Yoga and Surf Retreat in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

Saturday, June 5 to Saturday, June 12, 2010

$2,600 per person based on double occupancy*
$3,500 per person based on single occupancy*
*Pricing does not include airfare to and from San Jose
(see below for details)

Living Large Therapeutics and Pure Life Retreats are pleased to offer you this once-in-a-lifetime yoga and surfing retreat in exotic Mal Pais, Costa Rica in June 2010.

The location

Mal Pais is no ordinary vacation destination; it is quite literally a hidden gem where celebrities, pro surfers, and adventurers alike come to play, enjoy nature, surf and ultimately experience what has come to be called "pura vida," which translates to "pure life."

During your stay at Mal Pais, Pure Life Retreats will provide you with a rich immersion into Costa Rica's mantra of pura vida. The attitude of pura vida embodies the ideal of living in peace, in a calm, uncluttered manner appreciating a harmonious and laughter-filled life surrounded by nature, family and friends. It is this mentality that makes Costa Rica so appealing.  To read more about pura vida go to  Pura Vida Experienced and Pura Vida Beautifully Defined

As our guest, you will have the opportunity to fully experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast while diving into a revitalizing yoga practice, experiencing one of Costa Rica's premier surf spots just outside your back door, dining on meals prepared by our personal chef, lounging on the deck of our ocean front home, or exploring the variety of fantastic excursions included in your experience. 

We look forward to sharing this special place with you, as you to take the opportunity to relax, be pampered, explore, attend to your health and perhaps try something new. Escape from your daily routine, recharge your body, inspire your mind, nourish your heart, and return home ready to share pura vida with your friends and family. Consider giving this retreat as a gift to someone who may really need it.

The yoga

Our yoga practices will be led by Emily Large, PT, CYT, ERYT-500 and will be appropriate for all levels of practitioners. Emily has practiced physical therapy since 1994, yoga since 1997, became Yoga Alliance registered in 2004 as an experienced yoga teacher at the 500 hour level in the viniyoga tradition, and was certified by the American Viniyoga Institute as a yoga therapist in 2006.  Emily will be offering two classes each day and is skilled in providing balanced and safe practices, moving from simple to more complex, progressively challenging each individual appropriately, adapting and modifying poses as needed. Read more about Emily. 

To prepare for each day's activities, sunrise beach yoga will be offered by Lisa Eakes, BS, CYT, RYT who is also educated in the viniyoga tradition. With 13 years experience surfing longboards, Lisa is skilled in preparing the body and mind for a fun and safe surf session. Read more about Lisa. 

Both Emily and Lisa will be available for individual sessions.

The surf

We will be surfing one of Costa Rica's best surf spots. The Nicoya Peninsula has long been considered a secluded gem with excellent and consistent surf along the beaches of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa.

For those new to surfing, we have invited Matt Eakes, AAS from Outhouse Graphics, to join us for the week to serve as our own personal surf instructor. Matt is experienced in surfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and boating. His love of the water makes him a great teacher, and he naturally puts at ease even the most apprehensive beginner. Surf boards will be provided and stand-up paddle boards will be provided if available (fingers crossed).

The accommodations

The luxurious homes for our retreat are provided by My Mal Pais and offer a perfect escape for those seeking discreet, yet plush accommodations in a tranquil, natural environment that blurs the lines between indoors and out. The properties are surrounded by lush tropically landscaped gardens, affording a high degree of privacy. The manager of our homes, Jeremy Clark, is fluent in both Spanish and English. He lives in Mal Pais and in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jeremy and his staff will be on site to respond to any need that may arise and will be the concierge for our time together in Costa Rica.

The food

We are thrilled to have our own personal chef for the week, Chef James Kelly from Soma Chef Services.  Chef James has a wealth of culinary expertise and an abundance of inspiration. He will bring a tranquil, elegant dining experience right into our home.

Chef James' delicious and artistically presented dishes are perfectly complimented by his professional service and attention to detail. The quality of the local seafood is unsurpassed and will be meticulously chosen daily from local fisherman. Seasonal tropical fruit and vegetables are sourced from local suppliers who are passionate about their product and pick their produce for its superior quality and superb flavor.

Other amenities

One massage and two of the following activities are included in your package (2 per person for the week). Any additional activities are at an extra cost to you.

• Surf lessons (surf boards provided)
• ATV tours
• Snorkeling trip to Turtle Island
• Golf
• Horse back riding on the beach
• Zip line tours
• Hiking
• Waterfall tour
• Fishing trip
• Whale watching trip

Optional evening activities will include salsa dance lessons, a bon fire on the beach, and our own private DJ to accompany one of our dinners.  Transportation for each home will be provided.

The details

• Dates: June 5–June 12, 2010
  
• Transferable (non-refundable) $500 deposit to secure your spot
• $2,600 per person based on double occupancy
• $3,500 per person based on single occupancy
• Pricing does not include cost of flights to/from San Jose, Costa Rica
  
• Pricing does include cost of transportation (via small plane or car) from San Jose to Mal Pais and return
• Pricing does not include cost of individual sessions with Emily or Lisa
• Payment by PayPal, contact Jerry Clark at Pure Life Retreats, (561) 301-6827
• Payment by check, contact Emily Large at Living Large Therapeutics, (561) 762-3105

We are committed to bringing you the authentic experience of pura vida and hope that you consider joining us for this unique holiday. Kindly notify us in a timely manner if you plan to join us, as space is limited. This is a great opportunity for you to explore, deepen your yoga practice, strengthen your surfing skills, rejuvenate, and experience the true meaning of pura vida.

For more information, or to sign up for this fantastic experience, contact Jeremy Clark at Pure Life Retreats, (561) 301-6827 or jeremy@mymalpais.com.