Coming February 2011….Pura Vida Spa and Wellness Yoga Retreat!

Check out puravidaspa.com

Beauty, tranquilty, adventure, home like intimacy...

Welcome to Pura Vida Wellness & Yoga in Costa Rica. Beautiful, fun, and healthy. Pura Vida Retreat and Spa is considered by some as the Wellness & Yoga destination of choice outside the United States. We offer you a perfect balance of mind, body and spirit in an oasis of beauty, tranquility and home like intimacy. Pamper your body and

soul whilst exploring the delights of Costa Rica, a country which is renowned for its beauty.

The Gardens of Pura Vida

Pura Vida, meaning ¨pure life¨, is located on a private mountaintop estate in Costa Rica's Alajuela province surrounded by coffee plantations and lush foliage. The whole estate commands fantastic views of Irazú, Barva, and Poás volcanoes and of the central valley with the capital, San José.

Walk amidst enchanted gardens of heliconias and orchids. Become romanced by the fountains, pools, fruit and ornamental trees, colorful birds, and gentle butterflies. In this ¨Garden of Eden¨ the year round temperature is 70 to 80 degrees during the day with mild nights. Renew your deepest connections with life as you step into an oasis of beauty and tranquility.

Our gardening crew is constantly maintaining and improving the grounds of this seven-acre property. Enjoy walking the paths and discovering the many secluded spaces. There are plenty of tranquil spots with hammocks, benches and grassy areas for meditation, reading or just hanging out.

Pura Vida Cuisine

For us, delicious, wholesome and nutritious cuisine is our number one priority.

Pura Vida is famous for its great buffet cuisine. Our guests, both vegetarian and those who enjoy fish or chicken, return to us not only for our world-class yoga and outstanding spa treatments, but very much for our delicious healthy cuisine. It's an exquisite marriage between the inspiration of many international chefs. We are committed to serving you a huge variety of freshly prepared delicious recipes with exotic ingredients from the tropics and many home made chutneys, freshly baked cookies, granolas and other surprises.

For breakfast we serve only freshly squeezed juices, a huge variety of fresh fruit, yogurt, German bread, home made granola and a variety of hearty dishes like made-to-order omelets, tamales, home made tortillas, whole grain pancakes and more.

Our lunches are famous for the huge selection of delicious gourmet salads, soups and main dishes, fresh juices and . . . a surprise every day!

Dinners are a feast of international cuisine, piquant flavors and aromas from many different countries along with a freshly made dessert every evening.

The best Costa Rican coffee and exotic tropical fruits are available in our restaurant all day long at no additional cost. Our 'Buena Vista' cappuccino and smoothie bar will serve you the best coffee drinks and fruit smoothies.

Come and enjoy!

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Accommodations

Pura Vida offers more than 50 accommodations for every taste and budget. From luxury suites with your own Jacuzzi hot tub, to charming A-frame Chalets, to the most "not-like-a-tent I've ever seen!" Tentalows.

All our accommodations can be arranged with either two single beds or one king-size bed. The electrical system in Costa Rica is identical to that in the U.S. So, anything you bring (laptops, electric razors, hair dryers, etc.) can be used without the need of an adapter. Soap, shampoo and conditioner are provided in all the rooms; however, you should bring all other toiletries.

Pagoda

In a class of its own -- The Pagoda is your own private "home" with sunken living room, wonderful views, king-size bed, Jacuzzi bathtub, mini-fridge, outdoor deck, and even a private enclosed "Bali style" outdoor shower. It is very popular with honeymooners. Unique and luxurious, the Pagoda is an experience in itself, offering memories that will last long after you've departed.

Suites

Zendo - A wraparound balcony and huge picture windows allow magnificent views all the time. It comes equipped with a king-size bed and coffee maker. In addition to all this, the Zendo has an outdoor shower which makes it a most special place to stay.
Master Suite - Wake up in a king-size bed with an incredible vista and luxuriate in your own Jacuzzi hot tub. The Master Suite also features a coffee maker, walk-in closet, balcony and a living area.
Lila Suite - A gorgeous suite with a huge private balcony, vaulted ceilings, coffee maker and a king-size bed.

