5 Day Yoga & Meditation Vacation December 10-14 Just ADDED

Posted on November 8, 2016 by smordini

Ahhhh sunshine break! Our end-of-year Yoga Retreat December 10-14, 2016 at luxury Prana del Mar is for you if you would love to…

• Prioritize self-care

• Heal burnout, fatigue, and exhaustion

• Connect with your intuition

• Learn to set healthy boundaries that support 2017 Intentions

• Learn practical techniques of meditation, yoga, and stress reduction

• Get your sh*t together. Leave the past behind.

INVESTMENT INTO SELF-CARE:

Double Occupancy: $1,349 pp

Single Occupancy: $1,699

*Alchemy Alumni receive $100-$150 OFF!

DETAILS HERE:

https://alchemytours.com/mexico-yoga-retreat-december-2016-prana-del-mar/

This retreat is perfect for those of you looking for less than a weeks investment in time and money but still know you would benefit from a time-out to reset before the new year begins. This one’s for YOU!

PRANADELMAR Client Packet

Villages in Chianti

Posted on June 5, 2016 by lourdesmordini

Radda in Chianti
This village (53Om, pop: 1,655) is situated on a hill covered with woods and extensive vineyards forming the watershed between the Pesa and Arbia valleys.

Formerly belonging to the Guidi family, it came under Florentine control in 1203. After being fortified in 1400 it was, from 1415 onwards, head of the League of Chianti, and it preserves the remains of its ancient walls.

The structure of the medieval village is still intact; it grew up elliptically around the church of San Nicolò, of 14th century origin and the Palazzo Pretorio. Built about 1415, its facade is adorned with the coats of arms of the podestà (chief magistrates), the latter is now the seat of the municipality.

Just outside the village, in the Vignale farm, are the headquarters of the Chianti Classico consortium (its symbol is the black-cockerel, the former emblem of the League of Chianti), and the Centro di Studi Chiantigiani (Centre for Chianti Studies), founded in 1984, with a small library and an archive devoted to the history of Chianti and its agriculture. The Montevertine farm, near the village, houses the small Museo del Chianti, with displays relating to the farming community.

Where is Radda in Chianti: it is located in the north of Siena province, in the border with the province of Florence and Arezzo.

Distances: Siena 30 Km – Florence 50 Km – Pisa 110 Km – Arezzo 57 Km

Castellina in Chianti
The city’s origins go back to Etruscan times and came under Florentine control starting in the 12th century when it became an important outpost due to its strategic position between Florence and Siena. It was destroyed and rebuilt many times during the battles between the two cities and every time the town was reconstructed with bigger defensive walls. Legend has it that even Brunelleschi was asked to work on the project of new walls for the town.

Along the ancient walls an impressive underground tunnel used by the guards back then remains, now called Via della Volte which today is a fascinating tunnel with shops and restaurants. I suggest you walk down the tunnel during different times of the day so that you can admire the view of the surrounding Chianti countryside with various degrees of light from the small windows along the tunnel. The tunnel itself goes around the city and encloses the delightful city center, itself divided by its main street, Via Ferruccio. Here you’ll find many shops, workshops, restaurants and important palaces such as Palazzo Banciardi and Palazzo Squarcialupi, both belonging to local noble families. Inside Palazzo Squarcialupi the Enoteca Antiquaria is now housed, a wine shop for over a 100 years old which represents an important historical archive of wine and which has helped preserving the original characteristics of Chianti Classico wine itself.

The Church of San Salvatore deserves a visit. It was rebuilt in 1945 after the devastation of WWII but which still displays a valuable fresco by Lorenzo Bicci depicting the Virgin Mary with Child and a wooden statue from the Renaissance. A few steps away from the city center, theFortress with its tall tower offers a stunning panorama of the town and countryside. Inside the Fortress is the headquarters of the Municipality and the Archeological Museum of Chianti, displaying important archeological findings from the surroundings that testify to the ancient origins of the Chianti region.

Hot Springs and Spa History

Posted on June 5, 2016 by lourdesmordini

PETRIOLO HOT SPRINGS AND SPA HISTORY

The Petriolo’s thermal baths are very ancient. The Romans knew and appreciated them. It is very likely that these are the baths mentioned by the orator Marco Tullio Cicero in his pro Marco Caelio.

Recently, Roman tombs have been found in the area, proof of a long time recognition of the beneficial effects of this water.

It is without doubt that these hot springs were highly appreciated in the Middle age and during the Renaissance period. As early as 1215, the Republic of Siena maintained a series of “stationes”, a sort of “bathing hut” for single “bathers”, similar to today’s beach cabins.

Many important people are known to have frequented the Petriolo thermal baths: the Medici, Lords of Florence, the Gonzaga, Lords of Manuta and leading exponents of the Church including Pope Pious II Piccolomini.

Also of note are the remains of the ancient walls built in 404 in the typical Sienese architectural style, which are the only exisitng example of fortifies thermae (fortified thermal baths).

Of the original baths, composed by four groined vaulted rooms, only one room still exists. It opens onto the river Farma with arches built on octagonal pillars. Besides the hot springs, the Farma river is perfect for bathing and swimming. http://termepetriolo.it/it/

At the Petriolo, you can indulge at the brand new spa center by the natural hot pools, which offers massage, beauty and health treatments, or you can enjoy the hot springs (43°C), open to the public free of charge, where you can relax in the pools along the banks of the river Farma.

