Costa Rica Peace & Yoga Retreat > June 20 - 24, 2012

About Playa Negra in Costa Rica

Playa Negra is one of Costa Rica's most sought after surf spots. There is a narrow channel between rocks where the surf rushes over a shallow lava reef, producing fast hollow breaks. As the takeoff zone for riding the waves is concentrated on a small spot the break is crowded with only two dozens of surfers, which can gather quite easily. Playa Negra is famous in the surfing world, having been featured in the surf cult movie "Endless Summer". The surf of Playa Negra is very consistent and the right-hand barrels attract the pros among the surfers. Surf is best during high tide, as low tide exposes rocks under the water. The pristine beaches of Playa Negra are dark-colored and rocky in many parts. For bathing there is a stretch of protected beach some 100 m south of the famous break. Surfers and non-surfers alike enjoy Playa Negra's pristine, natural, and remote landscape. Its dark-colored sand is interspersed with rocky outcroppings and tide pools for exploration. To the beach's southern end, there are protected areas for swimming. Dirt roads provide the only access to Playa Negra and the surrounding area. The beach's isolated location, its fast and hallow reef break draws surfers from throughout the area, and the take off zone for riding is main break can get quite crowded. Most hotels and restaurants in the area cater to the laidback surfing community.

About the Peace Retreat Center

Costa Rica is a mecca for nature lovers and adventurers alike, it is hard to believe that until a decade ago, Costa Rica was a remote and undiscovered tropical paradise. Today, regarded as being among the most biologically intense places in the world, this tiny Central American nation has grown to become one of the world's premier ecotourism hotspots. With a rich diversity of natural beauty & superb wildlife, a proud Latin American heritage and a culture that exudes both warmth and hospitality, Costa Rica is the definitive vacation destination for those not just looking to have a good time, but a truly memorable holiday experience!

Among the smallest Latin American countries, Costa Rica, unlike its neighbors is known throughout the world for its peacefulness and political stability. With no army for more than half a century, Costa Rican's or Ticos as they are known, enjoy a high standard of living and a social harmony that can be felt in every single corner of the country. Most Ticos are very patriotic and have a great sense of national pride, which can be seen in their dedication and commitment to the conservation and preservation of their natural wealth.

Nestled away in the forrest behind Playa Negra, the Peace Retreat Center hosts yoga, surf, ayurveda and wellness retreats. Owners Kevin and Hali McQuillan are both Baptiste Yoga teachers that left Canada to persue the dream of owning a yoga retreat center. The center can hold up to 30 guests. The open air yoga studio can hold 80 yoga mats and can be heated as well. This personal attention and alignment of yoga philosophy is the reason we support Kevin and Hali. We are honored to have been invited to host the first Costa Rica Peace & Yoga Retreat.

For photos and details on Peace Retreat Center log on to: http://www.peaceretreat.ca/ or find them on Facebook.

About the Yoga & Meditation

Each Morning we begin with a 20-30 minute meditation followed by q&a and journalling. One of the best ways to cultivate peace is through meditation. Meditation softens the out shell of our body and prepares us to enliven the innermost parts of our being. A 2- hour sweaty Power Vinyasa follows each meditation. Desirae, Kevin and the staff of Breath and Body Yoga promise a life change practice each morning. The practice is filled with Sun Salutations, Warriors, Crescents, Triangles, Backbends, Arm Balancing, Inversions and Standing Balancing poses. The evening practices are just as powerful. They are designed to deepen you into your body with hip sequences and pranayama.

Afternoon Excursions

From 11:30 am - 5:00 pm you are free to explore Costa Rica on your own or with the group. We have lined up several options. Surfing has always been on my bucket list. Riding a wave is aligning yourself with Mother Nature's oceanic force. So number one on the list is surf lessons. Other items include the following:

Surf Lessons & Surfing ($75 for 2 hour lesson with board)

Biking the Coastline ($15 per day bike rental)

Sun Bathing (Towel & Chair Rental)

Day trip to Nosara ($200)

Day Trip to Tamarindo ($80)

Jeep Excursions ($70 for 1.5 hour tour)

Snorkling ($50 for 2 hours with equipment)

Horseback Riding ($50 for 2 hours)

Horseback Riding and Ziplining ($85 for 2 hours)

Massage (please contact Hali for spa services)

Ayurveda Services (please contact Hali for spa services)

The Yummy Food!

Fresh, Fresh and even Freshier!

Healthy, Organic, Raw, Vegetarian, Fresh Fish are on the menu all week.

We are so excited about being the at seaside in Costa Rica. The food will be hand-prepared each day just for us. We will have a fixed menu offering different breakfasts and dinner each night. Peace Retreat is preparing a raw, vegetarian or fresh fish option each day. All meals are prepared with organic and local ingrdients.

If you have any allegeries or request, please let us know prior to the trip.

Other Important Logistics

Please note that this retreat center does not accept credit cards, cash only. They do accept wire transfers. The closest ATM is a $30 cab ride away, so please bring cash and your banks routing number.

You are more than welcome to arrive earlier than the retreat and stay later than Sunday. These reservations and pricing will go directly Hali Reid Quinn McQuillan. For quotes on Spa services or extra accomadations, please email her directly.

If you have any other questions please contact Desirae or Hali.