Super Deluxe

The Villa is the ideal family accommodation. It has one queen-size and two single beds along with a living area, private bath, coffee bar and its own balcony.
Our other super deluxe rooms are the Kivas and Tri-levels. These accommodations have plenty of space and comfort, offering a living area, private bath, balcony, and a coffee bar. 1 King or 2 Twins.

Deluxe

Our deluxe accommodations are the A-Frames and Vistas. They each have a private balcony with stunning views, their own baths, balcony and coffee maker. 1 King or 2 Twins.

Standard

The Standard Rooms are comfortable, colorful

and cozy surrounded by lush gardens. They come equipped with coffee makers and the shared bathrooms are only a few seconds away. This room can have either 1 King or 2 Twins.

Tentalows

The Tentalows combine the adventure and feel of the outdoors with the amenities of a room. These 12 ' x 12 ' x 12 ' luxury tents have carpeted floors, very comfortable beds (the same as in our other accommodations), electricity, space for your clothes and plenty of fresh mountain air. The shared bathrooms are set in lush gardens, are very attractive, and are conveniently located nearby. 1 King or 2 Twins.

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About Your Instructors- You Are in Good Hands!....

Lisa Black, Owner, Director, Master Baptiste Instructor

Lisa teaches yoga with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Her passion for yoga and enthusiasm for teaching are evident in her energetic, dynamic vinyasa style - linking poses together in a powerful, balanced, flowing sequence. She creates a supportive, challenging, and light-hearted class environment where you are encouraged to explore your edge, discover your strength, and awaken your spirit. Lisa helps you unleash your power and spread your wings to fly. Be prepared to sweat, work hard, and have fun! Her training in Baptiste Power Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram, Anusara, and Sivananda yoga bring diverse knowledge and extensive experience to her teaching style.

After discovering yoga in 1996 for healing from a sports injury and seeking relief from job stress, Lisa journeyed to India where she was certified as a Sivananda yoga instructor. She furthered her training in Seattle by completing intensive teacher trainings with Senior Iyengar instructor Aadil Palhkivala. She continues to study with instructors around the country like Baron Baptiste, Shiva Rhea, John Friend, Ana Forrest, David Swenson, and Sarah Powers. After studying with Baron Baptiste, she realized that she had found the style of yoga that fits her personality best - Power Vinyasa. Since completing Level 1 & 2 Baptiste Teacher Training, Lisa has dedicated herself to practicing and teaching Baptiste Power Vinyasa as her main path in yoga. She is a recognized Master Baptiste Instructor, and frequently teaches with Baron nationally and internationally.

With Lisa's energy, attention to detail, and upbeat attitude, she encourages your authentic personality to shine through a challenging practice. She brings her whole self and heart to the present moment and touches your spirit through personal comments, thoughts, and inspirational readings. Lisa leads workshops in Seattle and at Yoga in the Pearl in Portland, OR and retreats at Sadh Desha on Orcas Island and Maya Tulum in Mexico. She assists Baron Baptiste at national conferences and international Bootcamps and Teacher Training retreats. In day life, she strives to live her yoga on and off the mat. Lisa's spirit thrives in the outdoors. Practicing yoga on backpacking trips and on top of high mountains is where she connects most with grace and nature.

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Peter Avolio, Co-Owner, Director SHAKTI East
Peter first came to yoga in order to gain strength, flexibility, and to heal chronic lower back pain. After years of running, skiing, and just playing hard, he began to feel the effects in his body. After practicing Hatha yoga for a few years, Peter discovered Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga at SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga in Ballard. There, he became an avid practitioner and fell in love with his re-energized yoga practice. Peter is co-owner/director of the SHAKTI East.

Peter completed an in-depth Teaching Assisting Program at SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga where and became proficient in the art of adjusting in Baptiste flow classes. Peter's skills deepened from months of experience adjusting students in INTRO classes there where he continues to receive on-going training with Lisa Black. In 2004, Peter successfully completed both Level 1 & 2 Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Trainings with Baron Baptiste and a weekend intensive SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga teacher training with Lisa Black.

Peter always felt great on the yoga mat, but when his first Power Vinyasa Yoga class was over, he couldn't wait to take the next one! He truly felt at home practicing this style because Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga is so challenging yet accessible to most people. Peter finds this type of yoga practice to be very grounding for him and in many ways life-changing.

