Travel

How to Achieve a Mobile Lifestyle in 5 easy steps

September 12, 2016 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

1.Find your web presence.

Building a successful web presence because with choosing your web host. I have had several of these and I vote Bluehost as they have less down time, better technical support, and great prices. For a back end, I enjoy Word press. It is very user friendly, especially considering how dynamic the user experience is for business sites, bloggers, merchants, minisites, portfolios, and much more.

2.Weather proof your gear.

I learned this the hard way after losing 2 lap tops in Costa Rica due to excessive humidity, I decided to go Mac and I haven’t looked back. If you are going through really harsh
conditions, I have heard really great things about the Toughbook, however I use a 13 inch Macbook air and it has served me well in Costa Rica on several occasions over the years.

3.Establish your communications. You will most likely have a lot of clients from all over the place. Skype has long distance calling for as little as 3 cents a minute, and I really love the app Talkatone. It’s free to get a US phone number, text, and receive incoming calls. As far as your phone goes, check with your provider about international rates, and unlocking for everyone besides AT&T. For anywhere wifi, check out the Airport Express by Apple .

4.Become your own accountant.

I really love fresh books (freshbooks.com) for invoicing and book keeping. Paypal for accepting and sending payments and e-Junkies for payment & fulfillment for your ebook, audio, or other information products.

5. Travel Wisely.

For flights I really love Skyscanner and WhichBudget.

(At top of article)I started traveling when I was in my early twenties. I knew, from the moment I peered over the city of Rishikesh from our roof top of an Ashram that we had rented a room from, that I wanted to not only do this for the rest of my life, but make money while doing. I envisioned a plan right then and there. I imagined what my life would like like while doing this for the next few years while building this, and then beyond when I was established doing this. I knew I wanted to teach others how to live this way, if they chose to, because in my experience, this is really living.

So if you, like me, have the travel bug, but it’s more like a lifestyle rather than a phase, follow these simple 5 simple steps into creating your Mobile Lifestyle.

Alana Roach is a International Yogi currently based out of Annapolis, MD. Formerly adorned by the city lights and the busy streets of America, she was then whisked away by the illustrious path of yoga and took to traveling the world to share it with others. A few years back she started to write about the transformation she undertook by practicing conscious meditation. Her passions became her career and she now holds RYS Teacher Trainings & International Retreats, Health Coaches, and writes every opportunity she gets. In her spare time she loves cuddling with her daughter, surfing, being in nature, and living amongst her ever growing and global loving and conscious community. She is on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, and can be reached by email explorationsofself@gmail.com

I am a single mother living a digital nomad lifestyle

September 10, 2016 // by Admin// Leave a Comment

I am a single mother living a digital nomad lifestyle.

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Six O’ Clock, Queens Land Time

May 30, 2016 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

It blows my mind how a day wraps up so quick, even when you aren’t working anymore. It’s a Sunday afternoon here in Coolangata, Australia. For those of you who don’t know where the heck this place is, pull up a map of Australia and pinpoint Cairns with one finger and Sydney with the other. Slowly pull your fingers together and when they meet, you should be highlighting an area called the Gold Coast.

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The Stories That Lead Us From Presence

May 23, 2016 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

We were walking together down the white sandy beach of Costa Rica in the late morning of November. Each of us silent, tired from the sun and the ocean waves, trying to keep pace with one another but exhaustion kept us staggered. There were three of us and as we walked two of us would veer toward one another and the third would be walking as the outlier. I observed as it seemed some sort of energy drew us together and then apart again, but the unified intention of getting to our destination kept us going in the same direction. …

Best Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica for 2016

January 15, 2016 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

My first dance with Costa Rica travel was when I was 28. It had been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. So, when I finally stepped off of the plane into unknown territory, I knew I had found my calling. Now traveling is a part of what I do for a living. Beyond that, it is a part of my path as a yogini. I have never traveled long distances without yoga. It has been the crux of my international experience from the very beginning. I have done yoga in the Himalayas and at the ocean levels near the equator. Yoga has imbibed me with the sacred energy that each place holds. I become a part of the culture and lands, and they become a part of me. Yoga is a unifying practice, and what better way to unite with a new place than to hit the mat.

