ethics
There is a growing trend of retreats in tropical countries and the word has been tainted by images of affluent white women staying in thousand dollar resorts with high walls and no connection to Place. If that's what you're looking for, I'd recommend finding a different experience because this is not it.
I have traveled to many different countries and I often have uneasy feelings in places that have been overtaken by Westerners and turned into resorts, yoga retreats, and trendy cafes. It's often inauthentic and feels like large scale gentrification and neocolonization, pushing out local people and erasing their culture to paint over it with our own. Places are developed to cater and serve the needs of tourists rather than the people who actually live there.
I see a lot of foreigners come to this country and see the opportunity to exploit this land and the people to sell retreats. They see how much this place can give to them and how much they can profit off of it. In general, I think that integrating into any community here as a foreigner and especially as a privileged one, you have to ask yourself not only how can this place benefit me, but how can I contribute in a meaningful way to give back? I think your relationship with a place has to be mutually beneficial with the land and ecosystem, and with the people and cultures that exist here.
I am by no means perfect and I never want to sound like I'm preaching from my high horse. I have made mistakes and I recognize my privilege as an American living in Costa Rica. In saying that, I have a deep commitment to not only working alongside local friends and community members but uplifting and celebrating them as leaders and experts in their fields. My greatest outcome from these residencies is that everyone involved feels dignified and everyone is fairly compensated.
This is my home and I care so deeply about this place and the people here. Javier and Raquel are generously opening their home to all of us and welcoming us in. There are so many people involved in making these events successful from the facilitators, cleaners, chefs, gardeners, local tour guides, and of course all of you. It is extremely important to us that this is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. Costa Rica is an expensive country but we have tried to keep costs as low as possible to make this as accessible as possible to anyone who would want to join. If financial restraints are keeping you from enrolling, please don’t hesitate to reach out about scholarships and financing options available.
The creation of these residencies came from a genuine desire to support Javi and Raky, and the rural community of Mastatal where economic opportunities are challenging. You can read more about our story here. We are ultra aware of our place as guests in this beautiful land and grateful to Costa Rica for being the host of these beautiful residencies. If you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
xx Elizabeth, founder The Eco Residency