Peter brings an enthusiasm for yoga and life to his teaching. Students are well cared for in his classes through his careful attention to safe alignment, compassionate encouragement, and effective hands-on adjustments. Most of all, Peter seeks to share the gift that he was given-the ability to discover one's true self through the practice of yoga.

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Pura Vida Wellness Retreat & Spa Media Reviews-

Montauk Sun, April 2008

Living the Pure Life in Costa Rica by Debra Rose

Pura Vida Spa in Alajuela, Costa Rica exemplified the importance of living the pure life while striving to evolve with the booming eco-tourism phenomenon. more | Montauk Sun

Healing Lifestyles and Spas Online, March/April 2008

Tropical Reprieve by Debra Bokur

Surrounded by a lush, mountainous landscape in Costa Rica's Alajuela province, Pura Vida Retreat and Spa offers a healthy respite from daily cares with natural foods, yoga, workshops, and... more | Healing Lifestyles & Spas Online © JLD Publications Inc.,

Healing Lifestyles and Spas Online, Jan/Feb 2008

Costa Rican Clarity by B.H.

A winding road from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose, brings you endlessly upward to the Pura Vida spa, a mind/body retreat center perched on a mountaintop.

Spa Reader's Choice Award, October 2005

Votes were cast for over 500 different spas and Pura Vida Costa Rica was the winner of favorite spa in Central America. Our magazine and online readers weigh in on their favorite spas in these countries.

New York Times, March 2003
A Flexible Plan in Costa Rica by Ted Rose

….While planning this trip, I had heard about Pura Vida Spa from a number of experienced yoga students. "You are doing yoga overlooking an incredible valley," gushed Lori, another of our travel companions and a yoga teacher who lobbied hard for Pura Vida, which she had visited the year before. "I, for one, never felt more peaceful in my life."

…..Pura Vida Spa is on 12 acres of mountaintop, surrounded by coffee plantations. It overlooks Costa Rica's central valley, which is dominated by the sprawling capital, San Jose. As we tumbled out of Emilio's car, I noticed that the grounds appeared spacious and well manicured.

…. We had come for a few days, but I learned that most guests spent a week at Pura Vida, arriving and departing on Saturday. The vast majority were Americans, who flew directly from home to attend a particular retreat, led by their local yoga instructor or a nationally recognized teacher.

Each retreat set its own schedule, some having as many as five yoga sessions a day. We would participate in Pura Vida's house brand of yoga, under the title "Mind/Body/Spirit Adventure," which offered morning and afternoon classes on a drop-in basis.

….I perused the week's schedule, posted in the dining area. (The information, like virtually all communication at the resort, was in English.) In addition to yoga classes, Pura Vida offered nightly activities for all guests, as well as occasional daytime excursions to local attractions. I felt as if I had hopped aboard a New Age cruise ship.

Pura Vida's guest lodgings ring the southern end of the property. On the east end is the most expensive option: the Japanese Pagoda, which has a king-size bed, a living room and its own Jacuzzi.

Yoga Journal, March/April 2003
Let's Go Yogis by Jennifer Barrett

Costa Rica "A vision she once had in a traditional Native American ceremony perplexed Ana Forrest for years. At the time, she didn't know what it meant, but shortly thereafter, her health started to deteriorate. 'I got sicker and sicker, until finally I started teaching yoga on the road. My health problems and anxiety lifted, and I understood the vision: I need to cover the planet and teach.' Because of this, it's no surprise that Forrest's favorite place to conduct classes is, quite simply, planet Earth. 'I teach there 360 days a year.' She says of her travels to India and Nepal, the Yucatan, Europe, and beyond.

When pressed to name names, however, Forrest picks Pura Vida and Samasati in Costa Rica, where she has twice led private tours and hopes to return in the very near future. 'At Pura Vida, it's all about the great staff-including a chef who's willing to cater to people's allergies and needs, which for me is important,' she says. The staff leads guests out on adventures in the jungle, making sure no damage is done by, say, someone drowning, breaking a leg, or falling out of a tree. Indeed, swinging through the trees is always a big hit with her students outside class. 'You climb up to a tree platform where they hook you up in complex harnesses with big clips. Then you travel along a network of cables to the next platform. It's incredible under the tree canopy-that is, unless you're afraid of heights."

