nestled high in the lush mountains of Costa Rica's Orosi Valley, Verdesana by Imiloa is a hidden sanctuary where cloud forest beauty, fresh mountain air, and deep tranquility come together. Surrounded by rolling green hills, tropical gardens, a pristine flowing river, and panoramic valley views, it's the perfect setting to disconnect from the noise of everyday life.
Thoughtfully designed spaces, peaceful surroundings, and personalized hospitality create an atmosphere that feels both grounding and deeply restorative. Each day is elevated by gourmet, chef-prepared plant-based meals crafted from fresh, vibrant ingredients — colorful, intentional cuisine enjoyed against the backdrop of Costa Rica's breathtaking mountain landscape.
The peaceful energy of this exceptional location invites you to:
🪻Unplug from your constantly busy daily life
🪻Embrace stillness and joy
🪻Reconnect with yourself
🪻Return home feeling lighter, calmer, and deeply renewed
🪻Connect with a community of women — meet as strangers, leave as friends
Located only 90 minutes from San José International Airport — this is more than a destination. It's a place to feel grounded, inspired, and fully alive.
MORE THAN MAHJONG
Retreat Activities
A girl does not live by Mahj alone — especially not in paradise. Game play is interspersed with experiences that take on new meaning at our stunningly lush home for the week.
Mahjong
Whether you’re brand-new or already loving the game, enjoy guided instruction for beginners and relaxed open play for experienced players.
Sound Baths
Experience the healing vibrations of sound baths, where crystal bowls and other instruments create a tranquil atmosphere for deep relaxation.
Time in Nature
Immerse yourself in the healing energies of the Costa Rican cloud forest, with meditative walks and guided forest bathing journeys, promoting calm and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Meditation and Movement
Begin each day with centering practices to cultivate inner peace and clarity.
All Meals Included
Start your day with native Costa Rican coffee at your door, just the way you like it. Then enjoy three chef-crafted, gourmet, plant-based meals, prepared with a focus on balanced nutrition and protein intake. Dining here becomes an experience unto itself!
Spa Treatments
Enhance your stay with optional restorative spa treatments, surrounded by the serenity of the Costa Rican mountains. Choose from massages, energy work, holistic therapies, and wellness rituals that invite complete relaxation and renewal.
Community Building
Engage in group activities and discussions that foster a sense of belonging and connection with fellow participants.
FIVE DAYS IN PARADISE
A typical day at Verdesana
Slow mornings, unhurried days. No rushing, no pressure — nothing to do other than relax, have fun, and connect with each other, with nature, and most importantly, with yourself.
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Begin with your favorite drink, prepared the way you love it and left at your door — savored on your private porch amid majestic greenery.
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Join friends in the yoga space, the garden, or by the river for morning meditation and movement.
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Move into the dining room for a gourmet breakfast — healthy, locally sourced, and carefully crafted for your well-being.
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Time for play and morning activities.
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Linger over a creative, chef-prepared five-star lunch as you savor the surrounding flora and fauna.
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More Mahjong play and afternoon activities.
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Free time to walk, meditate, journal, rest, or play — this is YOUR time.
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A memorable leisurely dinner: plant-based, high-protein, ethically and locally sourced.
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More Maj and evening activities, then sleep peacefully, lulled by the songs of the forest and river.
Activities & Experiences
Subject to change and flow as we do!
Mahjong instruction and guided play for beginners; mini-tournaments for seasoned players — all led by experienced instructors who make the game even more fun than it already is.
Daily mindful practices: Sound Baths, Yoga Nidra, Meditation & Handpan Journey, Forest Bathing, and more.
Hike through 100 acres of regenerated forest — walking paths, river access, bridges, gardens, and trails woven throughout. Spot tropical flowers, eleven types of hummingbirds, agoutis, deer, kinkajous, and the adorable native Coati. Continue to one of three nearby waterfalls or stroll the on-site labyrinth.
Soak in wood-fired hot pools filled with fresh river water, or invigorate yourself with a hot/cold plunge between the pools and the river.
Take a group outing to the nearby village of Palo Verde to visit the Community Market — shop for freshly baked goods, homemade desserts, and handcrafted artifacts.
Join a herbalism experience: walk the property with a local herbalist and craft your own herbal infusion from native plants.
After dark, gather at a bonfire for friendship, star-gazing, and a mesmerizing sacred fire performance.
Book an optional spa treatment and sink even deeper into the cocoon of peace that envelops you.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Your cabin in the cloud forest
All 12 beautifully appointed cabins are hand-crafted from regenerated cypress forests on the property, with comfortable Queen-sized beds and outdoor decks overlooking gardens, forests, and mountains. (Warning: you may not want to leave!)
