Exclusive HipTravelMama offer: 10% off Via Yoga and Surf Retreats

Morning meditation and evening margaritas on the beach anyone? I’ve always had the desire to go on a yoga retreat, but have to admit two things have kept me from booking it. First, most yoga retreats look like punishment and if I’m going to take a trip I want to feel like I’m on vacation. Second, I am a bit of a hotel snob. If a yoga retreat is on your bucket list, but you’ve yet to make the leap, you are in for a treat. The folks at Via Yoga have several heavenly luxury yoga retreats from which to choose and are offering readers of HipTravelMama 10% off their upcoming Costa Rica Yoga Retreat on November 28 – December 4, 2010.This retreat is at the beautiful, eco-friendly beachfront boutique hotel, Harmony Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica.

Just imagine – you and your friends in Costa Rica, practicing yoga, learning how to surf, hitting the spa and laying on the beach with no one to answer to but yourself.  Sounds heavenly. The best part is you can go without any guilt, after you’ve stuffed yourself with turkey and done your obligitory trip to Grandma’s house. Go ahead – I dare you to pamper yourself and clear your mind, savor the sun, practice yoga and learn how to surf in one of the world’s most picturesque locations. Remember my motto – if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

The luxury travel deal: HipTravelMama.com readers who mention Hip Travel Mama upon booking, receive a 10% discount on their Via Yoga Costa Rica retreat and a second complimentary spa treatment at the Harmony Hotel’s healing center.  (Valid for either Costa Rica retreats, November 21-27 and November 28-December 4, 2010 (All retreats include one treatment as part of the package price). For more details, call 800-603-YOGA or visit www.viayoga.com.

Here’s what the Costa Rica Via Yoga Vacation includes:

• Daily Two Hour yoga class
• Daily surf lessons (optional)
• Six nights accommodations at Harmony Hotel a 24-room boutique resort
• Daily breakfast and three group dinners at Harmony Hotel and local restaurants
• A one hour relaxation massage
• Roundtrip airport transfers from Liberia International Airport

Shavasana, Surf and Savor Costa Rica at the Harmony Hotel

Via Yoga Costa Rica Yoga Retreat

Located outside of town, The Harmony Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica pairs high standards of sustainable living with a beach-elegant atmosphere. This 24-room boutique hotel is one of the greenest operated hotels in the country, being the first in Costa Rica to be awarded the highest level of the prestigious Certificate for Sustainable Tourism. Each guestroom, bungalow and suite resides on a path that meanders through a tropical garden overflowing with native vegetation. Hotel amenities include a restaurant serving delectable, organic food, a juice bar, a swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens and a holistic healing center and spa. The Costa Rica retreats will take place on November 21-27 and November 28-December 4, 2010.

The Price: Rate ranges are as follows: Costa Rica retreats, $2,295-$3,195; For more details, call 800-603-YOGA or visit www.viayoga.com. To receive your 10% off discount and additional complementary spa treatment, please mention HipTravelMama upon booking.

Surfs up in Sayulita

Villa Amor open-air oceanfront villa

Can’t make the Costa Rica retreat? ViaYoga has you covered in 2011 with Sayulita and Todos Santos yoga retreats.

In Sayulita, guests stay at Villa Amor, an oceanfront resort nestled on a hillside with 34 spacious, open-air oceanfront villas featuring expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, which is located just steps from the hotel. In addition to activities included in the retreat, guests enjoy nearby hiking, shopping, horseback riding, getting to know the local residents and exploring the picturesque town’s charming restaurants, shops and galleries.  Dates of the Sayulita retreats are as follows: November 28-December 4, 2010; January 15-21, 2011; January 21-27, 2011; March 12-18, 2011; March 18-24, 2011; April 3-9, 2011; April 9-15, 2011.

Yoga Toes In Todos Santos

Relax in luxury at the beautiful Rancho Pescadero

Guests will stay at the new and much acclaimed Rancho Pescadero, a waterfront retreat located on 15 acres just a few miles outside of town (which by the way looks completely amazing). Named in Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List in 2010, each of the property’s 12 oceanfront suites are described by the magazine to be “outfitted in a minimalist Mexican style that smartly blends into the surroundings while maintaining a sophistication with a canopied bed, soft colors, and floor-to-ceiling terrace doors that can slide entirely into the wall for sprawling ocean views.”

Guests will enjoy two daily yoga or Pilates classes, afternoon surf lessons and plenty of time to relax by the pool or the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the week, guests may opt to participate in a range of special events and outings including a farm-to-fork cooking class utilizing ingredients from the on-site organic garden, a guided astronomy session on the beach or a tour of art galleries in Todos Santos with the chance to meet many of the artists. Dates of the Todos Santos retreats are as follows: February 6-12, 2011; February 12-18, 2011; May 8-14, 2011; and May 14-20, 2011.

Via Yoga also does a very cool 40th Birthday package called 40 and Fabulous where 4 friends can stay 4 nights at the beautiful Villa Amor to practice yoga, surf, spa and celebrate the big 4-0.

The Fine Print:This special offer is valid for either Costa Rica retreat taking place November 21-27 and November 28-December 4, 2010. Space is limited to 15-20 guests depending on location and dates and retreats are subject to change. Rate ranges are as follows: Costa Rica retreats, $2,295-$3,195; Todos Santos retreats, $2,695 -$4,195; and Sayulita retreats, $2,395-$4,095. For more details, call 800-603-YOGA or visit www.viayoga.com.

I can’t make the Costa Rica trip, but I’m definitely considering attending one of these retreats in 2011 – will you join HipTravelMama? If so, which one sounds the best to you? Would love to meet you there!