Playa Nicuesa Lodge, more than a exotic place

Coming from Canada, I can honestly tell you that I have never seen such an exotic place in the world as I have during my stay at Playa Nicuesa.  We all know that there are places on this earth with more wildlife, more forest, closer proximity to the ocean, but to see it and experience the beauty here first hand has been miraculous.  The Lodge is situated off the grid in the Golfo Dulce making you feel completely submerged in the ecosystem surrounded by hundreds of colourful and vibrant species.  There are 6 hiking trails on the property that venture into the rainforest.  One day you may see green and black poisonous dart frogs, toucans, different kinds of snakes and butterflies.   Doing the same path the next day you may come across crabs, squirrels, a swarm of army ants, white faced monkeys, a family of pizotis and wild pigs.  You are estonished with what you find each time and by spending quality time connecting to nature, you receive the healing benefits of mindfulness.  Enjoying the sacredness of the land is a gift in itself.  As a yoga teacher, creating a strong harmonious community is essential.  Viewing the food chain and "connecting the dots", watching a pair of scarlet macaws snack on the almond trees beside the yoga deck or seeing a lizard run quickly across the pond, it is something to be experienced first hand.  Another gift from mother nature here is viewing the bioluminescence out by the pier at night, when the moon is not too bright, but the stars are still visible.  Even the water comes to life here.  I had the opportunity to go swimming in the bioluminescence and can tell you that it is the Pura Vida.  Pura Vida a common saying in Costa Rica which translates to pure life and that is exactly what Costa Rica and the Golfo Dulce offers.  The sounds of the tide, the rain and the frogs from the pond behind the yoga deck have made for the most tranquil spa and meditation music a yoga teacher could ask for.  I am grateful to have had the chance to stay here through the green season to unplug and it is as if I was on a personal retreat.  It definitely has not felt like work here and I cannot wait to return for another rotation next season!