Costa Rica is one of those places that enchants you. So enchanting in fact that my partner and I decided to move there after our very first visit. We made our way to the coast line and called it our home for over 6 months. Since moving back to the States this past March, I travel back to Costa frequently to teach, travel, play, learn and restore. The air is fresh, unscathed by mass pollution, the food is ALIVE, not touched by chemicals or altered in any unnatural way, and the people are incredible. They care about their land and make a point to keep it safe, maintained and sustainable. I have never seen a symbiosis between people, animals, and the earth the way I have witnessed it in Costa Rica. I hope that if you have been there, you continue to go, to grow, to learn, to laugh and connect. If you haven’t been, I hope that this has peaked your interest. There is no time like the present. Traveling is true education and I have heard that people are happier spending money on traveling the world than accruing it for years just to say they have. I travel every chance I get. My soul is richer for it.

Here are the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica for 2016

1. I am You and You are Me: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience with Alana Roach

I lead a retreat for a week in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, beginning on the 3rd Saturday every January. This is where I lived and continue to teach beach side retreats. The first time I stepped off of the bus and walked to the edge of Santa Teresa’s beach, I was struck by it’s raw beauty. There were waves that seemed to be about 8 feet high and surfers for miles in every direction. These were the kind of waves I had seen in movies. The kind that inspire you to move crossed borders and take up surfing as a lifestyle. There were beautiful, unbroken shells all over the beach, hermit crabs running in every direction, and a mixture of cultures scattered to sunbath and read. I sat in awe with a silly smile on my face thinking of just how beautiful this all looked as it glistened afternoon sun.
I thought to myself, “THIS is Costa Rica.”

My retreat sits atop of this incredible ocean view, nestled in a palm tree fortress called “Tropico Latino.” You can’t help feel like royalty with 2 outdoor yoga decks, canopied in the shade that overlook the Pacific Ocean, beautiful, private bungalows and beach houses that were made for lounging, food that is fresh and simply out of this world breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a staff that is accommodating to every need.

This year’s retreat has nearly sold out so please keep Alana Roach’s, Santa Teresa Yoga Retreat on your radar for next January and register soon!

2. Yoga in Paradise: A Celebration of Life with Rob Schultz

This Feb 6-13th, Rob Shultz leads a Hatha based yoga retreat in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Near by to the most active volcano on these lands, Arenal, La Fortuna is bountiful in hot springs and waterfalls. This grounding excursion will allow you to chose from many different day excursions while getting your fill of yoga twice daily.
A Celebration of Life’s mission is to get us back in touch with our passionate, create, inspired, and joyful nature. For most of us, we are surrounded by noise pollution, media, tasks, cars, lights, and other distractions, that we can forget what truly matters. This is one of Costa Rica’s best retreats because it is a return to YOU through simplicity, nature, and restoration.

3. Finding Peace Within: A Costa Rica Retreat With Day Yoga

Feb 28- March 6, 2016, Devon Schmidt & Brandy Erazo lead a 7 night retreat in Playa Uvita, CR. This retreat includes 3 whole foods meals a day, round trip transport to and from the airport, 2 daily yoga and meditation classes, personal retreat time, and a bonus 20 hours of training for those enrolled in Day Yoga’s 300 hr teacher training or those looking for CEU’s through Yoga Alliance.

With beautiful beaches, rainforests, a funky local town, ziplining, and a visit to the Arenal Volcano, there is never a shortage of adventure with these two yogis! Devon and Brandy offer a unique array of workshops that include subtle body anatomy, arm balances, and thai yoga adjustments. Daily classes include gentle, vinyasa, yin, restorative, and yoga nidra. You are sure to leave this retreat unbound, untethered, and ready to take on the world with a full breath in and a relaxed exhale.

4. Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica with Julie Sichlau

Begin your summer with Julie Sichlau in the surroundings of National Park Chirripó. During the summer solstice the light is at it’s strongest to mirror our blooming transformative energies with-in. There is an inner stirring to cultivate an awareness of our heart’s beckoning, and this is the perfect time/space to let your heart run wild.

Julie is a special soul who doesn’t just speak of yoga but lives it. Envision yourself in the open air shala, gazing at the lush greenery and the blue skies as you explore an invigorating. pranic, fluid yoga flow by day by late afternoon your cup will run over with a balancing and soothing yin practice.

