New Year, New Possibilities!

Hey there.

Kirin and I are honored and excited to share more about this Costa Rica Yoga + Surf Retreat with you.

First to share a bit about Costa Rica and Blue Osa, because the property, region and people are all so exquisite and special.

For Kirin and I, being in a place immersed in nature, at the ocean, warm, beautifully tended property, incredible meals and feeling so welcomed with open arms by the Blue Osa team all sets the state for a week of yoga, adventure, and so much more.

As you’ll see on the itinerary, we offer 2 yoga classes a day, and time for whatever your heart and body desires in between, whether that’s surfing, hiking, beach hilling, art.. And at the core of what we really offer is a safe and inspired place to set down the responsibilities of your life and immerse yourself in practice, community, yoga philosophy and leadership.

Ultimately we are offering a way of reconnecting to the deepest and innate part of you.

A place to play, become strong in your body, nourish yourself with healthy food, prepared for you! Incredible people to connect with who are living into the belief of re-fueling our energy, bodies and hearts. And a week of keeping life pretty simple, with room for release and inspiration from the teachings to connect to what is most aligned for you and in your life now.. Without having to create an action plan for what happens after the retreat (though that may naturally start to happen!) it is one of my favorite things to hear from students weeks and months after retreat, on all of the big and small positive ripples into their lives that come from this time of real nourishment for all parts of you.

A note about yoga retreats with us!

In case you haven't been on one with Kirin and I, or on one before. We have lead about 15 retreats over the past 6 years, and every single time we arrive we thank ourselves over and over again for carving out time and space for what really feels like a sacred ritual of taking a week (or more!) to take really good care of ourselves, and come back to a vibrant baseline. I hope you’ll consider carving this intentional, incredible time out for yourself or you and someone special in your life!

More about Costa Rica and Blue Osa.

Costa Rica is one of those magical gem places you visit, and part of the sweetness of that place stays with you forever. In my travels over the years to Costa Rica, I have always felt like family wherever I go, and it so special, warm and such a feeling of home here.

My sense from Costa Ricans, and particularly the team at Blue Osa is that they are very connected to the land and to preserving this pristine and beautiful environment. This region, called the Osa Peninsula is home to 2.5% of the worlds species and is particularly special. You can tour the big National Park here, or simply enjoy from the property. Scarlet Macaws, rare butterflies, frogs, and all sorts of beauty!

We are so grateful to the Blue Osa team for having us back to this gorgeous, luxury eco-resort and for all they do for us while we are here.

About Us and Yoga!

Since people always ask, the kind of yoga we teach is a slower-paced, strong vinyasa flow. This is what our morning practices will be! The overarching theme of what we teach is called Bhakti yoga, which is yoga of the heart.

We are here to learn how to work with the very powerful energy of our heart, and to clear our lens enough to let that direct the mind in a way that is constructive, positive, and powerful. We use chanting (like singing) mantras, movement, core work, alignment, kundalini breathwork, tibetan bowls, the rich and robust yoga philosophy teachings all to align our bodies, minds and hearts into one connected, grounded and aligned rhythm that is unique to you and your path, and is part of the rhythm of awakened consciousness that lives in all of us.

Kirin and I have been dear friends and working together at Outdoor Yoga SF for the last 6 years. We have co-lead many retreats together and we live for these moments, where we get to dive deep and share these practices that have changed our lives in every way for the better.

About Julie: I draw on the contemplative traditions of classical yoga, reiki, ayurveda, positive psychology and an integrative approach wellness to address the entire human experience - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

I guide individuals and groups towards thriving through classes, workshops and retreats with the tools of yoga, philosophy workshops - my favorite!! and mindfulness practice that elevate the inner environment. We release stress, become aware of thoughts and habitual patterns, support the nervous system, and soak in the greatness of being supported in community. We free up energy - expanding our comfort zone, we come to know our own great potential.

As a student of yoga for over 15 years, my greatest role is as a student of yoga and of life! I have over 1,000 hours of yoga training with my teachers Stephanie Snyder, Janet Stone and many of my amazing colleagues. Yoga for me is a form of leadership - how I lead and conduct myself. Meaning, how I prioritize my emotional, physical and mental health. How I honor my desires, gifts and challenges. How I care for others and let them care for me. How I tend my relationships. And of course how I show up and serve the world. It is all part of yoga. And nothing excites me more than being able to share these practices and have time and space together to put them into practice and feel the effects of connecting to all that is possible for you and your precious life.

Learn a little bit more about me on IG @julianneyoga

visit IG! @kirin_power

Retreat + Lodging Details

• All are welcome - all genders, orientation, backgrounds, religions, ages.

• A moderate level of physical ability is recommended! Morning practices will be sweaty and challenging, yet still balanced and taught to an intermediate student. If you’re newer to yoga, you are more than welcome to join! We always have at least a few students who are just getting into the practice. We recommend to practice twice a week in the three months leading up to the retreat to feel good in your body and begin to become familiar with the practice.

• You are welcome to come alone or with someone. Most people come on their own. We usually have one or two friends or a couple that joins together, and that is more than welcome as well.

