surf – Living Simply, Feeling Extraordinary

Sansara Scouting Trip For Happy New You!

One of the best experiences I’ve had so far this year has been to visit Sansara Yoga and Spa in Cambutal, Panama.

Ewa and I had spotted this gem some time ago when we decided to host our forth annual New Year’s Eve yoga retreat called Happy New you! In the spirit of discovering new locales and broadening our horizons, we decided to explore a new part of Central America.

This retreat will offer similar tropical climate, similar fun, lighthearted and vibrant concept, but wait ’till you see the incredible place we have chosen!

We are so excited to share it with you. For this mini-scouting trip it we put together a group of six friends and ventured out for Panama City.

For the record, organizing a trip between as few as us was NOT EASY. Between logistics, flights, timing preferences, lengths of stay…it really made us appreciate the idea of going on a yoga retreat where all the logistics are already taken care of for you.

The vibes are high at Sansara. The staff is uber friendly, the owners Mike and Janel are super inspiring (with a baby on the way!) and the chefs so talented.

Some of us arrived early in Panama City and spent some time in Casco Viejo, enjoying the beautiful historic part of the city, its alleyways and the stark contrast between old and the modern parts.

Past Panama City, the drive becomes lush, beautiful and green.

The first thing that hit me when I arrived in Cambutal at Sansara was just how beautiful the property was. Sansara emanates a mediterranean feel with little thatched roofs staked with adorned walls and stylish details everywhere.

Upon arriving some of us had already decided to hop on a cruiser bike and explore the lush and serene countryside, whereas some of us barely had any time to drop off our bags before getting whisked away by Mike, the owner for a rad surf session with the locals.

Group sunrise yoga was stupendous on the elegant moroccan inspired yoga deck, and the beach in the morning creates a surreal mirror-like effect that will leave you in complete awe.

My favorite parts of the trips perhaps were the mornings. Getting together with friends in the cool morning breeze, sipping tea, chatting and laughing, airdropping photos, trying all sorts of chia-seed puddings, whole wheat waffles, poached eggs over rooted vegetables.

The other thing I loved was hanging by the pool and getting smoothies delivered and snacks while kicking it in the sun with our group.

If the surf was incredible, the surf instructor Nick is even more. Ewa could not be happier about his through, two and a half hour session where he shared literally all his passion and knowledge. Ewa is now completely hooked on surfing! For the non surfers, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling were a great and more chill alternative.

And did I mention the rooms? And the beds????? Because Sansara is practically brand new, everything is in pristine shape. The beds are soft white clouds and the aromatherapy makes you feel like you’re in heaven upon entering the room.

All the stone work was done by Mike, the owner, as well as the wood work. Stone showers and big slabs of wood as bed frames make the look of the rooms dramatic, stylish and edgy.

Overall, we absolutely adored the vibrant, chill and healthy energy of Sansara and cannot wait to get back and share it with all of you.

We are about half-way booked up for the retreat. Contact us at bluedreamyogaretreat@gmail.com to reserve your spot or book below.

Dec 28, 2016 – Jan 3, 2017, Sansara, Cambutal, Panama.

XOXO

Blog, Yoga Retreats

A Typical Day on the Happy New You! Yoga Retreat

April 21, 2015November 25, 2015by valentinarose11112 Comments

In the Blue Wave Yoga Retreat nothing is mandatory, and we want you to experience your vacation as you need it once you arrive at our splendid eco-resort Boca Sombrero.

Ewa and I’s personalities are easygoing and fun, and so are our yoga retreats. You will enjoy complete freedom while always being included in activities and enjoying a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Here’s a Typical Day at Our Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica:

5am-7am

The sun rises early in Costa Rica and sets early, by 6pm, so it will feel as if the days take place earlier than usual. First thing in the morning you will probably hear the howler monkeys, and that’s all the alarm you’ll need 🙂 You can choose to ignore the monkeys and cozy up under the covers, or you may catch the sunrise for a swim on the beach, meditate, or enjoy tropical fruit with granola and yogurt for breakfast.

