Full System Upgrade: A Guide to Maximizing Your Experience at Envision Festival
Every so often, life presents us with extraordinary experiences that deserve a spot on our bucket list, and for me, Envision is exactly that! Since this blog is all about high-vibe experiences, I’m beyond excited to share the magic of Envision and offer essential info for first-timers on how to make the absolute most of it. Envision is a massive vortex that beautifully weaves together spirituality, wellness, and music, inviting you to step into your personal power unapologetically.
So buckle up—let’s dive in!
I first heard about Envision while living in Costa Rica. My sister described it as a kind of "mini-Burning Man in the jungle." “Envision is huge!” she said. Intrigued and curious, I did some research, and with an open heart, my cousin and I set off to experience it firsthand. I can confidently say it lived up to the hype! After attending my second Envision this past March and participating in over 60 workshops, I can declare it my favorite festival. I had the best time, and I’m sharing because if you go, I want you to have the best time too!
Envision invites you to step away from daily life and explore your purpose within the collective. If you’re ready to lean in, this gathering holds transformative power that transcends the individual—it’s about connecting with your soul, igniting your inner radiance, nurturing community, and embracing a shared commitment to mindful living and world peace, all while having an expansive and incredible time! Both times I attended, I experienced a full system upgrade, leaving with renewed energy and insights to carry into everyday life.
I’ve organized my reflections on Envision into two parts:
Part 1: Full System Upgrade: A Guide to Maximizing Your Experience at Envision Festival
A thorough 411 on who should go, how to prepare, and tips to maximize your experience.
Part 2: From the Jungle to Everyday Life: Unlocking Growth from My Favorite Envision Teachers
Highlights of my favorite teachers, workshops, and how I’m integrating their wisdom into daily life.
What/Who/When/Where/Why:
Describing Envision feels like blending the intellectual thought leadership of SXSW with the wellness and introspective spirit of a Bali Spirit Festival, sprinkled with the magic of Coachella and Burning Man—just on a more intimate scale. If these comparisons are unfamiliar, no worries. The key takeaway is that Envision is a vibrant, high-energy vortex that transcends the typical music festival experience.
This 10-day immersive journey features a diverse array of high-quality workshops led by world-class practitioners, alongside cutting-edge musical performances that celebrate life, love, community, and our connection to nature. Every March, this all unfolds in Uvita, Costa Rica, where the lush jungle meets the sea, creating a beautiful backdrop to explore yourself, connect with people from around the globe, and embrace new experiences outside the confines of everyday life.
At its core, Envision serves as a catalyst for personal evolution, inspiring attendees to become agents of positive change. Central to this experience are the seven foundational pillars outlined on the official Envision website:
Movement: Through sacred practices like yoga, dance, martial arts, ecstatic dance, cacao ceremonies, tantra & kundalini, sound journeys, acro yoga, and breathwork, we strengthen the connection between mind, body, and spirit, while building community and personal connection. These sessions promote emotional healing and spiritual growth, empowering action and activism in the world.
Health and Wellness: We encourage conversations about how to blend modern and ancient practices to heal ourselves, while prioritizing the sustainability of our planet.
Spirituality: Acknowledging the interconnectedness of all beings and things, we create a safe space to share knowledge and ideas that inspire the awakening and expansion of consciousness without being dogmatic or exclusive.
Education: Thought leaders and change-makers represent each of Envision’s pillars. We believe in holistic education, inspiring us all to create the world we envision. There’s always room to grow, and we approach education with humility.
Art: Living is an art form. At Envision, a 360-degree immersive art environment blends the edges of the canvas with the world around it. Through art, we inspire radical self-expression in harmony with nature.
Music: Envision delivers cutting-edge music that transcends genres (everything from House & Techno to World Bass and Reggae) to create a positive, interactive dance floor experience. It’s about removing borders and opening hearts and minds.
Sustainability: Promoting regenerative solutions, we equip attendees with tools and inspiration to integrate sustainable practices into their own lives, businesses, and communities. There’s no finish line when it comes to sustainability; every step counts.
I’m a self-proclaimed workshop whore and feel like the workshops are the heart of the experience. My favorites center on spirituality, indigenous wisdom, energy mastery, leadership, and world peace. These workshops offer practical tools and insights that can spark real growth and transformation. They also create opportunities to connect with incredible people from around the world who share a vision for a better future—people you might be destined to meet. The friendships I’ve formed through Envision are truly special and have become a meaningful part of my life. After attending 60 workshops over two years, I feel immense gratitude and a renewed sense of dignity and purpose.
