I am relatively new to the world of yoga. Yes, my wife had dragged me to a yoga retreat class or two in Nosara. But, what am I doing? Stretching and twisting trying to look like all the other women in the class. Oh, I failed to mention that I am 61-yr-old, 6’ 8”, 215 lb. tall man with lots of sports and old-age wounds to think about and try to work around, but I have been able to fake it out so far.

Anyway, about three years ago, my wife and son and I decided to build a yoga retreat and Yoga Teacher Training facility on the ranch our son has owned for years in Nosara, Costa Rica. Originally, we were going to build a house and retire here on this beautiful ranch. But, what the heck, “Gotta have something to do.”

Fast forward, 17 months and here I am in a Yoga Teacher Training class inside the most spectacular setting – a 45’ round, thatched roof ranchito with the most beautiful teak wood posts and floor in Nosara. It is just as breath-taking as the view from high up on this mountain, facing the Pacific Ocean (that, by the way is about 80 degrees f.). The jungle between us and the beach is protected land and no one will ever develop it, so that means no noise, no pollution, no neighbors – just birds, monkeys, cows, chickens, butterflies, iguanas, and other wildlife – and us – forever! Just up the road is Playa Ostional where the Green Ridley turtles come to lay their eggs and that’s why it is protected.

I am now learning at my “old” age what cat and cow is, downward-facing dog, plank, cobra, warrior and tree pose and how to be balanced and not fall on my face anymore. I am taking notes like I did 40 some years ago in school, doing homework and reading the Bhagavad Gita, all to have a much better and understanding of on-and-off-the-matt yoga while practicing Yoga in Nosara.

Thanks to our special friend and teacher, Ashley Ludman, our schooling and guidance has moved us all in a pre-designed path of study and practice in such a way as to keep our stamina, enthusiasm and awareness as high as we can. Each day brings us further along in our physical and mental yoga practice. We start at 6:00-6:30 a.m. and finish at around 8:30-9:00 p.m., but, not to worry, the staff at Costa Rica Yoga Spa keeps us fed with absolutely the best tasting fruits and vegetables, most of which are grown on the ranch or purchased at the nearby organic market.

Working as hard as we do, the proper fuel keeps the body happy. The days and nights are not totally filled with practice – we do have activities in Nosara, from personal time to read, time to relax in our rooms or around the pool or if you are up to it, a hike to any one of the many waterfalls that are flowing at enormous levels as we are in the beginning of what is turning out to be a very, wet and welcome rainy season. I am looking forward to yoga on the beach and already have enjoyed many sunset yoga sessions during our yoga retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica.

I hope that today I have given you a little glimpse of my time and you, too, can remove your fear and open to the graceful yoga world we have here at Costa Rica Yoga Spa. If you don’t become a teacher you will be a better student of a very healthful and graceful life of yoga.

Namaste, Benito

To learn more about Yoga Retreats in Nosara, contact Costa Rica Yoga Spa today.

Here is a testimonial we found on Trip Advisor from one of our great guests at Costa Rica Yoga Spa! Thanks Erik!

“I just returned from another great Costa Rican adventure. This time I was lucky to be invited to stay at the Costa Rica Yoga spa as a guest of my friend Ashley who was teaching a three-week yoga immersion program. I had such a great stay that it motivated me to spread the word about this awesome place.

The Finca Un Amor—the farm upon which the lodge and yoga rancho sit—is perched up high overlooking farms, wildlife refuge, river basin, and the pacific ocean. At the lodge where I shared meals and slept for nearly three weeks, I was close enough to the ocean to hear the surf, which had to compete with the roaring waterfall emanating from the other side of the yoga rancho. Being close to surf is important; and, from the finca, you can be surfing in 15 minutes at Olgas, Guiones, or Ostional (in the dry season). It’s about 7 km to Playa Guiones and I easily made the drive down to the beach nearly every day (in the rainy season). Fortunately, my room at the “Jungle Lodge” featured an all-natural alarm clock: the nearby howler monkeys and roosters made sure I was up early enough to surf before breakfast! Which reminds me to remind you: Be sure to bring your good camera and binoculars because wildlife viewing opportunities are everywhere at the finca. I personally saw chacalacas, egrets, hawks, herons, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, kiskidees, snakes, vultures, a million insects and some that I forgot!

