My Crush on Costa Rica
We have been hosting Yoga teacher trainings and Yoga retreats in Costa Rica for the past 8 years. It was by accident that we ended up being here for a training. We had a large group of students signed up to train with us in Mexico but the swine flu epidemic broke out at the same time. Luckily the retreat center we were supposed to attend in Mexico also had a property in Costa Rica and gladly switched all our participants. This accidental encounter with Costa Rica has led to countless adventures through this magical and endearing country. We have spent the majority of our time exploring the area of Nosara. We host many trainings at the majestic Blue Spirit Retreat Center. The main activity is yoga, surfing and exploring the beautiful natural environment of this area. Our top 8 favorites:
1. Visit Playa Ostional during Turtle season:
Baby turtles hatching at Playa Ostional
Turtles Laying eggs at Playa Ostional
2. Surfing at Playa Guiones. This beach really appeals to both those learning how to surf and also to experienced surfers. My kids have all learned to surf at this beach with local instructors. There are many places to rent boards and get lessons but our favorite is Nosara Tico Surf School. They are a quick walk to the beach on the main drag.
Surfing at Playa Guiones
Surfing with Scout at Playa Guiones
3. Watch the spectacular Sunsets at either Playa Guinoes or Playa Pelada. It is a nightly gathering place where the beach is full of surfers and families catching the last bit of magic for the day.
Sunset yoga at Playa Guiones
4. Take a trip to the local Mala Noche Waterfall. You need to hire a local guide since it is confusing to find. It includes a 45 minute hike arriving to a series of swimming holes and small waterfalls.
5. Eat all the delicious and healthy local food. There are many options for dining in the area now. It seems like there are new ones popping up all the time. One of our favorite's is GO JUICE serving up fresh acai bowls in frozen coconuts and pineapples.
A few of our other favorite places to eat are:
Harmony Hotel for a healthy lunch, great coffee and smoothies
Rosi's Soda to taste the local gallo pinto
Il Basilico for the pesto pizza.
5. Rent Quads
6. Horseback Riding on the beach.
7. Rent a bike and take a morning ride. Ricardo, was one of our first surf instructors and has guided many of our students on adventure mountain biking throughout the area. He is knowledgable and dependable.
8. Practice Yoga This area has attracted a very vibrant yoga community. The perfect place to get attuned with nature. You can surf and soak in the ocean and are surrounded by an abundance of wildlife. The Howler Monkeys remind you very early in the morning that this is their home. Due to the popularity of the Blue spirit Resort this area is having a huge surge of yoga.
This area is part of the Nicoya Peninsula and is also considered a blue zone. One of the few areas highlighted around the world that people live the longest. The laid back life style with low stress is often referred by locals as "pura vida".
Pura Vida translates as “pure life” but is used multiple ways by the local Ticos, but essentially encompasses living the laid back lifestyle full of happiness.