Yoga - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-28T14:31:02Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/YogaNepal Yoga Trek A Journey to Self-Discovery and Wellnesshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/nepal-yoga-trek-a-journey-to-self-discovery-and-wellness2024-03-21T13:59:08.000Z2024-03-21T13:59:08.000ZPathfinderTrekshttps://tripatini.com/members/PathfinderTreks<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12403101289?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Going on a Nepal Yoga Trek is more than just a trip through the beautiful Himalayan landscapes. It’s a special experience that helps you learn more about yourself and your well-being. This mix of adventure and mindfulness lets you connect with nature, culture, and your inner self in a meaningful way. Let’s explore what makes a Nepal Yoga Trek a journey to discovering yourself and staying healthy.</p><div id="ez-toc-container" class="ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction"><div class="ez-toc-title-container"><p class="ez-toc-title">Table of Contents</p></div></div><div class="ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction"><ul class="ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1"><li class="ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4"><a class="ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1" title="Mindful Trekking with Yoga" href="https://pathfindertreks.com/nepal-yoga-trek/#Mindful_Trekking_with_Yoga">Mindful Trekking with Yoga</a></li><li class="ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4"><a class="ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2" title="Yoga Amidst Nature" href="https://pathfindertreks.com/nepal-yoga-trek/#Yoga_Amidst_Nature">Yoga Amidst Nature</a></li></ul></div><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><span class="ez-toc-section"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}12403101276,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}12403101276,RESIZE_710x{{/staticFileLink}}" width="710" alt="12403101276?profile=RESIZE_710x" /></a></span></h4><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><span id="Mindful_Trekking_with_Yoga" class="ez-toc-section"></span>Mindful Trekking with Yoga</h4><p>Mindful trekking on a Nepal Yoga Trek means paying close attention to the journey and feeling a strong connection with the beautiful surroundings. As you walk through the different landscapes of the Himalayas, every step is a chance to be mindful, appreciating the stunning views. The steady rhythm of walking, along with the sounds of nature, creates a kind of meditation that helps you stay fully in the moment. Yoga sessions, included in the trek, make the mindfulness even stronger.</p><p>They let you match your breath with your movements while surrounded by the amazing mountains and nature. Mindful trekking isn’t just about getting to a place; it’s about enjoying the whole journey, being aware of your senses, and feeling the mountains bring a deep sense of peace and connection with the present moment.</p><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /><h4 class="wp-block-heading"><span id="Yoga_Amidst_Nature" class="ez-toc-section"></span>Yoga Amidst Nature</h4><p>Practicing yoga in nature is a special and peaceful experience that combines the ancient art of yoga with the beauty of the outdoors. Imagine being in the midst of nature during a Nepal Yoga Trek, surrounded by big mountains, green forests, and beautiful scenery. In these surroundings, yoga sessions become a chance to discover more about yourself and find inner peace.</p><p>Whether you’re doing yoga poses with tall mountains in the background or meditating in a quiet valley, the mix of yoga and nature creates a peaceful place for your body, mind, and spirit. Breathing and moving with the natural surroundings make yoga even more calming and mindful. Doing yoga outside of a regular studio lets you feel comfort and inspiration in the outdoor beauty, turning each session into a time for self-thinking and feeling connected to the Earth.</p><p><a href="https://pathfindertreks.com/nepal-yoga-trek/" target="_blank">Read More</a></p></div>Traveling to Thailand? Don't Miss These 7 Dreamy Yoga Studioshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/traveling-to-thailand-don-t-miss-these-7-dreamy-yoga-studios2020-03-12T07:18:19.000Z2020-03-12T07:18:19.000ZPatricia Keyshttps://tripatini.com/members/PatriciaKeys<div><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009445090,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009445090,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9009445090?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Thailand is known as the ‘land of smiles.’ If you’ve been to Thailand, you know, it’s because almost everything about this beautiful country fills your heart up with joy and peace. Pristine beaches, magical islands, deep spirituality, and an abundance of coconut water – this land has so much to offer.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Among some of its offerings, <a href="https://www.retreatkula.com/yoga-retreats-in-thailand" target="_blank">yoga retreats in Thailand</a></span><span style="font-weight:400;"> require a special mention as they draw millions of people every year to this exotic land. If you wish to be a part of a yoga program in Thailand, here are the seven best </span>yoga studios in Thailand<span style="font-weight:400;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /></span><b><br />Sunny Yoga</b></p><p></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Located in Koh Phangan, Sunny yoga is one of the most reputed yoga studios. It is led by sunny, who is one of the best yoga teachers who is full of zest and love for life. Her teaching style is unique and creative.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Sunny is one of the most grounded and warm-hearted yoga teachers and her classes are enlightening and refreshing. Her love and passion for yoga reflect very clearly in her classes every day.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Sunny and Aom are the two yoga teachers that teach here. They teach a mix of Hatha flow and ashtanga vinyasa yoga. Apart from daily yoga classes, Sunny yoga also offers teacher training programs for those that are interested.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p><b>Trika Yoga</b></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Trika Yoga is located in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">This is not one of those yoga studios that are easy. The teachers here are excellent at what they do, and they will push you to your highest potential.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Expect a lot of sweating and hard work, but also expect to reap the benefits of that hard work you will be putting here at Trika Yoga. The classes here will leave you feeling light, revitalized, and enthusiastic to live a great life outside the yoga mat too.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The teachers here are great at doing physical adjustments and alignments. If you are looking to blow off some steam yoga style, this is one of the best yoga studios for that.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p><b>Shahda Yoga Studio</b></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">This is one of the less popular and under-appreciated yoga studios. Shahda Yoga’s teacher, Era, is brilliant. She is excellent at assessing the needs of the students and customizing the classes accordingly.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">She can tune into what you need according to your level of yoga and design challenging yet relaxing sequences and take you beyond what you think is possible. Practicing with Era is a beautiful and inspiring experience where she will take you on a whole new level of practice and yoga experience.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Her intelligently designed and customized sequences are delivered in a structured and meaningful way. She definitely knows what she is doing, yet her creativity flows as innocently in her classes. </span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The café at Shahda yoga makes some delicious healthy meals and dishes. So, after a yoga class, stop by to have a juice or eat a nourishing and simultaneously delightful snack.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p><b>MahaSiddha Yoga</b></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Hands down, one of the best</span> yoga studios in Thailand<span style="font-weight:400;">, Mahasiddha Yoga, makes you feel at home instantly. Whether you are here for a yoga class or for a retreat, this place will deliver what you truly need.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">The yoga teachers are passionate about what they do and deliver a perfect balance of yoga concepts and practical tools for you to have a holistic experience. They know that both are important – the theory of yoga as well as the practical aspects of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Practicing yoga here, you are sure to experience some life-changing transformations that will further align you to all of life and your life’s purpose. Apart from challenging and reviving yoga asana classes, they also provide enlightening lectures and meditation sessions.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">They simplify complicated yogic topics and asanas, which makes it easier for you to learn and embody the wisdom of yoga in your day to day life.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Some of their yoga students jokingly yet passionately say that this is not only a school of yoga but also a school of life.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p><b>Oasis Yoga Studio</b></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Located on the mystical island of Koh Lanta, Oasis yoga studio does a hundred percent justice to its name. It is a sacred oasis where you can come to dive deep within yourself to get in touch with your innermost self through yoga and meditation.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Their yoga studio is beautifully designed and has the perfect ambiance to practice yoga and meditation. Their yoga teachers are fantastic at what they do and can accommodate beginners and advanced students in their classes.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Their yoga teachers, Farah, and Mona, are exceptional and highly experienced. They create a perfect balance of challenge and relaxation in their classes. Apart from a fantastic yoga experience, their café offers some delicious and soul-nourishing food, so try that out too.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p><b>Ocean Sound Dive and Yoga</b></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Do you love yoga but also have a deep love for the ocean? This is the perfect scene for an ocean dive with some of the best dive instructors in Koh Lanta and some refreshing and relaxing yoga with a fantastic yoga teacher, Iris.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Each yoga class at ocean sound is different, and you wouldn’t find even a drop of monotony in yoga sessions here. No matter what your yoga level is, there is something for you at Ocean sound yoga.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Yoga, good vibes, and deep dives, this place is a perfect mix for a self-loving holiday.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"> </span></p><p><b>Marina Yoga</b></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Peaceful, cozy, and surrounded by Mother Nature, Marina Yoga is a favorite among many yoga enthusiasts. Located in Krabi, you are in for a refreshing and enlightening yoga experience at Marina Yoga.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">They offer not only splendid daily yoga sessions but also daily meditations and <a href="https://www.retreatkula.com/all/thailand/yoga-ttc" target="_blank">Yoga teacher training courses in thailand</a>. Marina yoga is considered a yoga haven in Krabi for yoga enthusiasts and spiritual seekers.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">Marina is also a brilliant reiki practitioner, so you can also go for an energy healing reiki session.</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;"><br /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-weight:400;">People from all over the world travel to Thailand in search of a deep spiritual connection to themselves and life and the remarkable yoga culture in Thailand makes it possible for travelers to find this deep connection and aliveness they are seeking.</span></p></div>Importance of Yoga Teacher training & Ayurveda Foodhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/importance-of-yoga-teacher-training-amp-ayurveda-food2019-04-22T09:56:29.000Z2019-04-22T09:56:29.000ZManoj Rawathttps://tripatini.com/members/ManojRawat<div><p>Professional yoga teachers who have an in depth knowledge about their subject actually trains the teachers so that they learn from the best. The entire atmosphere at the teaching camp is serene and calm ensuring that the students grasp the most out of the situation.</p><p>There are various tenures for which one can avail diversified Yoga teacher training course depending on the subject they are mastering, the level they are in and the time they have at hand.</p><p>The usual Yoga Teacher training courses are as follows</p><p>- <a href="https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/100-hours-yoga-teacher-training-course.php">100 hours yoga teachers training</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/200-hours-yoga-teacher-training-course.php">200 hours yoga teachers training</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/yoga-retreat.php">Two Week Yoga Retreat</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/yoga-retreat.php">One Week Yoga Retreat</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/osho-meditation.php">Osho Meditation Training</a></p><p>- <a href="https://www.mimamsayogshala.com/">Certified yoga teacher training course</a></p><p>It is time that we realize that in order to stay healthy, not only do we need to exercise but also eat healthy. This brings us to the importance of keep body healthy. Now, this is a chapter that is often neglected by most. However, it is important to understand that we will only look or feel as per what we feed our body. The team behind Mimamsa Yogshala understands the importance of eating as per the Ayurvedic Principles. The principles outline that one should only eat as per the Dosha of their body. Each individual has a different Dosha or a combination of Dosha and depending on that their diet should be based for optimum benefit.</p><p>The team at Mimamsa Yogshala in Rishikesh offers various teacher training programs that teaches one about these Ayurveda principles and how to incorporate same in our daily diet. The abled team aids in</p><p>- Making one learn about the basics of Ayurveda</p><p>- Learn more about the spices and herbs</p><p>- Learn about how to help people stabilize their health</p><p>- How to heal people with a proper diet</p><p>- Address ailments in patients with yoga asanas</p><p>- How to Take care of digestive disorder by performing yoga asanas</p><p>- How to extract the maximum amount of nutrients</p><p>- Learn about the various healthy cooking techniques.</p><p>- Know more about identifying the various Dosha’s</p><p>- How to guide people to better diet.</p><p></p></div>Cowboy Skills 101: The Best USA Guest Ranches to Earn Your Spurs This Yearhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/cowboy-skills-101-the-best-places-to-earn-your-spurs-in-20192019-07-03T11:14:28.000Z2019-07-03T11:14:28.000ZBea Villiershttps://tripatini.com/members/BeaVilliers<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009330081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009330081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009330081?profile=original" /></a></p><p>If you're looking to step into the boots of a real cowboy on your riding holiday look no further than Ranch Rider, as the tour operator is run by keen equestrians and horse owners, their passion to help you get more out of your time in the saddle.</p><p>Tony Daly, managing director of Ranch Rider, comments, “Even though branding, roping and cattle work are available activities at most working ranches, there are always subtle key differences in the guest experience from one ranch to another. From the benefits of combining yoga with horse riding to learning to rope with rodeo legends, we’ve prepared a selection of ranch holidays where you can get to grips with being in the saddle in a way that feels tailor-made for you.”</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331058,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331058,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009331058?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Yoga isn’t just a health and wellness booster, as it can also help to improve your experience in the saddle - the physical alignment we strive to achieve when riding horses the same as the alignment we practice in the art of yoga. At Wyoming’s <strong>Bitterroot Working Guest Ranch</strong> they offer several classes each week in the yoga yurt, with guests working on the muscles that are engaged when riding horses.</p><p><br /> More intensive yoga weeks are available over the summer months, focusing on Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (departing 14-21 July) and Hatha Yoga (departing 25 August to 01 September). Visit the ranch on the week beginning 23 June and you will <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/SAVE234pp-350pp-Wyoming-BitterrootRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £351pp:</a> Seven nights from only £1,989pp (two sharing)</strong> including accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £340 and return flight from £895pp. Expect an authentic working ranch experience with plenty of opportunity to herd the cattle, the property surrounded by the Shoshone National Forest, where the ranch’s 450 head of Black Angus and Scottish Highland cattle graze (the ranch has a special permit to ride and operate in what is the first federally protected national forest in the United States). English and Western tack is available along with an exciting cross-country course. </p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331490,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331490,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009331490?profile=original" /></a></p><p><span>With instructors who are members of the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and the NCHA (National Cutting Horse Association), you can certainly look to expand your Western riding skills at the "adult only" </span><b>Colorado Cattle Company</b><span>.</span><span class="m_1075318874468228617gmail-m_8846502994452826290gmail-m_-3414398589918652231gmail-m_-1964524217202975172gmail-m_937589705126741711gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>There is also a Cowboy School on site, the fun games of team penning, team sorting, cutting, tag, cowboy handball and barrel racing teaching you “must-have” cattle handling skills. Visit the ranch in July and August and you'll <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/SUMMERSAVING-420pp-AdultOnly-ColoradoRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £420pp:</a></strong></span><strong> </strong><b>Six-nights</b><span> </span><b>from only £1,370pp (no single supplement) </b><span>including six night’s accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities and taxes. Transfers available from Denver from £100 (per group) and return flight on request. </span></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331893,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331893,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009331893?profile=original" /></a></p><p><span>Montana’s </span><b>Lonesome Spur Working Guest Ranch</b><span> has been under the same ownership for five generations.</span><span class="m_1075318874468228617gmail-m_8846502994452826290gmail-m_-3414398589918652231gmail-m_-1964524217202975172gmail-m_937589705126741711gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>The wranglers here (including a legendary rodeo star and once champion bull rider) follow the traditional cowboy code and old fashioned values of the west by helping friends and neighbours with branding and doctoring their cattle on request.</span><span class="m_1075318874468228617gmail-m_8846502994452826290gmail-m_-3414398589918652231gmail-m_-1964524217202975172gmail-m_937589705126741711gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>The ideal place to earn your spurs, you will have the opportunity to learn to catch and saddle your own horse (under supervision), ride the range and help gather and move the cattle as the days permit. Travel in June and there might be chance to visit the thrilling Cody Night Rodeo. <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/SAVE400pp-MONTANAWorkingRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £400pp:</a></strong></span><b> Six-nights from only £1,000pp (two sharing)</b><span> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities.</span><span class="m_1075318874468228617gmail-m_8846502994452826290gmail-m_-3414398589918652231gmail-m_-1964524217202975172gmail-m_937589705126741711gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>Excludes return flight from £895pp. Offer valid on stays between May 19th – June 29th. Book before 31 March. </span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009332292,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009332292,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009332292?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Covering 4,000 acres, South Dakota’s <strong>Crow Creek Working Ranch</strong> overlooks the scenic Black Hills and straddles two states, giving guests the opportunity to ride across the border into Wyoming. May activities include branding, cattle drives and fun games of team penning. You can expect a truly intensive Western workout in the saddle, as rather uniquely, the ranch takes only four to six guests at a time, the owners running about 500 head of Angus cattle on 5000 to 6000 hectares in three leased locations as well as at their 1400-hectare ranch. <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/DEAL-SouthDakota-CrowCreekWorkingRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £230pp: </a>Six nights from £719pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, ranch activities, use of ranch facilities taxes and transfers from Rapid City. Excludes gratuities as left to discretion, and return flight from £889pp. Offer valid on all May, June and July departures. Book by 30 April.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009332698,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009332698,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009332698?profile=original" /></a></p><p>At Wyoming’s <strong>New Haven Working Ranch,</strong> the owners rear horses, cattle and sheep and there is always plenty of cattle work for greenhorns. Alternative pursuits include pedal boating on the lake, fishing and target shooting. <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/DEAL-Wyoming-NewHavenWorkingRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £250pp:</a> Seven nights from only £1,175pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, ranch activities, use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from Rapid City from £135pp and return flight from £895pp. Offer valid on departures between 18 May to 25 May. Book before 31 March.<br /></p><p>All deals are subject to availability. <strong>Ranch Rider</strong> (01509 618 811; <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/index.php" target="_blank">ranchrider.com</a></strong>) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.</p><p></p><p></p></div>Why you should make your next vacation in 2016 a yoga & surfing retreat in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/why-you-should-make-your-next-vacation-in-2016-a-yoga-surfing2015-12-12T22:07:14.000Z2015-12-12T22:07:14.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009030077,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009030077,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009030077?profile=original" /></a>If learning to surf is on your life wish list and you enjoy yoga – or vice versa – it’s time to <b>make your next vacation in 2016 a</b> <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">surfing and yoga retreat in Costa Rica</a></strong>.