Month: October 2013

Tofino Botanical Gardens offers accommodation you expect in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Each year it develops its Ecolodge so that it can satisfy the guests always by giving everything they need for a comfortable vacation. This Ecolodge strive to improve its performance each year in four major areas: protecting the natural environment, energy efficiency, conservation of natural resources, and support its local community. You will have a very comfortable and unforgettable experience.

Location:

Tofino Botanical Gardens located on 12 acres of waterfront gardens and rainforest at the gateway to  its waterfront property which includes approximately 1 km of paths and boardwalks. It takes only five minute walk to the sandy open beaches.

Accommodation:

Tofino Botanical Gardens building is thoroughly insulated which has double glazed windows and uses individual thermostats for each room. This accommodation is comfortable, clean, quiet and friendly environment. Electricity comes from hydroelectric projects. Most lighting is by way of compact fluorescent lamps and lighting and tool battery recharging in its tool shed is powered by a solar panel.   In this accommodation you will get continental breakfast including Tofino Botanical Gardens organic oatmeal bar. You will enjoy free admission to the Tofino Botanical Gardens. You can use the dining area, shared kitchen, common room and library. There are free WiFi connection and parking. There are a commercial-grade guest kitchen, large open dining room and lounge with a fireplace. There are also laundry facilities, 300-volume nature library, and outdoor firepit.

Kitchen:

Tofino Botanical Garden provide a commercial kitchen full stocked with plateware, utensils, and cookware but if you want you can bring your own caterer or hire one locally but you will have to ask for recommendations for caterers. A food processor or blender will not be provided.

Yoga:

Regular Yoga Classes:

In Tofino Botanical Garden there is a wonderful place to do yoga and for lodge guests 1-3 evenings a week yoga classes are offered but the class schedule and time can be cancelled or changed and those classes are first-come-first-serve basis, so it will better to arrive early. Regular yoga classes are also provided at the Coastal Bliss yoga studio here in Tofino. Yoga classroom is about 685 ft2. Floor is covered with a carpet and the wall is colored with soft purple color. The room is heated with electric heat registers you can control yourself, vaulted pine ceiling. For natural  light or for ventilation there are also ample windows. 28 students can practice Yoga in this studio together. There you will find a storage closet to hold your yoga accessories such as mats, blocks and other materials. You can rent Yoga equipment like blocks, bolster and sitting cushions for a flat rate of $25 per day but you will not get mats in rent.

Contact

Tofino Botanical Gardens

1084 Pacific Rim Highway (Mail to PO Box 886)

Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0

Telephone: (250) 725 1220

Fax: (250) 725 2435

Email: info@tbgf.org

Website: http://www.tbgf.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tofinobotanicalgardens

Solscape is the place crated for rejuvenation and relaxation. In this place can be used for workshops, meetings and for retreats. Many types of well-being programme also held in Solscape throughout the year. This place offers many opportunities to be connected with nature and to explore ways of existing in our lives with lighter ecological footprints. It is a ten acre property nestled at the foot of Mt Karioi overlooking the Tasman sea. From Ngaranui beach and world famous surf break Manu Bay, Solscape is a short bush walk. From Raglan township on New Zealand’s beautiful west coast, it is only six kms to reach Solscape. It takes only two hours south of Auckland and forty minutes west of Hamilton.

Activities:

Solscape offers a range of activities for individual and group from ‘full on adrenalin’. You can do a surfing lesson or enjoy practicing Yoga, take massage therapy and also many other activities. It will be an amazing memorable vacation for you.

Yoga:

Yoga sessions are designed with a mixture of yoga styles and consider your level and needs. You can join the 1 hour private yoga lesson especially designed for 1 to 2 people or you can join the group session with your friends or family or if your are staying at Solscape for a long period of time, you can enjoy regular classes.

Surfing:

Solscape’s Solsurfer Surf school offers expert tuition for any level and a glimpse into the world of Surfing. There are different types of Surfing sessions offered by Solscape: Family lesson, Beginner level lesson, Next level coachinf/1 on 1 lesson, Surf packages which include accommodation and surf lesson, and surf camp.

