Jivamukti Yoga & Surf Retreat with Yogeswari, assisted by April Joy, and Surf Pacifico Instructors at Blue Spirit Retreat, Costa Rica

Nosara, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

YC
1 review
Apr 29 - May 6, 2017
Group size: 1 - 20
Jivamukti Yoga & Surf Retreat with Yogeswari, assisted by April Joy, and Surf Pacifico Instructors at Blue Spirit Retreat, Costa Rica
Nosara, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

1 review

Apr 29 - May 6, 2017
Group size: 1 - 20

About this trip

Join Yogeswari, her assistant April Joy, 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.


On Saturday, April 29 we will meet at Reception at 5pm and take a short walk to El Pacifico Studio for group welcome, introductions and a short getting-over-the-jet-lag practice followed by a delicious buffet dinner.  The evening will conclude with an introduction Satsang. 


Beginning Sunday, April 30, we'll have three hours each morning dedicated to asana practice in "El Pacifico Studio," 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. Day excursions and on site spa services (including phenomenal massages!) can be arranged.


On the last night together, you'll enjoy a specially prepared, gourmet raw dinner at Naked Foods in Playa Guiones, followed by a farewell practice the morning of Saturday, May 6.


This will be 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!


About Yogeswari


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. www.yogeswari.org


About April


April Joy is a certified 800-hour Jivamukti yoga teacher based in Jersey City, New Jersey. She teaches regularly in New Jersey and New York City, and co-leads annual yoga retreats to the beaches and jungles of Central America. April’s asana classes are heat building and creatively sequenced, there is a definite emphasize on the use of props as well as physical and energetic alignment. www.jungleflower.org


About Surf Pacifico


Surf Pacifico is a certified surfing camp founded by Maria del Mar Alfaro. It offers surfing classes, and a wide variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking and horse back riding. www.surfpacifico.com


About Blue Spirit Resort


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. Double occupancy is encouraged due to limited capacity, however single rooms are available at an additional charge—please see room prices below. If you wish to arrive early or stay beyond the Retreat, please email lorraine@changing-expectations.com. 


Check in time: 4pm on April 29


Check out time: 10am on May 6


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

- Alarm clock

- Sunscreen 

- Sun hat 

- Bathing suit/board shorts

- Reusable water bottle*

- Natural bug repellent*

- Any special medication(s)

- Hiking sandals

- Jeans for horseback riding (if applicable)


*Please do not bring personal care products that have harsh or antibacterial chemicals that will damage Blue Spirit's eco-sphere.


In case you plan to travel around the Central Valley and San Jose, pack a light raincoat or rain-poncho.  


Please bring enough clothing to last for the week - Blue Spirit does not provide laundry services for one-week Retreats.  


Surfing


Surf Pacifico recommends bringing a comfortable bathing suit/board short, a rash guard (if you don´t have a rash guard they will have some you can use), sunscreen and bottled water to lessons. 


Wetsuits are not needed as it is a tropical climate and the water is warm. No valuables please.


Weather


The weather in Costa Rica will be in the 90s to mid 70s.


Meal Plan 


Breakfast - 7:00am to 9:00am

Lunch - 12:00noon to 1:30pm  

Dinner - 6:00pm to 7:30pm


Complimentary early morning coffee and tea are available at 6:30am daily.  For this Retreat participants are encouraged to participate in a Vegan diet.


What’s included

- Mantra, Pranayama & Meditation in the Mornings

- Jivamukti Yoga Classes

- 3 fresh and delicious vegetarian meals per day

- Accommodation 

- Taxis to/from surfing

- Final night: Specially prepared gourmet raw dinner at Naked Foods in Playa Guiones


Available at Blue Spirit


- Hairdryers available at the Front Desk 

- Yoga mats, props, and bolsters 

Not included

- Surf Lessons

- Beverages ordered from the bar

- Spa services

- Optional add-on activities


Before You Go

Airports/Airlines


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. If your travel plans require you to stay overnight in Liberia, Blue Spirit recommends the Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport or Hotel Boyeros


Shuttle Service


Blue Spirit has multiple shuttles at Liberia Airport on Saturdays ONLY from 12-4pm and 7-8:30pm. 


To make a reservation: https://goo.gl/Jp1e5p


Arrival 


When you arrive please 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.  In case of any difficulty, please call Blue Spirit on +506 2656 8300 or contact Lorraine +44 (0) 7958 283263. 