</p><p> </p><p>From the <b>rush of catching your first wave</b> to the complete <b>blissful relaxation of yoga on the beach at sunset</b>, you will wonder why you haven’t done this sooner.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009030876,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009030876,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009030876?profile=original" /></a>Engaging in <b>daily activities of surfing and yoga</b>, you naturally step into the <b>flow of nature and the Earth’s energy</b>. Faced with new situations, you learn more about who you are, what you are capable of, and your connection with the world around you.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009030893,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009030893,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009030893?profile=original" /></a> </p><p>On a <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">surf yoga retreat in Costa Rica</a>, not only will you soon be laughing and enjoying good times with <b>new friends</b>, you will <b>take your experiences back home with you</b> to integrate into your daily life – creating a difference lasting far longer than any regular vacation.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031272,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031272,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009031272?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica</b> <b>yoga surf retreats</b> at <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></strong> bring people from all over the world. Besides <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/06/08/costa-rica-crowned-2015-world-surfing-champion" target="_blank">world-class surfing</a> and <b>internationally-acclaimed <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">yoga classes</a></b>, the tropical beauty and exotic nature at the <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> is enough to put you in heaven. The intimate, Bali-style boutique hotel fronts the <b>spectacular <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">beach of Playa Hermosa</a></b>, backed by lush jungle.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008923452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008923452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008923452?profile=original" /></a>Pranamar Villas was named a <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and holds <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence</a>. Santa Teresa Beach</b> is not only a <b>favorite Costa Rica surf spot</b> on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, it also was named one of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">Central America’s top 10 beaches</a> for 2015<b>.</b> </p><p> </p><p><b>Benefits of a surf yoga retreat include</b> surfing lessons, yoga classes, sharing experiences with like-minded people, <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/restaurant.html" target="_blank">healthy food</a>, and <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel/tours-and-activities.html" target="_blank">additional adventures</a> – all in a gorgeous, warm, tropical destination. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">Daily yoga classes at Pranamar Villas</a> with Pranamar yoga director, <a href="http://www.nancygoodfellowyoga.com/#!empower/c869" target="_blank">Nancy Goodfellow</a>, are very popular in the hotel’s beautiful oceanfront Yoga Shala.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009298,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="592" alt="9009009298?profile=original" /></a>You will have plenty of down time to get a soothing massage at the <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/gaia-bodywork-and-wellness/bodywork-and-wellness.html" target="_blank">Pranamar Spa</a>; or to enjoy <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel/tours-and-activities.html" target="_blank">tours and activities</a> like stand-up Paddleboarding, horseback riding, zip lining or hiking; explore the funky cosmopolitan town of Santa Teresa; or simply relax in a hammock and blissfully do absolutely nothing.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032083,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032083,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009032083?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Costa Rica yoga surf retreats</a> at Pranamar Villas fill up fast</b> so make reservations today! For <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-upcoming-events.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a> at <b>Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</b>, see the schedule of upcoming events. </p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Santa Teresa, Costa Rica gets cleaner air with recycled plastic roadshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-costa-rica-gets-clean-air-with-recycled-plastic2015-12-14T18:41:21.000Z2015-12-14T18:41:21.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014270,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014270,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009014270?profile=original" /></a>Come January 2016, schoolchildren in the <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/general/map.php" target="_blank">southern Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica</a> will hopefully <b>breathe easy with cleaner air</b>.</p><p>Roads in front of seven elementary schools in the region, that are now unpaved dustbowls, will be the <b>first in Costa Rica to be made of recyclable plastic</b>, thanks to the <b><a href="http://www.pavetheroad.net" target="_blank">Pave the Road</a> initiative</b>.</p><p>The southern Nicoya Peninsula is one of those <b>iconic Costa Rica tourism spots</b>, where you can find <b>paradise beaches, world-class surf breaks</b>, forested coastline, and charming towns like <b><a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/teresa/" target="_blank">Santa Teresa</a>, <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/malpais/" target="_blank">Malpaís</a>, and Montezuma</b>. Once a surfers’ and backpackers’ secret hideaway, the popular beaches now are filled with eco-lodges, beach bungalows, <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">upscale luxury hotels</a>, yoga retreats</b>, and multi-national restaurants.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014478,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009014478,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009014478?profile=original" /></a>The <b>one main road for the region</b> is mostly paved from the Nicoya Gulf port of Paquera to the town of Cóbano, but <b>roads in the beach communities</b> and side roads are chiefly <b>unpaved dirt</b>. <b>Traffic on the roads kicks up unbearable dust clouds</b> in the dry season, coating vehicles, houses, businesses, schools and people with fine white dust; and creates a <b>muddy pot-holed mess in the rainy season</b>. The area’s <b>5,000 residents suffer from </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2dTVmVXU_g" target="_blank">respiratory and health problems</a> such as asthma, allergies, eye irritations and skin infections. Bacterial road dust enters the open-air schools and harms the health of the schoolchildren.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="567" alt="9009015273?profile=original" /></a>A group of private businesses and the National Laboratory of Testing Materials and Structural Modes (<a href="http://www.lanamme.ucr.ac.cr/" target="_blank">LANAMME</a>) of the University of Costa Rica (UCR), that deals with road and building construction, plan to <b>pave 1.4 kilometers of streets in front of the region’s seven elementary schools with a mixture using recycled plastic</b>. The material comes from <b>three tons of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/hot-news/ocean-pollution-kept-at-bay-on-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">recycled plastic collected by area residents and businesses</a>.</b> The plastic will be crushed and added to the asphalt for paving. The shredded plastic represents 3% of the mixture and can <b>extend the life of the road about 15 years</b>, according to LANAMME. The system currently is <b>used on roads in Holland, Belgium and India</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015669,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015669,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009015669?profile=original" /></a>The <b>Pave the Road initiative</b> was started by Canadian mom, <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/l/the-road-builder-of-montezuma" target="_blank">Kelly Mason</a>, and her children who relocated to Montezuma, Costa Rica a few years ago to pursue a more balanced life in nature. Over the past four years, the initiative has grown into a community of parents, sponsors, and private donors that are helping to reach the goal of <b>paved roads in all of the area communities so that residents can breathe clean air</b>. </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015695,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009015695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009015695?profile=original" /></a>Students of the school in Santa Teresa will be first</b> to receive the new pavement; 200 meters will be covered in January 2016. Schools in Cabuya, Malpaís, San Isidro, Hermosa, and two in the community of Las Delicias will follow soon thereafter. The entire project will <b>help approximately 1,500 schoolchildren</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009016501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009016501?profile=original" /></a>Fixing the road in front of the seven schools will <b>cost $750.000</b>, according to the Pave the Road organization. The initiative led to the creation of the <strong><a href="http://www.greenpavementcompany.com/" target="_blank">Green Pavement Company</a></strong> to provide environmentally safe and certified plastic formulas for each unique road type. The Green Pavement Company employs hundreds of waste pickers to <b>clean out landfills filled with plastic waste</b> which would <b>otherwise release tons of carbon dioxide pollution</b> daily into the atmosphere. The long-term goal is the <b>complete eradication of plastic waste</b> from garbage dumps, rivers, waterways and oceans in Costa Rica.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/new-website-shows-must-visit-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Where to stay on vacation in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008986655?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a>, a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>,</b> is an unforgettable place to stay. Very private <b>guest bungalows, suites and rooms</b> are scattered along the beachfront and in beautiful gardens shaded by huge, old trees. You can enjoy <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/yoga-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">b<strong>eachfront yoga classes</strong></a>, <b>a</b> <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/spa.html" target="_blank">spa</a></strong>, and delicious meals and <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/blog/47-blissful-living-retreat-superfoods-smoothies-at-hotel-tropico-latino.html" target="_blank">superfoods smoothies</a> at the one of the best <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica-restaurant.html" target="_blank">beachside restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>.</b></p><p><b>Hotel Tropico Latino is a business sponsor of the Pave the Road initiative.</b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>What's cooking in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica? Innovative, organic cuisine!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/what-s-cooking-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica-innovative-organic2015-07-25T21:50:41.000Z2015-07-25T21:50:41.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986499,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986499,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008986499?profile=original" /></a>It’s a simple recipe: <b>Fresh, good food</b>.</p><p>The <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Buddha Eyes Restaurant</a></strong> at <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></strong> in <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></strong> has that recipe down to perfection.</p><p><b>Now it’s even better</b>. Known in the popular beach town for its <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/organic-cuisine-scene-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">fresh, healthy, innovative cuisine</a>,</b> Buddha Eyes Restaurant <b>recently changed its dinner menu</b> <b>to bring back old favorites and give diners new dishes</b> to look forward to trying.</p><p>“Over the years, many different chefs had brought their influences to the hotel menu. We wanted to find <b>12 star dishes that really identified Pranamar</b> that we could return to with our dinner menu,” commented Pranamar restaurant manager Randall Gamboa.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008987457,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008987457,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008987457?profile=original" /></a>Dishes like Garlic Prawns Pasta in a delicious zucchini and mint cream</b> – a specialty of Pranamar head chef Claudio “Ciccio” Mazzone. Or <b>local white fish in an exquisite lemon cream</b> accompanied with potato puree and local vegetables, and <b>chicken cacciatore</b> cooked with red wine and kalamata olives accompanied with herbal risotto and local vegetables.</p><p>The new menu is a blend of Costa Rican flavors, and Mediterranean specialties by chef <b>Claudio “Ciccio” Mazzone</b> <b>from Rome, Italy</b>. There are two selections each of vegetarian, white fish, tuna, shrimp, chicken and beef dishes. <b>Every day there are specials</b>, like <b>Napoli Salad</b> with buffalo mozzarella, Italian salami, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes with mixed greens; or <b>eggplant parmesan</b>, from Mazzone’s own grandmother’s prized recipe.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296603057,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296603057,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296603057?profile=original" /></a>Pranamar’s restaurant sources the freshest ingredients</b>, using <b>organic and locally produced products</b> whenever possible – such as fresh produce grown naturally and hydroponically at <b>local organic farm</b> <a href="http://haciendaokhraproject.com/" target="_blank">Hacienda Okhra</a>. Pranamar buys <b>fish fresh each day</b> <b>from local fishermen</b> in Santa Teresa and Malpais. Regional southern Nicoya Peninsula farmers provide the hotel with <b>grass-fed beef and free-range chicken and eggs</b>. The <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">beachfront Santa Teresa Costa Rica hotel</a> also grows some of its vegetables, herbs and fruit.</p><p>Gamboa said they are more than happy to <b>accommodate special dietary needs</b> – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc. The menu notes dishes which can be gluten or dairy free.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008987874,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008987874,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008987874?profile=original" /></a>Overlooking the lagoon-style pool at the <b>Costa Rica beach resort</b>, the <b>open-air Buddha Eyes Restaurant</b> <b>sports relaxed elegance</b> under beautiful high bamboo ceilings. <b>It’s a place where you can feel at home</b>. Kick your shoes off on the tropical wood floor and relax.</p><p>“We are a <b>personalized restaurant where we <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/whats-secret-costa-rica-hotel-pranamar-villas-success/" target="_blank">welcome people like family</a></b>,” said Gamboa. “We’ve brought together a team of people who are local, well-trained, and who value dedication to work. We work together, surf together and have fun together. We’re like family and <b>we want guests to feel like family with us</b> when they come here.”</p><p>The Buddha Eyes Restaurant is <b>open to the public</b> <b>for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week</b>. For reservations, call 2640-0852.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008910282,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-full" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008910282,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008910282?profile=original" /></a>Or better yet, </b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel/facilities.html" target="_blank">be a guest at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</a> and have insider access to the fabulous restaurant.</p><p><b>The gorgeous,</b> <b>Bali-style boutique hotel</b> <b>is</b> <b>right on the beach at </b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Playa Hermosa of Santa Teresa</a> with elaborate <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/bungalows.html" target="_blank">beachfront villas</a> and <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/villas.html" target="_blank">luxury two-story villas</a> built around a free-form pool and tropical gardens. <b>Playa Hermosa</b> recently was honored once again with the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-beach-communities-win-ecological-blue-flag/" target="_blank">Costa Rica Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> for being <b>one of the cleanest beaches in the country</b>.</p><p><b>Pranamar Villas Costa Rica</b> specializes in <b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">yoga classes</a> and <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-upcoming-events.html" target="_blank">yoga retreats</a></b>, and <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-a-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf holidays</a>. The hotel recently was awarded <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence</a>, and <b>was named</b> <b>a</b> <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine.</p></div>5 Exciting Outdoor Activities Around the Historic Indian City of Rishikeshhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/adventure-travel-rishikesh-uttarakharand-india2019-08-07T09:04:07.000Z2019-08-07T09:04:07.000ZRahul Tiwarihttps://tripatini.com/members/RahulTiwari<div><p></p><p></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009264878,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009264878,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009264878?profile=original" /></a></strong></p><p>The shining and smoothly flowing holy Ganges, the chants of prayers coming from the ghats, the music of the river that touches you soul, the scenic charm that rejuvenates your mind and body, and the adventure sports that give you the high. At the foothills of the Himalayans in Uttarakhand state, Rishikesh is known as an ancient city holy to Hindus, but thanks to its location it has also become a go-to place for adventure junkies and backpackers in the recent years - for many, a perfect blend of piousness and adventure. Here are five examples:</p><p></p><p><strong>River Rafting</strong></p><p><br /> If you're an adventure junkie, this hill station is the best spot for trying this adventure water sport. It's so popular in Rishikesh that it is one of the best things to do in here. Except for the monsoon season, you can go anytime during the year. October to June is the best time to feel the cold splashes of the holy water of the Ganges on your face.</p><p></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009264899,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009264899,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009264899?profile=original" /></a></strong><br /> <strong>Camping and Bonfire</strong></p><p><br /> When the hustle and bustle of city life starts to get to you, it is time you take a break and lose yourself in the secluded wilderness of Rishikesh. You'll love spending a few days by the waterside, you can just come out, lie under the open sky and gaze at the stars, or just grab your guitar and hum the songs you love. Best times of year for camping are February to May and September to November, and two top recommendations are Camp Rapidfire and Camp Gold Coast.</p><p></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009265093,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009265093,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009265093?profile=original" /></a></strong><br /> <strong><br /> Mountain Biking:</strong></p><p>If you love this sport, you must try it in Rikesh - it will leave you in awe. Be ready to peddle through its rocky and bumpy terrains, its woods, and muddy trails amd let you adrenaline flow. Rishikesh has many bicycle rental shops that let you have the bike for a day or more. You can also explore its fantastic urban sites on a city bike.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009265879,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009265879,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009265879?profile=original" /><br /></a></strong></p><p><strong>Parasailing And Paragliding</strong></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009265879,original{{/staticFileLink}}"></a></strong></p><p>Want to fly high in the sky? Go parasailing or paragliding in Rishikesh and get a wider and more stunning view of the entire hill station from above.</p><p></p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009266272,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009266272,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009266272?profile=original" /></a></strong><br /> <strong>Yoga<br /></strong></p><p><br /> For an activity that's physical but more sedate, this ancient Indian discipline, this holy city is famous for meditation and full of opportunities and wonderful spots to practice it. You can take yoga classes or sessions on a studio or ashram like Parmarth Niketan Ashram or Omkarananda Ganga Sadan, or go down to the Ganges River and practice yoga by yourself. If you've been under stress because of work or studies or anything, Rikesh will help you bring peace to your mind and body.</p><p></p></div>Top 2018 Horse Trail Rides in the USA, Canada & South Africahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/guest-ranches-usa-canada-south-africa2018-02-20T19:46:28.000Z2018-02-20T19:46:28.000ZSam Wardhttps://tripatini.com/members/SamWard<div><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009232663,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009232663,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009232663?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Family ride at Arizona's White Stallion Guest Ranch</em></span></p><p><span><br /> <br /> With over 80 years combined experience in the saddle, the Ranch Rider team has its hoof to the ground when it comes to the best riding holidays. So, where to hit the trail in 2018? From new cultural cowgirl getaways to award winning horseback safaris, the specialist has rounded up a list of the best equine escapes for the year ahead.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Tony Daly, managing director of Ranch Rider, comments, “2018’s “mane” attraction will be the Gem state. Idaho's Western Pleasure Guest Ranch will celebrate its centenary, and last month, The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) approved the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve - America's first dark sky reserve awarded “Gold Tier”* status."</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>“We also have some exciting new horseback adventures on offer, our new nine night escorted photography and riding safari in South Africa, including outrides in the the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - one of the jewels of country's coastline.”