Yin Yang Retreat in Nicaragua

Yoga, Martial Arts, Fitness and Relaxation
at Costa Dulce Eco-Lodge
dates tbd in February 2020


Costa Dulce means Sweet Coast in Español and that's what you'll be looking at from the yoga platform at this small and beautiful eco-lodge situated on a hillside next to its own beach in southern Nicaragua, on the Pacific Coast.  This retreat will include a variety of modalities drawing from yoga and the martial arts. Early mornings will include yoga, meditation, tai chi and general fitness sessions. Morning and afternoon workshops will focus on various aspects of yoga, tai chi, chi gung, kung fu and kali silat. All sessions will be determined by your interests and will be more or less vigorous depending on the general level of experience of the group. You will have the chance to be exposed to and choose from several sessions throughout the week that will aim to restore energy and balance to your body and mind.

Costa Dulce Eco-Lodge is a place for people who want something different – to stay in a rustic, yet comfortable and adorable bungalow hearing the sounds of the waves,  to share family-style meals in the tropical breeze, and to walk from your bungalow to the pristine beach where endangered turtles come to nest. With a variety of mind-body practices offered every day, including massages, bountiful fresh air and a slower pace of life,  you'll soon notice yourself winding down and finding a new daily rhythm.  Your time may also include an excursion to a neighboring town, a volcanic lake,  a hike to see monkeys in the vast natural park or activities such as turtle monitoring, paddle-boarding and surf lessons!  There may also be the opportunity to visit an educational program serving local rural and under-served children to which we will contribute time and/or resources as relevant. You will have options!

LODGING and MEALS: There are several different  bungalows available at Costa Dulce.  When you book your retreat, you'll let them know how many people you'll be traveling with, if you're open to sharing a bungalow with a new friend and/or which particular bungalow you'd prefer.  Bungalows will be allocated to participants based on the overall make-up and needs of the group once the date of the retreats gets close. Check out the website for the Costa Dulce Eco-Resort to start dreaming of the possibilities!

Meals are locally sourced and cooked by talented local cooks.  Nicaraguan fare infused with a globalized flare.  Fresh and delicious!   Vegetarian and vegan meals are possible and all special needs will try to be accommodated. 

THE YOGA:  Yoga will be led by Astrid Jirka, owner of Vahana Yoga & Eco-Tours and a 500 hour RYT Hatha, Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga Instructor and a possible co-instructor.  Yoga will be accessible to all levels, from those who are just getting started to more advanced yogis.  That beings said, some yoga experience will come in handy.  We will focus on yoga that connects us to the natural world, that connects us to our roots, and that promotes rejuvenation, relaxation and good health.  And for those feeling the need for a more vigorous practice, we'll be sure to give you some options!   Express your interests when you sign up please.  Want to learn how to hold a headstand?  Curious about partner yoga?  Let us know!

THE MARTIAL ARTS: Martial Art modalities will be offered by Collin Lieberman, owner of Centerline Fitness and Martial Arts (add link) and a Certified Instructor in the arts of Lee Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Kuntao Silat. His training includes several other martial arts styles, including Taijiquan, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He may be accompanied by other instructors who will also offer their talented instruction. Martial Art sessions will be available with a variety of themes but focused on overall mind-body wellness and more basic or advanced knowledge of the modalities based on participant experience. When you sign up, please let us know your interests so we can tailor our sessions accordingly!

PRIVATE YOGA or MARTIAL ART SESSIONS will also be available for an additional cost.

Space will be limited to 25 guests.

Are you interested? Do have any questions?

Please email me, Astrid, at astrid@govahana.com to express your interest (even if you’re not 100% sure just yet) and let me know about your situation and any questions you have.

COSTS: Prices start at $1300 for the week and will range depending on # of people per bungalow and the package you choose for your stay at Costa Dulce.  Price includes a chosen Costa Dulce package + a $200 retreat fee.  Children 12 and over pay full cost minus the $200 retreat fee.  Children 12 and under will be arranged on a case by case basis.

At the minimum your stay will include a package of:

- 7 nights accommodation
- 3 delicious and healthy meals per day, fresh fruit juices and snacks
- Daily yoga and martial arts classes and workshops, including morning, afternoon and evening sessions which you can choose from
- A 60 minute massage
- A trip to the nearest local coastal town called San Juan del Sur
- Introduction to Costa Dulce's Turtle Conservation Program and an opportunity to release baby turtles if the timing is right!
- Some featured activities such as bonfires on the beach, salsa lessons and hikes through the forest to local waterfalls, depending on weather and local availability
- Transport from and to Managua airport in Nicaragua and/or the Liberia airport in Costa Rica to Costa Dulce if arriving and departing on a Saturday

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS include activities such as:
- A visit to the Escamequita Project - a a rural education project near Costa Dulce
- Surf lessons
- Paddle-boarding in the mangrove estuary
- Whale watching
- A day trip to one of Nicaragua's famous volcanoes
- Horseback riding
(Some of these can be reserved ahead of time and some can be chosen once you're there. All are at a nominal additional cost. )

NOT INCLUDED:
- Airfare
- Transport from airport to Costa Dulce if not arriving on Saturday
- $10 Nicaraguan entry visa and/or $12 Costa Rica departure tax

GETTING THERE: 
Option 1: RECOMMENDED.  Fly to the Costa Rican airport in Liberia and Costa Dulce will pick you up from there.  We will arrange with Costa Dulce to pick up one or more people together once we know who is on the retreat and what their arrival times will be.   This price is FREE if you are traveling with the pre-arranged group.  Please try to arrive by 2pm on Saturday. If you miss the group transport there will be a charge of $80 for up to 4 people. Time from Liberia to Costa Dulce is a 2.5 hour drive, with the addition of some possible waiting time at the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border.  Visa entry fee into Nicaragua is $10 and the exit fee from Costa Rica is $12.

Option 2: Fly to the main airport in the Nicaraguan capital city of Managua.  The ride from Managua to Costa Dulce is 3 hours long.  Pick up from the airport may be arranged by Costa Dulce if you arrive on Saturday and will be free.  Otherwise, you can arrange a pick up service for a fee with Costa Dulce.  Costs of pick up are 1-3 people $110 total, 4-7 people $35 pp, 8 or more $30 pp.  Sadly, there appears to be no reason to stay in Managua and take a look around, but if you need to spend a night before journeying on there are some good hotel options.

Are you interested? Do have any questions?

Please email me, Astrid, at astrid@govahana.com to express your interest (even if you’re not 100% sure just yet) and let me know about your situation and any questions you have.