with Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
6 nights in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Sat Jul 06 - Fri Jul 12, 2019
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10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT AVAILABLE UNTIL FEB 19TH. At check out, enter the code COSTAPHOTO.
This is more than a fantastic adventure for photographers, just getting there once you land is about four hours. In fact, you do not need to be a photographer. Our retreat is really about how you use your DSLR or smartphone as a lens to explore your inner and outer world. It is for anyone who wants to see life through a more mindful viewfinder. Your camera will be your access into the amazing environment of color, light, and texture unique to the Costa Rican rainforest, and ultimately to a more in-depth look within.
The rainforest is an awe-spiring sensory landscape that we are privileged to experience. Together, we will explore what you see and how you see it. Mindfulness meditation and restorative/yin yoga will be used to guide you toward opening your awareness to the extraordinary world of around you. Leave rejuvenated and with a fresh perspective. The photography lessons are for all levels and non-technical.
While on the trip, experience:
Benefits:
Also, joining me is the Founder of Wholly Organized!®, Lynne Poulton, who has a very special approach to decluttering one’s world. Lynne can offer parallel approaches to "Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo as well as wildly different personalized strategies. She is your cheerleader and coach through all things disorganized.
Look forward to seeing you in the rainforest!!
Accommodations |
7 days 6 nights at Samasati Retreat & Rainforest Sanctuary |
Meals |
Includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner |
Photography |
Daily Mindfulness Photography taught by Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFA. |
Activities |
Courtesy kayak use |
Airport Transfers |
Roundtrip airport transfers to/from San Jose International Airport (SJO)*** Must land before 2pm on arrival day |
Flights |
Flights not included |
Get an email with recommended flights for this trip. | |
Travel Insurance |
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included |
For assistance with travel insurance, contact our partner World Nomads. |
Samasati Rainforest Nature Trail Hike - Day or Night, Customized Massage, Heaven and Earth – Craniosacral & Reflexology, Thai Yoga Massage , Chocolate - Coffee Body Treatment, Rainforest Renewal, Sunburn Therapy, Tortuguero One Day, Gandoca- Manzanillo Rainforest Hike, Bird Watching Tour, Surf Lesson, White Water Rafting at the Pacuare River, Punta Uva Sea Kayak and Rainforest Hike, Horseback Riding at the Beach, The Jungle Adventure - Zipline, Waterfalls, Swings, Kekoldi Indian Reserve, Hiking in Cahuita National Park, Sunburn Therapy
Round-trip transportation to and from San Jose International Airport (SJO) is included on the first and last day of the trip. It takes more than 4 hours to get to the venue from the airport.
Not included: flights to/from San Jose International Airport (SJO) and travel insurance. Guests are responsible for purchasing travel medical insurance and cancellation insurance which are also not included.
Emmy-winning TV Producer, one of the original producers on CBS’ Survivor. After years in the entertainment industry, shooting in locations around the world, Maria began studying Happiness as a way to deal with the stressful demands of producing. Today, she works with professionals, especially those in entertainment, to uplevel the quality of their lives. She speaks about Happiness, leads workshops, transformational travel trips, and retreats. Teaches Mindfulness, Primordial Sound Meditation, and Prayer of the Heart, as well as Restorative Yoga. Maria still develops and produces media projects, now more sanely. When not traveling, she lives in Los Angeles, devoting her time to creating inner and outer journeys for a greater good. Founder of THE SOJOURN EXPERIENCE. Twice a month, Maria curates an inspirational newsletter, 8 GOOD THINGS, and can be found on her website: sojourn-intl.com.
About Maria Baltazzi, PhD, MFAThe jungle is the perfect therapy for guests who need to unplug and unwind – we thought it was just us but research has proven it to be true.
Our yoga and wellness retreat is located along the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, set in a 250 Acre Primary Rainforest Reserve overlooking a mountain range and the Caribbean Sea. The views are beautiful, the vibe peaceful and the experience serene. It is the perfect place to retreat, relax, rejuvenate and re-energize to tackle the next phase of life’s adventure.
Our Sanctuary is ideal for our guests to retreat, relax and rejuvenate so they can tackle the next phase of life’s adventure. We thought it was just us but research has proven that our environment is the perfect therapy for our guests who need to unplug and unwind. Being here automatically improves mood, lowers stress, elevates the body’s feel good hormones and it’s healing properties. In fact post-operative patients have been shown to physically heal faster around nature.
We are also just a 20 minute drive away from beaches, snorkeling and surfing as well as dining and nightlife in the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo. This town is bustling with energy and local culture yet untouched by modern commercial development. Nothing wrong with this of course, but if you are looking for a more authentic experience, it is in this region that you will find it.
Our lodging comprises of structures that were built with native wood from fallen trees and designed to blend harmoniously with the terrain and climate of the Rainforest. We have:
- Ten Caribbean style bungalows that can sleep 2 to 5 people each secluded in its own private area with private bathrooms, a sitting area and private balconies overlooking the Rainforest, the Caribbean Sea or both.
