Bliss, Balance, and Beach Yoga Retreat
Las Catalinas, Costa Rica
November 9 - 16, 2024
Only two rooms left!
Why simply vacation, when you can ignite, thrive and shine?
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Firefly invites you to join us for our annual Bliss, Balance, and Beach Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica!
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Step away from the daily grind to ignite your soul with a week of bliss on the beach in one of the world's Blue Zones
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Nourish your body and spirit with nutritious food and daily yoga appropriate for all levels
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Acquire tools and resources to transform your life
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Relax into the “Pura Vida” lifestyle of Costa Rica
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Fulfill your sense of adventure with optional excursions and activities such as Stand Up Paddle boarding, zip-lining, etc
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Enrich your experience with sound healing
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Choose to simply enjoy some R&R by the ocean
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Who is This Retreat For
On this retreat, you'll have the opportunity to reset, let go of anything that no longer serves you, and create plans for what you want to invite in next. When you unplug and slow down to allow yourself the time and space for self-care, you can truly connect with your sense of purpose, and develop a deeper connection to your passion.
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This retreat is perfect for those who are feeling stressed out, stuck, at a cross-road in life, or simply need a break. A change of scenery can help you to tap into your passion and purpose. The setting is perfect for re-discovering your true self. There will be opportunities for time alone to reflect, as well as shared experiences with the group. This retreat is capped at 12 participants to ensure you receive personalized attention, and the opportunity to truly connect with the retreat leader and fellow travelers.
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By practicing yoga each day, enjoying nutritious and delicious food, and participating in activities and coaching that allow you to tap into your inner resources, you'll leave the retreat feeling better in your body, having more energy, and the ability to effectively manage stress, and increased overall happiness so you can thrive!
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The Details
Retreat rate includes:
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7 nights accommodations at Santarena Hotel
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Delicious family-style meals (6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 6 dinners)
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Daily yoga sessions appropriate for all levels (most days will include two sessions: morning vinyasa and afternoon yin or restorative yoga)
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Group sound healing session (go on a journey inward, while being bathed in sound)
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Optional one-on-one coaching session with Carrie
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Group shuttle from/to the airport in Liberia if you book your flights within the recommended timeframe
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Assistance with organizing air travel, trip extensions, and information regarding travel within Costa Rica
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Registered yoga teachers have the opportunity to earn continuing education credits on this retreat
Retreat rate does not include:
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Airfare to/from Costa Rica (we recommend that you fly into the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport in Liberia, Costa Rica)
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Domestic transportation to/from retreat hotel if your flights fall outside of the times for the group shuttle
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Any meals not listed under the inclusions above
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Massages or additional excursions
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Gratuities (daily room cleaning and tips for servers at group meals are included, but tips for tour guides, drivers, or other service providers are not included)
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Alcoholic drinks and café purchases
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Credit Card processing fees (if you elect to pay for the retreat via a credit card, you will be responsible for the processing fees; there's no fee to use your bank account)
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Trip Insurance (we strongly advise the purchase of travel insurance at the time of booking your retreat in case of any unexpected events or changes to your plans before or during your trip); Contact us for a quote
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Optional One-on-One Coaching Program
Are you busy filling your time, but feeling uninspired and disconnected from your passion? Are you wondering what happened to your energy and metabolism?
I too was once like you. Running on the hamster wheel, trying to prove myself, and ignoring the little voice inside that was telling me "stop, you're going the wrong way!" My heart decided enough was enough. A heart attack at 31-years old stopped me in my tracks. Through my own journey to a more healthful, inspired life, I have uncovered tools and created resources that support not only the physical heart, but the emotional heart as well.
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Get started on your path to a healthier, happier life with this unique offering while on retreat. Following your one-on-one Inner Quest session that is included in the price of the retreat, receive two additional individual coaching sessions to tap into whether what you are doing is aligned with your ideals and desires, contemplate the things that contribute to your sense of fulfillment, and establish steps you can take to prioritize what you want more of to crowd out the things that drain your energy. Reclaim control of your health. Get reacquainted with your body and what it needs, so that you can feel at home in your body again!
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There are only three spots available for this add-on. Select this option when registering for only $399.
After the start of the retreat, you can still add this program, but the price increases to $469.
