When people go on vacation, it’s go-go-go. See the sights, try the foods, figure out public transportation, try not to get lost. While there might be a time and place for such intense trips, it is also essential to leave time to truly savor a break from the hustle and bustle. That is what the Pura Vida Pilates Retreat offers for anyone who wants to enjoy the lush rainforests of Costa Rica.
If you think Pura Vida is just another vacation, think again. This retreat offers so much more than you can find on your average week-long trip to another city or country.
Here are some of the many benefits you could enjoy if you decide to take the plunge.
It Offers Transformation
Vacations may offer you insights into cultures or cities, but they rarely bring transformation. The Pura Vida Pilates retreat, however, encourages guests to actively embrace and even seek out a new way of being. This might come from deep immersion in the rich natural environment or a deep reconnection with one’s body; the retreat is full of activities catering to all preferences, so there is something life-changing for everyone.
It Promotes Rest
Vacations are all about getting from one place to another. You need to get from home to the airport, take the shuttle to your hotel, go to the sights you want to see, and so on and on. The Pura Vida retreat, on the other hand, focuses intentionally on rest. Studies show that rest can be tied to many positive effects, such as stress reduction and even the propensity for illness.
At the retreat, guests are encouraged to take the time to simply be. Deep breathing, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, and having nowhere to be allow the body to process its pent-up cortisol (the stress hormone).
This can promote not just mental healing but also physical recovery. Many participants note that while they did not necessarily feel as though they were over-stressed before they arrived, they felt rejuvenated and restored simply by allowing themselves to take slow, intentional time.
It Brings Growth Inward
Vacations are rarely a chance for deep reflection. You may consider how a certain event or location shaped history and the people in it, but it is rare to fully go into the threads of what makes you who you are. At the retreat, spend time sharing stories and learning from others, contemplate your space in nature, and learn to feel your body.
Pilates is one of the core principles of the retreat, and each day includes sessions to bring your attention back to yourself. This inward focus can allow you to become more attuned with your own body, and you may even find strength, persistence, or self-confidence you did not know you had.
It Values Nourishment
Every meal at Pura Vida is prepared directly from ingredients harvested at local, 100% organic farms or sourced directly from the rainforest itself. These nourishing foods provide essential nutrients and rich flavors that you will not find on your average vacation, where street foods and fast casual are king.
Nourishing your body and your soul is essential. Speaking of your inner spirit, Pura Vida prioritizes that, too, with plenty of opportunities to simply be. Feed your soul with quiet contemplation under a bright sky of stars, a serene hike to a hidden lagoon, or participation in deep local traditions, such as sacred ceremonies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pura Vida Pilates Retreat
If you think that Pura Vida might be the retreat you need to recover from the demands of everyday life, it is likely you have some questions. The most common ones we hear are:
What if I don’t know Pilates?
Even if you have never tried Pilates before, our instructors can help you feel comfortable and reap the same benefits as people who have done Pilates for years. The only thing you need to enjoy Pilates and grow from it is a desire to do so!
What if I want to recharge instead of going outside?
While the Pura Vida Pilates Retreat offers opportunities to visit local surf towns, farmers’ markets, and more, these are not mandatory. If you would rather rest by relaxing in the infinity pool or simply enjoying solitude, you are free to choose how your time is spent.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We are happy to work with you to create a menu that is safe and considerate of any allergies or restrictions. All meals are entirely plant-based to make the most of the local bounty of nature.
You Deserve More Than a Vacation With RTR Pilates
If you want to give your body the rest it deserves, you might need more than sleep and a 30-minute lunch break. Contact RTR Pilates to learn more about our Pura Vida Pilates Retreat deep in the lush vibrance of Costa Rica!