5 different types of Yoga for you to try this year

The year has just started. You are probably not so stressed right now, but sooner or later you will. As all of you may know, the practice of Yoga is and has been for years, one of the most recommended exercises in order to not let stress consume you and take all over you. For others, yoga is more than plain just relaxing exercises; it´s a lifestyle and a whole new world of ways of living and being simply you.



We will give a little bit more of 5 different types of Yoga for you to know more and, why not, explore.

Hatha Yoga

Being one of the simplest and probably the starting point for yoga beginners, Hatha yoga opens the door to a new world  by letting go and finding yourself through very slow pace movements and breathing exercises, that will maintain your mind and soul physically connected with your inner emotions and the world of opposites. The negative and the positive get together as the sun (ha) and moon (tha) flows in the sanskrit word of Hatha.  With the help of a set of postures called Asanas, the yogi or a yogini, a man or a woman who practices Yoga, will be able to create a well balance between its masculine and feminine aspects all in a self transformation path developing as well a set of scales in strength and flexibility creating only benefits for its body.

Vinyasa Yoga

Synchronizing your breath with movement is what this type of yoga is all about. Also known as flow yoga, Vinyasa yoga will take you smoothly from one pose to another through inhaling and exhaling in a very much like a dance coordination. Vinyasa in Sanskrit means connection, and many yogis describe it simple as the connection between movement and breath.  One of the most famous sequences in this yoga are the sun salutation and the cat-cow stretch, one more simple than the other. Each movement done on these sequences are during inhalation and exhalation.


Bikram Yoga

26 postures Sequence are the ones you have to follow in order to practice Bikram Yoga. Developed by Bikram Choudhury from Hatha Yoga. Born in India in 1946, he started his yoga practice since the age of four and in 1976 opened his own institute for implementing this unique practice. In order to perform Bikram yoga you need to be in a room with a special temperature of one hundred and five diploma Fahrenheit and forty percentage of humidity. The main reason for this is that which such temperature the body becomes flexible in ways you couldn´t imagine it could, and will let you perform the poses without any problem. It also increases your internal organs development as well as their normal functions. This is why Bikram yoga is also commonly known as the hot yoga. All parts of your body are being worked out through the practice of this yoga. It is so beneficial to your body, but remember it must be only practiced under the supervision of a certified Bikram Yoga teacher only.
   
   
Iyengar Yoga

This type of yoga practice is named after its mentor B. K. S. Iyengar. By focusing on the precision and the alignment of postures and breath control is how the yogi can perform the different asanas that complete Iyengar Yoga. Experts describe this practice as the best one for you for releasing the stress after a long day.  With the use of specific and useful props, which make the practice of Iyengar Yoga more confortable, B.K.S. Iyengar has systematised over 200 classical yoga poses and 14 different types of Pranayama (with variations of many of them) ranging from the basic to advanced. Moving from simple to more complex poses, yogis can experience a whole new self being uniting body, mind and spirit for a healthy new you.


Ashtanga Yoga

Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois it engages breath, a series of postures, heat and finally sweat that will detoxify your muscles and organs improving your circulation, in order to bring and provide you with a more stronger body and a calm new you.
Ashtanga, which means eight limbs, must be practiced in a set of pre-organized poses that will take the yogi to obtain his fullest potential of human consciousness through the whole practice. As well as in every of the other practices, Ashtanga yoga requires from the practitioner a correct breathing in order to achieve the desired postures, while gaining control of all its senses and absolute awareness of themselves.

Santa Teresa Costa Rica, near the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula , has been named one of the top 10 yoga destinations in Costa Rica. As your host, Pranamar Oceanfront Villas & Yoga Retreat welcomes you with elaborate oceanfront villas and bungalows in lush tropical gardens and gourmet organic cuisine in the Buddha Eyes Restaurant. Designed in exotic Bali-style, our luxury beachfront hotel gives daily in-house yoga classes and spa treatments.

See our selection of yoga retreats briefly described below, and visit our website for more information. We’re sure you’ll find a perfect fit just for you, and we’ll see you soon in our Yoga Shala!