<br /> <br /></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009234273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009234273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009234273?profile=original" /></a><em> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Stargazing in Idaho (c) Idaho Tourism</span></em><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Now one of only 12 in the world, The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) approved America’s first dark sky reserve on 18 December 2017, a total of 900,000 acres in central Idaho, blessed with such pristine skies that intricate interstellar dust clouds are visible in the Milky Way. With thousands already having flocked to Idaho for a glimpse of last year’s solar eclipse, 2018 is on course to be the Gem State’s year for stargazing - and with more than 80% of the world’s population living under light-polluted skies, astro-tourism is being tipped as the next big sustainable travel trend. Combine a starry <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/self-drive/idaho-option-1/" target="_blank">seven night self-drive</a></strong> through central Idaho’s dark sky reserve covering Sun Valley and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (<strong>from £595pp</strong>, two sharing including accommodation and car hire) with a six night stay at the <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/western-pleasure-guest-ranch/" target="_blank">Western Pleasure Guest Ranch</a></strong>. Located in the state’s scenic Panhandle region, the fourth generation ranch featured in <em>USA Today</em>’s list of top 10 guest ranchs in America, and in 2018 guests can expect an even more memorable holiday, as the ranch will celebrate its centenary. Activities include trail riding, cattle work (from eight years), archery and trap shooting. <strong>Six nights on the ranch from £1,549pp (no single supplement) and from £1,180pp (six to 12 years)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £330 and return flight from £889pp. Departures 28 May to 30 September.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009234685,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009234685,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009234685?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Teen team penning at Idaho's Western Pleasure Guest Ranch</em></span></p><p><span><br /> <br /> With more women opting for adventure over pampering, the new Western Women’s Week at <strong>Colorado</strong>'s <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/latigo-ranch/" target="_blank">Latigo Deluxe Guest Ranch</a></strong> is expected to book up quickly. Combining culture with a list of thrilling pursuits, guests will be able to glean insight from real western women - farriers, vets and contemporary cowgirls joining them for the six-night riding holiday. The special week includes, a breakfast ride, sunset ride, horse drawn covered wagon ride, fly-fishing lesson, all-day ride, cattle work, rifle, shotgun and single action revolver shooting, line dancing and live western music, guided hikes and instruction in whip cracking and tomahawk throwing. Departing 03 June. Ideal for the more adventurous, new rock climbing classes will be on offer to guests in throughout the ranch season (departures from June through September). <strong>Six nights from £2,435pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes rock climbing classes, car hire from £330 and return flight from £859pp.</span><br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296634469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296634469,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9296634469?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Saddle up at Colorado's Latigo Deluxe Guest Ranch, with Dee, the ranch's farrier (horseshoer) for over three decades, Lindy their large animal vet, and their neighbours, the Taussig women cattle ranchers </em></span></p><p><br /> <span>An authentic cattle ranch, depending on your date of travel, the activities at Kansas’ <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/flying-w-ranch/" target="_blank">Flying W Ranch</a></strong> might include pasture rotation, feeding and doctoring cattle, while scenic rides, fishing, archery, cowboy polo, hiking and shooting are available throughout the season (June to September). In 2018, guests will be able to wish upon a star, as the working ranch is introducing optional stargazing rides in the Flint Hills - a go-to place for many photographers aiming to capture the constellations on camera. New optional two to four hour guided horseback adventures in the 11,000 acre Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (the only tallgrass prairie within the America’s National Park System) will also be available. Stargazing rides (departing September 14th, September 15th, October 12th and October 13th). Tallgrass Prairie departures to be announced. <strong>Seven nights from £1,734pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes transfers, £185 per group return from Wichita, gratuities, optional stargazing and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve rides and return flight from £859pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235293,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /></a> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235498,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235498,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009235498?profile=original" /></a><em> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Saddle up across Kansas' Tallgrass Prairie on your stay at the Flying W Working Ranch</span></em><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Arizona made Lonely Planet’s top ten list of best value destinations for 2018 and with seven nights at Tucson's <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/white-stallion-ranch/" target="_blank">White Stallion</a> </strong>priced <strong>from only £1,135pp (two sharing) and from £925pp (four to 11 years)</strong>, riding holidays at the guest ranch will be a steal for families travelling over the main summer holidays. While temperatures can soar into the late 30s Fahrenheit during July and August, the ranch boasts an outdoor pool complete with spectacular mountain views and plenty of shady spots where you can escape the heat. The Saguaro National Park was highlighted by the guidebook publisher, and families are welcome on the ranch’s guided Petroglyph Hike - guests visiting the park and learning about ancient forms of communication and the Hohokam Indians, who inhabited the area from 250 through 1450 A.D. Year-round departures. Seven night ranch stays include accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities. Excludes return flight from £879pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236283,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236283,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009236283?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Magical rides through the flowering cacti at Arizona's White Stallion Guest Ranch</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <br /> <span>Also located in Arizona, Sasabe’s historic <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/rancho-de-la-osa/" target="_blank">Rancho de la Osa</a></strong> is introducing a new herd of purebred Criollo cattle - cattle drives and team penning now additional pursuits at the ranch. Launching this year, the Cowgirl and Cowboy Yoga and Horseback Riding Retreat (departing 09 March, 2018), includes horse riding, meditation, and Vinyasa yoga practice. A chance for guests to explore their creative side - a “pop up” open art studio will be available over the course of the four night stay. Price on request. <strong>Seven night stays from £1,469pp (two sharing)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes transfers and gratuities. Year round departures. Excludes return flight from £879pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235897,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235897,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009235897?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Cowgirl and Cowboy Yoga and Horseback Riding Retreat at Arizona's Rancho de la Osa</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span>Utah is about to become a bucket list state for set-jetters, as this spring series two of <em>Westworld</em> will return to our screens - the hit HBO show partly filmed in Castle Valley, near the town of Moab. Ranch Rider offers add on white water rafting holidays starting in Moab - the town already a popular destination for Wild West fans because of its proximity to Canyonlands and the Arches National Park. Make a splash on the <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/adventures/all/cataract-canyon-favourite/" target="_blank">Cataract Canyon Favourite</a> </strong>(a popular extension for guests who book ranch stays in Colorado), the four day expedition including some sensational thrills varying from grade three to grade five rapids along the 100-mile spectacular run through Cataract Canyon National Park. <strong>From £1,039pp (two sharing)</strong> including camping accommodation, guided rafting and hiking, all meals, transfers (from Moab), scenic return flight over Canyonlands NP and shuttle to Moab. Departing 09 April to 15 October. Three night stay in Moab from £207pp (two sharing) accommodation only.<br /> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em> </em></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236472,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009236472?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Western film territory: Devils Garden, Arches National Park, Utah</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <br /> <span>Colorado’s <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranches/zapata-cattle-and-bison-ranch-2/" target="_blank">Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch</a></strong> will launch a Bison & Wildlife Photography Workshop in July, the five-night holiday hosted by award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Jason Savage. A fantastic opportunity for amateur shutterbugs, Jason’s work has already been featured in <em>National Geographic Traveler, Time, Outside</em> and <em>Outdoor Photographer.</em> Guests will explore the San Luis Valley, the unique landscape home to a 2,500 strong herd of wild bison, elk, coyotes, deer, cattle and many resident migrating birds. Group and one-to-one instruction, early morning sessions in the field, afternoon classroom time, and evening tuition on photographing the golden light in the valley are included in the cost of the holiday. Classroom sessions will cover digital workflow, post processing, and lessons in professional editing. Ranch Rider expect Colorado to be a firm favourite with travellers, as United Airlines will launch a new non-stop route from London Heathrow to Denver in March 2018. <strong>Five nights from £2,649pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities (including riding), photography instruction, use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Departing 22 July. Excludes transfers £65e/w per vehicle from Alamosa Airport (up to seven pax) and return flight from £945pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236500,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236500,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009236500?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>2,500-strong wild bison herd at Colorado's Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch (c) Stephen Weaver</em></span></p><p></p><p><span>Ranch Rider is also expecting British Columbia to be popular with travellers. Air Canada is increasing its service from Heathrow to Vancouver with an additional non-stop daily flight for summer 2018 - many of the tour operator’s properties including, the Sundance Guest Ranch, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa and the Siwash Lake Luxury Guest Ranch only a three- to five-hour drive from the Vancouver International Airport. Further afield, the award winning <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/three-bars-ranch/" target="_blank">Three Bars Guest Ranch</a></strong> will be even more accessible, with new flights from Calgary to Cranbrook available through budget carrier Westjet from March, 2018. The ranch is also adding three new cabins to the property including two king suites and a family cabin. <strong>Six nights from £1,619pp (two sharing)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £336 and return flight from £899pp.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009237475,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009237475,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009237475?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Book your holiday at BC's award-winning Three Bars Guest Ranch this summer & stay in their new family cabin</span></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span><br /> In September 2017, the <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/historic-reesor-ranch/" target="_blank">Historic Reesor Ranch</a> </strong>became the first ranch in Saskatchewan to be designated as a Provincial Heritage Property - the awards playing an integral role in the conservation and protection of the province’s heritage. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span>Tony Daly comments, “The riding holidays here reflect the history and heritage of cattle ranching in the Cypress Hills, where five generations have lived and worked. Spanning over 100 years, many of the main buildings, erected between 1906 and 1916, display their original construction and functionality, and even today little has changed in the way of activities, cattle drives, riding fence lines and checking cattle on horseback all part of the seven night stay. A truly authentic ranch experience, even the surrounding landscape is home to living history - ancient Indian legends and noteworthy sites scattered across the terrain.”</span><br /> <span> </span><br /> <span><strong>Seven nights from £1,126pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes car hire from £336, gratuities and return flight from £989pp.</span><br /> <br /> <span> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009237679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" style="text-align:center;"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009237679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009237679?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Herding the cattle at Saskatchewan's Historic Reesor Ranch - now a Provincial Heritage Property</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span>All the more reason to ride in the Rainbow Nation, South Africa made Lonely Planet’s list of best countries to visit in 2018, and <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/triple-b-ranch/" target="_blank">Horizon Horseback Adventures,</a></strong> the outfit offering lodge and tented stays in the malaria free Waterberg region, claimed the title of best riding safari in South Africa at the recent Safari Awards. <strong>Six nights at Horizon from £940pp (two sharing) and from £915pp (five to 16 years)</strong> including accommodation, meals, drinks, ranch activities, game drives, use of ranch facilities and taxes. Excludes return flight from £879pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009238082,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009238082,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009238082?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Let your tweens and teens mingle with the herd at Horizon Horseback Adventures in South Africa</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>Also based in South Africa, the five star <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/pakamisa-kwazulu-natal/" target="_blank">Pakamisa Luxury Lodge</a></strong> is introducing a new <strong>nine-night escorted photography & horse riding safari</strong>, the bush and beach adventure including a five night stay the Pakamisa in Pongola, two nights at Thanda Safari (multiple winner of World's Leading Luxury Lodge) in Hluhluwe and two nights at the Maputaland Guesthouse in St Lucia. The itinerary features outrides in the Pakamisa Private Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, guided Big Five game drives and a photography session with well-known wildlife photographer, Christian Sperka, at Thanda, and a scenic boat cruise on the river estuary at St Lucia. Departing 07 April and 15 September. <strong>From £1,725pp (two sharing)</strong> including accommodation, most meals, all riding and activities. Excludes all beverages, personal expenses, gratuities and return flight from £879pp. Intermediate level riding experience required.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009238663,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009238663,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009238663?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Saddle up for the new nine-night escorted photography & horse riding safari </em><em>at Pakamisa Luxury Lodge in South Africa</em></span><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em><strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com" target="_blank">Ranch Rider</a></strong> (01509 618 811) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150. The tour operator’s complete collection includes handpicked riding holidays in America, Canada, Argentina, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania. To order a copy of the 2018 brochure, please email info@ranchrider.com.</em><br /> <br /></p></div>Attend the Costa Rica National Yoga Festival and escape to Yoga Hotspot Santa Teresa Beachhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-national-yoga-festival-yoga-hotspot-santa-teresa-beach2015-04-01T16:30:00.000Z2015-04-01T16:30:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008854874,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008854874,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008854874?profile=original" /></a><br /> Yoga lovers</b> will definitely not want to miss the <b><a href="http://www.radiopablu.com/2015/03/09/festival-nacional-de-yoga-se-celebrara-en-abril/" target="_blank">National Yoga Festival in Costa Rica</a> in April</b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008939498,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008939498,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008939498?profile=original" /></a>The capital city of <b>San Jose,</b> <b>Costa Rica</b> will host the <b>7th annual National Festival of Yoga</b> from <b>April 16 to 19, 2015</b> at the <b>National Culture Center (CENAC)</b>. The festival is promoted by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AsoyogaCR" target="_blank">Costa Rican Association of Yoga Teachers (ASOYOGA)</a> to spread the practice of yoga throughout Costa Rica.</p><p></p><p class="onecomwebmail-msonormal"><b>Activities at the festival</b> will include yoga classes and workshops, talks, meditation, documentaries, games, healthy foods, handicrafts, cooking classes, massages and artistic activities. On <b>Thursday, April 16</b>, there will be <b>free yoga classes</b> in various yoga centers around San Jose. The <b>official festival opening is Friday, April 17</b>, with activities open to the public in San Jose parks and a gala presentation at 7:00 p.m. at the Theatre of Dance in San Jose. During <b>Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19,</b> <b>activities at the National Culture Center</b> (CENAC) will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.</p><p class="onecomwebmail-msonormal"></p><p><b>After the festival</b>, you should <b>escape to the beach</b> to one of <b>Costa Rica’s hotspots for <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">yoga and surfing</a> – <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Beach</a></b>. Famous for <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga</a></strong>, some of the <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">best surfing in Costa Rica</a> and</b> <b>spectacular</b> <b>Pacific Ocean</b> <b>sunsets,</b> the <b>friendly beach town of</b> <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> is the place to go for <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a>.</b></p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008940865,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008940865,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008940865?profile=original" /></a><br /> You’ll want to plan at least a few days if not a whole week in <b>Santa Teresa.</b> On the <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">southern Nicoya Peninsula</a>,</b> Santa Teresa is known as one of the <b>most beautiful beaches in the world,</b> and was once again named a <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">top beach</a> in the <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice" target="_blank">TripAdvisor 2015 Traveler’s Choice Awards</a>.</b></p><p> </p><p>The place to stay in Santa Teresa is <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a>.</b> The <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> is located on the light sand beach of <b>Playa Carmen,</b> which was recently awarded the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag</a> by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for being <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/03/27/costa-ricas-cleanest-beaches" target="_blank">one of the cleanest beaches in the country</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008858655?profile=original" /></a><br /> Read more about the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/best-ways-get-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">best ways to get to Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a> from San Jose.</p><p> </p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p></div>Santa Teresa again chosen top beach in Central America for 2015https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-once-again-chosen-top-beach-in-central-america2015-02-26T00:20:38.000Z2015-02-26T00:20:38.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><i><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008846501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008846501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="457" alt="9008846501?profile=original" /></a>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p><p></p><p>Famous for its <b>year-round surf</b>, <b>spectacular</b> <b>sunsets</b> and <b>friendly beach town</b>, <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a> was once again named a <b>top beach in Central America</b> in the newest <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice" target="_blank">TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The global travel site announced its <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice" target="_blank">2015 Travelers' Choice Awards</a> on Feb. 18, awarding <b>Costa Rica</b> the honor of having some of the <b>best beaches and hotels in the world</b>.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008815085,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008815085,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008815085?profile=original" /></a>Santa Teresa Beach</b> and <b>Hermosa Beach by Santa Teresa</b> were both listed as <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">Top 10 Beaches in Central America</a> and <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291982" target="_blank">Top 10 Beaches in Costa Rica</a> for <b>2015</b>. These beautiful beaches are found on the <b>western Pacific Coast</b> of the <b>southern Nicoya Peninsula</b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008922477,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008922477,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008922477?profile=original" /></a>Most people <b>come</b> <b>to <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-hotel/how-to-get-there.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></b> for the <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">surfing and yoga</a>. Named by Forbes Magazine as <b>“one of the most beautiful beaches in the world,” Santa Teresa</b> is a long series of light gold and white sand beaches with warm and brilliant blue water, <b><a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-hotel/blog/66-costa-rica-national-surf-competition-set-for-santa-teresa.html" target="_blank">world-class surf</a> conditions</b> and <b>magnificent sunsets</b>. Walking down the pristine beaches, you see no high rises or crowds, only trees, jungle, sand and surf.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008922680,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008922680,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="389" alt="9008922680?