Mystica Yoga Retreat

2011
February 6 - 11 :: March 6 - 11 :: July 24 - 29

The 4-day/5-night retreat is ideal for those seeking a mini-getaway to relax and rebalance the body, mind and spirit. As well, it offers the opportunity to gain new perspective and deeper insight if you are passing through a transition either in jobs or career, a personal relationship or are looking to make a change in your life’s path.

The retreat includes a 2-hour morning yoga practice that is more active and 1.5-hour restorative afternoon session with other yoga-related practices such as meditation, pranayama and self-inquiry. The middle part of the day is open to participate in an adventure or nature tour such as a hike to waterfalls, a floating river trip, horseback riding, rainforest walk, to receive a massage or other healing treatment. You will eat well, enjoy the views, swing in a hammock and take the time you need to just Be.

The retreat is hosted at Mystica Lodge located in a rural and scenic area in the northwest of Costa Rica 1.2 hours from Liberia international airport. The lodge is situated on a hillside on several acres of lush and beautifully landscaped gardens with sweeping views of Arenal lake and volcano.

Mystica exudes tranquility and offers a welcoming and nurturing environment in which to take a break from a busy lifestyle. There is balance between personal time and enjoying the friendly company of others on the retreat.

Guests return home feeling rejuvenated and inspired, with a clearer mind, and a new found connection to a positive outlook on where they are.

Retreat Schedule

Day 1 / Sunday

1:00 - 3:00 pm - Arrival at Mystica Lodge. The first yoga session is 4:30-6:00 pm to stretch and relax the body following your travels. The welcome dinner is at 7:00 pm.

Day 2 - 5/ Monday - Thursday

7:30 - 8:30 am - light breakfast of tropical fruits, yogurt, granola, homemade breads, juice, coffee/tea

9:30 - 11:30 am - yoga asana practice

12:00  - lunch

Free time for receiving a massage, participating in a nature or adventure tour or just relax.

4:30 - 6:00 pm - yoga session, restorative practice, meditation 

7:15 pm - dinner at Mystica

** On Wednesday we have the morning yoga session and in the afternoon we  have a special outing to the thermal springs by Arenal Volcano. We return to Mystica before dinner. This outing is included in the retreat cost. There is no afternoon yoga session on this day.

Day 5 / Friday

8:00 am - breakfast. Check-out at 11 am and retreat ends.

Accommodations

Mystica Lodge has an idyllic and warm ambiance that makes one feel relaxed at the moment of arrival. The main   building has a restaurant, lounge/fireplace and a large terrace. The standard rooms each have comfortable beds, private bathroom, writing desk and chair and are surrounded by well-manicured tropical gardens. The Villa and Ramadasa House are spacious and more private accommodations. All room options have impressive views of the volcano and lake. The Tree of Life is a healing room up in the trees where massage and Reiki sessions (energy healing) are offered. Wireless internet is available.

The Yoga Sanctuary

The yoga sanctuary is a beautiful rancho (typical Costa Rican pavilion) with a wooden deck and situated under a rainforest canopy just above a refreshing creek. It is one of the most inspiring yoga decks in Costa Rica. We practice in the temperate open air allowing you to tune into the rhythms of Mother Nature. Monkeys and Toucans often pass by for a visit. All levels are yoga experience are welcome.

Meals

All meals are included in the retreat package starting with dinner on Sunday and ending with breakfast on Friday.

The food is healthy, primarily organic and vegetarian with fish and chicken options for some of the dinners. All meals are at Mystica with the exception of some lunches at a local restaurant.

Retreat Yoga Guides

Sandra leads the morning yoga asana sessions (2 hrs) which focus on alignment, moving blocked energy and creating a feeling of openness in the body and heart. She has been practicing yoga for over 14 years and teaches a Vinyasa Flow style with influences from Anusara yoga which she currently studies. She received her advanced teacher training in Interdisciplinary Yoga from the Nosara Yoga Institute, is certified with the internationally recognized Yoga Alliance and is the founder of Vajra Sol Yoga Adventures.

The afternoon yoga sessions (1.5 hrs) are restorative, introspective and grounding and are combined with other yoga related practices such as meditation, breath work and self-inquiry. The sessions are led by Lori who studied at the Nosara Yoga Institute and with various highly-regarded teachers. She has many years of experience teaching yoga and is a gifted healer. Lori also is a professional Counselor, Massage Therapist and Reiki Master and offers these treatments during the retreat.

Retreat Cost per Person (US $)

Cost includes:

• Five nights accommodation

• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)

• Two daily yoga sessions

• Outing to thermal springs in la Fortuna

Cost does not include:

• Airfare to/from Costa Rica

• Airport transfer to/from Mystica Lodge

• Tours & adventure activities

• Alcoholic drinks

• Single rooms are limited. Double rate is two persons in a room.

• If you will be joining the retreat on your own and would like to share a room for the double rate please let us know and, although we cannot guarantee a roommate, we will try to match you with another friendly traveler.

• No refunds are provided for meals or yoga in which one does not participate.

• Rates are subject to change until a reservation is confirmed.

• Massage/healing treatments are $55-70; tours/activities are $40-$65.

Travel to Costa Rica and Mystica Lodge

There are two international airports in Costa Rica: San Jose (code SJO) and Liberia (code LIR). San Jose airport is about three hours drive from Mystica Lodge. A shuttle costs approximately US$160 per vehicle trip (not per person). Liberia airport is the better option since it is only 1.2 hours from Mystica Lodge. A shuttle transfer costs US$80. If there are others on the retreat arriving at a similar time we will assist with arranging a ride-share. For other transfer options such as public bus, please contact us. Airport transfers are not included in the retreat package cost.

Ready to sign up or have a few questions?
To receive the full details of this retreat by email, to make a reservation or if you would like to ask us a few questions please go to our Reservation Request page.