Surfing Instructor Andrew Swinton:

Andrew Swinton is an International Surfing Association who is a registered Level 1 instructor and completed level 2 course with Martin Dunn who is a coach for the Australian team, and writes the ISA handbooks/courses. He started surfing 22+ years ago on the West Coast of New Zealand. Andrew also have completed Surfing New Zealand instructor courses. He has been  teaching for 4 years full time as my only job, doing summers in Europe and summers in New Zealand, and can coach up to competition level. Each day he surf long and short boards.

Accommodation:

Solscape provides and electric range of self contained accommodations which are unique in their own way. You can choose whichever suit your needs. This eco friendly accommodations inspire the guests with working models of sustainable living. Solscape regards its accommodations and facilities as functional, earthy and simple. All the buildings are different in their style but somehow joined to the whole by a common thread, truth.

Contact:

Solscape

http://www.solscape.co.nz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Solscape

Twitter: https://twitter.com/solscape

RíoQuijos EcoLodge offers a accommodations which will allow you to escape from the busy daily life and spend some time in relaxation and comfort. This Eco lodge nestled in the heart of the Quijos Valley in the Napo Region of Ecador, alongside the Quijos River. The lodge is surrounded by gardens filled with with bananas, lime trees, guanabana, yucca, avocado and medicinal plants from the forest and also with flowers that attract the hummingbirds including native orchids, Reina de la Noche and Galan de la Noche flowers for nighttime fragrance, and numerous species of bromeliads tucked into every tree bough. If you just step away from the lodge there are four nature trails that allow you to enjoy bird watching and explore the beauty of the rain forest. 

The materials used for building the lodge usually found in the Oriente: Quijos River rock, bamboo harvested off the property, corcho wood known for its dark beauty and imperviousness to insects. Another types of wood famous in Oriente named cabo de acho is also used for lodge decoration.

Accommodation:

The RioQuijos Eco Lodge offers luxury lodge suites, private rooms and private cabins. In each room 1 to 4 people can stay together. There are a spacious sleeping area in the cabins and the rooms are equipped with writing desk, hot showers, private bathroom, private entry and screened windows. There are decks where you can enjoy the sounds of the songbirds and the river.

In the lodge suites there are a spacious living quarters, hot shower, private bath, screened windows on the sides and a private balcony off the bedroom where you can enjoy some solitary time with a cup of coffee or in afternoon can enjoy relaxation or evening wind down.

Yoga retreat:

If you want to enjoy a South American Yoga retreat in a beautiful environment so that you can be connected with nature fully, RioQuijos Retreat is the destination for you. In Ecuador’s beautiful Quijos Valley you can enjoy a eco-yoga retreat. RioQuijos Retreat is one of the most idyllic and peaceful locations you could wish to find in the Oriente of Ecuador. This place takes only three hours from the capital city to reach the center. This Yoga retreat  provides a tranquil haven that will transport you far from the complications of life.

In a specially constructed pavilion on the private beach alongside the Quijos River, Yoga classes usually take place. The pavilion has a natural wood and bamboo flooring which is constructed of bamboo and guayaba, with a roof that will protect you from the inclement weather. This retrear also offers side trips to the beautiful San Rafael Falls and Cuevas de los Tayos, nature trails, horse back riding, hiking, fishing and water rafting. After spending a full day of adventure you can spend some relaxing time in a hammock and enjoy the natural sounds of this beautiful resort.

Contact

RíoQuijos EcoLodge

Website:   www.rioquijosecolodge.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rioquijosecolodge

Tweeter: https://twitter.com/erajuliet

Email:       info@rioquijosecolodge.com

Tel:            063060950 / 0939707753

Ashiyana is a tropical retreat center where you can visit between 1st October and 30th April. This retreat  center is located on the beautiful and unspoiled Mandrem Beach and the enchanting Mandrem river in the very north of Goa. While staying at Ashiyana and enjoy yoga holidays, massage training, yoga teacher training or any other retreats. You can also join Ashiyana for yoga classes and workshops at the drop in center if you stay in the local area. Ashiyana developed as a spiritual home where you can get the opportunity to meet others friendly. People from all over the world can join the retreats offered by Ashiyana. This center is created by some local staff and foreign helpers. 

