We’re thrilled to be back in the swing of practicing yoga in luscious destinations known for wellness this summer.
We’ve chosen three centers and locations that we’ve been to in the past and that we trust for our new summer 2021 retreat line up.
First up is Blue Spirit Lodge in beautiful Nosara, Costa Rica.
We understand many people have questions about traveling during this time so we’ve done our best to answer common questions about traveling to Costa Rica below.
IS COSTA RICA A SAFE PLACE TO VISIT IN GENERAL?
The US State Department considers Costa Rica among the safest countries for US nationals. Source – US State Department
US TRAVEL TO COSTA RICA, VACCINATION AND QUARANTINE
Since November 1, 2020 there is no longer any travel ban. Residents from all countries and all U.S. states can now enter Costa Rica by air or sea (land borders will reopen April 5, 2021).
A COVID test is no longer required to enter Costa Rica.
To enter Costa Rica, visitors must have travel insurance that includes Covid 19 and fill out an online health form. For details of this process AND for updates you can visit: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
The United States is currently requiring a Negative Covid Test to travel back home. Our retreat center location, Blue Spirit is offering on site testing as a convenience to our retreat attendees.
Source – https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
TRAVEL INSURANCE WITH COVID 19 PROTECTION
OYG has always recommended travel insurance even pre-pandemic. It can really soften any worry you may have about cancellations and the unknown. Peace of mind is priceless when there are so many things out of yours and the retreat company’s control. We recommend Travel Guard for comprehensive insurance packages and because you can add on the Costa Rica lodging option which is currently required by Costa Rica to enter the country. For just the required emergency medical and lodging insurance, several links can be explored here: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements
GETTING TO BLUE SPIRIT IN NOSARA, COSTA RICA FROM THE US
Our wonderful retreat center, Blue Spirit takes care of all of the details regarding shuttle transfers between Blue Spirit and the different airports in Costa Rica. The two international airports in Costa Rica are: Liberia International Airport (LIR) and San Jose International Airport (SJO).
It is recommended to fly into Liberia, which has been recently expanded with increased numbers of flights from the US and Canada. Shuttle transfers from/to Liberia on Saturday’s (12-4pm and 7-8:30pm) for $60 per person each way. An alternative option is to take a 40-minute short domestic flight between San Jose and the Nosara airport (20 min. taxi from Blue Spirit). Shuttle rates are more expensive on day’s other than Saturday and from San Jose. Please CLICK HERE for those details and to reserve your shuttle or private taxi.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT GOING ON AN INTERNATIONAL YOGA RETREAT IN 2021
While we can’t speak for other travel companies we can share what we’re doing to support those who want to travel again with us starting with our revised cancellation policy for our Waking Yoga Costa Rica Retreat in July 2021, Galapagos Islands in June 2021 and our Iceland Retreat in August 2021.
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For Example, here’s a look at our revised cancellation policy for our Waking Yoga Retreat in Nosara, Costa Rica.
For new deposits received after January 1, 2021, enrollee can withdraw with written notice to OYG by May 10, 2021. Funds can be transferred to an alternate retreat with no penalty. If travel becomes restricted forcing OYG to reschedule the retreat, you will have the option of transferring to the rescheduled retreat or receive a refund**
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WHY NOSARA, COSTA RICA WAS A NO BRAINER FOR US IN OUR 2021 RETREAT LINE UP
We know the retreat center and destination well and have taken many groups filled with wellness seekers over the years to this location. We’ve seen both Costa Rica and our chosen retreat center, Blue Spirit, take measures to make the health and safety of its visitors a priority.
MORE ABOUT COSTA RICA
While it may seem remote, Costa Rica is easily accessible from the United States and Canada. Costa Rica has not only become known for its spectacular nature, biodiversity, and ecological tourism, but also as a country whose values reflect many of the ideals embraced by those of us interested in world peace, environmental preservation, excellent education, and a high standard of health care. It is unique in Central America as it has the longest uninterrupted democracy, no standing army in more than 50 years, and a 95% literacy rate.
MORE ABOUT NOSARA
In the last 10-years Nosara has grown quietly into one of the hip holistic hot-spots on the planet. Nestled along the coast with 3 unspoiled stunning beaches protected as a turtle refuge – Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, and Playa Nosara – this peaceful and vibrant international community of nature lovers, surfers, yogis, and families truly embraces the Costa Rican ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle.
ONE FINAL WORD ABOUT TRAVELING TO NOSARA, COSTA RICA
One thing is for certain, Nosara, Costa Rica 🇨🇷 has always exuded lush, vibrant living in its ethos. Health and wellness seems to dance off the waves of the ocean and rendezvous with every living thing it encounters. It’s one of less than ten Blue Zones on earth.
We couldn’t be happier to visit again.
We encourage you to do your own research and make travel choices with confidence. If you have any questions about joining us for the Waking Yoga Retreat this July, feel free to contact us here .
