Newest Adventure Tour at AmaTierra

We are so excited about AmaTierra's newest adventure tour option - The Adventure Park! Our guests are loving the extra-long zipline canopy tour, with 25 different cables soaring above gorgeous waterfalls and acres upon acres of lush tropical forest. The Adventure Park also offers the Superman zipline, where you fly hands-free like a bird in the sky. For a full day of adventure, you can add on additional attractions inside the Park, like the biggest high ropes course in Costa Rica (or low ropes for the kids) and horseback riding tours. A day of fun-filled adventure awaits you...

This tour is the newest addition to our well-rounded list of nature-inspired adventure tours, including Vic's one-of-a-kind experience at Carara National Park - a guided hiking tour in the rain forest to see monkeys, tropical birds, and cool colorful frogs up-close and personal in their natural habitat. Plus, the exhilarating Mangrove Boat tour is a must-do to get a closer look at the fat and famous crocodiles of the Tarcoles River - don't worry they can't get you while you're in the boat! Vic might even feed them a snack so you can see their giant jaws snapping for a treat. Great photo ops.

These attractions and many more are all available during your stay at AmaTierra, just let us know what interests you and we'll help you plan an experience you'll never forget.

Exciting New Additions to AmaTierra's Staff

We are thrilled to welcome two new members to AmaTierra's staff - Pablo Montero Arce, Head Chef; and Rachel Shopper, Yoga Instructor.

We are getting rave reviews for AmaTierra's new chef, Pablo Montero Arce, who continues to tempt our taste buds by introducing new gourmet menu items, including this perfect salad, topped with roasted eggplant & tomato - one of his many delicious vegetarian creations. With Pablo spicing up our kitchen, we are happy to announce that AmaTierra now offers cooking classes for our guests - just let us know you're interested and we'll be sure to include it in your stay.

We are so excited to introduce Rachel Shopper to AmaTierra's yoga program, bringing a versatile Vinyasa yoga style, emphasizing proper alignment and specially geared to all yoga levels, from beginning to advance. Guests have loved Rachel's yoga classes and we are grateful to have her on board.

A big welcome to both of you, Pablo and Rachel - thanks for joining our team!

AsoYoga Festival and International Day of Peace

Commemorating the International Day of Peace, and the AsoYoga Festival

Yoga para Todos (Yoga for Everyone) Festival here in Costa Rica was a wonderful event. Held in downtown San Jose, Jill led a meditation with Crystal Singing Bowls in an ancient tower with four foot thick stone walls. Performers, Indian music, Kirtan chanting, booths of fun foods and yoga clothing drew over 2000 people for all day yoga and meditation classes
AmaTierra's booth was a popular one as people signed up to win a free night for two at the Retreat Center. Lourdes Amador was the winner, and she is very happy!

Costa Rica has long been a destination site for yoga, second only to India as the place to go to practice with a group or at one of the many studios which cater to foreigners.
But Costa Ricans too love their yoga, and practice it in a very spirited, strong and serious way. It was wonderful to be in classes led by Spanish-speaking instructors, (the language of sanskrit for the names of poses was helpful!) and amidst those who have a zestful love of yoga.

All in all, a wonderful day, and a positive, collective intention was sent out for harmony and peace on the earth.

Crazy Basil - Let's make Pesto!

AmaTierra's basil supply is off the charts this year - we are up to our elbows in organic basil plants in the garden and planning new recipes daily to put all of that fresh spicy yumminess to good use. If you're like us, and you find yourself with too much basil in the garden, you can make pesto to eat immediately, or freeze/put it into sterilized jars and keep for later!

You'll need:

4C basil,

1/2 C olive oil,

1/2 cup pine nuts OR walnuts(cheaper) or peanuts,

1/2 cup of your favorite parmesan cheese

3-4 cloves garlic.

