J. Andrew Chacko MD presents
The Science of Authenticity
rediscover what’s most real
and alive in you
A Transformational 6-Day Retreat at Imiloa Eco Resort, Costa Rica
July 22–27, 2026
The Science of Authenticity is an invitation. An invitation to pause and step away from the noise. An invitation to a 6-day immersive experience designed to help you reconnect with what’s most true and alive in you — through neuroscience, design principles, and deep personal growth work.
Do you feel stuck?
Do you feel like you are living someone else’s life?
If you’ve ever felt that while your life looks full on paper, something inside still feels incomplete - this retreat is for YOU!
The Experience
This isn’t a regular workshop or simply a tropical vacation.
It’s a carefully crafted exploration of your inner architecture — how your brain, body, and beliefs shape who you’ve become, and how to re-align them with who you actually are.
Across six transformational days, you’ll explore:
The neuroscience of behavior
Working through shame and trauma
Unlearning beliefs that no longer serve you
Understanding needs and boundaries
Deep communication and connection
Reawakening your inner child
Overcoming fear and self-doubt
Building genuine community and belonging
Guided plant medicine exploration (possible, based on interest and availability)
The Method:
eXperiential NeuroProgramming - xNP.
Dr. Chacko has been developing xNP. as a unique process of using multiple modes of experiential learning and neuroplasticity to reshape long standing patterns of thought and behavior.
For instance - if you want to learn how to drive a car, while it helps to talk about it, the real learning happens when you get behind the wheel. So too in the work we do, we can best reshape neural pathways through intentional guided experiences.
Costa Rica - is exactly what the name implies - a rich coast!
Verdant is the only way one can begin to describe it. Beyond anything I’ve experienced before. Pura Vida - the Costa Rican Aloha - is a greeting, farewell and even a thank you - literally means PURE LIFE! And it is perfect setting to purify our own lives!
Imiloa Eco Resort, on the lush Pacific Coast near Dominical, is perched between the rainforest and the sea — a sanctuary of stunning natural beauty and thoughtful design.
You’ll wake up to the sound of howler monkeys and tropical birds, walk along jungle paths draped in orchids, and fall asleep to the rhythm of the ocean below.
The resort features:
Why Costa Rica? And Why Imiloa?
World Class Farm-to-Table vegan cuisine!
Infinity pools that overlook the rainforest canopy and Pacific Ocean
Beautiful accommodations: from Ocean-view luxury suites to bamboo jungle dome
Open-air classrooms, yoga decks, and healing spaces designed for introspection
A waterfall trail that ends in a natural swimming pool
An amazing local staff! …. and so much more!
Details:
Dates: July 22–27, 2026
Location: Imiloa Eco Resort, Costa Rica (Pacific Coast)
Group Size: 20-24 participants
Pricing: Regular Price $8,000; Early bird $6000 ends November 30th. There is a $500 deposit due at time of registration. The full payment is due by April 1st.
Lodging: First come first served. All the rooms are amazing in their own way. So choose what suits you best.
Bungalos
Potoo
Sky Forest
Bali Suites
Geo Dome
LODGING
Jogolo
FAQs
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6 days and 5 nights luxury accommodations
3 gourmet plant-based meals per day. Including snacks, fruits, juices, coffee, and tea station available throughout the day
Private plane transfers from San Jose airport and all inclusive SUV ground transportation to Imiloa (All included on arrival and departure day)
All incl. transportation to/from the resort to the beach & off-site excursions
All retreat workshops, teachings, circles and interactive learning experiences
Access to our private waterfall, river, yoga shala, shared ocean view pool, gardens and many jungle trails perfect for exploration and meditation
24/7 access while on campus to our front desk concierge & onsite retreats team.
Night security & direct line provided for hours between 10PM-6AM.
High speed WiFi internet connection.
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International flight to San Jose
Hotel in San Jose- If you chose to arrive early (recommended) or stay later.
Imiloa staff gratuities.
Travel Insurance (required)
Specialty coffees, elixirs and smoothies from the wellness bar. (Regular coffee, teas, water and juices will be provided.)
Spa services.
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Definitely! Imiloa will send you an information form to complete before our trip. Upon arrival at Imiloa, you will receive a special wristband indicating your food allergies or modified food needs. This will alert staff to check with you before each meal to ensure you are served food that meets your dietary requirements.
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Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose Costa Rica (SJO)
The arrival is July 22, 2026 to be there in time for 9am departure on charter plane. If you are flying in that day - please arrive by 7am.
Double check that you didn’t buy a ticket to San Jose, California!
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Yes! Please contact us if you’d like to set up a payment plan.
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We definitely understand how unpredictable life can be! Retreats are a collaboration between us and the venue. Because we make a commitment to the venue for a certain number of rooms we cannot offer a refund on retreats. Please plan carefully when booking, and buy the required ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ insurance for the trip.
Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance ensures you are covered should any unexpected event arise - personal, political, environmental, health or weather-related incident or a medical condition that may prevent or interrupt your travels.
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We are planning for up to 24 (guests + hosts). The Venue can host up to 34 guests, but we are trying to keep smaller and more intimate. We will let you know exact numbers closer to the final date.
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Our retreat is in July in Costa Rica, which is the rainy season. We can expect showers intermittently during the day. Many guests may carry umbrellas on the first day, but quickly ditch them when they feel how nourishing the warm tropical rain feels.
Temps range from high 80s to low 70s. With high humidity.
This tropical climate was what we were elementally designed for, and your body will quickly release the tension and stress it’s been carrying.
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You will need your passport to travel internationally.
A rain jacket may be helpful, although there are an ample supply of umbrellas. And you may find you ditch both to enjoy the rejuvenating showers.
Comfortable clothes
A day bag may be helpful
Swimsuit and water shoes (I prefer slippers… Hawaiian style)
And an appetite for growth and fun!
Please reach out if you have any other questions and we will be happy to get back to you!