This is a truly nurturing Costa Rica retreat.

“Manifest your dreams and goals, whilst creating space for deep gratitude of living from a state of pure being and infinite love. Practice your power of shining brighter from within.” Julie Sichlau

5. Renew and Rebalance in Costa Rica—Re-Turn to Yourself with Lisa Feder & Dana Baruch

June 25- July 2, 2016 Rounding out my top 5 best Costa Rica retreats are Yoga and wellness teacher, Lisa Feder with life coach and educator Dana Baruch. They dedicate an entire week of empowering and exploring the many beautiful facets of you through yoga, meditation, coaching, creative exploration, journaling, and service to others.

They welcome all levels of experience at all stages of life to come re-connect with and rekindle your natural, authentic spirit. Laughter and fun is a guarantee.

You will be pampered by the True Nature Education staff from the moment you step off of the plane and onto the La Cusinga lodge. The eco-lodge and retreat center in Uvita is tucked away in the hilltops giving you a sense of royalty as you look out onto your view of sweeping oceans, sandy beaches, natural pools, and beautiful rain forests. This is Costa RIca’s most famous ecosystem ad by pure presence alone, you will be forever captivated.

∞

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Create a story that you want to read. One that plays on your senses and makes you feel alive. I know so many people who tell me that I am so lucky to live the life I do. I agree except it’s not so much luck as it is faith. If I can dream it, I can do it. It takes action, a firm regiment of positive next steps, and a lot of taking life by the reigns. It requires us, as yogis, travelers, and budding explorers to close our physical eyes, take a deep breath, and allow our inner sight to lead the way to the best yoga retreats in Costa Rica or simply taking that first step in getting your passport. Dare to vision, dream, and explore, and keep me posted because I for one, can’t wait to watch the journey that is you, unfold.

Alana Roach is a International Yogi currently based out of Annapolis, MD. Formerly adorned by the city lights and the busy streets of America, she was then whisked away by the illustrious path of yoga and took to traveling the world to share it with others. A few years back she started to write about the transformation she undertook by practicing conscious meditation. She practices and teaches varied styles of yoga at Ruahstudio.com, leads international retreats with Truenatureyogawellness.com, loves surfing, being in nature, and enjoys a good belly laugh. She is on Facebook , Instagram, Twitter, and can be reached by email alanaroachyoga@gmail.com

Travel is the best education

September 22, 2015 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

Years ago, when I was backpacking near the Himalayas in Sikkim, I met a man. His name was Marshall. He had been traveling for several months all over Nepal and settled near the Holy Lake Katchipuri where I was also hauled up for a week’s stay. He was soft spoken, stuck to himself mostly, and had a sort of zen quality that the other guests mistook as self-indulgent, but I knew… I could feel his God-centered-ness. His sense of belonging. Perhaps it’s because I was becoming that way, too. I was far away from home and yet I had never felt so at home in my life. Traveling had widened my horizons and both beat me down and built me back up all at the same time.

I’ll never forget what this 45 year old college professor from the United States, Marshall, told me one fine day in the rolling hills of Lake Katchipuri. He said, “You’ll learn a million times more traveling than you would spending a million dollars on graduate school. Save your money and see the world. That is where true education is.”

I value education, in all forms.. but what he said really resonated with me, and I continue to learn from those places and people I encounter all over the world. You are my teachers, both land and tongue… and I thank you, from the bottom of my swelling heart.

Manifest Your Next Yoga Holiday

February 11, 2015 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

Yoga retreats are a beautiful launch pad for incredibly deep and long lasting change. They create a container that is unlike any other and if done in a tranquil, remote setting one can experience true liberation from old, life suppressing habits. They can completely reset your immune system, flushing out toxins with daily yoga, rest, nourishing food, and laughter. They can allow us to cry like no one is watching in a safe place where no one is judging. They excite the soul is ways that is beyond measure because you are simply tapping into the overflowing well stream of who you really are when you follow your dreams.

“Respond to every call

that excites your spirit.”

Rumi, The Essential Rumi

So all if this sounds great, but you are wondering how you are going to get there. That is a beautiful place to be. Let’s start the process of manifesting what you truly desire with 3 simply steps.

