Awakened Heart New Year Retreat 2022

Participant Welcome Info

 

Welcome!! I give you a deep bow of gratitude for joining me at the Awakened Heart New Year Retreat January 2nd -9th, 2022.

I am so excited to be able to facilitate this special week of rest, rejuvenation, mindfulness, and adventure for you. I created the following guide with some helpful information and I recommend you read through and bring a copy of important details with you. Please reach out to me with any questions!

TRANSPORTATION

Please book your flights to arrive and leave from San Jose Santa Maria International Airport, SJO. This is different from San Jose, California!

 You should arrive on January 2nd, and depart on January 9th. Late flights on January 2nd and early flights on January 9th are totally acceptable, the Country Inn and Suites is very close to the airport. If you are arriving a day early or staying a day late, please let me know and I can help connect you to Country Inn and Suites so you can book a room.

IMPORTANT: After exiting the airport out of the Arrivals doors, walk to the right about 50 steps to the Malinche Restaurant and wait there for the Country Inn and Suites shuttle, which is a minivan and has the name of the hotel on it. If you don't see the shuttle and want to contact the hotel concierge and check on its timing, their Whatsapp is +506 63223725.


If for any reason you arrive too late to join our group shuttle from San Jose to Finca Luna Nueva on January 3rd, contact Finca Luna Nueva via the phone number below and ask them to arrange a shuttle for you.


PHONE NUMBERS AND ADDRESSES

I will have my phone in Costa Rica and you can use it to contact me if needed. My number is: 847 819 2039

I also have What's App with the number above.

Finca Luna Nueva: (506) 2468-4006 or (506) 2468-0864, info@fincalunanuevalodge.com

Address: Finca Luna Nueva, San Isidro Peñas Blancas, Peñas Blancas, Costa Rica

Country Inn and Suites:  (+506 ) 2239 2272, reservaciones@countryinns.co.cr 

Address:  Sobre Autopista General Cañas, Ciudad Cariari, Heredia Province, San José, 40701, Costa Rica 

 

My friend, fellow Prana Vinyasa yogini and artist Natalie Pyrooz, will be joining us at Finca Luna Nueva as an assistant and professional photographer. She will be greeting you in San Jose at the Country Inn and Suites and supporting everyone to get onto the shuttle to our venue! I look forward to seeing all of you at Finca Luna Nueva. Natalie's contact info should you need it is: What's App: 970-759-4769. Facebook Messenger: Natalie Pyrooz

ITINERARY

(subject to change)

 

January 2

Flights arrive in San Jose. Shuttle to Country Inn and Suites and rest comfortably for the night.

January 3

Enjoy breakfast at Country Inn and Suites and then board a shuttle at 9am that will take you to Finca Luna Nueva, about 2.5 hours away in the heart of the rainforest. Enjoy your lunch at the Finca Luna Nueva restaurant overlooking the pool. Settle into your room for the week, then take a walk to explore or relax by the pool or hottub. Make your way to the Yoga Pavilion at 4pm for our first group yoga and relaxation session and opening circle to get to know each other. Afterwards, dine on fresh delicious food, enjoy the sounds of nature around the pool or socialize at the Moondrop Lounge.

January 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Rise each morning to the sounds of the jungle and head down to the Yoga Pavilion for a gentle but invigorating Prana Vinyasa class to open your heart and ground your body. Eat breakfast and then enjoy your restful day of reading, hanging by the pool, strolling on a rainforest trail, or going on a tour around the farm or an adventure in the Lake Arenal area. Regroup at 4pm for a healing afternoon session that might include gentle flow or restorative yoga, guided meditation, pranayama, yoga nidra, or silent meditation. Enjoy a healthy and delicious dinner and another easy going evening. After dinner on January 8th, you’ll get on a shuttle back to Country Inn and Suites.

January 9

Say goodbye to your week in paradise and head home, or continue to your adventure on your own!

 

 

FREE TIME!

