Osa Yoga Rocks!

Bridget CRLast month we took international renowned yoga teacher Bridget Woods Kramer and a few lucky World Wild Adventurers to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula.

Bridget and I flew in a couple of days early to make the most of the chance to relax and unwind before she started teaching for our retreat.

Long and tiring journeys from the UK finally ended with squeals of laughter as we landed from a fun and bumpy charter flight on the airstrip at Peurto Jimenez, which just happens to be next to the town’s graveyard. Much amusement at the plight of those who apparently did not survive the flight as we reclaimed our baggage and met with our lovely driver for the trip to the Finca Exotica Eco Lodge.

Literally 2 minutes into our drive the vehicle stopped and we were given our first glimpse of the many White Headed Capuchin monkeys that we were to see on this trip.

We also saw a huge iguana and dozens of beautiful birds and butterflies as we wound our way through fields and forest to the lodge.  I was immediately struck by the diversity of life and the wild beauty of the area.

On reaching Finca Exotica we were met by our WWA Costa Rica trip leader, Martine. Martine is so full of spirit and has the most infectious smile, it was lovely to see her and to discover just how stunning the lodge and Carate beach are.

Bridget and I dumped our bags, got into our bikinis and headed straight into the ocean. Top tip from Bridget’s Ayurvedic doctor is to swim in the sea immediately to wash away all of the toxins from your journey. An added plus is that salt is very grounding… Much needed after long flights!

Carate Beach

The next couple of days were so absolutely relaxing. We walked on the beach, swam in the warmest ocean I have ever been in and chilled out completely in an assortment of hammocks (well you have to try them all to find out which is most comfortable!)

Bridget hammock

I can say for certain that Bridget and I were pretty much more relaxed than we have ever been when our lovely adventurers arrived. Our 2014 Osa Yoga Retreat had begun!

The next few days were spent taking part in Bridget’s amazing yoga classes in the mornings and evenings with the rest of each day as free time to fill with Martine’s optional activities or to just chill out on the beach. We had the opportunity to hike into Corcovado National Park, to kayak in the spectacular lagoon, to ride horses on the beach and to learn all about the gardens at Finca, where the majority of the wonderful food that we ate was sourced. Coco, the chef was truly outstanding and created delicious meals for all of us which so much skill and love. Everyone commented on how they were feeling younger every day with the sunshine, vibrant colours surrounding us and the nourishment from all the organic fruit and vegetables. I have to say that they all started to look younger too!!

Costa Rica group

This was my first trip into Central America and I just adore Costa Rica and in particular Finca Exotica and the Osa Peninsula.
The people are wonderful and the wildlife is simply spectacular. I have never seen so much biodiversity in such a small area.

Sweetie

The area around the lodge is stunningly beautiful and I felt as though I had plugged into the mains and got a fantastic dose of energy from the sheer vibrancy of the place. Now I know why Martine is always smiling!

Costa Rica I will see you next year.

Pura Vida!

Rhoda McGivern (WWA co-founder and trip leader)

Rhoda hammock

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