"I loved (!) the program! I think you both did a PHENOMENAL program. I don't think I have ever been impacted by a single event such as this in my life. You both have an incredible energy and your willingness to share that really touched my heart and soul."
Sarah, Oakland, CA 2003

Recover from the holidays and beat the winter blues by taking some time just for yourself. During this, our 8th annual Kripalu Yoga retreat, you will have an opportunity to slow down, take a deep breath and allow yourself to "just be"…

fully alive in each and every moment
grounded in the present yet open to a world of new possibilities
confident, relaxed, feeling whole

Kripalu Yoga is much more than a physical discipline. Kripalu Yoga is a practice of transformation - a way to open the heart and develop compassion, find clarity and experience stillness within. We emphasize listening to the body's needs and respecting its limits. This approach allows each of us, beginner or experienced practitioner, to receive the benefits of the practice just where we are.

As a group we will welcome each new day with a specially designed morning yoga class. We'll learn more about yoga and meditation during the daily experiential workshops, practice yogic breathing to move energy in the body, and sit together in meditation to develop inner peace. In the sacred space we create together you can allow your spirit to slowly awaken and reconnect with the simple joy of being fully alive.

There will be plenty of time to receive treatments at the wellness center, lounge by the pool, soak in the hot tub under the stars, take in the spectacular views, meet new friends in the dining room, and enjoy the many optional eco-adventure tours which are available at Pura Vida. And you will return home feeling truly refreshed and re-charged.

Visit the Pura Vida Photo Album

Visit the Pura Vida location page which has lots more photos and describes in detail the accommodations, activities and eco-tours.

Sample Daily Schedule

Check out a sample menu of the fabulous Pura Vida cuisine!

A sampling of comments from previous program participants:

Pura Vida 2006

Spirit and energy coming together... awesome people! Eleni, Boston, MA

Thank you so much for a great week. I could not conceive how the week would unfold and found the schedule most accommodating. Mike, St. Louis, MO

The place... the program... it was all excellent! Judy, Denver, CO

Thank you for another experience that made me feel whole again. Kathy, Boca Raton, FL

I loved the early morning yoga. The whole week flowed with such ease. Thank you Ken & Kathleeen for making me feel like I was in Paradise. Irum, Toronto

Pura Vida 2005

Ken & Kathleen explain everything so well. After having tried some other yoga teachers, none can compare in my experience. It has been such a nurturing, healing experience that I'll never forget. Martina, Charlottesville, VA

I found joy -- thanks to you both and all of us. Marilyn, Baltimore, MD

The practice of yoga with a group in an exotic place like Costa Rica is literally breathtaking...an experience I wish all beings could experience. Alice, Montauk, NY

Pura Vida 2004

Heart-opening -- joyful -- the perfect combination of Costa Rica's unique beauty and yoga's profoundeffects. Ken & Kathleen build the week to a wonderful balance of relaxation and adventure. Well worth a repeat visit. Joyce, Charlottesville, VA.

Overall, it was nothing short of wonderful. A very restorative week.
Elie, NYC

For an absolute newcomer to yoga this was an excellent introduction. Steve, Columbia, MO

I am a repeat 'customer' of Ken & Kathleen's practice -- that should say something. This program was delicately & deeply thought out. These are excellent teachers and role models (for aspiring teachers). More importantly to me, they are awesome yogi role models. I have been fortunate to have lots of good yoga teachers (and a few poorere ones) From taking yoga classes and now a dedicated workshop, and personal conversations with Ken & Kathleen I can say they are the closest to the 'real thing' I've met yet. These two live yoga -- an inspiring example and boundless resource. Liz, Amherst, MA

The program was excellent overall. Great location. Excellent outings. Good food. Workshops covered areas of yoga I had never heard of before. Times were adequate for material covered. Explanations were very direct and precise which helped me get into and maintain postures.

