WHO WE ARE
Ascension was born from a moment when I felt the entirety of my past and my future merging in my heart in a single instant. The moment wasn’t in meditation or a sacred place. It was in front of the hardware store on a noisy, dusty street in Cobano, the regional commercial center on the Nicoya Peninsula. In that moment, I felt the impact of a knowing so integral that I never stopped to question its command: Create a healing center to support individuals to re-member their highest alignment as a unique instrument of upleveling the world we share. Of all the work I have done in my life - in journalism, activism, education, working in the international nonprofit sector, human to human diplomacy, as an author, mother and business owner, kundalini yoga teacher, massage therapist and herbalist, I would have never imagined each of these skills would culminate in me to create a healing center or lead retreats in Costa Rica. I see now that all of these rich experiences in leadership had been preparing me for the moment when my book Love, A Manual for Humanity, Sunshine Sanctuary and my lifelong desire to support the evolution of consciousness, merged into the Ascension Process. Since May 2021, I have had the privilege of being the land-lover, holder, overseer, of the magical, tropical oasis Sunshine Sanctuary. I published Love, A Manual for Humanity in October of 2021, because these two profoundly inspiring life events merged in such an unplanned and concurrent time frame, I call them my gemelos, or twins. Love, A Manual for Humanity is a collection of 38 lessons that guide the reader to learn to live, act and work in one's individual alignment to the everpresent, unconditional love that is available to each of us. Throughout the many obstacles and transitions that I have encountered in my life, I have always worked intentionally to come back to wholeness and peace in myself and my life. It has been my quest to explore and find the best practices that have helped me overcome what has at times felt like insurmountable obstacles. The Ascension Process is an all inclusive, wellness retreat focused on nervous system regulation. It is an antidote to burnout, depletion and overwhelm. The development of Ascension recognizes that realignment of habitual patterns is easier when the process is structured, gently-led and supported by skilled facilitators. The Ascension Process is not only the culmination of my life's work; it is the culmination of my desire to help humanity. The world needs each of our superpowers now, more than ever. Ascension is a portal in which I invite each participant to identify, access and actualize their unique strengths, skills and talents. Guided by the principle that life is richer when we thrive together. I invite you to become the change you want to experience in the world! Will you join us?
- ANASTACIA DADASHPOUR
Ascension Founder & Author of "Love a Manual for Humanity"
The name Ascension was chosen as an anchor to exemplify the rise into greater sovereignty, purpose, and authenticity; to transform the way we see ourselves and engage with the world. Spiritually, ascension represents the process of expanding one's consciousness and evolving into a more aware and aligned state of being. It is a journey from living primarily through the ego toward greater self-awareness, love, connection, and alignment with something larger than oneself.
The Ascension Process involves a fundamental shift in perception and identity. It asks us to acknowledge and integrate the parts of ourselves we may have suppressed or rejected—often referred to as the "shadow"—while releasing the beliefs, patterns, and limitations that no longer serve us. Ultimately, Ascension is about inner liberation: freeing the mind and soul from limiting patterns and reconnecting with one's deepest, most authentic self. It is the journey of becoming more conscious, more sovereign, and more fully aligned with the life you are here to create.
THE SETTING
SUNSHINE SANCTUARY
Sunshine Sanctuary is a private jungle oasis in Montezuma, Costa Rica—a blue zone. Here, a 300-foot hanging bridge suspends you over pristine canopy, connecting you to a world where the rhythms of a three-tiered waterfall and ocean waves are the constant, grounding soundtrack.
Every element, from the full-wall ocean-view windows to the open-air spaces, is designed to immerse you completely in nature's presence. This is not just a location; it is a living, breathing container meticulously cultivated since 2021 by owner Anastacia Dadashpour.
A short, 5-10 minute stroll along a jungle trail from our parking lot leads you to the majestic three-tiered waterfall, a cornerstone of our environment. Your private sanctuary is a queen studio apartment, featuring 12-foot sliding glass doors that frame expansive ocean views, a private balcony, and all the modern comforts of AC and hot water. The property is a complete oasis, featuring a saltwater pool, a fully-equipped yoga shala, and a café. Our dedicated onsite staff ensures a seamless stay, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the surroundings. Here, you are in a living ecosystem. Resident toucans, iguanas, pizotes, and troops of capuchin and howler monkeys are your neighbors. Montezuma is a magical place, truly too magical to put into words. One must come to experience it.
MEET OUR PEOPLE
"It has been such peace. I feel anchored, and grounded, but also very effervescent. I feel so embodied."
- Mellini Monique
TESTIMONIALS
"I’m feeling very balanced. I’m only choosing the parts that feel aligned. And that allows me to me to feel balanced now."
- Jena
TESTIMONIALS
"At the highest level I remembered who I am. I got reconnected to my true spirit."
- Carrie
TESTIMONIALS
"This process felt so thoughtfully curated to really help support me leaning into my expansion."
- Jacqui
TESTIMONIALS
"Everyday has been so magical. You are surrounded by the jungle, the waterfall, the beach, and the ocean. So I feel this presence of relaxation."
- Jeannette
TESTIMONIALS
"I felt so many things within myself, clearing, opening up, and releasing."
- Ashley
TESTIMONIALS
2009
Through founder Anastacia Dadashpour’s travels in Costa Rica, she fell in love with the Montezuma area. It was evident that there was something very sacred and special about the region.
2017
After spending more extensive time here and building a close community, she aqcuired a quaint boutique hotel nesteled in the hills of Montezuma called Suntrails Lodge.
2021
The hotel was renovated and re-opened as Sunshine Sanctuary. A culture of mindful, energetic and esoteric-centric folks began to emerge.
2025
With the collective interests from the community around spiritual wellness, Anastacia and guide partner Fabrizio Feola formed “Ascension” to help us collaboratively rise into our best self.
At Ascension, we believe transformation isn't about becoming someone new. We believe every person who wants to show up more fully in their life has the capacity to align with their highest potential. In order to transform the world we must catalyze transformation from within.
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