Costa Rica February 5-12, 2011

Awakening: A Kripalu Yoga Tropical Retreat
Prices from $1265 Download registration form here.

Recover from the holidays and beat the winter blues by taking some time just for yourself. During this, the 11th 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 Costa Rica Pura Vida pool during your yoga vacation with a specially designed morning Kripalu yoga class. We'll learn more about yoga and meditation during the daily experiential workshops, practice yogic breathing to move energy in the body, sit together in meditation to develop inner peace and practice guided iRest yoga nidra. In the sacred space we create together during this yoga retreat 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 Spa. And you will return home feeling truly refreshed and re-charged.

Sample Daily Schedule

6:30-8:00am	Kripalu Yoga
8:00-9:30am	Breakfast
10:00am-noon	Program Workshop or Eco-tour
1:00-2:00pm	Lunch
2:00-4:30pm	Pool, Siesta, Walk, Massage...
4:30-6:00pm	Kripalu Yoga/Workshop
6:30-7:30pm	Dinner
9:00	Hot tub

Accommodation Prices

Accommodation Type	Double	Single
Tentalow	$1265	$1610
Deluxe A Frame	$1420	$1925
Super deluxe	$1575	$2275

A sampling of comments from previous program participants:

Pura Vida 2009

I feel so fortunate to have been part of the group - an amazing array of eclectic and diverse people whose energies meshed into a beautiful oneness. I'm trying to nurture the spirit, beauty and grace of the experience. (and I've realized that watching CNN doesn't nurture anything divine in me!).
I'm reading Rumi, trying to feel more than think, and stay in the moment. Magical outcomes...a beautiful thought. Sheila, Denver CO

The time spent at Pura Vida was literally perfect -- I can think of no shortcomings. The grounds are pure paradise, the staff so kind and generous and the food delicious and energizing. The daily yoga, however, was the highlight, and helped lead to profound changes and awakening from the inside out. The effects will stick with me, I hope, far beyond Costa Rica and the retreat. A true breath of fresh air for the soul and spirit. Thank you. Sarah, New York, NY

Every once in a while Magic happens, but this could be fleeting, if we do not pay attention. At least that is the way I saw events unfold at the Yoga retreat in the company of all of you.

This is my take on it- collectively when all of us stepped out of our Phantom Self (mind made), a new sense of aliveness started to emerge.Ordinary things started to appear extraordinary/beautiful.The events by themselves did not account for this, but our perspective made the difference.

I believe that our collective change in perspective came from BEING more consciously present through Yoga and this in turn allowed our BEING to weave the magic of Oneness in all the activities we took part in (eating/zip lining/white water rafting/gazing at cows).

Now if we can hang on to this, we could become the instruments for magical outcomes rather than seeking them in the future. Group Sentiment

Costa Rica yoga retreat eco-adventure tour

What I really wanted to do is touch base and let all of you know that is was my extreme pleasure to spend time in your company. It was definatly magic for me. I feel better then I have in almost 2 years. It is because of your loving, kind and fun spirits. I have a new appreciation for this moment above all others. My yoga practice is strong. I have enjoyed a beautiful sadana every day and plan to continue. It helps hold me in the moment. Jai to all of you beautiful souls.
Joy, Ohio

I felt like my whole system.....body/mind/spirit......was enhanced by the environment thereplus the wonderful group of people and your wonderful leadership...plus Bhavani.. The yoga was just what I needed to get me jump-started once again. The discipline of maintaining that in my daily routine was what was missing for me before I went. It truly is a magical healing place to be!!!!!!!!! Now I have to practice "patience" to wait a whole year before going back. Donna, Texarkana, TX

Thanks again for the wonderful retreat. I have never committed to anything like this-just for me. I didn't know what to expect so I was open to whatever came along. The yoga and meditation classes were great. I enjoyed the yoga classes much more than I thought I would and could definately tell a difference from when I arrived and when i left! I really loved Bhavani's meditation session also. Meditation is something I've never thought about doing, but think it will be valuable. Anyways, thanks again for a great time. Shelley, Columbia, MO

I send thanks for a beautiful experience. I was realxed and rejuvenated by the week of yoga practice and study in a tranquil, tropical setting, along with fresh, healthy food and opportunities for spa treatments, hot tub soaks, interesting guided tours, and the company of like-minded people from all over the U.S. and Canada. I would highly recommend this journey to anyone. Pura Vida is a little slice of heaven! Susan, Columbia, MO

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,

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 for making me feel like I was in Paradise. Irum, Toronto

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. The week was a wonderful balance of relaxation and adventure. Well worth a repeat visit. Joyce, Charlottesville, VA.

Coasta Rica yoga vacation guest 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

This program was delicately & deeply thought out. I have been fortunate to have lots of good yoga teachers (and a few poorer ones) From taking yoga classes and now a dedicated workshop, and personal conversations with Ken he is the closest to the 'real thing' I've met yet. 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. -- 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. 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. 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 style. 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. 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 yourself 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. 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.

... 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.

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.

Global YOGA Journeys adventures in conscious living

Pura Vida Spa

Costa Rica February 5-12, 2011