Yoga On and Off the Mat: A Costa Rica Retreat

Playa Grande, Costa Rica

CP
Christie Pitko
  • Email address verified
39 reviews
Mar 4 - 11, 2023
Group size: 10 - 18
Yoga On and Off the Mat: A Costa Rica Retreat
Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Christie Pitko
  • Email address verified
39 reviews

Mar 4 - 11, 2023
Group size: 10 - 18

About this trip

Practice yoga on and off the mat in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica!


Playa Grande, Costa Rica, is small surf town surrounded by nature and beauty which makes it the perfect spot for a retreat. We return once again to the Rip Jack Inn, our favorite boutique hotel and yoga shala just steps from the beach to deepen our meditation and yoga practice. 


Enjoy daily all levels classes with experienced yoga teacher, Christie Pitko, E RYT 500.  Sessions will be a mix of meditation, alignment-based vinyasa, gentle yoga, and yoga nidra. During our dharma talks, we may discuss the 8 Limbs of Yoga or the Yoga Sutras as well as ways to apply the practice of yoga off the mat and into the world.


Delicious, nutritious meals are served in an open air tree top cafe. Our hotel has 2 pools to help you recharge and relax during free time. There are also hammocks throughout the grounds. We will be taking an excursion as a group in order to connect to one another. 


Leave our retreat filled with bliss, adventure, and serenity. Take yoga off the mat and into your world.


Early Bird Rate

Book by Monday, October 24th, to receive $200 off using code: PURAVIDA1 at checkout.

Important Things to Note For Travel

Proof of Covid-19 vaccine is required to attend. Please email a photo of your card to christie@shiftingandinspired.com.


Deposits are non-refundable, and there will be no refunds 60 days prior to the retreat. Purchase travel insurance within 14 days of booking.  Please read the fine print when you purchase insurance. In the past we've used: Trawick International

Sample Schedule - Subject to Changes

*This schedule is subject to small changes*


Day 1 - March 4th

Check In + Get Settled + Eat Lunch/Snacks- 1:00pm and upon arrival

Group Dinner -6:30pm

Opening Circle and Meditation - 7:45-9:00pm


Day 2 -March 5th

Flow Yoga - 7:30am

Breakfast  - 9:00am

Lunch - 1:00pm

Afternoon Practice (dharma talk, meditation, gentle yoga) - 4:00-5:15pm

Dinner - 6:30pm


Day 3 -March 6th

Flow Yoga  - 7:30am

Breakfast - 9:00am

Lunch: 11:45am (earlier due to excursion)

Sunset Sail + Snorkel Group Excursion includes food and open bar - 1:00pm pick-up

Dinner - after excursion at the RipJack Inn


Day 4 -March 7th

Flow Yoga  - 7:30am

Breakfast - 9:00am

Lunch - 1:00pm 

Afternoon practice - 4:00-5:15pm

Dinner - 6:30pm


Day 5 -March 8th

Flow Yoga  - 7:30am

Breakfast - 9:00am

Lunch - 11:45am (earlier due to optional excursion)

Taxi  to Tamarindo for shopping, seeing a new beach town, using ATM, etc - 1:00-6:00pm

Dinner - 6:30pm


Day 6 - March 9th

*FREE DAY off from yoga to go additional activities, relax, etc.

Meals will still be included, but let us know if you will be missing any due to your excursions


Day 7 -March 10th

Flow Yoga  - 7:30am

Breakfast - 9:00am

Lunch - 1:00pm

Final afternoon practice - 4:00-5:15pm

Dinner - 6:30pm


Day 8 - March 11th

Final Flow Yoga  + Goodbyes - 7:30am

Breakfast - 9:00am

Check out - 11:00am 

What To Pack

Up-to-date passport

Vaccination card

Cash - US currency or colones. There is no ATM in Playa Grande. *Excursions and massages must be paid in cash.

Water bottle to fill with free purified water

Bathing suit and flip flops

Comfortable shoes if you decide to hike

Casual clothing outside of your yoga clothes (no need to bring anything fancy). It's between 80-85 degrees every day so there is no need for warm clothes!

More Important Details

Our retreat is open to all levels, including beginners, as well as advanced practitioners. Please know basic yoga poses, and make sure that you have taken a few yoga classes before attending.


Remainder of balance due is due December 12th, 2022.


Check in to the hotel is Saturday, March 4th at 1:00pm. If you arrive at the Liberia airport after 3:00pm, please let us know in advance. The airport is about an hour from our retreat.


Check out is Saturday, March 11th at 11:00am. Shuttles will arrive at RipJack Inn to take us back to Liberia airport.


Meals start with lunch on the first day, and end with breakfast on the last day. 


If you are coming before or staying after the retreat, please request upon booking as the hotel tends to fill.  Budget for meals outside of the retreat as well as the additional charges for your room.