No salt needed, as the parmesan has enough

In food processor, chop garlic, add basil, olive oil & nuts, finally the cheese. Pesto is very rich! Use on pasta, pasta salad, in pita bread with tomato and mozzarella cheese, or as a sandwich spread or a dip for veggies. YUM!!!

Hint: when using on pasta or pasta salad, add more olive oil so the pesto goes further.

Buen Provecho from AmaTierra's Gardens (full of crazy basil!)

Fall and Winter Retreats at AmaTierra

Fall and Winter Retreats at AmaTierra
Make plans now to join us for a special week this season:

Holiday Celebration, November and January Yoga Workshops,

Photography & more

3rd Annual Escape to the Rainforest with Symmetree Yoga

November 7-14, 2010

Join yoga instructor and retreat hostess Carlene Sullivan for this special 7-night retreat:

An all-inclusive Hatha yoga, relaxation and adventure retreat designed to quell the flames of anxiety and stress while experiencing what it means to be fully alive! This retreat is specifically designed to awaken the body, mind and spirit in an unbelievably beautiful setting.

Click here for more information and to register for this special yoga retreat.

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Special Winter Holiday Week:
Rejuvenate for a Brand New Year
December 26, 2010 - January 2, 2011

Give yourself the ultimate gift of relaxation, and join us for a one-of-a-kind celebration of reflection and gratitude to welcome the New Year.

Join us at the end of 2010: 7-nights all-inclusive.

Details coming this week at http://www.amatierra.com/.

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New Years' Yoga Retreat

January 2-9, 2011

Start the New Year right with a rejuvenating yoga retreat hosted by Luminous Body Yoga. Join yoga instructor Aimee Roberson and naturalist Rawles Williams, known for their expertise in integrating many movement modalities into their practice.

Use the energy of the new year to get back into balance and feel fabulous, more open, and in a state of expanded consciousness after a week immersed in nature, adventure and yoga at AmaTierra in Costa Rica.

7 nights all-inclusive retreat.
Click here for more information and to register for the New Years' Yoga Retreat.

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Costa Rican Paradise: Eye of the Beholder

January 15-22, 2011

Third Annual Photography Retreat with professional nature photographer Cynthia Delaney

Hone your photography skills in one of the world's most breathtaking destinations. Join us for an exciting journey photographing the vivid colors of Central America. On-location photography excursions include Carara National Park, a haven for wildlife including sloths, monkeys, and the beautiful scarlet macaw; TuruBaRi Tropical Park complete with a butterfly garden and canopy tour; Playa Esterillos Beach and the seaside town of Jaco; and Zoo Ave, a sanctuary for exotic birds. All levels are welcome, both film and digital shooters.

Click here for more information and to register for Cynthia Delaney's Photography Retreat.

Spend Labor Day at AmaTierra in Costa Rica!

Labor Day Specials
September 1 - 12, 2010
at AmaTierra Yoga Retreat & Wellness Center

Our 2 Most Popular
Vacation Packages
at Deep Discounts
for Labor Day



3-Night Wellness & Adventure Package: $449
5-Night Relax & Adventure Package: $795
All prices per person based on double occupancy with all taxes included
Single occupancy rates also discounted - inquire for special prices

3-Night Wellness & Adventure Package

*Includes all healthy gourmet meals made from fresh local & organic ingredients
*1-hour professional massage
*2 yoga classes in our open-air yoga shala
*An adventure excursion to Turubari Tropical Park
Price: $449 per person

5-Night Relax & Adventure Package

*Includes all healthy gourmet meals made from fresh local & organic ingredients
*1-hour professional massage
*Daily yoga classes in our open-air yoga shala
*An adventure excursion to Turubari Tropical Park
*Airport Transfers to and from AmaTierra
Price: $795 per person


Don't miss this inexpensive opportunity
to experience Costa Rica at its finest.

Labor Day Specials valid for reservations September 1-12, 2010.