Sports Illustrated, October 2002
Of Zen and Zeppelin by Jessica Shaw

"When looking for a yoga retreat Jessica Shaw wanted to avoid anything too touchy-feely. That wasn't a problem at Pura Vida, where New Age attitude coexists comfortably with classic rock.

I had been to yoga retreats before that were more of the northern California let's-sit-in-a-circle-and-sing-Kumbaya sort, which drove me to sleep.When choosing this retreat I was looking for pretty much the opposite.

In Costa Rica Pura Vida means 'Pure Life.' It makes sense that a country with no army, with 25% of its land protected and with some of the most beautiful black-and-white sand beaches in the world would have such a chipper national salutation. When you land in this Central American oasis for a weeklong yoga retreat, 5200 feet up in the mountains of the Alajuela region (at a resort called, of course, Pura Vida), the good life starts to sink in."

American Spa, March 2002
Pura Vida Spa and Retreat Center by Heather Mikesell

"The last three years have seen most of the best-known yoga teachers in the United States pass through Pura Vida on weekly teaching programs."

"Located in Alajuela, Costa Rica, near the capital city of San Jose, Pura Vida Spa & Retreat Center is a mecca for the spiritually minded. With a focus on yoga, meditation, movement, and conscious living, the spa attracts those looking for a more fulfilling and enriching experience.

A highlight of the spa is its open-air garden yoga hall. Built and designed by the staff at Pura Vida in 1986, the project took approximately six months to complete. While it may have been the first of the four yoga halls to be built, it's also the most impressive with stunning views of the spa's private 12-acre estate and the surrounding Central Valley."

Spa finder, Fall 2001
Lush Life-Costa Rica's Enchanted Spas by Fred Setterberg

"At Pura Vida, on a small, sublime mountaintop overlooking Costa Rica's central highlands, we found the world bursting into bloom. My wife, Ann, and I had risen with the sun at this resort spa. We had slept like slabs of granite following a circuitous flight to Central America's most peaceful, prosperous, and aesthetically pleasing country.

For years, Ann and I had wanted to visit Costa Rica, and we now found Pura Vida to be the perfect springboard for plunging into the region's biotic riches. On that first morning's stroll, we discovered that the spa could easily accommodate 50 or 60 guests without sacrificing its garden sensibilities. The grounds were dotted with small A-frame bungalows subtly nested into the hillside and differentiated by slight, significant choices in construction and design-ours featured a sunken bedroom and handcrafted matting on the cabinet faces. A half dozen spacious tents covered the ground.

We spent three days at Pura Vida, stretching, lounging, meditating, and occasionally joining the yoga classes where flexible young people tied their limbs and torsos into happy knots. With our bodies, minds, and spirits suitably unpacked and becalmed, we were now prepared to set out on the next leg of our trip"

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SHAKTI Annual Mexico Retreat and Optional Teacher Training at Maya Tulum
with Lisa Black and Peter Avolio

TBA

You are invited to join Lisa Black and Peter Avolio for the annual SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga winter retreat in Mexico at the beautiful Maya Tulum Wellness Retreat and Spa . This week-long immersion into Baptiste Power Vinyasa and SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga will leave you more open, energized, and inspired about life! Escape winter grey skies and soak up the sun, warmth, and Mayan culture where you can stroll for miles down tranquil, white, sandy beaches, play in the warm ocean, visit fascinating ancient ruins, and experience a deeper sense of total health and well-being. February is the perfect time to share a healthy, meaningful, invigorating vacation together in the heart of the spectacular, pristine Yucatan Peninsula.

Sand, sun, serenity…
Maya Tulum Resort, located on the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, is a seaside wellness retreat that offers amazing serenity, awe-inspiring scenery, and a true connection with the Mayan past. The climate is ideal and the sun shines all year with cooling sea breezes and glorious clear skies.