The new year is upon us. Astrologically it is a time of creating the change you wish to see in your life. What is your passion? How can you bring that passion into fruition? 3 simple steps have led me to lead a life of passionate purpose. These 3 steps are simple but not always easy. They take a lot of inner courage, faith, and allowance. Simply put, these steps are.
1.Ask. Asking for what you truly desire in life is the first time. Write it down. Really go into your heart space and design the life you crave as if no one would get hurt by your decisions. Breathe into the moment when you look at these beautiful creations that you have laid out at the feet of the Universe. Close your eyes and visualize what these things would look, feel, taste, smell, and simply be like.

2.Believe. Know that the life you most desire, desires you just the same. That’s right. The Universe works in this way. If you believe that when you put out trust, love, and faith into every request, you will be on your way to receiving the same in multitudes. Stay open minded. Sometimes these great boons will come in many fashions.

3.Recieve. It takes a little bit of training to allow yourself to stay in the highest vibration. I am not saying to through your feelings out of the door. Not at all. Just remember to honor what feelings and emotions come up and then bring it back to what is good in your life right now. Believing that all is how it should be in this moment and KNOWING that all is coming. Know that you are worth it. Yes, YOU! You, divine, you. You are worthy of these blessings. When doubt creeps in, shift your mind back to the affirmation, “I am worthy.” You will be amazed at how the Universe supports you in your beautiful endeavors!

Manifest a yoga retreat with me in any of these Divine locations.

I’ll see you on your mat, living the dream.

Details on eosretreats.com

Sincerely,

Alana V. Roach

E-RYT, Reiki, Intuitive Healer & Medium, Wellness Retreat Leader

eosretreats.com

alanaroachyoga.com

explorationsofself@gmail.com

Explorations of Self: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience 2015: Memoirs of Retreat Leader, Alana Roach

January 30, 2015 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

Lynne Roye Photography https://www.facebook.com/lynne.roy.9 — Lynne Roye Photography
https://www.facebook.com/lynne.roy.9

The sun is rising through open shaded windows and as I peer out onto the horizon I see beautiful lush green palm trees swaying in the calm whispering breeze. Beyond that is the sparkling swells of the deep blue sea. Infinitely undulating it’s majestic tides onto the pebbles below. I have arrived to a luscious dwelling of sacred secrets and lucrative blessings from the nurturing Mother Earth, from Gaia. I have arrived in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula to lead Explorations of Self: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience with True Nature Education and Tropico Latino.

We are groggy from the previous days travel but there is a synergistic energy that is pulsating through each and every one of us on this morning. Yoga is at 7am and as I put the water onto boil for herbal tea I am filled with a sense of overwhelming joy and sense of, “New beginnings.” This retreats hold a special energy in this new year. This week holds the first New Moon of the 2015 and what a New Moon it will be. This year is one of owning our truth, our power, and letting go of the old. What a great platform this space is for this phoenix of transformation.

What a great group this is. There are 10 of us total. Auspiciously, in numerology, “The number 10/1 brings all sorts of new changes into your life, and there seems to be an element of luck within those energies. Through this vibration you have the insight to recognize and understand the needs of humanity, and the ability to bring peace and harmony to all. Number 10 resonates with the vibrations and energies of leadership, optimism, confidence, independence, creative powers, success, energy, originality, adaptability, determination and individuality.”

As we all sit this morning and close our eyes I start to sense each of our energies mixing and melting into One. I feel the anticipating, the nervousness, the excitement, the beauty, the love, start to collide with nature’s womb of creation. As we begin to flow and breathe together, I feel the energies become focused, harnessing a careful Qi that is telling of the powerful week to come. As we Aum out, I now know that everything I have done in this previous year was to prepare for this. This is a coming out and into our life’s Purpose. This is the beginning of the beginning. This is the exploration and owning of our Higher Self and Soul Purpose. The Higher Self that is connecting to everything and everyone. This retreat is about delving into our heart’s deepest yearning and living from that place of JOY.