Additional Spa services and personalized wellness treatments available.
See our full Spa and wellness menu at www.amatierra.com .

Reserve today! 1-866-659-3805 amatierra@gmail.com

Asoyoga's 1st Yoga Festival in Cartago, Costa Rica

AmaTierra is gearing up to attend Asoyoga's very first Yoga Festival this upcoming Saturday, July 17 in the city of Cartago, Costa Rica. The event is organized by Cartago's local yoga centers and all Costa Rican yoga studios, retreats, instructors and students have been invited to attend. We are inspired to be part of the excitement of Costa Rica's budding national yoga community and growing culture of alternative health and wellness.

The Yoga Festival will highlight Project Peace on Earth, an effort to recognize our interconnectedness as a common global humanity and celebrate the role yoga plays in maintaining solidarity among us, and inspiring personal discovery and introspective meditation to recognize the interdependent web of our collective actions on this Earth. Specifically, the Festival hopes to motivate Cartago's local community and involve them in the practice of yoga toward greater social unity, vitality and stress-relief.

The day's events include lectures focused on practices to improve quality of life; booths and stands where local yoga centers and product exhibitors will be on display to showcase their unique services; spaces designated for different yoga classes throughout the day to enliven participants toward a newfound consciousness on yoga and wellbeing; artistic presentations of bellydancing, karate, children's activities, live music and an exciting closing meditation at 4:00pm to end the day with intention.

AmaTierra owner, Bob Ruttenberg, and our newest yoga instructor Socorro from San Francisco will be there to represent AmaTierra and support the event. We hope to see all of you Costa Rican yogis there with us to enjoy the Festival and support Cartago's growing yoga community!

Project Peace on Earth is sponsored by the yoga centers of Cartago: Yoga Santocha Centro, Yoga Sol, Casa Alternativa Morpho Azul, and Yoga Luna.

For the complete program of activities, visit: www.cartagovirtual.com/actividades/festivaldeyoga_cartago.html or http://www.cartagovirtual.com/.

For more information on the Cartago Yoga Festival, call 2591-1050 or write to: info@cartagovirtual.com.

You can find out more about Costa Rica's Yoga Assocation, Asoyoga, at: http://www.asoyogacr.com/.

AmaTierra's Summer Recipe of the Week

Indian Cucumber & Mushroom Salad: A Refreshing Summer Treat!

Ingredients:

2 Cucumbers, sliced lengthwise in quarters, seeds/pulp removed, then sliced in 1/2 inch pieces
1 can button mushrooms (or fresh mushrooms halved and sauteed or steamed)
1 small container plain nonfat yogurt
2 cloves garlic, crushed
rice wine or white wine vinegar cumin seeds, dry roasted and crushed salt to taste

Preparation:

Prepare cucumbers, set in colander and dowse with vinegar, set aside while preparing other ingredients. Peel and crush 2 garlic cloves, put in non-metal bowl. Drain mushrooms. Dry roast the cumin seeds, when toasty and fragrant, remove from heat. When cool, turn onto cutting board, use rolling pin to crush. Mix all ingredients, yogurt, cucumbers etc, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to meld flavors.

Buen Provecho!

AmaTierra Cookbook Coming Soon! In the meantime, check our blog frequently for more delicious Summer recipes.

On Saturday, June 26, 60 kids from Turrubares county - plus 25 of their teachers and parents - travelled to Jaco Beach on Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast for a fun-filled day of activities hosted by the AmaTierra Foundation. As the well-earned prize for high school and elementary school students' unprecedented efforts in the month-long recycling contest, the winning classes took full advantage of their beach time: playing soccer in the sand, throwing frisbees around, playing beach paddle ball, making sand castles,and best of all - learning to surf!

