Pura Vida - pure life or simple life
A phrase you will hear and see everywhere in Costa Rica…however its more than a phrase – it’s a way of life.
Costa Ricans don’t just let the term bring them a good life, it’s the way they use it in their everyday attitude to make them happy. “Pura Vida” means that people need to be grateful for the things they do have in life. It is an expression of happiness, optimism, and living life to the fullest.
And that’s why Costa Rica is my favorite place in the world. Its special. There is an energy here there like no other…and that’s why I want to take you with me on a journey of true transformation. I want to
show you what this beautiful country has to offer…the beaches…the ocean…the jungle…the wildlife…the volcanoes…the world renowned yoga classes, surf, food, adventure and healing vibes…its truly incredible.
Yoga Soul Healing Retreat:
Nosara, Costa Rica (February 22nd-28th, 2026)
Join Shelley Hoffos on an adventure in beautiful Nosara, Costa Rica for a week of yoga, breath, healing, and fun in the sun! On this retreat you can look forward to deepening your understanding of the foundations of yoga and meditation, connecting to deeper healing modalities that are apart of the Costa Rican culture, playing/relaxing on the beach, and moving through an internal transformative experience as we embark on this journey together. Norte is in the heart of downtown so you have the chance to experience local living in this world renowned Blue Zone. It is also within walking distance of white sand beaches, well known for being the best surf beach in Costa Rica! and close to all the local shops and amazing food options! I have left adventure open to each yogi as adventure is different to everyone and there is so much to choose from. I highly recommend a private surfing lesson. This retreat is designed and welcomes all yogis with all experience levels. There is also tons of space to experience the other yoga studios within Nosara. I highly recommend this! Nosara has world-renowned yoga teachers and a wide-variety of class styles to choose from. It a beautiful transformative experience!
- 6 nights casita accomodation at Norte Nosara Yoga & Surf Hotel.
- On-site – Naked Foods restaurant – breakfast & lunch daily
- Daily Yoga classes at the on-site Yoga Shala with Shelley Hoffos (E-550hr Teacher)
- 1 Reiki (Energy Healing) + Intuitive Insights session with Shelley Hoffos (In person OR Online over Zoom)
- Sound Therapy group session
- Traditional Cacao ceremony
- Perunian Sweat Lodge experience
- Group Supper @ La Luna on the beach
- Hike – Norasa Biological Reserve (optional)
Shelley Hoffos is a Yoga Teacher (550hr E-RYT) and Owner of Rooted Heart Yoga & Art Studio in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. She is a compassionate Intuitive Healer and Reiki Master. She offers a constant source of strength and compassion to her coaching clients. Her gift is guiding others towards their passion, purpose and unique authenticity. With dedication, intention, and commitment she loves to support others to build more connection in their lives & hearts creating profound healing to awaken to their radiant selves. Shelley is dedicated to helping students practice yoga in a way that respects and embraces their unique bodies. She brings vibrant compassion, increased self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-love to the mat. She’s always been described as having a very kind, funny, and warm nature about her. She has traveled many places and Costa Rica holds her heart and feels like a second home.
Known for its impressive lush beaches, Nosara is a popular destination among surfers, yogis, families and nature lovers. It is a place of tranquility, natural beauty, consistent waves all year long, and an open multicultural community. Nosara is located in the Nicoya Penisula, considered one of the 5 Blue Zones of the world, that is, where people live healthily over 100 years. Nosara is a district with many towns and beautiful beaches. There is a common story in Nosara: “I came for a week, and I never left”. This area has quickly become my favorite place and I’m so thrilled to take you back there with me.
(Our retreat begins on March 17th with check-in at Norte Nosara. You will have some free time to settle in and check out the local area. The beach is a short walk from Norte. We will meet later in the day by the pool to connect with everyone. The following morning we will start the day with a flow yoga practice in the Yoga Shala followed by breakfast.
Single Occupancy: $3200 USD
Double Occupancy: $2900 USD
Dorm Occupancy: $2600 USD
A $500 CAD (non-refundable) deposit is due to hold your spot on the retreat. We can arrange a payment plan or the remainder of the payment is due 60 days before the retreat commences. All payments are non-refundable (get travel insurance if you think you might need to cancel!)
Save your spot!
Activities Included
Cacao ceremony
Ceremonies like Cacao are used by indigenous tribes of Costa Rica for purification and connecting to the heart. In this musical Cacao Ceremony, led by the members of the local community, will provide an authentic ritual cacao drink, made from pure cacao from Costa Rica. Then embark on a shamanic journey with instruments from around the world, vocals and medicine songs.