Article by Gabriela Serrano

Top tips for easing travel stress with yoga

Travel can be stressful, there’s no doubt about it. Standing in line, airport security, incessant waiting, lugging bags and suitcases, crowds … and the sitting! Sitting on a plane, or in a car or taxi, or on a bus, or on a train – it plays havoc with your back, butt, hips, legs, and well, pretty much everything.

After a long airplane flight, I always feel about two inches shorter from my back and muscles being scrunched from so much sitting. Know the feeling?

 Ever want to be pulled apart from head to toe to free your spine?

The good news is that simple yoga postures while traveling, and after you get to your destination, can help ease travel stress, soothe your body’s cramped muscles, and relax your mind. Plus, if you already regularly do yoga, here are ideas to keep your yoga practice going while on a trip.

You can do yoga anywhere

On a beach, at a park, in a hotel room, and even on public transportation, yoga can be done just about anytime, anywhere. You can improvise for mats and straps, etc.

Include yoga poses on your travel days

While standing around waiting in an airport, etc., do these yoga moves:

• Mountain pose
• Forward bend
• Standing half-forward bend
• Tree pose
• High lunge

When you’re sitting on a plane, train or bus, do these yoga moves:

• Deep breathing
• Simple seated twists
• Shoulder rolls
• Neck rolls
• Hip opening stretches like Thread the Needle and Butterfly Pose

When you’re tired try Yin Yoga

At your hotel room, try a few yin yoga poses at the end of the day to help release tension and relax you for a good night’s sleep.

Keep it easy with a basic routine

Stay simple with basic yoga postures you know well. These are the ones that your body probably needs anyway to loosen up after long travel.

A little yoga is better than none

You may not be able to do an hour of yoga a day, or several classes a week, like at home, but a little yoga is better than none. Set aside 15-20 minutes every day in the morning for your yoga stretches and breathing exercises. You’ll begin each day with a clear mind.

Find a yoga class where you travel

Yoga classes can be found just about anywhere you go these days. Drop in at a local yoga class for a good guided session. Best practice, of course, is to go on a yoga retreat for your vacation!

Enjoy the best Costa Rica yoga retreats and yoga vacations at Pranamar Oceanfront Villas in Santa Teresa Costa Rica. The beachfront Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, hotel specializes in yoga retreats, daily yoga classes and Costa Rica surf holidays.

Article by Shannon Farley

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Girls Rule: Women-only surf retreats in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

There are women-only professional clubs, women-only gyms, women’s athletic events, and girls also rule at Pura Vida Adventures surf retreats in Costa Rica.

Founded 10 years ago by surfer Tierza Eichner, Pura Vida Adventures brings women from the U.S. and other countries to the pristine beaches and rocking waves of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica for surfing and yoga vacations.

Santa Teresa Beach on the southern Nicoya Peninsula is a hot destination for surf and yoga retreats in Costa Rica. Santa Teresa is frequently named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world for its warm Pacific Ocean, great waves, sparkling white sand beach, tropical palm trees and balmy weather.

The Costa Rica surf camps are based at Hotel Tropico Latino in Santa Teresa. Women of all ages and walks of life – corporate executives, retirees, students, professional athletes – come to learn and improve the art of wave riding, be revitalized in yoga classes and relax under the tropical sun. The Santa Teresa beachfront hotel holds the very popular retreats all year long with Pura Vida Adventures.

Week-long surf retreats (7 days and 6 nights) are taught by professional, highly-trained surf instructors. Yoga adds the important elements of stretching and relaxation. Costa Rica surf and yoga retreats are available at Hotel Tropico Latino in November and December 2014, and January to May 2015. There are both co-ed and women-only retreats offered.

Big news is that Carve Design, makers of apparel for water girls, has teamed up with Pura Vida Adventures to make sure you look your best with your new Costa Rica beach tan. Sign up for a 2014 Pura Vida Adventures surf camp in Costa Rica, and you’ll get 20% off all Carve Designs products, designed for women by women to fit womanly curves.

Hotel Tropico Latino

At beautiful Playa Carmen in Santa Teresa, Hotel Tropico Latino is a relaxed and charming 4-star resort fronting the beach on four acres of lush, tropical gardens. Accommodations are comfortable and luxurious. Hotel facilities include a full-service beachfront spa and an award-winning restaurant. Sunsets are breathtaking.