One standout workshop was “Jedi Training for Embodied Leadership,” led by Bali-based visionary Layla El Khadri, founder of The Feminine Rise. After Envision, I had the honor of filming an exclusive interview with her in Los Angeles, where we had a beautiful conversation about her insights and body of work. Below is a clip from the workshop and our interview, showcasing what drew Layla to Envision. You can watch the full interview here and discover more about my favorite teachers and workshops in my Part 2 Envision post.
“Envision is a place that for 10 days bows to the feet of this wisdom. And creates 15 stages where hundreds of facilitators come from all over the world to cocreate an experience where we get to tap into that wisdom and tap into that magic and tap into that current of life that exists beyond the mundane that my parents had already gifted me. And because I’m so connected to that current of energy then I understand that coincidences are not coincidences. Seems that you are here on a similar journey, you’re spiritually hungry, and you’re sharing this wisdom with the world and so you know it’s so powerful when we tap into that current when it’s not something we need to set an alarm for but it’s a way of living what has become a value.”
Who Should Go
I think Envision would be great for you if:
You’re learning oriented and thrive on personal growth and new experiences
You want to make a positive impact and are eager to channel your energy for the benefit of the planet
You’re ready to embrace bravery in the pursuit of a more meaningful life
You value sharing and can create space for compassion and connection
You’re excited to dive into some world-class workshops
You have an open mind, you’re willing to be honest with yourself, be vulnerable and step outside of your comfort zone
You’re interested in wellness and holistic practices
You seek community and soulful connections with like-minded people from around the world
You care about sustainability, giving back to the Earth and contributing to a healthier planet
You enjoy movement and want to explore various healing modalities
You love to dance to incredible music
You’re curious about indigenous wisdom and diverse cultural practices
You can embrace jungle vibes, the heat and a bohemian atmosphere
You want to tap into source energy and flow with the rhythm of life
If this resonates with you and ignites a spark in your heart, seize the opportunity! You'll leave Envision as a more centered and empowered version of yourself. Together, these transformations can create a ripple effect that influences the world.
Navigating Your Experience - Hot Tips on How to Slay
Wristbands
If you can, arrive at least a day early to get settled and pick up your wristband. This way, you’ll be in Uvita and ready to dive into the programming right away! In the past two years, the box office opened around midday, which meant losing half a day if you hadn’t picked up your wristband. By getting it the day before, you can walk right in as soon as the gates open on Day 1.
Setting Intentions
Before the festival begins, take a moment to set your intentions. Think about what you hope to experience and how you want to feel throughout the week. This practice helps manifest your desires and sets the tone for your journey. Mine are below.
Game Planning Your Day
Use the Envision app to explore activities and create your schedule. I recommend viewing workshops in the “List” format and sorting them by time.
Pro tip: Do what resonates with you! If a workshop isn’t vibing, feel free to leave and seek out what truly inspires you. And don’t feel obligated to stick with friends if it means missing out on what you really want. This is your unique journey, and you've invested time and resources to be here. Do you boo.
Flow State
With so much happening at Envision, overlapping activities can feel overwhelming. Identify a few "must-see" workshops or performances, but also stay open to spontaneous moments. The festival is full of magic and synchronicities that may lead to unexpected, amazing experiences.
Take the opportunity to connect with new people—the unique moments you share can add a beautiful layer to your festival experience.
If you need a break, The Sacred Fire is a peaceful space to ground, center yourself, and connect with the Earth and Indigenous people.
Self-Care
Stay hydrated, nourish your body, and listen to your needs. Take breaks and enjoy the journey at your own pace.
Energy builds higher as the week goes on, and while you may be tempted to stay, it’s also an art to recognize when your body needs rest. Take time to recharge so you can stay fully present for the rest of the festival.
Prep
Be ready for the heat and pack wisely! Your comfort will help you make the best of the experience, allowing you to fully engage in the festival. My next Envision post has an Ultimate Envision Checklist with items you may not think of.