Yoga Holidays:

If you have become bored with your daily busy life, you can join this Yoga holidays which will allow you to be totally relaxed, flexible with your time and yet attend any of the classes at the ‘Drop-in” center. This center focuses on the sensitivity and awareness with the teachers teach rather than the style of yoga. There are three main Yoga Shalas in Ashiyana and those yoga shalas are well equipped and beautiful. This retreat probably will give you more awareness of your current physical and mental state and ways of improvement.

Facilities:

You can not only enjoy Yoga session but also many other activities including massage therapies, meditation, chanting, barefoot boogie, karma yoga, sun salutes at the beach and impromptu gatherings and workshops. In the luxurious privacy of Ashiyana’s spa and treatment center, which has Goa’s only “natural swimming pool” set amidst an abundance of plants, coconut palms and a beautiful Buddha statue, you will enjoy a full menu of massage and holistic treatments. You can use its natural pool and spa cafe on an unlimited basis if you stay at Ashiayana’s luxurious accommodation.

Accommodation:

Beach Huts:

Some of the beach huts are located on the mainland facing the river but most of the huts are situated on the dune which separated the Arabina Sea and Mandrem river. There are hut sheltered behind the banks of the dune and others on the dune top. Those huts are equipped with mosquito net, fan and an en suite bathroom.

Raj  Doubles and Suites:

Raj Doubles and Suites are fronted on two sides by the tranquil Mandrem River. This suites of Ashiyana is situated at the far of the Palm Grove. Some of the rooms of Raj suites are within the Ashiyana Villa which was built on the site of the original storehouse and the other rooms are sited along an inlet of the Mandrem River. All the rooms are stone-built and organically shaped with rustic stucco walls, furnished with antique Rajasthani furnitue. All the rooms are different and each of those have individual charm and magnificent view from windows and balcony.

Palm Grove

The accommodation is in the form of luxury eco-lodges, tree-houses and stone-built houses set amidst lush tropical gardens, statues and water features. All of the rooms are comfortable and spacious with large windows through which you can enjoy wonderful views.  the en-suite bathrooms have been built to allow a little of the outside in, with large open window spaces and blinds.

Contact

Ashyana Yoga Retreat Center

Mandrem Beach, Goa, India 403527

Phone: +91 98 50 401714

email: nfo@ashiyana-yoga-goa.com

Website: http://www.ashiyana-yoga-goa.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshiyanaYogaCentre/info

Anamaya Resort, a breathtaking exotic place, is built on a cliff edge and overlooking the most incredible ocean views. The view, the food, the yoga, the surfing are all first class. The staff make it feel like your home. Overlooking the jungle and ocean makes the daily yoga practice so much more than one thinks it could be; and having a special visit from a couple of monkeys every once in a while was a real treat too. Anamaya Resort and Retreat Center hosts a number of fun, healthy and exciting retreats and now their Yoga Teacher Trainings have become a big part of their yearly program because of the high demand.

Aside from Yoga, Anamaya offers a healthy-living environment by providing only organic and local food. The fish is fresh and usually caught daily. The fruits and vegetables are pesticide and harmful chemicals free and they even offer gluten-free dining. Anamaya is one of the most eco-friendly resorts in Costa Rica, designed to maximize airflow and shade for natural cooling, and non-toxic building materials used throughout.

The place is meticulously clean, the stuffs are very friendly and the surfing is amazing! The grounds and rooms were absolutely stunning and the view is one of the bests. Anamaya offers in-house retreats as well as being booked by outside retreats. They also offers  Teacher Training Courses. Extra fun activities like acrobatics. Advanced level yogis will be pleased with the high level of skill in the sessions, while beginners will delight in the friendly  nature of the instructors and the easy air of sociability that comes over all who stay here.

he accommodations are the perfect balance of luxury and simplicity which immediately make you feel loved and wrapped in the comforts of home. The views from our cabana were incredible; we woke up with the howler monkeys at sunrise every morning and opened the curtains to soak it all in—-or went out on our balcony in the hammocks—-too awesome! The infinity pool is fun but the big thing you will definitely love is the proximity to the waterfalls, just a great 5 minute walk down the hill. Anamaya works with Young Vision Surf School and they come and pick you up right at the front door of the property.