Article by Shannon Farley

2 Fun and easy day trips from Santa Teresa Costa Rica

There are many attractions on the southern Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica, but few visitors explore the tiny fishing village and mysterious island of Cabuya.

Cabuya is known as the gateway to the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve, Costa Rica’s first privately protected reserve at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Seven kilometers after the beach town of Montezuma, you pass through the quaint village of Cabuya two kilometers before the Cabo Blanco Reserve. When you do, it’s worth it to stop and see the sights.

Beaches of Santa Teresa, Mal Pais and Montezuma are known for waves and great surfing. At Cabuya, there is a pretty white sand beach protected by a rocky reef that is safe for swimming -- especially for children – without big surf or rip currents. Along the main road, you can’t miss the gigantic strangler fig tree – great for photographs to amaze your friends and family back home.

The unique attraction of Cabuya is the small island situated 100 meters off the coast that has been used as a cemetery from pre-Columbian times to the present. At low tide it is possible to walk over to the island on a rocky path that gets exposed. The tide stays low enough to cross for a couple of hours; time enough to explore the cemetery, snorkel, go fishing and see the tide pools.

The reef on the far side of Cabuya Island is one of the best spots in the area for snorkeling. During the day it is very hot in the full sun, so be prepared with lots of drinking water, a sun hat and sunscreen.

Fique plants (Furcraea andina) – known locally as cabuya – grow plentifully on the island and gave the area its name. Locals have used cabuya fibers for centuries to make ropes, garments, hammocks, baskets and textiles.

The island’s spooky reputation stems from the belief that it is guarded by spirits. The image is propagated by the nighttime funeral tradition of walking to the island with candles and lights, creating an eerie sight of lights floating across the water.

Where to stay on the Nicoya Peninsula

On the other side of the Peninsula from Cabuya is the gorgeous, world-renowned beach of Santa Teresa Costa Rica. One of the best beachfront hotels in Santa Teresa is Hotel Tropico Latino, a relaxed and charming oasis on Playa Carmen. Tropico Latino features garden and beachfront bungalows and suites, a beachfront spa, yoga classes and retreats, and surf instruction and surf camps.

Hotel Tropico Latino offers guided tours of the beautiful Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve; the park is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A hidden travel tip: You can have a beach sunrise and sunset all in the same day! If you go to Cabuya really early, you can see the sunrise over the ocean at Cabuya Beach since it is located on the southeastern side of the Peninsula. Then return to Santa Teresa for a spectacular sunset!

Article by Shannon Farley

Go Stand-Up Paddling in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

One of the best places in Costa Rica for Stand-Up Paddle Boarding is in Santa Teresa Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula.

SUP (Stand-up paddling) is a great all-body workout, is relatively easy to learn, and is lots of fun. Surfers started using Hawaiian-style stand-up paddle boarding as a way to keep fit when there aren’t any waves, and also as a way to power into waves that are hard to catch.

To Stand-up Paddle, you stand on a wide, long, modified surfboard while using a long paddle (like a one blade kayak paddle) to maneuver in the water. Your weight balance and the strength of your core body is how you stay up and move.

When you stay at Hotel Tropico Latino, on the beach at Playa Carmen in Santa Teresa, the Reception staff can arrange Stand-up Paddling tours for you.

The tour goes from the nearby beach of Mal Pais paddling down the coast toward the famous Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Tours usually last between 60 to 90 minutes on the water, and are better suited for the smooth water of early morning or calm afternoons around sunset.

Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica is known for its spectacular sunsets, gold and light sand, warm and clear aquamarine water, and great surf.

One of the best beachfront hotels in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is Hotel Tropico Latino. The relaxed and charming oasis on four acres of lush gardens features tropical bungalows and suites, a beachfront spa, yoga classes and retreats, and surf instruction and surf camps.

Article by Shannon Farley

Costa Rica surfing paradise: Malpaís and Santa Teresa

Long swaths of gold and light beige sand, warm, clear aquamarine water, world-class surf conditions and spectacular sunsets – the Pacific beaches of Santa Teresa and Malpaís in Costa Rica consistently win recognition for being the best beaches in Central America.

