I love this Vedantin quote and I completely forgot that I had it saved. I will definitely be sharing this quote in my classes this week. Inner beauty is worth recognizing. What are you sharing with your students, friends, and family this week?
“You find the beauty everywhere you go [if] you carry that beauty within you.” Vedantin
If you’re a traveling yogi like myself you understand how hard it can be to tap into the local yoga community, so I’ve decided to give you the cheat sheet for where to practice yoga in Nicaragua, whether you’re in the Corn Islands, coffee country, Granada, or San Juan del Sur.
Zen Yoga’s open air studio is the perfect escape from San Juan del Sur’s hustle and bustle. Vanessa, the owner, is also fantastic… she has helped me on multiple occasions: She’s a wealth of information about the local area and has the warmest heart. Peter Sterios (former co-owner of Manduka Yoga Mats) teaches an annual teacher training in San Juan del Sur at Zen Yoga. Vanessa maintains a steady staff of talented instructors.
Buena Vista Surf Club is run by Marc and Marielle, a wonderful couple that now calls Nicaragua home. Yoga classes are offered each morning for resort guests on their stunning yoga deck overlooking the ocean. It’s pretty amazing. Meals at the resort are served family style, which creates a fun, relaxed social vibe.
Costa Dulce Beach Bungalows, located about 30 minutes south of San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua hosts yoga retreats and teacher trainings throughout the year. Occasionally they also have an in house yoga instructor staying with them. If you’re staying at the resort and you’re not part of a retreat you may be able to drop-in for classes at the teacher’s discretion. Costa Dulce has a super relaxed vibe and it’s easy to understand why, it sits on a nearly private beach and gets a constant offshore breeze. The main yoga shala sits up on the hill overlooking the jungle and beach. There is also a meditation (or small yoga platform) out on the point.
Casa Lucia, located in the colonial gem of Granada is a small yoga and wellness retreat in the heart of the city. Tucked within Casa Lucia’s courtyard you’ll find a beautiful swimming pool and covered practice space with beautiful hardwood floors. Yoga classes run everyday of the week and are open to the public.
Apoyo Lodge is located on the shores of Laguna de Apoyo, a stunning lake set in a jungle-clad volcanic crater. The lake also boasts the clearest and warmest lake water I’ve ever encountered. Apoyo Lodge is the place to stay for those interested in a cleansing yoga retreat. Their raw menu looks to-die-for. Apoyo Lodge unfortunately doesn’t allow drop-ins or day guests, so you’ll have to stay the night if you’d like to indulge in their lakeside classes.
Little Corn Beach Bungalows has a sweet little studio tucked between the trees. If you’re fortunate you will have the opportunity to drop-in for a class with Jacq. She rocks. Her classes are the perfect balance of sweetness and kick your butt challenging. She also teaches SUP yoga on Little Corn. Perfection. Drop-ins are welcome. They also offer discounts for multiple classes.
Oh Yemaya. You expensive, little exclusive resort on a remote island. We love you too. Yemaya has two stunning yoga spaces, one tucked into the jungle toward the back of the property and the other overlooking the beach. Yemaya hosts yoga retreat year round and regular classes. Drop-ins are welcome.
Located in the mountains outside of Matagalpa Finca Esperanza has the most ridiculous views of jungle clad mountains. When I think of Central America, this is what I think of. Finca Esperanza Verde has a covered yoga space with a VIEW! I’m not sure if they offer regular classes, but if you’re lucky enough you might be able to book a yoga retreat there. Getting there is also part of the fun!
Aqua Wellness Resort hosts daily classes for guests in addition to yoga retreats. The yoga palapa at Aqua Wellness looks out over Playa Redonda’s expansive beach. Aqua tends to attract more upscale clientele that some of the other retreat centers and their staff does a fantastic job meeting their client’s needs.
A yoga instructor friend of mine posted this quote to her Facebook wall last week and it immediately struck a cord with me. I can’t believe how long it took me to post. Dream big yogis!
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
~ Harriet Tubman
The world of yoga is growing and there are so many opportunities to grow your practice, to delve in deep and immerse yourself in yoga asana, philosophy, meditation and more. How do you even decide? I put together this short list of places worth checking out with three words that describe the facilities/atmosphere/etc… some are retreat centers, some are studios, some are retreat centers that offer drop-in classes. Many of the yoga centers below also offer detox and wellness practices. Now is the time to be the best version of you. Take a look.
This list is by no means exhaustive…. although I did lean more toward exotic than conventional in my destinations. Enjoy!
Ashiyana, Goa
Vikasa Yoga
Costa Dulce Beach Bungalows and Retreat Center
Blue Osa, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Itha108
Floating Leaf’s Yoga Sanctuary
Both a blessing and a source of frustration at the same time. This truth sometimes feels like it’s thrown in my face again and again. I will always be a student. There is always more to learn. This world has so much to offer.
“The more you know, the more you know you don’t know.”
Aristotle
Ambuja Yoga