On this retreat, we take a break from busy routines and we enter into a state where you can sink into deep relaxation by living blissfully in the present moment surrounded by nature. Practicing all of the aspects of yoga including silent walks, seated meditation, cleansing pranayama, powerful asana, uplifting chanting, and learning philosophy allows you to create the space in your life for positive connection and personal transformation. You will leave inspired and uplifted to face what ever path you are on. Join us for your own solo adventure, bring a friend, or invite your whole family!

Maya Tulum Update!

In July 2009, Maya Tulum’s eleven circuit labyrinth patterned after the one in Chartres de Cathedral in France was built.  It is handmade of indigenous plants, coral and seashells.  Care has been taken to incorporate significant traditional Mayan symbology into the labyrinth.  Each of the 20 turns corresponds to one of the 20 sacred glyphs found in Mayan tradition.  The 13 lunar cycles were also very important to the ancient Mayan and the labyrinth is encircled with 13 Royal Palm trees, each spaced 13 feet apart. 

A labyrinth is a walking meditation and a tool that enables us in the midst of the busyness and stress of modern life, to let go of our challenges and all the deeper peace and wisdom within us to emerge.  Unlike a maze, with which labyrinths are often confused, labyrinths have only one path which leads into the center and back out again.  Labyrinths can be walked by individuals or groups for the purposes of reflection, insight, healing, meditation or special ceremonies.  It is a constant reminder that life is an inward and outward journey.  So if you are ever nearby, come to visit.  There is no fee to walk and no appointment is needed unless you wish to use it for a private ceremony or gathering.  It is a magnificent experience! 

View pictures of previous SHAKTI Mexico retreats on Facebook!

Mexico Retreat Schedule:

• Solo sunrise meditation beach walk
• Guided seated meditation
• Morning 2 hour Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga asana class (comprehensive, dynamic, vinyasa yoga   geared towards all levels)
• Delicious hearty Breakfast (tropical fruits, home-made granola, fresh yogurts, and delicious exotic fruit   smoothies)
• FREE TIME (swimming, snorkeling, ancient ruins excursion, etc.)
• Hearty vegetarian lunch (variety of fresh salads, amazing soups etc)
• FREE TIME (rest, relax, rejuvenation)

• Afternoon 5-7pm SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga practice

Healthy, gourmet, vegetarian dinner (fish is served on two evenings)
• Optional Evening activity: “Tamascal” Mayan sweat lodge

OPTIONAL ADD ON: 3-5pm SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training: This year we will be offering this amazing opportunity for you to participate in additional yoga teacher training. This SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training will include 2 hours of training Sunday-Friday (12 hours total).

Mexico Retreat Pricing:

Garden Rooms:
Cabanas are located in the garden area with windows that open to allow the sweet, deep scent of the tropical gardens to come in.

Ocean-View Deluxe Rooms:
Cabanas are located in the garden area with beautiful views of the ocean. There are breezes in these cabanas, like the sky itself is touching you.

Beachfront Deluxe Rooms:
Each cabana sits right on the sandy beach with spectacular and crystal clear views of the Caribbean Sea.

Beach Front Super Deluxe:
(Slightly larger room than the Beachfront Deluxe):
Each cabana sits right on the sandy beach with spectacular and crystal clear views of the Caribbean Sea.

 
Beach Front Super Deluxe Villa #1 (only one available)

OPTIONAL SHAKTI VINYASA YOGA  TEACHER TRAINING ADD-ON

Read Maya Tulum Wellness Resort and Spa Media Reviews

Reserve your space early for this amazing winter getaway!
Pre-Register with a $500 *non-refundable deposit.
The retreat cost is per person, and it includes 7 nights accommodations, 3 delicious vegetarian meals per day (seafood served twice), daily guided meditation, morning and afternoon yoga sessions, and endless sunny beach walks. (Optional excursions like snorkeling, touring the Mayan ruins, and swimming with dolphins are an additional charge and can be arranged on site). Please Note: airfare and transportation costs to and from Maya Tulum and spa treatments are not included.

Mexico Retreat Cancellation Policy
All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.  If you cancel 30 days prior to start date of retreat, you will receive a partial refund, less $500.00 administration/cancellation fee. No refunds, no transfers, and no credits for cancellations within 30 days of the retreat. No refunds or credits for failure to attend or failure to complete the retreat.  We recommend that you purchase your own travel insurance.