I've included plenty of free time in the itinerary to allow you time to rest and explore! Here are some ideas for things to do during your free time:

·         Pool time! Swim in the chlorine free swimming pool and solar powered hot tub, read a book, get a smoothie at the Moondrop bar

·         Hike a trail! There are a few trails starting from Finca Luna Nueva to explore the farm and the rainforest

·         Schedule a private yoga session with Lily

·         Schedule a massage at the Finca Luna Nueva Spa (located next to pool)

·         Book an additional excursion (see below)

Additional Excursions include on site tours as well as off site adventures.

Visit the following link for on-site tours https://fincalunanuevalodge.com/recreation/tours/, and https://fincalunanuevalodge.com/recreation/off-site-tours/ for off-site adventures. You can schedule these with Finca Luna Nueva after getting there.


I am coordinating 2 optional group trips:

On Tuesday: a Stand Up Paddleboard adventure on Lake Arenal (around $88 with transport)

On Thursday: a natural hotsprings soak at the exclusive Eco Termales pools (around $90 including lunch and transport).

These are the most beautiful, tropical hotsprings I've ever been to and the day includes a delicious lunch at the onsite restaurant. The SUP adventure is wonderful because you get to be on the gorgeous lake and view the Arenal volcano. Anyone is welcome to hang out on the boat that takes us out on to the paddleboards instead of paddling, too. Please let me know if you'd like to join!

 

SPECIAL COVID SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

A retreat at Finca Luna Nueva is the perfect way to restore yourself this winter while practicing Covid safety. Every activity, from the open-aired yoga pavilion to the open-aired dining room, the spacious pool, and all of the optional adventures are outside in the fresh air where social distancing can be practiced. Finca Luna Nueva has a detailed Covid protocol in place and is closely monitoring and responding to the global health situation. Costa Rica has maintained one of the world’s lowest rates of infection. There are currently some extra procedures all visitors to Costa Rica need to follow to keep up this safety record, including filling out a Health Pass 72 hours before arriving and (for non-vaccinated travelers only) obtaining travel insurance (about $7 dollars per day via a Costa Rica insurance agency). Below are three Costa Rican options for affordable health insurance for your trip:

Please also note that EVERY traveler to Costa Rica must fill out a Health Pass within 72 hours of your flight and carry the info (a QR code) with you during travel either on your phone or printed. The Health Pass is where you will either show proof of vaccination OR proof of health insurance. Even if you are vaccinated, it's not a bad idea to purchase travel insurance considering the times we are in!

As of now, all US citizens are required to present a negative Covid Test to reenter the USA. Finca Luna Nueva will organize a clinic to come to us at the retreat and administer the test. The cost is $65 per person.


Also, I found a helpful blog (updated Dec 15th) with some very information about that Health Pass that everyone needs to fill out: https://costa-rica-guide.com/practical/documents-requirements/electronic-health-pass-pase-de-salud/

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy New Year and smooth flights. Please take care to arrive in good health. If you are in doubt after any gathering or believe you have been exposed to Covid, please take an at-home test the day before you fly. And perhaps consider keeping your celebrating low key this New Year's Eve to avoid exposure!

I'm holding a vision of us all arriving in radiant health and enjoying a beautiful week in the lush rainforest together.

Om gam ganapataye namaha~ May the remover of obstacles guide us safely and smoothly through our travels.

Photography

Natalie will be capturing our retreat through photography, and she is opening up some space for a limited number of personal portrait sessions. Her specialty is where yoga, the human form, and nature intersect; her gentle and sweet spirit are sure to put you at ease to capture your most radiant self.  What better time for a portrait session than when you are fully feeling your inner radiance: deeply relaxed, eating healthy, and in a beautiful place? Reserve your session now for only $89. www.nataliepyrooz.com

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

VISA?

All US, EU, and UK passport holders are automatically able to enter Costa Rica for 90 days, there is nothing special you have to do. Make sure your passport will not expire within 6 months of your entry day from Costa Rica. If you hold a passport from another country, please investigate what is required for your entry into Costa Rica.

