Join Yogeswari, April Joy Miala, and the world-class team of surfing instructors from Surf Pacifico for a monumental retreat experience at Blue Spirit, a luxury retreat center nestled on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
This week promises to be an unforgettable journey, as you will dive deeply into the practical and mystical practices of Jivamukti yoga.
Retreat with us to Blue Spirit for an unforgettable week of Jivamukti yoga, saltwater goodness and as much activity or rest as you desire, you will leave feeling rejuvenated, and glowing from the inside out. Blue Spirit is the ideal place to spend a yoga retreat combined with a family vacation.
Your accommodations at Blue Spirit Retreat Centre plus:
-Three hours each morning will be dedicated to asana practice, in “El Pacifico” an open-air studio, surrounded by Guanacaste trees, tropical flowers, hummingbirds, and the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
-Whether you are brand new to yoga or have been practicing for years this intimate setting provides the optimal learning environment to deepen your practice. Together we will chant and meditate, and once you get moving you can expect lots of hands on assists, alignment instruction, mini asana labs, vinyasa breakdowns and partner work.
-Three fresh and delicious vegan meals will be served buffet style each day, with an abundance of rich tropical fruits and vegetables. There is also a separate bar with made to order elixirs, super food smoothies, vegan treats, coffee and organic wine, which can be ordered to your room at an additional charge.
-Final night dinner at Naked Foods.
Flights
Ground Transportation between the Airport and Retreat Center
Surf Lessons
Excursions
Spa services
Location
Blue Spirit is situated in Nosara, on the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Depending on your chosen arrival airport in Costa Rica, there are different options to travel onwards to Blue Spirit. There are two International airports in Costa Rica:
-Liberia International Airport (LIR) is a 2-hour scenic drive from Blue Spirit. Blue Spirit run group shuttles every Saturday from/to Liberia Airport. For other arrival and departure dates, individual arrangements can be made. If you need some individual recommendation in arranging your travel to Blue Spirit, please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com.
Blue Spirit has multiple shuttles on Saturdays ONLY from 12-4pm and then 7-8:30pm, and they will depart as they fill. Click here to make your shuttle reservations.
Arrival
Upon arrival there will be a person to greet you and guide you to your shuttle. When you arrive you should allow 30 - 60 minutes to go through immigration, customs and baggage claim. Once you have retrieved your baggage and passed customs, your shuttle organizer will be waiting outside the only terminal exit at LIR. The organizer will be wearing a Blue Spirit T-shirt and will greet you with a sign that says BLUE SPIRIT.
You should not have any problems finding the shuttle organizer, but in case of any difficulty, please call Blue Spirit on local number: 2656.8300.
The shuttle will depart when it is full, and all the arriving guests are in the shuttle - so you may need to wait a few minutes until everyone is in the shuttle. If your flight is delayed, rescheduled, or if you miss a connection please contact Blue Spirit at +1.845-684-2007 - this is a US number where you can reach Blue Spirit; Alternatively, please text Lorraine on +44 (0) 7958 283263. If you have any issues while you are in Costa Rica please contact Blue Spirit on local number 2656.8300 or Lorraine on +44 (0)7958 283263. Lorraine and Blue Spirit will have your flight information, and will be tracking flights, so they are also keeping track of delays or re-scheduling and there will still be a shuttle waiting for you at the airport.
-San Jose International Airport (SJO) is an alternative option as flights from the US or Canada to San Jose can be cheaper or more direct. However, there are NO Blue Spirit group shuttles from/to San Jose Airport, so getting to Blue Spirit by road is more costly (private taxis or rental car info see below*) and takes approx. 4 1/2 hours.
Travelling from San Jose International to Nosara
You may take a 40 minute flight to Nosara Airport, which is a 15-minute drive from Blue Spirit. It usually requires arriving in San Jose the night before, and then taking a morning flight to Nosara to make the connection.
There are two airlines with daily flights to/from Nosara. For schedules, fares, and bookings visit www.natureair.com OR www.flysansa.com. Please note both airlines may impose luggage restrictions – check web sites for details.
Blue Spirit recommends Nature Air, as they have proven to be more reliable regarding their schedule. It does require, however, that you take a 20-minute taxi ride from San Jose International Airport to Pavas Airport (approx. $20 OR with the Nature Air shuttle $8 per person). Once you arrive at Nosara Airport, there are always taxis waiting that can take you to Blue Spirit (approx. $20).
*Rental Car
You may reserve your own rental car to drive from Liberia to Blue Spirit. However, a car is not needed during your stay. We recommend online bookings with www.toyotarent.com or www.natcar.com, as these rental car companies allow you to drop off your car in Nosara. If you need a route description in English or Spanish, please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com.
*Taxi
There are always taxis available at the airport in San Jose that will take you to Blue Spirit for approximately $200-$220. If you need a route description in English or Spanish, please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com.
Departure
There is a departure tax to be paid of about $29 at San Jose or Liberia airport when you leave Costa Rica. It needs to be paid in cash (US$ or Costa Rican Colones) or with a credit card at the airport on your departure day.
For your departure, there are several group shuttle services departing Blue Spirit between 3:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. You should plan to be at the airport two hours before your flight departs.
Reservations
Reservations will be based on a first come, first served policy. A deposit of 50% of your total due must be paid to reserve a spot. The remaining balance is due by March 28, 2018 — please note: NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE.