Howler monkey with a baby. Photo cred: Jonathan Hokklo

9am-11am

We will offer a total of three classes to choose from daily. In the morning there will most likely be two at different times. One will be a flow taught by Ewa, and the other one will be alignment based yoga taught by Valentina. Both instructors will give hands on adjustments as the class takes place, and there will be meditation and breath work. You can attend both or for example choose to take a class and then surf, or sleep in and then take a class.

12pm

Enjoy a healthy, nourishing, lunch in good company.

12.30pm-2.30pm

It’s you time. Surf, watch someone surf, chill, take a nap, swim in the pool, get a massage, work with our resident acupuncturist Koji, read a book on a hammock, mingle with old and new friends, or walk on the the beach. Or enjoy one of the guided jungle hikes, waterfall rappel, zip line, go fishing, kayaking and more.

4pm or so

Depending on the day, you can enjoy another yoga session or workshop. The class can range from yin yoga to restorative, deep stretch, or a slow flow. Or you may decide you’ve had enough yoga for the day and choose another activity.

5.30pm

Around sunset the energy will shift. Take one last dip in the ocean, gaze out in the horizon, or enjoy a smoothie or tropical cocktail while socializing before dinner. If you’re in the mood for a jungle bar experience, head on over to Martina’s!

Martina's jungle bar is one of a kind! — Martina’s jungle bar is one of a kind!

6pm

Dinner. There’s nothing better than a delicious meal cooked with love and enjoyed in good company.

8pm

Post dinner: hang out with people, enjoy a glass of wine, play a group game or cards, cozy in bed, read a book, build a bonfire, play music, listen to music being played, take the occasional restorative class or star gaze on the beach, repeat.

Just as in life, nothing in our retreat is fixed. We will adapt to what each day brings and the external elements, such as weather, tides, energy level, or anything we feel. 🙂

We look forward to enjoying many days like these with you!

Travel

Please Don’t Go To Mapalo…Let It Always Stay The Same.

May 6, 2014June 15, 2016by valentinarose11116 Comments

Matapalo is a remote area? street? I don’t even know what to call it- on the Osa Pensinsula in Costa Rica. It is a great surf spot and a great place to just be.

Don’t go to Matapalo because..surf is amazing and no one likes crowds! Watching the force of the ocean is a rush worth many roller coaster rides. The ocean is not always forgiving and that’s what makes Matapalo’s world class surf exhilarating to watch. There’s plenty of action when there’s swell. Come and get it only if you dare.

Please don’t go to Matapalo because…nature will blow your mind. Capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkey and howlers will greet you in all different ways from their lush tree homes, and if you’re lucky you can see toucans, hawks and sloths. It’s like being inside National Geographic-happening unrestrained before your eyes. So don’t come unless you will be mindful of this habitat.

Don’t come to Matapalo because…you are in the middle of nowhere. No one can find you. The nearest grocery store is 18Km away. But you don’t even care. In fact, you never want to leave. You don’t need Nordstroms, museums, fancy restaurants and dressy shoes. The beach is your mall. The museum is all around you, just look up. And who needs restaurants when you have freshly caught fish, avocados and mangoes? As for shoes.. go barefoot. So don’t come unless you are ready to step into paradise.

Please stay away from Matapalo because… The community here is like no other. Most people here are rough around the edges, but they and know how to live in balance with the jungle. They’ve experienced the rainy season and draught. They’re easygoing, genuine people. A little crazy too. What’s there not to like? So don’t go to Matapalo unless you have a little bit of crazy in you too.

Don’t go to Mapalo because it’s really difficult to reach. This place can be described in 4 magic words: off the beaten path. Which means,no cheesy tourists who couldn’t survive a day in the wild. No lousy westerner who can’t speak a word of Spanish and thinks Ticos eat Mexican food. Matapalo operates natural selection at it finest. If you can’t make it with your car through the rocky, bumpy,steep road…you’re out. Matapaolo has the magical power to restrict the type of people it attracts. So don’t come unless you are ready to be one of the few and keep it as perfect as it is.