About Santarena Hotel
The Santarena Hotel stands in the heart of Las Catalinas. This picturesque building is an homage to the old mansions of Cartagena and Havana. With timeless terraces, blossoming courtyards and archways, this hotel has 45 bedrooms. The Santarena Hotel is perched between two of Costa Rica’s loveliest Pacific beaches. Those who gather here epitomize “pura vida” – a life where people and their wellness are top priorities and where nature is cared for and enjoyed by all.
All rooms offer an ideal place to rest, recover, and recharge between active sunny days and social evenings. Most of our accommodations feature king beds, with two rooms available that have two twin beds. All rooms have wood floors and spacious bathrooms with an array of locally sourced amenities, WiFi, cable TV, and air conditioning. Most also boast private balconies with striking handmade Cuban-style pressed tiles where you can sip morning coffee, or watch the sun slip into the Pacific. Rooms without a balcony have a peaceful, small garden where you can relax.
Accommodation / Retreat Investment
While we accept reservations up until the retreat is fully booked, due to the uniqueness of this retreat, we recommend making your reservation at least three months in advance. Rooms with two twin beds are sold out.
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Deposit of $500 due at registration
Final payment is due by September 10
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Double Occupancy: $2,900/person
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Single Occupancy: $3,750
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Payment Details and Cancelation Policy
To secure your space on the retreat a non-refundable US $500 deposit is required. A payment schedule will be provided upon registration, however, you may pay in full at any time prior to September 10, 2024. Anyone registering after September 10 will be expected to pay in full upon registration. Note: Attendees who are paying the balance via a credit card will incur a transaction fee. There is no processing fee for paying the balance via a bank account.
Should you need to cancel your reservation at least 90 days prior to the start of the retreat, you will receive a refund for payment made less the $500 deposit. Should you need to cancel less than 90 days prior to the retreat, for whatever reason, we will not be able to provide a refund or credit. No refund or credit will be given for arriving late or departing early. Payments must be made in accordance with the payment schedule in order to hold your space. In the unlikely event Firefly needs to cancel the retreat, a full refund will be given.
We strongly advise the purchase of travel insurance at the time of booking your retreat in case of any unexpected events or changes to your plans before or during your trip.
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COVID-19 Notice: By signing up for this retreat you acknowledge and agree that you are prepared to meet the requirements in place for travel to Costa Rica at the time of the retreat, which may include a negative COVID test. We will follow whatever requirements are in place at the time of travel. You also acknowledge the contagious nature of COVID-19, and that Firefly cannot guarantee that you will not become infected with COVID-19. Any costs that you incur related to COVID-19 (i.e. testing, quarantine, cancelation fees) are solely your responsibility.
About Las Catalinas
Located in the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica, surrounded by 1,200 acres of tropical dry forest, you’ll find Las Catalinas. Composed by plazas, pedestrian streets, houses, restaurants, shops and small hotels, this car-free walkable town has brought a new way of living to the province of Guanacaste, providing the right elements to live a more sustainable, fun and healthier life. Here, being outdoors is an everyday thing, where people can interact with the community, nature, and beautiful architecture.
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Las Catalinas has over 40 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, with sweeping ocean views and shaded areas perfect for meditating or practicing yoga. Immerse yourself into marine life by surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and swimming. Playa Danta is located just steps away, or take a trail or walk the beach at low tide over to the serene Playa Dantita. Watch and listen as the howler monkeys play in the trees, enjoy a massage or treatment at the spa, or head out on a local adventure.
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a destination internationally renowned for its friendly and genuine people and spectacular nature. While it may seem remote, Costa Rica is easily accessible from the United States and Canada, and attracts more eco-friendly and holistically oriented tourists each year. “Pura vida” is a characteristic Costa Rican phrase used both as a greeting or farewell, and as an answer to express that things are going well. Pura vida literally means pure life, however, the real meaning is closer to "full of life" or "this is living.” You will quickly see that pura vida is more than just a phrase – it is a way of life for the Ticos (Costa Ricans). You would be hard pressed to find a more friendly and welcoming culture.
