Slowly awaken to the song of the jungle, featuring monkeys and the most diverse orchestra of birds in the world singing notes as soft and bright as their rain-bowed feathers.
Enjoy a short, barefoot stroll through the palms to an expanse of beach named “Hermosa” meaning “beautiful,” and no other word in the english language describes it better. Hermosa is a downy white sand box bordered on one side by big sprays of emerald and lime and on the other by waves of turquoise and topaz. The scene inspires a deep appreciation of nature. With her morning groove, Hermosa reminds you of a time when you had more than enough just laying on your back, the sand warming your body as you set your gaze on clouds perfectly whose texture seems to perfectly match that of your simple thoughts. From this place at the edge of the earth, you’ll rest and wake up with the world. Or you might grab a board and paddle out!
Wander back to Batik and unroll your mat. The grass-topped, open-air yoga shala is placed perfectly in the shade of the palms. Begin with a sage bath. Then settle into your seat, your breath, and the presence of so much life around you. Honor one another. Honor the sacred land. Honor your own body. Intentional arrival blossoms into movement and in time your skin will be wet with the costal air and blown cool by the breath of Hermosa herself. From your mat, you’ll hear her whispering her wisdom messages to you. In this place, energetic yoga practices will inspire new possibilities. We’ll take our time and go deep into the poses. Deep into the feeling of life’s movement. You’ll emerge from a long savasana with your body loose and your heart open, and make your way to the dinning table.
There’s fresh, local fruit and bread with butter and jam. There’s a hot pot of fresh Costa Rican coffee and tea. There’s eggs and potatoes. Yoga and swimming will have you hungry. Eat as much as you like. There’s plenty for everyone.
With your heart and belly full, you’ll have the day to do as you please. Surf or play on the beach. Ride horses or quads, go for a hike, cruise into the hip young surf town and do some people watching (the sea has sculpted a lot of impressive beach bodies in Santa Teresa), take a nap in a hammock, or dip into one of the pools. It’s all here for you to enjoy.
The approach of sunset will mark our next gathering. We’ll meet on the beach, form a circle, set the boombox in the middle, and crank up a strength and mobility-focused workout in the sand. As the orange sun slips into the sea, you’ll be jumping, running, skipping, and playing your way to greater health and vitality. Finish with a swim as the sky fades from orange to red to purple to blue.
There’s time to get back and enjoy a hot, private, outdoor shower among the large foliage and get ready for cocktails by the pool. Your arrival at the bar will be timed with the arrival of the stars in the sky. Enjoy a cool passionfruit mojito or a sweet lime-coconut daiquiri. Dip some crispy corn chips into a big bowl of guacamole with lime, or been dip, or salsa never tasted better.
Next, it’s time to gather around the dinner table. We serve typical yet Costa Rican plates called “casado.” Toasted coconut rice, tasty beans, fresh fish, and fried plantain are typical. There’s wine and there’s plenty of time to be merry and share stories and inspiration from the day. When your ready, you’ll slip into a freshly made bed and let the soothing sound of the jungle and the soft glow of the stars guide you back into the dream world. Then wake with the sun and do it all over again. This is the life!
Pura Vida: Pure life. Full life. People and things are cool. Delight in life. Care for it. Offer your heart to it. Enjoy life to the fullest.
