This Costa Rica yoga retreat is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday that gives you the chance to practice yoga while immersed in a tropical paradise and to experience the rich culture and diverse ecology of this fabulous country. There is a fantastic program of activities to help you experience the best of Costa Rica and build great bonds with other adventure seekers and fellow international travelers. Your time in this retreat will rejuvenate you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  

Held at one of Costa Rica's oldest and most popular yoga retreat centers, Samasati Eco Resort is situated amongst 250 acres of pristine Costa Rican rainforest on the unspoiled Caribbean side of the country.   Unique to this retreat is being able to choose the perfect type of yoga class -- A challenging vinyasa or a slower-paced beginners yoga class,  Then,  finish the day with candlelit restorative evening yoga and other evening events.  Our days in between will be spent adventuring in the surrounding area, connecting with the local culture and leaving time for rest, laughter and great conversations.  

Lynda Schoberth, Trip Leader

Lynda has been teaching yoga for ten years and is a 500-hour level, certified samapati instructor.  After owning a successful yoga studio in Chesterton, Indiana (home of the Indiana Dunes National Park),  Lynda has now turned her focus to bringing the joy of conscious travel to intrepid seekers of all ages, and all backgrounds.   Beginners, intermediate and advanced yogis find her classes interesting and challenging.  She meets you where you are and is keen to guide you to the best of your ability with ease.  Her hands-on adjustments are done great care and expertise.   

Amanda Barnes, Co-Leader

Amanda Barnes is a Samapati Certified Yoga teacher since 2011. Her studies reach from psychology, nutrition, communication, biomechanics, mental health, meditation, and various yoga approaches. With over 500 hours of training and 8,000 hours of teaching experience, Amanda’s classes offer a strong anatomical focus while integrating conscious, loving awareness into your practice, your life and your highest self.   

Dale Amory

Dale is the owner of Imagine Yoga and Sound Studio located in the Caribbean island of St.Kitts. She received her certification in Rishikesh, India. Along this journey, Dale was introduced to the benefits of sound healing, especially the transformative power of the Gong. Since then, she has completed a Gong Mastery course with Don Conreaux and Aidan McIntyre. She recently completed a second course in Sound Therapy for Groups with the Sound Healing Academy and incorporates sound into all of her yoga classes. Dale was instrumental in bringing one of the first yoga retreats to St.Kitts and has hosted numerous weekend retreats for the residence of St.Kitts and Nevis. Her passion is teaching; using all of the tools she has acquired on her journey she aims to make this world a better place for everyone and everything.  You can follow Imagine Yoga St. Kitts on Facebook and Instagram to learn more .

Melissa Rush, Service Coordinator

Melissa joins Bleu Lotus Retreats as our travel pro and liaison to the Girls For Success program. Missy’s zest for life is unmistakable as her Indiana roots and California lifestyle bring the perfect spice to our time together in Costa Rica. She can’t wait to introduce you to the amazing group of girls in the program and is a proud sponsor to two of the girls, both of whom she can’t wait to see them again. In between her intrepid travels, she is a substitute teacher in Northern California, volunteers with CASA and a coach for Girls on the Run. She loves running, reading, traveling and playing with her husband, two dogs and a cat. Missy is a graduate of Indiana University in elementary education.  

A $750 deposit is required to secure your spot for bookings made 90 days or more to departure.  There is a two week grace period with  

CANCELLATION & REFUND:  

· MORE THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO 11/5/22: $250 Cancellation Fee

· 59 - 31 DAYS PRIOR TO 11/5/22: $250 Cancellation fee plus $500 forfeited.

· 30 DAYS OR LESS  PRIOR TO 11/5/22: $250 Cancellation fee plus full balance forfeited. 

In the case of your cancellation, you may transfer your deposit and/or your reservation to another person if you notify us in advance.   

 In case of a refund, please allow 14 days for refunds to be processed. 

Leaving a trip in progress, for any reasons whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of a trip.  BLY reserves the right to cancel any trip because of inadequate enrollment that makes the trip economically unfeasible to operate or because of legitimate concerns with respect to safety, health or welfare of participants. If BLY cancels a trip prior to departure, you will receive a full refund of money paid. We will not be responsible for any refund for non-refundable airline tickets or for any airline tickets or for any airline tickets purchased by the passenger directly from an airline or travel agent. 

ITINERARY CHANGES:The itineraries are subject to minor modifications. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but alterations may need to occur after final itineraries are sent. 

Travel Insurance is highly encouraged if anything goes wrong.   It will save you money, time and frustration.    Please compare policies to find the right one for you.   We recommend Allianz Travel Insurance.  Approx. $120.   www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

Recommended Packing List

With changing airline policies, please be sure to check with your airline to find out their baggage allowances. Each bag cannot exceed 50 lbs. 