• Meals are primarily plant-based. There are 3 nights where meat is served, and there is always a great vegetarian option as well. Most meals are also gluten-free, and when not, there is an alternative. If you have special meal needs with allergies or preference, accommodations can of course be made. Please let me know on the sheet we will share when you sign up if we should be aware of the above.

• There are 3 types of room options. A shared room with 3 people, a shared room with 2 people, and single rooms. They are priced accordingly. Kirin and I are great at learning about you through what you share with us and using our intuition to pair people together. Many people sign up for a shared room without knowing who they’ll room with, and it always works out beautifully. If for any reason it doesn’t, there is always another option that we will figure out together, though we’ve yet to have this issue!

Daily Itinerary

5AM - Coffee + Tea available

6AM - Fruit available

7:30AM - 7:50AM - Meditation and Breathwork

8:00AM - 9:15AM - Morning Yoga

9:30 AM - Breakfast

10AM - Daily Activity time. Surf, River hike, Horseback riding, National Park hike. Or swim and hang out at the resort! Check out the Blue Osa adventures page for more on this. Adventures can be booked once on sight at the resort, directly with hotel staff.

1PM - Lunch

Afternoon: Rest, Pool / Beach Time.

4PM - 5PM - Restorative Yoga Practice or Afternoon Workshop / Discussion.

Afternoon Schedule: 3 Days of Restorative Yoga Practice, 2 Yoga Philosophy Workshops, 1 Reiki Workshop, 1 Breathwork Sessions w/ sound bath.

6:30PM - Dinner

Next Steps to Join Us in Costa Rica

As I’m sure you can tell from the description of the retreat on this page, our retreats are FUN! You are so free to be YOU! There is ample time and space to connect with each other, and with us. It’s also important to note that this is a both and individual and community experience. You are welcome to take all the time and space you need, and engage in ways that feel good to you. It’s also important to note that every participant co-creates this sacred space together. We expect that everyone joining is kind, tolerant, and self-aware, as we know you are, but it’s worth mentioning! We can’t wait to share in this time together!

1) Sign up here!

2) Email us and tell us a bit about you!

Share with us what you’re excited about for this retreat! Include some details and a bit of bio so we can get to know a little bit more about you. Where you live, what you like to do, and any intentions you may have for this time. If you could also share how you found us, that would be great! Please email us here: julianneyoga108@gmail.com and kirin@outdooryogasf.com.

Arrival and Departure Times

Retreat begins Saturday at 3pm with a stretchy yoga class to decompress from travel, and land HERE!

If it works best for you to arrive later on Saturday with your travel plans, that is fine. We do encourage you to be there by 3pm on Saturday if possible but please do what works for you.

Retreat ends with a Friday night closing dinner.

Book your flight or travel to your next destination for Saturday February 4th.

3) Book your travel.

• Travel to Costa Rica: Fly into Juan Santamaria International Airport / SJO.

• Fly from SJO on Sansa Airlines to Puerto Jiminez. 45 minute flight.

• It’s recommended to book your Sansa flights directly through Blue Osa. Look at Sansa website, decide best flights for you, and then email info@blueosa.com.

• Resort staff will pick you up from Puerto Jiminez, and it's a 20 minute ride to the resort.

Sansa flights operate during daylight between 6AM and 3 or 4PM.

Depending on where you are coming from, you can:

1. Fly in on Friday and stay Friday night in San Jose and then fly in the morning to Puerto Jiminez.

Recommended hotels near the airport:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari Costa Rica

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Alajuela City Hotel in Alajuela - 10 minute ride to airport. This is where I stay, and I love it!

Or 2. Fly overnight on Friday, land at SJO on Saturday morning, and take short flight in the morning.

You are welcome to arrive early to Blue Osa on Saturday.

It's likely your room will be ready, and if it's not there are plenty of places to relax on site. Including at the beach / pool!

FAQS:

Booking and Travel:

Travel Insurance. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Travel insurance offers protection for most medical and unforeseen circumstances that would prevent you from joining.

Travel Ex Insurance is considered a reliable choice. I suggest checking them out to see if it meets your needs. https://www.travelexinsurance.com/

Payments and Refunds: When you decide to join the trip, you contribute the deposit payment which varies depending on the room you select. The deposit is non-refundable.

Final payment is due 45 days before trip begins and is also non-refundable.

It is our commitment to our work and to you to create retreats that are seamless in logistics and nourishing at every level - heart, mind, body and spirit. We work hard to make this happen to ensure we are financially sustainable and can meet these standards with every retreat we offer, these are our policies. If something comes up last minute, and there is someone on the waitlist, we will do our best to work with you and get your space filled. Thank you for understanding and for your support in making these dream retreats come to life!

From Blue Osa:

Water

Our water is constantly tested to ensure your safety. Additionally, we provide filtered water in the dining area. As we do not allow open cups on our yoga deck, we do invite our guests to bring a water bottle, or they may purchase one in the Blue Osa store.

Power

Blue Osa does have standard North American power outlets.

Internet - Blue Osa offers a free WiFi service. This service is available in the main lounge area as well as the dining area. Since we practice mindfulness and silence in the mornings, the internet is turned off until 7:30 am. The internet is also turned off again at dinner from 6:30 until 7:15 pm. We do not have any computers available for use. We provide a great internet service, and though it is not common, please keep in mind that we are in the middle of the jungle and problems with the service may happen..