If your flight is delayed, rescheduled or if you miss a connection please contact Blue Spirit +506 2656 8300 or Lorraine +44 (0) 7958 283263. If you have any issues while you are in Costa Rica please contact Blue Spirit on +506 2656 8300 or Lorraine +44 (0) 7958 283263. Blue Spirit and Lorraine will have all your flight information and will be tracking flights. 


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) and takes approximately 4 1/2 hours. An alternative option is taking a 40 minute flight from San Jose to the local airport in Nosara (approximately $20 taxi ride from Blue Spirit). This usually requires arriving in San Jose the night before to take a morning flight to Nosara. 


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. Nature Air has proven to be more reliable regarding their schedule. However, it does require that you take a 20-minute taxi ride from San Jose International Airport to Pavas Airport (approximately $20 OR with the Nature Air shuttle $8 per person). 


If your travel plans require you to stay overnight in San Jose, recommended hotels: Doubletree Cariari San Jose, Hampton Inn San Jose Airport, Trapp Family Country Inn, or Hotel Robledal.  


Rental Car


You may reserve your own rental car to drive from San Jose to Blue Spirit. However, a car is not needed during your stay. Online bookings with www.toyotarent.com or www.natcar.com allow you to drop off your car in Nosara. The price for a one-day rental car with drop off in Nosara is usually around $100. 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 are several group shuttle services departing Blue Spirit between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. You should plan to be at the airport two hours before your flight departs. 


Please note: The exit tax from Costa Rica is $29, and can be paid in Costa Rican Colones, US Dollars or credit card.


If you need additional recommendations in arranging your travel to Blue Spirit, please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com. 


Online reservation 


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 29, 2017 — please note: NO REFUNDS AFTER THIS DATE. 


If you are based in Europe, and not wish to pay by credit card please contact lorraine@changing-expectations.com for alternative payment options.


Discounts are 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 29, 2017, THE 50% DEPOSIT IS NOT REFUNDABLE, AND CANCELLATIONS AFTER MARCH 29, 2017 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. 


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 Surfing Retreat and do not hold Estelle Eichenberger or Surf Pacifico responsible. 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.

 

Stay Up To Date With Yogeswari


Facebook: 

www.facebook.com/YogeswariFaceB

www.facebook.com/yogeswari.azahar?fref=ts2

www.facebook.com/pages/AZAHAR-Foundation/103875012991927


https://twitter.com/EichenYogeswari


http://instagram.com/yogeswari12


http://yogeswari.org

Available Packages

Costa Rican Residents - Commuter rate

Includes tuition, all meals, and the use of facilities.

Please email lorraine@changing-expectations for further information before completing your booking. Thank you!

$600
Nature Suite Single

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. 1 king size bed OR 2 twin beds.

$2,755
Deposit: $1,378
Nature Suite Double (2 people sharing)

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. 1 king size bed OR 2 twin beds.

$2,280
Deposit: $1,140
Eco-Cottage Double (2 people sharing)

The cottages are beautifully situated in lush vegetation. 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 the shared bathhouse with hot water showers. Everything runs on solar powered electricity. The Eco-Cottages are situated below the Main Building and involve a short hike up a stone stairway. Flashlight recommended due to location.

$1,880
Deposit: $940
Eco-Cottage Single

The cottages are beautifully situated in lush vegetation. 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 the shared bathhouse with hot water showers. Everything runs on solar powered electricity. The Eco-Cottages are situated below the Main Building and involve a short hike up a stone stairway. Flashlight recommended due to location.

$2,180
Deposit: $1,090

Available options



Itinerary

River Kayak (Optional tour)
Wednesday, May 3
A naturalist’s dream, this adventure is flanked with lush green foliage, loaded with birds (up to 30 different species), and an occasional crocodile, all along the rivers with tropical scenery. The Jungle Rivers of the Nosara area and nature photo opportunities will boggle your mind.

Your Organizer


YC
Yogeswari-Adv. Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher
1 review
Teacher Bios: 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-lead 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 and build momentum.

Reviews

What an incredible opportunity to be in the presence of Yogeswari, learn from her, feel her inspiration. And to be in such a beautiful setting as Blue Spirit. Thank you for this beautiful experience and introducing me to such kind people. Forever grateful...
By Jenna B for Annual Jivamukti Yoga & Surfing Retreat with Yogeswari and April Joy on May 20, 2019