National Yoga Asana Championship (Via the New York Times)
March 21, 2012 § Leave a Comment
To warm up backstage before the ninth New York Regional and National Yoga Asana Championship, some competitors slid their legs behind their heads and others curled into back bends. Michael Colwill, 46, stood still in a purple Speedo and practiced bowing. Perfecting a gentle smile, he stood on a yoga mat, secured to the stage with electrical tape, and gazed out serenely at the nearly 700 theater seats.
Since ease carries a 10-point weight in competitive yoga asana, warming up the face is as important as loosening the hamstrings. Competitors complete seven postures in three minutes, and the total 80-point score takes into account technical precision, physical presentation and timing, among other aspects.
Because there are no entry requirements for regional competitions, Colwill, a kindergarten teacher at Public School 8 in Washington Heights who had practiced for less than three years, decided to try. « Read the rest of this entry »
Riviera May Resort Celebrates Spring Equinox with Ana Paula Dominguez!
February 16, 2012 § Leave a Comment
You’d have to be living under a rock to not have heard talk of Mayan mysticism as we move into 2012, the supposed end of the world according to the Mayan calendar — or as many are interpreting, the “rebirth of a new calendar cycle” (a much less dismal interpretation!) To celebrate this rebirth, Fairmont Mayakoba, a stunning resort located on the beautiful Riviera Maya, presents its “Awakening to Wellness,” an exclusive getaway with master yogi Ana Paula Dominguez.
This experience will include daily lessons of Kundalini yoga, a Meditation Techniques workshop and a Stress Managementsession. Participants will relax with luxurious spa treatments and soothing massages at Willow Stream Spa. Sounds like the experience of a lifetime!
36 Hours in Tulum, Mexico
January 31, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Tulum, perched on the southern edge of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, has long since been considered a hotspot for yoga travelers and wellness tourists around the world. The great thing about Tulum as a yoga destination is that it’s the perfect spot for beginners and experts alike to practice and perfect yoga techniques.
The New York Times recently featured a piece that laid out the perfect four-day yoga expedition in scenic Tulum. From exploring the jungles, to eating ceviche at one of the city’s best restaurants, to exploring the cliffs overlooking the Caribbean, this guide goes far beyond just yoga time and provides a great sense of the sites and activities you won’t want to miss when visiting Tulum. Take a look at the full Tulum itinerary!
VegNews Vegan Yoga Retreat to Mexico
January 3, 2012 § 1 Comment
January 3, 2012 § 1 Comment
If you’re thinking that in 2012 you want to become a yoga teacher, join the club. According to statistics compiled by Yoga Alliance, there are now more than 50,000 yoga teachers in the U.S., and that number is growing.
Some yoga practitioners dream of living the life of a nomadic traveling teacher. Others of someday owning their own studio. Other yogis, particularly in a still-uncertain economy, are turning to teaching yoga as a second source of income.
Is it really worth investing in that 200-hour-or-plus teacher training? Will there be a job out there for when you’re done? Is it time to quit your day job? Here’s an infographic, which first appeared on Teachasana (a website resource for yoga teachers), with all sorts of facts and figures from recent articles that might help you make up your mind.
Via Yoga Journal
AcroYoga at Sivananda Yoga Puerto Morelos
November 1, 2011 § Leave a Comment
AcroYoga is a physical practice which blends elements of yoga, acrobalance and Thai massage. These three ancient lineages form the foundation of a practice that cultivates trust, connection and playfulness between partners. Take a look at this video montage which features the Art of AcroYoga retreat held at Sivananda Yoga Puerto Morelos!
Eco Rustic | Haramara Yoga Retreat, Nayarit, Mexico
September 30, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Haramara Retreat — this unique 12-acre resort tucked away just off the Pacific Ocean in Riviera Nayarit. Haramara has been described as “a sanctuary for the soul” where you can find rejuvenation, relaxation and spiritual growth. “Haramara” is a sacred Huichol Indian word meaning “Mother Sea”, which means the source of everything.
Known for their holistic approach to luxury, Haramara prides itself on its return to society’s fundamentals and their departure from modern accoutrements. As such, the entire property is illuminated by the soft glow of lamp light and has parted from the tedious demands of the electronic age. To continue with this holistic approach, the retreat has perfected the art of gourmet vegetarian cuisine and has created an eclectic and creative menu featuring memorable dishes from world class gourmet chefs.
Eco Paraiso Voten One of The Most Relaxing Yoga Retreats in Latin America
August 17, 2011 § 5 Comments
The Travelers Zone recently ranked the top 8 most relaxing yoga retreats in all of Latin America, and Hotel Eco Paraiso is on that list. Among others listed are retreats in Nicaragua, Peru, Honduras and Colombia.
Hotel Eco Paraiso is located in Celestun, the small town in Yucatan Mexico. This fishing town provides the perfect setting for a getaway yoga retreat, with its charing lighthouses, sprawling beaches, and even a lagoon that draws flamingos at certain times of the year!
According to The Travelers Zone, you will enjoy intensive yoga workshops at this Mexico yoga retreat where you’ll experience talks, psycho-social dynamic exercises, aerobic warm-ups, relaxation sessions, mantras, and kundalini yoga kriyas in a tropical beach environment. Experienced instructors provide a highly beneficial experience regardless of your skill level.
Maya Tulum, Tulum, Mexico
August 15, 2011 § Leave a Comment
In a recent post on the site Matador Network, I came across a feature of 20 warm weather yoga retreats around the world. I really enjoyed the information, and thought I would share.
Maya Tulum, Tulum, Mexico:
Located along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Tulum is one of the last cities originally built and inhabited by the Mayans. Tulum, which is the Mayan Yucatan word for wall or fence, stands on a bluff facing the Caribbean.
Highlights: Located two hours from Cancun is the retreat that represents everything that Cancun is not. Renowned for its wellness programs, it also hosts yoga workshops year round.
Lodging: Beachside cabanas.
Types of Yoga: While it depends on the workshops being hosted, most are in Vinyasa and Ashtanga (a traditional form of power yoga).
Other offerings: A full spa menu, including massage and skin treatments.
Casa Natalia in San Jose del Cabo
August 9, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Casa Natalia is located in San Jose del Cabo on the Baja California peninsula of Mexico. This yoga retreat center is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of San Jose del Cabo’s art district. Browse all that the area has to offer, soak in the art, and enjoy the sidewalk vendors in between yoga classes!
The hotel is generally on the list of Conde Naste’s favorite hotels in Mexico, and it won Best Hotel in Mexico in 2008-2009.
Casa Natalia offers Kundalini yoga three days a week, and is also open for groups.
Rates vary by season. Visit Castalia’s website for more information.