Covid Protocol

*Please do not come if you feel sick. Purchase travel insurance in case you need to cancel.*

Vaccination required

Outdoor meals

Outdoor excursions

Large yoga space to spread out with lots of fresh air

Max 20 people



What’s included

  • Accommodations
    Lovely single or shared rooms in our boutique hotel, RipJack Inn.
  • Delicious meals
    Freshly prepared breakfast, lunch, and dinner each day (let us know about special requests such as vegetarian or vegan ahead of time.) Meals are shared in an open air cafe amongst the trees.
  • Airport transfer
    Transportation to and from the Liberia airport .
  • Yoga sessions
    All levels alignment-based vinyasa and gentle/restorative.
  • Guided meditations
    All levels guided meditations.
  • Sunset Sail
    Connect to each other on land and sea. Food and drinks included. Approximately 1:00pm-6:30pm.
  • Visit to Tamarindo
    Taxi ride to Tamarindo to shop, use ATM, etc. Approximately 1:00-6:30pm
  • Dharma talks
    There is much more to yoga than just the poses. Learn some philosophy, as well as ways to take yoga off the mat.
  • Consierge service
    Available from 7am-9pm to book excursions and answer questions.
  • Yoga gear
    Mat and all props included.
  • Purified drinking water
    Tap water is fine to drink in Costa Rica. Cold, purified drinking water is also available.

What’s not included

  • Flight
    Airport is Liberia, which is about an hour from Rip Jack Inn.
  • Travel insurance
    Purchase within 14 days of booking. Recommended in case you cancel for any reason. Deposits non-refundable and no refunds 60 days before the retreat.
  • Alcoholic beverages
    You may purchase alcohol separately.
  • Tips for staff
    RipJack's staff is incredible, and we like to leave them something extra at the end of the retreat.
  • Additional activities
    Massage and other excursions not included in the package. Book directly with the RipJack front desk. Cash payment for massages and excursions.

Available Packages

Shared Standard

SOLD OUT

$2,395
Deposit: $500
Single Standard

SOLD OUT 

$2,595
Deposit: $500
Deluxe Single

Deluxe rooms are in a free standing building away from the restaurant with a king bed. All rooms include a private patio.


Amenities: Flat screen TV, mini fridge, outdoor patio, air conditioning, ceiling fans, coffee maker, in-room safe, daily housekeeping and toiletries.

$2,795
Deposit: $500
Deluxe Shared

SOLD OUT 


$2,695
Deposit: $500
Bungalow Double

MUST bring someone with you - price is per person. This room can host 2-4 people.


The bedroom has two queen size beds in a room separated by French doors.  There is also a separate living area with a comfy couch and stylish chair. The bathroom has an open spa type shower with smooth river rocks on the floor to massage your feet after a day at the beach. The bungalow has beautiful Costa Rican hardwood throughout.


Amenities: Flat screen TV, mini fridge, outdoor patio, air conditioning, ceiling fans, coffee maker, in-room safe, daily housekeeping and toiletries.

$2,795
Deposit: $500


Your Organizer


CP
Christie Pitko
39 reviews
Christie Pitko, E RYT-500, began practicing yoga in 2001, and since then, it has healed her spirit, ignited creativity, and encouraged her to take her time. She enjoys helping students stay curious about the inner landscape of their bodies and minds through yoga and meditation. Christie is grateful for all that she has learned from her teachers, Annie Carpenter, Richard Rosen, and Leah Gillman. Christie hosts multiple yoga retreats per year.

Reviews

My sister and i really enjoyed this yoga retreat.. we met new and old friends. Christi accommodated all levels of experience. The weather was fantastic and the hiking awesome.
By Susie S for 4 Day Yoga, Meditation, and Nature Retreat Near Yosemite Valley on Oct 25, 2022
The yosemite bug is close to Yosemite National Park and there was plenty of time during the yoga retreat to spend time in Yosemite National Park. There is a spa and sauna and some great hiking close to the Yosemite Bug. Great location. The restaurant onsite serves amazing food. The yoga every morning was as always invigorating to prepare for the busy day in Yosemite. Meditation or relaxation yoga at night helped to wind down for the night. Great Location and Great yoga instructor.
By Pamela M for 4 Days of Nature, Yoga, and Meditation Near Yosemite Valley on Apr 28, 2022
Yosemite is one of my favorite places in the world and April was the the perfect month for it. This was our 2nd yoga retreat with Christy Pitko and we look forward to more in the future!
By John B for 4 Days of Nature, Yoga, and Meditation Near Yosemite Valley on Apr 26, 2022
I'm not sure exactly what I was looking for, but I know my expectations were met and then exceeded. The location, the people, the food, everything was just incredible. I was ready to book my next trip before I left.
By Dacia W for Yoga On and Off the Mat: A Costa Rica Retreat on Mar 10, 2022
DC
This yoga retreat was fabulous. Christie provides excellent yoga instruction. She always gives suggestions for modifications and the use of blocks so that all participants can safely practice. We learned more about the history of yoga and had some group discussion and meditation practices. The large windows in the yoga room allowed us to enjoy the outdoors and even watch a family of monkeys during one of our practices. RipJack Inn is an excellent location for this type of retreat. The grounds are lovely and the yoga studio is spacious and comfortable. The restaurant is lovely and the food amazing! The staff at RipJack are a wonderful group of people who served our high energy group with kindness and professionalism. The beach is just a short stroll away and there are beautiful shells to check. The sunsets are amazing! RipJack provided boogie boards and beach chairs at no charge. I have already put next year’s retreat on my calendar.
By Deborah C for Yoga On and Off the Mat: A Costa Rica Retreat on Mar 09, 2022
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