Blue Spirit, Costa Rica

Blue Spirit resort is my happy place. I often end up there in meditation, walking quietly along the remote beaches, or in daydreams as a carefree barista, suntanned and tattooed, making smoothies at the resort café. 
 
A girl can dream, right? Let me tell you more about my happy place. 
 
Blue Spirit is dedicated to yoga, wellness, and environmental sustainability. Located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, the resort is tucked away on a tree-covered hill that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and miles of white sand beaches. It’s an oasis. It’s home to beautiful gardens and Costa Rican wildlife. It’s a refuge for those looking to re-connect with nature and the self. It’s a place for wellbeing and personal transformation.

​I completed a yoga teacher training at Blue Spirit in August 2015, and I’ve been wanting to return ever since. This time around, I opted for a yoga retreat. My retreat included morning meditation, daily yoga classes, locally-sourced meals, a bonfire on the beach, surf lessons, and oh my goodness, I think I’m going to have to write a second blog post to cover it all.  

Blue Spirit was co-founded by Stephan Rechtschaffen and Annette Knopp. Stephan, who also co-founded the Omega Institute, is a holistic physician who lectures on health, wellness, nutrition, and longevity. These ideas are put into practice at Blue Spirit, from the incredible plant-based meals to the sustainability practices in each and every guestroom. 
 
On the first night of the retreat, Stephan spoke to guests about his purpose and his intentions for the space. He explained what attracted him to Costa Rica, and what attracts so many visitors to Blue Spirit:
 
Costa Rica has no army. Instead, money is invested in education and healthcare for the people. The Nicoya Peninsula, where Blue Spirit is located, is considered to be a Blue Zone, or one of five “longevity hotspots” in the world where the people are the healthiest and live the longest. Costa Rica has sunshine, the Pacific Ocean, and a rich landscape, and they’re working toward preserving it all by going carbon neutral within the next three years. 
 
“Pura Vida” is a common greeting in Costa Rica. It means “simple life” or “pure life,” and it’s more than a sentiment. It’s a way of life. Can you imagine a more perfect setting for yoga practice?

​Blue Spirit embraces “Pura Vida.” The retreat center is appealing for yogis, adventurers, and anyone in need of space or healing. Here’s a little more about the resort: 
 
Offerings: Throughout the year, Blue Spirit hosts hundreds of yoga retreats and trainings, wellness seminars and workshops, concerts, and more. You can join an intimate retreat or attend a world-renowned training program. 
 
Practice Spaces: There are multiple practice spaces at Blue Spirit. Sky Mind Hall accommodates larger groups and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. You might actually be able to hear the ocean from one of the smaller open-air shalas. If you’re practicing in El Silencio, you’ll feel like you’re in the jungle (monkey spottings are likely!). 

Props: There’s no need to carry your yoga mat on to the plane. Blue Spirit has yoga mats, blocks, blankets, bolsters, meditation pillows, and just about anything you’d need to lead a training or workshop.

Meals: Blue Spirit serves three fresh vegetarian meals per day. Every meal is colorful and flavorful. I filled my plate and often opted for seconds. Locally-sourced fish and eggs are also served, and the chefs graciously accommodate other dietary restrictions. There's also a café onsite where you might indulge in a latte, smoothie, or late-night vegan treat (omg  the brownies). 

Extras: Supplement your yoga with Blue Spirit’s spa and longevity services: enjoy a massage, facial, or energy work (During both of my stays, I pampered myself with a massage).  Stephan has also developed a signature Longevity Program for guests who desire more personalized guidance on health and nutrition.   

The fresh fruit! I could not get enough of the roasted plantains at breakfast.

You know how near the end of a vacation you think, Yeah, I’m ready to home? Well, I was not ready to leave Blue Spirit. By Friday, I was just starting to feel settled and very deeply connected (to myself, to the place, to my yoga). 
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Now that I’m back home (and not at Blue Spirit working as a barista, unfortunately), I’m already looking forward to my next yoga retreat. I will prioritize this kind of experience for myself as often as I can, and I will go back to Blue Spirit again. Someday!  
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