Travel

Where to Practice Yoga in Nicaragua

Autumn Adams

Sunset meditation

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, 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, Playa Maderas

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, Playa Escameca

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, Granada

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, Laguna de Apoyo

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, Little Corn Island

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.

Yemaya Island Hideaway and Spa, Little Corn Island

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.

Finca Esperanza Verde, Matagalpa area

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, Playa Redonda

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.

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The Short List of the World’s Top Yoga Destinations

Autumn Adams

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!

1. India

yoga retreat in India

Ashiyana, Goa

  • SwaSwara (sanctuary, wellness, calm)
  • Ashiyana (exotic, close to nature, detox)

2. Thailand

Yoga retreat center thailand

Vikasa Yoga

3. Nicaragua

costa dulce yoga studio

Costa Dulce Beach Bungalows and Retreat Center

4. Costa Rica

Blue Osa Costa Rica Yoga Retreat

Blue Osa, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

5. Greece

Yoga-retreat-ithaca

Itha108

6. Bali, Indonesia

Floating Leaf

Floating Leaf’s Yoga Sanctuary

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What Type of Yoga Retreat is Best For Me?

Autumn Adams
Playa-Escameca-view

View of Playa Escameca from Costa Dulce Beach Bungalows

Deciding on what type of yoga retreat to attend is a big decision. Being clear about what your needs and wants are regarding your yoga holiday will ensure that you book the retreat that is perfect for you right now. I’m hoping these questions will help you choose your next yoga retreat.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you write the check for your next yoga retreat:

  • How much time do I have available?
  • What’s my budget?
  • Do I want a luxury retreat, a budget retreat, or something in between?
  • Do I want an active retreat or a restorative yoga retreat?
  • Do I want lots of scheduled downtime or lots of activities?
  • Do I prefer to be around all women/men or both sexes equally?
  • What type of yoga do I currently practice? Vinyasa, hatha, Bikram, Yin, Ashtanga, etc.
  • Do I want a detox retreat or would I like the occasional wine, beer, cocktail?
  • Do I need special accommodations? Private room? ADA accessible?
  • How important are beach and/or pool access?
  • Am I looking to expand my yoga practice beyond the asana practice?
  • Do I need a payment plan to afford a retreat?
  • Where am I comfortable traveling to? Country? Developed or developing nations? Be specific.
  • Do I need three square meals a day? What other types of needs do I have regarding meals? Vegetarian? Vegan? Gluten-free? Dairy-free? Organic? Juice cleanse?
  • What’s my honest experience level in my asana practice? Beginner? Intermediate? Advanced?
  • Am I open to chanting, meditation, sharing circles, spiritual work?
  • What’s my tolerance for creepy crawlers? Bugs, snakes, birds, etc.
  • Will I be traveling alone, couple, group of friends?
  • How do I feel in group settings? Do I prefer smaller groups or larger groups?
  • Do I have any special sleep requirements?
  • Do I need WIFI? If yes, how much access do I need?
  • What add-ons are important to me? Massage? Snorkeling? Hiking? Surfing? Life coaching? Meditation? Etc.

Sincerely wishing you the best of luck as you research your yoga retreat!

Love and Light,

Autumn

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What To Expect From Your First Yoga Retreat

Autumn Adams

first-yoga-retreat-greece-nicaragua-oregon-washington-bali

Yay, you’ve booked your first yoga retreat! But maybe you’re feeling a little apprehensive or anxious. Don’t worry, I think that is a totally normal reaction, especially if you’re going on a retreat with a teacher you don’t know or to an unfamiliar destination. As a retreat organizer this is what you can expect from your first yoga retreat:

  • You’ll do yoga… and probably lots of it. From my experience you will do a minimum of two hours of asana practice a day and possibly up to four hours for a typical yoga retreat. If you’re attending an asana intensive retreat then plan on doing even more…. with that said 1/2 of your asana practice will most likely be of a gentler or more restorative variety.
  • You will be challenged… on your mat and off of your mat. It’s inevitable. New location, new people, new food, new routines and possibly a new teacher. Know that you’re being blessed with the opportunity to truly focus on your yoga practice (you may become frustrated and you may come right up to your physical/mental/ emotional threshold… that’s okay). You will have the opportunity to practice with absolute self love and to practice patience with yourself. And don’t worry you will have lots of fun too.

