Month: October 2013

Costa Rica is internationally famous and recognized for the diversity and density of its natural resources and for the fabled kindness of its inhabitants. Just as tourist tastes are varied, so are the tourist attractions that Costa Rica offers in the form of natural beauty, sun and sea, hospitality, history, adventure, and fun. You will sense that Costa Rica is more richly diverse, fully committed to conservation and increasingly receptive to the economic wisdom of preserving its wealth of flora and fauna for generations to come. Costa Rica possesses some of the most diverse geography on the planet. Volcanoes, mountains, dry forests, wetlands, and cloud forests make this small country a nature-lovers playground.

Costa Rica is traditionally divided into six geographic zones; Caribbean, Central Valley, Central Pacific, the “Dry Region”, the Plains and the South. The backpacker, hiker or other traveler will consider mainly the beaches, the cloud forests and its many parks. The country is a top touristic destination in Latin America, attracting tourists from all over the world drawn by Costa Rica’s impressive biodiversity; from an active volcano to natural beaches, abundant wildlife to thrilling natural forests and the rich cultural diversity. Costa Rica stands out from the rest of Central America for a long list of reasons that include social guarantees, a high literacy rate, a peaceful and democratic government and world-famous conservation efforts.

In Costa Rica the visitor can enjoy lovely tropical beaches, the grandest adventures, the wonders of nature, scintillating culture, all the necessary components of an ideal vacation. Costa Rica is located in the Central American isthmus, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is a privileged destination because of its location in the middle of the Western Hemisphere. Characterized by impressive scenic beauty, the consolidated system of protected areas, the beaches, and the warmth of the locals, make Costa Rica the ideal place to enjoy a magnificent vacation. Costa Rica is one of the world’s most popular destinations for eco-tourists. Most visitors can get into Costa Rica without the need of a Visa and can stay in the country for 90 days. Costa Rica requires Indian citizens to be in possession of a valid visa when they arrive.

Costa Rica is world famous for having an incredibly high level of biodiversity throughout its tropical forests (this covers what you may hear referred to as rain forests, cloud forests, and dry forests). Birding in Costa Rica is an extraordinary experience. Costa Rica offers to birders great birdwatching opportunities within relatively short distances, involving very diverse habitats in the six ornitologic regions of the country, from sea level to high mountains above 11.000 f.a.s.l. Costa Rica’s beaches rank among the best in the world. With more than 1,200km (750 miles) of shoreline on its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica is the number one destination for lovers of the sea and for those seeking a close contact with Mother Earth. As a country with dual coastlines, a tropical climate and a firm commitment to the continued preservation of its natural wonders, Costa Rica is a heavenly place for the tourists.

Yoga is an ancient philosophical practice which helps us harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. This technique consists of many physical, mental, emotional workouts and also some breathing exercises, meditation processes. If we think about physically, Yoga enhances well-being and brings balance, flexibility, strength and liveliness. On a mental level, Yoga improves our concentration, memory, focus, steadiness, and sharpens intellect. Ultimately Yoga helps us to maintain a happy, healthy, peaceful, harmonious and balanced life.

 

In today’s busy life, people have to face many problems which create enormous stress on their mind and they want to overcome all the stresses. So many of them join Yoga studios and seek proper guidance of an expert Yoga teacher. As the demand of Yoga studios are increasing, the profession of being a Yoga teacher is also getting popular. There are many Yoga studios and retreats which our now arranging Yoga teacher training program. Yogis who are practicing Yoga for several years and experienced enough, they can take Yoga teacher training and after completing the training properly, can start own studio and guide other people how to practice Yoga.

 

A typical Yoga Teacher Training program usually offers highly trained aspiring teachers, current teachers, and serious students get the opportunity to deepen their practice, unlock their potential and also get a nurturing team environment in which they will learn to evolve as teachers, will be able to make a career out of yoga and transform their lives through yoga.

