To escape the cold and snow and the day to day, eight of us blindly signed up for a dance and surf retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica. Nosara is famous for its surf and world-renowned yoga, and arguably put Costa Rica on the map as a yoga retreat destination. We weren't dancers, but we loved the idea of showing up somewhere and having everything planned out for us so we wouldn't have to think. 

After a long and dusty drive from Liberia, we arrived at our new home for the week in Playa Guiones, Nosara. We looked past the neighbouring cow field and the 30-minute walk to the activities because we were all together and in Nosara.  For generations, the land around Nosara has been primarily used for raising cattle so a good portion of it is deforested.

The next morning, we walked along the beach in 36-degree temperatures eager to get to our first yoga class. When we arrived at the Harmony Hotel, surrounded by lush greenery; we all felt a sense of calm. We rolled out our mats in the beautiful open-air studio across from a tranquil lily pond as the instructor explained she would teach with live music and end with Kirtan yoga - the yoga of sound. It involves chanting hymns or mantras to the accompaniment of instruments. 

Our planned activity involved our first Extension Method class. Jennifer Nichols, a professional dancer, and fitness specialist from Toronto created the program we would be following. It combines classical ballet technique with contemporary athletic conditioning. She’s a friend of the owner of a local surf company; together they created the Extension Method/Surf retreat in Nosara. 

After our Extension Method class, we regrouped over a smooth and rich coffee to review the rest of the week’s schedule. We decided we needed to add yoga classes to enhance our week. Luckily we found a studio nearby with drop-in classes. Mark, our instructor, coached us with his smooth surfer’s voice into the hardest poses and tested our flexibility while playing the best music to keep us mentally and physically engaged. The yoga ended up being the highlight of the trip for us. 

After 90 minutes with Mark, we were exhausted and found a local woman selling fresh coconut water. I stood there mesmerized by the way she cut the coconut with such precision. We went to her stand every day after that and now I can’t bring myself to drink it out of a box. There’s nothing like fresh coconut water. 

We walked back to our home where Linda, our chef had made the most delicious vegetarian brunch. Linda lived in Brooklyn for years where she ran a cafe.  Three years ago, she sold it and moved to Nosara. Today Canadian, American and European expats lend a unique flavor to the local culture. It has one of the oldest expat communities in the entire country. 

Nosara was named by National Geographic as one of the top 20 surf towns in the world. Playa Guiones has some of the best waves to learn surfing in all of Costa Rica.  These waves can be surfed at any tide level so you can take lessons and practice in the water virtually any time of the day.  The Nosara Family Surf Company was terrific at ensuring everyone was engaged and put their fears behind them. By the end of the week, some of our friends were surfing on the furthest break.  It was inspiring to watch. 

When I close my eyes to think about the trip, I picture the sunsets. The days in Nosara are long and sunny with stunningly beautiful sunsets. Watching the surfers gracefully catch the waves beneath the sunset is breathtaking and something I’ll never forget. 

The next day, it was wake up and repeat. Because we found walking everywhere didn’t give us the time to shop, explore and add more yoga to our daily routine, we decided to take matters into our hands and rented a golf cart that we affectionately called the 'Lady Limo'. 

The repetition of the day's activities did not stop each day from getting better and better.  We loved the food, the yoga and surf and each other's company.  We appreciated that, although we didn't need a retreat, it was the retreat that made it easy for us to go away for a full week. 

Our time in Nosara flew by and the day came to travel back to Toronto. On our way to the airport, we needed to use a restroom.  Our shuttle driver brought us to his home where his wife and beautiful daughter greeted us with big smiles. They even picked oranges from their trees for us to enjoy. That's the kind of place Nosara is. A place with no pretention or judgment.  It's a community that lives by Pura Vida.  Pronounced POO-rah VEE-dah, in English it means, "Pure Life". It symbolizes enjoying life and being happy. 

I miss Nosara. I miss the sunsets, the delicious food, the incredible yoga, friendly people and the simplicity of life there. I will hang onto my memories, my strengthened commitment to yoga and Pura Vida. If you have the chance, I highly recommend you visit this beautiful oceanside spot in the jungle. I can’t wait for the next adventure with this fabulous group of women.  

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