Yoga By The Sea with Karla Pirruccello and Lisa Kanne

Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

CR
Chirriposa Retreats
  • Email address verified
45 reviews
Feb 21 - 29, 2020
Group size: 16 - 27
Yoga By The Sea with Karla Pirruccello and Lisa Kanne
Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

Chirriposa Retreats
  • Email address verified
45 reviews

Feb 21 - 29, 2020
Group size: 16 - 27

About this trip

We invite you to leave the cold and doldrums of winter and join us in the lush beauty of the Osa Pensinula.  Experience new sights and sounds that will invigorate the senses and expand your awareness.  Enjoy the opportunity to drop into a daily yoga practice with the freedom of being in the fullness and power of nature. A perfect combination to revitalize the spirit.

Yoga and Retreat Schedule

The morning practice will be vigorous and more challenging, and the afternoon practice restorative and reflective. Modifications can be made for any level of practitioner.  

The Osa Peninsula

The ‘Osa Peninsula’ is located at the most southern tip of Costa Rica, close to the Panama border, and at the entrance to the ‘Corcovado National Park’. The Osa Peninsula is home to the largest concentration of animal and plant species outside of the Amazon Rainforest, boasting nearly 2 percent of all species. It is listed in National Geographic’s top five naturist destinations.

Boca Sombrero - Yoga and Surf Retreat

Our partner lodge Boca Sombrero is situated on a beautiful semi private beach and a large open property with spacious grounds. The beach resort offers fantastic yoga and spa facilities, as well as having its own surf school right out front.


ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations range from a mixture of deluxe family style palm thatched beach bungalows with en-suite bathrooms to single or double occupancy palm thatched yurt tent platforms with private shower, wash basin and shared bathrooms. The main 'Casa Grande' has a large communal dining space and open kitchen, with chill out sofa area and wireless internet facility (upstairs only).


YOGA

The beachfront yoga deck is a bamboo and hardwood structure with palm thatched roof. It is spacious and complete with blocks, mats, straps and tennis balls! There is also a communal full size swimming pool with spa, boutique and bodywork facilities.


SURFING

Their is a private surf break right in front of the accommodation which is run by experienced surf instructors. This friendly break is enjoyable for all levels of surfer, with a flat clay bottom and long rolling waves. If you don't feel like getting wet, then just sit back and relax on the huge 'surf-bench' to watch your colleagues on the waves, with incredible views across the gulf towards Panama. More experienced surfers might want to take a short ride down to more challenging breaks such as Pan Dulce, Backwash and Matapalo.


FOOD

Angus Stephens will accompany you throughout your adventure as your host and personal chef. Indulge in healthy, inspiring, vegetarian dishes, incorporating a wide selection of organic and locally sourced ingredients.  Angus will provide a culinary experience that will nourish, satisfy and make your Costa Rica yoga retreat as perfect as nature intended.


ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES, SERVICES and EXCURSIONS

During your stay, enjoy activities such as surfing, SUP, kayaking, river and nature walks, horseback riding, bird watching, tree climbing, waterfall repelling, zip-lining or dolphin boat tours in some of the most beautiful locations imaginable. 
Other services include various forms of bodywork and spa treatments.

Retreat Information and Recommendations

PASSPORT

Please remember to bring your passport and make sure your it is valid for at least 3 months from time of travel, otherwise the Costa Rican immigration may refuse you entry into the country.


ON ARRIVAL:

The airport in San Jose is relatively new, modern and very easy to use. Once you clear immigration, just proceed to baggage claim and then pass through the x-ray machines at customs. As you exit the airport building, take an official ORANGE airport taxi to the 'Hotel Aloft’ in Santa Ana, which is about 20 minutes from the airport and will cost you about $20.