The Yoga Spa is operated by wonderful hosts Ben and Jill. They used to run a Bed & Breakfast and grow olives in California before taking up the ex-pat life. That they were experienced B&B owners was more than evident in the cleanliness, cooking, and generous hospitality. Darren (Jill’s son) and Ben and Jill have worked hard to ensure that the land, the architecture, and the service foster a special sense of community. Ben and Jill, the other guests, and I ate nearly every meal together for three weeks—most prepared in the open-air kitchen. Eating at the lodge may be my favorite part of all! The food was fresh, local, wonderful and plentiful. The café was always a quick steam kettle away. The sweeping ocean and river basin views from the table and kitchen area were stunning. And, Ben knows exactly how to load cervezas in the fridge to serve perfectly almost frozen Imperials.

As for the food; it was incredible and sustainable. We fetched eggs and cheese from the neighbor’s finca. From avocados to zucchini, we ate more vegetables (that I can’t pronounce) than you can ever imagine. I drank more fresh juices in three weeks than I have in three years in the US. There are banana trees out one side of the kitchen and there’s a mango plantation out the other. One day I saw a man deliver a bunch of coconuts freshly hacked off a tree nearby. Fruit trees, herbs, and peppers plants are scattered about the finca seemingly content to wait for their day in the kitchen. The tropical fresh fruit always arranged neatly on the kitchen counters would make the Chiquita lady want a new hat.

Sound too good to be true? Well, I am not exaggerating and it gets even better. Staffed with accomplished B&B owner Jill, culinary student Hailey interning as the spa’s Cocinara de Verena, and local ticas Xenia and Melena, there was a never a shortage of excellently prepared food! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Desayuno, almuerza, y cenar! Appetizers and desserts. Antes y postres! From peanut butter banana oatmeal smoothies to Sangria! From fried plantains to chicken marsala! With all that talent in the kitchen and the bountiful fare of Costa Rica at their disposal, we ate like kings. And, I loved it.

Hopefully by now you understand that the Yoga Spa is no ordinary hotel or lodge. You don’t just sleep in your room and pass the other guests in the hallway. It was truly a collective affair. In addition to eating together, we danced together and we had fun together. Willie led salsa lessons in the Yoga rancho/discoteque. Schlomo played guitar in the Yoga rancho/concert hall. Sasha brought over her swings, which we promptly rigged-up in the Yoga rancho/circus trapeze. We dined together at tico-owned restaurants. And together we closed down the local bars and discos!

Everyone in the Nosara area knows Ben, Jill, and Darren. (Of course, at 5’ 22” it’s hard not to know Ben! His tree towers above the rest of the forest.) And, everywhere we went with them we were treated like rock stars by the locals. This is important, especially if you’re new to Costa Rica or the Guanacaste region. My hosts acted a whole lot more like adventure guides than innkeepers; they were intent on ensuring that their guests experienced the local tico culture to the fullest. I’ve been to Costa Rica many times over the past 10 years, yet I learned a lot and met many new friends in the presence of these wonderful hosts.

Since everything about the Yoga Spa and Finca Un Amor is organized around community, I’m not really sure they had any choice but to invite me to practice yoga with the group. Since you’ve read this far, you probably know that the Nosara area is a magnet for students of yoga and the like-minded. This place is a dream to study yoga. Imagine practicing in the perfect temperature and humidity of Costa Rica with an ocean view in one direction and the sounds of a waterfall raging in the background. I don’t have to imagine it. I did it!!