 

Yoga teacher training program is not only for the participants who want to become Yoga teacher but also for those people who want to enhance teaching skills or wish to develop personal practice. Participants will be able to enrich personal practice and teach authentically.  This type of training program is not only designed to shed light on different aspects of Yoga, but actually to teach the participant how to lead a safe, effective and fun class.  Here are some essential points which are usually included in a Yoga teacher training:

 

1. The participant will learn how to develop a teaching manual.
2. Learn how to organize a comfortable, sound and beautiful place for the students.
3. Learn what types of yoga equipments they will refer to the students to use in class.
4. Learn teaching etiquette such as taking permission before touching the students.
5. Learn how to give safe and effective guideline to the students so that they can practice without getting any injury.
6. Learn how to sequence physical postures in a fluid manner and also the breathing exercises.
7. Learn how to encourage and inspire the students.
8. Learn what should be the body language and how to teach with voice and hands.
9. Learn how to understand the student’s physical and mental condition.
10. Learn how to develop presentation and communication skills so that he/she can deliver a class in a concise manner.
11. Learn how to develop connectivity with all students.
12. Learn the business side of running a Yoga studio by marketing properly.

 

Though there are some common criteria, each and every Yoga teacher training program is different in their approach. While deciding to join a Yoga teacher training, one should know properly about the method that program will include and should ensure whether that particular method the participant will follow in his/her Yoga profession or not. If anybody wants to make a career based on Yoga, he/she must take training under the guidance of an expert. 

Scuba diving is a very popular sport. Not as popular as some participation sports like Football or Rugby, but Scuba diving has become a hobby for thousands of people who wish to explore the waters. SCUBA stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. Let’s be more specific. Actually Scuba diving is swimming underwater using a cylinder of compressed gas to breathe. It gives greater flexibility than normal diving wherein the divers have to hold their breath and follow breath holding techniques. It’s a great opportunity to watch what life is like in the underwater in lakes and oceans. Most of the divers, amateur or professional, love to explore oceans waters. But there are some divers who enjoy diving in lakes or a river’s waters.

Scuba diving has a lot of health benefits. It’s an alternative workout, a combination of cardio and strength training. Diving can be said to be a great cardiovascular exercise. That’s why so many Yoga Retreats are including Scuba Diving as a recreational activity. Scuba Diving is perfect Stress buster. This benefit alone is more than enough to have one try scuba diving today. Scuba diving reduces blood pressure and increases flexibility. It’s an amazing opportunity to get the sensation of flight, experience serenity and bliss.

Scuba diving resorts offer diving opportunity for those who have never tried scuba diving before. You do not need to hold a Scuba License to join Scuba Diving Resorts. You just need to be physically fit enough to dive underwater.  Even if you’ve never dived before, beginners diving sessions will have you experiencing a whole new underwater. Most of the resorts offer short but comprehensive training on scuba diving. Once you feel comfortable, your instructor will take you in the pool to help you learn basic scuba skills. After completing this short training, guest are guided by one or more expert Scuba Dive instructors to dive underwater. Some Scuba diving resorts offer advanced level diving sessions for those who have experiences in Scuba Diving. These Scuba sessions are for the divers who want more excitement and adventure. There are some Scuba Diving Resorts which offer customized vacations, including flight, hotel, and dive options. Some offer accommodations and other retreat activities like Yoga, Surfing and Hiking.

There is no better way to more effective health benefits than a stay at a health retreat. Health retreats are designed to cure and revitalize the body and mind. Yoga retreats focus on Yoga, while Pilate retreats focus on Pilates. But health retreat is different. It gives you the opportunity to completely get rid of your worries and day to day stress, and experience a total transformation with new activities and a new environment. Health Retreats are comprehensive programs which include diet, exercise, meditation, yoga/pilates and detox. Health Retreats introduce way of healthy living that leads to sustainable weight loss and good health. Health Retreats are offered in a relaxed manner with rejuvenation, wellbeing and relaxation being the essence.

Health Retreats focus physio-psychological wellbeing. The retreats are enhanced by meditation, spa, visiting places of interest. Some Health Retreats offer other leisurely activities including cooking, hiking, surfing and snorkeling/scuba diving.

On a Health Retreat, feel more grounded, composed and more in touch with your inner-self. Health Retreat is an excellent opportunity to spend time and get inspired by like-minded people from all walks of society who are investing their energies in self-development and self-discovery.

Different Health Retreats offer different facilities. But most of them include 5 things. Proper Rest, Proper Diet, Exercise, Eco-friendly environment and combination of enough fresh air, sunshine and water.

Sufficient rest is essential for a person’s health and well-being. Often we underestimate the importance of rest for good health. Chronic rest deprivation may cause weight gain by affecting the way our bodies process and store carbohydrates, and by altering levels of hormones that affect our appetite. Health Retreats help us focus on proper rest.

A proper diet will include foods that give you energy so that your body can perform its basic tasks and it enables you to meet your daily nutritional needs and enjoy a higher overall quality of life.