Aside from the esoteric beauty of our tropical oasis and spiritual sangha, we are nurtured by the pampering atmosphere and staff of Tropico Latino as well as the extraordinary guides of True Nature Education. We are greeted every day with warm smiles from Tropico Latino’s Shamballa restaurant staff as we sit down to eat our delicious meals. The food is local, fresh, and mouth watering to the taste, smell, and sight. I am in heaven on earth. To go from such a nurturing, communal meal time, to the picturesque beach just steps away every day makes me remember what life is all about. Real life. Not the life that we leave behind when we come here, but the life that we ARE inside and in all moments whether we are here or not. The sky turns violet and a cool blue, and as the sun goes down it shoots a bright pink portal that beams it’s fluorescent rays behind a flock of pelicans skimming the ocean’s swells for sustenance. A gathering of beautiful people come to watch the ritualistic sunset over the Pacific. I lived here, in Santa Teresa, for 6 months before leading this retreat. I can tell you that the incredible community of the Nicoya Peninsula are people of the sun. We fill up on it’s light and honor it’s beatific majesty. Worshipping the sun isn’t even something one has to consciously remember to do because the luminous spirit of Helios ( Greek for sun, meaning Most High ) beckons to us every evening around 5:30pm. There are people who feed on the sun’s light and after experiencing it’s power for myself, I am starting to understand how that is possible. Being here reminds me that anything and everything is possible.

There is so much to participate in. While some are deciding to fill their days with Tortuga boat tours & snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, spa massages, facials, wraps, and zip lining; others are finding that their journey on this trip is to go within and find stillness on the beach. I honor every one’s individual path and trust that they are guided in every moment of everyday by their inner wisdom. Every morning and early evening we join together honor our inner journey on the mat. Every class is guided by the co-creation and intermingling of our collaborative energies. Morning vinyasa’s focus on different aspects of our chakras and emotional + physical balance in the organs as well as detoxifying the system. The evening classes are hypnotic, restorative yoga nidras sometimes beginning with gentle movement and deep, chanting, integrative breathing to allow the body and mind to receive a fully relaxed state. After each class I see a wave of calm brush over everyone’s being and I can feel our connections deepen as our heart’s soften. Yoga means to unite, to yolk. It brings us together by aligning the body, mind, spirit and then that space within connects to the same alignment within you. This brings us to a space where we realize there is no other. There is only One. One breath, one pulse, one spirit, one Universe. We are one in Costa Rica and always in life.

There is a surprise for the group on the 5th day of retreat. I have arranged to hold a sweat lodge (Or Temazcal in Spanish) with a beautiful man and local shaman, Oso. His name means, “Bear,” and his energy holds true to his name as he is strong and majestic. He joins us for dinner the night before the lodge with our divine goddess and guide from Tropico Latino, Maria. She serves as the interpreter for Oso so that he can answer any and all questions. 5 out of the 9 on retreat decide to partake in the Temazcal, yet all of us as a whole create group and personal intentions to transform in the lodge. We hold class the evening before we head to the top of a mountain to hold our sunset ritual. Each of us envision our worries going into the fire and our dreams being born into reality. Each on of us holds space for the group to create new possibilities and lasting change. Temazcal’s are rebirthings. It creates space for us to spring forth out of the ashes and step into our power. As the 5 of us head to the top of the windy dirt road in the back of a truck with 30 other particpants from different yoga retreats, we know we will never be the same. The sweat lodge is set in the center of a loop that is carefully laid out to create an infinity symbol. On the other side of the lodge there is the communal fire where the coals are getting their heat. It takes all day to prepare Temazcal and I am so honored by Oso, Maria, and the fire keeper because their care for our transformation is so prefusely apparent. They are taking care of us as if we are family. I am brought back to the, “One-ness.” Yes, these beautiful souls ARE our family. It is a choice. A choice to take care of one another and lift each other up! We sing beautiful mantras with Oso’s lovely wife as their children dance around the fire. When it is time for us to enter the lodge, we split up into male and female sides. Women enter first and we create two rows on the left as the men enter next to create two rows on the right. There will be four rounds of sweat. Representing the four directions NSEW and the four elements. We will sing 4 songs from the Lakota tradition in each round and then open the doors in the front and the back. We hold each other as we begin to sweat and the hot coals, one by one, are brought in. As we receive the 8th coal, Oso shuts the flaps and we begin to sing. “Sit up tall to align the chakras with Mother Earth and the Universe,” He says. I do. I sit tall and I sing loudly. I envision my chakras pouring open and all negative energies dissolving and being transmuted into the fire. Every one is more and more intense. We continue to support each other by breathing deeply, connecting with one another, sending reiki, singing mantra, sending love, and speaking out loud our prayers for hope, healing, and positive change. At the end of our last round we slowly exit the lodge and take showers. We are fed fruit and given water. We gaze into each other’s eyes knowing we are forever changed. I have dropped fully into my divine purpose. We all have. This is the beginning of the rest of our lives. What an incredible way to round out this incredible exploration of Self in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.

