You can uke
where music meets adventure
Awaken your creativity, unplug from the everyday, and rediscover joy through music, laughter, and community.
January 24-30, 2027
7 days / 6 nights
All Inclusive
Playa Negra in Provincia Guanacaste
Rates from $2,995-$3,595 USD
Find your musical PASSION in the WILDS of Coastal Costa Rica!
If you’re a ‘ukulele enthusiast who is ready to amplify your musical gifts to the world and bring joy and abundance to your music making – then join us in Coastal Costa Rica for a soul-stirring never-to-be-forgotten voice and ukulele retreat.
ARE YOU CRAVING MORE OF THIS?
✅ You dream of stepping away from the demands of everyday life and immersing yourself in an experience that feels meaningful, inspiring, and unforgettable.
✅ You crave the time and space to nurture your creativity, reconnect with yourself, and remember what brings you joy.
✅ You love making music but wish you had more opportunities to play, sing, and learn alongside supportive, like-minded people.
✅ You long for genuine connection—with nature, with community, and with others who understand the magic of making music together.
✅ You want to grow as a musician without pressure, competition, or perfectionism—just encouragement, curiosity, and fun.
✅ You feel called to adventure, exploration, and discovering new places while doing something you love.
✅ You miss having musical friends nearby and dream of spending a week surrounded by people who speak your language: songs, stories, laughter, and creativity.
✅ You believe the best experiences aren’t just vacations—they’re the ones that leave you feeling renewed, inspired, and more fully yourself.
If three or more of these resonate with you, you’re exactly who we created this retreat for.
Join us in Guanacaste, Costa Rica where the ocean meets the jungle for a week of music-making, meaningful connection, and creative renewal. Come as you are. Leave inspired.
Pura Vida. Meaning: pure life. This is the Costa Rican motto. With connotations translating to “Full of Life” and “This is Living!”.
Purely said, it’s a way of life. In Costa Rica, you’ll find that carefree, laid back and optimistic spirit as you explore your musical aspirations at the intersection of the jungle and ocean.
Everyday in Costa Rica is a new canvas to inspire you. Inspiration can be found around every bend from chasing waterfalls and sunsets to exploring the essence of Pura Vida. Nature’s symphony is at the heart of Costa Rica. Get lost in the beauty of Costa Rican simplicity where there is nothing but good vibes and blue skies.
Pura Vida moments, one string at a time.
Connect. Cultivate. Create.
It’s 7 days and 6 nights of adventure, delicious food, music making, connection, rejuvenation, learning – and FUN!
There is something about the magical energy of Los Pargos, nestled between rainforests and the Pacific Ocean, that will give your imagination permission to run free.
In the warm light of the sunsets, we will gather together to explore new musical frontiers, let our inner storyteller run free, and share our gifts with each other. You will find the freedom in releasing your fears in this space to open yourself to new musical possibilities. Take yourself to the next level now.
What YOU are going to walk away with…
So what can you expect if you spend 7 incredible days and 6 nights solely focusing on your music AND rediscovering yourself in the jungle of Costa Rica?
-> Well, what if you got the exact INSPIRATION you needed to perfect your ‘ukulele playing and singing?
-> What if you were finally able to release into your own UNIQUE sound with professional guidance?
-> What if you had access to like-minded individuals who are willing to SHARE ideas?
Would THAT be worth coming to Costa Rica? Absol-UKE-ly!
There are limited spots available because we want to create an intimate environment where everyone receives individualized attention and gains life-long friendships along the way.
Our Venue: Peace Retreat
Our immersive home for the week is Peace Retreat. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, along the Pacific Coast, just south of Tamarindo . The property sits up on top of a hill overlooking the ocean and a 15 minute walk into the town of Los Pargos and another 10-15 beyond that to the Playa Negra.
Liberia International Airport is 2 hours driving distance. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to drive, we have a shuttle to pick you up and bring you to the retreat center!)
The Nicoya Peninsula, in the Guanacaste Province, is one of the world’s 5 blue zones. What is a Blue Zone you ask? It is a region in the world where people are claimed to have exceptionally long lives beyond the age of 80 due to a lifestyle combining physical activity, low stress, rich social interactions, a local whole-foods diet, and low disease incidence. Isn’t that what YOU need?
