El Barro vuelve
at
Divine Sanctuary in the Jungle
Clay & Cacao
A Four-Day Ceramic Workshop
Thursday, August 20 – Sunday, August 23, 2026
Formed from the earth beneath our feet, clay invites us to slow down, create with intention, and reconnect with the natural world. Paired with cacao—a plant revered for thousands of years as medicine, ritual, and community—we'll spend four unforgettable days exploring the relationship between these two ancient gifts of the earth.
Join us at Divine Sanctuary in the Jungle, nestled within the Caribbean rainforest of Costa Rica, for an immersive ceramic experience where you'll create your own handcrafted cacao mug from start to finish.
Throughout the workshop, we'll explore the fundamentals of hand-building with clay while learning about clay bodies, ceramic techniques, firing, and finishing. Along the way, we'll deepen our appreciation for cacao—its history, cultural significance, and role in local ceremony and connection.
There is something magical about drinking cacao from a vessel shaped by your own hands. Every cup becomes a reminder of your time in the rainforest and the creative journey that brought it to life.
Whether you've never touched clay before or already enjoy working with ceramics, this workshop is designed to welcome all experience levels.
Together we will…
• Learn about different clay bodies and ceramic processes
• Hand-build your own unique cacao mug
• Refine and finish your piece
• Fire your ceramics in our kiln
• Learn about the traditions and spirit of cacao
• Gather in community throughout the creative process
• Conclude our weekend by sharing our very first ceremonial cacao from the cups we created together
There is something magical about drinking cacao from a vessel shaped by your own hands. Every cup becomes a reminder of your time in the rainforest and the creative journey that brought it to life.
Whether you've never touched clay before or already enjoy working with ceramics, this workshop is designed to welcome all experience levels.
yOur Team
Ana
Your Instructor, El Barro Vuelve
Through ceramics, El Barro Vuelve proposes an ethno-contemporary reinterpretation that honors both tradition and the material itself. Each piece emerges from a mindful process that values simplicity, functionality, and imperfection—qualities that do not seek to stand out, yet maintain an intimate presence in everyday life. Its strength lies in authenticity, the naturalness of its forms, and the presence each piece creates when contemplated, held, or lived with.
Your Host, Divine Sanctuary in the Jungle
Sunny
I am the proud Owner and Founder of Divine Sanctuary in the Jungle, a manifestation of my lifelong connection with nature.
Born before the cellphone era, my childhood was filled with the simple joys of playing with frogs in the neighborhood creek, building forts and camping in my backyard, climbing trees, and playing with clay, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.
I am a perpetual student of life, studying permaculture, herbalism, and yoga, as a 500-hour RYT. My life purpose became clear at the age of 20, after a transformative experience hiking in Costa Rica from coast to coast, from the mountains of Talamanca to the beaches of Manuel Antonio in a span of 23 days. This trip ignited a deep love for the country's majestic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant people.
This journey planted the seeds for my dream of living in community with friends, nurturing and caring for the land, and cultivating all of our own abundance.
In March 2023, this dream blossomed into reality with the birth of Divine Sanctuary in the Jungle.
I invite you to join us on our journey.
Clay
〰️
Arcilla
〰️
Argile
〰️
黏土
〰️
Ton
〰️
Clay 〰️ Arcilla 〰️ Argile 〰️ 黏土 〰️ Ton 〰️
Cacao
〰️
Tsiru'
〰️
可可
〰️
Kakao
〰️
Cacau
〰️
Cacao 〰️ Tsiru' 〰️ 可可 〰️ Kakao 〰️ Cacau 〰️
Choose Your Stay
Already living nearby?
Join us with a Local Workshop Pass! Our Local Workshop Pass includes:
• All 4 days of workshop instruction
• Clay and firing
• Daily lunch
• Afternoon snack, coffee, and tea
• Closing community cacao ceremony
Payment options: PayPal, SINPE, Venmo, Direct Deposit, Colones
Once you submit your Book Now request, we will reach out to you via WhatsApp to complete your booking through your chosen payment option.
Designed with flexibility in mind, Octopus Garden is a tranquil jungle retreat that effortlessly adapts to your stay. This two twin beds room is perfect for friends, siblings, or solo travelers, the room offers comfort without sacrificing style.
Soft earthy tones, natural wood accents, and warm lighting create a calm atmosphere that invites you to slow down and settle in. French doors open to lush rainforest views, while thoughtful touches—including a spacious walk-in closet—make longer stays feel especially comfortable.
Guests of Octopus Garden access the shared Sea Glass restroom, reached by descending a few open-air steps that connect the bedroom to the bathing sanctuary below. The short walk becomes part of the experience, leading to an open rain shower and freestanding soaking tub nestled among the trees.
The room is equipped with both air conditioning and a ceiling fan, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep after a day of exploring the Caribbean coast.
Payment options: PayPal, SINPE, Venmo, Direct Deposit, Colones
Once you submit your Book Now request, we will reach out to you via WhatsApp to complete your booking through your chosen payment option.
The most spacious bedroom in Divine of the Sea, Mermaid Lagoon offers a peaceful, light-filled retreat designed for deep rest, gentle movement, and quiet moments surrounded by the rainforest.
A king-size bed anchors the room, while soft coastal details, natural textures, and calming blue accents create an atmosphere that feels both serene and grounded. A dedicated desk beside the window provides a comfortable place to journal, read, or work while looking out toward the greenery, and an in-room walking pad makes it easy to keep moving at your own pace.
Sliding doors open onto a private deck overlooking the jungle, where you can begin the morning with coffee, listen to the rain, or unwind beneath the canopy at the end of the day.
Mermaid Lagoon is equipped with both air conditioning and a ceiling fan for year-round comfort. The room connects directly to the shared Sea Glass Bathroom, featuring an open rain shower and freestanding soaking tub facing the rainforest for a fully immersive jungle bathing experience.
Payment options: PayPal, SINPE, Venmo, Direct Deposit, Colones
Once you submit your Book Now request, we will reach out to you via WhatsApp to complete your booking through your chosen payment option.
Like the gentle rhythm of the moon guiding the ocean tides, Lunar Tides is designed for connection, rest, and shared adventures.
This spacious bedroom comfortably accommodates two guests with two twin beds, making it an ideal choice for friends, siblings, or retreat participants traveling together. Soft coastal blues, warm wood accents, and abundant natural light create a peaceful atmosphere that feels both refreshing and restorative after a day spent exploring the rainforest or relaxing by the Caribbean Sea.
The room features a generous walk-in closet, providing plenty of space to unpack and settle in, while air conditioning ensures a cool and comfortable night's sleep.
Guests of Lunar Tides enjoy access to the shared Driftwood restroom, an open-air sanctuary that celebrates the beauty of nature. Crafted with warm stone, bamboo, and natural textures, the bathroom invites you to slow down and embrace the experience of bathing outdoors, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the tropical forest.
Payment options: PayPal, SINPE, Venmo, Direct Deposit, Colones
Once you submit your Book Now request, we will reach out to you via WhatsApp to complete your booking through your chosen payment option.
General Schedule
7:30 am: Breakfast
8:30 am: Morning workshop
12:00 pm: Lunch
1:00 pm: Afternoon workshop
3:00 pm: Afternoon snack
5:00 pm: Free time