Whatever happens from here on out can only grow from healthy soil. We are blossoms amongst a field of blossoms. As they say in the Lakota tradition. Ahau Mitakuye Oyasin (All my relations/we are all related) and Namaste. I look forward to continuing the tradition of growth through explorations of self abroad in Costa Rica 2016. Join me Jan 16-23 with co-facilitator Lindsay Worek for, “I Am You and You Are Me: A Costa Rica Yoga Retreat!” Contact True Nature Education to REGISTER NOW!

Testimonials from the heart from Explorations of Self: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience, 2015

“ Just returned from a Yoga retreat at the Tropico Latino, in Santa Teresa. The staff, my ocean view bungalow,the pool,food and setting were top notch. Alana is the true Goddess.She is knowledgeable,thoughtful,beautiful and passionate about her teachings and practice. Spa treatments by Maria really helped with some pain I was going thru. This was a great place for Yoga lovers,its magical. for surfers its a dream come true. Josie went beyond and above , and was always there making sure we were taken care of. What a wonderful experience, my first time in Costa Rica, thank you “

Lynne Roye

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” ~ Joseph Campbell

“Explorations of self 2015 with Alana Roach completely changed my life. I had never traveled internationally before and there was so much fear surrounding going on this trip. With some loving compassion kindness and grace Alana helped me to make the choice to take the trip that would forever change my life. As soon as I signed up for the trip things started to shift for me and the universe completely supported what I was supposed to do. It was an amazing process to watch unfold and then to actually be there was mind blowing. While I was on this trip my higher self completely expanded and I stepped into the person that I am meant to be. I met some beautiful people form amazing connections and will forever be grateful for this experience. Thank you so much to Alana Roach and True Nature Education. My hope for all is that everybody gets to take a trip like this that will enable them to go within themselves that will transform and change them for the better. Namaste.”

Lindsay Worek

” The Explorations of Self, A Costa Rica Yoga Experience with Alana Roach for me was truly a life changing event. This being my first yoga retreat, I didn’t know what to expect. I quickly realized the love and energy that surrounded everyone present and Alana re-kindled this energy everyday with her guided meditations along with the yoga sessions. Alana’s love and compassion inspired me to challenge myself in all aspects of my life. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this event. I am eagerly awaiting my next opportunity to attend another event with Alana.”

Scott Beacom

“The Explorations of Self Yoga Retreat led by Alana was one of the best experiences of my life. I can truly say for me, it was life changing. Her guidance and teaching helped me to really let go and be in the present like never before. She took the time to connect with each one of her students on a personnel level with patience, compassion, and love. She has a real gift for feeling the energy of the class and tailoring the physical practice and meditation to fit the moment. Alana has this light about her that shines very brightly, you can’t help but feel a sense of ease and comfort.”

Fred Dolbow

10 Reasons to Visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

November 4, 2014 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

All photography is done by Lance Laurence photography: lancelaurence.com / Facebook.com/lancelaurencephoto /instagram.com/lancelaurencephoto

I discovered the beach of Santa Teresa, CR through word of mouth while on vacation in March from a backpacker in Monte Zuma. If we never had run into this person we would have been headed in another direction on our adventures and I am so glad that we ended up here instead. Little did I know, many others have discovered Santa Teresa and it has even been featured as a top 10 destination by Trip Advisor within the past 5 years. It is known to have attracted home owners like Mel Gibson and Gisele Bundchen. I decided to do my first Costa Rica retreat here in January. We actually MOVED HERE four months ago. I hope you get the chance to visit this sacred space. So whether you are trying to decide on where to fly to next, planning a trip, backpacking through, need some down time, desire healing, or are simply Costa Rica curious, here are the…

