Nicoya, Costa Rica, the beautiful peninsula on the tip of which resides The Sanctuary at Two Rivers, is one of the world’s five Blue Zones. Blue Zones are places in the world where people live the longest and happiest lives. At the Sanctuary, whether you’re here for a one week retreat or a three week yoga teacher training, you’ll have a chance to experience life in one of the healthiest places on earth.
So What is a Blue Zone?
Blue Zones are a concept started by Dan Buettner, a National Geographic Fellow and multiple New York Times bestselling author. He traveled around the world studying which cultures and climates lead to the healthiest, happiest, and longest living people. The Blue Zones are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California, and Nicoya, Costa Rica. Since the start of this project, the foundation has been studying what themes connect those communities to understand how to build a healthy lifestyle for anyone. So, what makes Nicoya, Costa Rica a Blue Zone?
Mineral Rich Water
The water in Nicoya has the highest calcium content in the country, which corresponds with the low rates of heart disease and fewer hip fractures, due to having stronger bones. The water at The Sanctuary goes a step further. Our water comes from a mountain spring isolated deep in the jungle, and is redirected into our special, organic filtration system that involves papyrus root and sand. All the faucets and garden-view showers in your Jungle Loft at The Sanctuary have delicious, high quality, high vibration water available any time. And be sure to stay hydrated, it’s hot in the tropics!
Sunshine
Another key to healthy living is sunshine. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones and support a healthy system, as well as lift mood. Not having enough Vitamin D has been linked to many health issues such as osteoporosis and heart disease. So spending a “smart” amount of time in the sun (about 15 minutes) can be a key to a better life. Though much of The Sanctuary is comfortably shaded by arching palms and trees dripping with vines and wild orchids, spots of hot, bright sun still find their way through. Especially at the pool, where the clear turquoise water shimmers in the bright light. There you can relax on a Costa Rican style chaise lounge after lunch, or take a dip between classes on the Nadis and pranayama then dry off on a lounge chair. Just be sure to use sun-block, our proximity to the equator makes the sun much more intense.
Nourishing Food
Eating a healthy diet rich with nutrients and fresh vegetables is one of the surest ways to live a long and healthy life. In Nicoya in particular, residents tend to eat a light dinner early in the evening. This is also a traditional Ayurvedic practice followed at The Sanctuary. Nearly every dinner is a delicious, warming, and easily digestible soup that leaves your taste buds in awe while being gentle and nourishing to the body.
That’s certainly not all that makes Gaia Gourmet cuisine an ideal choice for those who want to lead a healthy lifestyle. Each meal is intentionally designed and crafted with fresh, organic ingredients that nourish the body and soul. Many of the longest living people studied around the world ate little or no meat, and at The Sanctuary all our meals are one hundred percent vegetarian and always have gluten-free and vegan options
“¡Pura Vida!”
The national saying of Costa Rica is “Pura Vida” which roughly means “life is pure” or “life is good.” Walking through the little beach towns, most with hammocks strung up between palm trees and a coconut for sipping within reach, it’s not hard to tell why. But this is not just a casual saying, the Tico people understand the importance of living good and enjoying it. Family and community are prioritized, and whole extended families live on one street. They value each other, and know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have.
At The Sanctuary, we live in close community. Although people are often coming and going, there is a consistent culture of intimacy, and an understanding that everyone is valued. We know how to listen, and how to laugh. Students and guests often form lifelong friendships and feel as if they’ve “found their tribe.”
We hope you’ll join us in beautiful Nicoya, Costa Rica, and experience what it feels like to live in a way that nourishes you; mind, body, and soul.
The Sanctuary at Two Rivers: A Unique Boutique Yoga Retreat and Teacher Training Center
Join in any of our All-Inclusive Retreats & Yoga Teacher Trainings in Costa Rica. Dine on Gourmet Vegetarian & Vegan Cuisine, Live in Nature, and Meet Like-Minded Souls from Across the Globe.