A Transformative 7-Day Tropical Mountain & Beach Retreat
with Melissa Berry Appleton & Andrea Russell
January 25 - February 1, 2020
Nosara, Costa Rica
Triple Occupancy $2,190 USD Double Occupancy $2,590 USD
$500 Deposit Required
Join us on retreat to Costa Rica, in one of the world’s ‘Blue Zones’ where people are said to be happiest and healthiest. The retreat will be held at AKHí on the outskirts of Nosara, atop a dreamy tropical mountain overlooking the Pacific ocean. AKHí is a truly sacred space—a private boutique retreat center built specifically according to the ancient science of Vatsu Shastra, “the yoga of space”—that invokes peace, wellness and harmony.
Each day will begin with an hour-long class devoted to meditation and mindfulness techniques. After breakfast, the daily three-hour Ayurveda and yoga classes are intended to go beyond the general group classes you may experience back home. Throughout the week, we’ll build progressively on Ayurvedic and yogic wisdom as well as anatomical, alignment, and energetic themes. The retreat size is intentionally kept small to allow for individual support.
Each afternoon there is ample free time so that, if you wish, you can paddle down the Rio Nosara through the mangroves, go horseback riding, or explore any of the other adventures Costa Rica has to offer. As remote as AHKí feels, it is only minutes away from beaches, kayaking, surfing, zip-lining, nature hikes, shopping, restaurants and more.
You can also spend free time at AHKí, which has a spectacular outdoor pool for relaxing, as well as a cozy indoor library with Wifi. There is also a luxury spa, in individual jungle huts tucked in the forest, where self-care services may be purchased separately.
In short, this is a retreat for spiritual seekers who want to experience pura vida—a way of life that is laid back, carefree, and optimistic—in both a dry tropical mountain and pristine beach environment.
What are the benefits?
This retreat will allow you to unplug from your stresses and responsibilities, from electronics and news feeds, and remember what is really important to you. You will get the time you need for introspection so that you can reset and come home to yourself. You’ll go deeper into your yoga and mindfulness practice and learn to create new habits. You will be awe-inspired by experiencing one of the most beautiful places on earth. You’ll also be part of an open and inclusive community of fellow spiritual seekers.
This retreat will be led in collaboration between Andrea Russell and Melissa Berry Appleton. Andrea and Melissa met on retreat in New York with their dear friend and teacher Michael Stone. Each year since, they have spent time together in the gap between their retreats in Nosara, Costa Rica sharing the dharma and friendship over coconut water at their favorite beach. Now they are joining their passions together to bring you a week of transformative practices. Andrea is an extensively trained Ayurvedic Practitioner, Yoga and Meditation Teacher and Neurovascular Therapist. Melissa is a long time yoga and meditation teacher who is currently in the renowned Buddhist Chaplaincy Training program at Upaya Zen Centre with Roshi Joan Halifax.
You'll get:
seven nights of elegant accommodation at AHKí retreat center
three nourishing vegetarian meals per day
all-day coffee/tea and fruit
daily Ayurveda, yoga & meditation classes, including use of yoga mats and props
access to both a spectacular pool and a cozy library
all transportation to beaches and excursions
group transportation to and from Liberia airport to AHKi
Additional Activities Available:
three gorgeous beaches are within a short distance from retreat center – perfect for sunning, shelling, swimming, surfing and strolling
kayak and paddle board excursions through the stunning mangroves, a bird watchers paradise
surfing lessons, horseback riding, zip lining and ATV adventures
a short drive to Nosara’s many shops and cafes
access to an on-site spa with a variety of massage and healing therapies
backgammon table, cards and other games
sunset dinner on the beach
You'll leave:
feeling rested and restored
remembering what is meaningful and important in your life
with a deeper understanding of your constitutional makeup and how to cultivate healthier habits and routines
with a deeper sense of your yoga and meditation practice
with tools for living in tune with the seasons
with tools for working with the mind
having connected with fellow spiritual travelers
with memories that will last a lifetime
Sample Schedule
7am | Meditation & Mindfulness Practices
8am | Breakfast
9am to 10am | Dharma talk
10am to noon | Yoga practice
12:15pm | Lunch
1pm to 6pm | Free time for excursions, beach, hiking, solitude, etc.
6pm | Dinner
7pm to 8pm | Ayurveda Talk & Practices
Accommodations
Nestled amongst the trees along a mountain ridge, just a short walk from the main house, AKHí offers two beautiful and spacious cabinas with a total of six large guest rooms. All rooms feature handcrafted Costa Rican hardwood furniture made by local artisans and have stellar views of the mountains and valleys. The heads of all the beds are positioned to the south or east, in keeping with a Vastu principle that this helps to induce a restful night’s sleep.
Infused with simple elegance and just a short walk down from the main house, our six sizable, guest rooms are available in single, double, and triple occupancy. All rooms have ceiling fans, large windows and doors, and plenty of overhead ventilation for optimal airflow, as well as private baths with large unique and luxurious indoor/outdoor showers, and patios and decks that command stellar views of the mountains and valleys. All group accommodations include:
Private baths with large, luxurious indoor/outdoor showers
Fine linens
US style on-demand heaters for reliable, safe, environmentally-friendly hot water
Handcrafted Costa Rican hardwood furniture, made by local artisans
3 full vegetarian meals a day
All day coffee/tea and fruit
A closet-full of yoga mats & props
Daily housekeeping
Meals
AHKí serves fresh (organic, when available) vegan/vegetarian, gluten/dairy-free meals made from scratch. All meals are served in a lovely open air dining room, with a grand vista of the gardens, pool and mountains and sea.
Yogurt, milk, butter and locally baked breads are available for those not avoiding gluten or dairy. Meals are carefully planned to be climate appropriate and you will never feel weighed down from food that’s too heavy, but you will leave the table satiated.
Three vegetarian meals are included each day (except Thursday dinner). Coffee/tea and fruit are always available. Vegan-friendly and gluten-free options are plentiful. Additional special dietary needs can be accommodated upon advance request. Chicken or fish may also be added to up to three meals at an additional cost.
Travel & Arrival
A valid passport is required and must be valid at least six months after the date of travel (July 2019). It’s highly recommended to obtain travel insurance.
Two weeks prior to departure for the retreat you must supply your up-to-date flight information if you’d like to be picked-up at the Liberia International Airport.
Plan to arrive before 3:15 pm on Saturday to Liberia International. You will proceed through immigration and customs and then retrieve your luggage. You will be greeted by AHKí transportation and taken to the retreat center which is approximately two hours away.
Plan to fly out of Liberia International Airport after 1 pm on departure Saturday.
If you would like to arrange to extend your trip I can recommend tours and sights to see.
Other Things to Expect
Days in Costa Rica are warm/hot and evenings are a little cooler, giving you reprieve from the heat, which helps since there is no air conditioning. The retreat happens during the dry season, so it’s highly unlikely that it’ll rain. Since we’ll be staying at a retreat center with indoor/outdoor elements, expect to be somewhat exposed to nature (including winds, cute geckos, and jungle bugs), as well as the sounds of monkeys and tropical birds when the jungle wakes up.
Please Note
Costs associated with passports (required), airfare, flight changes, airline baggage fees for any and all baggage, medical or travel insurance, vaccinations, gratuities and taxes for personal services, specialty beverages or alcohol, spa services, tours/excursions including a beach night dinner and the $29 country departure fee must be met by the participant.
All retreat payments are final, refunds are not available due to the planning and logistics involved.
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