Like a tightly wound spring rose bud that is bracing the remnant frost of winter, I too eagerly awaited the sun and yearned to blossom. Unlike the flower however, I'm not rooted, nor bound to stay in one place. With only two weeks to pull the travel trigger and while New York City was still freezing over, I sought out Paraiso Adventures, a luxury curator of wellness retreats, to help me with a most idyllic escape plan. Luckily for me, their 6-night, 7-day yoga retreat in Costa Rica fit the bill. In no time I was at our beachfront Villa watching the local Santa Teresa surfers catch their first waves of the day, as their friendly mutt dogs played in the shore, patiently waiting for their return.
Retreats come in all shapes and sizes, as do their package rates. Before booking just any retreat, it's important to thoroughly go over what's included. Here are a few things to look out for.
Sleeping Arrangements - One way retreats keep prices down is by grouping guests in the same room. If you're not thrilled about sharing a room with a complete stranger, than check to see what single room options they have.
Travel Requirements - Retreats are held all over the globe, which is why it's important to check what travel visas or shots you may need. Make sure to also do your homework and research the host country and city. Check to see what current events are taking place and how they could affect your trip. It would also be wise to check flights before you book. Most retreats take place during holiday breaks, which can mean higher prices and sold out flights.
Daily Meals - Having your meals included will save you money. Typically, a private chef is brought in to cook for the group. Be sure to check with your planner to see if they can accommodate any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have. The last thing you want is to starve while on vacation because you didn't read that it was a juicing getaway.
Excursions & Activities - Retreats are designed to keep you busy with a well thought-out itinerary. Ask to review what's planned for the group. You'll want to be comfortable with all the activities they have planned for you and that you are in good physical condition and health to participate.
Medial Attention - Nothing is scarier than getting sick or injured abroad. Understand what your retreat's medical emergency plan is and what type of insurance or attention you can get in your host country.
With a plethora of retreats being offered, look for the ones who have carefully planned out every detail of your stay, but who are willing and able to accommodate any special requests you may have. Since my most recent return from Costa Rica, I can say that Paraiso Adventures sets the best standard for retreats. Read on to see what was included in my package ($417 per night), and how a retreat planner can go above and beyond for their guests.
ACCOMMODATIONS
6-nights at Casa Cecilia, in a private ocean view room (king bed), with private bath and balcony
Daily room cleaning and tidying, with optional laundry
Casa Cecilia, a 6-bedroom beachfront home turned hotel, with chic guest house, offers accommodations within earshot of crashing waves and views of Santa Teresa Beach, which is walking distance from the town's eclectically scrumptious dining scene and shopping. The expansive seaside property is equipped with an outdoor shower shaded by overgrown palms, colorful hammocks for dozing off in, and an open-air living room where we convened for our daily meals and yoga classes. This cozy rental full of character, quickly became our tropical fortress.
FOOD & DINING
3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Smoothies and snacks made available
Coffee and tea served throughout the day
Limited tropical cocktails, local Imperial beer and wine
Local Tica (Costa Rican woman) and private chef, Lohanna, is on-site to provide three hale and hearty meals a day, taking into consideration the various preferences, dietary restrictions and special request from the group (I was probably the biggest diva). The quality and diversity of meals served family-style was as healthy, as it was delicious and savory, with a heavy dose of local flare and a sprinkling of love. Throughout the day, coffee and tea are made available, as well as tropical cocktails and beer, which made for great post surf quenchers.
YOGA
2 classes daily, 2 hours each
On-site instructor support
Every element of a Paraiso Adventures retreat is carefully crafted to exceed expectations and deliver excellence. Yoga instructors Alana Bray Barrey and Kristina Kuzmich Bengala of Yoga Bound For Life (based out of Carlsbad, California) were exceptional recruits to lead the daily morning and sunset classes, which varied from yoga therapy, smartFlow, meditation and restorative. As a retreat group of 7 students, we each received personal attention from either Alana or Kristina, as one would lead class, while the other made modifications and adjustments based on our skill and comfort level. Both were able to read the group’s energies, allowing for a flexible agenda, while being understanding if we needed a break from a class.
EXCURSIONS
Montezuma hike and waterfall swim (lunch provided)
Surf Lessons at Hermosa Beach
Authentic Tico cooking class
Private lunch in town
Afro dance class
Tide pool snorkeling
What makes Paraiso Adventures unique, is their commitment to employ local residents as retreat coordinators in each of their host cities. It is with their expertise that they can integrate the true culture of the town, enlist the best vendors at local prices, and be aware of current events. Laurie Comeau, who has been living in Santa Teresa for eight years, and working with Paraiso Adventures for three, organized excursions and activities (with transportation) to keep us amused and enthralled in between yoga classes. Excursions included surf lessons in Hermosa Beach, hiking in Montezuma followed by a swim in the cascading waterfalls, an Afro dance class led by a local Tica dancer and Tico drummer, a cooking class with a local chef, and a private lunch at a popular restaurant in town, followed by some shopping. One afternoon, she invited us to promptly leave at noon, which is exactly when the tide would be low at a nearby beach none of us had visited. To our amazement, as the shores receded, dozens of small tide pools appeared, which had turned into natural aquariums filled with exotic fish anxiously waiting for the tide's return – a snorkeling experience unlike any other, which could not be achieved on a self-guided tour.
CONCIERGE SERVICE
Tambor Airport pick-up and drop-off
Fulfillment of additional excursions and services
Translator (English, Spanish and French)
In addition to the planned excursions, Paraiso Adventures is there to assist with personal requests and unique interests. I for example, wanted to zip line through the jungle, go horseback riding in the mountains and visit a local sunset party. Paraiso Adventures made each possible, recommending Canopy Malpais zip lining as oppose to Montezuma to avoid crowds. Far up in the mountains in San Ysidro they arranged for a two hour trail ride with Sunshine Ranch, which has been by far the most impressive scenic ride I’ve ever taken. Owner, Sandra Farnleitner has well cared for her horses. (Please don't support vendors who show signs of animal cruelty or neglect.)
On Sunday evening, Paraiso brought us to Roca Mar, a local bar scene and weekly sunset party. It's here the surfers (and their dogs), yogis, expats and Ticos of Santa Teresa come together to watch the sun go down, the bonfire light up and to listen to a live DJ, all while dancers entertain the crowd on silk ropes tied high above in the trees.
Their most accommodating request was when we asked to recruit Kadri Kurguan, a world renowned Acro Yoga instructor to teach an impromptu private class for the group. By the end of the day, Kurgan was at our Villa, ready with mats out to give us our first taste of partner inversions.
Paraiso Adventures being a respected tour operator in Santa Teresa brought a lot value to the trip, which makes booking with them the ideal choice.
Reader Perk! Book a Paraiso Adventure Retreat and receive a complimentary 60-minute massage during your trip by using the promo code TIHPERK. If you're new to yoga or need a refresher before you head out on your next retreat, here is a beautiful and handy eBook with whimsical info graphics to guide you through your seven Chakras. Download your free copy of Chakras in the Modern World.
Alexandra Avila