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a> is a premier <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica beach resort</a> on the award-winning beach of <b>Santa Teresa</b>. The beautiful <b>Bali-style <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/villas.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa</a></b> specializes in <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">yoga</a>and <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacations</a>. There are <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">daily yoga classes</a> for hotel guests and the public, <b>international <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/yoga/yoga-upcoming-events.html" target="_blank">yoga retreats</a></b> and <b>yoga vacations</b>. See the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">weekly yoga class schedule</a> on Facebook.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008923452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008923452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008923452?profile=original" /></a>The <b>beach in Santa Teresa</b> is the <b>best place to be for sunset</b>, and the <b>place on the beach to be</b> is the <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-hotel/blog/199-new-sunset-bar-opens-at-pranamar-villas-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Sunset Tiki Bar</a> at <b>Pranamar Oceanfront Villas.</b> Especially at low tide, the <b>setting sun reflects its fiery colors</b> in millions of little tide pools in the beach’s exposed reef and turns the sand rosy pink.</p><p><b> </b></p><p>Isn’t it time to plan your <b>escape</b> to one of <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291982" target="_blank">TripAdvisor's best beaches in Costa Rica</a>?</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008923493,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008923493,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008923493?profile=original" /></a> </p></div>Beachfront vacation homes are new place to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/beachfront-vacation-homes-are-new-place-to-stay-in-santa-teresa2015-02-26T00:07:46.000Z2015-02-26T00:07:46.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><span class="font-size-2"><b><i><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921067,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921067,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008921067?profile=original" /></a>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></span></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921287,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008921287,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="228" alt="9008921287?profile=original" /></a>Renting a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/martha-house-santa-teresa.html" target="_blank">vacation home in Costa Rica</a>, especially one at the beach, is a great idea. Stay steps from the sand at beautiful <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> in the new <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/martha-house-santa-teresa.html" target="_blank">beachfront vacation home, Martha’s House</a>.</p><p> </p><p>The two-story octagon-shaped house is just off the beach and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. <b>The house sleeps up to 10 persons</b> with four air-conditioned bedrooms and three baths. Other <b>luxury features</b> include a fully-equipped kitchen, large swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, cable TV, broadband internet and Wi-Fi, and maid service.</p><p> </p><p><b>Martha’s House is managed by nearby <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></b>, and house guests can <b>enjoy all of the hotel’s amenities</b> like the refreshing pool, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/spa.html" target="_blank">beachfront spa</a>, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga classes</a> and fabulous <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/dinning.html" target="_blank">restaurant</a>. The house is still <b>available during Spring Break – Easter holidays</b>, from <b>March 27 to April 12</b>. <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/contact-us.html" target="_blank">Contact Hotel Tropico Latino</a> for reservations.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824269,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008824269,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008824269?profile=original" /></a>Santa Teresa, Costa Rica,</b> on the <b>southern Nicoya Peninsula,</b> is known as one of the <b>most beautiful beaches in the world.</b> It is a top place for <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf holidays</a>, spectacular sunsets, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">yoga retreats</a>, and fun <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/blog-santa-teresa-costa-rica/133-articles/1392-fun-day-trips-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">adventure tours</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a> is a <b>barefoot-luxury beachfront hotel</b> on the light sand beach of <b>Playa Carmen at Santa Teresa.</b> Perfect for <b>travelers who enjoy nature,</b> Hotel Tropico Latino is a place to wander barefoot, relax in a hammock under coconut palms, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surfing-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">learn to surf</a> and <b>practice yoga</b>.</p><p> </p><p>In addition to Martha’s House, Hotel Tropico Latino offers a wide range of <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation.html" target="_blank">accommodations</a>:<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008823664,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008823664,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008823664?profile=original" /></a></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/beach-front-suite.html" target="_blank">Beachfront Suite</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/superior-beach-front-room.html" target="_blank">Superior Beachfront Room</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/beach-front-bungalows.html" target="_blank">Beachfront Bungalows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/beach-front-rooms.html" target="_blank">Beachfront Rooms</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/beach-front-studio.html" target="_blank">Beachfront Studio</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/two-bedroom-house.html" target="_blank">Two Bedroom House</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/garden-view-bungalows.html" target="_blank">Garden View Bungalows</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/garden-view-room.html" target="_blank">Garden View Room</a></li><li><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation/standard-room.html" target="_blank">Standard Room</a></li></ul><p> </p><p></p><p> </p></div>Yoga Vacations in Paradise in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/yoga-vacations-in-paradise-in-costa-rica2017-04-05T23:15:59.000Z2017-04-05T23:15:59.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>Imagine leaving behind the hectic fast pace of everyday life to restore your energy, strengthen your body, and relax your mind amid lush jungle in the sunshine with tranquil 80-degree ocean gulf waters lapping at your doorstep. That's what a Costa Rica yoga vacation can do for you.</p><p><br /> Sounds good, doesn't it?</p><p><br /> Why not make your next yoga class a yoga vacation in paradise at <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/" target="_blank">Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge</a> in Costa Rica.<br /></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296623293,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296623293,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="640" alt="9296623293?profile=original" /></a><br /> The remote eco-lodge near the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/things-to-do/osa-peninsula-golfo-dulce-wildlife.aspx" target="_blank">Osa Peninsula</a> is beachfront on the picturesque Pacific gulf of Golfo Dulce, set on a 165-acre private reserve adjoining the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/things-to-do/national-parks-corcovado-and-piedras-blancas.aspx" target="_blank">Piedras Blancas National Park</a>. Breathtakingly beautiful, this is the place to go to for secluded beaches, lush rainforest, exotic wildlife, and getting away from it all to relax.</p><p><a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/things-to-do/yoga-and-wellness.aspx" target="_blank">Yoga at Nicuesa Lodge</a> is a sensory experience. The all-natural tropical wood yoga deck is positioned on the beach at the gulf’s edge, framed by palm trees and jungle, and covered from the elements. Monkeys and Scarlet Macaws play in the trees. Dolphins and whales frolic offshore. The sounds of nature surround you. Hear the splash of waves. Feel the caress of ocean breezes. Exhale stress and slow down.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009141288,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009141288,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="622" alt="9009141288?profile=original" /></a><br /> Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge offers an exotic destination for yoga instructors to hold group retreats and yoga vacations in Costa Rica. See the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/retreats-events.aspx" target="_blank">events schedule</a>.</p><p>Additionally, Nicuesa Lodge features a year-round resident yoga instructor-massage therapist program and always welcomes new applicants. Hosting a highly-qualified certified practitioner to live at the lodge gives the flexibility for guests to have daily morning and afternoon yoga practice, as well as a variety of massage options.</p><p><br /> Not looking for a yoga retreat, but want your own private yoga vacation? Rediscover what’s really important to you, and experience life on a more conscious level with the <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/special-pkg/yoga-bliss.aspx" target="_blank">Yoga Bliss Vacation Package</a> at Nicuesa Lodge, lasting five to seven nights with yoga classes, activities, accommodation, all meals, and transfers included.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009142071,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009142071,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9009142071?profile=original" /></a><br /> Yoga classes at Nicuesa Lodge are specifically designed by the resident yoga instructor based on their training and yogic influence. Some classes might be restorative, while others are invigorating. Whether beginner or advanced, private or group session, each guest is personally attended to during the yoga practice.</p><p><br /> If eco-friendly travel is important to you, the Costa Rica rainforest hotel holds the highest <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/playa-nicuesa-rainforest-lodge-gets-top-sustainable-tourism-rating-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST)</a> by the Costa Rica Tourism Board and the prestigious <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/where-to-stay/top-tripadvisor-greenleader-award-given-to-costa-rica-eco-lodge/" target="_blank">TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Platinum Status</a>. In addition, Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is a member of Enchanting Hotels of Costa Rica and in the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296623072,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296623072,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-full" alt="9296623072?profile=original" /></a><br /> Where is Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge?</b></p><p><br /> Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/location.aspx" target="_blank">located in southern Costa Rica</a> on the Pacific gulf of Golfo Dulce, directly across from the Osa Peninsula. Part of your adventure at Nicuesa Lodge is getting here. You can either take a domestic flight or drive to the gulf towns of Puerto Jimenez or Golfito. The lodge is only accessible by water. Nicuesa staff will meet you in either town and transport you in one of the lodge’s boats.</p><p><b><br /> What is it like at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge?</b></p><p><br /> You’ll receive a warm welcome and become part of an extended family while here. Nicuesa Lodge staff pride themselves on giving friendly excellent service. You will enjoy <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/suites" target="_blank">jungle-chic accommodations</a> in private cabins and guestrooms in the rainforest along the gulf. <a href="http://www.nicuesalodge.com/dining.aspx" target="_blank">All-inclusive meals</a> combine creative Costa Rican cuisine and international dishes with an emphasis on fresh fish, tropical fruits and fresh vegetables, many of which are grown in the lodge’s hydroponic garden.</p><p><br /> Guests have unlimited use of paddle boards, kayaks, fishing and snorkeling gear, and access to the trail system through Nicuesa’s private reserve adjacent to the Piedras Blancas National Park.</p><p><b><i> </i></b></p></div>How a surf adventure sparked an empowering business of surf and yoga vacations in Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/how-a-surf-adventure-sparked-an-empowering-business-of-surf-and2016-05-04T19:53:25.000Z2016-05-04T19:53:25.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009062285,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009062285,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009062285?profile=original" /></a>Most people when laid off from their job, especially a high-powered dot-com career, don’t do what <a href="http://puravidaadventures.com/about/our-story/" target="_blank">Tierza Eichner</a> did. Instead of polishing her resume and job hunting, Eichner took off on an eight-month surfing vacation to Central America, Hawaii and Mexico.</p><p>At the time, in 2001, the northern California native had only been surfing about a year. She had tried surfing in her early 20s. It didn’t go well – pummeled by waves, bashed by the board, and leg muscles ripped. Then, in her early 30s, Eichner received surf lessons in Santa Cruz, California as a gift, and her passion exploded … in tsunami proportions. Eichner’s surf adventure – intended to be a hiatus while waiting for the economy to improve – turned into a radical life change creating the successful “endless summer” business of <a href="http://puravidaadventures.com/" target="_blank">Pura Vida Adventures women’s surf and yoga retreats in Costa Rica</a>.</p><p> </p><p>“Starting Pura Vida Adventures … changed my life, and many other people’s lives, for the best. Having a career that is healthy for you and your community is the most fulfilling work you can have. I feel fortunate to have found my passion and my purpose,” said Eichner in a 2015 interview with the Wall Street Journal.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296613054,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296613054,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296613054?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Now 15 years later, Eichner, 46, married and a mother of 2-year-old twins, shares living between Oregon and her second home of <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/blog/39-stay-in-paradise-at-hotel-tropico-latino-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>. This was the area she loved most during her 2001 trip, and where she has led every surf camp since her first in 2004. Santa Teresa Beach is a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/chill-vibe-hot-surfing-malpais-costa-rica/" target="_blank">hot surf spot in Costa Rica</a> and is called one of the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">most beautiful beaches in the world</a> for its warm Pacific Ocean, great waves, sparkling white sand beach, tropical jungle and low development.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008925485,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008925485,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="621" alt="9008925485?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Perhaps the fact that Eichner wasn’t always a surfer girl, along with her deep commitment to personalized service and life-transforming experiences, is what prompts women from ages 20 to 60, from all walks of life in the U.S. and Canada to attend her <a href="http://puravidaadventures.com/surfcamp/" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf camps</a>.</p><p> </p><p>Named after the Costa Rican phrase “pura vida,” which, loosely translated means “enjoy life”, Eichner says Pura Vida Adventures is about giving retreat-goers a new outlook on life. Retreat groups are small and intimate. An average of 10 to 12 women attends each retreat, which allows for a three-to-one ratio with surf instructors who are also mostly all women. Eichner said the majority of attendees have never surfed before.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009062896,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009062896,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009062896?profile=original" /></a></p><p>“Surfing is a sexy sport that everyone wants to try. It’s on the bucket list for a lot of people. For a lot of women, surfing is something they have always wanted to do. And who wouldn’t want to come to a Costa Rican beach and surf?” touted Eichner. “A lot of women are looking for a life change – they want out of their job, they just got divorced, or had someone close to them die. Or, they need a stress relief from their high-powered jobs and lives.”</p><p> </p><p>Attending a women-only retreat lets participants be free to really “let their hair down and be themselves”, said Eichner. Not only do they learn how to surf and enjoy yoga, they develop friendships that last.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009063667,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009063667,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009063667?profile=original" /></a></p><p>This explains Pura Vida Adventures’ high percentage of repeat guests. Some women come back every year. Another reason for their repeat business, said Eichner, is the location. For the past nine years, Pura Vida Adventures has based their average 20 camps a year at the <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Santa Teresa beachfront hotel Tropico Latino</a>. A relaxed, warm, friendly atmosphere and excellent service enrich the hotel’s offering of stylish and comfortable <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations.html" target="_blank">accommodations</a>, a beachfront <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/spa.html" target="_blank">spa</a> and <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/yoga-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga</a> deck, and notable <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica-restaurant.html" target="_blank">restaurant</a>.</p><p> </p><p>“People love the location. You can walk out your front door and surf. We have great food at the hotel, and things to do within walking distance. You feel like you’re at home, and the community we’ve built is like a family,” explained Eichner.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009063686,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009063686,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009063686?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>What’s it like on a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/surf-yoga-retreats-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf and yoga vacation</a> with Pura Vida Adventures?</b></p><p> </p><p>Pura Vida Adventures weeklong retreats last seven days and six nights. Participants fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) and then take a local flight to the beach town of Tambor on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. From there, it is a short taxi ride to <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/best-ways-get-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino in Santa Teresa</a>. Accommodations are shared or private.</p><p> </p><p>Your days will be spent with yoga in the morning before breakfast, followed by a surf session and instruction. After lunch, afternoons are enjoyed doing more surfing, or going zip lining, stand-up paddling or horseback riding, getting a massage, or with down-time relaxing in a hammock. You will enjoy three healthy, gourmet meals per day, and there are excursions into town.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009064471,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009064471,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009064471?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Surf and yoga vacations in Costa Rica are available all year long. Prices start at $2,395. Co-ed retreats also are offered. It is recommended to make reservations at least a few months in advance.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Learn those funny names for yoga poses & more on a Costa Rica yoga retreathttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/learn-those-funny-names-for-yoga-poses-more-on-a-costa-rica-yoga2016-01-27T19:52:27.000Z2016-01-27T19:52:27.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p>Have you ever wondered where those funny <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/category/poses/" target="_blank">names for yoga poses</a> come from?</p><p>For example, what is <i>Adho Mukha Svanasana</i>? And how do you pronounce it!</p><p>Yoga postures – <i>asanas</i> – are given traditionally in the ancient language of <a href="http://www.omniglot.com/writing/sanskrit.htm" target="_blank">Sanskrit</a>. For more than 2,000 years, Sanskrit has been a classic literary language of India and a sacred language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031699,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031699,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009031699?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Many <b>yoga poses are named after <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/article/history-of-yoga/heroes-saints-sages/" target="_blank">heroes, saints and sages of India</a></b> and Hindu myths. Others are named after <b>animals and nature</b> – observations by people in the world around them. These poses are all <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/article/beginners/200-key-sanskrit-yoga-terms/" target="_blank">named in Sanskrit</a>. Then there are the newcomers – the yoga postures that have developed in recent times, with <b>names like “Wild Thing” or “Rock Star</b>”.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Adho Mukha Svanasana</i></b> <b>is the Sanskrit name for Downward-facing Dog</b> <b>pose</b>, which literally comes from a natural stretch that dogs do. Watch any dog get up from a nap and you’ll see a perfect “downward dog”.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031875,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009031875,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="443" alt="9009031875?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Cobra pose</b> (<i>Bhujangasana</i>) uses the symbol of the sacred cobra and the awakening of dormant energy for its action.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Tree pose</b> (<i>Vrksasana</i>) follows the nature of a tree growing its roots down in the earth to be able to reach to the sky.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896066,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896066,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008896066?profile=original" /></a></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032291,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032291,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="170" alt="9009032291?profile=original" /></a>The deep spinal twists of the <b>Lord of the Fishes pose</b>, or <i>Matsyendrasana</i>, and <b>Half Lord of the Fishes pose</b> (<i>Ardha Matsyendrasana</i>), originate from the old Hindu myth about the early Tantric yoga master <b>Matsyendra</b>, known as the “Lord of the Fishes”. Matsyendra was an actual person, born in Bengal around the 10th century. In one myth about him, “the infant Matsyendra is thrown into the ocean because his birth has occurred under inauspicious planets. Swallowed by a giant fish, he overhears Shiva teaching the mysteries of yoga to his consort Parvati in their secret lair at the bottom of the ocean. Matsyendra is spellbound. After spending 12 years in the fish’s belly, all the while exploring yoga’s esoteric practices, he emerges as an enlightened master,” notes an article in the Yoga Journal.