HOTEL ALOFT (arrival day/ night in San José)

Hotel address: Forum 2 Business Park, Lindora, Radial a Santa Ana, San Jose,

Phone: (506) 2205 3535


Check in at the hotel is normally after 2:00pm. If you have an early arrival, the hotel will try to get you into your room as early as possible or will give you a place to store your bags and to freshen up, until your room is ready. There is a pool to hang out and relax by on the rooftop, the Internet is free of charge and there are restaurants inside and in the vicinity of the hotel. For those of you who will arrive in time, we will meet in the hotel bar at 6:30 PM and walk together to a nearby restaurant for dinner (not included in the retreat price).


WEATHER:

IN THE CITY 

San José City lies in the Torrid Zone, also known as “The Tropics” and is surrounded by a tropical rainforest. However its elevation gives it a mild climate. The temperature ranges between 63°F and 86°F = 17°C - 30°C.

AT THE BEACHOn the Osa Peninsula temperatures seldom drop below 73°F / 23°C at night and may exceed 91°F / 33°C during the day, combined with a very high humidity (60 - 100%)


LUGGAGE:

Please make sure you don’t travel with large suitcases. We have limited space in the private bus and the domestic airline only allows suitcases with a maximum checked weight of 30 lbs and 10 lbs carry on. Excess weight is charged at only $1.50 per lb overweight, but is subject to available space.


WHAT TO WEAR:

Pack light and comfortable clothes for hot and sunny days. For those of you who want to go surfing, bring a suitable sportive bathing suit or trunks and a rash guard shirt, it protects you from the sun (only if you have one, a normal t-shirt does the job as well). 


SHOES:

A pair of light training shoes is highly recommended. They are perfect for hiking in the mountains and for the river hike in the jungle. They will get wet but they’ll dry in a minute in the hot sun. Bring some ankle socks too. Flip Flops and/or trekking sandals are great for the beach and if you have water shoes you should bring them too. No high heels or fancy sandals needed.


WATER:

You don’t have to be worried about cleaning your teeth with water from the tap in San Jose (unlike in Peru or Mexico for example). We make our juices and ice cubes with filtered water from the well. It makes sense to bring your own water bottle and fill it with the filtered water for your daily use. 


PHONE & INTERNET:

At our beach lodge you have good phone connection directly on the beach. The WIFI is VERY slow and only available very sporadically, on the whole Peninsula.  Please do not expect to be online or sending and receiving large files.


FLASH LIGHT:

As we are so close to the equator, it gets dark at around 6 PM, throughout the year. A good flashlight is one of the most important items for this trip! Make sure that you have one with you including the correct batteries (you can get AAA batteries almost everywhere in Costa Rica). Most ideal would be a headlamp, in order to have both your hands free. 


BUGS:

We do not have a lot of mosquitos at this time of year. However, you should bring a good insect repellent with you (or you can also buy them here.) if you are susceptible to insect bites. You might also like to wear light long pants and a light long sleeve t-shirt in the evenings. Most mosquito bites happen during sunset/sunrise or in shady places in the rainforest. All beds at the hotel on the beach are equipped with good mosquito nets.


ZIKA:

The Osa Peninsula is Zika free! However, you should consult your doctor about your travel plans if you are pregnant.  

More info: http://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/costa-rica-mosquitoes-prevent-zika-dengue/


SUN:

The sun is very intense in Costa Rica as we are very close to the equator. We recommend avoiding sunbathing from 11AM – 02 PM. Please bring a good waterproof sunscreen with 30 SPF and higher. A hat or a cap / visor is also advisable to protect you from the sun and to avoid sunstroke. Please also don’t forget your sunglasses. Also great to have is a ‘hand’ fan.


SHEETS AND TOWELS:

Your cabins have fresh sheets and towels, which will be changed halfway through your stay. The mountain lodge has down comforters and warm blankets too. There are NO pool or beach towels provided by the hotels. Towels should not be removed from the property. Sarongs or Pareos are highly recommended for use at the beach and on excursions and can be purchased the hotel store. It is the perfect item, as it keeps the sand from your skin, it dries in a minute, it’s light to carry and you can even wear it as a skirt, dress, scarf or stole.


