Exclusive Moms Grief Retreat to Connect to Your Child in Spirit, Yourself in Soul
Casa Alternavida is a House of Transformation
This Retreat offers a one-of-a-kind immersive spirit-connection & support-based healing experience exclusively for mothers grieving the loss of a child. Alongside your host Melissa, we will be joined by various spiritual practitioners throughout the week. Dates are May 28- June 2, 2025. This is a real opportunity for spiritual growth after the loss of a child.
The goal is for moms to leave feeling empowered - more connected to their own soul, nature, & each other as well as to their child in spirit.
Ocean views to the East: Watch the sun rise over not-so-distant neighboring islands. Most only dream of seeing the island this way. Located in the National El Yunque Rainforest zone, you will connect with nature and this island like never before. A high-vibration space, phenomenal team, culturally rich organic food experiences, and mindfully guided nature adventures connect moms to the land and its people. Breathe. Connect. Heal.
THE REST of the DETAILS - What's Included & What's Not...PLEASE READ (click to expand)
Retreat Rooms & Pricing
Experience complete bliss in the beautiful retreat rooms. Designed with the culture of Puerto Rico in mind, these vibrant and colorful rooms allow you to settle in comfortably and feel right at home.
Every room at Casa Alternavida has a nature spirit associated with it and thanks to a local artist, they also have a custom mural in each to bring the spirit alive.
You will need to put an initial deposit down of $750 (non-refundable) to hold your spot. You can pay in full or divide the remainder into monthly installments. Billing is sent by email from Melissa & made via PayPal**.
See additional photos & images on Casa Alternavida's website - I saw them all in person & the photos do not do them justice! Each room is beyond serene & every detail thought of. [**Note: a $50 processing fee is added - one time only - to PayPal transaction to help offset the fees paid by host)
CLICK HERE to RESERVE Your Spot TODAY!!!
Creative Coqui $3777
This is a big double room
SHARED ROOM (price is per person) $3377 each - [Price above is Single Occupancy at $3777]
Tap into your imagination in our Creative Coqui room. This is the perfect space to share with your retreat travel friend. It's located on the 2nd floor and has antique beds (twin size) and two desks. The bathroom includes a toilet, shower, and vanity with a second sink vanity outside of the bathroom for the other person.
Hummingbird - $3777
[BOOKED]
Single Room
This tranquil space is right off the kitchen on the 3rd floor. With an entrance to the 3rd floor balcony, stars will be ready to be gazed upon in the shadow of the Mother Mango Tree. Includes an attached semi-private bathroom (as it doubles as the restroom facility for this floor)
Blissful Butterfly - $3888
[BOOKED]
Deluxe Single Room
Experience complete joy in our Blissful Butterfly room ( guest favorite). You'll get to experience your own private outdoor shower and enclosed bathroom surrounded with plants on the private terrace with a comfortable bench. This sunny and vibrant 2nd floor room has a queen size bed, desk and vintage armoire.
Humble Bee - $3888
[BOOKED]
Deluxe Single Room
Recharge in our cozy Humble Bee Room. This 2nd floor room includes a vintage four-poster full size bed, a desk overlooking the tropical forest and a magical private outdoor shower next to the mother mango tree. This room is a favorite with moms.
Hermit Crab - $3777
Single Room (could be shared as pictured with extra bed) SHARED ROOM (price is per person) $3377 each
Embrace solitude in our Hermit Crab Room. This bottom floor room includes a queen-sized bed with antique-bed frame and desk alongside a large window overlooking the terrace. The outdoor sitting area is perfect for reflecting or reading while enjoying a warm breeze and the sounds of nature. It is also equipped for anyone needing mobility support. (If shared, deluxe twin bed will be added)
Sleepy Serpent - $3444
[BOOKED]
Single Room
Find your way to deep transformation in our Sleepy Serpent room. This spacious 1st floor room has its own private bathroom, a full-sized bed and desk. The wall of windows opens up to our lower patio and lush landscape, making a great viewing spot for fireflies at night. (If shared, deluxe twin bed will be added)
Lucky Dragonfly - $3444
[BOOKED]
Single Room
Embrace nature's abundance in our Lucky Dragonfly room. This 2nd floor room has a bedside hammock, desk, and a queen size bed. Two large windows open up to lush green trees so you'll feel like you are right in the rainforest. You'll find your bathroom right outside the room. The bathroom has vintage Puerto Rican tiles and includes a sink with a walk-in shower.
Mindful Moth - $3444
Single Room
Connect with stillness of our Mindful Moth room. This is a 2nd floor space has two large windows that open up to lush green mango tree. You'll feel like you are right in the rainforest. You have a bathroom just down the stairs outside your door on the lower level. The bathroom includes colorful ceramic tile, a sink and a walk-in shower.
Meet Your Hosts
I lost my 21-year-old son, Alex, to suicide on August 7, 2016. My heart, & life shattered before me. For years, I felt lost and unsure of how to rebuild. However, eventually, I found tools, support & healing. Now, I share what I have learned with others. My journey of healing led me to create a community for those grieving - especially, but not exclusively, by suicide loss.
It began in 2020, when I launched my podcast, 'The Leftover Pieces; Suicide Loss Conversations.' This platform sparked meaningful discussions about suicide, mental health, trauma, and grief, engaging a growing community of listeners. From there grew the community, books, courses, and more.
Through conversations with other grieving moms, I identified three key needs we all have: access to resources at the time of loss & beyond, a connected community of fellow moms who understand, and ways to ensure our child is remembered - because legacy matters!
Now, weekly, having studied many modalities & receiving multiple certifications I facilitate an online support community, offer resources, host retreats, teach, support and guide moms healing both 1-on-1 & in groups -- including legacy projects that honor our children's lives. As an author, certified Master Grief Companion, Reiki I & II practitioner, and trauma-informed energy healer, I’m dedicated to supporting grieving moms. As a former Executive Chef, I also have well over 15 years in event hosting, planning & implementation that now serves me well as a high-end retreat host.
"My mission with the retreats is to help grieving moms bridge from hope into healing & connection to spirit by working in collaboration with other likeminded, service driven healing practitioners." This is lonely, but you do not have to be alone. I am so very sorry that you need to be here, but it is my honor to hold space for you! --Melissa
Dedicated to the luxury of simplicity the Casa Alternavida team was brought together by a common vision to create a space for holistic transformation. They are diverse individuals who enjoy learning and growing together with their guests.
Our team is (in order in picture from left to right) Ramon (nature guide), Priscila (yoga, massage, ceremonies), Cinthia & Lorraine (house beautification), Glenda Ponce (Operations Manager), Karla (massage & nature guide) Yancy Wright (Facilitator/Owner)
Yancy, the founder, is a master facilitator, somatic healer and has a wealth of knowledge around retreat planning, nature guiding, and conscious communication. He is also a seasoned nature adventure guide with an abundance of knowledge and passion for their local flora and fauna.
