8 Days Kripalu Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Costa Rica

Pura Vida Retreat and Spa offers a variety of enchanting accommodations scattered across meticulously landscaped grounds, each designed to delight with views of lush gardens and majestic mountains.

Tentalow

These hybrid tent-bungalows are the ultimate eco-chic accommodations for nature lovers. Spacious six-sided tent bungalows contain the same comfortable beds and relaxing lounge areas as other rooms, electricity (no candles), space to store clothes, and of course, plenty of bracing mountain air. Attractive shared baths surrounded by gardens are steps away. There is an option of king-size or two twin beds.

Deluxe a-Frame

These magical a-Frame cottages with private balconies offer panoramic mountain views. Soaring ceilings add spaciousness and light.There is an option of king-size or two twin beds.

Deluxe vista

These deluxe style rooms feature private balconies with gorgeous views. Approximately 250 square feet, these rooms are great for single occupancy, but spacious enough for a comfortable roommate set up. King-size or two twin beds is available.

Super deluxe upper Kiva

These mountainside rooms offer plenty of space and comfort. King-size or two twin beds is available. The Kiva building houses six units; two units on the top floor, two units on the middle floor, and two units on the lower floor. The top and middle units are called “Kiva Upper” and the lower floor units are “Kiva Lower.” Kiva Upper units have balconies overlooking the Central Valley, while the Kiva Lower units have private patios overlooking tropical gardens and greenery.

Super deluxe tri-level villa

It is an open floorplan with three defined living spaces cascading down from each other. Step down a level from the entryway to the lounge, then to the bedroom. King-size or two twin beds is available. Tri-level rooms can accommodate up to three guests on request.

Zendo suite

A wraparound balcony and huge picture windows make magnificent panoramic views a main feature of the Zendo suite. A glass shower surrounded by greenery brings the beauty of nature while still affording privacy.

Prana suite

The newly renovated Prana suite is modern and sleek with sliding picture windows that open to a private balcony with spectacular views.

Lila suite

Soaring vaulted ceilings, rich natural materials, rustic woods, and creamy natural fabrics lend the spacious Lila suite a crisp, modern air. The Lila suite has a large private balcony with two hammocks surrounded by lush, verdant foliage. A favorite for honeymooners.

Pagoda suite

Unique, luxurious, and spacious, the pagoda suite is perhaps the finest suite, featuring breathtaking mountain views, a sunken living room, and a private outdoor ‘Bali-style’ shower.

Accommodations are assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. A wide range of double rooms and tentalows are reserved for this retreat until December 1, 2016. Please note that you are required to pay for single accommodation unless you bring a friend or Global Yoga Journeys is able to match you up with a same-gender roommate.

Kripalu yoga

Kripalu yoga is much more than a physical discipline. Kripalu yoga is a practice of transformation - a way to open the heart and develop compassion, find clarity, and experience stillness within. The classes emphasize listening to the body's needs and respecting its limits. This approach allows each of you, beginner or experienced practitioners, to receive the benefits of the practice just where you are.

As a group, you will welcome each new day during your yoga vacation with a specially designed morning Kripalu yoga class. You'll learn more about yoga and meditation during the daily experiential workshops, practice yogic breathing to move energy in the body, sit together in meditation to develop inner peace, and practice guided iRest yoga Nidra.

In the sacred space you create together during this yoga retreat, you can allow your spirit to slowly awaken and reconnect with the simple joy of being fully alive.

Sample daily schedule

• 06:30 Kripalu yoga
• 08:00 Breakfast
• 10:00 Program workshop or eco-tour
• 13:00 Lunch
• 14:00 Pool, siesta, walk, massage
• 17:00 Kripalu yoga or workshop
• 18:30 - 20:00 Dinner
• 21:00 Hot tub

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  Ken McRae

  A nationally-registered professional-level yoga and iRest yoga Nidra teacher, Ken's teaching combines the precision of the Iyengar system with the powerful heart-centered, meditative aspects of Kripalu yoga. Known for his meticulous good-humored instruction, he has been studying, practicing, and teaching yoga and meditation for 30 years. Ken draws from a repertoire of over 80 poses that are accessible to beginners and challenging for more experienced practitioners. For many years, he was involved in training teachers at the advanced level as they worked toward their 500-hour certification.