Both top Costa Rica beach destinations are found on the western coast of the southern Nicoya Peninsula. Poor or non-existing roads kept this tropical utopia off the beaten path for decades. Backpackers and surfers camping their way along the coast discovered the paradise of small fishing villages in the early 1990s. Today, they are popular with tourists from around the world.

The jungle sweeps down to the Pacific Ocean from coastal mountains hugging the shore, creating some of the most beautiful and hidden beaches of Costa Rica. The road from the ferry port at Paquera across the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula ends at the beach of Playa Carmen. To the right (north) is Santa Teresa and most of the tourist development; to the left (south) lies the sleepy beach hamlet of Malpaís.

At the southwestern end of the Peninsula, Malpaís sits opposite the popular beach town of Montezuma, with the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve lying in between. It is a very relaxed jungle lifestyle, with tourist lodging and restaurants interspersed in the thick forest along the beach – you’ll probably find more monkeys than people! There is exceptional surfing with consistent swells year round, along with a canopy zipline tour and horses for riding along the beach.

Santa Teresa is known for pristine Blue-Flag beaches, easy-to-ride waves, volcanic reef formations and picture-perfect sunsets. The bustling town is full of high-end luxury resorts, little hotels, top-notch restaurants, shops and tours.

Where to stay in Santa Teresa Costa Rica

Between Santa Teresa and Malpaís at Playa Carmen, the beachfront Hotel Tropico Latino is a relaxed, charming oasis on four acres of abundant gardens – an ideal Costa Rica vacation destination. Hotel Tropico Latino offers exquisitely-designed tropical bungalows and suites, a beachfront spa, yoga classes and retreats, surf instruction and retreats.

Article by Shannon Farley

10 yoga stretches to improve your surfing

As a surfer, wouldn’t you like to be able to surf for longer without getting tired, have more strength and flexibility and better balance, get a quicker pop-up, relax your breathing and sharpen your mental focus?

Yoga can help you do this. Pro surfers know that yoga keeps their performance constantly improving and aids in preventing injuries.

Here are 10 yoga poses for surfers that will improve your strength and flexibility, give you better balance, and help you avoid the all-too-common lower back pain. Remember to warm-up before heading out to the water, and stretch for 5-10 minutes after surfing. Your body will thank you.

1. Downward-facing dog: Benefits: Strengthens and tones the arms and legs, stretches shoulders and calf muscles, lengthens and straightens the spine helping to relieve all over back pain.

2. Locust Pose: Benefits: Stretches the chest, shoulders and abdominals, and strengthens the upper and lower back, arms and legs. This is a non-aggressive backbend that helps build the spinal support for all of the back-arching you do when paddling for waves.

3. Eagle Pose (arms only): Benefits: Stretches upper back and shoulders for long paddling sessions.

4. Squat / Garland Pose: Benefits: Opens up the hip flexors and strengthens the back; ideal to prevent hip cramping when sitting on your board for a while.

5. Plank Pose & Chaturanga Dandasana: Benefits: Core, triceps, back. This pose will help you pop up faster and stronger.

6. Warrior Pose: Benefits: Stretches your hips, groin and shoulders, strengthens and stretches your legs, ankles and feet, and builds stamina, balance and concentration.

7. Upward Facing Dog: Benefits: Elongates and increases flexibility in your spine, opens your chest, throat, shoulders, and the front of your thighs.

8. Boat Pose: Benefits: Strengthens your core, and helps with deep breathing, focus and balance.

9. High Lunge: Benefits: Stretches and strengthens your legs, especially thighs, knees, ankles and psoas muscle; opens the groins and hips, and lengthens the spine.

10. Happy Baby Pose: Benefits: Releases tight hips, hamstrings and back muscles.

Surfing and yoga in Costa Rica

Get the best of both surfing in Costa Rica and yoga at Hotel Tropico Latino on beautiful Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica. The charming, intimate beachfront hotel specializes in Costa Rica surfing and yoga vacations and retreats. The hotel offers daily Hatha and other yoga classes on their shaded wooden yoga deck right on the beach. Santa Teresa is famous for year-round warm-water surf, pristine beaches and picture-perfect sunsets.

Article by Shannon Farley