DJ Bryan from Cesar Vargas Productions set the mood for the day with reggae beats and dance music all day long. 15 local Jaco volunteers came out for the event, playing with the kids, helping chaperone and lifeguard, pushing surfboards into the waves for the kids to practice their new sport, serving lunch, and making sure the day went smoothly. This day of fun in the sun would not have been possible without the incredibly generous donations by local Jaco businesses and organizations: delicious lunch of arroz con pollo and bowtie pasta salad provided by Jimmy T of Jimmy T's Provisions; gift bags for all of the kids and dozens of bamboo beach mats donated by Marc Pontbriant from Souvenir Centro; Surf instruction with Gustavo Castillo and the instructors from Jaco Surf School; Christian Surfers for their support with chairs, soccer balls and extra volunteers; neighbor Gary for the juice boxes and use of his electric current for the DJ on the beach; and finally, beautiful beachfront Hotel 9 for the use of their restrooms and showers.

We are so grateful for the turnout for the event, and can't wait to plan another beach day for the community of Turrubares in the future. A big thanks to all who were involved, and here's hoping that this kick-off recycling contest is just the beginning of heightened recycling efforts throughout Turrubares County!

On Wednesday, June 23, AmaTierra hosted the official Turrubares county meeting of Plan PRESOL (Plan de Residuos Solidos, or Solid Waste Management Plan), presented by the Ministry of Education of Puriscal. Tara represented the AmaTierra Foundation and gave a brief presentation to participants about the recycling and enivornmental education projects of the Foundation. The group was all ears, especially after she thanked them for their bare feet, since we were in the yoga studio, after all!

25 local attendees from Turrubares' public and private sectors represented local government, businesses and civil society. Special guests included the Mayor of Turrubares, representatives from Turrubares High School and the new local cooperative COOPETOUR RUBARES. Puriscal's news station was there, too, filming the event and conducting interviews with participants and government officials.

The emphasis of the meeting was on creating a working group to support the municipality in its new legal mandate to implement a county-wide solid waste management program in accordance with Costa Rica's brand new law, GIRS (Gestion de Residuos Solidos, or Solid Waste Management), requiring all municipal governments to be responsible for creating and maintaining a fully functional waste management system. Plan PRESOL helps support the municipality and its local community in holding each county responsible for making this happen. Since the AmaTierra Foundation has worked tirelessly to promote a waste management program, including the initiation of a growing recycling project, we couldn't be happier that Costa Rican legislation is helping to make this goal a closer reality here in Turrubares.

Our next step is to facilitate a presentation to the Municipal Council by the Costa Rican organization Terra Nostra this Friday, June 25. Terra Nostra will present the ways in which municipal governments can implement their own recycling project as part of a larger waste management system to minimize solid waste in landfills and create a self-sustaining and lucrative program to handle recyclable materials. Fingers crossed the Municipal Council will be open to the idea, and the AmaTierra Foundation's long-term dream for a county-wide recycling project will get its wings and fly!

If you would like more information on the AmaTierra Foundation and how you can get involved, please visit our website, www.amatierra.com/amatierrafoundation.

Greener than Green!

We are having a green season like no other here in the central highlands of Costa Rica. Some recent guests from the desert southwest of the U.S. are finding the afternoon rains a welcome change from the heat.
The veggies in our new gardens below the yoga studio are growing like time-lapse photos--arugula, basil, tomatoes, chiles, cucumbers, camote, all perky from the rain. Ah...Costa Rica!!!
--Jill

Girlfriends' Weekend at AmaTierra

This weekend we invited women from all over Costa Rica to join us for a wonderful girls-only event geared toward friendship, fun, yoga and wellness. As the refreshing afternoon rains gave way to a peaceful stillness at dusk, the event kicked off with Jill's heavenly evening yoga class in the studio, followed by a short meditation using Tibetan crystal singing bowls as part of a mini sound therapy session. Then we practiced chakra sounds like the high-pitched nasal sound "neeeee" for our third-eye chakra and the low "ooooo" sound to correspond with our second chakra. This new practice had the whole group giggling, and we had a chance to laugh with one another at the funny sounds we were making: sound healing with our own voices and spiritual healing with smiles and laughter all around, how fun!