If you do not wish to pay by credit card please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com for alternative payment options.
Discounts
Available for repeat participants, and groups of 2+, please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com for further information.
If you have specific accommodation requests (i.e. family unit or a villa), please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com with your requirements.
The Fine Print (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY)
If the full amount is not paid by March 28, 2018, THE 50% DEPOSIT IS NOT REFUNDABLE, AND CANCELLATIONS AFTER MARCH 28, 2018 ARE SUBJECT TO FORFEITURE OF FULL PAYMENT. If we cancel or significantly alter an important element of the Retreat, we will offer a full or partial refund of the tuition. However, please note that flight expenses will not be covered. Retreat Participants are solely responsible for visa requirements, and all necessary immunizations to visit Costa Rica.
Any cancellations or changes on my behalf must be made in writing to the attention of Lorraine Kidd: lorraine@changing-expectations.com within a reasonable period of time.
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These beautiful double rooms have step-out balconies and lots of windows with extraordinary ocean views. The room is elegantly furnished to provide the most luxurious space. Each room has a king-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Superior Ocean View rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17" laptop computer.
These double rooms have step-out balconies and beautiful ocean views. The rooms are tastefully furnished and provide the perfect space. Each room has a king-sized bed, with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Ocean View rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17" laptop computer.
This double room has a step-out balcony and large windows with an extraordinary mountain view. The room is tastefully furnished and provides the perfect space. It has a king-sized bed with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Mountain View Rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17" laptop computer.
The Pacifico Cottages are tucked away amidst the lush tropical gardens and close enough to the sandy Pacific Beach so that the sound of the Ocean will rock you into sleep. These beautiful and rustic new rooms feature a private porch with a hammock, one queen-size bed, an outdoor shower, air conditioning, and a safe big enough to fit a 17" laptop. From the main building the Cottages are a short walk down the hill towards the beach.
Nature Suites are very cozy and located on a hillside overlooking the lush vegetation. They are simple and natural wood frame structures and have private bathrooms with an outdoor shower overlooking the jungle. Each Suite includes a separate enclosed porch with a desk. All Suites have solar hot water as well as air conditioning. The Suites are a short walk up the hill to the Main Building. Nature Suites have a safety box large enough to fit a 17" laptop computer.
These rooms are specifically designed for singles, providing privacy and elegance, while being inexpensive. Some rooms have partial views of the ocean or some of the mountains nearby, a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and A/C.
These rooms are specifically designed for singles, providing privacy and elegance, while being inexpensive. Some rooms have partial views of the ocean or some of the mountains nearby, two twin beds, a private bathroom with solar hot water and A/C.
The cottages are simple and natural wood frame structures with screening for natural ventilation. Each Cottage sleeps two people and has a private bathroom with ambient temperature water shower, or you can use our shared bathhouse with hot water showers. Everything runs on solar powered electricity to provide a comfortable and ecological setting. Cottages are situated below the Main Building - a short hike via a stone stairway. Includes safety box large enough to fit a 17" laptop computer.
Each Platform Tent has a queen-sized regular mattress and is placed on a platform under a wooden roof for protection against the sun and rain. The Tents are surrounded by nature and close to a shared bathhouse. All linen, pillows, and towels are provided to guests. Guests in the Tents can bring valuables to be stored in the safety box at Reception at no charge.
These beautiful double rooms have step-out balconies and lots of windows with extraordinary ocean views. The room is elegantly furnished to provide the most luxurious space. Each room has a king-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Superior Ocean View rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17" laptop computer.
These double rooms have step-out balconies and beautiful ocean views. The rooms are tastefully furnished and provide the perfect space for two people. Each room has a king-sized bed or two twins, with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Ocean View rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17" laptop computer.
This double room has a step-out balcony and large windows with an extraordinary mountain view. The room is tastefully furnished and provides the perfect space for two people. It has a king-sized bed or two twins with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. Mountain View Rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17" laptop computer.
The Pacifico Cottages are tucked away amidst the lush tropical gardens and close enough to the sandy Pacific Beach so that the sound of the Ocean will rock you into sleep. These beautiful and rustic new rooms feature a private porch with a hammock, one queen-size bed, an outdoor shower, air conditioning, and a safe big enough to fit a 17" laptop. From the main building the Cottages are a short walk down the hill towards the beach.
Nature Suites are very cozy and located on a hillside overlooking the lush vegetation. They are simple and natural wood frame structures and have private bathrooms with an outdoor shower overlooking the jungle. Each Suite sleeps two people and includes a separate enclosed porch with a desk. All Suites have solar hot water as well as air conditioning. The Suites are a short walk up the hill to the Main Building. Nature Suites have a large safety box.
These rooms are specifically designed to provide privacy and elegance, while being inexpensive. Some rooms have partial views of the ocean or some of the mountains nearby, a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and A/C. Also available with two twin beds.
The cottages are simple and natural wood frame structures with screening for natural ventilation. Each Cottage sleeps two people and has a private bathroom with ambient temperature water shower, or you can use the shared bathhouse with hot water showers. Everything runs on solar powered electricity to provide a comfortable and ecological setting situated below the Main Building - a short hike via a stone stairway. Each Eco-Cottage has a large safety box.