Most of the Health Retreats offer Yoga or Pilate classes while some other offer Martial Arts or Reiki. Some Health Retreats have the facility of Spa or Thai Massage. Health Retreats are usually offered in a eco-friendly location have enough fresh air, sunshine and clean water.

Costa Rica Greenbuilding – Greenbuilding and sustainable construction in Costa Rica

All Inclusive Resorts Costa Rica – Guide to Costa Rica’s all-inclusive hotels, resorts, yoga retreat centers

Costa Rica Yoga – Yoga teacher training, Costa Rica surf camp, and yoga retreats in Montezuma.

Guide to Costa Rica’s Beaches – Beaches in Costa Rica – Jaco, Tamarindo, Nosara, Samara, Malpais Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Tambor, etc

Costa Rica Tours – Everything Costa Rica related to travel and tourism

Sailing in Costa Rica – Sailing and cruises in Costa Rica

Eyeoftheblackbird.com – The world’s best yoga retreats

Medellin/Medellin Travel Guide – Travel and Tourist information for Medellin Colombia

Malpais Hotels – Santa Teresa and Malpais Accommodations Guide

Malpais and Santa Teresa Vacation Rentals – Malpais Vacation Home Rentals

Montezuma-realestate.com – Real estate in Montezuma, Costa Rica

Ranchodelicioso.com – Green community, permaculture learning center, organic gardens

Roatanguide.net – Travel, hotel, restaurant, and scuba diving resource for Roatan, Honduras.

Santa-teresa-maps.com – Maps, hotels, surfing guide, and tourism guide for Santa Teresa and Malpais, Costa Rica

Serendipitytraveler.net – Worldwide yoga retreat reviews

Costa Rica Sportfishing – Sportfishing and boating in Costa Rica with reviews of outfitters

Travelincostarica.net – Costa Rica travel help and information

Yoga retreat is a combination of yoga practice and vacation. Experts from the University of Pittsburgh and Radboud University both said that people got more energy and felt more fulfilled a life on vacation. When you add yoga to your vacation it becomes more rejuvenating and revitalizing.

Most people take a vacation to get away from the hectic city life. But the average vacation time for workers in the US is 14 days, that doesn’t leave much leverage for going anywhere and really unwinding from your daily life. So we need to add some extra events to our vacations. That’s why yoga lovers are increasingly spending their hard-earned holidays to deepen their yoga knowledge by combining vacation on exotic places with intensive yoga programs. And they’ll go to any length to dive deeper into the enthralling field of yoga. They want to obtain a deeper understanding of yoga during their next vacation.The result – Yoga Retreats.

Most of the yoga retreats usually take place in a very beautiful and energetic environment to fully charge and then restore balance in body, mind & soul. Retreat locales are as varied as the yoga postures, ranging from expensive resorts that provide celebrity instructors and bonus activities like language classes, alternative healing, sunset cruises, and tequila tastings, to rustic lodges where the focus is limited to yoga and inner journey.

Some retreats have opportunities for meditation, energetic therapy and massages. Some of the yoga retreats offer free time for relaxation or body massage while some others offer snorkeling, hiking and surfing. Some also offer alternative treatments like Aqua therapy, Thai massages, Ayurveda, and Reiki. There are some special yoga retreats which offer fire-dancing, swimming and aerial exercises.

A true Yoga retreat is not a destination; rather it’s a transformational journey, an opportunity to rediscover your inner self, an amazing way to reconnect with the nature.

The Eco Yoga Center was created by Nick and Rachel. They believe in a healthy, happy, carbon free and sustainable lifestyle and Eco Yoga Center is the reflection of their belief.  This center is totally off-grid. It is powered by 550Kw hydro turbine and a large bank of solar panels. It is built in a luxurious way but Eco friendly. This center is set in magnificent Scottish scenery. You will enjoy the beauty of hills, rivers and forests.

Yoga studio:

While staying in this retreat you will get the opportunity to learn  the art of Yoga from some of the finest Yoga teachers in the world. You will enjoy the yoga practice in Eco Yoga Center’s glazed studio, overlooking the gorge of the River Leiever. The 50sqm shala is purpose built with under floor heating and a very calming ambience. After completing the Yoga practice while you will enter the deep relaxation in Savasana, you body will be melt into the warmth of the floor and your mind will be soothed gently by the sounds of the nearby waterfalls. 

