Bring Your Big Project to Life (Finally!) Retreat
Hosted by
Marie Kueny & David Rackoff
in Costa Rica
July 13-18, 2026
You built a good life... yet, something is missing…
You have ideas you can’t let go of.
You start things and don’t finish them.
You feel overwhelmed by logistics.
You keep saying “later.”
You’ve done all the “right” things, yet,
feel called to create MORE.
This retreat exists for that exact moment.
Something new is emerging…
A screenplay
A family legacy project
Heart-led nonprofit
A pop-up art gallery
Community theater
YouTube channel
Course Curriculum
New business venture
Heart-led nonprofit
Your memoir
A Summit or Conference
A Wellness Collective
Children’s book series
A community mural
Local comedy nights
World-schooling Co-op
A food truck
Recording studio
A music festival
An environmental or conservation project
Literary novels
A short film
A children’s camp
Social impact initiative
Catering business
A community garden
Scholarship fund
A literary or art magazine
A photography exhibition
A regenerative farm collective
Leadership labs
A podcast show…
It may be a passion project, a retirement project, or an expansion of your current work.
Whether your BIG project has been living in your mind for years, or you’re not yet sure what’s ready to be brought to life, there has never been a better time than NOW to achieve your goal!
Dare to Dream Again
Clarity doesn’t come from thinking harder;
it comes from stepping into an environment that lets you hear yourself again.
We invite you to journey with us on a retreat where you will finally have:
One clearly defined Big Project
A simple, actionable roadmap
Confidence around logistics & support
A clear elevator pitch for investors and clients
Momentum instead of overthinking
An accountability structure
A renewed sense of purpose
The identity of someone who finishes what they start
Costa Rica is said to be one of the "Happiest Places on Earth". It is the perfect setting to allow your nervous system to settle, and your imagination to breathe. Take inspired action to bring your passion project to life. Happiness stops feeling like something you’re chasing and will become something you’re living every day.
Step out of the noise, and into focus.
When you step off the zipline platform, the momentum carries you and the thrill of gliding through the air gives way to new perspectives.
Following through on a big project takes courage… show up as the person who can take the leap!
This excursion also invites you to see the world through a different lens - one that says, anything is possible.
Let adventure spark your next steps
On our final day together, enjoy the day at Punta Leona Beach Club and Playa Blanca (one of the most beautiful beaches on the Pacific) as we finalize all the pieces of your big plan. Sit poolside or wriggle your toes in the sand as you listen to the sounds of the ocean shift obstacles to possibilities.
Enjoy the buffet, the breathtaking beach, Playa Blanca, or even rent a jet ski, go snorkeling in the underwater museum, or add on a spa service for full rejuvenation.
This outing will support your entire nervous system to open to the next level of bringing your big project to life while you receive 1:1 mentoring from David and Marie.
One on one mentoring in paradise
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"I MUST give a shout out to David and Marie for helping me get back into momentum, inspiration, and belief that it's possible in such a fun, informative and inspirational way! I am gaining momentum. Every. Single. Week. So glad that I chose to take the leap and work with this dynamic duo. And I'm having fun doing the scary things! Thanks Marie and David!"
—Robin Montegari
Certified Professional Coach at R. Montegari Coaching
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It has been a very long time with lots of almost-breaking-me lessons since I have been this excited about being able to use my gifts and talents to serve. I have no words of gratitude for helping me get to this point and where it can all go from here."
- Robin Lynn Houser
Self-Leadership Coach & Mentor
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"Finally feeling excited about my business. Thanks Marie and David for all the help, push, and motivation!!"
—Brenda Star
Mental Wellness Advocate
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"I'm loving working with Marie and David too! Super helpful and worth every penny."
—Flora Acosta McCormick,
Founder of Sustainable Parenting
What’s Included in
The Big Project Retreat?
Five (5) nights at a private villa in Costa Rica (wifi available on-site).
Meals during the retreat including breakfast buffet each morning with local ingredients, smoothies, lunches and dinners, including chef-prepared meals on-site as well as delicious options at local establishments.
Ground Transportation to/from the San Jose, SJO airport & the villa. ***Please note that we can assist with scheduling transportation if you arrive after the scheduled shuttle departure times, however an additional transportation fee would be paid by the attendee.
Ground transportation to/from scheduled eco-tourism activities.
ALL planning, strategy, and mindset sessions with David, Marie, and any additional guests they bring in to support you.
A ziplining adventure through the jungle.
An on-site massage to relax the body and clear the mind.
A day to indulge while putting the final touches on your big project plans at the Punta Leona Beach Club
Pre-retreat planning support
A follow-up integration session post-retreat
Several fun surprises…
……and a lifetime of the most amazing memories!
The investment for the full five-day immersive retreat is $5,997.
Your round-trip airfare to and from the San Jose, Costa Rica Airport (SJO) and your home.
Any (optional) hotel stay(s) before and/or after the retreat.
Transportation to/from retreat center outside of scheduled times.
Beverages (including any alcoholic beverages) outside of the retreat center inclusions.
Meals outside of retreat times.
Gifts, souvenirs, and phone calls.
Additional activities that guest chooses to participate in outside of retreat inclusions, such as water and spa activities at Punta Leona.
Travel, personal and medical insurance (highly recommended).
Passport and other necessary documentation.