I think it’s the community aspect that sets this place apart from the other yoga teacher training offerings in the area. At the Institute, you’re on your own for food and lodging; the class sizes are much larger; and the direct contact time with the instructors is limited. Many of the yoginis I met who were studying at the Institute who came up to visit the Yoga Spa for classes remarked about this contrast. At the Yoga Spa, you practice together, eat together, travel together, and pretty much live together. You’re having coffee with your instructor in the morning, practicing with her during the day, and dancing with her at night!

In summary, I’d give this place a 100-star review if trip advisor would let me! But the faint of heart should remember: this is Costa Rica. That means unpaved and sometimes impassable roads, especially in the rainy season from May to November. If you’re going to be mobile, I recommend renting a four-wheel drive vehicle. To avoid a long drive to the finca from the Liberia or San Jose airports, fly Nature Air into Nosara and you’ll be only 15-minutes away!

Again, you’re not staying at a Sol Melia or the Bellagio. If you want to burrow into a Marriot-style hotel room, turn on the TV, crank up the AC, and call room service, then this place is not for you. If you’re going to Costa Rica for the culture, the outdoors, the surf, the wildlife, the yoga, and the adventure, then you’re in for a treat you will remember for a lifetime.” – Erik

If you are interested in learning more about a retreat at Costa Rica Yoga Spa, contact us today.

As a Yoga Teacher, I have been facilitating Yoga Teacher Trainings for the past 8 years. Each time I step into this role, I learn so much more than I expected at the onset of the journey. Coming back to Costa Rica for July Yoga Teacher Training in Nosara, we have a much smaller, more intimate group this time. It is exactly what I needed. After closing the Yoga studio, moving from my house into a new home and studio, I felt like my root chakra was spinning as fast as my third eye (which is entirely way too fast for comfort!)

Arriving here again, I found the space to begin to settle and take some deeper breaths. It’s green season, and the cleansing rains are wiping away the dust from the roads and trees, offering a brighter landscape, and with it, new challenges of living in the flow of nature here in Costa Rica. I am ready to begin instructing Yoga Retreats.

The rains and the circumstances are teachers to me. I take some steps back and realize that being a yoga teacher is not just about the agenda that I have. Learning to be the most skillful teacher is about living consciously and with the highest intentions, in relationship with nature. Of course, through it all, we are diving deep into hours upon hours of Asana practice, Alignment work, Meditation, Pranayama and Theory. Already, I have some amazing yoga teachers surrounding me in the circle. They are reminding me again that Yoga is the fullness of the experience.

So, we have enjoyed flexibility in our days to celebrate during the World Cup finals, take a hike to the waterfall, stop by the neighboring farm to pick up fresh eggs and cheese, dance in the rain, meditate by candlelight and guitar of a local Kundalini teacher, and sit around the dinner table discussing life, dharma and the flow of it all. There are so many wonderful activities in Nosara.

Yoga Teacher Training is the journey of Ananda (supreme bliss) of the complete experience. We accomplish this not only through Jnana (wisdom), but also through the practice of Svadyaya (self-study). In order to see the (S)self in the deepest way, we must be in relationship with the world around us. Every person, element and moment can be a teacher to us, if we allow it.

Pura Vida from Costa Rica!

If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of yoga and becoming a yoga instructor yourself, contact us today to learn about the yoga teacher training retreat we offer where you can receive your 200 RYT certificate.

The Last Week of Yoga Teacher Training!!! It literally is putting one foot in front of the other and pushing through – determination and tenacity took me through. And, knowing all of the benefits I was receiving – and enjoying were great motivators for me. This journey reminds me of the Little Engine that kept saying, “I know I can, “I know I can”. Yes, I can!

I thought forward to Sat. when I will have accomplished something that was completely unexpected – being a certified Yoga Teacher! What an accomplishment that will be – so surviving the rest of the week in poses and contortions that I didn’t think this body could do anymore. But, really, at 67, the thought about wrapping my body into the Bird of Paradise pose – and a handstand – whew, the thought of that one… I keep the mantra, “I know I can, I know I can…in my mind and heart each day during my retreat“.