Happy hour with wine before dinner was a wonderful time to get to know each other better, connect and share -- Two Oceans wine was a definite crowd pleaser. We all loved Margarita's Thai Chicken Curry with Jasmine Rice and fresh Garden Salad, and of course, Pineapple-Mango Cake was just what we needed to satisfy our nighttime sweet tooth. Before bed, Jill led us through a Medicine Card session as we all drew from the deck of cards and listened to what each card revealed about the life questions we held for ourselves -- enlightening indeed.

Morning yoga woke us up with a smile as we welcomed the beautiful day. Breakfast was yet another time for togetherness, and the girlfriends had a chance to schedule individual wellness sessions for herbal consulations, massage, time on the bio-mat and aromatherapy treatments. What a great way to celebrate womanhood and bring together such an inspiring group of women living here in this incredible country.

Thanks to all of you who made this weekend so special, and we hope to see you again soon. If you missed this girlfriends event and would like to be sure to attend the next one, please add us as a friend on facebook or email amatierra@gmail.com to be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Until next time!

New in AmaTierra's Kitchen - Quinoa

Margarita, AmaTierra's Head Chef is at it again, experimenting with new delicious creations in the kitchen. This time, the ingredient of choice is Quinoa, a vitamin-rich, high-protein, high-fiber grain native of the South American Andean highlands and very popular in Peruvian cooking. A wonderful side addition to any meal or combined with a hearty curry or stew as a meal on its own, our new gourmet Quinoa recipes are both tasty and nutritional, providing 7 grams of protein and 11 grams of dietary fiber per 1/4 cup serving! Given its high protein content, Quinoa is ideal for vegetarian and vegan cooking, and Margarita's new Peruvian stew is 100% vegetarian with zucchini, tomato, carrot, bell pepper, cilantro and celery - seasoned with coriander, cumin, chile powder, cayenne and oregano for a homestyle recipe you'll be dying to try at home. And the best part is, Quinoa is available in most health food stores and now in some grocery stores, so you can enjoy it both here at AmaTierra and back in your home kitchen.

Quinoa is easy to make, just rinse it with cold water, place it in a pot with water (2:1 water to Quinoa ratio), and cook covered on medium-heat for 15 minutes or until the grain is soft. Combine with vegetables, spices and curries as a nutritional alternative to rice, couscous or pasta. Fluff with a fork before serving. Enjoy!

AmaTierra cookbook coming soon...

White-Faced Monkeys Spotted at AmaTierra

Monkeyin' around...



"Hay MONOS!" Yolanda cried over the walkie talkie. We gathered the guests and flew up the stairs to the yoga studio. There they were, 5 or 6 of them, white-faced monkeys indeed. We got to watch them for a long time, and they were watching us right back, feeling threatened and wanting to threaten us at the same time, show us their Costa Rican Machismo. They shook the trees, trying to make branches fall on us. We stood very still, watching them. People around here say they never see monkeys, but this troop has been living at AmaTierra for at least 1 year. They're usually so shy and stealthy that we can only hear them. I've tried to find them on the trails at 5 a.m. but they elude me every time. Today was different, and it felt amazing. I'm so grateful to live in this paradise where monkeys play. Perhaps one day they will know we are friendly, and they will feel at ease. In the meantime, we celebrate their presence and love watching them down by the creek and up at the yoga studio.

Namaste,


Jill

Strengthening Intuition, Equine Therapy, Energy Channeling and Rainboots

What do all of those things have in common? They are all part of this week's Goddesses in Paradise Women's Retreat at AmaTierra! Since our last update, the group has been all over the map-- visiting the Central Pacific Coast and Sweet Prince Horse Ranch, and taking part in unique spiritual workshops to gain a deeper connection to the Divine Feminine within. Braving the refreshing rain with rubber boots, raincoats and umbrellas, these goddesses recognize that with these rains of change all around us, true transformation is in the air!