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296610269,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296610269,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296610269?profile=original" /></a>Warrior poses</b>, or <i>Virabhadrasanas</i>, are named for the fierce warrior, Virabhadra, son of the god Shiva, whose qualities of courage, determination, balance and stamina are emulated in the poses.</p><p> </p><p>The pose done at the end of every yoga class – <b>Corpse pose</b> (<i>Savasana</i>) – is the practice of the ultimate surrender of dying and deep peace. This restorative pose comes from the archetype of Shiva, the very first yogi, who is the god of destruction and letting go.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009253,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009253,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009009253?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b>What is Yoga?</b></p><p><b>Yoga</b> is a mental, spiritual and physical discipline stretching back 6,000 years to ancient India, and is associated with meditative practices in Hinduism and Buddhism. “<i>Yoga”,</i> in Sanskrit, can be translated as “union”; <b>the purpose of yoga is to create union, or balance, between mind, body and spirit.</b> Ancient yogis developed these physical stretches and breathing exercises to strengthen and loosen their muscles and minds in preparation for hours of meditation.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032865,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032865,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="405" alt="9009032865?profile=original" /></a></p><p>In today’s busy world, being centered and balanced is more important than ever. “Harnessing energy, having a vital healthy body, having a healthy mind – <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/10-yoga-stretches-help-relieve-back-pain-traveling/" target="_blank">yoga</a> helps us cope better to challenges in life</b>,” commented yoga instructor Nancy Goodfellow at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. “Most of us doing yoga have families, have jobs, have busy lives, and yoga helps us hone our skills to better serve ourselves and others.”</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">Yoga at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas in Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p><b> </b></p><p><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-upcoming-events.html" target="_blank">Yoga retreats</a> at <b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</a> on <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Beach</a> in Costa Rica</b> will leave you feeling energized and rejuvenated, the way a vacation is supposed to do. You also have the added benefit of fun activities like <strong><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/make-next-vacation-2016-surf-yoga-retreat-costa-rica/" target="_blank">surfing</a></strong> and <b>stand-up paddling</b>.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032870,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032870,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009032870?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p>Pranamar Villas was named a <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and holds <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence</a>. Santa Teresa Beach,</b> on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, is one of <b>Central America’s top 10 beaches.</b></p><p>Pranamar yoga instructor <b>Nancy Goodfellow</b> will lead the inspirational <b>Costa Rica yoga retreat “<a href="http://www.nancygoodfellowyoga.com/#!empower/c869" target="_blank">Embracing Totality</a>” at Pranamar Villas from May 21 to 28, 2016.</b> Pranamar Villa’s yoga retreats fill up fast so make reservations today! </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032663,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009032663,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="426" alt="9009032663?profile=original" /></a></b></p><p><b>Daily <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">yoga classes at Pranamar Villas</a></b> with Goodfellow also are very popular in the hotel’s beautiful oceanfront Yoga Shala. Classes are open to hotel guests and the public.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Get a taste of Costa Rica with these super healthy smoothies!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/get-a-taste-of-costa-rica-with-these-super-healthy-smoothies2015-11-24T23:26:05.000Z2015-11-24T23:26:05.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009020500,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009020500,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009020500?profile=original" /></a>Healthy fruit and vegetable <b>smoothies are awesome liquid fuel for your body</b>. Smoothies provide <b>important vitamins and minerals</b> from nutritious ingredients like fresh fruit, raw vegetables, Maca Root, chia seeds, protein powder, spirulina and coconut oil.</p><p>Start your morning, or have an afternoon snack, with one of these <b>quick, delicious and healthy blended smoothie drink recipes</b> from <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></strong> in <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></strong>. Try these out at home and dream you are on a tropical beach in Costa Rica.</p><p><b>Super healthy smoothies from <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Pranamar Villas</a>:</b></p><p><b>Shiva’s Nectar:</b> Tamarind, lime & ginger in water. This is the hotel’s “welcome drink” brought to guests when they arrive. The delicious drink is incredibly refreshing in hot weather.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009020883,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009020883,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="250" alt="9009020883?profile=original" /></a>Prana Bliss:</b> Pineapple, cilantro & ginger in water.</p><p><b>Kali Blast:</b> Carrots, beets & green apple in water (can also add ginger). This smoothie is good for circulation and blood oxygen.</p><p><b>Sunshine Blend:</b> Turmeric, pineapple, orange juice & ginger. This is an anti-inflammatory, high in vitamin C, and cleanses the intestines.</p><p><b>Creamy Tropical Power:</b> Pineapple, coconut milk or soy or almond milk, passion fruit, banana & Maca Root powder. This one’s big in vitamin C, potassium, amino acids and protein.</p><p><b>Vitality Boost:</b> Green apple, cucumber, parsley, garlic, ginger & greens. It cleanses the blood, strengthens the immune system and detoxifies.</p><p><b>Green is Gold:</b> Celery, cucumber, pineapple, kale, cilantro, lime & chia seeds. This is an anti-oxidant, high in vitamins B & C and iron, and cleanses the intestines.</p><p><b>Chocolate Ganesha:</b> Cacao (bitter dark chocolate can be used), tofu, espresso, banana & soy milk. Guests at Pranamar love this one for dessert!</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607695,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607695,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="378" alt="9296607695?profile=original" /></a>Create your own combination</b> from Pranamar’s 100% natural smoothie ingredients: Ginger, mint, tamarindo, pineapple, orange juice, lime, banana, passion fruit, green apple, avocado, cacao, tofu, soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, coconut water, celery, cucumber, carrots, beets, kale, garlic, turmeric, cilantro, parsley, and supplements like Maca Root, chia seeds, linseed (ground flax seed), spirulina, coconut oil and protein powder.</p><p>Guests at the <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> always comment about how much they <b>love their smoothies</b>. “<b>I miss the smoothies</b> ... so many choices, ALL delicious and fresh,” wrote a recent guest on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009021475,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009021475,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="613" alt="9009021475?profile=original" /></a>Pranamar Villas’ <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Buddha Eyes Restaurant</a></strong> has <b>13 smoothies</b> on the menu. Additionally, every morning the bartenders create a <b>smoothie special of the day</b>. And if that’s still not enough choice, <b>you can request your own personal smoothie combination</b> from their list of fresh ingredients. Buddha Eyes Restaurant is <b>open to the public</b> <b>for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week</b>. For reservations, call (506) 2640-0852.</p><p><b>Even better, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmGuY4tDcIY" target="_blank">be a guest at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</a></b> and enjoy the restaurant every day of your vacation. The gorgeous, Bali-style boutique hotel is <b>right on the beach at Playa Hermosa</b> of Santa Teresa on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Santa Teresa Beach was chosen one of the <b><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-12-22/top-15-places-to-go-in-2015-cuba-south-africa-bahamas/2" target="_blank">Top 15 Places to Go in 2015</a> by</b> <b>Condé Nast Traveler</b>, and holds the status of being one of the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-beach-communities-win-ecological-blue-flag/" target="_blank">cleanest beaches in Costa Rica</a>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009022087,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009022087,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9009022087?profile=original" /></a>Pranamar Villas specializes in <b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga vacations</a>,</b> was named a <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and holds TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence.</p><p>Plan your escape today!</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Go for a yoga vacation in Santa Teresa Costa Rica in 2016.https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/go-for-a-yoga-vacation-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica-in-20162015-09-21T23:48:35.000Z2015-09-21T23:48:35.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896289,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896289,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="667" alt="9008896289?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-upcoming-events.html" target="_blank">Yoga retreats</a> at <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a>, on award-winning <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a>, draw people from all over the world. So do <b>Pranamar Villas’ daily <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">yoga classes</a></b> with popular instructor and Pranamar yoga director, <a href="http://www.nancygoodfellowyoga.com/#!bio/cjg9" target="_blank">Nancy Goodfellow</a>.</p><p>Now Nancy will be holding <b>two inspirational Costa Rica yoga retreats</b>, called <b>“<a href="http://www.nancygoodfellowyoga.com/#!empower/c869" target="_blank">Embracing Totality</a>”</b>, <b>at Pranamar Villas in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, next year in 2016</b>. The seven-night all-inclusive retreats will be held <b>May 21 to</b> <b>28</b><b>,</b> <b>2016</b> and <b>Aug</b><b>.</b> <b>13</b> <b>to</b> <b>18</b><b>,</b> <b>2016</b> in Pranamar’s beautiful, spacious <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/oasis-serenity-pranamar-villas-yoga-studio-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">beachfront Yoga Shala</a></p><p>“So many people come to Pranamar for yoga classes with Nancy. She is very popular in the yoga world,” said Agustina Zocchi at Pranamar Villas.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009275,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009275,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="472" alt="9009009275?profile=original" /></a>Nancy has been <b>practicing yoga for 20 years and teaching for 15 years.</b> She is extremely <b>well-known among local and international yoga students</b> for her inspiring and creative daily yoga classes, workshops, and retreats at Pranamar Villas.</p><p>Nancy began her yogic studies in the <b>Ashtanga Vinyasa tradition</b>. Following her dream of adventure and living a more simple life in nature, she moved to Costa Rica and continued her yogic practice, while continuing to study with top international yoga instructors. Nancy has completed more than 500 hours of Yoga Alliance teacher training and <b>began teaching</b> <b>classes</b> <b>in 1998</b>. Nancy dedicated many years of study also to the <b>Anusara method</b> <b>of yoga</b>, with its principles of alignment, Tantric philosophy and Bhakti filled practice. She has completed more than 500 hours of <b>certified Anusara teachings</b> and <b>traditional non-dualistic Tantra studies</b>.</p><p class="font8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009298,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="592" alt="9009009298?profile=original" /></a>The all-inclusive <b>“Embracing Totality” yoga retreats</b> <b>at Pranamar Villas</b> will include:</p><ul><li>Twice daily Tantric-based Hatha Yoga practices – morning Shakti Flow Vinyasa and afternoon moon practices</li><li>Daily meditations and mantra practices</li><li>Seven nights’ accommodation at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</li><li>Three daily delicious, healthy meals at Pranamar Villas’ Buddha Eyes Restaurant</li><li>An evening dinner out at a local beachfront restaurant</li><li>A one-hour therapeutic massage treatment at Pranamar Villas’ Spa</li><li>A Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) adventure tour on the Rio Bongo by Santa Teresa</li><li>A Sacred Fire ceremony (letting go of anything to release) and Water Blessing (to honor the ocean and the wishes desired in life)</li></ul><p class="font8"> </p><p class="font8"><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009010684,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009010684,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="575" alt="9009010684?profile=original" /></a>Optional activities</b> during the <b>Pranamar yoga retreat</b> include:</p><ul><li>Surfing and/or private surf lessons </li><li>Private yoga sessions with Nancy</li><li>Mayan Calendar Astrological readings</li></ul><p class="font8"> </p><p class="font8"><b>Rates for the Embracing Totality yoga retreats at Pranamar Villas</b> range from $1,500 to $2,900, depending on the choice of accommodation, and whether single or double occupancy. <b>Accommodations at Pranamar Villas</b> include luxurious <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/villas.html" target="_blank">Poolside Villas</a>, <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/bungalows.html" target="_blank">Oceanfront Bungalows</a>, and the large two-story shared <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/kula-house.html" target="_blank">Kula House</a>.</p><p class="font8"><b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-upcoming-events.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Costa Rica yoga retreats</a>at Pranamar Villas fill up fast</b> so make reservations today! Pack your bags, grab your mat, and <b>travel to the beach in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica for a yoga retreat with Nancy Goodfellow</b> at the amazing beachfront Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat.</p><p><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009011092,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="600" alt="9009011092?profile=original" />Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></p><p></p><p>The <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>, on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, specializes in <b>Costa Rica</b> <b>yoga vacations</b> and <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-a-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacations</a>. Pranamar Villas was named a <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and was awarded <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence</a>.</b> <b>Santa Teresa Beach</b> was chosen one of the <b><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-12-22/top-15-places-to-go-in-2015-cuba-south-africa-bahamas/2" target="_blank">Top 15 Places to Go in 2015</a> by</b> <b>Condé</b> <b>Nast Traveler,</b> and holds the status of being <b>one of the cleanest beaches in Costa Rica</b>.</p><p class="font8"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009011264,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009011264,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9009011264?profile=original" /></a>Public <b>yoga classes at Pranamar Villas</b> are held from <b>Monday to Saturday</b> in the hotel’s beautiful oceanfront Yoga Shala. All classes are taught for <b>students of all levels</b>, with variations and modifications offered and encouraged. Mats and props are available at no extra charge. <b>Private yoga sessions</b> can be arranged with Nancy. Pranamar's yoga class schedule changes weekly and is posted on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</p><p>If you are a yoga instructor interested in having a yoga retreat at Pranamar Villas, contact the hotel. </p><p></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>10 Yoga Stretches to Help Relieve Back Pain from Travelinghttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/10-yoga-stretches-to-help-relieve-back-pain-from-traveling2015-10-22T19:12:39.000Z2015-10-22T19:12:39.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006457,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006457,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="425" alt="9009006457?profile=original" /></a>Whether you are traveling for a couple of days, a few weeks, or even months, all of that sitting, standing, carrying and hefting luggage does a number on your body and especially your back and neck. You may even have been suffering from back and neck pain before your trip from stress, tension, overworking, etc.</p><p><b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/tips-for-yoga-while-you-travel-to-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Yoga</a> can help</b>. There are several easy yoga poses you can do almost anywhere to help <b>ease many of the common symptoms of traveler’s back pain</b>. You can do these poses at the airport, in your hotel room, on the beach or at a beautiful outdoor setting when you get to your destination. No mat required – you can use a towel, sarong, jacket, carpeted floor, grass, etc. You will feel refreshed, renewed, and ready to enjoy your trip.</p><p>Of course, if you have the opportunity to <b>take a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/yoga-retreat-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">yoga class on vacation</a></b>, do so; but remember to take it easy until you’ve worked out your traveling kinks.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896289,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008896289,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008896289?profile=original" /></a>10 Yoga P</b><b>oses</b> <b>to Help Relieve Traveler’s Back Pain</b></p><h4>1. Forward Bend (Uttanasana)</h4><p>Forward Bends stimulate blood flow to your brain, stretch your hamstrings and lower back, and lengthen your spine. This is perfect for relieving back pain from long periods of sitting and from hefting luggage.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607090,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296607090,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296607090?profile=original" /></a>2. Half Forward Bend (Ardha</b> <b>Uttanasana</b><b>)</b></p><p>This yoga pose opens your chest, shoulders, back, and hamstrings. It is great for easing lower back pain after hours spent sitting on planes, trains, buses or cars.</p><h4><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006888,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009006888,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009006888?profile=original" /></a>3. Standard Hip Opener / Quad Stretch</h4><p>To help get blood flow moving again in your legs after sitting, stretch your quads and hip flexors with this yoga pose.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009007469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009007469,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009007469?profile=original" /></a>4. Ear to Shoulder Pose</b></p><p>The ear-to-shoulder pose is easy and can be done almost anywhere. The pose stretches the neck and down into the shoulder and trapezius muscles. You can do this pose sitting or standing, just remember to keep your spine straight. Be sure not to pull your head over; just allow its weight to softly move it down.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009007862,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009007862,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009007862?profile=original" /></a>5. Cow-Cat Pose</b> (<b>Bitilasana - Marjariasana)</b></p><p>The gentle up-and-down flowing posture of Cow-Cat pose brings flexibility to your entire spine, especially stretching and lengthening your back and neck. Synchronize with your breath for 7 to 10 cycles, and you’ll start to feel relaxed already.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009007690,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009007690,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009007690?profile=original" /></a>6. Child’s Pose (Balasana)</b></p><p>Child’s Pose helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental tension. It is a deeply restorative pose that relaxes tightness in the neck and back. You should remain in child’s pose, breathing easily for anywhere between 30 seconds to several minutes.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009007871,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009007871,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009007871?profile=original" /></a>7. Seated Twist Pose (Ardha Matsyendrasana) or Supine Spinal Twist (Supta Matsyendrasana)</b></p><p>Twists stimulate your digestive system, help improve digestion, and are cleansing for the body. Maintaining a healthy digestive system when you travel is essential for your well-being. Twists also can relieve lower back pain, a common complaint after long travel days. You can do either a seated twist, making sure to twist (not crank) your spine slowly and comfortably. Or you can do a supine twist lying on the ground, if you have a clean, safe place to do so. Be sure to twist on both sides of your body.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009008290,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009008290,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009008290?profile=original" /></a>8. Supine Thread-the-Needle Pose</b></p><p>After sitting for long periods, usually your hips and gluteus muscles will feel tight and stiff. This pose helps you to open those muscles and release the tension, including in your lower back. You can also do a seated version just about anywhere – even on a plane, train, bus or car. Your hips, bottom and lower back will thank you. </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009008677,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009008677,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009008677?profile=original" /></a>9. Legs Up the Wall Pose (Viparita Karani)</b></p><p>Legs Up the Wall pose is a gentle inversion that lets the body fully relax while calming the nervous system and improving circulation, thereby rejuvenating the entire body. This pose also helps relieve mental stress, and can help alleviate headaches, boost energy, and relieve lower-back pain. You can use a folded blanket, towel, jacket, etc. to place beneath your hips for comfort and support. Remain in the pose from 5 to 10 minutes.