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Beautiful Beach : Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, set on the Pacific coastline, the beautiful beach of Playa Santa Teresa is ranked one of the best in the world.
Surf: Santa Teresa has consistent beach breaks all year for all levels of surfers from sunrise to sunset. Trip Advisor has named Santa T one of the top surf spots in the world.
Photo Credit: Lance Laurence / lancelaurencephoto.com
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Healing Vortex: What used to be a sleepy beach town that didn’t have any electricity or running water until the 90’s, is now what is trending for tourist from all parts of the globe. Most people came here to surf 10 years ago and then fell head over heels for Santa T, making it a wonderful mix of all cultures. People are drawn here for the beauty and the good vibes that the land and sea has to offer. I am one of many who have come to this sacred space with skin conditions, digestive issues, fertility issues… only to have them clear up within days sometimes. I have read that many years ago, the native Indian’s did sacred rituals on these lands and they are protected, offering a great deal of healing energy. The people that live here keep this land charged by living in such a way that is harmonious with nature.
Yoga and Wellness: From Pranamar to Hotel Tropico Latino to Casa Zen, there are yoga studios and retreats centers all along the strip making Santa Teresa a yoga haven for all styles of yogi. Not only that, but there are a plethora of centers for acupuncture, massage, martial arts, surf lessons, meditation, nutritional guidance, and everything in between.
Healthy Eats: Most of the fruits and vegetables supplied at the markets are locally grown, making Santa Teresa’s produce rich with flavor and nutrients. When I moved here a few months ago my digestion rapidly improved and a skin condition I had went away (You can read 5 Ways Moving to Costa Rica Improved my Health).
Simplicity: Since Santa Teresa didn’t really get, “Discovered,” until the 90’s (Seriously picture no refrigerators, lamps, cars, phones, etc) there are still remnants of it’s beautiful simplicity. There are still dirt roads here and no high rise buildings, making the coastline picture perfect, and very tranquil.
Honey Moon and Destination Weddings. Santa Teresa is sought after by couples these days as it has the feel of a distant island and amazing accommodations spanning the whole area for all budgets. Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen chose to spend their very special honey moon here just a few years ago at the Florblanca Luxury Resort.
Animal paradise. Since Santa Teresa is nestled into the rainforest, it is home to many beautiful creatures. Expect to see howler monkeys, parrots, happy beach dogs, wild horses, and much, much more.
Alana Roach experiencing FREEDOM! Wild Horses on in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica with lancelaurence.com
Great spot for kids. Thriving with new families, Santa Teresa has such a great community for the little ones. If you are trying to get pregnant, come pay this beach a visit, something is in the air.
Pura Vida. Pura vida is a local saying that means, “Pure life.” Pura vida is freedom and getting in touch with the essence of who we really are. Join me in paradise this January for I Am You and You Are Me: A Costa Rica Yoga Experience. Click here to find out details.
Lynne Roye Photography
https://www.facebook.com/lynne.roy.9

Wildlife Refuge in San Jose, CR

October 11, 2014 // by Alana Roach// Leave a Comment

While we walked through, my talented and handsome companion took these beautiful pictures www.lancelaurence.com

As we walked through this breathtaking sanctuary we were guided by a lovely and knowledgable lady who proceeded to tell us some devastating stories about these beautiful conciousnesses. A lot of them were bought through illegal animal trafficking and when the Refuge took them in they were in really bad shape. A monkey who was kept in a small cage for year by a drug trafficer now has nervous ticks and though they are working with him to reduce his stress on a daily basis, he swings wildly with ptsd. A turtle who was poisoned by someone coating their shell with toxic red paint because they got bored of the natural markings it came with and another who got run over by a car and was left to die. A crocidile who was tied up by a group of people with the intention of killing it and left it there so long it lost both of it’s front arms and dislocated it’s jaws. While I am forever grateful that Refugees exist, it is extremely disheartening to know that all of the abuse cases I saw were because of humans. It reminds me to be mindful of ALL living creatures, and how even a small action good or bad can have a mass chain reaction that can effect the world. This was just a microcosm of what is going on, on a much bigger scale. We are in trouble and desperately need to work in harmony to save all species in this world. Concious co-living is the answer to this.

Let’s work together to save this planet and all beings that reside on it!

With much love and light,

Alana
CYT, E-RYT, Reiki, Wellness, Travel Blogger
www.alanaroachyoga.com