Nosara has historically had a rich tradition of yoga and is a world-class wellness destination for many who want to hone and strengthen their bodies and minds in a plethora of locations and settings. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, there’s something for everyone here. Plan to totally Zen out at one of the many and diverse yoga and wellness locations in the Nosara region.

Nosara isn’t solely the domain of radical surfer dudes and epic waves. The influence of yoga on the local culture and vibe is equally palpable and unmistakable. Lush tropical forests that spill like broccoli down hillsides to unspoiled white and grey sand beaches, along with great weather, a connection with nature, lots of sunshine, an active outdoor lifestyle, and some bohemian and granola head culture mixed in, make Nosara a natural fit for yoga practitioners who value wellness and being of sound mind, body, and soul. Yoga instructors from all over the world come here, including those from Canada to conduct their classes.

The influence of yoga manifests itself in not only the Nosara region’s culture and vibe, but in the sheer number of yoga centers, hostels, and studios that one can encounter in the area. A simple Google search on the words “nosara yoga” will yield pages of results for the yoga enthusiast to explore in order to find the best fit for them.

“True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.” — Aadil Palkhivala, Fire of Love

Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced yogi, or looking to become a certified instructor, there’s something for just about everyone here in Nosara. Here’s the Nosara Community’s short list of yoga schools, centers, etc. Your mileage may vary.

The Yoga Collective Nosara

For the serious yoga practitioner. The Yoga Collective Nosara (YCN) is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with the Yoga Alliance and offers a 3-week training and certification program that qualifies those who successfully complete its 200 hours to register with the Yoga Alliance as a registered yoga teacher and teach yoga anywhere in the world. YCN’s three yoga educators trained at the former Nosara Yoga Institute (now Self-Awakening Yoga).

The training curriculum consists of the following program modules:

• Techniques, Training and Practice (100 hours)
• Teaching Methodology (30 hours)
• Anatomy & Physiology (20 hours)
• Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics for Yoga Teachers (30 hours)
• Practicum (10 hours)

YCN’s website states, “Our program is geared toward developing and deepening your personal yoga practice while empowering you to share it with others… Along all the twists and turns on your yogic journey — and transformation process — you will be fully supported by (our) dedicated team.”

A big bonus you’ll receive is that the Yoga Collective Nosara’s training facility is at the Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, and discounted rates are available. And that brings us to #2 on our short list.

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

Bohdi Tree Yoga Resort is “yoga shala central” in Nosara. It features 6 yoga shalas of different sizes surrounded by tropical forest on a lush and incredibly beautiful property. It’s as popular with surfers (they have instructors too) as it is with the yoga, fitness crowd. So there’s always a really cool vibe at this world class wellness destination.

Bohdi Tree offers daily and week-long yoga and fitness classes. Their instructors are among the best and will personalize programs for you no matter what your level of ability is. They also have a fantastic spa and offer spa services and treatments so you can let out a relaxing, “ahhh…..” at the end of your day.

Blue Spirit Costa Rica

Blue Spirit Costa Rica is nothing short of phenomenal! This world-class yoga and retreat center is perched high on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Playa Guiones. It’s one of the most stunning settings on our short list! Blue Spirit offers yoga retreats, teacher training, meditation retreats, and other transformational programs. And their spa and accommodations are exceptional.

Blue Spirit Costa Rica has been featured in the Washington Post and the Yoga Journal, and every detail you can possibly think of has been given the utmost attention here. From the gourmet vegetarian cuisine, to their salt-water infinity pool, to their adventure excursions, to their fully-equipped yoga studios – and let’s not forget their incredible staff – Blue Spirit sets the bar high for yoga and wellness retreat destinations in the Nosara Region.

There are four classroom yoga studios that are equipped for asana yoga, meditation, conferences, and classroom learning. Large, small, private, with or without tech – Blue Spirit has your yoga event covered. One of the best!

La Negra

La Negra bills itself as a surf hotel, but it also caters to yoga enthusiasts – both of which tend to attract one another. This is a newer, hipster hotel in Nosara. Somewhat contemporary in interior décor, but still very laid back in keeping with Nosara tradition.

Their upstairs yoga studio is open to hotel guests as long as it’s not in use for classes. Yogis can warm up, meditate, practice yoga, workout, stretch, or just relax. Blocks, mats, foam rollers, and straps are provided. Yoga and fitness classes are scheduled on their chalkboard calendar and are $10 for guests and $15 for dropins.

La Negra also features the Destiny Café serving healthy, contemporary, and creative dishes using fresh ingredients. Cleary, vegan and vegetarian friendly, and the perfect follow-up to a good session. The place is cool, fer sher.

Nalu

Nalu is a little haven in the heart of Guiones owned be a couple from New York and designed by Studio Saxe architects. This place has a very cool sustainability-eco-vibe. It’s understated but contemporary luxury in a great location. Their studio is gorgeous and they have all the equipment you’ll need for any yoga, pilates, or fitness classes you’ll want to sign up for.

Example classes are Muay Thai, Full-Body HIIT, Vinyasa Yoga, Barre Fitness, Restorative & Nidra, and even a Kids Gymnastics class. Classes are $10 for guests and $15 for drop-ins. Private classes may also be arranged upon request.

The hotel is within walking distance to the surf at Play Guiones and to the shops and restaurants in Guiones town. If you’re looking for a place that’s super convenient, luxurious, eco-friendly, and with a great surfer-fitness-yoga vibe, Nalu is the place.

So, there you have it. There are plenty more yoga and fitness options in the area. Do some research on your own. You can’t throw a rock without hitting a shala in Nosara!

Pura vida from the team at Nosara Community!