The past two days have been enlightening, with group work geared toward strengthening our natural energy sensitivities and intuition through partner practices that emphasize color awareness, connection to our natural surroundings and sensory energy perception. Retreat Hostess Andrea Mikana-Pinkham led an energy channeling session, reminding us to "be who we be" in every given moment of our spiritual journey through focusing on our inner awareness, presence and love.

Next, sunshine, waves and a girls' shopping day in Jaco Beach were the perfect combination for a mid-week excursion. And today's special trip to the Sweet Prince Horse Ranch for equine-assisted therapy led by Mark and Marsha Friedman was the icing on the cake, as the group was able to connect with the horses, whose natural intuition works as a reflecting mirror to our human emotions. Tomorrow, the Goddess group zips to Turubari eco-adventure park for a burst of adrenaline on the zip line canopy tour after a guided hike through the park. Fun!

With such a wonderful week well underway, Andrea is already gearing up to host another retreat next year, so write us if you are interested in participating in 2011 so we can be sure to save you a spot on the guest list. amatierra@gmail.com

Pura Vida Goddesses in Paradise!

Goddesses In Paradise: Women's Retreat hosted by Andrea Mikana-Pinkham

Today, Monday, May 24 is Day 3 of AmaTierra's Goddess Retreat. Seasoned retreat leader Andrea Mikana Pinkham from Sedona, AZ welcomed this special group of six women from all over the United States on Saturday evening with an intimate pow-wow under the stars in our open-air yoga studio. Sharing impressions of the divine feminine and drawing from the deck of Goddess Tarot cards, the group was called to focus on the energy of the Irish goddess Sheela Na Gig, opening to the infinite potential of the Triple divinity of Maiden, Mother and Crone. It was no coincidence that four of the seven of us in the group all drew this Infinite Potential card from the Tarot deck, and as the week continues, we look forward to what's in store.

Now on Day 3, our Retreat Goddesses have enjoyed meditative hikes through AmaTierra, morning and afternoon Goddess workshop sessions with Andrea, private Tarot readings, yoga classes morning and evening, massage, herbal consultations and other personalized wellness therapies. We have been blessed with beautiful afternoon and evening rains, cooling us off and re-energizing the lush forest around us. Later this week, the Goddesses will visit the beach on the Central Pacific Coast, experience equine therapy with the intuitive horses at Sweet Prince Ranch, and explore their adventurous side with Turubari Park's zip-line canopy tour!

Visit our blog again later in the week for more photos and news on this special women's retreat and how you can join us for the next one.

Namaste from all of us at Amatierra

New at AmaTierra's Wellness Spa

Experience AROMATOUCH--AmaTierra's Newest Wellness Therapy
Your personalized AROMATOUCH aromatherapy massage treatment will help you:

• Reduce Stress
• Balance your Nervous System
• Reduce Inflammation
• Enhance Immunity and Detoxify your Body
  

For this special treatment, AmaTierra’s experienced therapists use 100% Pure Certified Organic Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils from DōTerra Oils®. These are powerful plant essences that have profound effects on the four main factors that cause most health challenges: stress, inflammation, autonomic nervous system imbalance, and compromised immunity.

The AROMATOUCH essential oil blend is specifically selected to relax and relieve muscle tension, soothe irritated tissue and improve circulation throughout the body. Experience the healing power of delicious aromatherapy scents including lavender, peppermint, wild orange, grapefruit, cypress and Melaleuca; plus unique pre-blends like Balance, Deep Blue and On Guard.

$95 for a 1-hour treatment

DōTerra Oils® are available for purchase here at AmaTierra – Ask Jill for more information after your session or write us at amatierra@gmail.com.

For more information on AmaTierra's Spa Services, visit our Wellness page at http://www.amatierra.com/wellness.html