Essentials Packing List
Pack wisely for comfort and convenience to fully immerse yourself in the experience. These items made such a difference for me:
Comfortable footware
Lightweight backpack
Lightweight blanket to lay on during breaks and workshops
Reusable water bottle (insulated with ice is the clutch move)
Portable fan
Sunscreen, bug spray
Hand towels and soap for a mid day shower refresh
Sunglasses
Phone charger
Cash (Colones) for vendors
Active wear by day and festival wear by night
Journal and pen for personal reflections
A yoga mat if you’re into yoga
Chapstick
(pro tip: Clutch Nice to Haves)
An extra deodorant, facial mist and/or mini perfume and or essential oils to keep fresh
Snacks like protein bars (that won’t melt), peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, string cheese etc. and electrolytes to keep you fueled when you're hitting lots of workshops and you may not have time to stop and get food
Getting There
Closest Airport: San Jose International (SJO), about 3 hours away.
Transportation Options:
Envision Shuttle: Safe and social ride to the festival.
Private Taxi: More expensive, but convenient.
Rental Car: Book onsite parking in advance.
Public Bus: Affordable and reliable.
For a scenic journey, consider flying into Liberia Airport (LIR) and exploring nearby areas before heading to Uvita.
Accomodations
Choose between onsite or offsite options based on your preferences. Onsite offers various lodging experiences, while offsite provides a quieter, more comfortable recharge space.
Onsite Options at the Fest~
Ready Set Camping Zone: Tents are pre-set for you.
Bring Your Own Tent (BYOT) Zone: For experienced campers.
VIP Accommodations: AC containers, shift pods, bamboo suites, offering more comfort and convenience.
Envision also offers curated camping zones based on community interests:
Solo Travelers Camp: Network with digital nomads and free thinkers.
Kids & Family Zone: A haven for families with young explorers, featuring natural play spaces and creative arts.
Substance-Free Camp.
Note: While onsite has you closest to the action enabling you to jump right in to what you want to do, know that programing runs 24/7 around the clock so you will hear the noise and that can impact your precious sleep.
Offsite Options~
I personally prefer offsite accommodations for a quieter, more comfortable place to recharge and there are plenty of options nearby from budget to luxury, hotels, hostels, Airbnb's, VRBO's etc. Both years, I stayed in Airbnbs in Bahia, close to the festival and the beach, with paved roads and essential amenities. Proximity saved time and made the experience smoother.
Ubers and Taxi's
For a 5-10 minute drive to the festival, Ubers cost between $3 and $15 depending on traffic. Taxis back can range from $6 to $20. I’ve also hitchhiked a few times, catching rides from friendly locals, but always exercise caution if going this route.
Tickets
You can purchase tickets online up until the last minute, ranging from $249 USD (Costa Rican price), $609 USD (GA), to $2,000 USD (VIP).
VIP Perks:
Access to exclusive VIP lounges and amenities.
Nicer bathrooms and showers.
Phone charging stations.
Water, coffee, tea, fruit.
Exclusive happy hours and access to the saloon (free Henna tattoos, hair, and makeup services).
Shaded concierge service.
Shuttle service and an Envision blanket.
VIP is absolutely worth it in my experience!
Good to Know
Facebook Groups
There are wonderful public Facebook and WhatsApp groups where you can connect with this beautiful community in advance.
Festival Amenities
Food & Beverage
Envision offers a carefully curated selection food vendors and dishers offering something for everyone. There are onsite restaurants, La Reina which is a tapas and wine bar and Pura Comida for more fine dining. There are also bars with natural elixers, smoothies, cocktails and local craft beer.
Marketplace
The shops at Envision are unique and next level. The crafted goods are made by some of the best local and international artisians. Whether you're looking for jewelry, clothing, leather goods, health tonics. skincare or just some fresh festival staples, you will find something of quality that you love.
Bag Check
You can secure your storage throughout the week and all guests are able to charge their devices at bag check, both for a fee.
Showers
Showers are included with VIP and there are facilities on site for GA with a fee.
Water
There is free water to stay hydrated and you can purchase ice at La Pulpe General Store.
Wifi
Wifi access is available for purchase
Accessibility
Envision strives to offer the best conditions possible for guests with disabilities. Accessible camping options are provided for individuals who require accomodations such as accessible bathrooms, adequate lighting during nighttime, and a level camping area.
Wellness & Skin Spa
Onsite spa treatments include massage, bodywork, sound and energy healing, relaxing foot soak and more.
I hope this guide inspires and prepares you for an incredible journey at Envision someday. Since the festival, I’ve reflected on my experiences and channeled the inspiration I gained into new creations, beginning with this website and through a beautiful community called Peace Activation. In Part 2, I’ll share my favorite Envision Teachers, insights from my favorite workshops and explore how to carry the festival’s spirit into your everyday life and community-building efforts.