While Umbrians and Etruscans were most likely the first inhabitants of its location, Castiglione della Pescaia was first recorded under the name Salebrone in Roman times. The hill close to the coast proved to be an excellent location, as it dominated the sizable inland Prelius Lake, while the lake itself provided food (fish) and trading goods (salt). In Medieval times, the city suffered from repeated pirate attacks and almost disappeared. It resurfaced in the 9th century AD under its current name, under joint protection of the Papacy and the Republic of Pisa.

The Petriolo Thermal Baths and Natural Hot Springs TODAY
At the Petriolo, you can indulge at the brand new spa center by the natural hot pools, which offers massage, beauty and health treatments, or you can enjoy the hot springs (43°C), open to the public free of charge, where you can relax in the pools along the banks of the river Farma.

The Petriolo’s thermal baths are very ancient. The Romans knew and appreciated them. It is very likely that these are the baths mentioned by the orator Marco Tullio Cicero in his pro Marco Caelio.

Recently, Roman tombs have been found in the area, proof of a long time recognition of the beneficial effects of this water. It is without doubt that these hot springs were highly appreciated in the Middle ages and during the Renaissance period. As early as 1215, the Republic of Siena maintained a series of “stationes”, a sort of “bathing hut” for single “bathers”, similar to today’s beach cabins.

Besides the hot springs, the Farma river is perfect for bathing and swimming, and the surrounding woods offer many nice spots for a picnic.

BENEFITS OF HOT SPRINGS

Petriolo thermal waters, rich in precious minerals and oligo-elements, rise to the surface at a temperature of 43°C, directly from the spring located on the banks of the Farma stream, with an average capacity of approximately 40 litres per second.
The smell of sulphur coming off it is due to the presence of great quantities of sulphurated hydrogen (hydrogen sulphide level: 21 mg/l). Based on the temperature measured at the spring eruption point and on the quantities of minerals, these waters are classified as hyper-thermal, containing bicarbonate, sulphate, calcium, magnesium, iodine, bromine, sulphur and carbon dioxide.

The therapeutic and healing properties of Petriolo thermal waters are useful in the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of various pathologies. As well known in ancient times and as confirmed by recent studies, these waters are particularly appropriate for osteoskeletal, tendon, skin, respiratory and phlebology issues.

Why You Should Give Yourself A Timeout

Posted on March 27, 2016 by sarah.erter

By: Silvia Mordini, Featured on Yoganonymous

A retreat is just that: A break from the daily grind in order to get clear on what you like about your life and what could be working better. It’s a safe space where you can take the time to step back and gain perspective to help you realize and recognize the things you’ve outgrown.

A yoga retreat is the perfect time in a beautiful place to carry out this mental detox. And there are so many different kinds of retreats. Some include activities and experiences beyond a yoga practice, such as life-coaching exercises where you’ll learn practical tools to apply to your life right away. Other retreats may include off the mat fun like surfing, kayaking, hiking, and more.

Just like we have to clean out our closets now and again—whether we want to or not—we need to take time to mentally declutter as well. It is important to devote time to decluttering. Clutter in the mind is stress. When we remove the clutter from our lives, we increase clarity regarding the life we are meant to live. The foundation of our life is based on the quality of the questions we ask ourselves.

Don’t wait—take a timeout for you.

Continue reading here on Yoganonymous and visit Alchemy Tours to see retreat offerings led by Silvia Mordini.

11 Yoga Retreats You Can Actually Afford

Posted on February 17, 2016 by lourdesmordini

A vacation is great, a yoga retreat is even better. While they often seem pricey, retreats simply offer more value than traveling on your own. Not only do you get to chill in a zen location for a few days, but the retreat package price typically includes vegetarian, possibly organic meals, meditation and yoga classes, personal growth workshops and even an occasional spa treatment.

Read the rest of the article published in Yoga Journal

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B.A.L.I. Yoga Retreat: Beauty. Art. Love. Inspiration. October 3-10, 2015

Posted on January 24, 2014 by smordini

BALI = Beauty. Art. Love. Inspiration.

Continue reading →

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Tuscany Vino & Vinyasa Yoga Retreat June 19-25, 2016

Posted on January 18, 2014 by smordini

Vino & Vinyasa = exploration / culture / fashion
*$200 OFF Early Birds by September 30, 2015! *

Continue reading →

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Costa Rica Pura Vida Yoga Retreat July 23-30, 2016

Posted on January 17, 2014 by smordini

Live Your Happiness in the Biggest Way!

Hola Amigos!

A philosophy that Costa Ricans live by is known as “Pura Vida” or the Pure Life–but really means “full of life.” It is the most characteristic Costa Rican phrase, and on this retreat, we plan to tap into this. Pura Vida is living in the moment. Catching the surf wave. Noticing the sunset. Watching the birds. Smiling. Laughing. Enjoying each experience that we have, and not taking it for granted.

Join us as we explore the Pura Vida lifestyle in all that we do. The yoga studio is state of the art. The food is top-notch–delicious and healthy. The location next to the ocean is perfect. There are a plethora of room choices and price points, whether you prefer to camp or live in the lap of luxury.