Please contact Ann at SHAKTI East at (425) 646-9642 with any questions regarding the retreat details.

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About Your Instructors- You Are in Good Hands!....

Lisa Black, Owner, Director, Master Baptiste Instructor
Lisa teaches yoga with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Her passion for yoga and enthusiasm for teaching are evident in her energetic, dynamic vinyasa style - linking poses together in a powerful, balanced, flowing sequence. She creates a supportive, challenging, and light-hearted class environment where you are encouraged to explore your edge, discover your strength, and awaken your spirit. Lisa helps you unleash your power and spread your wings to fly. Be prepared to sweat, work hard, and have fun! Her training in Baptiste Power Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram, Anusara, and Sivananda yoga bring diverse knowledge and extensive experience to her teaching style.

After discovering yoga in 1996 for healing from a sports injury and seeking relief from job stress, Lisa journeyed to India where she was certified as a Sivananda yoga instructor. She furthered her training in Seattle by completing intensive teacher trainings with Senior Iyengar instructor Aadil Palhkivala. She continues to study with instructors around the country like Baron Baptiste, Shiva Rhea, John Friend, Ana Forrest, David Swenson, and Sarah Powers. After studying with Baron Baptiste, she realized that she had found the style of yoga that fits her personality best - Power Vinyasa. Since completing Level 1 & 2 Baptiste Teacher Training, Lisa has dedicated herself to practicing and teaching Baptiste Power Vinyasa as her main path in yoga. She is a recognized Master Baptiste Instructor, and frequently teaches with Baron nationally and internationally.

With Lisa's energy, attention to detail, and upbeat attitude, she encourages your authentic personality to shine through a challenging practice. She brings her whole self and heart to the present moment and touches your spirit through personal comments, thoughts, and inspirational readings. Lisa leads workshops in Seattle and at Yoga in the Pearl in Portland, OR and retreats at Sadh Desha on Orcas Island and Maya Tulum in Mexico. She assists Baron Baptiste at national conferences and international Bootcamps and Teacher Training retreats. In day life, she strives to live her yoga on and off the mat. Lisa's spirit thrives in the outdoors. Practicing yoga on backpacking trips and on top of high mountains is where she connects most with grace and nature.

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Peter Avolio, Co-Owner, Director SHAKTI East
Peter first came to yoga in order to gain strength, flexibility, and to heal chronic lower back pain. After years of running, skiing, and just playing hard, he began to feel the effects in his body. After practicing Hatha yoga for a few years, Peter discovered Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga at SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga in Ballard. There, he became an avid practitioner and fell in love with his re-energized yoga practice. Peter is co-owner/director of the SHAKTI East.

Peter completed an in-depth Teaching Assisting Program at SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga where and became proficient in the art of adjusting in Baptiste flow classes. Peter's skills deepened from months of experience adjusting students in INTRO classes there where he continues to receive on-going training with Lisa Black. In 2004, Peter successfully completed both Level 1 & 2 Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Trainings with Baron Baptiste and a weekend intensive SHAKTI Vinyasa Yoga teacher training with Lisa Black.

Peter always felt great on the yoga mat, but when his first Power Vinyasa Yoga class was over, he couldn't wait to take the next one! He truly felt at home practicing this style because Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga is so challenging yet accessible to most people. Peter finds this type of yoga practice to be very grounding for him and in many ways life-changing.

Peter brings an enthusiasm for yoga and life to his teaching. Students are well cared for in his classes through his careful attention to safe alignment, compassionate encouragement, and effective hands-on adjustments. Most of all, Peter seeks to share the gift that he was given-the ability to discover one's true self through the practice of yoga.

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Maya Tulum Wellness Resort and Spa Media Reviews-

Maya Tulum Beach
We are located on the Riviera Maya. Right there, between the pristine blue ocean and the emerald green tropical forests and jungles, is nature in all of its splendor. Think of paradise in these terms: laying in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree, facing beautiful white beaches, sipping a cool drink, and enjoying the warm but refreshing breeze caressing your skin. The Riviera Maya offers endless possibilities to choose from: tranquil sea coves and bays to rougher more open ocean; transparent lagoons and mysterious water springs with landmarks and vestiges of a culture thousands of years old; or the world´s second longest reef which stretches from Quintana Roo to Honduras. Also there are a variety of beach and water sports to choose from, with places offering all the infrastructure and services you need. Or you could take full advantage of your get away and simply relax on the beach to the ever-present rhythm of the waves.