• 

  Brockell Briddle

  Brockell attended her first yoga class over 10 years ago. Since that day, she has been excited to share the practice of yoga with everyone in her life. In 2006, she completed her first Hatha yoga teacher’s training while living on the big island of Hawaii. Since then, Brockell has studied with various teachers and styles as she has worked to refine herself and her practice as a both a student and teacher of yoga. Working now to complete her 500-hour Prajna teacher certification, her teaching style favors alignment and deep restorative postures over rigorous fire and flow.

Tucked away on the edge of a mountainside coffee field, Pura Vida, Spanish for "pure life", is an exquisite, private 12-acre yoga and retreat center in Costa Rica. An easy 25-minute drive from the international airport, the lush tropical gardens, cozy sitting nooks, and spectacular views create a sanctuary for the soul.

Pura Vida Retreat and Spa is considered by some as the wellness and yoga destination of choice outside the United States. It offers you a perfect balance of mind, body, and spirit in an oasis of beauty, tranquility, and home-like intimacy. Pamper your body and soul while exploring the delights of Costa Rica, a country which is renowned for its beauty.

Nearby places

• Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) - 20 minutes
• San Jose downtown - 45 minutes

Three meals a day are included in the price. Every meal at Pura Vida is a celebration in their chic, multi-level dining hall, with plenty of outdoor seating to bring nature to the table. Delicious dishes are lovingly prepared from fresh local produce, regional purveyors, and greens and herbs harvested from their holistic garden.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style, featuring both North American and Costa Rican vegetarian, fish, and chicken dishes to tempt your taste buds and nourish body and soul. Pura Vida also can accommodate vegan, gluten-free, and high-protein diets.

• Enjoy the many optional eco-adventure tours
• Lounge by the pool
• Meet new friends in the dining room
• Receive treatments at the wellness center
• Soak in the hot tub under the stars
• Take in the spectacular views

Aquatic bodywork

Held in the intimate setting of a Watsu pool - body temperature water is intended to simulate an amazing womb-like experience.

• Aquadynamic therapy (price on request)
• Watsu massage (60 minutes for 125 USD)

Asian bodywork

Uses pressure and light manipulation to detoxify and cleanse the body.

• Breema, Thai, and Shiatsu technique (60 minutes for 85 USD)
• Long Huo (dragon fire) body treatment (60 minutes for 115 USD)
• Traditional Thai massage (60 minutes for 100 USD)

Ayurvedic treatments

A 5,000-year-old system of traditional medicine native to India developed with the intention of restoring the most subtle elements of the mind, body, and spirit into a balanced state of peace and harmony.

• Ayurvedic lifestyle counseling (60 minutes for 100 USD)
• Energetic Ayurvedic massage (90 minutes for 140 USD)

Bioenergetic healing

Influences and balances your body’s magnetic field.

• Body talk (60 minutes for 100 USD)
• Liberation healing (90 minutes for 105 USD)

Clinical bodywork

Therapy focused on pain relief and management.

• Deep tissue massage (60 minutes for 120 USD)
• Manual lymphatic drainage (60 minutes for 120 USD)
• Myofascial release, reflexology, or craniosacral rebalancing (60 minutes for 100 USD)
• Myoskeletal release (60 minutes for 120 USD)
• Swedish massage (60 minutes for 130 USD)

Facial skin care

Deep-cleansing, exfoliating, and hydrating.

• Hydrating facial (60 minutes for 95 USD)
• Luxury facial (60 minutes for 120 USD)
• Men’s facial (60 minutes for 120 USD)
• Rejuvenation facial (60 minutes for 120 USD)

Holistic bodywork

A combination of massage, oils, stones, and movement to treat the body, mind, and spirit.

• Costa Rican hot stone massage (60 minutes for 100 USD)
• Ear candling and neck or facial massage (60 minutes for 85 USD)
• Swedish massage, reflexology and Reiki techniques (60 minutes for 100 USD)

Signature spa treatments

This exceptional value includes massage, steam, and mini facial along with an exfoliation or body polish.

• Body polish (60 minutes for 150 USD)
• Exfoliation (60 minutes for 150 USD)

• 7 nights accommodation
• Afternoon yoga, meditation, movement, or workshops on most days
• Daily morning Kripalu yoga classes
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Some mid-morning workshops
• Transfers from and to San Jose Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

• Any items of a personal nature
• Excursions
• Gratuities
• Meals in transit or outside of Pura Vida
• Passports
• Round-trip airfare to Costa Rica
• Wellness services

Arrival by airplane

Please book your flights to arrive at San Jose Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Transfer from and to the airport is included. The organizer will pick you up from the airport.