The name Anamaya is the most perfect one as Anamaya focuses on holistic wellness and Anamaya Means ‘good health’ in Sanskrit. Good food, good place, good people, good yoga, and good fun are seen as vital elements to a well-balanced spirit, and all are served up in healthy portion-sizes. The food is organic, sourced locally. The place is exotic and the people are friendly. Their young, experienced and ever smiling Yoga instructor are their assets.

Costa Rica Yoga Retreats and Workshops

There are three options for in-house retreats here: Soul Surfers Yoga and Surf Retreat, Yoga and Adventure Retreat, and the Yoga and Rejuvenation Retreat.

Soul Surfers Yoga and Surf Camp

The physical benefits of yoga also complement the flexibility and power needed to have maximum fun and prevent injuries when surfing. On the other hand Surfing gives yogis an external experience of yoga. These two  disciplines compliment each other in both beauty and purpose. There are some excellent surf spots in Montezuma including  Playa Grande, Montezuma and Los Cedros. Anamaya provides expert surfing instructors who will get you up and riding waves in no time.

Yoga & Adventure Retreat

This package is specially designed for the people who love to do yoga and relax in tropical paradise. This package includes spectacular and luxurious accommodations, daily yoga, and plenty of time to relax on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Anamaya serves healthy food which 100% organic and is chemical-preservatives free. You will enjoy jungle adventure during this one week retreat. Surf and Adventure Retreat is not just about yoga, it offers sessions and events which appeal also to nature lovers,conservationists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Yoga & Rejuvenate Retreat

Rather than relying on traditional exercise and medication, some people have turned to yoga to get rejuvenated. This is a mood-brightening, resilience-enhancing and anti-anxiety retreat designed for those want more relaxation and rejuvenation. After attending this retreat you will understand that achieving rejuvenation and health through yoga is quite easy.

Yoga Teacher Training

Contact

Montezuma, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Website: anamayaresort.com
USA Toll Free: 1-866-412-5350
USA ph#: 415-704-5024
Costa Rica ph#: (+506) 2642-1289

Email: EnjoyLife@AnamayaResort.com

Accommodation:

Yoga:

Food:

Ojo del Mar is a Eco friendly retreat, created by the owners Nicola Fischer and Mark Huebner in 2000. This secluded retreat nestled between the pristine beaches and the tropical rainforest in the wilds of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. This Eco retreat provides an eccentric close to nature life style and still untouched by the ravages of civilization. In this gorgeous and remote spot there are 350 species of birds, 750 species of trees, 115 species of reptiles, and 10,000 species of insects along with the 100,000 acre fantastic Corcovado National Park. The retreat center or hotel is located 16km south of Puerto Jimenez on the Peninsula de Osa/Costa Rica.

Yoga:

Ojo del Mar offers daily classes of Hatha Yoga which is a traditional Yoga method and energetic flow of postures in sequence. This technique will help you to obtain harmony and balance for body and soul. You will practice Yoga in an open-air wooden deck in the heart of the jungle at the edge of a secluded beach shaded by cool giant palm trees and towering almond trees overlooking the Golfo Dulce with scarlet macaws above and warm breezes all around.

Accommodation:

There are 6 rustic, airy and elevated cabins which are privately set among beautiful tropical gardens, nearer to nature in Ojo del Mar. You can chose one of those cabins and get the opportunity to explore colorful wildlife there. All the cabins are well equipped with orthopedic beds, mosquito net, cotton sheets and plenty of pillows, towels, candles, biodegradable soaps, flowers etc. Some cabins have double beds and some other have two twin beds which are king sized. Most of the cabins have private bathroom and two cabins have their own bathroom under the same roof. Each cabin has its own mosaic-floored outdoor garden shower and sink. Two small locally hand crafted Bamboo Tiki Tents for 2 people including either a double or 2 twin beds are also offered by Ojo del Mar. The tents also have a private outdoor shower but you will have to share a communal bathhouse with all facilities. These tents are spacious and close to the ocean on wooden platforms.