</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009008686,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009008686,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009008686?profile=original" /></a>10. Corpse Pose (Savasana)</b></p><p>Also called relaxation pose, Corpse Pose is the most restorative yoga pose because it helps you experience deep peace for your mind and body, letting everything relax. Remain in the pose from 5 to 15 minutes.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009253,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009253,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009009253?profile=original" /></a></p><p><b>Yoga in Costa Rica on the beach</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009275,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009275,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="472" alt="9009009275?profile=original" /></a>Fronting the beautiful beach of <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>, on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a> specializes in <b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/blog/231-yoga-retreats-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica-at-pranamar-villas.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga vacations</a>.</b> Pranamar Villas was named a <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine, and holds <b><a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence</a>.</b></p><p>Public <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">yoga classes at Pranamar Villas</a> are held <b>Monday to Saturday</b> in the hotel’s beautiful oceanfront Yoga Shala for students of all levels. See the schedule of upcoming <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-upcoming-events.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</a>, including the inspirational retreat <b>“<a href="http://www.nancygoodfellowyoga.com/#!empower/c869" target="_blank">Embracing Totality</a>”</b> led by Pranamar Villas’ yoga director and co-owner, <b>Nancy Goodfellow.</b></p><p class="font8"><b>Santa Teresa Costa Rica yoga retreats at Pranamar Villas fill up fast</b> so make reservations today!</p><p><b><i><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009298,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009009298,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9009009298?profile=original" /></a>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Latest Costa Rica Vacation Craze: Surf Retreatshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/latest-costa-rica-vacation-craze-surf-retreats2013-08-01T16:46:09.000Z2013-08-01T16:46:09.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p style="text-align:justify;">What’s the latest vacation craze? <strong>Surfing and yoga retreats</strong> in the balmy tropics are the hot fashion.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">But what if you don’t know how to surf or live far from the nearest ocean? Is it still an adventure worth taking? Try it and you’ll see. Here’s what a few <a title="Guest reviews of Pura Vida Adventures surf retreats in Costa Rica" href="http://www.puravidaadventures.com/index.php/about/reviews" target="_blank">surf retreat fans</a> had to say:</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Surf-camp-01.png"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Surf-camp-01.png?width=272" width="272" alt="Surf-camp-01.png?width=272" /></a>“This week has been about so much more than learning how to surf ... the support & encouragement you have given me, and this beautiful place will stay with me for years to come. I never imagined myself as a surfer chick … but despite my doubts … you guys got me up on the waves.”</em></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>“Thank you for the best vacation! I went down to <a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20(Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a> feeling like I was simply walking though life but not actually living it and now I feel more alive than ever.”</em></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>“The best moment was the first time I caught a solid wave. Amazing!!! I can’t believe that just two and a half months ago I couldn’t swim, and now I am actually surfing and loving it!! There is nothing like facing your fears. After that, I was like, ‘bring it on’, I can do anything.”</em></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On <strong>Costa Rica’s Pacific <a class="zem_slink" title="Nicoya Peninsula" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=10.0,-85.4166667&spn=1.0,1.0&q=10.0,-85.4166667%20(Nicoya%20Peninsula)&t=h" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula</a></strong>, <strong>Santa Teresa Beach is a hot destination for surf and yoga retreats</strong>. Popularity is so big that <strong>beachfront <a title="Surf and yoga retreats at Hotel Tropico Latino, Costa Rica" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/surf-retreat.html" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></strong> holds <strong>retreats all year</strong> in partnership with <a title="Pura Vida Adventures surf retreats in Costa Rica" href="http://www.puravidaadventures.com/index.php" target="_blank">Pura Vida Adventures</a> surf vacations.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Tropico-08-beach-surf-02.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Tropico-08-beach-surf-02-300x245.jpg?width=252" width="252" alt="Tropico-08-beach-surf-02-300x245.jpg?width=252" /></a>On a scale of 1 to 10, <strong>Santa Teresa gets a 10</strong> – warm <a class="zem_slink" title="Pacific Ocean" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=0.0,-160.0&spn=0.1,0.1&q=0.0,-160.0%20(Pacific%20Ocean)&t=h" target="_blank">Pacific Ocean</a>, excellent waves, dazzling white sand beach, palm trees, balmy weather, and a shout-out in <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Forbes" href="http://www.forbes.com" target="_blank">Forbes Magazine</a></strong> as one of the <strong>top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world</strong>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="What's included on a Pura Vida Adventures surf retreat" href="http://www.puravidaadventures.com/index.php/packages/whats_included" target="_blank"><strong>Seven-day/six-night surf retreats</strong></a> are taught by highly-trained, professional and bilingual surf instructors. <strong>Yoga</strong> is added into the mix for stretching and relaxation. Both <strong><a title="Co-ed surf retreats in Costa Rica" href="http://www.puravidaadventures.com/index.php/reservations/coed_surfcamps" target="_blank">co-ed</a> and women-only retreats</strong> are offered.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">A <strong>typical day on a surf retreat</strong> goes something like this: Early morning yoga class, followed by breakfast and a few hours of surf instruction. In the <a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Surf-camp-04.png"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Surf-camp-04.png?width=272" width="272" alt="Surf-camp-04.png?width=272" /></a>afternoon, lunch and time to relax (go for a massage or spa treatment, swim in the beachfront pool, lounge in a hammock, or enjoy a “siesta”). If surf conditions are optimal, there will be a sunset surf session, followed by dinner and social time. There is time during the week for optional day tours.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Beginner surfers</strong> will learn basic surfing skills: Proper etiquette, water safety, wave riding skills (how to properly stand up and ride waves), and effective paddling techniques. <strong>Intermediate surfers</strong> will focus on strengthening their surfing game. <strong>Advanced surfers</strong> will sharpen their surfing abilities and learn new maneuvers. The student to teacher ratio is three-to-one, but there are also one-on-one sessions. Pura Vida Adventures offers a full cadre of <strong>surfboards</strong>: "SoftTops," epoxy, fiberglass, high-performance long boards, fun-shapes, fish, and short-boards.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Surf-camp-03.png"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Surf-camp-03.png?width=230" width="230" alt="Surf-camp-03.png?width=230" /></a>You don’t have to be 22 and from Southern California or Florida to go on a surf and yoga retreat either. Declared one senior retreat participant: <em>“What a way to celebrate being 60! AND just what I needed ... a surf vacation in warm water without the bother of a wetsuit. Despite having 5 years of surfing experience, at first I was very intimidated by the waves. However with … calm encouragement and attentive guidance, I pushed through my fear and discovered that, yes, I can ride these waves!”</em></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Surf retreats are available at <a title="Hotel Tropico Latino surf retreats in Costa Rica" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/surf-retreat.html" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></strong> in August, November and December 2013, all the way through May 2014.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Tropico-12-beachfront-suite.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Tropico-12-beachfront-suite-300x200.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Tropico-12-beachfront-suite-300x200.jpg?width=300" /></a></strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>Hotel Tropico Latino</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">At beautiful <strong>Santa Teresa Beach, <a title="Hotel Tropico Latino, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></strong> is a gorgeous <strong>surf and yoga vacation destination in Costa Rica.</strong> The 4-star resort fronts the white sands and brilliant blue Pacific Ocean of Playa Carmen at Santa Teresa on four acres of lush, tropical gardens. Accommodations are comfortable and luxurious. Hotel facilities include a full-service beachfront spa and an award-winning restaurant. Sunsets are breathtaking. Santa Teresa has been named one of the top beaches in the world for several years by <a title="Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica on TripAdvisor" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g635538-d1754982-Reviews-Playa_Santa_Teresa-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank"><strong>TripAdvisor</strong></a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>Article by Shannon Farley</em></p></div>8 Fun Things to Do in Costa Rica's Santa Teresa Beachhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/8-fun-things-to-do-in-santa-teresa-beach-costa-rica2015-09-28T21:22:04.000Z2015-09-28T21:22:04.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008990686,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008990686,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008990686?profile=original" /></a><br />Being right on <b>one of the most beautiful beaches in the world</b> <b>in <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/new-website-shows-must-visit-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>,</b> with warm Pacific Ocean, uncrowded white sand and shady palm trees, you may never want to leave your hammock or cushy lounge chair. However, there's also a lot going on in this region of the <b>southern Nicoya Peninsula</b>, so if you should get the urge to <b>be active and adventurous</b>, here are <strong>8 top <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/things-to-do-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">things to do in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a></strong>.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/yoga-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008991089,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008991089?profile=original" /><strong><br />Daily Yoga Classes</strong><br /><br /></a></p><p>You can go to <strong>beginner and advanced yoga classes every day</strong> on two beachfront yoga decks <b>at Hotel Tropico Latino</b>. Certified instructors also offer <strong>private yoga classes</strong>, “ungravity yoga”, acro yoga, couple’s yoga, kids’ yoga, family yoga and health fitness classes upon request. <b>M<strong>ats, blocks, straps and other yoga props</strong></b> are provided for use. <b>See the Hotel Tropico Latino yoga class schedule on their website</b>, where you can also read about instructors Daniel Castro and Jessica Chea. Be sure to check out their great offering for <b>Costa Rica yoga retreat vacations</b> throughout the year.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/go-stand-up-paddling-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008847082,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="450" alt="9008847082?profile=original" /><br /><strong>Stand Up Paddling</strong></a></p><p><br />One of the best places for <b>s</b><b>tand up paddle boarding</b> <b>in</b> <b>Costa Rica</b> is in <b>Santa Teresa</b> and neighboring <b>Mal Pais</b>. <b>SUP (stand up paddling)</b> is a great all-body workout, is relatively easy to learn, and is lots of fun. Stand up paddling uses <b>a wide, long, modified surfboard</b> with a <b>long paddle</b> (like a one blade kayak paddle) to maneuver in the water. Your Costa Rica paddle board guides with Mal Pais SUP Tours will teach you everything you need to know. See this cool video of the fun <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=11&v=u7jK6aV7ZpU" target="_blank">stand up paddling tour in Mal Pais</a>. </p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/learn-how-to-surf-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008992260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008992260?profile=original" /><strong><br />Surfing Lessons</strong></a></p><p><br />While staying at <b>surfing destination Santa Teresa Beach</b>, <b>take a surf lesson</b> in the excellent rolling waves of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. <b>N</b><b>o wetsuit needed</b>, and the sun shines most of the time. <b>Certified surf instructors</b> <b>at Hotel Tropico Latino</b> go beyond teaching you basic technical skills by assessing your ability and creating <b>a personalized surf program</b> that will take you to the next level. Walk out the front door of your hotel room, and you can be on the beach and in the surf in a minute! There’s a <b>hip artsy video on surfing in Santa Teresa</b> on Hotel Tropico Latino’s website.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/things-to-do-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008992490,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="448" alt="9008992490?profile=original" />Horseback Riding in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a></p><p><b>Horseback riding tours</b> along the beautiful coastline of Costa Rica’s Santa Teresa Beach are lots of fun, <b>especially at sunset</b>. Tours from Hotel Tropico Latino ride along the palm-fringed shore from Santa Teresa Beach to Playa Hermosa and back.</p><p></p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/91743447" target="_blank"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296605499,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9296605499?profile=original" />Canopy Zip Line Tour in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a></p><p>Fly high over the dry tropical forest on a <b>canopy zip line tour by Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</b>. Adjacent to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, this exciting <b>zip line tour</b> <b>in</b> <b>Mal Pais</b> is nearly one mile long, with 11 platforms set high in gigantic trees that give you <b>great views of the Pacific Ocean</b>. </p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008993265,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008993265,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008993265?profile=original" /></a>Hiking in <a href="http://nicoyapeninsula.com/caboblanco/" target="_blank">Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve</a><br /></b></p><p>This small national private reserve at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula is <b>spectacularly picturesque</b> with tropical forest, pure white-sand beaches, aquamarine sea, waterfalls and rivers, and <b>abundant birds, monkeys and other wildlife</b> to see. The Cabo Blanco Reserve is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There are two main trails for visitors to walk – 1.3 km and 4 km.</p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008993459,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008993459,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008993459?profile=original" /></a>Tortuga Island Tour in Costa Rica</b></p><p>For that <b>picture-perfect Costa Rica tour</b>, you have to take the one-day tour to <b>Tortuga Island</b> in the Nicoya Gulf. Famous for its sugary white sand beaches, tall swaying coconut palms, and crystal clear turquoise waters, <b>Tortuga Island is a tropical paradise you’ll daydream about forever!</b> There are few currents in the warm ocean, which make it <b>ideal for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking</b>.</p><p></p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296605276,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296605276,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9296605276?profile=original" /></a>Sportfishing in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</b></p><p>The coastline from Santa Teresa Beach down to Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve boasts <b>over a dozen IGFA world records</b> and is one of the <b>best places for sportfishing in Costa Rica</b> for year-round catches. Here you can find Red Snapper, Mahi Mahi, Snook, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Blue and Black Marlin and Roosterfish.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008994665,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008994665,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="640" alt="9008994665?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></p><p>Staying at <b>Hotel Tropico Latino</b> <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations/18-find-us.html" target="_blank">on the beach in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> is unforgettable. <b>Very private <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations.html" target="_blank">guest bungalows, suites and rooms</a></b> are scattered along the beachfront and in beautiful gardens shaded by huge, old trees. The <b>Santa Teresa beachfront hotel</b> at <b>Playa Carmen</b> features <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/yoga-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">beachfront yoga classes</a>, the wonderful <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/spa.html" target="_blank">Spa Natural,</a> their <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica-restaurant.html" target="_blank">beachside restaurant</a> serving delicious award-winning cuisine, and the immense spread of white sand and cobalt blue Pacific Ocean right in front of <b>Santa Teresa Beach</b>.</p><p></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Yoga retreats revitalize in Santa Teresa, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/yoga-retreats-revitalize-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica2013-07-11T12:43:34.000Z2013-07-11T12:43:34.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p style="text-align:justify;">Looking for a relaxing, restoring and uplifting vacation? Try a <strong><a class="zem_slink" title="Yoga" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoga" target="_blank">yoga</a> retreat</strong>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">A <strong>yoga retreat</strong> is not only yoga – add in getting away from it all to a <strong>beautiful and sunny</strong> place, <strong>exercise</strong> that makes you feel good, <strong>healthy and delicious cuisine</strong> prepared for you (as in, you didn’t have to cook it!), nature or cultural adventures, and connecting with other fellow travelers from all over who will be new friends by the end. The dynamic combination is what makes this kind of holiday so <strong>relaxing and revitalizing</strong> at the same time.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Yoga-02.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Yoga-02-300x285.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Yoga-02-300x285.jpg?width=300" /></a>Whether you go by yourself, or with a friend or partner, yoga groups are always friendly and welcoming. Even if you are not a die-hard yogi or yogini, a yoga retreat is the perfect holiday to <strong>refresh your mind, body and soul</strong>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a title="Hotel Tropico Latino in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a> in <a class="zem_slink" title="Santa Teresa, Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.65,-85.1666666667&spn=0.1,0.1&q=9.65,-85.1666666667%20(Santa%20Teresa%2C%20Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> is a gorgeous yoga retreat destination. They have several <a title="Yoga retreats at Hotel Tropico Latino in Costa Rica" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/yoga-retreats.html" target="_blank">upcoming yoga retreats</a> that you’ll definitely want to get in on early, since early registration not only means you are guaranteed a spot, it also means discounted prices.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Partnering with <a title="True Nature Education yoga retreats in Costa Rica" href="http://truenatureeducation.com/" target="_blank"><strong>True Nature Education</strong></a>, an Educational Travel Company, Hotel Tropico Latino will host <strong>three upcoming yoga retreats in 2014</strong>:</p><ul style="text-align:justify;"><li><strong>January 4–11, 2014, Las Olas: Waves of Love Yoga/Surf Retreat</strong></li><li><strong>March 9–16, 2014, “Hang Zen” A Beach Yoga Retreat</strong></li><li><strong>July 9–16, 2014, Shakti Power Yoga <a class="zem_slink" title="Costa Rica" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333&spn=10.0,10.0&q=9.93333333333,-84.0833333333%20(Costa%20Rica)&t=h" target="_blank">Costa Rica</a> Retreat</strong></li></ul><p style="text-align:justify;">Costa Rica is a tourism destination that has embraced yoga wholeheartedly. From hotels offering yoga classes to full yoga studios, yoga retreat centers and yoga instructor training schools, you can find some form of yoga practice in nearly every part of the country.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Tropico-08-beach-surf-02.jpg"><img class="align-right" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Tropico-08-beach-surf-02-300x200.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Tropico-08-beach-surf-02-300x200.jpg?width=300" /></a>At beautiful <strong>Santa Teresa Beach</strong> on <strong>Costa Rica’s <a class="zem_slink" title="Nicoya Peninsula" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=10.0,-85.4166667&spn=1.0,1.0&q=10.0,-85.4166667%20(Nicoya%20Peninsula)&t=h" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula</a></strong>, Hotel Tropico Latino is a <strong>gorgeous yoga vacation destination</strong>. The 4-star resort fronts the white sands and brilliant blue Pacific Ocean of <strong>Playa Carmen at Santa Teresa</strong> on four acres of lush, tropical gardens. Tropico Latino features two shaded wooden <a title="Yoga at Hotel Tropico Latino in Costa Rica" href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga.html" target="_blank">yoga decks</a> in gardens right on the beach. Accommodations are in comfortable, luxurious beachfront and garden rooms, bungalows and suites. Hotel facilities include a full-service beachfront <strong>spa</strong>, <strong>surfing</strong> and surf instruction, and an award-winning open-air restaurant. It’s easy to relax there with a beach-side pool and plenty of hammocks strung under a grove of coconut and almond trees; sunsets are breathtaking. Santa Teresa has been named <strong>one of the top beaches in the world</strong> for several years by <a title="TripAdvisor top beaches Central America 2013" href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a>.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><a target="_blank" href="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Yoga-01.jpg"><img class="align-left" src="http://enchanting-costarica.