AWAKEN: Sacred Plant Journeys for Gay Men
A 7 day retreat in Costa Rica for gay men seeking to let go of old wounds and reconnect with their most authentic selves through guided ceremony, music, embodiment and integration
We guide you from “not being enough” into compassion, and wholeness.
900+ participants have joined Qasa so far
Rediscover your body.
Reclaim your joy.
Rewrite your story.
7 Days / 6 Nights | Max. 20 participants | Fully Private | Eco-chic hotel
What Awaken Is
Across 7 days, participants are guided through sacred plant ceremonies. These are intentionally held spaces for deep inner work, with respect for indigenous wisdom, while honoring the needs of modern GBQT+ men. Led by experienced facilitators, each ceremony is designed to be trauma-informed and grounded in consent and care.
These immersive retreats invite you into profound connection – with yourself, with community, with the earth, and with something greater.
It is a non sexual space created to help you feel safe, present, and supported as you explore greater clarity, belonging, and aliveness.
Deep Inner Work
Guided journeys, reflection, and embodied practices that support clarity and reconnection.
IQueer Centered Space
A space designed specifically for gay men, grounded in belonging, consent, and care.
Fully Private Container
All retreat activities and meals are exclusive to your group.
Integration Focused
Preparation, support during the retreat, and integration after you return home.
Feel held by the land
Waterfalls, jungle air, quiet reflection, nature is always part of the journey.
No Pressure. Plenty of Choice.
You are in charge of your pace. Everything here is opt in.
As Seen On
Come Home to Yourself
Awaken offers two retreat paths. Each one works with a different sacred plant tradition and each one has its own feel, but both support the same deeper intention: reconnecting with your wholeness, clarity, and aliveness.
Choose your journey:
🌿 Grandmother Vine:
A guided journey known for depth, surrender, inner listening, and powerful perspective shifts that can help you see your life with greater honesty and clarity.
Often chosen by men who feel called to a deeper, more intense path of reflection and release.
When:
Apr 19 – 25 / July 26 – Aug 1, 2026
🍄 Mycelial Muse:
A guided journey known for heart opening insight, emotional release, creative reconnection, and gentle but profound inner exploration.
Often chosen by men who want openness, clarity, and a softer entry into deep inner work.
When:
May 17 – 23, 2026 / Aug 9 – 14, 2026
Both paths are held with care, preparation, and integration in a fully private, queer centered container.
Why Men Come to Awaken
We’ve welcomed more than 900 men to our retreats.
All Qasa experiences center on:
RECONNECT
with yourself in a safe, queer affirming space
STEP
into greater clarity, purpose, and self trust
DEEPEN
your connection to inner wisdom and the living world
MOVE
old stories and patterns that no longer fit
EXPERIENCE
embodiment practices that spark creativity, self expression, and joy
REMEMBER
what it feels like to be fully alive in your body and your truth
The Arc of the Journey
Every Qasa experience is more than just time on the land – it’s a journey with three powerful phases designed to support your transformation.
Prepare – Before you arrive, we support you with screening, practical guidance, and intention setting so you can come in grounded and informed.
Experience – At Qasa, the journey unfolds through guided ceremony, embodiment, reflection, nature, rest, and connection.
Integrate – What happens here matters because of how it lands in real life. Integration is part of the retreat, not an afterthought.
At Qasa, we hold the container for your whole journey – before, during, and after – so your experience isn’t just memorable, it’s lasting.
The Arc of the Journey
Every Qasa experience is more than just time on the land – it’s a journey with three powerful phases designed to support your transformation.
Prepare – Before you arrive, we support you with screening, practical guidance, and intention setting so you can come in grounded and informed.
Experience – At Qasa, the journey unfolds through guided ceremony, embodiment, reflection, nature, rest, and connection.
Integrate – What happens here matters because of how it lands in real life. Integration is part of the retreat, not an afterthought.
At Qasa, we hold the container for your whole journey – before, during, and after – so your experience isn’t just memorable, it’s lasting.
Meet Your Facilitators
Awaken is guided by experienced facilitators who hold this work with depth, integrity, and care. Each retreat is supported by a team committed to safety, presence, and a truly queer centered experience.
