Jivamukti Yoga Twin-Centre Retreat: One or Two week options available
De-stress and re-connect on a journey through tranquil Costa Rica with Yogeswari and April Joy for two weeks. The first week is at Finca Exotica nestled in between the palms, jungle and beach in Carate. Carate is a remote part of the southern coast of the Osa Peninsula, the closest rainforest eco lodge to Corcovado National Park where you will experience yoga in the jungle and the pioneering work on sustainability and biodiversity in this region. Surfing is available in Matapalo.
The second week at Blue Spirit Resort in Nosara, Guanacaste on the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica promises to be an unforgettable journey, as you will dive more deeply into the practical and mystical practices of Jivamukti yoga. 3 hours each morning will be dedicated to chanting, meditation and asana practice in "El Pacifico" an open-air studio. In the afternoons there are many options with outstanding massages, spa and longevity treatments, restorative yoga, surfing and other water sports or simply relaxing on the beach or at the infinity pool. You will also be encouraged to participate in the tree planting project of Costas Verdes.
Yogeswari, based at the Jivamukti Yoga School in New York City, is one of the most senior teachers of the Jivamukti Yoga Method. She is Advanced Certified, a Facilitator of Jivamukti Teacher Trainings, and has taken many Jivamukti Certified Teachers through their one-on-one 800-hour-certification. Yogeswari is known for her vigorous, seamless Vinyasa sequencing, and her thought-provoking philosophical teachings. She holds an MA in choreography and dance from New York University and a BFA McL in dance from Temple University, Philadelphia.
April Joy, is a Florida Native and a Jivamukti 800-hour certified teacher, sharing time between Santa Monica, California and Nosara, Costa Rica. She has curated and co-led annual yoga retreats to Central and South America; and is so thankful for the opportunity to combine her love of travel with the teaching and practices of yoga. April Joy’s Jivamukti classes are like the waves of the ocean, they start slow, build momentum and then taper down to stillness once more. She also specializes in restorative, therapeutic stretching, and yoga nidra are current favorites.
About Finca Exotica Ecolodge - Week 1*
Finca Exotica is an ecolodge located on Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. More than a hotel, they offer a unique, social and inspirational experience in the heart of the jungle. Outstanding and romantic views, buzzing wildlife and a friendly & peaceful environment.
Finca Exotica is ideal for travellers looking to spend time reconnecting in nature and enjoying the luxury of being unavailable. Photographic enthusiasts, families and eclectic eco-travellers can look forward to spending time completely relaxing in nature or enjoying some of the many activities and tours you would expect to find in a tropical "Shangri-Lah".
Finca Exotica is a sustainable eco lodge, built on the foundations of land preservation, organic food production, sustainable building, community outreach, and education programs for guests and locals. The environmental impact of this farm is constantly under review by experts and the local staff to minimize the ecological footprint.
*Please note this is a real outdoor experience:
-Limited free wifi is available from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
-No air conditioning.
-No pool.
About Blue Spirit Resort - Week 2
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and situated on a three-mile long white sand beach protected as a turtle refuge, Blue Spirit Resort offers an extraordinarily beautiful and natural setting on one of Costa Rica’s renowned beaches. At Blue Spirit, you have a choice of comfortable and sophisticated accommodation options offering a variety of charming views.
Check in time: 4pm on April 25
Check out time: 10am on May 2
Luggage can be stored free of charge at the front desk before or after the indicated times on the day of arrival/departure. www.bluespiritcostarica.com.
Each room is provided with a safety box at no charge. The safety box is large enough to hold a 17" laptop.
What to Bring
- Beach towel
- Camera/batteries/charger
- Binoculars
- Alarm clock
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Bathing suit/board shorts
- Reusable water bottle*
- Natural bug repellent*
- Flashlight
- Any special medication(s)
- Hiking sandals
- Rash guard (if surfing)
*Please do not bring personal care products that have harsh or antibacterial chemicals that will damage the eco-sphere.
In case you plan to travel around the Central Valley and San Jose, pack a light raincoat or rain-poncho.
Weather
The weather in Costa Rica will be in the 90s to mid 70s.
Arrival
Please connect with Lorraine for full details on arrival options: lorraine@changing-expectations.com confirming whether you will be participating for Week 1, Week 2 or both.
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 will be based on a first come, first served policy. A deposit of 50% of your total due must be paid to secure a spot. The remaining balance is due by February 1, 2020 — please note: NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE.
If you wish to take advantage of one of the following offers please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com to confirm the amount due:
Promotions + Offers
Solo travellers 15% off advertised rates + $30 spa credit must book by Feb 29 (midday EST).
Special Promotion
Bring a friend 20% off per person + $50 spa credit to share must book by Feb 29 (midday EST).