1. Valid U.S. passport 

2. Any personal medications and vitamins

3. Travel insurance information/confirmation

4. Waterproof pouch with cord for phone

5. Cords to charge cameras, phones, etc.

6. Sunscreen

7. tennis shoes & sandals, slides or flip flops

8. facecloths

9. Sturdy sandals with closed toe and ankle straps such as Keen, for hiking, rafting and ziplining

10. Light jacket or sweatshirt, as it can get cool at night

11. Yoga clothes – 1-2 pairs of yoga pants, tanks, shirts and loose pants or shorts for evening restorative sessions (the weather is very humid, so soft yoga pants or shorts are ideal as opposed to the super tight)

12. Bring something white to wear for the closing ceremony on Thursday.

13. Bathing suit 1-2 (items don’t airdry much in high humidity. 

14. Light clothing that dries fast (nylon or polyester works very well)

15. Clothing you do not mind getting dirty for working at school and/or you might want to donate at the end of trip

16. Cotton socks

17. Insect repellent

18. Hat and/or sunglasses

19. Earplugs – monkeys like to howler early in the am

20. Optional – small Personal fan 

21. Water bottle

22. Flashlight – A must at night

23. Soap, shampoo and conditioner, body powder

24. Antibacterial hand sanitizer

25. Snacks such as granola bars, nuts, etc.

26. Small lightweight backpack 

27. hairdryer

28. Reading materials/journal

29. Yoga mat – optional eye pillow and mat bag 

30. Beach towel - lightweight

31. An optional favorite after-dinner game to share with other attendees

32. A great attitude & a well-rested body!

Arrival:

A valid passport is required for all persons entering Costa Rica. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens. Once you land in San Jose you must proceed to immigration. There you will present your passport. Depending on the number of planes landing at the same time, this process can be 10-45 minutes. You will next go to baggage claim then take your luggage (carts are provided) and walk to Customs, 200 feet or so. Transportation will be provided to the hotel and the ground operator will have a sign outside to the Barcelo Hotel.  It is a 20-30 minute drive.

What about wildlife, mosquitoes and bugs?

Samasati is nestled in a property of 270 acres of primary forest, so there are a lot of living creatures around.  Because Samasati is on a hill, 600 feet above sea level, the ocean breeze keeps the climate very pleasant and the mosquitoes to a minimum. Mosquito repellent is recommended after sunset, more as a prevention as anything else. 

The trip up the mountain to Samasati is 1-2 miles, bumpy and dusty and in a 4x4! 

How is electricity? Are there hair dryers? Is there laundry facilities?

The electricity is the same as in the United States. Rooms do not have hair dryers. There is soap and shampoo in each room. Samasati has laundry facilities for $15.00 per load, which you can bring to the reception desk. They will wash it and have it ready the next day.

Are there phones and do cell phones work at Samasati? Is there Wi-Fi? Samasati does not have phones. You can find phones and Internet cafes in the nearby town of Puerto Viejo. Cellular phones have service in certain parts of the resort. If you have your own computer, Wi-Fi is available. 

Are Malaria shots needed? 

Malaria has been eradicated from the Caribbean region over 15 years ago. We have never heard of a case in the area.

Is there a hospital near Samasati in case of any emergency?

There is a clinic at the “bottom of the hill” just five minutes away from Samasati. They have an emergency room and there is always a doctor there. If there is something really serious they have ambulances to transport the patient to Limon or San Jose. 

What currency do they use?

You will not need to exchange US dollars to Colons, the Costa Rican currency.   Most everywhere accepts U.S. dollars and credit cards.

Arrive to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jose.  Common carriers include United, American, Spirit Air, Southwest and Copa Airlines.   From there, you will have a short hotel transfer to the Barcelo Resort San Jose. (or similar accommodations).   Get situated in your new surroundings before our welcome dinner at 6:00 p.m. at the hotel's restaurant.   Our evening will be spent getting to know one another and soaking in the warm, breezy evening under the stars.  

After breakfast the group will depart for Puerto Viejo Talamanca.  This 4-5 hour drive, in an air -conditioned bus gives everyone time to get to know one another.   

We will arrive to Samasati in time for a late lunch and an overview of the property by the staff.  The food is locally sourced and each meal is a treat.  Though the cuisine is vegetarian, chicken or fish is available during dinner for a small additional fee. As you get settled into your new home, you may choose to take a dip in the pool, hot tub or hike the mountainous property.   Our first yoga class will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner in the villa.   

After dinner, there is an OPTIONAL guided night hike on the Samasati Property.  This is a great way to explore and learn about the many nocturnal wonders of Costa Rica.   

After morning yoga and breakfast, the group will head out for a morning excursion. At the Jaguar Animal Rescue Center, you will encounter monkeys, sloths, toucans and see a wide variety of animals up close. The center is a home for ill, injured and orphaned animals, with a focus on monkeys, sloths, other mammals, birds and reptiles.  

Afterwards, we head directly to the beach for a picnic lunch, then shopping in the adorable and vibrant town of Puerto Viejo.  Evening yoga will be offered followed by dinner back at Samasati. 

Following yoga and breakfast, you have two choices -- Either head out for a zip lining canopy adventure  or take part in an excursion to the Volio Water Fall.  