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Yoga-01-300x238.jpg?width=300" width="300" alt="Yoga-01-300x238.jpg?width=300" /></a>The <a title="Las Olas yoga retreat January 2014 at Hotel Tropico Latino, Costa Rica" href="http://truenatureeducation.com/las-olas-bhakti-yoga-retreat/" target="_blank"><strong>January 2014 Las Olas: Waves of Love Yoga/Surf Retreat</strong></a> will be led by yoga instructors Rachel Roberts and Kristin Luna Ray. Roberts is known for her signature blend of the wisdom-steeped Ashtanga yoga system and her devotion to stillness and longer-held yin yoga postures; she specializes in therapeutic yoga. Ray is co-founder of the True Nature Education Center.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The week-long retreat focuses on daily asana and bhakti yoga practices, guided meditations, and optional surfing classes. There will be a mid-week adventure excursion and a community service project. The retreat will “allow you to tap into that calm potential that dwells in the essence of you,” states True Nature’s website.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">True Nature Education encourages you to <strong>register early</strong> as they expect this retreat to fill quickly. The trip has a minimum of 10 persons and a maximum of 25 persons. A $250 deposit will get your name on their “I Want to Go to Costa Rica” list and officially reserve your spot. The deposit will be deducted from the total amount of the trip cost. The <strong>yoga retreat includes</strong> 7 nights’ accommodation, 3 meals per day, 1 spa treatment, all transportation within Costa Rica, daily yoga and meditation practice, walking meditation on the beach, surf lessons, community service project, personal retreat time, and a local indigenous cultural ceremony.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"></p><p style="text-align:justify;">By Shannon Farley</p></div>Yoga & spa vacations in Santa Teresa Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/yoga-spa-vacations-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica2015-08-24T23:48:46.000Z2015-08-24T23:48:46.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008855854,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008855854,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="480" alt="9008855854?profile=original" /></a>Finding your bliss is easy on a <b>Costa Rica beach vacation at <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></b>.</p><p>With inspiring <b>daily <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/yoga-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga classes</a></b>, <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/surf-yoga-retreats-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreat vacations</a></strong>, and the <b>marvelous </b><strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/spa.html" target="_blank">natural spa</a></strong> at the <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>, there is no better way to relax.</p><p>Imagine having a <b>soothing massage or relaxing in a yoga class</b> while listening to the rhythmic sound of ocean waves (real ones, not recorded), enjoying cool sea breezes, and <b>looking out at shimmering white sand and the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean</b>. That’s exactly what it’s like at <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-accommodations/18-find-us.html" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></strong>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008985662,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008985662,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008985662?profile=original" /></a>See for yourself on <b>Hotel</b> <b>Tropico Latino’s brand new website</b>. Launched at the end of July 2015 to the public, the <b>easy to navigate mobile-friendly website</b> shows you in full color what it’s like at the Santa Teresa beachfront hotel.</p><p><b>Information is given in bite-size bits</b> that lets you pick and choose what you want to read. <b>Gorgeous widescreen images</b> make you feel like you’re in the yoga class or just stepped into the spa. A <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLitaAc-eb8" target="_blank">video</a></strong> takes you even deeper into the experience.</p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296603866,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296603866,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9296603866?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/spa.html" target="_blank">Spa services in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p>For more than 10 years, Spa Natural at Tropico Latino has delivered professional massages, wraps, exfoliations, and healing and energy services. The spa uses natural healing products made with fresh ingredients like papaya, cucumber, coffee, coconut, almonds, carrots, honey and mint – all locally grown in Costa Rica. Be sure to check their special spa packages, including for weddings and honeymoons.</p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008986260?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-spa/yoga-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Yoga in Santa Teresa Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p>Hotel Tropico Latino holds <strong>daily beginner and advanced yoga classes</strong> on two beachfront yoga decks. Certified instructors also offer <strong>private yoga classes</strong>, ungravity yoga, acro yoga, couple’s yoga, kids’ yoga, family yoga and health fitness classes upon request. Mats, blocks, straps and other yoga props are provided for use during classes.</p><p><b>See the Tropico Latino yoga class schedule on the website</b>, where you can also read more information about instructors Daniel Castro and Jessica Chea.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008986655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008986655?profile=original" /></a>Go for a <b>yoga vacation, yoga class or spa day</b> at <b>Hotel Tropico Latino</b> in beautiful <b>Santa Teresa Beach</b> on <b>Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula</b>. Famous for <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/hotel/things-to-do-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">year-round surf</a> and picture-perfect <b>sunsets</b>, Santa Teresa was named one of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">Central America’s top 10 beaches</a> for 2015. Reserve your visit today.</p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Go surfing in Costa Rica, home of the world champion surf team 2015https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/go-surfing-in-costa-rica-home-of-the-world-champion-surf-team2015-06-15T23:33:17.000Z2015-06-15T23:33:17.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969901,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969901,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="519" alt="9008969901?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica is celebrating <b><a href="http://www.surfrider.org/isd" target="_blank">International Surfing Day</a> on June 20</b> big this year. <b>Costa Rica’s surfing “dream team”</b> <b>made national history</b> on June 7 when they were crowned <a href="http://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/11834-costa-rica-wins-the-2015-isa-world-surfing-games" target="_blank">2015 World Surfing Champions</a>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Costa Rica’s team won the overall gold medal</b> in the <a href="http://isawsg.com/" target="_blank">International Surfing Association (ISA) 2015 World Surfing Games</a> held at Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua, competing against 26 teams from around the world. The medal, along with the Fernando Aguirre World Team Trophy and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President’s Trophy designated <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/06/08/costa-rica-crowned-2015-world-surfing-champion" target="_blank">Costa Rica the world champions of surfing</a>.</p><p> </p><p>They are called <b>the “Costa Rican Dream Team”</b>: international surfing star <b>Carlos</b> <b>Muñoz</b> from Esterillos, Latin American champion <b>Anthony</b> <b>Fillingim</b> from Santa Teresa, 2015 Costa Rica National Surfing Circuit leader <b>Jason</b> <b>Torres</b> from Jacó, 11-time national women’s champion <b>Lisbeth</b> <b>Vindas</b> from Jacó, and <b>Noe Mar McGonagle</b> from Pavones who is ranked 16th in the world by the ISA, and his sister <b>Leilani</b> <b>McGonagle</b>, now a six-time world medalist.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969691,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969691,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="549" alt="9008969691?profile=original" /></a>The team won another <b>gold medal in the ISA Aloha Cup</b> tag team event at the championships. The brother and sister team of <b>Noe Mar and Leilani McGonagle also brought home winning medals</b>: the <b>gold medal</b> for the <b>Men’s Open Division for Noe Mar</b>, and the <b>silver medal in the Women’s Open Division for Leilani</b> – the 6<sup>th</sup> world medal for the 15-year-old surfer. Leilani just won the <b>gold medal at the <a href="http://news.co.cr/young-surfer-from-costa-rica-is-now-a-world-champion/38650/" target="_blank">Rip Curl GromSearch International</a></b> last month in Sao Paulo, Brazil.</p><p> </p><p>Although a small country in Central America, <b>Costa Rica is becoming known in the world</b> not only for having <b>great surf on two ocean coastlines</b> but also for <b>producing great surfers</b>. This year Noe Mar McGonagle is so far ranked #12 on the Qualifying Series (QS) of the World Surf League, and Carlos Muñoz is close behind at #16. Leilani McGonagle and surfer Emily Gussoni of Jaco also are competing at the World Surf League level.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008970456?profile=original" /></a>One of <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/learn-how-to-surf-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Costa Rica’s favorite areas for surfing</a> is <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Beach</a></b> on the southern Nicoya Peninsula – home to dream team surfer Anthony Fillingim. Santa Teresa is one of the <b>competition beaches in the <a href="http://www.surfingcr.net/stage/" target="_blank">Costa Rica National Surfing Circuit</a></b>. <b>Santa Teresa</b> also was named one of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">Central America’s top 10 beaches</a> for 2015.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296600697,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296600697,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="521" alt="9296600697?profile=original" /></a>Visit Santa Teresa on a <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/costa-rica-surfing-paradise-malpais-santa-teresa/" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacation</a></b>. If you don’t know how to surf, you can easily take surf lessons. <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation.html" target="_blank">Where to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>:</b> Beachfront at beautiful <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">Playa Carmen in Santa Teresa</a>, <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a></strong> offers <strong><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf vacations</a></strong>, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surfing-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">surf lessons</a>, and also <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a>.</b></p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p><p> </p></div>Costa Rica's swimming pool in the ocean at Santa Teresa Beachhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/costa-rica-s-swimming-pool-in-the-ocean-at-santa-teresa-beach2015-06-12T22:31:42.000Z2015-06-12T22:31:42.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969886,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008969886,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008969886?profile=original" /></a>When I stay at <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></strong> in <b><a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>,</b> one of my <b>favorite things to do is to <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel/tours-and-activities.html" target="_blank">swim in the giant tide pool</a></b> down the beach about five minutes from the hotel.</p><p> </p><p>The larger-than-Olympic-sized shallow sea water swimming pool is one of the <b>best-kept secrets of the area</b>. It is located between <b>Pranamar Villas</b> and <b>“<i>El Peñón</i>,” or the big rock</b>, where Santa Teresa Beach turns into Hermosa Beach – better known as “<b>Playa Hermosa</b>”. Since Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa – listed by TripAdvisor as <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-chosen-top-beach-central-america/" target="_blank">Top 10 Beaches in Central America</a> and <b>Top 10 Beaches in Costa Rica for 2015</b> – are better known for being some of the <a href="http://magicseaweed.com/Playa-Santa-Teresa-Surf-Report/914/" target="_blank">best surfing beaches in Costa Rica</a>, the tide pool often gets over-looked for great waves.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970095,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970095,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008970095?profile=original" /></a>You can only <b>find the tide pool at low tide</b>, when the long, flat beach widens immensely, so <b>when you can go varies on the tides</b>. On my last visit, I got lucky and it was low tide in the early morning around 7:00 a.m. I slipped from the rocks into the <b>cool placid water</b>, refreshing even that early compared to the heat and humidity beginning to rise from the beach and rainforest. I couldn’t believe <b>how clear and still the water was</b>, especially when big, frothing waves pounded only a dozen or so yards away.</p><p> </p><p>The sun-warmed water ranges from <b>knee-deep to about chest-deep</b> and is filled with <b>all kinds of interesting sea creatures</b> that get trapped when the tide goes out. You can find sea anemones, sea stars, crabs, mussels, hermit crabs and lots of little brightly colored fish. <b>Rocks and volcanic reef create the structure</b> around the tide pool. Since the water is shallow and it’s right off the beach, <b>this is a perfect swimming and snorkeling site for families with kids</b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970284,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970284,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008970284?profile=original" /></a>You will want to <b>wear water shoes</b>, or strap-on beach sandals that can get wet, to be able <b>to walk and stand up on the rocks</b>. <b>Keep in mind when you are snorkeling in Costa Rica that the country is located very near the equator</b> and the tropical sun reflecting off the water will fry your skin faster than a fish over fire. Wear a T-shirt or nylon shirt, a hat, and a generous layer of <b>SPF 30 or 50 waterproof sports sunscreen</b>.</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Playa Hermosa by Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></strong></p><p><b> </b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953059,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008953059?profile=original" /></a>The long, curving beach of <b>Playa Hermosa is known to be the</b> <b>most beautiful beach of the Santa Teresa area</b> on <b>Costa Rica’s southern Nicoya Peninsula</b>. Officially called “San Martin,” visitors to the beach commented so often on how beautiful it was that it became known as Playa Hermosa, or “<i>beautiful beach</i>” in Spanish. <b>Playa Hermosa</b> recently was honored once again with the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-beach-communities-win-ecological-blue-flag/" target="_blank">Costa Rica Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for being <b>one of the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">cleanest beaches in the country</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970682,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008970682,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008970682?profile=original" /></a>The nice thing about staying at <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a> is that <b>the hotel is right on the beach at Playa Hermosa</b>. It is wonderful to be able to walk out from your <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/bungalows.html" target="_blank">beachfront or garden bungalow</a> or <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/villas.html" target="_blank">poolside villa</a> a few steps onto the soft sand under a garden of Pacific almond and palm trees, lie in a hammock or on one of the lounge chairs, or walk down the beach. If you want to try surfing, <b>Pranamar Villas offers surf instruction</b> and <b><a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacation packages</a>.</b> Pranamar Villas mostly specializes in <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a>, and holds <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">daily yoga classes</a> for hotel guests and the public.</p><p> </p><p>The beautiful <b>Bali-style beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa</b> was awarded <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor’s 2015 Certificate of Excellence</a>, and <b>was named</b> <b>a</b> <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Santa Teresa Costa Rica beaches honored for being cleanest in countryhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-costa-rica-beaches-honored-for-being-cleanest-in2015-05-13T23:23:52.000Z2015-05-13T23:23:52.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="650" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952452?profile=original" /></a>Walk down the <b>Pacific beaches of <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></b> and you’re likely to see long, empty stretches of white sand, beautiful blue rolling waves, multicolored crushed seashells and interesting rocks and pebbles. What you <b>won’t see so much is trash</b>.</p><p> </p><p>The <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-hotel/how-to-get-there.html" target="_blank">southern Nicoya Peninsula beaches</a> of <b>Playa Hermosa, Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Mal Pais</b> all were <b>honored once again</b> with the <a href="http://www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/mapas/areasurf.asp?tab=0" target="_blank">Costa Rica Ecological Blue Flag Award</a> by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for being <b>some of the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">cleanest beaches in the country</a></b>. A record <b>108 Costa Rica beaches</b> received <b>Ecological Blue Flag Awards for 2014</b>, presented at a ceremony in March 2015. <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-chosen-top-beach-central-america/" target="_blank">Award-winning Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a> also was chosen one of the <b><a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-12-22/top-15-places-to-go-in-2015-cuba-south-africa-bahamas/2" target="_blank">Top 15 Places to Go in 2015</a> by</b> <b>Condé</b> <b>Nast Traveler.</b></p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952101,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952101,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952101?profile=original" /></a>Costa Rica’s Blue Flag award is an honor</b> for a community to earn. It means that community’s beach has near-perfect ocean water quality, potable water quality, coastal sanitation areas, treated waste and run-off water, garbage containers and very little litter.</p><p> </p><p><b>At Playa Hermosa, it all started four years ago</b> when hotel owner Tara Shaw encouraged her business neighbors to join her in cleaning the beach. “I used to go running on the beach and used to cry about all of the plastic trash. My family and I used to go out there and clean up,” said Shaw, who owns the small hotel of Villas Hermosas at Playa Hermosa with her husband, Brad. “Now, Hermosa has grown enough that a lot of people are really supportive.”</p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953059,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953059,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008953059?profile=original" /></a>Playa Hermosa</b> – aptly named “<i>Beautiful Beach</i>” – keeps its beauty <b>thanks to the hard work and dedication of Costa Rican Maxfred Moraga</b> and the committed business owners who sponsor him in the <b>community beach cleaning program</b>. <b>Nine businesses at Playa Hermosa cooperate</b> to pay Moraga’s salary and the cleanup expenses. <b>Moraga works six days a week all year</b> – with vacation time – <b>to pick up trash</b> brought in on the Pacific tides, that is left behind by beach-goers or washed out from nearby rivers. The rubbish is collected in extra-large garden-size trash bags, separated between <b>garbage and recycling</b>, and brought to a municipal trash collection spot.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953456,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953456,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008953456?profile=original" /></a>“Such a proud moment today! Our beach, Playa Hermosa, has been given the honor by the respected Blue Flag program of the <b>cleanest beach in the entire (large) province of Puntarenas</b>,” wrote Shaw on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Villas-Hermosas/37772908384?fref=ts" target="_blank">Villas Hermosas Facebook page</a>. “<b>Several Northern Santa Teresa / Hermosa businesses (Batik, Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat, Zopilote Surf Camp, The White House, Florblanca Resort, Latitude 10º Resort, Purasonica, Rancho Cielo, and us at Villas Hermosas)</b> have been contributing for a full-time worker to pick up garbage 6 days per week for the last 4 years in our part of town, and it has obviously paid off! Thanks so much to Maxfred, our cleaner the last three years, and all contributors who help us with this program. Best. Neighbours. Ever.”</p><p>“I am happy, not only that we got the award for being one of the cleanest beaches in the country and being able to enjoy it every day, but by the fact that my kids are growing in <b>a community where people do care</b>,” commented Mario Matarrita, manager at <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a>, which contributes to the community program. “After all, <b>this is for our future generation</b>, and these kinds of actions will hopefully set them on the right path.”</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953267,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008953267,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008953267?profile=original" /></a>Being <b>right on the beach at Playa Hermosa in Santa Teresa</b>, <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</a> also uses its own staff to keep its area of the beach well-groomed and free of trash and debris. The Santa Teresa hotel specializes in <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a> and <b><a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacations</a>,</b> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">daily yoga classes</a> for hotel guests and the public. <b>Pranamar Oceanfront Villas was named</b> <b>a</b> <a href="http://www.travelandleisure.com/local-experts/costa-rica/top-5-yoga-retreats-costa-rica" target="_blank">Top 5 Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica</a> by Travel & Leisure Magazine.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Pack with a purpose when you visit Santa Teresa, Costa Ricahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/pack-with-a-purpose-when-you-visit-santa-teresa-costa-rica2015-04-24T02:12:05.000Z2015-04-24T02:12:05.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951088,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951088,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008951088?profile=original" /></a>If you are a <a href="http://www.whattowearonholiday.com/en/index.php" target="_blank">Pack Light</a> traveler, you probably often find yourself with extra room in your luggage when you go on vacation. Have you ever thought about using that available luggage space to provide supplies to communities you visit?</p><p> </p><p>The desire to <b>give back or contribute to the place people visit as tourists</b> is a fast-growing movement around the world. <b>Volunteer vacations</b>, or volunteerism, are a very popular way to take a vacation. Another way is to <b>“pack for a purpose”</b> and <b>bring needed school and community supplies</b> to your vacation destination.