I peeked at what was on the agenda for the next couple of days – they were written in Sanskrit, but I am learning more of this beautiful language every day – enough that I can only imagine what twists and lifts I will be accomplishing the next day in Nosara. Every day I have embraced and done what a month ago, I would have deemed impossible for a senior, novice yogi. Each day gave me more strength, flexibility and balance which brought me such joy. I loved my eye-opening adventure in this amazing Yoga Teacher Training class.

I look forward to learning more lessons this week – about life and yoga in Nosara.

Come accomplish what you thought wasn’t possible! Start the journey of learning yoga and more about yourself! Contact us today to learn about a retreats at Costa Rica Yoga Spa.

Take a Long Deep Breath.

Notice how immediately the action of taking a deep long breath brings you into the moment. Now focus on taking 5 deep breaths. What happens in your body and in your mind? You slow down. The beauty of long, deep breathing is that whatever may be happening in your environment, the breath brings you back into your Self, to your center. This is a gift. The only power that truly exists is in the Now. You can’t change the past, you aren’t yet in the future, but you are here now.

At the Costa Rica Yoga Spa we are surrounded by nature, trees, birds, monkeys, and so much more. Few distractions and a lot of organic inspiration makes this a unique place for heart opening transformation.

Every yoga class, offered with our yoga retreats, begins with Pranayama (Prana=breath/life force, Yama=technique/restraint) or “breathing techniques”. Whether simple Long Deep Breath (LDB) or powerful Kapalabati (breath of fire), the focus always begins with the breath. In Costa Rica we are blessed with a temperate climate that allows for warm clean air to practice outdoors all year around.

I invite you to take a moment and stop. Where ever you are take a moment and take a Long Deep Breath. Imagine your lungs filling like a glass, from the bottom to the top. Belly gently relaxes and expands, ribs and chest lift, all very natural with out strain. Pause for a brief moment before the exhale and empty the lungs, just like a glass, from the top to the bottom. Chest softly falls, ribs collapse inwards and navel point reaches toward the spine.

Take 5 LDB and imagine a peace, balance and harmony in your life, mind and body.

Give Thanks for all your blessings.

Here at the Costa Rica Yoga Spa we spend time on the little things to uplift our minds. Practicing Yoga, breathing deep, eating clean, enjoying the nature that surrounds, making a difference, any small or large way that we can.

Come and visit. Life really is good up here at Costa Rica Yoga Spa, contact us today to learn more about retreats such as Yoga Teacher Training or Spirit of Yoga offered in Nosara.

Costa Rica Yoga Spa has had its share of Ashtanga, Kundalini and Anusara-inspired yoga this month. Monica, our yoga instructor has returned from a yoga retreat she taught in Aruba. It’s so good to have her back.

We have a new guest chef, Hayley Andberg, from Santa Barbara, California. Hayley is learning Spanish and surfing in between cooking. We continue to use our remarkably talented local chefs as well, who always add that “gourmet” flare to our local cuisine. Our organic garden is being replanted with new goodies right now and our herb garden is expanding as well. Every couple of weeks different local fruits and vegetables begin to ripen and find our way to our table.

Marcelo, from Argentina, has been performing Temascal sweat lodges on Playa Pelada for Costa Rica Yoga Spa guest and the sweats have been unbelievably remarkable with everyone coming out of the lodge and going into the ocean then to the fire and then back for another round, amazing! Darin, one of the owners has been giving surf lessons and nature adventures in the mountains behind Nosara. The 50-foot waterfal next to the yoga pavillion has been flowing nonstop since the rains hit giving a pleasant sound during the yoga practices.