Everything is in a constant state of vibration…the planets,the stars, all sentient beings and the non-sentient objects around you. At the deepest level, everyone of the billions of sub-atomic particles we call “you” and “me”, are in a constant state of movement and vibration. By using sound and vibration, we ‘massage’ the vibrational frequencies that surround us. We believe that by working with sound in this way, we can have profoundly positive impacts on our bodies and our lives.
This ancient ceremony works with the 4 elements (fire, wind, earth, water). Stones (Apuchays) are heated with the sacred fire and then inserted into the dome (Chullpa), to which prepared water (water containing sacred plants with healing power) is poured. Ikaros or mantras, chants, breathing and relaxation exercise are performed inside the chulla. This ceremony is used to cleanse and detoxify the body through steam & plant essences, curing a variety of “ills” and diseases.
Accommodation
Private thatched-roof bungalows scattered across the property feature a modern style with tropical elements. Each room features a private entrance and outdoor seating area. Amenities include hot water, air conditioning, biodegradable bath products, a small refrigerator as well as a safe to protect your belongings. Sustainable materials are used throughout including wood, stone, and bamboo.
Breakfast and lunch are served at the local vegan restaurant next door. Naked Foods has cold-pressed juice, salads & bowls, smoothies, raw treats, and desserts. This restaurant provides community pure, whole, organic foods.
Always plant-based. Always organic. always local. And always the highest quality.
Resources
Tours in the Area
There is a wide variety of tours and activities to choose from in Costa Rica. Honestly the list is endless! and that’s why I love it here so much! You can choose from surf-lessons on the beach, stand up paddle or kayak through mangrove tunnels, horseback riding, ostional turtle tour, canopy zipline, waterfall hikes, ice baths, and cultural immersion. Here are some links to details: Local tour
Norte Nosara – front desk is glad to assist you in organizing any activities or excursions you are interested. Payment can be made in cash or credit card at the reception desk.
Additional Yoga & Fitness
Norte offers a wide variety of classes throughout the week: $20 for regular classes, $25 for aerial and then around $30 for workshops. All classes are paid in cash right before class. Norte also offers a punch pass at a reduced cost. Honestly, from experience Nosara has some of the best yoga classes and studios I have ever seen. I highly suggest checking out all studios. My top 3 are Norte Nosara, the Bodhi Tree, and Harmony Healing Centre.
Yoga class schedules:
Norte Nosara classes
Bodhi Tree classes
Harmony Healing centre
Fitness: Gym & Classes:
Nosara Functional Fitness
Bodhi Tree Fitness
FAQs
I suggest flying into Liberia International Airport. Upon your flight booking please send me your flight numbers so I am aware when you will be arriving and departing. There is also a regional flight from Liberia Airport to Nosara which only takes 15 minutes. Norte can also arrange shuttle transfer to Nosara at $40/person or rent a vehicle. I suggest a 4×4 for Costa Rica roads. The drive is around 2 1/2 – 3hrs.
If you are flying from my hometown, Grande Prairie, AB – there is a direct red-eye flight from Calgary on March 1st. As well, as a direct flight back to Calgary on March 9th. I suggest for the evening of March 8th to stay at a hotel close to Liberia International Airport for early departure. You can still be located near a beach to enjoy your last night.
Costa Rica’s roads are best traveled by 4×4 vehicle, side-by-side, golf cart, or quad if choosing to drive a vehicle. You can also choose to rent a bike or hire a tuk tuk. Our hotel is centrally located within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants.
Costa Rica does not require Visas for US or Canadian travelers who are planning to stay for less than 90 days, so no need to worry about the visa process. I do, however suggest you purchase travel insurance to cover your trip in case you have to make a last minute cancellation. I recommend checking on up-to-date information on immunizations and medicine while you are abroad. If you are not from the US or Canada, I suggest looking into the Visa policy specific to your country.
From a general health perspective, Costa Rica has high health standards in the entire country and is considered one of the safest destinations in the developing world. English speaking doctors have offices 15 minutes from Norte, along with dentists. A hospital is located within a 45 minute drive in Nicoya.
Be sure your passport isn’t due to expire for at least 6 months after your travel date. If you need to renew your passport, do so sooner rather than later.
Any extra spending while being at Norte can be charged to your credit card. I would recommend bringing some extra cash from home. The US dollar is widely accepted in Costa Rica, so exchanging US Dollars to Costa Rica Colones is not necessary. The exchange rate is approximately 600 Colones per US Dollar. I preferred to carry both currencies. Thre is an ATM machine and bank, which is a 10 minute walk from Norte. The ATM and Bank only accept Visa cards and disperse Costa Rica colonies.
Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time. It does not use daylight savings time – which means that when there is daylight saving time in the US, then Costa Rica is on MST (2 hours behind EST).