- A dormitory style guest house with 6 rooms with a shared balcony and shared female / male bathrooms.
The Samasati Spa offers relief and rejuvenation with treatments rooted in nature by capturing the healing powers of plants and preserving village remedies. Choosing all-natural super food ingredients from the Caribbean, we use flowers, leaves, bark, roots, seeds and fruits of indigenous, naturally cultivated plants. The products are then artfully combined to provide a wide range of authentic beauty and wellness rituals. Our menu is served by highly sought after international Guest Therapists and gifted local practitioners. These experts combine local plants and fruits to provide nutrient-rich living food for your skin. Cucumbers are sliced to create hydrating eye masks, local salt crystals are blended with virgin coconut oil for body scrubs, local cacao is grated, Aloe Vera is squeezed, juices are pressed and raw chocolate warmed for deeply nourishing body masks.
Our open air restaurant sits in the mountain overlooking the Rainforest and Caribbean Sea providing dramatic views and a unique dining experience. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served with selections ranging from Caribbean fusion, to Mediterranean to Asian to Central American. Most of our cuisine is vegetarian but chicken and fish delicacies are available if you so choose. Seafood is drawn daily from sea, while fruit, vegetables, dairy and poultry are sourced from local farmers or picked on site. The breads are baked daily, chocolate comes from nearby organic cacao plantations and the staff will happily accommodate requests made in advance for raw, vegan, gluten free, dairy free or soy free dishes. Don’t forget to leave a little room because every evening ends with an indulgent dessert!
We also have a specialty bar that serves unique coffee, tea, wine, beer and fresh cold-pressed juices.
Includes daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Reserve your spot with a $295 deposit!
Stand alone large family style vacation homes with full kitchens, full bathrooms, private bedrooms, porch or verandas and living rooms. These Casa Grandes are still within walking distance of the restaurant and lounge and yoga/meditation studios. Each Casa Grande sleeps 5 - 6 guests each.
per person
5 guests
All casitas have private bathrooms, and a spacious veranda overlooking the rainforest and Caribbean Sea. All our casitas have comfortable two single beds or a Queen bed and some have a third double bed in a loft.
per person
3 guests
The Guest House is situated a short walk from the restaurant and reception area. It consists of 5 adjoining private rooms with two shared bathrooms, one for men and another for women. Choose from rooms with either two Single beds or one Double bed. This Guest House is a great option for solo travelers or groups of friends looking for cozy and inexpensive accommodations.
We also have a house with 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a shared kitchen and living room. With a balcony overlooking the mountain and Caribbean sea. The rates will be for each of these rooms.
per person
2 guests
These Casitas have windows that open to prime views of the Rainforest or the Caribbean Sea. Each of them is in it’s own secluded area in the forest and has a King bed, a private bathroom, a quiet terrace with a hammock and is set in a little tropical garden with local flora. These Casitas are ideal for couples.
per person
2 guests
Samasati was amazing! It's perfect for nature lovers, tucked away in Costa Rica's rainforest with a quick 10 minute ride to the beach. The drive from the airport is long ( 4 1/2 hours approx.) but the views are worth it. The staff at Samasati are so wonderful!
A wonderful resort in the middle of the rain forest. Nature is all around you, and the employees are wonderful.
This was a rustic retreat. Met some great people.
This was an outstanding trip! The accommodations were fantastic, transportation spot on, and the food was fabulous. Oh, the other travelers were a blast too. I made a bunch of new friends.
What a wonderful experience at Samasati with Yoga Glow and Cheryl Shillington I am not a vegetarian but had no issues enjoying the tasty meals created by the kitchen staff. The staff where always eager to please and very helpful The location is perfect set a top a mountain only accessible by 4 wheel drive jeeps or by foot. diverse wild life abounds with multiple sloth encounters, toucans and dart frogs to name a few
This trip was jam-packed full of activities offsite along with twice daily yoga in a great natural rainforest location. I found this trip physically challenging meaningful and rewarding. Wildlife was plentiful.
Everyone at the retreat was wonderful, attentive and devoted to our well being during our stay. Very professional all around. Bravo!
This was an adventure outside of my comfort zone, but it was the most amazing experience. The bus ride in was 5 hours and we were made aware of this, however, being prepared and actually doing it is another thing. I would recommend taking the plane if you can make it work. But that should not overshadow the breathtaking views, the quaint casitas, and of course the amazing hospitality of Stephanie and Scott and their incredible staff. Stephanie organized all our excursions for us and we were a group of 21! That was no small feat. She listens to what you want and advises based on what you want. I have no regrets booking this trip and can safely say if you want the real rainforest experience this is the place to book! Howler monkeys and all!! Thanks
Amazing
Samasati retreat was wonderful. This yoga holiday experience was beyond my expectations. Location was spectacular. Accommodations were comfortable. Food was excellent. Excursions were great. Our hosts Stephanie and Scott were phenomenal! And Cheryl's yoga sessions were fantastic as always. Thank you Cheryl for I would highly recommend this trip
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