Rocky Heron
Rocky Heron is an artistic wonder – a singer, songwriter, yoga instructor, and alignment coach with an ability to weave together community through devotion and skillful embodiment.
Ash Ruiz
Ash Ruiz is a seasoned guide in self-realization, nonduality, and trauma informed plant medicine facilitation, with over 30 years of experience.
John Jacob Mubarak
John Jacob Mubarak is a passionate advocate for holistic healing and integrates the power of sacred plants, breathwork, psychology, philosophy, science and ancient wisdom teachings into his retreats to guide individuals towards profound personal and professional growth.
Publio Valle
Publio was born in São Simão, Brazil, and raised in a family lineage of traditional healers, where his father was his first teacher.
Rafael Gondim
Rafa is a native of Brasil and a lifelong seeker of healing, connection, and transformation. His journey has led him through diverse landscapes-both inner and outer-from his decade-long career in education.
2026 Retreat Dates
After you apply through the screening process, you can choose the retreat path and date that feels right for you.
April 19 to April 25, 2026
🌿 Grandmother Vine
Facilitators: Rocky Heron, Publio Valle, Rafael Gondim
May 17 to May 23, 2026
🍄 Mycelial Muse
Facilitators: Rocky Heron, John Jacob Mubaraki
July 26 to August 1, 2026
🌿 Grandmother Vine
Facilitators: Ash Ruiz, Rocky Heron
August 9 to August 14, 2026
🍄 Mycelial Muse
Facilitators: Rocky Heron, John Jacob Mubaraki
What’s Included
Retreat Experience
Guided ceremonies
Embodiment, movement, and meditation
Integration circles and reflection practices
Preparation support before arrival
Post retreat integration support
Community connection throughout the week
Stay + Logistics
6 nights of accommodation
Chef prepared meals and tropical beverages
Ground transportation to and from the airport
A fully private retreat container
Access to the Qasa community
Investment starts at $2,950 (all included)
Stay At Qasa
All cabins are handmade primarily from locally-sourced bamboo, and while they are protected from the elements and enclosed in mosquito netting, they are open air and have spectacular views of the jungle. Private and shared accommodation options are available.
Room options include shared 4 bed cabins, shared twin cabins, private king cabins, and private deluxe cabins.
SHARED 4 BED
JUNGLE CABIN
A shared cabin with four comfortable single beds. You will have one single bed to yourself, and you will be matched with three other participants who will sleep in the other beds.
SHARED TWIN
JUNGLE CABIN
A shared cabin with two comfortable twin-size beds. You will have one bed to yourself, and you will be matched with another participant who will sleep in the other twin bed.
Our Retreat Amenities include
Luxurious accommodations, holistic wellness facilities, adventure opportunities, and an experienced team for an unforgettable experience.
Spectacular Waterfalls
Enjoy six major waterfalls within walking distance along the Diamante River.
Beautiful Yoga Shalas
Our shala space is a beautiful covered bamboo structure reaching out into the jungle with a direct view of the Diamante waterfall.
Communal Bathroom And Showers
All cabins share a beautiful bamboo bathhouse with hot water
Communal 5 person outdoor shower
3 private individual showers
Gym
Comprehensive collection of free weights (machines and cardio not available).
Pristine Nature
Located on a gorgeous 300-acre property in one of the world’s most biodiverse places in Costa Rica.
Abundant Hiking
Explore several kilometers of private hiking trails right on the property.
On-site Bodywork
Care for your body with a massage or energy work complimented by relaxing sounds of nature (additional cost).
Massages offered in your cabin or in our outdoor massage temple.
IS THIS FOR YOU
Awaken is the right fit if you:
Want a safe, queer centered container for deep inner work
Are open to ceremony, reflection, embodiment, and integration
Value consent, privacy, and community
Want to explore at your own pace
Are looking for something deeper than a vacation or party
This may NOT be a fit if you
Want a purely hedonistic or unstructured experience
Do not want screening, preparation, or integration
Are looking for pressure, performance, or intensity for its own sake
Are not open to a consent forward group container
You are in charge of your pace.
Everything here is opt in.
You can participate from the edges.
Check out our Reviews on Google here.
APPLY HERE
We take seriously every application so we appreciate you take the time to apply by booking a call with our team and provide your contact info. We will get to know you better, answer all your questions and guide you through the booking process.