On this adventure, we will explore the Pura Vida lifestyle from three perspectives: Physical Alchemy, Spiritual Alchemy, and Mental Alchemy. For us as Alchemist Yogis, our laboratory is our mat and the ingredients are our bodies, poses, breath, thoughts. When we apply this to our lives, they are changed forever. Happiness becomes our natural alchemy.

This retreat is dedicated to helping you regain your natural balance so you can grow your happiness in all ways. Our tribe will be no more than 17 Amigos.

I can’t wait to share Pura Vida with you!

Namaste,

~Silvia~ Alchemy Tours

Download a complete pack of information about this retreat click here: CostaRica 2015

Check out what our clients are saying what clients are saying here!

Check out a summary of ALL 2016 Trips here!

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[notice]$150 OFF REFER A FRIEND![/notice]

YOUR INVESTMENT:

Eco Cottage Double (Natural Air): $1,400.00
Eco Cottage Single (Natural Air): $1,650.00

Hermitage Double (hotel like): $1,450.00
Hermitage Single (hotel like): $1,699.00

Nature Suite Double (with AC): $1,699.00
Nature Suite Single (with AC): $2,150.00

Mountain View Single (with AC): $2,250.00
Mountain view Double (with AC): $1825.00

Oceanview Single (with AC): $2,300.00
Oceanview Double (with AC): $1,825.00

PAYMENT PLAN:

$500 Deposit saves your space! Payment plan available please email jake@alchemytours.com

TO REGISTER:

Deposit: A $500 dollar deposit will reserve your space. You can pay directly online with your credit card.

CLICK FOR RESERVATIONS

To make payment please go to book now page and place your deposit. Questions? Email us at hello@alchemytours.com or call 872-228-9642 (2AT-YOGA)

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WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR INVESTMENT?

7 nights beautiful accommodation
3 healthful, delicious meals per day
Pescatarian, Vegan, gluten-free, and other options available
Organic juices, Coffees, Herbal blends, Tea
Unlimited fresh, quadruple filtered drinking water
Saline Infinity Pool
Steps to the giant, 3 mile long white sand beach on the ocean
Daily meditation and pranayama
Twice daily Yoga (Dynamic and Slow Flow)
Restorative and Yin Yoga session
Guided journaling and intention setting
A fun, half-day group excursion
Social hour on select evening
Yoga mats and all props, towels, etc.
Free wi-fi
Time for Exploration, Napping and Relaxation
A special eco friendly goodie bag with loving gifts
Bonfire ritual with the Moon cycles
Energy Medicine
Costa Rican Taxes (13%)
NOT INCLUDED?

Airfare to and from the retreat, lodging before and/or after if you are coming early or staying later, spa treatments, extra excursions.

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WHY THIS RETREAT CHANGES YOUR LIFE:

Something magical and mystical happens when a group of high-intentioned individuals make the decision to gather together for a week of adventure and learning.

“The art of living an ordinary life in an extraordinary way.” -Tibetan proverb

Typical Retreat Schedule:

Here is a sneak peak into how some of our days will look (though each day will vary some, and we always include some fun bonus add-ins!)

7:30am-8:30am Breakfast
9:30am-11:00am Vinyasa Yoga
11:00am-1:30pm Free Time: Beach, Siesta, Swim, Surf!
1:30pm-2:30pm Lunch
2:30pm-4:30pm Free Time
5:30pm-7:00pm Slow-Flow, Yin or Restorative Yoga
7:30pm-8:30pm Dinner
Om Out

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ABOUT YOUR GUIDE

SILVIA MORDINI: Writer, Retreat Leader, Happiness Coach, Healer, Yogipreneur

Enthusiasm to love your life is contagious around Silvia. Her expert passion connects people to their own joyful potential. Silvia lives her happiness in such a big way that you can’t help but leave her namastevegasclasses, workshops, trainings and retreats spiritually uplifted!

Born in Ecuador, raised traveling around the globe she is an enthusiastic citizen of the world and spiritual adventurer. She is a long-time Experienced Yoga Teacher (E-RYT) with over 11,000 hours of yoga teaching experience who has been practicing and teaching yoga over the last 15 years after being run over by a car and using it to recover physically and emotionally.

Silvia is the founder and for 9 years the former owner of Total Body Yoga, a well-loved Chicagoland studio and the creator of Alchemy of Yoga, a nationally recognized RYT200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Self-Study) Program in its 16th offering. She also founded Alchemy Tours which allows her to lead >inspired Yoga Retreats all over the world. Silvia is currently writing a book about Prescriptions for Happiness and has a popular blog called Loving Your Life, along with producing her “Loving Your Day” videos. Her articles appear regularly in MindBodyGreen as a Wellness Expert, Do You Yoga, Yogi Times, Elephant Journal, Yoganonymous, All Things Healing, The Cultureist, Global Adventuress, My Yoga Online, Daily Cup of Yoga amongst others. She is a proud Manduka ambassador, and Ombassador who offers popular workshops on Yogapreneurship, Rebel Spirit Flow, Chakra Vinyasa, Yoga and Writing, Habits of Happiness, Ayurveda, Meditation and Manifestation and more.