Repeat Participants & Groups of 2+
10% off total per person.
Local residents
Please connect with Lorraine for full details on pricing. Email: lorraine@changing-expectations.com.
If you have specific accommodation requests, please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com with your requirements.
If the full amount is not paid by February 1, 2020, THE 50% DEPOSIT IS NOT REFUNDABLE, AND CANCELLATIONS AFTER FEBRUARY 1, 2020 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 flight expenses will not be covered. Retreat participants are solely responsible for visa requirements and all necessary immunizations to visit Costa Rica. Please bring a mat and props that you may require for practice.
"I have read the above and understand the information pertaining to this retreat. I am aware that I must be covered by my own travel insurance appropriate to the activity in order to participate in this yoga and nature retreat and do not hold Estelle Eichenberger responsible. Any cancellations or changes on my behalf must be made in writing to the attention of Estelle Eichenberger and/or Lorraine@changing-expectations.com within a reasonable period of time."
Blue Spirit: These beautiful Superior View 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 for couples or singles. Each room has a king-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. These rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Double occupancy rate per person.
Blue Spirit: These beautiful Superior View 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 for couples or singles. Each room has a king-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. These rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Single occupancy rate.
Blue Spirit: The Ocean View double rooms have step-out balconies and beautiful ocean views. The rooms are tastefully furnished and provide the perfect space for one or two people. Each room has a king-sized bed or two twins, with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. These rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Double occupancy rate per person.
Blue Spirit: The Ocean View double rooms have step-out balconies and beautiful ocean views. The rooms are tastefully furnished and provide the perfect space for one or two people. Each room has a king-sized bed or two twins, with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. These rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Single occupancy rate.
Blue Spirit: The Mountain Room double has a step-out balcony and large windows with an extraordinary mountain view to take in the true sound healing in Costa Rica. The room is tastefully furnished and provides the perfect space for one or two people. It has a king-sized bed or two twins with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. These rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Double occupancy rate per person.
Blue Spirit: The Mountain Room double has a step-out balcony and large windows with an extraordinary mountain view to take in the true sound healing in Costa Rica. The room is tastefully furnished and provides the perfect space for one or two people. It has a king-sized bed or two twins with a private bathroom with solar hot water and air conditioning. These rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Single occupancy rate.
Blue Spirit: 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 to sleep. These beautiful and rustic new rooms have one queen-size bed for a single person or couple, an outdoor shower, air conditioning and feature a private porch with a hammock and a daybed, along with 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.
*Double occupancy rate per person.
Blue Spirit: 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 to sleep. These beautiful and rustic new rooms have one queen-size bed for a single person or couple, an outdoor shower, air conditioning and feature a private porch with a hammock and a daybed, along with 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.
*Single occupancy rate per person.
Blue Spirit: Nature Suites are very cozy and located on a hillside overlooking the lush vegetation. It’s the perfect spot to relax at our Costa Rica retreat center. They are beautifully designed 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 safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Double occupancy rate per person.
Blue Spirit: Nature Suites are very cozy and located on a hillside overlooking the lush vegetation. It’s the perfect spot to relax at our Costa Rica retreat center. They are beautifully designed 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 safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Single occupancy rate.
Blue Spirit: The Hermitage rooms located in the main building are specifically designed for singles, providing privacy and elegance, while being budget friendly. Some rooms have seasonal 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.
*Double occupancy rate per person.
**Also available with two twin beds - please state your preference.
Blue Spirit: The Hermitage rooms located in the main building are specifically designed for singles, providing privacy and elegance, while being budget friendly. Some rooms have seasonal 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.
*Single occupancy rate.
Blue Spirit: The Eco-cottages are beautifully situated in lush vegetation, allowing for a sensual being-in-touch experience with nature. They 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. The Eco-Cottages are situated below the Main Building and involves a few minute short hike up a stone stairway to get to the Main Building. Each Eco-Cottage has a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Double occupancy rate per person.
Blue Spirit: The Eco-cottages are beautifully situated in lush vegetation, allowing for a sensual being-in-touch experience with nature. They 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. The Eco-Cottages are situated below the Main Building and involves a few minute short hike up a stone stairway to get to the Main Building. Each Eco-Cottage has a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.
*Single occupancy rate.
Blue Spirit: Glamping in Costa Rica - 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.
*Single occupancy rate.
Tentative Schedule (subject to change)
3 hour yoga classes every morning (except days 4 and 7 the class will be shorter)
Plus
DAY 1 Arrival Opening Circle
DAY 2 Garden & Sustainability walk
DAY 3 Surf Lessons at Matapalo Beach
DAY 4 Nature Hike
DAY 5 Day off to do tours or a Wellness day
DAY 6 Kirtan & Cacao ceremony closing circle
DAY 7 Departure