Accommodation:

The Eco Yoga Centre has 15 bedrooms. In the main accommodation area there are 10 bed rooms including luxurious king sized beds, sofa and also table in a sunny windowed lobby or with the view of the river. Each room has attached toilet and sink. The stone bothy has three bedrooms with double beds and a secret hideaway room with two kids beds in. If needed you can take the main house which has a further two doubles and a kids room with bunk beds. There are several bathing areas and showers to choose from. Inspired by the Japanese tradition of the ‘Sento’ or public bathing house you can soak in the natural wooden hot tubs in the Dome, or if you wish you ca also choose some hideaway bathing spots in the forest or river bank.

Kids Care:

Staff at the Eco Yoga Center can take care of your kids over the age of three whilst you will take Yoga classes. If you are visiting the center with a baby, Eco Yoga Center will arrange services of local babysitters for one-on-one care.

Food:

You will have delicious meals which are made from the product straight from the organic garden of the Eco Yoga center. They make delicious vegetarian dishes. If you join the larger retreats then you will have the meals on the main dining room. There is a workshop Cafe which is another great place to hang out and there you can take great coffee and chat. If you wish to cook up some extra food for adults or kids then you can use the cafe kitchen.

Contact

Eco Yoga Center

Inverliever Lodge
Ford
Argyll
PA31 8RH

Tel: +44 (0)1546 810259

Website: http://www.ecoyoga.org/

Email: info@ecoyoga.org

Star Mountain Jungle Lodge property forms a continuous stretch of forest with Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica’s oldest nature reserve. If you want to discover the fascinating wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of Mal Pais, Santa Teresa and the Gulf of Nicoya, this lodge is perfect for you. From the Star Mountain Jungle Lodge, it takes only 15 min drive to reach some of Costa Rica’s most covered surf points. The village and scenic beaches of Mal Pais are only one mile away downhill and it is only 30 min drive  from Star Mountain.

If you are interested in adventure trip abound in the dry rain forest and on the beach or want to spend some tranquil time to decompress, Star Mountain Jungle Lodge will offer you an oasis where the only sounds you will hear are the grousing of howler monkeys and a symphony of birds.

Accommodation:

The whole Lodge:

Star Mountain can be rented by a family or a group. This accommodation is for up to 16 adults have 2 triple rooms, comprised of 2 double rooms, and the house with one queen size bed and three single beds but if needed you can ask for extra beds. You will get help from maid services and chef service can be arranged.

House with two Bedrooms:

If you go with your family or a group of friends you can stay at ‘Casita’ which is a detached small house, a few steps from the swimming pool. In this Casita there is one room with beds for 2-4 people and another bedroom with a queen size bed. Both rooms share a bathroom with hot water shower. Casita equipped with a room safe, ceiling fan and desk.

At breakfast you will have bread, jams, fresh fruit, juices, yogurt, cereals and eggs. Here you lunch or dinner will not be served but if you request a private chef will arrange something.

Hotel Rooms:

Star Mountain Jungle Lodge’s guest rooms are arrayed hillside and are fronted by a sitting porch which looks out into the garden. Two bedrooms have a queen size bed, the other two have a queen size bed and a single bed. All the rooms are warmly decorated, have private bathroom with hot water shower, room safe, a mini fridge and ceiling fans.

Yoga Studio:

Yoga studio of Star Mountain Jungle Lodge is set in a jungle clearing that was used to cultivate bananas. You will practice Yoga poses on its  700 square foot (64 square meter) teak hardwood platform . While practicing, you will listen the sounds of birds and monkeys as a symphonic backdrop.  Here you will feel a healthy and fulfilling connection with nature. During your free time you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, surfing or just take some rest in its pool area.

Contact

Star Mountain Jungle Lodge

Website: http://starmountaineco.com

Jicaro Island Ecolodge was developed in harmony with the surrounding nature and local community. It is one of the best high-end nature Eco resorts located on a private island in Lake Nicaragua. This Eco lodge  is located just a short boat ride from the colonial town of Granada from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Mombacho Volcano across the lake. If you have become bored in the busy daily life then this Eco lodge is the perfect place for magical island experience filled with peace and tranquility and access to a wide variety of activities including zip lining, hiking, bathing in hot springs and exploring the colonial treasures of Nicaragua. 