Silvia can be reached:

Web: http://www.alchemytours.com or http://www.silviamordini.com
Email: silvia@alchemytours.com
Twitter/Instagram: @inspiredyogagal

Facebook: Silvia Mordini (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1164596386)
YouTube: lovingyourday Pinterest: Silvia Mordini

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ITINERARY

*Detailed itinerary emailed upon registration

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FAVORITE PHOTOS

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ABOUT YOUR ACCOMMODATIONS:

Blue Spirit has been described by Trip Advisor as “Peaceful Luxury at it’s best”. It is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is the perfect place to experience your teacher training. When you’re not in training, you can relax at the salt-water infinity pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or you’re just a short walk away from a stunning, 3-mile long, sandy white beach.

Eco Cottage Double (Natural Air): $1,400.00
Eco Cottage Single (Natural Air): $1,650.00

Hermitage Double (hotel like): $1,500.00
Hermitage Single (hotel like): $1,750.00

Nature Suite Double (with AC): $1,825.00
Nature Suite Single (with AC): $2,250.00

Mountain View Single (with AC): $2,250.00

Oceanview – by request

WHERE WILL WE STAY?
Blue Spirit Retreat Center Costa Rica
http://bluespiritcostarica.com/

NATURE SUITE:

Nature Suites are very cozy and located on a hillside overlooking the lush vegetation. They are simple and natural wood frame structures and have private bathrooms with an outdoor shower overlooking the jungle. Each Suite sleeps two people and includes a separate enclosed porch with a desk. All Suites have solar hot water as well as air conditioning. The Suites are a short walk up the hill to the Main Building. Nature Suites have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Nature Cottage Interior

Nature Cottage Writing Corner

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HERMITAGE:

These rooms are specifically designed for singles and provide privacy and elegance, while being cozy and inexpensive. Many of these rooms have partial views of the ocean and others of the mountains nearby, a queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with solar hot water and a natural ventilation system. There are also a few Hermitage Rooms available with twin beds for two people. Hermitage Rooms have a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Hermitage Room

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ECO COTTAGE:

The cottages are beautifully situated in lush vegetation, allowing for a sensual being-in-touch experience with nature. They are simple and natural wood frame structures with screening for natural ventilation. Each Cottage sleeps two people and share a common bathhouse that has solar hot water showers and everything runs on solar powered electricity to provide a comfortable and ecological setting. The Eco-Cottages are situated below the Main Building and involve a short hike up a stone stairway to get to the Main Building. Each Eco-Cottage has a safety box large enough to fit a 17″ laptop computer.

Eco-Cottage interior

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MOUNTAIN VIEW:

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ABOUT COSTA RICA

Recently named the Happiest country in the world! This is a land of Pura Vida where Ecological Integrity really matters. The easy vibe and friendly locals welcome you like you were family.

ABOUT BLUE SPIRIT RETREAT CENTER

BS_LogoNewColorLargeBlue Spirit has been described by Trip Advisor as “Peaceful Luxury at it’s best”. It is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is the perfect place to experience a Yoga Retreat. When you’re not in training, you can relax at the salt-water infinity pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or you’re just a short walk away from a stunning, 3-mile long, sandy white beach.

Blue Spirit Address:
Blue Spirit Costa Rica
Guiones sur, Playa Guiones
Nosara, Guanacaste
Costa Rica

NOSARA AND NICOYA PENISULA

In the last 10 years Nosara has grown quietly into one of the hip holistic hot-spots on the planet. This peaceful and vibrant international community of nature lovers, surfers, yogis, and families truly embraces the Pura Vida lifestyle.

The community resides along the coast with 3 unspoiled stunning beaches – Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, and Playa Nosara – with private houses, little hotels, and excellent restaurants hidden into lush tropical greenery. Blue Spirit has become a vital part of this community.

The residents of Nosara are committed to preserve their natural environment. The 3 beaches are protected as a turtle refuge, and almost half of the land in the entire area is protected forest, and a moratorium on hunting animals stretches back for over 20 years.

The actual village and original settlement of Nosara is 4 miles inland, alongside the Rio Nosara. It’s a a small traditional Costa Rican town with grocery stores, typical restaurants, churches, a disco, a soccer field, and the landing strip for daily flights to and from San Jose.

Blue Spirit Lives Within a Blue Zone

The Spa and Longevity Center at Blue Spirit offers our guests the opportunity to learn and experience the multi-faceted aspects of self-care that encourage a long, healthy and vibrant life. We welcome you to experience a new way of life in a Blue Zone.

Blue Zone is a concept used to identify a geographic area of the world where more people live to be centenarians (past 100 years) than elsewhere, as described in Dan Buettner’s book, “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from People who Lived the Longest.” He identifies longevity hotspots in Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California: and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica – where Blue Spirit is located. Scientists and demographers have classified these longevity hot-spots as having common healthy traits and life practices that result in higher-than-normal longevity.

In 2005 Costa Rican demographer Dr. Luis Rosero-Bixby revealed that Costa Ricans who survive to the age of 60 “have the longest life expectancy of anyone in the world”. National Geographic funded an expedition, which confirmed Rosero-Bixby’s findings and discovered further that in the specific region of Nicoya, in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, residents were longer-lived even than other Costa Ricans, making it the “Blue Zone” of the Americas.

Blue Spirit’s founder, Stephan Rechtschaffen MD, is teaching seminars on longevity and envisioning Blue Spirit to become in the next years one of the foremost places to learn more about longevity practices.