Canopy Tour: The tour takes place over looking the jungle where you will zip from tree platform to the next.  There are 13 stations where you will enjoy approximately two hours of zip lining.  It's an adventure that should be on everyone's bucket list. You will return to Samasati in time for lunch. 

The Volio waterfall is one of the BriBri waterfalls that is most hidden in the rainforest. This beautiful 15 meters high waterfall is located within the Bribri Indian Reservation and our guide will lead us through a lush canyon to this impressive waterfall.  

We return to Samasati in time for lunch.  The afternoon will be spent at a local community center called  "Girls for Success" Center with  children (ages 7-12). We will enjoy doing a variety of games, crafts and implementing educational enrichment stations with the girls.  We encourage interaction and co-creation over gift giving.   In the past, we've done flower arranging, created a video mock interview, and many other fun and interesting ideas may blossom before our trip.   This has truly become one of the most enjoyed parts of our retreat.  If our group is over 15 people, we will be divided in two so half the group with go another day.  

We will arrive back at Samasati in time for a relaxing candlelit evening yoga practice and guided meditation, followed by a wonderful dinner in the open air restaurant.

After yoga and breakfast, we head to a wonderful destination where you will experience the Chocolate Forest Experience tour at a local cacao farm and chocolate factory.    The owner or guide will teach you everything you need to know about cacao, chocolate history, tropical wildlife and of course chocolate making.  You will also get the opportunity to hike their sustainable cacao forest and have an unforgettable tasting experience overlooking the ocean. 

After lunch at Samasati, you have a choice of activities: Maybe a spa treatment,  horseback riding on the beach, a swim in the pool, or visit a coffee plantation.    

Then, early that evening, we will host many of the children and a few parents for cake and activities.   

After dinner, around 7:30 p.m., we will experience a full moon ritual with Silvia Arroyo, a local energy healer.  In today’s modern world, there is still tremendous power in harnessing the energy of the Moon as it beckons us to stop and breathe new life into any area of stagnation or place in your life where you would like to impact positive change.

After yoga and breakfast, we head to Cahuita National Park for an unforgettable day.  One of the reasons why people love the Caribbean coast is the abundant wildlife. Cahuita National Park is one of the best in Costa Rica to see animals because of the year long lush rainforest.  There we will first take a boat to snorkel or relax on the boat and then a picnic lunch, followed by a wonderful, three mile hike through the park.   With an experienced guide,  we may see  various types of snakes (boas, bocaraca, bush master, eyelash vipers, etc.), sloths, white faced and howler monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, raccoons, blue morpho butterflies among others, birds and many more things such as: medicinal plants, orchids, etc.    

In the case of inclement weather or rough waters, we will have to pass on the snorkel and enjoy some beach time and a longer hike through the park. 

We arrive back at Samasati mid afternoon for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon is spent at the spa, swimming pool or some some relaxation and reflection on your private hammock in the rainforest.  The evening yoga consists of a bead ceremony, followed by a celebratory closing dinner at Samasati.   

With an early departure from Samasati, we head to a full day of adventure white water rafting.    The Pacuare River offers Class III & IV rapids and is world famous for its sheer beauty.   A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. Here you will enjoy the feeling of total isolation from urban life and the realness of being connected with nature.  The 18 mile, one day run includes a total of 52 rapids.  Few rivers in the world can offer you so many.   This raft trip is optional and is professionally operated by Exploradores Outfitters.   Those who decline the raft trip will head directly to the hotel in San Jose on a comfortable coach bus.  

Arriving from the river trip to San Jose around 7:30 p.m., We will have a celebratory dinner in San Jose and enjoy our new friendships and memories created.   Most participants leave for home the next day but some choose to stay another day at an additional cost. 

Our last and final day together in San Jose, we meet at breakfast to say our goodbyes before heading to the San Jose airport on the hotel shuttle.   There remains a special bond created amongst us that cannot be broken.   

We laughed and we cried.  

We opened our hearts. 

We played in nature. 

We learned how to connect deeply with our soul.

We moved beyond our comfort zone.

We nourished and cleansed our bodies.

We unveiled our most authentic self.  

And when we left, we were able to see beyond our limited minds and to once again experience the fullness of our being.  

As time passed, each of us felt a lingering innate sense of contentment that was independent of circumstances or external conditions.  And once we tasted this inner peace and the natural feeling of joy that comes from giving and serving rather than acquiring and achieving, our spiritual growth became a steady and enjoyable journey towards an ever greater awareness of our true nature.  

Through purposeful travel and meaningful experience, you will begin to to feel connected to your true nature ever more deeply and begin to feel the universal energy that connects every human, animal, plant, wave, mountain and cloud. You will discover an inner-strength and a crystal clear vision that you may have perhaps forgotten, and it will drive you to grow to keep going — everyday, cultivating a deeper sense of peace, wellness and and spirituality.  

We hope you will join us!

Peace & light,

Lynda, Amanda & Missy