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Flying in Paradise:

Costa Rica Circus Retreats

Relax. Fly. Enjoy.

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EXPERIENCE

FLY WITH US IN PARADISE

Unleash your inner circus artist in the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest at the world-class Airborne Arts retreat centre. In this haven for movement enthusiasts, you can participate in exhilarating circus retreats that blend flying trapeze and partner acrobatics training with relaxation and nature exploration. Flying Trapeze Retreats offers a unique opportunity to master new skills, connect with a community of passionate artists, and experience the stunning Costa Rican jungle.

Secure your spot for an unforgettable circus & flying trapeze experience. Our retreats are tailored to provide you with a perfect blend of learning, adventure, and relaxation.

EXPERIENCE THE COSTA RICAN JUNGLE

MASTER YOUR CIRCUS & FLYING TRAPEZE SKILLS

RELAX & ENJOY THE VIEWS

The Retreats: Choose Your Circus Adventure

We offer two distinct, 7-day circus retreats at Airborne Arts. You can join us for a single week focused on your passion, or combine them both for the ultimate two-week "Flying in Paradise" experience!

Our Retreats 2027

Flying Trapeze Immersion

21st - 28th Feb 2027

Come join Jared and Toffy in the jungle for an all-encompassing flying trapeze retreat! You will have all sorts of opportunities to develop your acrobatics both on and off the trapeze, with instruction in floor acrobatics, trampoline, duo trapeze, and more, all with the goal of improving your work on the flying rig. This will be paired with an amazing all-inclusive retreat experience at the wonderful Airborne Arts in Costa Rica!

Check out the sample schedule (will vary)

About the Coaches: Toffy & Jared

We are thrilled to be your guides for this adventure! Toffy and Jared bring a wealth of expertise, a passion for teaching, and a fun, supportive approach to the jungle.

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Flying Trapeze and Partner Acrobatics

Jared Shanks

Jared is a working circus professional with a decade of experience teaching across a variety of circus disciplines. His background is backed by a Master's degree in Sports Biomechanics, giving him a unique and informed perspective on technique, anatomy, and injury prevention.

Jared has taught and performed across the US (including NYC, Pittsburgh, and Detroit) and the UK (London, Birmingham), even appearing in shows hosted by celebrities such as Bill Bailey and Denise Van Outen.

  • Flying Trapeze Expertise: Coaching flying trapeze was his first job out of university, and he has taught at respected schools like Gorilla Circus, TLCC Trapeze, and The Espana-Streb Trapeze Academy.

  • Partner Acro Authority: He has led partner acrobatics at major international events including the London Acro Convention, Grazer Akrofestival, and Bristol Acro Festival, and runs independent workshops at Hoxton Hall and Rebel Circus Collective.

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Flying Trapeze and Partner Acrobatics

Toffy Paulweber

Toffy's acrobatic journey began in the vibrant city of Amsterdam when he was 30, and it has since become a lifelong passion. Today, Toffy is not only an accomplished acrobat but also a dedicated coach and performer. He studied at the national center for circus arts in London where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in contemporary circus.

He has been a professional circus duo partner with Jared for four years, and has also taught partner acrobatics at the same major conventions as Jared, including the London Acro Convention, Grazer Akrofestival, and Aerials Amsterdam.

Toffy's aerial experience includes flying trapeze, which he started 8 years ago. He has worked as a coach at well-known schools such as Gorilla Circus and TLCC Trapeze.

The Venue: Airborne Arts in Costa Rica

Your home for the week is the beautiful Airborne Arts, a retreat center built for movement, creativity, and connection to nature

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Breathtaking Location: 

 

Airborne Arts is a secluded and private retreat center nestled in the mountains of the Diamante Valley in Costa Rica.

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Stunning Views: 

The property offers panoramic views of the ocean on the horizon, the lush valley, and a 900-foot waterfall—the tallest in Costa Rica

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Circus Spaces:

 

You'll have access to world-class equipment and spaces designed by movement artists:

 

  • A full-sized flying trapeze rig.

     

  • A large open-air aerial/yoga deck with 20 ft ceilings and 8 rigging points.

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Facilities:

 

  • A swimming pool and sun deck.

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  • Shared spaces and free WiFi

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Optional Activities at the Venue (Booked Directly with Airborne Arts)

Beyond your retreat, you can sign up for extra adventures on arrival — paid directly to Airborne Arts, not through this site:

• Paragliding

• Canyoning

• Surfing

• Beach time (organised group trips)

• Massages

• Local tours — birding, mangrove trips, and other guided nature outings

• Extra flying trapeze sessions beyond what's already included

Walleska, our on-site marketing & coordination contact, will run through what's available once you arrive and help you book — payment is settled at the venue, not in the Wix checkout.

What's Included: All-Inclusive Paradise

We handle the logistics so you can focus on your art, your training, and your magic. Your all-inclusive base rate covers the following (not included: Flights to San Jose Airport):

 

  • Accommodation: 7 days / 6 nights of lodging in our cozy, artful retreat accommodations. The base rate includes co-ed shared, dorm-style rooms; private rooms may be available for an extra charge.

     

  • Nourishing Meals: Three delicious, mostly organic, freshly prepared meals per day when the group is on-site.

     

  • Circus Training: 4 x 2 Daily workshops, classes, and open training time led by Toffy and Jared.

     

  • Transportation: Round-trip group transport between San José International Airport (SJO) and Airborne Arts.

     

  • Adventures: Two unforgettable included excursions:

    • A fun beach excursion (often on the first day, including lunch).

       

    • An exclusive hike to the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls.

Pricing & Booking: Secure Your Spot

We offer flexible booking options for our retreats. Prices are all-inclusive (excluding flights), covering your training, all meals, lodging, on-site facilities, group transportation, and included excursions

Don't miss the Early Bird rate of £1,700 — book by 26 July 2026 (£200 off!)

Key Booking Details

 

  1. Secure Your Spot: A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space for the retreat.

     

  2. Final Payment: The remaining balance is 3 weeks before your retreat begins.

     

  3. Accommodation: Prices are based on co-ed shared, dorm-style accommodations ; private rooms may be available for an additional cost —please enquire about upgrades.

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Travel & Flights: Getting to Paradise

Your Destination: San José International Airport (SJO)

 

All participants must book their own flight to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica.

  • Group Transportation Incl uded: Your retreat price includes group transportation from SJO (or a nearby designated hotel) directly to Airborne Arts. This is a coordinated shuttle service designed to align with the group's arrival window.

  • Important Note: Participants are responsible for their own ground travel if their flight times do not align with our scheduled group transport. Please communicate your flight itinerary to us well in advance so we can coordinate effectively.

 

Finding the Best Flights

 

We recommend using flight comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the best deals for your travel dates.

  • Booking Tip: Based on general trends, booking your international flight a few months in advance is often recommended for the cheapest fares.

  • Cheapest Time to Fly: Historically, the cheapest month to fly to San José is often January.

  • Popular Airlines: Major airlines that fly to SJO include Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, KLM, and United, among others.

Be sure to track prices and consider checking flexible dates around your retreat week to find the best possible rate!

Come join us on a circus retreat

We'd love for you to join us on a new circus adventure in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle. 

COMMUNITY

💌 Stay in the Loop

Don't miss a single flight! Sign up for the Flying in Paradise newsletter for exclusive updates.

  • Be the first to know about future retreat dates and locations.

  • Get tips and tricks for flying trapeze and partner acrobatics from Toffy and Jared.

  • Receive special offers and last-minute booking deals.

Frequently asked questions

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