Blue Spirit Grounds 2014

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Some Facts to Help with Your Travel

Airports in Costa Rica

Quick Links
Transfers & Shuttles
Flying to/from Nosara
Blue Spirit Group Shuttle Reservations
Costa Rica Hotels
FAQs
Travel Documents to Bring
What You Need to Bring With You
The two international airports in Costa Rica are: Liberia International Airport (LIR) and San Jose International Airport (SJO). Both airports have frequent flights to and from all over the United States and Canada.

We recommend flying into Liberia, which has been recently expanded with increased numbers of flights from the US and Canada. It is only a two-hour scenic drive from Blue Spirit Costa Rica, and has become a destination of many non-stop flights from several US cities (New York, Miami, Atlanta, Denver, and Houston).

Please place your reservation for the Blue Spirit Costa Rica shuttle ground transportation.

Flying to San Jose is also an option as sometimes flights from the US, Canada, or other parts of the world are less expensive or more direct than flying into Liberia. Getting to Blue Spirit from San Jose by ground transportation however is more costly and can take 4 ½ hours.

An alternative option is to take a 40-minute short domestic flight from/to San Jose to/from the local Nosara Airport (only a 20-minute drive from Blue Spirit). Please contact Blue Spirit about arranging flights from San Jose to Nosara.

Each departing passenger must pay a $26 departure tax at either San Jose or Liberia airport before exiting Costa Rica. It can be paid in cash in US dollars, Costa Rican Colones or with a credit card.

Whether you choose to fly into Liberia (LIR) or San Jose (SJO), there are a variety of options available for your travel onwards to Blue Spirit.

Transfers & Shuttles

Transfer options between Liberia Airport and Blue Spirit

For all group shuttle services you will need to make advanced reservations.

Blue Spirit group shuttles run on arrival and departure days ONLY several times during the day from/to Liberia. It is a scenic two-hour drive. The cost is $55 per person each way, payable in cash or by credit card at Blue Spirit reception. Please complete and submit the SHUTTLE RESERVATION FORM as soon as you know your flight itinerary.

According to the arrival times of all major airlines we have grouped the shuttle pick ups between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. for flights arriving at midday and early afternoon, and between 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. for all flights arriving in the evening. This means that if you have reserved a seat on a group shuttle, and your flight is arriving in any of these two mentioned time periods, a Blue Spirit group shuttle will be waiting for you outside of the Arrivals terminal.

For your departure from Blue Spirit we offer several group shuttle services each Saturday to Liberia Airport: 3:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m

You should plan to be at the airport two hours before your flight’s departure. This means that if your home-bound flight leaves from Liberia i.e. at 8 a.m., you would leave with the group shuttle from Blue Spirit at 4 a.m. to arrive in Liberia at 6 a.m. (two hours before your scheduled flight).Individual transfer is available for guests, who are not arriving or departing on Saturdays or those who wish to travel more privately. We will gladly arrange for your pick up by our trusted drivers (one way: $140 one person, and $70 each for two people). The same rates apply from Blue Spirit to Liberia Airport. To book one of our drivers, visit the Shuttle Reservations page.

Rental Car: You may reserve your own rental car to drive from Liberia to Blue Spirit. However, a car is not needed during your stay with us. We recommend online bookings with toyotarent or natcar, as these car rental agencies allow one-way rentals for you to drop off your vehicle in Nosara. The cost of a one-day rental car with drop off in Nosara is usually around $100.

Transfer options between San Jose Airport and Blue Spirit

Blue Spirit does not run regular group shuttles from/to San Jose, guests have the option to either hire their own taxi for the 4.5 hours trip from the airport in San Jose to Blue Spirit in Nosara for approximately $240.

Blue Spirit also gladly arranges for one of the trusted drivers to pick you up at San Jose Airport (one way: $240 one person, $120 two people, $80 three or more people). The same rates apply from Blue Spirit to San Jose Airport.

Rental Car: You may reserve your own rental car to drive from San Jose to Blue Spirit. However, a car is not needed during your stay with us. We recommend online bookings with toyotarent or natcar as these car rental agencies allow one-way rentals for you to drop off your vehicle in Nosara. The cost of a one-day rental car with drop off in Nosara is usually $90 each way.

Flying to/from Nosara

You can also take a 40-minute flight from/to San Jose to/from the domestic Nosara Airport, which is only a 20-minute taxi ride from Blue Spirit. Taxis between Blue Spirit and Nosara Airport cost $20 one way. Please contact Blue Spirit to make this flight reservation. Flight schedules from San Jose to Nosara usually require that your international flight arrives in San Jose at noon at the latest in order to catch the last flight at 2 p.m. from San Jose to Nosara.

A safer alternative is to arrive the day before and stay overnight in San Jose in order to take a morning flight.

There are two airlines with daily flights to and from Nosara: Nature Air and Sansa Airlines. Both airlines can impose luggage restrictions. To avoid excess baggage fees at the airport read the information on their websites carefully.

We like to recommend Nature Air, as they have been proving to be more reliable regarding their schedule. It does require, however, that you take a 20-minute taxi ride from San Jose International Airport to the local Pavas Airport (taxi ride costs $20 OR with the Nature Air shuttle it’s $8 per person).