MONEY:

DO NOT EXCHANGE MONEY AT THE AIRPORT very bad rates! The currency in Costa Rica is called Colones.

1000 Colones equals 1.70 USD.  

1 US Dollar equals 600 Colones

US Dollars are the best currency to travel with and are accepted almost everywhere. Best to only bring $20 notes or smaller as a lot of places won't accept larger notes. You will normally be given change in Colones. There are also ATM machines in town that give you USD or Colones. You can pay us directly for any optional tours or activities and bodywork together at the end of the week either with cash (no fee) or by Paypal (+5% fee +13% IVA sales tax)


SECURITY:

At the beach, the houses are ‘open planned’ (no walls or lockable doors). There are safes in all houses and lockboxes in the main house for anyone staying in the tent platforms. There is also a master safe in the main house, where it is advisable that you always lock away your passports, money and valuables, which you will not need during your stay.  There is a security watchmen patrolling the property during yoga, dinner and throughout the night. Most opportunist theft can be avoided by not leaving things of value in sight, especially when at the beach! We also recommend not travelling with unnecessary items of value, such as jewellery, watches, excess currency and laptops / tablets. Chirriposa and the lodges will not take responsibility for any lost or stolen items.


CAMERAS:

Don’t forget your camera… and if you have binoculars then bring them too, it’s worth it!It might also be a good idea to bring a USB stick as Tania always takes a lot of photos during the retreat, that way you can take them home with you.


MEDICAL:

We insist that you purchase a private travel insurance, that includes a good medical emergency cover. We recommend you bring the ‘usual’ medicines such as Neosporin cream, Advil, band aids, etc. You do not need any Malaria tablets or vaccinations for either of the areas we travel to in Costa Rica.  Please inform us if you have any allergic reactions to food or insect bites. If you do, please bring an antihistamine or any other medication you may need.Very useful are creams for bug bites such as:

  • Ibuprofen Gel, for pain and swelling from insect stings, and is an excellent anti-inflammatory with quick onset. 
  • Hydrocortisone cream 1% helps both itching and swelling/redness. It actually acts as an anti-inflammatory, not just symptomatic relief like the topical anaesthetics. However, it does take longer for full effect than topical anaesthetics. 
  • Xylocaine Gel 2% for immediate relief from surface itching and pain. 

LAUNDRY:

There will be laundry services available for a small charge. Please note that, at the beach, there are no dryers, so you should allow for at least 24 hours to get your laundry back.


YOGA EQUIPMENT:

Yoga mats, blocks, straps, blankets and bolsters are provided.

Karla Pirruccello and Lisa Kanne

Our hope at Karma Yoga Omaha is to instill mindfulness in our actions and words. Each one of us creating a positive change in our community by our example. I hope you will join us on this journey towards enlightenment which starts by reaching out one hand in kindness to another. 

Karla Pirruccello is a distinguished senior teacher in the Omaha area.  She draws her teaching style from many years of advanced teacher training and self-practice.  She has studied with many of the top teachers in the US and abroad.  She brings a creative, organic and inclusive style to her classes, with attention to alignment, internal balance and mental focus. She welcomes students at all levels of yoga practice and promises a rich and rewarding experience.


"My Passion for yoga comes from my desire to develop a relaxed mind a strong, open body and a more compassionate spirit.  More importantly I am dedicated to share this journey of personal discovery with others." KP

Lisa Kanne is a teacher that is instrumental  in her students and the community’s well being. Her kind and giving nature evokes the essence of a true yogi.  Karma Yoga is a result of her desire to bring positive change to our world.  In her many years of teaching Lisa has developed an inclusive and fun approach to the practice of yoga.  