Forbes Magazine
"Top Ten Resorts in the World"--February 2005

Travel + Leisure, October 2004
Excerpts from "World's Best Spas" by Audrey Davidow, Nathan Lump, and Maria Shollenbarger
Maya Tulum Resort's Spa was ranked No. 10 in the World!

The San Diego Union-Tribune June 13th, 2004
Excerpts from "Oasis for the Mind" by Milissa Fletcher Stoeltje

"Body and Spirit unwind at Tulum, the anti-Cancun. For the folks who journey to Tulum, a small town about an hour's drive south of Cancun International Airport, the goal is to unhook. From crowds and e-mail. From CNN and cell phones. From the hectic pace of urban life and its stress hormones. Here, the biggest decision might involve what time to schedule your Swedish massage or which fresh catch of the day to eat for dinner.

The folks who come here seek a different sort of experience from those venturing to Cancun. Nestled along a 70-mile stretch of the Yucatan peninsula called the Riviera Maya, Tulum lacks conspicuously in glitzy, high-rise condos and frenetic, booze fueled beach action. I came here to find out what this rustic, nearly untouched ancient Maya enclave had to offer a city girl with clenched neck muscles and a perennially cluttered mind. I found what could be called a low-stimulation slice of heaven, and I wasn't the only one.

Tulum's hotel zone includes a collection of more than 20 funky, eccentric cabanas and hotels strung along the beachfront, some with their own restaurants and cafes. Maya Tulum is the mother of them all. A 25-acre resort that resembles a more deluxe version of Gilligan's Island, it features round cabanas with stone floors and thatched roofs. An open-air restaurant offers an excellent seafood and vegetarian buffet all day. In addition to twice a day yoga classes, Maya Tulum offers such activities as guided snorkeling on the reef, tours of the nearby Sian Kaan Biosphere, sweat lodge, and tours of the nearby Coba ruins."

The New York Times, February 27, 2004
Escapes Section
Excerpts from "In the Yucatan: All Yoga, All the Time" by Jane Gross

"On this stretch of beach at the ruffled edge of the Caribbean Sea, 80 miles south of Cancun, visitors speak a language all their own, the lingo of Iyengar, Ashtanga and Anusara yoga. They can balance on one leg in the warrior three pose and do a headstand, and they aspire to a full lotus. Always a counterculture haven, this six miles of rutted road, on the Yucatan Peninsula between the Maya Ruins of Tulum and the 1.3 million acre Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, has lately become Yoga Central for tourists eager to limber their bodies and quiet their minds- and maybe also surf the waves, sunbathe topless and sample tropical concoctions like tequila and tamarind juice. The epicenter of this yoga zone is a 25 acre beachfront resort called Maya Tulum, which has made itself the destination of choice for high-profile yoga teachers and their students by building state of the art studios, auditioning massage therapists from around the world, and organizing ecotourist excursions.

At Maya Tulum, visiting yoga students sleep in thatched roof cabanas, without telephones or electricity. There is no CNN or Weather Channel. The news on any given day is whether the mangoes are sweet and the fish running. The forecast comes from the color of the sky, the crest of the waves and the wind in the palm fronds. Tulum has become a bustling tourist spot where every store seems to sell the same sombreros, turquoise jewelry, peasant blouses, and bars of Mexican chocolate. Until two years ago, there was no bank. Maya Tulum has evolved as well, adding amenities each year: private bathrooms instead of a shared bathhouse; a generator that keeps the lights on and ceiling fans spinning until midnight; beds instead of hammocks, and tiled floors where there was once sand. You can't say anything is permanent down here, we're all in a window of grace. We have this place in this moment, and Isn't that what yoga is all about?"