For home bound flights on either airline out of Nosara we recommend that you plan ample connection time and give yourself at least 4 hours to make your departing international flight. Directions to Blue Spirit Costa Rica from Airports:

Liberia International Airport to Blue Spirit (approximately 2 hours)

1. Exiting from Liberia International Airport turn right in direction to Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Following the paved highway, you will pass through different villages (i.e. Filadelfia, Belen, Rio Canas, Santa Cruz) until you reach after approximately 65 km/1 hour the outskirts of the town of Nicoya.

2. You will come to an intersection with a 4-way red flashing light and there will be signs there indicate a right turn into the town of Nicoya. Make that right turn and drive straight through the town of Nicoya, staying always on the main road, no turns. Drive slowly, as there are a lot of pedestrians in this bustling town.

3. As you leave Nicoya on the other side, continue South on the paved road in the direction of Samara. There will be some twists and turns as you pass through different villages, but you stay always on the paved main road.

4. After approximately 30 km you will see a large gas station on your left. There is also a hardware store and a little Soda Cafe for snacks and drinks. Stop here and get gas if needed – last chance on the way to Nosara.

5. Shortly after the gas station the paved road makes a sharp curve to the left. At the apex of that curve, you will notice a small dirt road turning off to the right, downhill. Take this dirt road – it’s the road to Garza, Guiones Beach, and Nosara. It is marked with several signs.

6. Stay on this dirt road for about 20 km. There are, once again, some turns and twists, but stay on the main road. There are also occasional signs that tell you how many kilometers you still have to go to reach Playa Garza, Guiones and Nosara.

7. You will pass through different villages, until you come to a T-intersection, turn right here in the direction to Playa Garza where you’ll soon meet the ocean on your left. Continue straight through the village and leave Garza behind in the direction of Playa Guiones and Nosara.

8. After approximately 300 meters you’ll see on your left a gate and the Blue Spirit Costa Rica sign (in blue and orange letters) – make a turn to the left, and follow the little winding road all the way to the parking lot and Main Building.

From San Jose International Airport to Blue Spirit (approximately 3.5 to 4 hours)

1. Leave San Jose International Airport follow the signs towards San Jose Escazu, stay on this road for about 10-15 minutes depending on the traffic. Turn right at the intersection, you will see a McDonalds on the far left-hand corner. This is Autopista del Sol or Highway 27.
2.Follow the signs to Caldera and Puntarenas (63.3 km). You will pass the Port of Caldera and once you get to Puntarenas Route 27 turns into Highway 1.
3.Leave Puerto Caldera and travel northeast toward Liberia and Limonal (84 km). After 28 km you will pass the little town of Esparza. Keep on going straight for 6 km, passing the first turn off to Puntarenas, the turn off to Puerto Caldera, and later the 2nd turn off to Puntarenas. Keep going straight for approximately 50 km until you reach the center of Limonal.
4.Leave Limonal to the West and travel toward the Puente de La Amistad (29 km) and Nicoya (63.5 km). Pass over the Puente de la Amistad (it’s a bridge), and continue for another 21 km until you come to a T-junction. Turn right at the “T” onto the road 21. Follow this road for 13 km and turn left toward the town of Nicoya. Enter Nicoya and drive straight through the town always staying on the “main road”, no turns. Drive slowly, as there are a lot of pedestrians in this bustling town.
5.As you leave Nicoya on the other side, continue South on the paved road in the direction of Samara. There will be some twists and turns as you pass through different villages, but you stay always on the paved main road.
6.After approximately 30 km you will see a large gas station on your left. There is also a hardware store and a little Soda Cafe for snacks and drinks. Stop here and get gas if needed – last chance on the way to Nosara.
7.Shortly after the gas station the paved road makes a sharp curve to the left. At the apex of that curve, you will notice a small dirt road turning off to the right, downhill. Take this dirt road – it’s the road to Garza, Guiones Beach, and Nosara. It is marked with several signs.
8. Stay on this dirt road for about 20 km. There are, once again, some turns and twists, but stay on the main road. There are also occasional signs that tell you how many kilometers you still have to go to reach Playa Garza, Guiones and Nosara.
9. You will pass through different villages, until you come to a T-intersection, turn right here in the direction to Playa Garza where you’ll soon meet the ocean on your left. Continue straight through the village and leave Garza behind in the direction of Playa Guiones and Nosara.
10. After approximately 300 meters you’ll see on your left a gate and the Blue Spirit Costa Rica sign (in blue and orange letters) – make a turn to the left, and follow the little winding road all the way to the parking lot and Main Building.
Back to top.

Blue Spirit Group Shuttle Reservation

Group Shuttles Are Available From/To Liberia (LIR). There are several shuttles to Blue Spirit from LIBERIA Airport. The cost is $50 per person, payable in cash or by credit card at Blue Spirit reception.

Please complete and submit the SHUTTLE RESERVATION FORM as soon as you know your flight itinerary.

** (Please ask if you need us to make individual arrangements for you for other arrival and departure dates. Different rates apply.)

It is a two-hour drive between Blue Spirit and LIBERIA Airport. You should plan to be at the airport 2 hours before your flight’s departure time.

