Our Story
We created the week we were missing.
Not a vacation. Not a program. A space to return to what feels real.
RETURN did not start because I figured life out. It started because I realized I needed to come back too.
People were doing well on the outside — working, moving, building lives, staying busy — but still craving something more honest, more present, and more human.
Not because anything was "wrong." Just because life can become fast, full, and a little disconnected from the things that actually make us feel alive.
We felt that too.
So we created RETURN as a different kind of week — one built around nature, shared meals, movement, adventure, meaningful conversations, Jewish warmth, and the kind of moments that don't need to be forced. Each RETURN retreat is shaped with selected facilitators, hosts, and local partners who bring their own depth, presence, and experience to the week.
Not a vacation. Not a program. A space to slow down, open up, and feel connected again.
Our Story
We created the week we were missing.
Not a vacation. Not a program. A space to return to what feels real.
RETURN did not start because I figured life out. It started because I realized I needed to come back too.
People were doing well on the outside — working, moving, building lives, staying busy — but still craving something more honest, more present, and more human.
Not because anything was "wrong." Just because life can become fast, full, and a little disconnected from the things that actually make us feel alive.
We felt that too.
So we created RETURN as a different kind of week — one built around nature, shared meals, movement, adventure, meaningful conversations, Jewish warmth, and the kind of moments that don't need to be forced. Each RETURN retreat is shaped with selected facilitators, hosts, and local partners who bring their own depth, presence, and experience to the week.
Not a vacation. Not a program. A space to slow down, open up, and feel connected again.
RETURN is the platform.
Sometimes it creates open retreats. Sometimes private groups. Sometimes collaborations with facilitators, families, leaders, and communities.
The shape can change. The intention stays the same: good people, wild nature, Jewish warmth, shared meals, movement, and a few days that feel human again.
The People Holding This Experience
Who We Are
Yali
Creator · Retreat Host
Yali created RETURN as part of Wonderland Experiences — a platform for producing meaningful retreats, gatherings, and human experiences in Costa Rica.
His role is to shape the vision, build the experience, curate the people, and make sure the week feels grounded, beautiful, and well held.
A former professional soccer player and retreat host based in Santa Teresa, Yali curates every detail — from the atmosphere and adventures to the energy, music, conversations, and in-between moments that people often remember most.
Yoav Gobernix
Production
Yoav is a trusted production partner who supports RETURN on the ground with logistics, setup, vendors, timing, guest flow, and the many real-time details that make a retreat actually work.
He brings hands-on experience from live productions, a practical mindset, and the ability to stay calm and useful when things are moving fast — adding another layer of operational confidence so the experience is not only beautiful in concept, but organized, smooth, and professionally executed in real life.
Jonathan Fletcher
Movement Expert
Jonathan brings a deep understanding of the body and movement to RETURN. With years of experience guiding people through physical and somatic practices, he creates sessions that feel both challenging and grounding.
His approach blends functional movement, breath, and body awareness into experiences that help participants feel more present, more alive, and more at home in themselves.
Avital
Retreat Operations
Avital is the heartbeat behind the scenes at RETURN. She handles the logistics, coordination, and care that makes every detail of the retreat feel effortless and thoughtfully considered.
Her warmth and precision ensure that from arrival to departure, participants feel held, supported, and free to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Philosophy & Vision
What we believe
Human First
We design for real people, not idealized versions of them. No performance required.
The best moments are not always on the schedule
The late-night conversations, spontaneous swims, and the people you end up talking to for hours are often the moments people remember.
Jewish warmth without pressure
You do not need to be religious to feel at home here. Shabbat, food, songs, humor, tradition, and shared rhythm are part of the experience.
Nature does a lot of the work
The ocean, jungle, sunsets, and distance from normal life help people soften without forcing it.
Small is intentional
We keep groups small because real connection needs space. You should actually know the people by the end.