“Be the Change.”   LK

What’s included

  • San Jose
    1 night at Aloft Hotel on arrival into San Jose
  • Accommodation
    7 nights at Boca Sombrero in Osa Peninsula (5 nights at Rio Chirripo for mountain extension)
  • Food
    All healthy meals (breakfast, brunch and dinner)
  • Travel
    Domestic flight and group transfers
  • Yoga
    All yoga and meditation classes with Lisa and Karla
  • Activities
    Guided jungle/river hike
  • Tips
    Added Staff gratuities

What’s not included

  • Travel
    International flights and individual transfers
  • Food
    Lunch and dinner in San Jose
  • Activities
    Additional optional activities, services and excursions
  • Payment
    Paypal and bank fees
  • Drinks
    Alcoholic beverages and sodas
  • Insurance
    Independent Travel Insurance

Available Packages

Thatched Roof Tent Cabin (per person)

Double occupancy with private shower and basin and shared bathroom.

Note. this accommodation option should be booked together with a friend or partner.

$1,795
Deposit: $500
Thatched Roof Tent Cabin

Single occupancy with private shower and basin and shared bathroom

$1,995
Deposit: $500
Beach Front Villa (2 rooms 4 guests)

Double room in shared house with shared bathroom

$2,295
Beach Front Villa (3-5 guests)

Shared room in house with private bathroom (single bed)

$2,295
Deposit: $500
Beach Front Villa (double 2 guests)

Double occupancy house with private bathroom

$2,395
Deposit: $500
Surfside Bungalow
$2,395
Deposit: $500
Surf Shack

Single occupancy rustic beach house 10 minutes walk along the beach from the retreat centre with private outside bathroom and shower, kitchen, lounge, loft bedroom with king size bed with ocean views

$2,495
Group Leader Registration
$0


Your Organizer


CR
Chirriposa Retreats
45 reviews
Chirriposa specialises in organising and hosting customised retreats, workshops and vacations for groups, individuals, families and friends in amazing locations within Costa Rica and Europe.

Reviews

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Working with Angus and Tania of Chirriposa Retreats on yoga retreat planning is always amazing! They are responsive, savvy and — in addition to their relaxed demeanor — they are always there with everything they promised, on time and with a smile. And occasionally a couple dogs that always make the group smile. This was Turavita’s second retreat working with them and both were fabulous.
By for TURAVITA - COSTA RICA 2024 - Group Leader on Feb 26, 2024
This trip was truly special. Angus and Tania handpicked the best spots to share. The food was excellent. The scenery was beautiful. The fun is priceless. So very thankful I had this experience. I cannot recommend this trip and these lovely people enough!
By Cecilia T for 'Vino & VInyasa' - The Art of Enjoying Life in Tuscany on Oct 10, 2023
Over the top. Tania & Angus are officially family. The food, planning & personal touch were unparalleled. Kudos Burt & Robin
By Burt S for 'Vino & VInyasa' - The Art of Enjoying Life in Tuscany on Oct 03, 2023
This was our 6th time doing this retreat and I think that speaks for itself. Everything about this experience is perfect for us. The yoga is excellent as is the food. The grounds are beautiful and the wildlife abundant. We rather appreciate the low key vibe of this retreat with lots of down time to comfortably rest in shady spots, dip in the pool to cool off and unplug. We had a gorgeous accommodation at Casa Rio and think of it as home now. I love that the experience is somewhat rustic - living open to the outdoors for the entire week. Living like that just isn't possible in many places and we appreciate the opportunity to fully feel the breeze off the ocean and listen to the sounds of this magical place where the forest and ocean meet.
By Tyler F for Optimal Living Retreat with Robert Sidoti on Mar 06, 2023
What a fabulous adventure! The twice daily yoga with Diane was fabulous as was the resort. The food at the resort was also delicious with many healthy options that could accommodate any dietary needs. All of the excursions were wonderful and went off without a hitch. The trip was very well organized and Angus was right on top of anything that needed to be addressed. I would definitely book another vacation with Diane and Angus!
By Jennifer Y for Ireland Retreat with Diane Sieg 2022 on Sep 20, 2022
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