Costa Rica Hotels

Staying Overnight in Liberia

Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport ****
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com
Tel: +506-2690-8888 Fax: +506-2690-888
This five story hotel has 169 rooms that offer the latest in technology and ergonomic comfort.
5 minutes from Liberia International Airport

Hotel La Plazuela **
http://www.hotellaplazuela.com/index.html
Tel: +506-667-8556; +506-667 9534; +506-667-9533
The rustic design of Hotel La Plazuela reflects traditional construction styles. It has 16 rooms in a standard double or deluxe double, a large swimming pool, while the hotel restaurant serves typical Costa Rican dishes.
15 minutes from Liberia International Airport

Hotel Boyeros **
http://www.hotelboyeros.com
tel: +506-2666-0722; + 506-2666-0809
A friendly hotel with 70 spacious rooms and conference center.
15 minutes from Liberia International Airport
Staying Overnight San Jose

Doubletree Cariari San Jose ****
http://www.centralamerica.com/cr/hotel/cariari.htm
Toll free from US or Canada: 1-888-535-8832 or 1-800-948-3770
Tel: +506-2239-0022 Fax: +506-2239-2803
Built in a colonial hacienda style the resort hotel Cariari has 220 rooms and meets all the needs of modern traveling with an old world ambiance.
5 minutes from SJO Airport

Hampton Inn San Jose Airport***
http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/hotel/hampton-inn
Hampton Inn Costa Rica, part of the Hilton hotel family, is a modern style hotel.
5 minutes from SJO Airport

Trapp Family Country Inn ***
http://www.trappfamilycountryinn.com
US tel: +1-305-712-5634; US fax: +1-815-377-3909
Costa Rica fax: +506- 2460 6796
The colonial style Trapp Family Country offers eight finely furnished rooms with a balcony or terrace overlooking the gardens and pool area. The windows are sound proofed to give customers the utmost rest and privacy.
Free airport shuttle, 1 mile from SJO Airport

Hotel Robledal ** ½*
http://www.hotelrobledal.com
Toll free from US or Canada: +1-812-962-4386
Costa Rica tel: +506-2438-3937; Fax: +506-2438-7074
Hotel Robledal is a clean, friendly, family operated hotel with peaceful surroundings.
It has 11 rooms on two floors. English spoken.
3 miles from SJO Airport

FAQs

What do I do if my flight is delayed?
If you are still in the US/Canada or Europe and miss a connecting flight or received notice that your flight’s departure to Costa Rica has been delayed, please call Blue Spirit’s US phone number: +1.646.833.3410 and we will re-arrange your shuttle pick up time. If you are already in the air and your arrival time is much later than scheduled, depending on how many passengers are already waiting in the van from previous flights, it is very possible the driver will wait for your late arrival. If you arrive late and your shuttle has already departed, you can take the next shuttle.

What do I do if I can’t find the driver or a Blue Spirit shuttle?
If you can’t find a Blue Spirit driver or shuttle please call our reception phone: 2656.8300 or 2656.8228 (these phone numbers can only be dialed from within Costa Rica).

We will assist you in either finding the driver or bringing you to Blue Spirit with a taxi. Please do NOT hire your own taxi before you have spoken to Blue Spirit Reception and have notified us about your change of plans

More FAQs from Blue Spirit.

Travel Documents to Blue Spirit, Costa Rica

Citizens of the US, Canada, and Panama require a passport whose expiration date is at least 6 months after your travel date. Identification such as a driver’s license or birth certificate are no longer valid for travel in Costa Rica. A valid passport allows Canadian, American, as well as most Latin American and European citizens to stay for up to 90 days.

Citizens of other countries may require a visa to enter Costa Rica. Before you go to Costa Rica, please make a copy of your passport, which you will need to carry with you at all times. You can leave your original passport in the safety box at Blue Spirit.

What Will You Need to Bring?

Passport. Before you go please make a copy of your passport which you will need to carry with you when leaving the center.
Mat (if you prefer to use your own, they also have them at Blue Spirit)
Notebook
Any special medications/treatments you may need.
Casual clothes
White clothing (to wear during evening satsang)
Yoga practice clothes
A couple of footwear options (water shoes and flip flops, no heavy hikers)
Bathing Suits (at least 2)
Beach towel
Headlamp **very important**
Camera
Chargers for phone, camera, and computer
Water bottle
Travel coffee/tea mug
Lightweight backpack (for hiking)
Sunglasses
Sunblock
Natural bug repellant
Toiletries that are earth friendly biodegradable
Tampons (when by the water most women always get their period at some point)
An extra couple pairs of contacts if you wear them
Alarm clock
Extra: If you are planning to do other stuff like horse back riding or surfing

If riding horses be sure to bring jeans or long, stronger pants if you’re not used to riding. If you normally ride then wear what you feel best in.
If SURFING please bring rash guard shirts, board shorts or something you’ll feel comfortable moving in.
If mountain biking in your free time bring clothes for that
Yoga Clothes:

Yoga clothes that are comfortable and easily mixable with other pieces. (but no need to overdo it, we don’t mind if we see you in the same outfit over and over.)
Avoid bringing heavy material pants or tops. Include looser fitting flowy pieces as well and easy layers you can put on for breakfast/lunch.
Consider bringing shorts
Make sure to have more than just tight fitting black stretchy pants
You will find living in Costa Rica breathable fabrics are best. The ease of the Pura Vida lifestyle becomes the way you want to practice your yoga too.
We will be aligned with the Chakras. Maybe not for all 7 but at least try to bring 2-3 of the colors so you can wear that color the day we review that chakra. (Red 1st, Orange 2nd, Yellow 3rd, Green 4th, Turqouise 5th, Indigo 6th, Violet 7th)
To Consider:

Bring 2-4 things that you know you can leave there and give away to the locals.
What NOT to pack for Costa Rica:

Fancy clothes
Lots of shoes: The only shoes you will need in Costa Rica are flip flops and a good pair of walking/water shoes if you want to do any hiking. Do not bring high heels.
Expensive Jewelry
Overdoing technology (try to limit how many I devices you really need)
Back to top.