Costa Rica is not only known for its beauty and ecological tourism, but also as a country whose values reflect many ideals embraced by those of us interested in world peace, environmental preservation, excellent education, and a high standard of health care. Costa Rica is at the forefront of environmental stewardship in Central America. It is committed to a major initiative to decrease its ecological footprint and become a leader in the “green” movement. It is unique in Central America as it has the longest uninterrupted democracy, no standing army in more than 50 years, and a 95% literacy rate. The official language is Spanish, but many of the people speak some English, a required course in all schools.
Even though Costa Rica is a small country, it has almost 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Much of the country is set aside forever into protected National Parks, wildlife refuges and nature reserves. Costa Rica’s year round temperate generally ranges from 70 – 80 degrees during the day, dropping down to 55 – 65 degrees at night, with those numbers being a little higher where we will be staying.
Common Retreat Myths and FAQs
Myth: I need to be an expert at yoga to attend
This is a yoga retreat, so you will have the option to practice yoga every day (most days twice), however, the sessions will be appropriate for all levels of students - including beginners. Carrie’s style of teaching is fun and lighthearted, with a strong focus on alignment, making the vinyasa classes more workshop-like than many power yoga classes. The afternoon classes will be yin yoga, which are accessible for all levels of yoga practitioners. Holding in stretches will help your body recover from daily excursions, relieve tension and stress, improve flexibility, and encourage mindfulness. There is always the option to skip sessions if you prefer to spend your time participating in another activity. However, we think you will be happy you did if you choose to participate.
Myth: I must wear expensive yoga clothes
For the retreat, you should dress casual and comfortable, but there’s no need to run out to buy a new wardrobe. Your definition of casual, and any expression of you, is welcome and appropriate.
Myth: I must be vegan
The hotel sources its unique dishes from Costa Rican ingredients found in the sea, mountains, and farms, so you will have plenty of options.
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Meet your guide: Carrie Lehtonen
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Carrie Lehtonen's second chance at life came at 31 years old when a blood clot in her coronary artery resulted in a heart attack. As a healthy triathlete in the prime of her life, Carrie was the last person anyone would suspect of having heart disease. After 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Carrie chose to change careers so she could help people find their path to better health and live inspired lives. Carrie is committed to reducing the impact of heart disease, and loves seeing people light up when they learn something new, challenge themselves beyond what they think they are capable of, and tap into their passion.
Carrie created Firefly because she believes that what the world needs most is for each person to uncover their passion and live an inspired life. We all have a unique gift, and it's Carrie's mission to help you ignite your inner light so that you can shine!
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Carrie is a life-long learner, and loves to travel to experience different cultures and see diverse natural environments. Carrie has been traveling to Costa Rica every year for the past 13 years, and loves the people, the Pura Vida lifestyle, amazing food, beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and animals that make Costa Rica such a unique place to visit.
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Carrie is a Registered Yoga Teacher and Educator (E-RYT500) with training from CorePower Yoga in Colorado, Nosara Yoga Institute in Costa Rica, Vessilify in Colorado, and Prajna Yoga in New Mexico. She has training in vinyasa yoga, yin yoga, anatomy, Self Awakening Yoga (SAY), Yoga Therapeutics, and Stand Up Paddleboard yoga. Carrie is a Holistic Health Practitioner, and attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, where she was trained in more than one hundred dietary theories and studied a variety of practical lifestyle coaching methods.
What Previous Participants Had to Say
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"This was my first yoga retreat, and it was honestly a life-changing experience. I learned that retreats aren't necessarily about escaping your life. They're about temporarily removing yourself and entering a positive environment where you can nurture your body and mind, then take that renewed perspective and bring back healthy habits that you can incorporate into your life back at home. I continue to enjoy the benefits of my retreat, even after I've returned home."
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"The combination of all aspects of the retreat left me feeling healthy and rejuvenated. Daily yoga made my body feel strong and mobile, the guidance that Carrie provided gave me lots of inspiring things to think about, the healthy food made my body feel so nourished (and my tummy never felt bloated, which it often does at home), I enjoyed having the time to read and journal (which are things I'm not good at making time for at home), and finally being immersed in the forest was a photographer's dream come true! Costa Rica is truly a beautiful country. Being on this retreat was a good way to hit the 'reset' button and remind myself to unplug and slow down enough to notice the beauty and the people around me."
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"The bonding and sharing between retreat participants was such a powerful aspect of this journey. Carrie is an amazing facilitator and I look forward to connecting and sharing again in the future!"