Yoga Retreat
Costa Rica
April 22-28, 2012
Yoga Retreat, Costa Rica, April 22-28, 2012
Practice yoga overlooking the ocean while listening to howler monkeys and parrots. Learn
how to surf in warm water with experienced instructors in some of Costa Rica’s best surf. Or
opt to zip line through the jungle, hike in a nearby national park or simply relax on the
beach. Practice yoga in the morning and evening and then choose how you want to spend
your day. Costa Rica will inspire your yoga practice, encourage you to slow down and
reconnect with yourself. ‘Spark your soul’ with this all level yoga retreat.
Logistics
Where: Horizon Yoga Hotel, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
When: April 22-28, 2012
Rate: Shared cabin/room $1250, private cabin/room $1500
Retreat Package Includes:
• 5 nights accommodation at Horizon Yoga Hotel, Santa Teresa
• Final night at The Trapp Hotel, San Jose (near San Jose International Airport)
• Daily morning and afternoon yoga classes
• Optional meditation and yoga workshops
• 60 minute massage at Horizon Yoga Hotel
• Breakfast every morning (apart from the last morning)
• 4 evening meals (3 in Santa Teresa, 1 in San Jose)
• Ground transportation between Tambor Airport and Santa Teresa
Schedule
Please note that the schedule is subject to change. Arrival and departure day will differ.
7-8.45am: Yoga and meditation
9.15-10am: Breakfast at our hotel
10-4pm: Free time and optional workshops
4-6pm: Yoga workshops/evening practice
7pm: Dinner – on your own or with the group (depends upon the day)
Space is limited to 15. Sign up now to reserve your space.
What our students say:
‘There are many yoga trips out there and what made this trip stand out was the price (great value
and affordable) and the incredible mix of yoga styles.’ Janet Hruby, Costa Rica 2010
‘I loved the different types of yoga and having workshops along with classes. The teachers all had
different styles which complimented each other. I’ve returned home more inspired and motivated
to start my own home practice.’ Laura Pallut, Costa Rica 2010
YOGA
We will begin and end each day with meditation and yoga allowing us to center and open
our minds settle into the moment and reconnect with our selves. Practiced at the end of the
day, these practices ensure we take time to reflect upon the day and connect the dots. This
retreat is designed for all levels although a basic knowledge of yoga is recommended.
Morning classes will include a short meditation and a Vinyasa Flow class. Sunset yoga
classes will focus upon reflection and may include yoga nidra, restorative yoga and guided
meditation. Chanting and pranayama (breathwork) will be included each day. Optional
workshops throughout the week may include: alignment, backbends, inversions, partner
yoga, acro yoga, kundalini yoga, energy workshops, writing and yoga and pranayama. The
exact yoga schedule will be determined a month prior to the retreat and is dependant upon
participants’ interest and experience.
Tentative Schedule
Arrival Day – Sunday
8am onwards: Transfer from Tambor Airport to Horizon.
11am-12pm: Optional yoga for early arrivals
12.30-2pm: Lunch at Horizon Hotel
2-5pm: check into your room, free time
5-6pm: Yoga
6-7pm: Free time
7pm: Dinner as a group
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
7-8.45am: Yoga and meditation
9.15-10am: Breakfast at Horizon
10-4pm: Free time
4-6pm: Optional yoga workshops (depends upon day)
6-7pm: Free time
7pm: Dinner – on your own or with the group (depends upon the day)
Friday
7-845am: Yoga and meditation
9.15-10am: Breakfast at Horizon
10-12pm: Free time
12-3pm Checkout of room, free time
3pm: shuttle to Tambor Airport
4.30pm onwards: flights depart to San Jose
5.30pm: shuttle to Trapp Hotel, free time
7pm: Dinner at Trapp Hotel
Departure Day - Saturday
Transfers to San Jose International Airport
LOGISTICS
Where is Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa is located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.
It includes some of the most coveted beaches and best surf spots in Costa Rica. Down to earth, low
key and unspoilt, Santa Teresa is a tropical paradise.
Tambor is the nearest airport and this is where we will pick you up. The flight from San Jose only
takes about 45 minutes to Tambor and then it’s another 45 minutes by car to Santa Teresa. Or
alternatively, it’s a 6 hour journey by car and ferry from San Jose to Santa Teresa. Please note, the
latter option is not included in the retreat price.
Horizon Yoga Hotel, Santa Teresa
Our hotel, Horizon Yoga Hotel, is situated between the villages of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. It sits
just above the village overlooking the Pacific. The beach is located 5 minutes away by foot.
Horizon has seven ‘villas/cabins’ as well as a private yoga studio, organic & vegetarian tea-house,
outdoor massage room and three swimming pools. The cabins are equipped with fans and air
conditioning. It’s a tropical paradise!
We will assign villas/cabins based upon on a first come basis and rooming configurations. Each
villa/cabin is different. If booking a shared room, we will assign you a room with someone of the
same sex.