Private Cabin
$4,900
ONE REMAINING
· $4,100 PP FOR TWO (MUST BOOK TOGETHER)
- One king bed
- Private ensuite bathroom
- Private furnished deck
Two-Bedroom Shared Cabin
$4,700/pp
FOUR AVAILABLE
- Two private bedrooms
- Spacious living room
- Shared bathroom
- Large furnished deck
- Book one room or both together
One-Bedroom Shared Cabin
$4,500/pp
THREE REMAINING · FOR TWO
- Two queen beds in shared room
- Shared ensuite bathroom
- Private furnished deck
One-Bedroom VIP Cabin
$5,300
ONE AVAILABLE · $4,250 PP FOR TWO (MUST BOOK TOGETHER)
- One king bed
- Private furnished deck
- Fireplace
EVERYTHING IS HELD FOR YOU
What's Included
Five nights accommodation in your choice of room
Mahjong instruction for beginners and guided mini-tournaments for experienced players
Transportation to and from San José airport at designated times
Three nourishing, delicious meals daily (plus snacks) — gluten-free and vegan-friendly, with high-protein options on request
All daily activities — yoga, sound baths, meditations, the plant walk experience, and forest bathing
A welcoming community of women — meet as strangers, leave as friends
Spa services, optional excursions, and private Sound Healing or Reiki sessions are available during free time for an additional charge.
Airfare from your home to Costa Rica is not included.
HELD WITH WARMTH AND CARE
Meet Your Retreat Team
Diane Barnett
HOST
Diane Barnett, founder of Grounded Meditation, spent over two decades practicing law in New York City before following a quieter calling—one rooted in stillness, healing, and inner peace. In 2009, she stepped onto a new path and began to teach yoga and meditation at New York City studios. A few years later, she relocated to Connecticut, where her passion for mindfulness and well-being continued to grow.
In 2019, Diane founded Grounded Meditation with the motto “Find Your Calm”—a heartfelt mission to make meditation and related practices more accessible, inclusive, and approachable for all.
Today, Diane specializes in Sound Baths , Sound Healing Therapy, and Meditation Instruction, weaving these deeply restorative modalities into retreats, workshops, private and corporate wellness events.
Diane is a graduate of Cornell University and CUNY School of Law, and holds an array of certifications in teaching meditation, yoga, Yoga Nidra, sound healing, tapping (EFT), pranayama, and Reiki. She is also a certified Forest Bathing guide and trained Dancing Mindfulness facilitator—always exploring new ways to help others reconnect with their bodies, their breath, and the present moment.
Diane believes that everyone can meditate, everyone deserves to heal, and that something powerful happens when women gather with intention. Her retreats are a reflection of that belief—safe, soulful spaces to pause, breathe, and begin again.
Catherine Barrett
CO-HOST
Catherine Barrett began her meditation journey years ago as a healthy coping mechanism for everyday stressors, as well as way to discover inner peace through mindfulness. She strongly believes meditation to be one of the most profound forms of self-care and is deeply passionate about guiding each student on their own unique path to develop a practice that suits them. Catherine supports Grounded Meditation’s premise that meditation should be accessible to people from every background and walk of life. She facilitates her classes, workshops and private sessions with that premise in mind.
Certificates in teaching the Shamatha style of meditation as well as in Sound Healing, Reiki and Pranayama (breath work) round out Catherine’s knowledge and ability to provide user-friendly instruction to all. She leads meditation workshops, sound and energy healing sessions with Grounded and volunteers at Silver Hill Hospital, where she teaches meditation to the inpatient adolescent population and those in the Executive/Professionals Program. Catherine received a BS in Sociology from Sacred Heart University.
Elva Grosman and Jami Josephson-Chace
MAHJONG INSTRUCTORS - "LET'S PLAY MAHJONG"
A dedicated Math and Special Ed High School teacher for 15 years, Elva brings her love of teaching and connecting with others to every Mahjong game. An empty nester now living in Putnam Valley, she cherishes her memories of learning Mahjong while growing up on the Jersey Shore.
Jami, a professional ballroom dancer with over 30 years of experience, brings a unique blend of artistry and instruction to her Mahjong teaching. She's a passionate player who lives on the Jersey Shore with her husband, son, and rescue pup.
Now, these lifelong players have turned their shared love for Mahjong into a unique experience for others. Combining their teaching expertise with an infectious enthusiasm, Jami and Elva make learning Mahjong fun, engaging, and memorable - like a party with your closest friends!
Booking & Payment
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT HOLD A ROOM WITHOUT A DEPOSIT!*
REACH OUT TO US AT groundedmeditationstudio@gmail.com or (203) 717-4777 for any retreat-related questions and registration information.
SUBMIT THE REGISTRATION FORM
Please fill out the booking form with your contact details, room preference, and any relevant notes or requests.
Be sure to indicate your level of play- beginner (in need of instruction) or experienced!
SEND YOUR DEPOSIT
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your room.
Send payment via:
CHOOSE YOUR PAYMENT PLAN
You may choose to submit:
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$500.00 initial deposit to reserve your room.
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Half of remaining cost of room due within 15 days of deposit.
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Balance (second half) due within 15 days after first half is paid.
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Or payment plan available. $500 deposit; balance due in six equal monthly payments
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Or pay in full up-front for a 10% discount (not to be combined with early registration specials).
TO PAY WITH VENMO:
Scan the QR Code below with your venmo account
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Insurance & Cancellation
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$500 deposit is non-refundable.
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Other funds are:
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Fully refundable 180 or more days prior to the event
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50% refundable if canceled 90 -180 days prior
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Non-refundable if canceled within 90 days
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If you cancel within 90 days and we are able to fill your spot, you will be eligible for a 50% refund
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All payments are non-refundable but may be transferred to another participant if you are unable to attend.
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Travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include: trip cancellation, medical coverage, travel delays, and emergency evacuation.
Please Note: Our standard event cancellation policy does not apply to this retreat.