What Is Not Included:
MEET YOUR HOSTS
David Rackoff is a lyricist, composer, and director. His most recent original musical, “Nothing Like Broadway!” played off-Broadway in New York City for a successful three-month run in 2025. Edward A Kliszus of Opening Night Reviews said that “Writer-composer-lyricist David Rackoff constructs his show with traditional craftsmanship: clear narrative purpose, honest emotional stakes, clever rhymes, and a belief that theater should engage both the intellect and affections.” Lydia Rose of Theater Scene called the show “Magnificent!”.
David Rackoff wrote and directed the feature film “I Am Bad” (with a score by Harry Gregson-Williams, the BAFTA-winning composer of “Shrek” and the Narnia movies). The film won Best Horror Film at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, and starred NCIS’s Pauley Perrette, Taylor Dayne, and Tony Award Winner Wilson Jermaine Heredia. David wrote and directed the play "The Chase Lounge" which Backstage West called “a delightfully crafty… one person Noises Off”, and LA Weekly called “side splitting!”. David has also written the lyrics for the musicals “The Rocking Horse Winner”, “Wonderland Wars”, and “Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pulp Fiction”. www.davidrackoffmusic.com
David is also a life and performance coach, and co-created “The Leadership Self-Expression Lab’ with Marie Kueny.
David Rackoff
Marie Crystal Kueny is a two-time international bestselling author, empowerment coach, and visionary experience creator. She is the founder of Goddess of Light Retreats and Casa del Sol Retreat & Wellness Center in Costa Rica, author of Messages From Your Future Self, and co-author of the international bestselling book Powerhouse Women: Survivor to Thriver.
Marie has designed and led dozens of immersive retreats and transformational experiences including the U.S., Costa Rica, and Greece. Her work is rooted in creating the conditions for clarity, courage, and taking inspired action, supporting participants as they move ideas out of their heads and into real-world creation. With a background in psychology, holistic wellness, and experiential leadership, Marie blends mindset mastery with embodiment and strategic action.
She is also passionate about supporting leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs in building sustainable, values-aligned work that allows for both impact and a well-lived life. Marie has been featured across podcasts and media platforms including SheKnows, Verywell Family, SingleCare Wellness, and Shine Your Soul Light, and co-created The Leadership Self-Expression Lab with David Rackoff.
Marie Kueny
What is The Leadership Self-Expression Lab?
The Leadership Self-Expression Lab (LSEL) is a high-level container for passionate professionals to refine their voice, expand their presence, and bring their big projects to the next level through clarity, confidence, and self-expression. Developed by Marie Crystal Kueny and David Rackoff, this proprietary approach integrates vision, embodiment, and execution to support leaders and entrepreneurs in achieving meaningful, real-world results.
LSEL is the foundation of Bring Your Big Project to Life, the framework behind how participants gain clarity, build courage through experience, and move ideas from concept to completion in the real world.
FAQ’s
If you feel the pull of work obligations, remember your most valuable asset is not your employer or your business. Your most valuable asset is your health and wellbeing. This retreat will help you enhance your life in so many ways that you may even increase your productivity, creativity and innovation upon return.
You’re so busy putting everyone’s needs first…your partner’s, your children’s, your employees’ or emplyer’s, etc. that you may not remember what it is like to prioritize your own well being and enjoyment. For that matter, maybe you never had an opportunity to really consider what would bring YOU joy.
I’m so busy already with work and/or family obligations. How will I find the time to attend this retreat?
This opportunity sounds amazing and exactly what I need! I am not certain I can make it work…
Let me ask you first, what might be possible for you IF you attend the retreat?
If you took the time to deeply reconnect to your own intuition, spent nearly a week immersed in both relaxation activities and incredible personal growth while surrounded by the healing waters of the Pacific and the soothing energy of the Costa Rican jungle?
There is nothing more powerful than saying YES to what you know in your heart that you need and desire.
Additionally, if you’re a business owner, you may be able to attend the retreat as a business education expense. Please consult with a tax expert to determine if you qualify.
I have special dietary needs. Will the retreat center accommodate me?
Absolutely!
You will receive a survey prior to the retreat to include any dietary or other information pertinent to ensure you have a wonderful experience.
I do not know any one else on the retreat. Will I “fit in”?
Great question. We have had many retreat participants join solo and leave gaining a new group of friends! As long as you are open to meeting new people and leave judgement of self and others behind, you will find an abundance of love and support.
Cancellation Policy
A minimum $500, non-refundable deposit, is required for all reservations.
Cancellations made now through May 12, 2026 will be refunded less deposit.
Cancellations made May 13, 2026-June 12, 2026 will be refunded at 50%.
Cancellations after June 13, 2026 are non-refundable.
Please purchase travel insurance for unavoidable emergencies that may result in cancellation.
Insurance quotes available upon request.
Minimum Participant Disclaimer
This retreat is contingent upon a minimum enrollment of four (4) participants. Should the minimum not be met 30 days prior to the scheduled start date, the retreat will be canceled. Participants will receive a full refund of all monies paid, with no further liability or obligations on the part of the retreat host.
Big Ideas,
Real Impact.
This retreat is a high-touch, bespoke experience. To ensure it’s the right fit, click the button below to send us an email. From there, we’ll schedule a conversation to review the details and learn more about what you’re feeling called to bring to life.
Please note: by the end of the retreat, you are not expected to have your Big Project fully completed. Instead, you’ll leave with clarity, structure, momentum, and everything you need to bring it to fruition over the months that follow. While specific outcomes can’t be guaranteed, we have collectively supported hundreds of individuals and small businesses in turning meaningful ideas into reality.
Driven by curiosity and built on purpose, this is where bold thinking meets thoughtful execution. Let’s create something meaningful together.