A Transformative 7-DAY TROPICAL MOUNTAIN & BEACH RETREAT

JANUARY 25-FEBRUARY 1, 2020

NOSARA, COSTA RICA

JANUARY 4-11 - full

JANUARY 11-18 - full

JANUARY  18-25th - full

THE OVERVIEW

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 newsfeeds, 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.

The newly added January 25-February 1st retreat will be led in collaboration between Andrea Russell  & 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 & 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.

REGISTRATION

Andreas first two weeks of retreat sold out in a flash.   Registration for January 25-February 1st will open July 2nd.

A non-refundable $500 deposit secures your space in the retreat. The full amount is due October 1st.

For Yoga Alliance registered teachers 30 hours of continuing education are available with this retreat.

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, ziplining 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

THE DETAILS

SCHEDULE

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW EACH DAY MIGHT UNFOLD:

• 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. Single, double, and triple occupancy are available.

Private bathrooms with large, unique, indoor/outdoor hot water showers and amenities of the highest standards are provided to enhance your experience of comfort and peace. Each room includes fine linens, a ceiling fan, wardrobe and storage space, patios, and 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.

Melissa Berry Appleton

My classes invite people to explore inner landscapes of the body, outer landscapes of the world, compassion, creativity, wise alignment, and breath.  Both yoga and meditation practices that are strong, gentle, and accessible in the same way we might want our lives to be ~ 

I hold a Batchelor of Music Therapy, love musical grooves, movement, and have been a student of yoga for over 20 years. I received extensive training in both yoga and meditation from Michael Stone (1000+ hours, Astanga, Vipasana, Buddhism), Karen Sprute Francovich (200 hours, Ansuara), Anusara Teachers (200 hours), Judith Hansen Lasiter (100 hours), Molly Boeder Harris (100 hours, Trauma Informed Practice).

I received formal precepts and name from Roshi Joan Halifax in the Prajna Mountain Order Soto Zen Buddhist lineage and am currently in Buddhist Chaplaincy Training at Upaya Zen Centre.  I am a student of Norman Fischer, and keep practice company with Michael Stone in my heart.  

I am currently teach at MODO Yoga, lead workshops and specialize in retreats in Costa Rica, Canadian Eco-Lodges, and Buddhist Centres.  I have a long history of creative projects and love collaboration with amazing Buddhist Practitioners, Clinical Counsellors, Movement Specialist, and Wilderness Guides.  www.melissaberryappleton.com

Andrea Russell 

I’m an Ayurvedic health counselor, yoga therapist, meditation teacher, and neurovascular therapist living in Madison, Wisconsin with a super-sweet rescue pitbull named Lucy. If I could convince you of only one thing, it’s this: that there’s a path to transform suffering—of feeling unwell, anxious, or like you’re spread too thin. There are tools that can help you heal, get back to yourself, and remember what is meaningful.

The momentum of life can pull us off center. We don’t always get what we want, people we love die, and at times, the world can be a hard place to live. We need practices that bring us back home to ourselves so we may stay true to what’s in our hearts. We need ways to cultivate strength, resiliency, and compassion. Ancient practices offer timeless tools that can help. I’ve experienced firsthand how they can be used to know the truth of who we are, heal our bodies, and wake us up to a more meaningful life.

Qualifications:

• Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Kripalu School of Ayurveda
• Ayurveda’s Approach to Healing the Gut with Dr. Anusha Sehgal
• Balancing the Nervous System through Ayurveda with Dr. Anusha Sehgal
• Integrating Yoga & Ayurveda, Kripalu School of Ayurveda
• Ayurvedic Mentorship program with Dr. Claudia Welch
• Foundations of Ayurveda, with Dr. Robert Svoboda & Dr. Claudia Welch
• Certified Yoga Therapist 1000-hours, International Association of Yoga Therapists
• Yoga Alliance Registered Teacher 500 E-RYT
• Alignment Yoga 200 & 300-hour Teacher Training with Scott Anderson
• Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training with Tim Miller
• Anatomy Trains for Movement Therapists with Thomas Meyers
• Neurovascular/Craniosacral Therapist, Neurovascular Therapy Institute
• Wisconsin Licensed Massage Therapist & Bodyworker
• Dharma and meditation teaching mentorship with Michael Stone for 9 years
• I have continuously studied and practiced with many remarkable world-renowned teachers for over two decades—Pattabhi Jois, Victor Van Kooten, Richard Freeman and Seane Corn, to name a few
• I co-facilitated and led Yoga Alliance accredited 200 & 500-hour teacher training programs from 2005 through 2017