Jungle Spa:

After spending the whole day in many types of activities you can take a magical massage from capable hands while enjoying the dazzling ocean under giant palm trees. Therapists of Ojo del Mar have essential ability to be present and loving with their touch.

Food:

You will enjoy delicious meals while staying at Ojo del Mar. All the foods are made from the organic product comes from the organic garden of Ojo del Mar. During breakfast you will enjoy a selection of fresh tropical fruits, homemade granolas, yoghurt, Banana Pancakes with cocnut flakes and cinnamon infused orange syrup, fresh organic eggs with homemade bread or typical Costa Rican Pinto (Rice and Beans) etc. You can take freshly brewed Costa Rican Coffee.  In dinner you will enjoy plentiful meal served by candle light. There is also the arrangement of a seasonally inspired buffet features a selection of either whole food vegetarian, fish or chicken entrees accompanied by a variety of side dishes and a homemade delicious dessert.

Contact:

Ojo del Mar

Cabo Matapalo, Peninsula de OSA, 8203 Puerto Jiménez

Website: http://www.ojodelmar.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ojo-del-Mar/110929992257801?id=110929992257801&sk=info

email: ojodelmar@yahoo.de

tel. 506-2735-5531

Costa Rica is often defined as the Switzerland of Central America because of its cozy way of life, tranquil democracy and huge organic splendor. The waves are fantastic, the natural elegance is spectacular as well as the slower pace is viral. A relaxing getaway in a peaceful community, this unusually lovely small nation draws in above 1.5 million travelers annually. If you wish to encounter a journey to Costa Rica, bear in mind its two changing seasons – the dry and rainy seasons. It is fascinating to be aware that most of the coldest temperatures are registered throughout the beginning of the dry months or “summer”. Weather is, needless to say, a complex phenomenon, and there are numerous elements of the weather conditions in Costa Rica which are really worth analyzing in more detail, including the effects of wind, rain, and topography. Nevertheless, throughout the rainy season, also called the green season, that is in April through November, you can find less expensive rates.

The abundant tropical climate encourages tourists to explore nature and to actively participate the folks, to feel the pure beauty of the around countryside, and toinvolve themselves in the energetic lifestyle that lets Costa Ricans to appreciate a quality life and longevity that’s the envy of the world. Volcano lovers have proclaimed Arenal the third nearly perfect volcanic cone on earth. On clear evenings lava flows can be dramatic, specially when seen while immersing in a naturally-heated hot springs at one of the surrounding thermal resorts. The perfect tropical rain forests and the pure elegance of the Osa Peninsula makes this place one of the most gorgeous places in Costa Rica. For those who are more daring, there is an evening tour about the exciting bugs and other creepy crawlies within the area.

A lot of the small hotels in Costa Rica usually give a more home-like atmosphere with smaller sleeping rooms and comfortable spaces. Typically manage as a good family business venture enterprise, these kinds of hotels are wonderful representation of the practices and lifestyle of Costa Rica. It is a wonderful venue for enhancing your Spanish language plus they can render personalized services. You could possibly would like a elegant service to maximize your trip, you can also find many big hotels guaranteeing a luxurious accommodation. These hotels offer high class at its best when you want to have a good time and extremely stress-free vacation. Everything shall be served right at your doorstep.

In Costa Rica, pretty much everywhere you look there is a fun activity in store for you. The activities depend on your local area in the united states. In rainforests, you can go birds-sightseeing and you’ll be amazed seeing them soar above in groups. There are English-speaking tips that can help and teach you in and around the forests. Costa Rica is home to more than 800 species of fish apart from the great number of animals and birds. Fishermen will definitely have a great time fishing in Costa Rica’s crystal clear, azure marine environments to catch some of the tropical fish.

There are actually two oceans to choose from: the Pacific and the Caribbean, whose overflowing maritime life is visible whilst snorkeling or scuba diving. In addition, Costa Rica comes with a great welcoming ambiance and superb scenery!

