Costa Rica - June 7th to June 14th 2012!
For all of you interested in the Costa Rica Yoga/Meditation retreat - here are some more detailed information about the trip. We researched this quite intensely and this is a wonderful price to be in Paradise for 7 days! We encorouge yogis and yoginis to sign up soon and of course, husbands, boyfriends, etc. are very much welcome!
Costa Rica Yoga/Meditation Retreat @ the Goddess Garden
With Petra Büte & Lurie Nassau
2 Yoga Classes a day *
Call us or e-mail us today!
303.748.2817 or e-mail petralikesyoga@gmail.com
720 732 0210 or e-mail lurienassau@yahoo.com
Join us at the @ Goddess Garden in Costa Rica for 7 nights from June 7th to June 14th 2012 with 2 Yoga Classes a day (9:30am & 5:30pm) *
Here is a link to Google Maps and location of The Goddess Garden
There will be plenty of other fun activities such as...hanging out at the pool or beach, getting a massage, zip-lining through the trees, rainforest tours, horseback riding on the beach, chocolate tour, butterfly garden, and bird/dolphin watching. It'll be an amazing time!
Early-bird special of $895 is over since Feb. 29th 2012. Second tier was $995. The cost for this trip until May 6th is $1045. It'll increase to $1095 afterwards. You can pay for this trip Under PayPal: lurienassau@yahoo.com ** Plus your own flight to Costa Rica's San Jose airport
PayPal is charging $30 per credit/debit card transaction. Make sure to transfer the money directly from your checking account, otherwise please pay $30 extra for your trip. If you would rather pay with a check, email us so we can give you our address.
If you want your own single room, the cost will be $320 more.
If 3 people want to share a room it is $100 less each. If 4 people want to share a room, it is $200 less each.
If you can't make the trip (for whatever reasons) the amount is NOT REFUNDABLE - please take out your own insurance for this trip & airfare! We can recommend Access America - Thanx!
What we suggest to let the bugs don't bug you: Take Vitamin B1 two weeks before the trip and your skin will emit a scent that the mosquitoes don't like and will stay away from. Here is some more information about it: Vitamin B1
The Goddess Garden
We will be staying at a beautiful place: The Goddess Garden is located near Cahuita on the Caribbean Coast in the south of Costa Rica between the towns of Puerto Viejo and Limon. Cahuita is the site of a beautiful national park, where you can see howler and white faced monkeys, sloths and toucans playing in the trees. Right off the coast of Cahuita is Costa Rica's largest living coral reef, with some of the most phenomenal snorkeling in the country.
The retreat Center is luxurious and comfortable. You will share a large bright and spacious room with two comfortable queen beds, a beautiful en suite bathroom and a private balcony overlooking the jungle. In the room, there is a desk, shelves and closet for your belongings and a safe for your valuables. Wireless internet is available free of charge in your room.
It is nestled in a lush and exquisite tropical garden, a few steps from a beautiful Caribbean beach. There is an inviting and beautifully designed swimming pool to relax beside, as well as hang out lounges with couches and hammocks. You will practice in what is surely the loveliest and most spacious yoga studio in Costa Rica, with a 360 degree view of the abundant tropical jungle. The environment could not be more beautiful, comfortable or fabulous!
Included in you package are 3 delicious meals prepared each day at the on-site restaurant, offering Caribbean style chicken or fish, vegetarian options and a variety of local and international flavors, freshly squeezed juices, and tantalizing desserts. Guest can also indulge in an assortment of spa services, including a variety of massage, Ayurvedic healing therapies, Reiki, Hot Stone treatments and much more, to help re-align the body, mind and spirit.
You can use your own miles or book your flight on Frontier Airlines. We will leave at 11:59pm on the 6th of June and arrive on the 7th of June at 5:08am with Frontier. The shuttle to the Goddess Garden will leave around 6:30am in the morning of the 7th...4 hours in beautiful scenery to get to our destination on the Caribbean ocean side.
Our return shuttle to San Jose will depart at 11am on the 14th of June. Any flight that day is suggested to be after 6pm. Frontier Airlines earliest return to Denver is on Sat. (16th) or Sun. (17th) at 6:15am, which means, we will arrange a group discount at at hotel near the airport with free airport shuttle. Approx. $45 per person double occupancy per night. There is an optional group tour on Friday (15th) to Poas Volcano for you to enjoy (extra charge).
* 2 field trips included in price - only 1 Yoga class the day of arrival, days of field trips and no class the day of departure.
** PayPal will be free with using your checking account. If you use a Credit Card charges ($30) will be added.
FAQ's about this trip & more
Where is Goddess Garden and what do they have on the resort?
The Goddess Garden is located in the town of Cahuita, a small community in the south Caribbean side of Costa Rica, 40 km south of Puerto Limon. The resort includes a yoga studio, conference room, two gazebos, 12 newly built double rooms with private baths (two queen size beds each and one shower, toliet and sink), four more guest rooms with on-suite baths (4 to 6 guests and three sinks, two showers and two toliets), kitchen and dining hall, bar and hangout area, swimming pool, whirlpool, hammocks, a spa and beautiful gardens. They are only a few minutes away from the ocean!