Trapp Hotel
As most flights leave San Jose early in the morning, we will spend our last night in San Jose near the
airport. The Trapp Hotel is located a 5 minute drive from the San Jose International Airport – ideal
for those early morning flights. This colonial style house is surrounded by beautiful gardens,
swimming pool and the musical sound of birds. You won’t believe you are in San Jose! Most of the
rooms have 2 double beds with a private bathroom. If booking a shared room, we will assign you
a room with someone of the same sex.
Meals
Each morning, Gali and Yoav, (the owners of Horizon) will surprise us with delicious, healthy
breakfasts. Home-made juices are accompanied by local coffee, tea and Israeli influenced dishes.
All breakfasts are vegetarian. As a group, we will eat dinner together three times in Santa Teresa
and on our last night at the Trapp Hotel. Dinner menus feature an array of dishes with an emphasis
on fresh fish, local dishes and fruit juices. Alcohol is not included in the retreat package.
Vegetarians can definitely be accommodated.
Ground Transportation
Roundtrip transportation from Tambor airport is provided in the retreat package. Once we know
everyone’s arrival times into Tambor Airport, we will confirm the shuttle pick up times. Our goal is
to pick up as many people at one time so we cannot guarantee that we will meet every flight.If you
are flying into San Jose International Airport and traveling directly to the retreat, we recommend
flying with Sansa Airlines to Tambor Airport as they fly from the international airport. Nature Air
flies from the domestic airport to Tambor. The domestic airport is located a short distance from the
international airport.
If you need help planning your travel, please contact us. For information on flight times, please
contact the airlines directly: www.flysansa.com OR www.natureair.com
Flying from Denver?
We recommend flying on Frontier Airlines from Denver to San Jose. This is a non-stop, direct flight.
Frontier leaves Denver just after midnight and arrives into San Jose around 5.30am in the morning.
Sansa Airlines currently departs from San Jose International at 7.45am, arriving into Tambor at
8.15am. A local shuttle service will pick you up and bring you to Horizon, arriving around 9am.
Please note that you won’t be able to check into your rooms until 2pm. However, Horizon will
happily take care of your luggage until your room is ready. For the return flight, Frontier flies from
San Jose at 6.30am. *Please note, when booking the Frontier flight from Denver ensure you are
booking the right flight – the times can be a little confusing. Feel free to call for help.*
Commonly Asked Questions
How hot will it be?
Hot! Average temperatures range between 75F-90F. We practice yoga early in the morning and
later in the day to avoid the midday heat. The yoga studio is equipped with fans and is open on
three sides.
What should I pack?
You don’t need much - yoga clothes, a couple of swimsuits and some sandals! We recommend
wearing light yoga clothes (such as pants from bepresent) so that you don’t sweat too much during
class.
What is the currency?
Costa Rica uses American dollars as well as their own currency called colones. Travelers checks are
not recommended. There is an ATM near our hotel where you can withdraw money.
Recommendations for travel before or after the retreat?
Costa Rica is a beautiful country and very varied. If you would like to visit the rainforest, we highly
recommend the Arenal area (famous for it’s volcano which is dormant at time of writing) and
Monteverde. We have personally stayed at Leaves and Lizards (near Arenal,
www.leavesandlizrds.com) and El Sol (near Monteverde, www.elsolnuestro.com). Manual Antonio
National Park is highly recommended if you would like to combine wildlife watching in a coastal
environment. (www.costaricanationalparks.com)
COSTA RICA SOULSPARK TEAM
Alexandra Pallut, founding director of SoulSpark Journeys, will be your host, guide and yoga
instructor for the week. Her goal is for you to relax, unwind and soak up your surroundings.
Depending upon the number of retreat participants, Alli Brook and Karen Goodman will also join
the SoulSpark team as yoga instructors.
Alexandra Pallut – Yoga Teacher
Alexandra Pallut is the founding director of SoulSpark Journeys. Ten years ago, she had a moment
of epiphany one morning in Tuscany. She awoke, looked out over the misty vineyard and was so
inspired by her surroundings that she decided to start the day by practicing yoga outside instead of
heading straight to the computer. Her life has never been the same since. Taking time to practice
yoga has allowed Alex to celebrate her surroundings, centre the mind and find solace wherever she
is in the world. Her mat has been her grounding force. Her travels have taken her to Switzerland,
Patagonia, Sumatra, Montreal, Italy, France and California where she has practiced yoga on
remote beaches and under the shadow of snowcapped mountains. She is excited to share her
passion for travel and yoga with you.