Looking forward to another amazing yoga teacher training from Ashley Ludman starting here July 3rd and again there will be an international mix of people. Surfing in Nosara has been really big lately wich was great for a national surf event last week. We are still waiting on the Olive Ridley turtles to come in on their arribada for all of us to view, hopefully this weekend! We are also looking forward to Sara Antes from upstate New York to be joining the staff her soon, very exciting stuff.

Well a whole lot of peace and a whole lot of love to you all and looking forward to rolling out a mat for you real soon at one of our upcoming retreats!

Namaste

Ecotourism is a natural in Costa Rica considering the country covers a mere .03 percent of the planet’s surface and the country is blessed with 6% of all life forms on earth, which translates to an amazing 30,000 species of plants and animals.  Last year alone, there were 37 new bird species discovered!!!!

Travelers from around the world have discovered the incredible biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer. The locals, affectionately called “Tico’s” realize the importance of preserving their natural surroundings which has been a major factor in tourism.  A quarter of Costa Rica’s entire area is protected in National Parks, wildlife refuges, and reserves – no other nation in the world has ever actively protected this percentage of land per capita.

The geographic diversity of Costa Rica runs from beautiful, pristine beaches to active volcanic areas, with lush rainforests, cloud forests, white-water rivers – all with an abundance of diverse wildlife.  Travelers wanting to explore this diversion may glimpse iguanas lounging in trees or riverbanks, monkeys in the trees and birdwatching just doesn’t get much better.

Not only does Costa Rica have an  abundance of wildlife and stunning scenery but it also is graced with an almost idyllic climate, with temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 degrees Faherenheit.  Costa Rica has rainy and dry seasons, with rainy season starting in May through the beginning of November, and is referred to as our “winter” or “green” season.  This can be the best season because of the richness – the jungle becomes so lush and green – ahhhh, the smell of this lushness is so good for the senses. You can watch the plants grow after a good rain – so good for the soul to witness nature so closely and vividly as you take quiet strolls through the organic gardens or nature trails.

Costa Rica is a land of endless adventure, contact Costa Rica Yoga Spa  today to see and experience beautiful Costa Rica.

In December of 2009, I returned to Costa Rica for a well needed vacation, as I was preparing to close the yoga studio that I had owned for the past 8 years. For the duration of 2009, my heart was calling me in a new direction, one where I would be focusing my teaching energy towards training Yoga teachers and leading students on Yoga retreats, adventures and journeys into their highest potential. My mantra for 2009 became, “I am committing to teach Yoga Teacher Training and Retreats“. Although I have been teaching teachers for the past 8 years, I realized that my plate became too full with additional responsibilities and commitments, and I just wanted to simplify my work, life and intentions. I started to sound like a broken record, but stayed steadfast, not knowing how it would take shape or even where it would lead me in the new decade ahead.

On my return to Nosara, I synchronistically ran into a good friend who I had met 10 years ago, while I was in Nosara completing my advanced teacher training with Don and Amba. I saw Yesim across the restaurant, and it was as though time fast forwarded from the year 2000 to the present moment. We immediately recognized one another, and, like a best friend, whose spirit you just don’t forget, we picked up the moment from where we last left off. She invited me to visit her at the Costa Rica Yoga Spa, where she was the chef.

The next day, I made my visit to the land that I had passed many times before. I often drove past this spot and felt that there was something special beyond the Aztec wall that marked the entrance. One moment led to the next, and the next thing I knew, I was in a business meeting with Jill, planning out the next phase of my Yoga and teaching journey. Standing at the top of the land, overlooking the mangrove trees and the Pacific Ocean, I felt as though I was “home again”. I saw and felt this home in the reflection of the surroundings of nature and this new community of support that welcomed me.

I am deeply honored to be a part of this creative endeavor and spirit filled land, and am so excited to facilitate Costa Rica Yoga Spa’s inaugural Teacher Training program. Each day, I am more and more inspired to create a unique training experience, where the nature of the surroundings supports the Yoga journey. Join me on an amazing adventure ahead!