WEATHER?

Costa Rica has one of the most stable and ideal climates in the world. From December to May is considered the dry season, and the temperatures are usually a high of 75-85 degrees. Rain is always possible and you may want to bring a light rain jacket. Mostly pack light, comfortable clothing, some stretchy yoga wear, and good walking shoes. And don’t forget a swimsuit!

CURRENCY?

Colones is the official currency of Costa Rica, but US dollars are widely accepted.

Items and activities purchased at Finca Luna Nueva can be charged to your room and paid with a credit card at the end of your stay. The amount of local currency that you need depends on how much you intend to spend on extra purchases outside of the property. If you are using your credit cards when you travel, please advise your bank that you will be making charges internationally.

For Americans, it is not necessary to convert any money to local currency (colones) as all businesses happily accept U.S. dollars (however, expect your change to be in colones).

In fact, we suggest that you do NOT change money and bring several smaller bills so you do not receive much change. The current rate of exchange fluctuates around 600 colones for every 1 US dollar.

LAUNDRY SERVICE?

Finca Luna Nueva offers laundry service should you desire during your stay. Price is per item.

WILL I BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE YOGA?

All levels of yoga experience are welcome. Classes will vary from gentle and slow, to seated meditations, to an invigorating and challenging flow. Various options are presented to suit all levels, and you are always welcome to rest or do whatever your body is asking for. Generally, the morning classes will be more challenging than the afternoon ones. If you don’t feel like coming to the yoga class one day, don’t! You are always welcome to choose what do to during your vacation retreat.

VACCINATIONS?

Things are currently changing often with the special health situation, but as of now, there aren't any special vaccinations required to visit Costa Rica, though having the Covid vaccination means you won't have to purchase health insurance as mentioned above.

CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE SPECIAL DIETS?

Finca Luna Nueva offers a large variety of delicious food at each meal, buffet style, so you can choose what you’d like to eat. There are many vegan and vegetarian options, as well as meat and dairy options, at each meal. The food is prepared lovingly and they use local and organic products as much as possible. Many of the dishes are gluten-free. Please let me know if you require any special dietary attention so I can inform staff.

IS THERE A BAR?

Yes…there is a lovely bar next to the restaurant, and you are welcome to purchase yourself a drink here and there… AND we invite you to consider keeping alcohol consumption moderate on all Awakened Heart Retreats. All of our offerings are carefully and lovingly designed to build participants’ mindfulness and raise collective consciousness. The bar also serves delicious, healthy, superfood smoothies!

 

 

THINGS TO BRING

Essentials:

Passport plus additional US ID (ie driver's license) and photo copy of passport. Email yourself a copy of your passport too (in case you lose your passport) and make sure your passport does not expire until after July 2022.

reusable water bottle

small bills US cash for tips and souvenirs, credit card enabled for international use for additional excursions or emergencies

comfortable walking shoes and pool shoes

journal (we will have some guided journaling time during some of our yoga sessions)

bathing suit and pool towel

clothing for warm weather plus layers for cooler evenings

light rainjacket

stretchy/easy to move in yoga clothing

eco friendly personal hygiene products

FYI Finca Luna Nueva sells a selection of organic body products such as shampoo/conditioner/bug spray plus products from their farm and local artisan goods

any essential medications (please let me know about any medical conditions)

 

Optional:

your yoga mat, inflatable bolster, eye pillow (our lodge supplies mats, blocks, and blankets)

DEET free aerosol free bug spray (bugs are not too bothersome here!)

eco friendly mineral based sunscreen (aerosol free, no oxibenzone or octinoxate)

sunhat

camera (we will be taking photos to share!)

electrolyte rehydration tablets or powder

If you'd like, bring a sacred item for our small altar. This could be a photo of a beloved family member or teacher, an object from nature that connects you to the earth, or anything that inspires you to joy, connection, and remembrance of what is important.

MORE QUESTIONS?

Email me at lilyrusso@gmail.com