In Memorium, Darin McBratney
In Gratitude to Darin.
Darin McBratney was a visionary, pioneer, and deeply devoted space holder whose life and work left an undeniable imprint on the evolution of transformational healing spaces in Costa Rica and beyond.
As the driving force behind the Costa Rica Yoga Spa in Nosara, Darin helped cultivate a sanctuary that became a gathering place for seekers, facilitators, healers, teachers, and travelers from around the world. It was there that Ashley Ludman transitioned after closing Seaside Yoga in Wilmington, North Carolina, following an invitation to help support the early development of what would become the Costa Rica Yoga Spa community and retreat culture in Nosara.
Darin’s path with Ashley began years earlier as a student in the very first 21-day, 200-hour Seaside Yoga Teacher Training in 2010. Their work would continue to evolve over the following years through yoga, Breathwork, somatic practices, consciousness exploration, and eventually deeper collaboration within visionary plant medicine work.
In 2013, Darin and Ashley began working closely with Iboga root bark in combination with somatic movement, Breathwork, bodywork, and nervous system-based healing approaches. Darin became a pioneering advocate for the natural healing potential of this powerful visionary plant, approaching the work with deep reverence, curiosity, courage, and commitment. Over the years, he held more than 1,000 hours of space supporting others through profound healing and transformational experiences.
At the time of his passing, Darin was actively stewarding land in Costa Rica dedicated to the growth, preservation, and protection of Iboga. He was also an instrumental support behind Daniel Brett’s groundbreaking book work exploring the depth, complexity, and healing potential of the plant — helping bring broader awareness to a medicine and tradition he believed deserved deeper understanding and respect.
In September 2022, Darin completed the Breathwork Facilitator Training through The Body of Breath, continuing his lifelong devotion to healing, embodiment, and the expansion of consciousness through integrative and experiential approaches.
Darin passed unexpectedly in November 2025. His absence is deeply felt by the many people whose lives were shaped by his generosity, unconventional spirit, vision, humor, and unwavering dedication to healing and human transformation.
His legacy lives on through the spaces he created, the people he supported, the communities he helped build, and the countless individuals who found healing, purpose, and belonging through his work.
May his journey continue in peace, and may the seeds he planted continue to grow for generations to come.
Darin’s work continues…
Interview with Darin and Catherine Carrigan “What is Iboga?”
BreathTide
Kelly Berkley receiving her Body of Breath certificate.
"My breathwork mentor has been the kind of mentor and teacher I’ve always wanted but didn’t think existed. The kind I always imagined a real mentor was: someone that you really work alongside like an apprenticeship. Someone that knows you well and where your challenge areas are from the close contact and oversight that they have of you. Someone that cares about you and your growth. Someone that supports you when you need to be nudged or met where you’re at. Someone that really shows you the ropes in a way that you can’t get from a text book or lecture. You know, how mentorship’s and apprenticeships must have looked like in the old days and in tribes 🙂."
Marianna hildago
"In my search for eternal truth, she was the first to hold me with quiet power. In every session, her hands feel woven from threads of another dimension — light like breath, steady like earth. There is no fear in journeying through the breath with Ashley, because her presence invokes a deep-rooted safety, the kind that cannot be taught — only embodied."
Nosara, Costa Rica
Owner of Crown Hall
Sarah Clark
"My relationship to myself has shifted through my work with Ashley and that in turn has shifted other relationships in my life. I see things through a different lens. I'm able to not be so reactionary and if I am, I can sit and observe myself later. I've been able to access more forgiveness for myself and for others in that process. It's helped me move stagnant and unserving energy in my body that I might not have found the tools to deal with otherwise. The work gave me the tools to access these points, realizations, emotions, physical forms that I have built up externally and emotional walls that I have built internally that were keeping me from my highest potential. She taught me to teach myself through movement, breath, silence, reflection, slowing down......It's been life changing."