What is the nearest airport?
You will fly into San Jose International Airport, Costa Rica (SJO).
How do we get from the airport to the resort?
Included in your retreat rate are airport transfers to and from the resort. The resort is about 3 ½ to 4 hours in absolutely beautiful scenery on the shuttle. The shuttle to the Goddess Garden will leave around 6:30am in the morning of the 7th of June. We will have lunch when we arrive and a short orientation about the resort. Find the van at the airport near the taxi stand and look for a sign that says Goddess Gardens.
What if I can't arrive or depart by the scheduled time?
If you can't arrive at the scheduled time for departure to the Goddess Garden at 6:30am on June 7th 2012, you are responsible for coordinating your own transportation to or from the resort. If you are unable to take the group shuttle one way, you are able to use it on the other end of the trip. We are leaving the resort on June 14th at 11am.
Departure Tax
There is a departure tax of $26 when you leave Costa Rica that will be collected at the airport before you check in at the ticket counter. Go through the line and then fill out the form they give you before going to the ticket counter. The tax needs to be paid in cash (US currency or Costa Rican Colones) or with a credit card on your departure day.
Do I need a Passport?
Yes, citizens of the U.S. and Canada may enter Costa Rica with a valid passport. Note that Costa Rican law requires a valid passport that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival. You must also have a roundtrip/outbound ticket. Citizens of other countries should check with the applicable Costa Rican Consulate in your country about rules governing entrance into Costa Rica. We recommend leaving a copy of your passport at home and bringing a copy of your passport with you, stored in a separate location than your actual passport.
What kind of electricity is there in Costa Rica?
If you bring anything electrical, Costa Rica runs on 110 Volts, 60Hz (same as the U.S. and Canada) and the outlets are the same as in the U.S. If you want to bring 200V equipment, a converter is needed.
What is the weather like?
On the Southern Caribbean side of Costa Rica the weather is normally hot and humid. Due to the constant humidity blown in from the Caribbean Sea, it can always rain a little during anytime of the day. May and June is a very pleasant and comfortable time to be at the Goddess Garden. Temperatures should be between 70-81F and (24-30 C).
What should I pack?
Below are most things we recommend:
- Yoga Mat (these are provided by the resort, but you may prefer to have your own)
- Bug repellent
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Alarm clock (not your cell phone!)
- Earplugs (the howler monkeys are quite loud early in the morning!)
- Flip flops or sandals
- Tennis shoes (for hiking, horseback riding or running, etc.)
- Sunscreen (45 proof or higher recommended)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Toiletries
- Medication (If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to bring enough for the whole week as even day trips will be a bit bumpy.)
- Small backpack for day trips
- Bathing suit(s) and cover ups
- Comfortable light weight clothes (like shorts and tank tops to hang out in)
- For some excursions or for the evening you may need long pants, long sleeves or close toed shoes
- Journal/notebook and pen
- Yogi Toes or towel for your mat and a few hand towels for practicing
- Handy wipes or hand sanitizer
- Camera and iPod and chargers
- Yoga/Workout clothes
- Dry bag (because of the humidity your bathing suits may not be dry before departing)
- Beach towel (these are provided at the resort but you may prefer to have your own)
- Cell phone charge so fully charged when back in U.S.
- Umbrella or light rain jacket (for afternoon showers)
- A good book, magazines or word puzzle book (or two or three)
- Blow dryer (if you can't live without it, they are not provided in all rooms)
- Snacks: you are welcome to have snacks, however, the resort recommends not having food in the rooms because the ants usually find it! We were able to have some pre-packaged crackers and bars in our room without a problem, but they were tightly packed. Also for immigration please do not bring nuts, seeds or fruit into the country.
Should I bring US cash or convert money to Costa Rica Colones?
We recommend bringing US cash, however, the largest threat to tourists is theft, so please store your money in different areas on yourself or in your luggage. If you are taking part in the group transportation, this is not as much of a concern. You can use your Visa or Mastercard at the resort, at most external places and for all excursions; however at the resort they charge a 13 percent service fee. To avoid this, we recommend bringing enough cash for your departure tax ($26), your tip ($20), any excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages and your airport transfers if you are not taking the group shuttle. For going into town to get smaller items or souveniors we recommend taking out some money from an ATM at the beginning of the week so you have colones (500 colones = about $1 USD).
Will the meals be vegetarian?
No, meals will not be entirely vegetarian. Chicken or fish/seafood will also be available at all dinners. If you are a selective eater, please note, the meals are buffett style so whatever is served is what will be available for that meal. All three meals per day are included in your retreat package.
Is it okay to sign up by myself?
Absolutely! You can reserve your own room, or we can assign you a roommate if you would like to share a room as long as we have other guests (females will share with females and males with males) also requesting a roommate. You will be able to enjoy as much private time or social time as you like!
