Wednesday, April 17th
And now we start to are awoken by the howler monkeys in the morning. But still another day in paradise with 7:00am yoga, in the open air studio. Another nourishing breakfast and freetime for everyone (myself included). The ladies had a hair braiding moment before some of us went into town to explore some of the cafes (Corazon Cafe for the win) and others lounged by the pool or on the hammocks. At 3:00pm a trio of us went on a short snorkeling adventure with the local guide, Javier. I also had never experienced this little excursion and LOVED it as we were taken to a protected space where we could go off on our own but were told to every once in a while check out where Javi was so he could point out some sealife. Guys, we saw a freaking giant SEA TURTLE! It was so fast but Javi was able to grab onto the shell and ride with it through the gentle waves.
Then I led another restorative yoga class from 5-6pm, dinner at 6:30pm, and a night of wine, tea, ice cream, and some dancing along to the other retreats evening night class music!
While the 25 min trek to the beach, along a dirt road, was tougher for some in the heat, we were sure to stop at the cafes and local shops to enjoy some of the AC before moving on. Once at the beach we set up in the shade and explored, relaxed, played in the ocean, collected shells, read and more. After a few hours of the beach, we slowly parted and made our way back. Some of us stopped for a cerveza and water at Hotel Playa Negra and a late lunch or smoothie at Jalepeno’s. Upon returning to Peace Reteat I jumped in the pool and met another retreat participant that joined our group!
A few people asked where the monkey’s were hiding… but not for long.
After a full day in the sun, at 5:00pm, I led the 2nd class of the day, but this time it was a fully seated restorative class of long holds while all propped up on cushy bolsters and supported by 2-4 blocks and a blanket. Shortly after dinner was served which always includes a nourishing soup and if we still had any energy left the staff set up a bonfire for us to sip tea, wine, water, or slurp ice cream nearby.
Monday, April 15th
Most of us are awoken by foreign bird noises. The first yoga class does start pretty early as I set the schedule at 7am, but with the heat of Costa Rica you really do want to get your physical activity started early so you can spend the rest of the day swimming or relaxing in the shade. Of the two retreats being hosted at Peace Retreat that week, we were granted the larger of the two studios which includes a screened wall that opens to all the lush green plants. That’s what I deemed the front of the studio. The rest of the room the 10 attendees spread out with the supplied yoga matts and blocks, under ceiling fans, with only the light of the early morning filtering in the from sides. As I lead my attendees through a 60-75 min slow flow, we begin to hear the sounds of the kitchen and hints of breakfast begin to sneak into our noses during savasana.
Breakfast is served in the communal area where we share space with the other retreat attendees. The food at Peace Retreat has always blown me away and this first morning we are served fresh watermelon juice, oat pancakes, topped with grapes and strawberries along with a separate plate of pineapple, watermelon, and a new fruit I’ve never met! All the coffee and tea you can drink was included as well. After breakfast I handed each attendee a hand made journalin either blue or green and a pen to do with as they wish. At my first retreat I attended, I was given a similar gift. At this retreat I welcomed my attendees to put away their phones and record their thoughts, worries, memories, and even gave them prompts from time to time. To dig into self reflection.
An hour or so later, I led my students to Playa Negra. This being the first full day, I wanted to give students the freedom and know-how to leave the retreat ground if they wanted to go to the beach on their own or explore the local cafes and other businesses near by in their own time.
APRIL 14, 2024 - APRIL 21, 2024 Recap Part 1
Rest, Reset, & Rejuvenate with Renee K.
Tuesday, April 16th
Early to rise for our big field trip day! Breakfast was shared in a to-go box for us at 6:30am. Probably my favorite one of the week which I mostly finished before we even got in the van: a tico breakfast that included gallo pinto, fruit, fried plantains, scrambled eggs, corn tortilla and avocado.
After the 2 hour ride, with one stop (at a grocery store for coffee, snacks, and a bathroom break), we arrived at Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja. We lathered ourselves in sunblock, strapped on our helmets and other gear while also trying to psyche up the few in the group that had a fear of heights. That fear didn’t last long as the day started with zip lining to and fro over a river. After zip lining we hopped on some horses that took us to the next part of the adventure: tubing down the river. This is something I had not had the opportunity to do before. Part relaxing, part exhilarating (where multiple pairs of sunglasses were lost), ultimately a nice way to cool off and see a different part of Costa Rica. Letting nature lead the way.
At the end of the river, we were given lunch and one last way to relax by being introduced to the mud body masks and hot springs. After the long day, we crawled back into the van for the 2 hour drive back to Peace Retreat for dinner to be served at 6:30pm. Pretty sure we all went to bed early that night.
Sunday, April 14th
Most of us ended up booking the same 8:45am flight from Chicago O’Hare direct to Liberia airport in Costa Rica. We basically had the plane to ourselves where most of us had our own rows to stretch out and rest while on the 4 hour flight.
The Liberia airport greeted us with hot and steamy air. Luckily, customs and baggage claim were uneventful and then the 10 of us (plus 1 attendee from another guided retreat) hopped in a transport van heading to Playa Negra. Along the way we stopped at a local grocery chain to pickup some snacks and alcohol.
Once we arrived at Peace Retreat, we were greeted with cool towels and fresh juice. Once we checked in, pre-paid for any additional activities we wanted to participate in over the week, we were each shown to our rooms ranging from the simple shared Casa Verde, to Cabinas, Casa Yoga Rooms, or Jungle Bungalows. After everyone settled in we all met by the pool to cool off, grab drinks and snacks and take the time to chill out in the hammocks from our day of travel before dinner was served at 6:30pm.
At the first dinner we split into two different picnic tables where we have the YMCA crew at one and the S3 / Sip & Savasana crew at the other! We eat, we get to know each other, and learn how everyone knows me and why they decided to join me on this adventure. The only photos I have are blurry, silly, and full of ice cream cups, tea, and tiny lizards on the walls. Early to bed for me!
