The Balanced Man Retreat FAQs

Flights, travel insurance, personal spending, and optional tips.

No. This is not a plant medicine retreat. The work is grounded in embodied practice, challenge, and self-awareness.

The schedule is designed to challenge you without burning you out. There is intentional downtime built in so you can recover, reflect, and actually absorb what you're learning.

Yes. This is a men-only container designed for men carrying real responsibility who want to reset, reconnect, and experience genuine brotherhood. The environment is intentionally structured so men can drop performance and show up honestly.

Yes. Many men come because they're stuck in patterns of overworking, checking out, or staying constantly "on." The week is designed to interrupt those loops and give you practices you can bring home and continue.

Men don't come here for a temporary high or a week away from life. They come to change how they live inside their life when they go home. The return shows up as steadier control under pressure, fewer reactive moments, and more presence with the people who matter most. It looks like clearer decisions, stronger boundaries, and a practical framework you continue using, supported by accountability after the retreat. Most men say the real return isn't what happens during the week, it's what no longer keeps repeating afterward.

It's a structured space grounded in respect, confidentiality, and choice. You speak when you're ready. Nothing is forced, and there's no pressure to perform or overshare.

You should let us know ahead of time. Training is adapted so you can participate safely. No one is asked to ignore pain or risk injury.

The training includes expert coaching for open water swim and self defence, such as boxing- and jujitsu. It's designed to help you build self-trust, awareness, and control while under stress, not to prove toughness or dominance.

No. The container stays focused on the purpose of the retreat and the shared standards of respect. Ideology is left outside the room.

This is designed to be more than a one-week connection. The brotherhood continues after the retreat with ongoing support for a year so men don't return home and drift back into isolation.

Most men arrive guarded. The structure, shared challenges, and clear expectations tend to strip away posturing quickly. You're not expected to perform socially or force connection. Most men feel comfortable after the first day, once they have an opportunity to drop in.

Yes, we will have to find you accommodations outside the retreat center as it will most likely be hosting other people. If arriving early or staying longer is important to you, let us know and we'll help you plan for it.

No. There's no belief system you need to buy into. This work is about honesty, self-trust, nervous system regulation, and learning how to show up more grounded and intentional in your life.

Yes, Wi-Fi is available. You're encouraged to limit phone use so you can fully reset, but you can still check in with family or handle anything important.

Safety comes first. The work is coached, structured, and intentional. There is no hazing, no humiliation, and no pressure to perform or prove anything.

No. The container is designed so you can be real without being judged, shamed, or put on the spot. Respect and personal agency are core principles.

Yes. You'll be guided through reflection so you don't just have a meaningful week, but leave with insight, direction, and something tangible to integrate back into your life.

Not in a performative or theatrical way. There is challenge, clear standards, and real accountability, but nothing is designed to humiliate or break you down.

Your lodging, all meals, and the full retreat programming are included. Flights, travel insurance, and personal spending are not included.

That's completely normal. You don't need to cry, share big stories, or say the "right" thing to get value. Men get results simply by showing up, training, listening, and taking ownership of their experience.

Yes we offer payment plans. Please refer to the pricing page for different options.

Yes. Breathwork is a core part of the week because many men arrive in a constant state of pressure. This work helps quiet the noise, regulate stress, and create space for clarity.

No. This is not about peak fitness. The intention is to meet your edge, not push past it. You'll be encouraged to listen to your body, with options for rest, pacing, and recovery throughout the week.

No. Men from all backgrounds attend. The space stays neutral and focused on the work itself, not ideology or doctrine.

Many men feel the pressure drop after the opening men's circle on the first night. However, by the end of the week, you leave with tools, a plan, and your first integration steps.

If you're looking for a vacation, a quick high, woo spirituality, a bootcamp, or you can't respect confidentiality and personal responsibility, this is not the right space.

Yes, travel insurance is strongly recommended. We'll outline what to cover and what to plan for so you can travel with peace of mind.

Yes, many men come with a friend. Each man still applies so we can protect the container and confirm fit.

You'll receive a clear packing list ahead of time. In general, plan for training clothes, comfortable daily wear, swimwear, hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, large waterbottle and essentials suitable for warm, coastal weather.

Confidentiality is a non-negotiable standard. What's shared in the container stays in the container. Every man is expected to protect the space and each other.

No. The retreat is the offer. 7 day foundational experience, follow-up support for a year which is available afterwards for men who want continued integration and brotherhood, but you're not brought to Costa Rica to be sold anything.

You secure your spot, receive prep and travel details, and arrive with a clear plan. After the retreat, you move into the integration track so the change holds when you get home and you feel supported long after the retreat is over.

That can happen, and you won't be left alone in it. The environment is designed to stay grounded and regulated. You can step into it, slow down, and get support when needed.

No. Nothing is forced. You choose what you share and when. You'll be invited into the work, not pushed or pressured. Depth tends to happen naturally, not on command.

Meals are fresh, nourishing, and designed to support the physical and mental demands of the week. Most dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

We understand that life happens. If something comes up and you're unable to attend the date you booked, we'll work with you to move your spot to the next available retreat whenever possible. All policies depend on timing and cohort logistics. For full details, we ask that you review our terms and conditions, but our approach is straightforward and reasonable.

Yes. Clear boundaries are part of the container. You will never be put into unsafe contact, surprise confrontation, or forced exercises. Consent and respect are foundational.

Yes. A group shuttle is arranged from Liberia Airport. You'll receive clear instructions, timing, and meeting details prior to arrival so travel feels simple and effortless.

If you're not interested in woo, cult-like energy, or performative masculinity, you're likely in the right place. The retreat is practical, grounded, and direct. No guru's. No hype. Just real work done with respect.

No. Circles are the foundation of our work, but they are only one part of the week. The retreat blends physical challenge, reflection, and brotherhood so you're integrating the work through experience, not just conversation.

No. No prior experience is required. Most men have little or no background . Everything is taught step by step, and coaching is adapted to your experience and confidence level.

Yes. Nothing is forced. You are encouraged to listen to your body and take space when needed. Support is always available.

Liberia International Airport (LIR) is the recommended airport. It offers the most straightforward access to Nosara and is where group transportation is coordinated from.

Pricing depends on room selection and availability. A shared room is $4,795 and a private room is $5,495. And this gives you integration access for 12 months post retreat.

TBM includes a real integration plan: daily check-ins and weekly calls in the first month, a 30-day integration program, bi-weekly group calls for a year, plus a private community to stay connected.

Accommodations, meals, all retreat sessions, and transportation during the retreat. You also get 12 months of post-retreat integration support.

The retreat takes place in Nosara, Costa Rica, at an ocean-view retreat center called Casas Kismet. It's a private, quiet setting designed to support focus, rest, and connection, away from the noise of daily life.

Yes. There is a medical support team available locally, and a full hospital in Nicoya if needed. While the retreat is not a medical program, we're located in an area with established medical infrastructure. Safety planning is taken seriously, and in the unlikely event of a medical issue, appropriate care is accessible. If you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we ask that you share them ahead of time so we can confirm fit and ensure proper preparation.

Each day follows a clear rhythm. You start with a morning practice, guided circles, self defence training, organic meals, movement, time in nature and recovery. The schedule is intentional and structured, not random, and it's designed to keep you engaged without being overwhelming.