Accommodation:

There are nine private two story casitas where you will stay and enjoy the tours and activities as well as wellness and yoga retreats.These casita are perfect setting for romantic escapes and wellness retreats on the secluded island of Nicaraguan. There is a open kitchen which serves Nicaraguan fusion cuisine using local and organic ingredients in an open air setting overlooking Mombacho volcano. The nine casitas on the island all have lake views and are within a short walk from the pool, restaurant, and wellness center. Casitas are two stories include a king size bed on the second floor, a private bed room and a spacious living area on the first floor and this living room is connected to an outside deck overlooking the lake. All the furniture of these Casitas are made locally from Rainforest Alliance certified wood. You can spend some relaxing time on the oversized hammock with your favorite book and feel the peace of the magical lake. In each Casita you will find ceiling fans, mosquito net, large doors and windows for cross ventilation and also Eco-friendly amenities.

Yoga:

If are a Yoga lover and want to reconnect with your own inner self and leave your hectic lives behind for a few days then Jicaro Island Eco lodge is the ideal place for you. You can enjoy Yoga sessions as well as a variety of massage and wellness treatments. You will also have healthy local cuisine, enjoy the local staff and the authenticity of the overall experience. You will enjoy serenity and tranquility. Each day you will enjoy Yoga classes. Right on the lake the wellness center is located and this wellness center offers two spectacular open air treatment rooms with private showers. Massages range from Swedish to Shiatsu to Hot Stone treatments and are available on a daily basis for our guests.

You will also enjoy many other activities including bird watching tour, Isletas boat tour, Sunrise and Sunset Kayaking, Horseback riding and Canopy tours etc.

Contact

Jicaro Island Ecolodge

Website: http://www.jicarolodge.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JicaroEco

Blogg: blog.jicarolodge.com

email: info@jicarolodge.com

Call: (505) 2558-7702
(505) 2552-6353

Black Sheep Inn Eco Lodge is a great place for arranging Eco workshops including sustainable architecture, recycling, sustainable architecture etc, Volunteer Vacations-community aid work, Health Retreats-Meditation, Yoga, Well-being and fitness, Creative Wrokshops- Artists and Writers. Corporate Team Building and Empowerment Training, family events like reunions, weddings, birthdays or other celebrations also can be held in this place. Black Sheep Inn’s Eco friendly location offers many types of adventure trip including horseback riding, hiking, riding and excursions etc. Mission of Black Sheep Inn is to provide comfortable, educational experience for the guests, teaching about the local area, customs and Permaculture, while contributing to and improving the community and the natural environment. 

Location:

This eco lodge is located just outside of the rural village of Chugchilan at over 10,400 feet in elevation.  You do not need to go far to explore the beauty of the area. The lodge faces East across the Rio Toachi Canyon.

Accommodation:

The lodge is decorated with all the things you need for comfort. After reaching the lodge you will find a home like environment. There are deluxe room with private bath and standard private rooms with shared bathroom.  You can get relaxed around the self-designed wood-stove fireplaces, enjoy the  comfortable chalet-like lodge, play scrabble and sip a glass of Ecuadorian Rum or a hot chocolate, take a hot shower, and enjoy some vegetarian dish. After hiking you can practice some Yoga in the Yoga studio or get relaxed in the sauna and hot tub.

Yoga studio:

Black Sheep Inn have a big, open mult-function room which is a great place for stretching and Yoga, practicing bouldering on the rock climbing wall, or for taking nap in the hammocks, or for meeting or conferences, presentation or workshops, or if you wish you can just simply enjoy solitary time with a cup of tea or coffee. You will have a key to the Yoga studio which will let you whenever you wish.

Food:

You will enjoy delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner which are included in the prices all meals are wholesome vegetarian. At 7 pm dinner is served in family style and it will be an unforgettable feast for you. You will enjoy vegetarian Shepard’s pie and eggplant parmesan.   If you are staying at Black Sheep Inn for a long period of time then you will get the opportunity to enjoy  a special breakfast of Pancakes and Jazz served in every Sunday. You will also enjoy thick American pancakes piled high with fresh fruit salad, homemade sugarcane syrup, butter and jam. There will also plenty of tea and strong steaming hot coffee available for you. You will just enjoy the food listening to Preservation Jazz Hall Band, Dave Brubeck, Louis Armstrong, Dave Brubeck, Stan Getz and Ella Fitzgerald, and many more.

Contact

Black Sheep Inn

P.O. Box 05-01-240   ·  Chugchilán, Cotopaxi, Ecuador   ·  South America
telephone: (593) 3 – 270-8077

Website: http://blacksheepinn.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blacksheepinn