Wonderful ambiance, terrific instruction. K & K -- thanks for being so attentive, kind, compassionate, funny, serious and inspirational. Nira, NYC

I had the best time! Everybody was so welcoming and the food was great. Kelly, Montreal

I appreciated the depth and breadth of the practice of yoga that you were able to help us experience in this relatively short period of time. This was a very renewing week. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Excellent. A warm, safe place to explore one's self. Sandi, Detroit, MI

The content was wonderful!! A lovely program, very informative. Your careful planning was evident. The acceptance that you show of all the different people is wonderful and goes a long, long way in making all the things you are teaching work so well. Thank you.
Marilyn, Columbia, MO

I loved the philosophy parts -- and the silence meditation was profound. Elaine, NYC

The program was structured so beautifully, so that you could learn and integrate new practices throughout the week. The leaders were very knowledgeable, supportive and fun! Both great yoga role models. Thank you! Anne, NYC

Pura Vida 2003

The retreat was the BEST EVER. I felt the love and supportiveness of the structure and the group unity. I also felt plenty of free time and flexibility. Also I was extremely grateful for the loving, non-judgemental accepting atmosphere. Bonnie, Salt Lake City

Excellent restorative yoga retreat. Terrific integration of the multiple disciplines involved in a deeper yoga practice. Ken & Kathleen are the embodiment of the yogic lifestyle and are excellent models and mentors. Extend it to 10 days!! Maryjane, Nashua, NH

Superb instructions, extremely sensitive to attendee's spiritual and emotional concerns. [Your] attention to detail in yoga, meditation and pranayama instruction was amazing.
Dennis, Chicago

I truly have only excellent things to say. I loved your teaching styles and the combination of the two of you is wonderful - you're great together. I learned a lot about the full power of yoga in my life. I'm leaving with a new resolve to make yoga a part of my life.
Terri, Washington, DC

Very comprehensive. I loved the variety of sessions and the overall approach to yoga - and the complementary styles of the instructors. Gentle and inspiring. I am motivated to continue my study and practice of yoga. Sandra, NYC

A wonderful yoga retreat. Very well balanced in the eight-limbed path. Your experience and willingness to share yourselves was very heartfelt. I love Kripalu Yoga and you embody Kripalu Yoga - compassion, lovingkindness, sense of humor and willingness to be on the edge with us. I LOVE you two and am very grateful for the experience and the time I spent with you both. Virginia, Salt Lake City

I had a great experience. Everything was very well planned without feeling restrictive. Even though I had never done any yoga before this week, you made me feel competent. I didn't feel awkward or self-conscious at any time. This kind of retreat is something I would enjoy doing once a year, at least. THANK YOU! Gunilla, Columbia, MO

The program was incredible. You were great with your time and knowledge. The program went to a level I could never have expected. Eric, San Ramon, CA

Your format flowed from minute to minute resembling our inhales and exhales. You thoughtfully, creatively & efficiently organized and presented every aspect in a yoga experience.Your packing list was one which anticipated every need. Ren, Denver.

Pura Vida, 2001

Amazing week! I feel relaxed and energized. Best vacation of my life. Thank you.

I wish I could follow Ken & Kathleen wherever they go.

You two worked so hard to put together a fun, nurturing and memorable week. I learned a lot, laughed a lot, and felt a lot of love. The only way to improve it? How 'bout one more week!

The program was great especially in the group dynamics and closeness that has developed among the individuals

I had such a wonderful time. I enjoyed it all - the staff, the guests, instructors - all. What a beautiful place. I definitely leave with experiences I will never forget.

You both have a wonderful energy you bring to these programs. The whole program gave me a wonderful blend of body and mind connections.

Pura Vida 2000

To say it was life-changing seems minimal... Your whole program was beautifully orchestrated and so very subtle at times...The yoga was wonderful , as was the meditation. The workshops were astoundingly beneficial!!!!! I must say the satsang each evening was so very powerful that I hope to remember always the powerful message derived from it all...staying PRESENT... I am so grateful to you both for expending such a tremendous amount of energy and thought into making this retreat such a wonderful experience. WOW!!!

What an incredible experience you created for me! I'm so grateful I was part of it. I'm really, really grateful. "Thank you" seems so insufficient. But I do thank you.

I thought it was a wonderful way for a relatively new person to go from practicing postures and simple breathing on to incorporating meditation and more advanced knowledge and practice.

Yoga in Paradise! Do it again!

This yoga retreat was transformational, inspiring, re-energizing and fun!

Not enough hours in the day to do all of the wonderful things - the days were too short - the week was too short.

I felt busy but quiet, challenged but prepared for the asanas; in good company but also in solitude.

Wow! This has been an incredible week! I only expected postures and got so much more - I wouldn't change a thing.