You will spend a week at the intersection between the peaceful rainforest and the majestic Pacific Ocean, soaking in all this blue zone has to offer. Life is better when surrounded by nature, come find out for yourself!
Nourish at Peace Cafe
The kitchen team at Peace Retreat uses a variety of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to support their “food as medicine” approach. Their delicious, healthy meals are individually plated and served at specific times which encourages guests to receive nourishing food and conversation while in community.
In addition to their sit-down breakfast and dinner service, guests can enjoy our mid-day Nourish at Peace Cafe menu which includes snacks, smoothies, and mains.
Take A Sneak Peak at the Beauty
A Typical Retreat Day
Although we have curated bountiful days filled with engaging music making and private consultations, we have left time for you to explore, rest and rejuvenate on your own terms.
You are welcome to create the day you want.
Music making activities will be tailored to each retreat based on the unique desires of the participants – that’s you!
The morning could include a cup of tea on the veranda, followed with a nourishing breakfast.
A late morning group music making session with Marnie, and plenty of time for a refreshing walk on the property to find inspiration in the jungle scenery.
After a hearty lunch, your afternoon might include a stimulating private consultation with a facilitator or a music making session with Danielle Ate the Sandwich, our Guest Facilitator.
There is still time to relax poolside or take a walk into town or to Playa Negra.
In the evening, we’ll be treated to a mouthwatering dinner followed by the possibilities of stargazing to see the glittering canvas above the Pacific Ocean, maybe an early bed time for extra rest and recovery, or some music making with new friends around the firepit.
“Bonding”
“So much fun and bonding on our final evening. Sharing is living.”
“Thank You”
“This was a great experience. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”
Retreat Details
What’s Included:
- Seven inspiring days (and six nights) together with daily deep-dive sessions for personal growth
- All coaching and group workshops
- Two private consultations (30 minutes each – one with Marnie and one with Rachel)
- Six delicious breakfasts
- Five beautiful lunches
- Six mouth-watering dinners
- Personal down time for relaxing, hiking, walking, napping and more!
- Salon of Sharing – a time for sharing music, camaraderie, and celebrating on our final night together
- Beach sunset jam and an afternoon beach outing – transportation included (alcohol not included)
- Ground transportation from Liberia Airport to Peace Retreat on Sunday March 8 and returning Saturday March 14th (coordination required)
What’s Not-Included:
- Your round-trip airfare from home to Liberia or other travel expenses (hotel, food, car rental, etc) prior to the retreat starting
- Other non-included items would include: alcohol, souvenir shopping, spa services and additional activities not listed (ie. SUP, guided hike, etc)
- Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance (we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance)
- Special dietary needs (most can be accommodated with an additional fee)
- Staff gratuity (optional)
Flights/Travel Planning
Arrive: Sunday, January 24th
- Destination: LIR – Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia, Costa Rica)
- There will be two shuttles this day from the airport to Peace Retreat (coordination required)
- You Can Uke meet up after everyone has arrived and had time to settle into their rooms
- Gather for dinner
Departure: Saturday, January 30th
- Gather for last breakfast together
- You Can Uke goodbye
- Two shuttles to the airport depending on departure time Time TBD
About the Guanacaste Coast
Located in the northwest corner of Costa Rica, Guanacaste [gwana’kaste] is a tropical paradise with pristine shorelines, beautiful mountain ranges, national parks, and volcanoes.
Visitors dive into a vibrant cultural, witness awe inspiring natural landscapes, and view abundant wildlife, on and off land.
Guanacaste is not just a geographic location; it’s a celebration of life as envisioned by the Ticos (Costa Ricans).
With endless options for exploring natural and cultural offerings, this region of Costa Rica is unparalleled. After all, it’s the #1 vacation spot for Costa Ricans.
Are you ready to experience this paradise?
During pre-Columbian times, the Guanacaste region was dominated by the indigenous Corotega of Nicaragua. Many unique cultural traditions from this tribe are still present today. Because of this influence, the region embraces a slightly different personality than the rest of the country.
