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.
If you’ve ever felt that your life looks full on paper but 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: 24–34 participants
Pricing: Regular Price $8,000; Early bird $6000. There is a $500 deposit due at time of registration.
more info about the lodging will be available shortly - thank you for your patience
more info about the lodging will be available shortly - thank you for your patience
Bungalos
Potoo
Sky Forest
Bali Suites
Geo Dome
Jogolo
FAQs
-
Luxurious Accommodations: 6 days/5 nights at IMILOA Institute.
Private Charter Flight: Travel in style from San Jose to Quepos
Luxury SUV ground transportation from Quepos to IMILOA
Gourmet plant-based organic cuisine using local, organic produce. Coffee, tea and snacks.
Daily Workshops and Practices
Completely Private Campus: Access to a waterfall and miles of nature paths, and a spa.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
-
Yes! Please contact us if you’d like to set up a payment plan.
-
We definitely understand how unpredictable life can be! If you cancel before February 1st, 2026, we will refund all your payments (less the deposit and $100 service fee). After February 1st, 2026 there will be a 50% fee, and after April 22, 2026 there will be no refunds. There are no exceptions to our cancellation policy due to the contractual commitments we have with our vendors who do not offer refunds or transfer of funds.
Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance is required. 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.
-
The retreat will have 20-30 guests. We will let you know exact numbers closer to the final date.
-
July is during the rainy season in Costa Rica. We can expect showers intermittently during the day.
Temps range from high 80s to low 70s. With high humidity.
-
You will need your passport to travel internationally.
Rain jacket may be helpful, although there are an ample supply of umbrellas.
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!