Is it okay to sign up with my spouse/partner/friend?
Definitely! This retreat is a great opportunity to reconnect with a spouse/partner/friend away from your busy schedules. You also get a built-in roommate this way! If there are more than two of you, you can have up to four guests per room in the traditional rooms if you are willing to share a bed (each room has two queen beds) or up to six in the dorm style rooms (three sets of twin bunk beds).
What type of yoga classes will be offered?
A variety of classes will be offered throughout the week. Power Vinyasa classes, Hatha Yoga classes, 3 Minute Egg workshop, Meditation, Restorative Yoga and Breathing workshops. We will offer a yoga class at 9:30am in the morning for an hour and another yoga class at 5:30pm for an hour in the evening.
I am new to yoga. Will the classes be too challenging for me?
The best thing about yoga is it can be modified for all levels. You can come and never have taken a yoga class before! This is a great opportunity to begin and learn. The classes will be challenging in a good way. Petra & Lurie are both trained to teach beginners. If you are an experienced yogi, both can offer you advanced modifications and assist you with more challenging postures.
How much yoga will we practice? Do I have to attend every class?
We will have two classes each day for 60 + minutes. You can attend any of the classes you wish, but you can also skip any classes you want. Maybe you need a break or even decide to take a full day off to explore Costa Rica.Is there Internet access? Can I use my cell phone?
The resort offers free wifi in the rooms, the studios and the hangout areas. Costa Rica's country code is + 506. Most cell phones will not work unless you have an international cell plan. If they do work, they will have fees associated with making and taking calls/text messages, so please check with your carrier.
What contact information can I give my family in case of an emergency?
You may have them contact the Goddess Garden in Costa Rica by calling 1-800-854-7761. Note, there will be longer distance rates to call to Costa Rica from your cell phone or your home phone and to call to the U.S. from your cell phone. Also give them the Goddess Garden site: The Goddess Garden "thegoddessgarden.com" in case they need to email our resort hosts, Jacqueline and Marcelo. They are a wonderful married couple who will take great care of us during our trip!
What time zone is Costa Rica?
There is no time difference from Colorado to Costa Rica in June, due to Daylight Saving time in Colorado. Costa Rica is obversing Standart time. If it's 10am in Colorado it will be 10am in Costa Rica.
How old do you have to be to attend this retreat?
We ask that all of our guests are at least 16 years old. If a guardian wishes to bring a guest who is under 16 years of age, please contact us to discuss this as an option.
Can I rent bikes?
Yes, traveling by bike is recommended and you can rent a bike in Cahuita for $6 a day or for $40 a week. To get to Chauita is only 4km (2.5 Miles). One can walk along the beach most of the way. The 'tree of life' is only a 10 minute walk along the street from the retreat.
How much is a glass of wine?
The Goddess Garden has a bar. A bottle of wine is $12. A beer is $2 and a glass of wine is $4.
How long is the swimming pool open?
The swimming pool at the Goddess Garden is open until 9pm.
Petra Büte, ERYT has been on her yoga journey for 12 years. She is a certified Hot Yoga and Power/Vinyasa Yoga teacher and teaches since 2005. She is originally from Germany and has an MBA in International Business. Petra leads Restorative Yoga workshops, teaches yoga in corporate fitness settings, at yoga studios and community centers throughout town and has her own yoga studio at her house. Heavenly Yoga Petra is involved with the teacher training at the Evergreen Center for Yoga, CO and just came back from practicing yoga and meditation in Thailand for a months. Teaching Wheelchair Yoga at Bear Creek Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Morrison, CO for residents is one of Petra's favorite classes. Her oldest yoga student is 103. While having a womanly figure herself, she understands the challenges and humbleness when it comes to yoga and is very knowledgeable about Yoga Therapy, Mediation and Yoga breathing techniques. Petra is looking forward to this retreat with Lurie in June and hope you will join her to create a strong healthy body and rejuvenate your spirit.
Lurie Nassau, ERYT, has been teaching hatha yoga for 7 years and meditation for 35 years. She is certified in Level I hatha yoga, Level II hot vinyasa, and in mat and reformer pilates with Balanced Body. She has a BA in social services, a MA in human relations, and a PhD in speech communication. Lurie has led several alignment workshops using Three Minute Egg and will use these props in the Costa Rica retreat. She teaches corporate fitness (yoga and yogalates) for Coors Brewery at their Wellness Center in Golden, CO. Lurie also leads meditation, hatha yoga, and hot vinyasa classes at the Evergreen Center for Yoga in Evergreen, CO and teaches in their teacher training program. She has been able to maintain a regular yoga practice after recovering from two hip replacement surgeries. Her personal injuries have helped her understand and work with those who have joint issues and anyone just beginning a yoga practice. In July 2010, Lurie spent an enjoyable week at the Goddess Garden in Cahuita and found it to be the ideal location for a meditative yoga retreat. She is looking forward to having you join her and Petra in the upcoming June retreat.