This lively province is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica! Spanning the northwestern corner of the country, travelers can do everything from surfing, ATV tours, snorkeling, zip line, horseback riding, hiking and more.
We will take an afternoon/evening trip to Playa Negra to dine on local cuisine next to one of the most stunning black sand beaches in the world. A popular surfing community but still offers less-crowded beaches in the area. Playa Pelada and Playa Azul are great for swimming and water sports.
Playa Negra is one of the wonders of the natural world. With its beautiful black vocalnic sand beaches, The World Wildlife Fund, has pinpointed Playa Ostional as one of the two most important nesting sites in the world for the Olive Ridley turtle. This nesting ritual, “Arribada”, is at its height from September to October. The waves in this area are powerful and provide surfers a huge hollow waves to catch.
Meet Your Facilitators
They are professional musicians and teaching artists who will guide you through this transformative experience with musical breakthroughs, challenging creative exploration, and helping you find your authentic musical voice.
Marnie Ward
Marnie deeply believes that music is for EVERYONE. Sharing music amongst others is a fundamental joy and responsibility and her passion is to give the gift of music to anyone she meets, without judgement. She is happy to share her knowledge of over 30 years as a performer and 15 years as a teaching artist.
As a performing artist, Marnie has been seen on a multitude of musical theatre stages to Carnegie Hall, with jazz and swing bands, her her Andrews Sisters Tribute Act – Reveille 3, and presents at ‘ukulele festivals across the US. She has been an arranger and performer with the Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra for 8 years. Marnie is a certified James Hill ‘Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) teacher and holds a Certificate of Hawaiian Music from the University of Hawaii’s Windward Community College.
Marnie created You Can Uke Retreats to provide transformational learning opportunities in stunning locations grounded in nature; focusing on small, intimate group learning where long-lasting connections can be made. She is excited you are here for this opportunity she holds so dear!
As a teacher, she provides private and group instruction as the owner of Marnie Ward Voice & ‘Ukulele Studio based in Denver, Colorado.
Rachel Manke
Rachel Manke has been playing the ukulele for 25 years. It’s the passion that has fueled adventure and friendships in her life. She is a skilled player in a vaudeville vein who has taken flourish and technique from that stage into various genres. She has appeared on stages that range from the New Jersey Uke Fest and Strummin’ Man to Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion. A little bit country, a little bit everything else, a whole lot of funny, and a touch of sentiment.
Rachel started in the late 90’s on a $25 Hilo soprano and came to the uke world via the founders of the Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum. She first studied with Joel Eckhaus, directly learning from the well known student of the famed Roy Smeck. Ever since, she has continued to learn and perform, and is now a respected teacher as well, having taught at camps such as California Coast Music Camp, Puget Sound Guitar Workshop and the Port Townsend Uke Fest. She has a penchant for Tin Pan Alley, old-time music, and is a master of the old-school uke chord solo flourish.
We are so excited to join you on this magical journey! Thank you for choosing us.
“Marnie and Cynthia were fantastic hosts! The setting was great and all the sessions were a fun and great learning experience. And we got to share this with a great group of like minded other ukulele players.”
“I found this retreat an excellent learning experience. The small number of participants, with 2 highly capable instructors, made for a very focussed learning opportunity. Much material was covered and the instructors were able to successfully target all levels of learners. I would highly recommend this retreat to anyone interested in expanding their ukulele and singing skills. Thank you Marnie and Cynthia!”
Accommodations
Peace Retreat offers a variety of accommodations from the main house Casa Rooms to stand alone Casitas and Bungalows. All rooms are located within a 3-5 minute walk of the main common area.
If you would like to bring a musical friend and share a room we have a double occupancy rate available; most accommodations have 2 beds in the same bedroom.
Bungalow
Single Occupancy
$3,595.00
per person
The simple, modern air-conditioned bungalows offer a cool and comfortable space for individuals or pairs. Each of the five bungalows features a private deck and is arranged around a shared courtyard, creating a sense of both privacy and connection. Four bungalows include two single beds, while one features a queen bed. All offer an ensuite bathroom, closet, sitting area, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor ceiling fans, natural and ambient lighting, and deck furniture—designed for restful simplicity and ease.