Do I need a passport?
Yes a passport is required.

Can you tell me more about the yoga studios?
There are 3, all of which we’ll use. The main building studio features a remarkable 1200 sqft teak floor and 25ft vaulted ceiling with an open air expansiveness.

What kind of food will be provided?
Meals are gourmet vegetarian, with plentiful options of locally grown, organic food. Nearly any dietary request/restriction can be met, and Blue Spirit has a long history of extremely happy customers.

Does Blue Spirit have WiFi?
Absolutely. And it is free to guests.

Is there swimming at Blue Spirit?
Naturally! Oceanfront makes it easy to enjoy a dip anytime and the saltwater infinity pools always available.

Is there surfing?
Yes. Surfing is just steps away.

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IS THIS RETREAT A GOOD FOR ME?

Well if reading over our retreat description resonates with you then yes, it is. Call or email us and let’s talk more.

Are you ready for the Adventure of your Life?

Joseph Campbell found that there was one CRUCIAL part of every Hero’s Journey – and that is the “Call to Adventure”. That moment when the hero is living his or her normal life and something changes, there is an opportunity to go on a journey.

The question is, does the hero say YES or NO? Every hero says no at first.

WHY?

Simple: fear. They know if they say YES their life will never be the same again. They are afraid of change. They are afraid of risk. They are afraid of greatness. But being a hero means having courage and moving forward even though you are afraid of the discomfort of vulnerability. Vulnerability meaning the courage and truth to be ourselves. (Brene Brown).

Yoga inspires us to aspire to our greatness!

So, consider this retreat as a YES to one of the ultimate adventures of your life!

“Yoga believes in transforming the individual before transforming the world. Whatever change we want to happen outside should happen within.” – Sri Swami Satchidananda

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VIDEOS:

Solar Energy!

Alchemy of Yoga – Costa Rica from christina russo on Vimeo.

Lunar Energy…

Alchemy of Yoga – Costa Rica Part 2 from christina russo on Vimeo.

Interviews with Silvia Mordini, Founder of Alchemy of Yoga

Part 1

Part 2

Greece Art of Relaxation Yoga Retreat October 2016

Posted on January 15, 2014 by smordini

Relaxation = grounding / pampering / rejuvenation / stress-relief
***Save $300 per person by July 15th, 2014 ***

Continue reading →

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Prana del Mar Gratitude & Manifestation Yoga Retreat Nov 26 – Dec 3, 2016

Posted on January 15, 2014 by smordini

Cabo San Lucas 5 Star Luxury Eco-Retreat
Early Birds by Sept 15, 2015 save $150!

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Alchemy Tours

We are moment seekers

Category Archives: Art of Relaxation

5 Day Yoga & Meditation Vacation December 10-14 Just ADDED

Villages in Chianti

Hot Springs and Spa History

Why You Should Give Yourself A Timeout

By: Silvia Mordini, Featured on Yoganonymous

11 Yoga Retreats You Can Actually Afford

B.A.L.I. Yoga Retreat: Beauty. Art. Love. Inspiration. October 3-10, 2015

BALI = Beauty. Art. Love. Inspiration.

Tuscany Vino & Vinyasa Yoga Retreat June 19-25, 2016

Vino & Vinyasa = exploration / culture / fashion
$200 OFF Early Birds by September 30, 2015!

Costa Rica Pura Vida Yoga Retreat July 23-30, 2016

Greece Art of Relaxation Yoga Retreat October 2016

Relaxation = grounding / pampering / rejuvenation / stress-relief
Save $300 per person by July 15th, 2014

Prana del Mar Gratitude & Manifestation Yoga Retreat Nov 26 – Dec 3, 2016

Cabo San Lucas 5 Star Luxury Eco-Retreat
Early Birds by Sept 15, 2015 save $150!

By: Silvia Mordini, Featured on Yoganonymous

BALI = Beauty. Art. Love. Inspiration.

Vino & Vinyasa = exploration / culture / fashion *$200 OFF Early Birds by September 30, 2015! *

Relaxation = grounding / pampering / rejuvenation / stress-relief ***Save $300 per person by July 15th, 2014 ***

Cabo San Lucas 5 Star Luxury Eco-Retreat Early Birds by Sept 15, 2015 save $150!

Vino & Vinyasa = exploration / culture / fashion
$200 OFF Early Birds by September 30, 2015!

Relaxation = grounding / pampering / rejuvenation / stress-relief
Save $300 per person by July 15th, 2014

Cabo San Lucas 5 Star Luxury Eco-Retreat
Early Birds by Sept 15, 2015 save $150!