Alexandra currently lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado where she enjoys sharing her passion for
ashtanga, vinyasa flow and restorative yoga with her local community. She is certified by the
Ashtanga School of Montreal. When she’s not in the studio, she can be found hiking in the
mountains, carving fresh tracks in the snow, cooking with friends and eating gelato! For more
information on Alex’s teaching schedule, please visit www.alexandrapallut.com
Alli Brook, RYT - Yoga teacher
Alli began exploring yoga in her early teens and now is a Hatha graduate of Yandara Yoga
Institute, a Kundalini graduate of Golden Bridge Yoga, and a lifelong disciple of this union of
all. Her classes blend Iyengar alignment, Vinyasa flow & Kundalini inspiration to support the
navigation of life changes with grace and ease. As part-owner of the Yoga Center of
Steamboat she intends for a yogic integrity to inspire business. She enjoys connecting with the
larger yoga community as a member of the Board of Directors for Yoga Teachers of
Colorado. Her private practice of Theta Healing & Healing Touch energy work (for humans &
animals) blends intuitive guidance with many other self-awareness studies. She also offers
Virtual Assistant services to help small business owners grow their dreams into reality. She is
honored to experience the blending of spiritual connection into everyday life, and to play
among the roles of both student and teacher. For more information on her many offerings visit
www.allibrook.com.
Karen Goodman – Yoga Teacher
Karen received her 200-hour yoga certification through the Marianne Wells Alliance School
in Costa Rica and has been practicing varied forms of yoga for the past ten years. She has
been lucky enough to travel to far reaches of the globe and always finds her mat to be a safe
and familiar place. As a lifelong lover of learning, Karen often seeks deeper understanding of
different aspects of yoga and is always eager to share what she has learned with others. She
can be contacted at 970-846-4226 or via email at k2goodman@hotmail.com
OPTIONAL ACTIVTIES
We practice yoga morning and evening leaving the day free for you to spend as you wish.
Surfing is the most popular activity as well as relaxing by the pool!
Advance reservations are advised to ensure availability. Some activities may require a minimum
group size. Please contact us to book additional activities
Surfing: $45 for 1.5 hour of instruction – includes instruction and equipment.
The beaches of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are known as some of the best surf spots in Costa Rica.
The tides and conditions will dictate where we will surf – we may be able to surf right by our hotel
or we may need to drive up the coast. Surf lessons are recommended for beginners – the
instructors are fabulous! You can also rent a board and rashguard for the day for between $10-
$15.
Hiking:
• Cabo Blanco: Cost for transportation depends upon group size
Hike in this national park which is located about 15 minutes away. It’s home to many rare and
threatened wildlife species including crested iguanas, jaguars as well as white faced monkeys,
howler monkeys and an abundance of birds. Hiking the trails early in the morning ensures the best
chance of spotting wildlife.
• Curu Wildlife Refuge: Cost for transportation depends upon group size
Another wonderful spot offering excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities. It has a good
network of trails, sand beaches fringed by palm trees, rocky headlands and tide pools.
Snorkeling: Isla Tortuga, Around $50. Includes boat ride, snorkeling and equipment.
This tiny, tropical island in the Gulf of Nicoya offers beautiful landscapes, abundant wildlife and
snorkeling. This is an all day excursion, leaving at 9am and returning at 5pm. This is a great trip
for anyone who has never snorkeled and wants to try it – however expect crowds as a it’s a
popular tourist destination.
Canopy Zip Line Tour: $40-$50 per person
Fly through the air on a zip line tour not far from Mal Pais. This is a fun and unique way to
experience the tropical forest while enjoying views over the Pacific. Platforms are set high up in the
trees which are connected by steel cables. It’s an exhilarating ride!
Spa Treatments: Rate depends upon treatment
Relax as experienced therapists work their magic. Our hotel has it’s own spa which can arrange for
a variety of treatments. Treat yourself to something special! A 60 minute massage is included in the
retreat price. More information on treatments can be found online at www.horizon-yogahotel.com
THE FINE PRINT
Payment
$500 Non -refundable deposit due at time of reservation. The remainder is due 95 days prior to
departure. Space is limited to 15 participants so we encourage you to sign up early.
How to Sign Up
You can sign up via our online registration or by sending us a check (if you are a Colorado
residents). Please mail checks along with completed waivers and registration to SoulSpark
Journeys, PO BOX 775885, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, 80477. Registration and waivers can
be downloaded on our website or contact us to receive them by mail or email.
Waivers
All participants are required to sign waivers when they sign up for the retreat.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended for all participants. Travel insurance covers you in case you need
to cancel your trip due to a medical emergency or unforeseen events. Travel Insurance also covers
lost baggage and offers other services such as emergency travel assistance. We recommend
purchasing travel insurance through Trip Mate.
Vaccinations
Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the necessary vaccinations needed in order to
travel to Costa Rica. Please check with your doctor on recommended vaccinations.
Passport
A valid passport is necessary to travel to Costa Rica. Participants are responsible for ensuring they
have valid passports and any necessary visas. US citizens do not currently need visas to travel to
Costa Rica.
Our complete terms and conditions are available on our website.