According to what area of the country you are in there are a few local hubs you can go to get to another city in the same region. Rural or small cities can be served just by one bus each day, but you can get there. Remember that even though these buses may look to operate on a relaxed schedule they leave on the dot to the minute and they will leave you behind even when you have purchased a ticket ahead of time! For all of the shuttle transport routes, there’s more than one stop-over during the trip where travelers can stretch out, make use of the comfort rooms, and also have a snack. They go all the most prominent holiday destination of the country. If you like to be on speed boats and relish the waters, you could travel by taxi boat. You are able to cross the Gulf of Nicoya by using these water cabs coming from the coastline of Jaco to Montezuma, or vice versa.

More great places in Costa Rica:

AguaVista – Montezuma town cabinas with beautiful views
www.atrapasuenos.net – Santa Teresa Hotel and Rental Villa with pool
Casa Divina Rental Villa – Vacation rentalnear toMontezuma
Hotel Casa Zen – Hotel Casa Zen by the beach and specializing in yoga
The Costa Rica Weather Center.com – Weather reports for the country of Costa Rica
Costa Rican Vacation – Trips and tours for the St Teresa area of Costa Rica
delmarsurfcamp.com – Santa Teresa surfing and surf camps in the country of Costa Rica
Hotel Fuego – Quality Mal Pais lodge
Funky Monkey Santa Teresa – Good Santa Teresa and Malpais Hotel for surfers in beautiful Costa Rica
La Escuela del Sol – Montezuma Area school specializing in yoga and spanish
Montezuma Butterfly Gardens – Bed and Breakfast with a butterfly park in the Southern Nicoya Peninsula
Montezuma Surf School – Surf center with operatons in Montezuma, Costa Rica
NicoyaZoom.com – Nicoya peninsula guide featuring lots of helpful info
Ono Cuisine – Mal Pais Private Chef
www.purasonica.com – Internet radio based out of the beach town of Santa Teresa and Malpais
PuraVidaAdventures.com – Surf Camp in the beach town Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Rancho Itauna Santa Teresa – Gorgeous beachfront hotel on Playa Carment, Santa Teresa
Shaka – Surf Retreat and Hotel with Yoga
Zumatours.net – Montezuma Tours specializing in ATV rentals, surf lessons, water taxi etc

The origins of surfing,  a water sport in which athletes ride breaking waves into shore on a piece of specialized equipment called a surfboard, are at least 500 years old, and possibly even older. The earliest surfing took place in Polynesia, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. These days people surf all over the world – wherever there is a wave.

Surfing is a great activity for both your body and your soul. Surfing in general does promote great health and overall mental wellness. The health benefits of surfing are numerous-

• Good for Cardiovascular and heart health
• Surfing provides a great aerobic workout
• Treading water is a great cardio workout
• Tones the body muscle
• Increase endurance and energy
• Perfect exercise for Back, Shoulders and Legs

Many popular surfing destinations have surf schools and surf camps that offer lessons. Surf camps for beginners and intermediates are multi-day lessons that focus on surfing fundamentals. A Surf camp or Surf resort is a destination for surfers to enjoy the waves, views and relaxed vibe at one of the best surf spots in the world. Most of the surf camp offer packages for new surfers and help them become proficient riders.

Some surf camps offer overnight accommodations, meals, lessons and surfboards while some other offers only surfing lessons.Most of the instructors use longboards while teaching new surfers because these boards have more paddling speed and stability than shorter boards. That why longboards are very popular among the beginners. Some instructors and learners prefer Funboards. These boards combine the volume and stability of the longboard with the manageable size of a smaller surfboard.

One to one surfing class is best for beginners. But most of the surf camps offer group classes as they are cheaper. Another benefits of group class is that it allows the learners share their feelings, fear and joy with others. Most of the popular surf camps are located such in place that offer perfect surfing conditions for beginners, as well as challenging breaks for advanced students. Surf spots more conducive to instruction typically offer conditions suitable for learning, most importantly, sand bars or sandy bottom breaks with consistent waves. There is one major requirement for anyone considering taking up the Sport of Kings. You need access to an ocean with rideable waves. Surf camps ensure you get the best rideable waves.

Wipe out the idea of a beach getaway spent just gazing at waves from the sand. Surfing vacations put you in the middle of the action—whether you’ve never touched a board or are a veteran wave-rider.