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a> in Costa Rica</b> has been cooperating with the program <a href="http://www.packforapurpose.org/" target="_blank">Pack for a Purpose</a>, which connects travelers wanting to make meaningful contributions to help the places they visit and local community-based projects that receive and use the supplies.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008950694,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008950694,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008950694?profile=original" /></a>“Every time there is a yoga retreat coming and they ask us if there is a way to help the community, we tell them to <b>make a little space in their luggage and bring colored pencils, scissors, notebooks, coloring books, etc. to donate to the local schools</b>,” commented Tania Bertolo, Concierge at Pranamar Villas.</p><p> </p><p>In 2014, the <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel on Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a> <b>donated supplies to local schools</b> in the nearby communities of Manzanillo and Montezuma that had been <b>brought by hotel guests as donations</b>.</p><p> </p><p>“We would like to <b>offer to our guests</b> <b>that if they would like to do something to help our community</b>, and they can make a little space in their luggage, to <b>bring supplies for the children</b>. We have this great organization to give the donations to that is working with the children in our community,” said Bertolo.</p><p> </p><p>That organization is the non-profit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aprendiendo-Unidos/1542192829333490" target="_blank">Aprendiendo Unidos</a> (meaning “Learning Together” in Spanish). Since March 2014, <b>Aprendiendo Unidos has been helping the local children of Santa Teresa and neighboring communities</b> who attend schools that don’t have ample educational resources and school supplies.</p><p> </p><p>Gabriela Medina, Director of Aprendiendo Unidos, said <b>the organization currently helps four schools in the Santa Teresa area</b>: Bello Horizonte in Manzanillo, Mal Pais, and two tiny rural schools of San Fernando and Bajos de Ario.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951255,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951255,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008951255?profile=original" /></a>“We have learned that the <b>public schools are really lacking in books, paper, pens</b> … all the things we take for granted as part of a school’s supply to the students. However, that is not the case in the public schools in Costa Rica,” noted Pranamar Villas’ owner, Susan Money. “<b>We invite our guests to pack a few notebooks, or any school supplies they can fit, into their suitcases</b> for us to distribute to various schools. It sets a tone of appreciation not only from those of us who are residents, but from people all over the world who are able to spend time in this part of the world.”</p><p><br /> “<b>Pranamar will make sure your gifts go directly to the schools</b>, and your kindness will make a difference long after you leave!” Money added.</p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951701,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008951701,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008951701?profile=original" /></a>What can you bring or give:</b></p><p><b>Ongoing needs:</b></p><ul><li>School supplies like pencils, notebooks, kids’ scissors, backpacks, etc.</li><li>Art supplies for painting and coloring</li><li>Children’s books in English or Spanish</li><li>Ball caps, sun hats and sunscreen for kids</li><li>Water filters and re-usable water bottles</li><li>Games like puzzles, Scrabble, etc.</li><li>Musical instruments</li><li>Funds to help pay for school uniforms, assist with nutritional support at the schools, upgrade school facilities</li></ul><p> <b>Requests for 2015:<a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952066,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008952066,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008952066?profile=original" /></a></b></p><ul><li>6 First aid kits for the schools</li><li>50 New or gently-used yoga mats to teach kids yoga</li><li>IPod and speakers to use for dance lessons & yoga</li><li>50 Mini-computers or tablets for language lessons, etc.</li></ul><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008923452,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008923452,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008923452?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></p><p>On <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/costa-rica-2/santa-teresa-costa-rica-chosen-top-beach-central-america/" target="_blank">award-winning</a> <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a></b>, on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, <b>Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</b> specializes in <strong><a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a></strong> and <b><a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacations</a>,</b> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">daily yoga classes</a> for hotel guests and the public.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p><p> </p></div>Santa Teresa is a top national Costa Rica surfing beachhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/santa-teresa-is-a-top-national-costa-rica-surfing-beach2015-04-22T02:36:23.000Z2015-04-22T02:36:23.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008940468,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008940468,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008940468?profile=original" /></a>Surfing hotspot of <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> is a favorite among national pro surfers in Costa Rica. The award-winning beach was in the spotlight <b>April 18-19</b>, <strong>2015</strong> for the season’s fourth <b>2015 <a href="http://www.surfingcr.net/esp/Site/Index.shtml" target="_blank">Costa Rica National Surfing Circuit</a> competition,</b> sponsored by ISAW Action Cameras of Australia. <b>Competitive surfers from all over Costa Rica</b> came to Santa Teresa to compete. </p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008941665,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008941665,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="448" alt="9008941665?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/activities/learn-how-to-surf-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">Surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></p><p> </p><p>On Costa Rica’s southern <b>Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa</b> and neighboring <b><a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/destinations/costa-rica-surfing-paradise-malpais-santa-teresa/" target="_blank">Mal Pais</a> draw visitors from all over the world</b> who come to <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surfing-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">surf</a>, relax, do <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga</a>, and enjoy one of <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop-g291958" target="_blank">Central America’s top tropical beaches</a>.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008941701,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008941701,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008941701?profile=original" /></a>The <b>white sand beach of Santa Teresa</b> and neighboring <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com/teresa/surf.php" target="_blank">Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa and Mal Pais</a> offer consistent beach breaks and point breaks for experienced and beginner surfers. Water temperatures are usually 83-85°F; no wetsuit needed! Up-to-date <a href="http://magicseaweed.com/Playa-Santa-Teresa-Surf-Report/914/" target="_blank">surf conditions for Santa Teresa</a> are reported daily by Magic Seaweed.</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="600" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008858655?profile=original" /></a><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Where to stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></p><p> </p><p>Whether you are coming to <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/activities/surfing-in-santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">surf Santa Teresa</a> or just relax</b>, your place to stay is <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a>.</b> The <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa beachfront hotel</a> at beautiful <b>Playa Carmen</b> caters to surfers and yoga enthusiasts with <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf vacations</a> and <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreats</a>. Playa Carmen</b> was recently awarded the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/03/27/costa-ricas-cleanest-beaches" target="_blank">Ecological Blue Flag</a> by the Costa Rican Tourism Board for being <b>one of the <a href="http://www.ticotimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/BAE2015.jpg" target="_blank">cleanest beaches in the country</a></b>.</p><p> </p><p>Find out the <a href="http://www.enchanting-costarica.com/travel-tips/best-ways-get-santa-teresa-costa-rica/" target="_blank">best ways to get to Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a> from San Jose.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>What's the secret to awesome service at Pranamar Villas in Costa Rica?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/what-s-the-secret-to-awesome-service-at-pranamar-villas-in-costa2015-03-19T03:16:03.000Z2015-03-19T03:16:03.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008932654,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008932654,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="305" width="267" alt="9008932654?profile=original" /></a>When world traveler Susan Money chooses <b>where to stay on vacation</b>, she prefers <b>smaller family-run hotels</b>. Not as small as a B&B, but preferably not a corporate establishment.</p><p> </p><p>“I feel taken care of at a well-run corporate hotel or resort, but I <b>like the friendships you create at smaller family-run hotels</b>,” said Money. “This is especially important to me because I travel alone a lot.”</p><p> </p><p>Money is a <b>hotel owner</b> herself, in <b>Costa Rica</b>. She runs her <b>fabulous <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">beachfront hotel on Santa Teresa Beach</a></b> – <strong><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a></strong> – with the <b>same travel philosophy</b>.</p><p> </p><p>“The Pranamar experience is a unique one. Rather than the typical corporate model, we work under the <b>family model</b>,” explained Money, who runs the hotel with her husband, Greg, and daughter, Nancy. “<b>Our staff works together like family</b>. They work seamlessly together.”</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008932665,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" class="align-left" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008932665,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008932665?profile=original" /></a>The concept does not go unnoticed by <b>Pranamar Villas’ guests</b>.</p><p> </p><p>A guest at Pranamar in January 2015 commented on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g635538-d1815376-Reviews-Pranamar_Villas_and_Yoga_Retreat-Santa_Teresa_Province_of_Puntarenas.html" target="_blank">TripAdvisor</a>: “<b>Loved that this place is a family run</b>, quaint/cozy accommodation and not a packed resort. Just a great vibe about it from the time you come in.”</p><p> </p><p>Money says the biggest <b>difference between a family-run hotel and a corporate resort</b> is that <b>guests are able to interact more with each other and staff</b>. People greet each other by name around the <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/villas.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica beach hotel</a>, and even staff work shirts are embroidered with <b>“Pranamar Family”.</b> This leads to <b>better customer service</b> and even <b>staff longevity</b>; one staff member has worked with Money for 27 years.</p><p> </p><p>“Guests have their privacy, but definitely <b>people form friendships here</b> and feel they belong here like home,” said Money, who gives out her personal email to guests so they can contact her about anything. “We get so many <b>return guests and referrals from guests</b> that I see it <b>makes a difference</b>.”</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296596272,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296596272,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296596272?profile=original" /></a>A guest who visited the hotel in January for a <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/yoga/yoga-upcoming-events.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica yoga retreat</a> summed it up on TripAdvisor: “I travel frequently for work and often help support events. I have been blessed with good service but rarely with the <b>truly exceptional service</b> that was offered by the team at Pranamar. They operate seamlessly – hardly needing to speak to each other to provide <b>outstanding restaurant, housekeeping and front desk service</b> ... they are <b>incredibly friendly and accommodating</b> -- I've never been greeted so often or with such genuine warmth and concern for my comfort -- anywhere. The team goes above and beyond.”</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008932691,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008932691,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008932691?profile=original" /></a>On <b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel/blog/207-santa-teresa-costa-rica-chosen-top-beach-by-tripadvisor.html" target="_blank">award-winning</a> <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica</a></b>, on the <a href="http://pranamarvillascr.com/en/the-hotel/how-to-get-there.html" target="_blank">southern Nicoya Peninsula</a>, <b>Pranamar Oceanfront Villas</b> specializes in <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">C<strong>osta Rica yoga retreats</strong></a> and <b><a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surfing vacations</a>,</b> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">daily yoga classes</a> for hotel guests and the public.</p><p> </p><p><b><i>Article by Shannon Farley</i></b></p></div>Best Santa Teresa, Costa Rica sunsets? From Pranamar Villas’ new beachfront bar!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/best-santa-teresa-costa-rica-sunsets-from-pranamar-villas-new2014-12-14T22:25:00.000Z2014-12-14T22:25:00.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592700,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296592700,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9296592700?profile=original" /></a>Sunsets in <a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/the-beach.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a></b> are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen, especially if it is low tide. When the Pacific Ocean recedes from the long coastline of this <b>stretch of the Nicoya Peninsula</b> – <b>Playa Carmen, Playa Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa</b> – the setting sun reflects its fiery colors in millions of little tide pools in the exposed reef and turns the white sand rosy pink.</p><p> </p><p>The <b>best place to be on the beach in Santa Teresa</b> and <b>watch the sunset,</b> while you enjoy a refreshing cold drink, is at the new <b>Sunset Tiki Bar</b> at <b><a href="http://www.pranamarvillas.com/en/" target="_blank">Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat</a>.</b></p><p> </p><p><b><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008909479,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008909479,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008909479?profile=original" /></a>Every night of the week at <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel/facilities.html" target="_blank">Pranamar Villas’ new sunset bar</a></b> they are serving ice cold beers, sangria, fresh tropical fruit smoothies, special cocktails and delicious appetizers – called “bocas” in Costa Rica. It is the <b>best time of day to be on the beach</b> with your favorite cold drink, hanging out with your favorite people and meeting new friends. <b>You’re on vacation!</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008908885,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008908885,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008908885?profile=original" /></a> </p><p>The beautiful <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/the-hotel.html" target="_blank">Bali-style beachfront hotel in Santa Teresa</a> now has the <b>only beachfront bar in the area of Playa Hermosa</b>. Starting at the beginning of December, <b>Pranamar Villas opened up their beach garden</b> and set out comfy chairs and chaise lounges to enjoy the <b>famous fiery sunsets over the Pacific Ocean</b> at Santa Teresa – named by Forbes Magazine as <b>“one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.”</b></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008815085,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008815085,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="500" alt="9008815085?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b>Bocas, or appetizers, will vary nightly</b> with creative Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian dishes, and special fresh sushi rolls. The <b><a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Buddha Eyes Restaurant</a> at Pranamar Villas</b> gets its fish fresh from local fisherman daily, so you know the sushi will be top-notch. Check <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pranamaroceanfrontvillas" target="_blank">Pranamar Villas’ Facebook page</a> for information on <b>live music nights</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008910258,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008910258,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008910258?profile=original" /></a></p><p>After you enjoy the sunset, <b>stay for dinner</b> at <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/restaurant.html" target="_blank">Buddha Eyes Restaurant</a> where they serve <b>creative</b> <b>healthy cuisine</b> from the chef team of Rodrigo Soriano of Argentina, Claudio “Cicco” Mazzone from Italy and Jesus Zabala from Venezuela. The elegant open-air restaurant overlooks the lagoon-style pool at the <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/shortcode/villas.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica beach resort</a>. The Buddha Eyes Restaurant is <b>open to the public</b> for <b>breakfast, lunch and dinner daily</b>.</p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008910282,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="500" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008910282,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008910282?profile=original" /></a> </p><p><b>Pranamar Villas Costa Rica</b> specializes in <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/yoga/yoga-classes-and-retreats.html" target="_blank">yoga and yoga retreats</a>, and <a href="http://pranamarvillas.com/en/packages/surf-yoga-packages.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf holidays</a> at <b>Santa Teresa</b>.</p><p> </p><p><b>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p><p> </p></div>A horse and the Virgin Mary -- Costa Rica Christmas Legendshttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-horse-and-the-virgin-mary-costa-rica-christmas-legends2014-12-13T22:40:04.000Z2014-12-13T22:40:04.000ZShannon Farleyhttps://tripatini.com/members/ShannonFarley<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901082,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="550" class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901082,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008901082?profile=original" /></a>What do a <b>little black mare</b> and the <b>Virgin of Guadalupe</b> have to do with <a href="http://nicoyapeninsula.com/general/traditions.php" target="_blank">Christmas traditions in Costa Rica</a>?</p><p> </p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901459,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="80" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901459,original{{/staticFileLink}}" height="188" alt="9008901459?profile=original" /></a>One of the more interesting <b>Christmastime festivals held in Costa Rica</b> is the <a href="http://outwardboundcostarica.org/2012/fights-legends-and-the-virgin-of-guadalupe-la-festival-de-la-yeguita/" target="_blank">Festival of “La Yeguita”</a> (the little mare) on <b>December 12</b>. Held annually on the <a href="http://www.nicoyapeninsula.com" target="_blank">Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica</a>, the celebration combines traditional native beliefs and Roman Catholic customs.</p><p></p><p>According to the University of Costa Rica, the <b>indigenous legend</b> tells about two brothers caught in a machete-fight over a girl. People leaving the local church saw the fight and started praying to the <b><a href="http://www.catholic.org/about/guadalupe.php" target="_blank">Virgin of Guadalupe</a>, the patron saint of Nicoya and the Americas</b>, for a miracle. At that moment, a small black mare appeared, running between the fighting brothers to separate them and stop the conflict. <b>The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MU3JbQtL80k" target="_blank">Festival of “La Yeguita”</a> coincides with the Roman Catholic celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe</b>.</p><p></p><p>The celebration on <b>Dec. 12,</b> <b>in the city of Nicoya on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula</b>, <b>features a procession</b> with a man dressed as the “little mare” dancing with another man carrying a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe to the music of flutes and drums. The procession leads to the <b>Catholic Church for a mass</b>, and afterward, there is <b>food, concerts and general dancing</b>.</p><p> </p><p><strong><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901268,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img class="align-center" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008901268,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="350" alt="9008901268?profile=original" /></a><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="300" class="align-right" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9008858655,original{{/staticFileLink}}" alt="9008858655?profile=original" /></a>Where to stay on the Nicoya Peninsula</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/santa-teresa-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a> on the <b>southern Nicoya Peninsula</b> is known as one of the <b>most beautiful beaches in the world.</b> It is a place with warm and clear Pacific Ocean, spectacular sunsets over the sea, and the home of <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Tropico Latino</a>.</b> The <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/location.html" target="_blank">Santa Teresa beachfront hotel</a> specializes in <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-surf-camp-in-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">Costa Rica surf holidays</a> and <b><a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/retreats/costa-rica-yoga-retreats-at-santa-teresa-beach.html" target="_blank">yoga retreats in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica</a>.</b> They feature <b>comfortable and charming</b> <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/accommodation.html" target="_blank">accommodations</a>, a <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/spa.html" target="_blank">beachfront spa</a>, <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/yoga-costa-rica.html" target="_blank">yoga classes</a> and an <a href="http://www.hoteltropicolatino.com/dinning.html" target="_blank">award-winning restaurant</a>.</p><p></p><p><b>Article by <a href="https://plus.google.com/+ShannonFarley/posts" target="_blank">Shannon Farley</a><br /></b></p></div>