 “A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.”
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

  • You will make life-long friends. Each retreat new friendships are made and that is one of my favorite parts about hosting yoga retreats. There is a certain magic about getting a bunch of like-minded people together to do what they love in a beautiful location. Barriers begin to fall and true friendships are created. The friends you meet during your first yoga retreat may just end up being your best retreat-ing buddies
  • Book that extra massage, colonic, cleanse, surf lesson. You only live once. You won’t regret doing it, but you’ll most likely regret not taking advantage of the opportunity. On my last trip to Bali I booked at least two massages a week and my body never felt better (I was also eating a plant based diet, not drinking alcohol, and doing 3+ hours of yoga each day). My first trip to Bali I had ZERO massages…. and I was kicking myself for it.
  • Your body, mind and soul will be rejuvenated. When you return home you will feel refreshed. You will notice it and everyone else will notice it too… your partner, your coworkers, your employers, and your fellow yogis. Carry your bliss with you as long as you can.
  • You’ll immediately start looking to book your second retreat. This I always laugh about, but it’s true. You won’t want to leave and you will immediately want to do it all over again. And why not? I think we absolutely deserve a week (or more) of indulgent self-care at least once year.
  • Relax, You’re in good hands. You’ll love it. Have fun. Roll with the punches. Enjoy having someone else take care of all the planning so you can focus on celebrating this life you’ve been given.

Love and Light,

Autumn

Rick Steves says “ This is a great time to travel to Greece”

Autumn Adams

yoga retreat in greece

Rick Steves says it’s time to go to Greece and we’re going to Ithaca for our June Greek Island Yoga Retreat. Thanks for the validation Rick Steves! Greece is cheaper than ever. According to Rick Steves article in USA Today “Hotel prices are down, the normally warm Greek hospitality has ratcheted up a few notches, and roads outside of Athens are essentially traffic-free, as higher gas prices have caused locals to cut down on inessential driving. The downsides (shorter hours at sights, reduced long-distance bus service, occasional strikes) are noticeable, but not reason enough for you to postpone a trip. All the things you’re looking for in a trip to Greece — mouthwatering food, deep-blue water, striking scenery and the thrill of connecting with ancient history — are all here waiting for you … at a cheaper price.”

Summer 2020 we’re hosting our Luxury Greek Island Yoga Retreat on the serene island of Lefkada at the gorgeous Urania Villas from June 27- July 6, 2020. And we’re offering the retreat at an awesome price (starting at $2298 USD).

Many are concerned about the influx of refugees in Greece and there is no doubt that their presence is visible on the mainland and near the island of Lesbos. The arrival of refugees in Greece, while taxing on local resources, hasn’t affected the communities on Lefkada or Kefalonia (both are in the Ionian). On the islands of the Ionian Sea it’s business as usual… beautiful seas, friendly people and delicious food. As a whole Greece remains to be a safe place to travel and is still recommended by USA Today, CNN, Time, Travel & Leisure, and the United Kingdom. Now is our opportunity to help Greece recover from its fiscal woes and support Greece’s tourism industry, which makes up a whopping 15% of their economy.

Are you traveling to Greece this summer? Here is a little travel advice summarized from the numerous articles I’ve read.

  1. Bring 3 types of payment (credit, debit, and cash).
  2. Keep an eye on your things and be mindful of petty theft, particularly in Athens.
  3. Avoid demonstrations and strikes. Most hotel operators will be able to inform you of any planned demonstrations/strikes/rallies, according to the USA today “most rallies involve zero violence”
  4. Buy travel insurance and read the fine print. Make sure it covers everything you want it to.
  5. Even if Greece returns to the Drachma it will likely be devalued and Greece will continue to be a great deal.
  6. Be prepared for occasionally long lines at the ATMs in Athens and choose ATMs within a bank or hotel.
  7. Be prepared to be welcomed warmly, tourism makes up 15% of Greece’s economy and your presence will be greatly appreciated.
  8. Plan on arriving in Greece 24 hours before your retreat or tour begins and don’t forget to confirm your flights.

Our retreat is hosted on the island of Lefkada characterized by it’s laid back vibe and unhurried feel, PLUS it’s also home to ancient ruins. Pretty awesome. And just like all of the other Greek islands it celebrates delicious local cuisine, stunning vistas, charming hamlets and secluded beaches. If you’re interested in joining us for a week of celebrating life’s simple pleasures, erasing the pressures of daily life and enjoying world class yoga, cuisine and accommodation take a look at our retreat.