Yoga Journal
April 2003
Excerpts from “Let’s Go Yogis” by Jennifer Barrett

“Though her permanent yoga home at Yoga Works keeps her in Santa Monica, CA, most of the time, Seane Corn finds herself traveling increasingly often. Of the tours she leads around the world, the excursion to Maya Tulum Retreat Center in the Yucatan stands out as one of her favorites. The yoga room alone makes the hour and a half shuttle from Cancun worthwhile. “It’s round, with a roof that goes straight up to the sky,” she explains. “After we’re done with yoga, we run right out into the ocean and jump in. There’s nothing better than that. The place has this funky, down-to-earth, laid-back vibe. You can be bare-foot and in your sarong for days.” Organizing the ideal yoga retreat can prove challenging, says Corn. “Many centers don’t have a yoga room, are not on the beach, or are too expensive. Others lack amenities that many vacationers expect, forcing the yoga teacher to act as a cruise director as well. This center is by far the most yoga-friendly, self-contained, and comfortable place I’ve found.”

Fortune Magazine
May 20, 2002
Excerpts from “Go Barefoot” by Erik Torkells

“This time of year, there’s only one thing we want to do. Go Barefoot! In short, let’s be kids again. To live in a world, if only for a while, where the worst that can happen is that we might stub a toe. Maya Tulum is the first pick of the top ten classic barefoot resorts. Maya Tulum is bare-bones cabanas, sand walkways, and no electricity at night: Maya Tulum is an escapist’s dream come true. The healthy at heart rise every morning for yoga sessions and stick to the vegetarian menu, fish is also available. Sybarites prefer to spend their days on the miles long beach and toast the sunset with killer margaritas. Indulge in the Mayan clay body-mask treatment: After you’re coated in therapeutic mud and left outside to bake, a masseuse rinses you off in the lagoon.”

 
New York Times, October 28, 2001
Excerpts from “Centers of Solace for the Self” by Jan Benzel

“Tourism and leisure travel are markedly curtailed this season, due to what happened on September 11th. But many destinations offering restoration and solace, a chance to reflect and perhaps begin to heal, are holding steady. Some had cancellations the week after Sept. 11th, but enrollment in programs since then has been strong- in some cases stronger than in past years. The Christmas season at Maya Tulum, a yoga retreat that accommodates 80 in a beachfront jungle setting an hour and a half south of Cancun, Mexico, is fully booked and has a waiting list. The focus at Maya Tulum is on yoga, meditation, and conscious living.”

 
Sports Illustrated Women
September 2001
Excerpts from “Bend And Mend” by Andrew Tilin

“Perched on the Yucatan Peninsula’s Caribbean seashore in Tulum, Mexico, the centerpiece of Maya Tulum Resort is a two story tall dining room with marble floors. Dinners are healthfully indulgent, with Mayan enchiladas, lobster, and fresh grouper wrapped in banana leaves. Add a decent wine and it’s easy to see why big time instructors, such a Power Yoga guru Baron Baptiste, flock here.”
 
USA Today
September 7-9, 2001
Excerpts from “10 Great Places to Balance Body and Soul” by Kitty Bean Yancey

“It’s no stretch to say that we’re a nation of stressed-out strivers. That’s why yoga- stretching exercises and deep breathing intended to balance body and soul- is booming, says Annalisa Cunningham, author of Yoga Vacations. She shares with USA TODAY’s Kitty Bean Yancey some spots to bend and de-stress. Maya Tulum= It’s on the beach and in the jungle near the Mayan ruins of Tulum, and you do yoga in a palapa. It’s very Spartan. Some very good yoga teachers come here to instruct.”

Mademoiselle Magazine, March 2001
Excerpts from “Travel like a Millionaire” by John Newton

“If you want to go to Mexico but avoid the party scene, fly to Cancun, rent a car and immediately drive one and a half hours south to the more sophisticated, still affordable shores of Tulum. For accommodations, Maya Tulum Resort is the best for bargain luxury- with chic bungalows, ocean front location, and reasonably priced beauty treatments based on traditional and modern Mayan cures, as well as yoga and meditation classes for $8. The hotel restaurant’s food is so good you’ll likely eat most meals there.”

 
W Magazine, October 2000
Excerpts from “A Kick in the Asana” by Ann Marie Gardner

“When I signed up for a yoga boot camp in Mexico with power yogi Baron Baptiste, I had no idea what to expect. The setting in Maya Tulum was picture perfect- white, sandy beaches dotted with thatched bungalows.”

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