5 Available
Bring a friend rate: $3,265.00 each for double occupancy, separate beds in same bedroom or one bungalow with a queen bed.
Deluxe Cabina
Single Occupancy
$3,295.00
per person
For those seeking a bit more privacy within our serene jungle setting, the deluxe cabinas featuring a comfortable queen-size bed and an ensuite bathroom. These elevated spaces perfectly blend a simple, close-to-nature charm with the added convenience of your own private facilities. Unwind in a peaceful sanctuary designed for ultimate comfort, ease, and renewal.
2 Available
Bring a friend rate: $2,965.00 each for double occupancy.
Standard Cabina
Single Occupancy
$2,995.00
per person
Simple and serene, the standard cabinas are thoughtfully placed throughout the property to offer quiet privacy just steps from the shared bathroom facility. Each of these charming, nature-immersed spaces features two single beds, an open-concept closet with storage, a safe, and a ceiling fan to keep the space cool and breezy. It is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a minimalist, restful stay deeply connected to the rhythm of the jungle.
3 Available
Casa Om Room
Single Occupancy
$3,345.00
per person
Calm and inviting, Casa Om offers air conditioning, 1 queen bed, 1 single bed, a large armoire, a safe, a ceiling fan, a private ensuite bathroom. Nestled on the second floor of the main building, they overlook the lush jungle and provides easy access to the pool, dining hall, and library—balancing comfort with convenience.
Bring a friend rate: $3,015.00 each for double occupancy, separate beds available in same bedroom.
Casa Shanti Room
Single Occupancy
$3,345.00
per person
Calm and inviting, Casa Shanti offers air conditioning, 1 queen bed, 1 single bed, a large armoire, a safe, a ceiling fan, a private ensuite bathroom. Nestled on the second floor of the main building, they overlook the lush jungle and provides easy access to the pool, dining hall, and library – balancing comfort with convenience.
Bring a friend rate: $3,015.00 each for double occupancy, separate beds available in same bedroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Payment Schedule & Cancellation Policy
- If accepted, a $500 non-refundable retainer/deposit and signed Participant Agreement is due to reserve your place
- 50% of remaining balance is due on or before October 21, 2026
- Remaining balance is due on or before November 22, 2026
Refund Schedule
- 100% refund (minus retainer/deposit) before October 21, 2026
- 50% refund (minus retainer/deposit) between October 22, 2026 and November 22, 2026
- After November 23, 2026, NO REFUNDS can be made.
Can I share a room with another participant?
Absolutely! We do not assign roommates but you’re welcome to invite a friend or we can introduce you to someone else who is interested and you two can see if there is a fit.
May I bring along a non-playing guest or partner?
Of course, we welcome guests. You will each get the “You & a Friend” rate.
I have dietary restrictions, do they make accommodations?
Most dietary restrictions can be accounted for, just let us know in advance.
Is the tap water drinkable?
Yes! The water in this region is mostly drinkable from the tap. Peace Retreat also has their own filter system.
I’m new to ‘ukulele and singing, can I still participate?
All are welcome, even beginners. We anticipate a wide variety of skill levels at the retreat and since a lot of the participation is individualized it gives you a chance to grow at your own pace. Plus with limited number of participants, Marnie & Danielle will create a tailor made program for the group!
How do I get from the Liberia International Airport (LIB) to Peace Retreat?
A shuttle is included for all participants. Typically, flights arrive at the same time. There will be 2 shuttles on Sunday, March 8th to Peace Retreat; and 2 shuttle on Saturday, March 14th to LIB. Coordination is required.
Is Peace Retreat mobility-accessible?
The facilities Peace Retreat aren’t specicially accessible but depending on your support needs, you might find the retreat center manageable. Most Bungalows and Casitas are flat walk-ins, the paths are mostly flat and are made of gravel / packed dirt. There is one stair step into the main meeting space; and a flight or two of stairs to the Casa Rooms.
Please reach out for more specifics about accessibility for your personal situation.
If this doesn’t meet your needs, our retreat in Ghost Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico is accessible – you can find that info HERE.
