Program

Meet your Teachers

Diala Hamed
(E-RYT 500) Raleigh native Diala was introduced to yoga in 2011 while earning her B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics. After a few classes, she noticed a shift in her mind and body. This shift sparked her curiosity about the philosophy of yoga, and lead her to complete her 200 hour YTT in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. In an immersion program, she studied the practices which ultimately help us become our most humble and content selves. In November 2018 she earned her 300 hr certification at Akhanda Yoga School in Rishikesh, India. She has since taught and participated in yoga across the globe in over 10 countries, across Europe, Asia, and Australia. She spent ten days in silent meditation (Vipassana) in New Zealand to better understand her mind. Yoga has taught Diala to ride the waves of life instead of trying to fight them. She hopes to share her passion for diversity and finding the magic of the present moment in her teaching.

Lauren Cox

Using the power of the ancient wisdom of yoga to heal ourselves as a way to contribute to healing the world is at the core of all of Lauren’s teachings. She firmly believes that we can honor and care for our individual self and needs while still honoring and supporting the collective community that we create. She openly shares her love, compassion, playfulness, and joy through a holistic and balanced approach taught to her by her teacher, Himalayan Yoga Master Yogrishi Vishveketu who developed Akhanda Yoga. Akhanda means whole, indivisible, which applies not only to each individual, honoring that we are whole and complete exactly as we are, but it also applies to the style of teaching, drawing upon the many ancient wisdoms that come together to seamlessly create a whole and complete yoga practice. Lauren also draws upon her education in Yin Yoga, Trauma Informed Yoga, Yoga for PTSD & TBI, Thai Yoga Bodywork, as well as her experiences of living a life of service and of traveling and learning from the wide array of teachers that are presented along the path of life, to create a safe space in which students can explore the depth of their being, create a stronger relationship with Self, drop deeper into gratitude, and use their own intuition to support expansion and transformation. Lauren artfully weaves together science and spirit, bringing a unique balance of anatomy/alignment with the deeper spiritual qualities of the practice.

Accommodation & Rates

Vida Asana is conveniently located 90 minutes from San Jose Airport (SJO), just outside of

Jacó in beautiful Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica. Situated between the lush tropical beauty of

the jungle and world famous beaches of Playa Hermosa, our location provides easy access to

a variety of activities, excursions, restaurants, and shopping, yet offers a peaceful jungle

setting to repose.

All rooms are shared. We will match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone. If you prefer a private room, there is a $300 upcharge.

FROM $1350.00 / Per PERSON USE DISCOUNT CODE “EARLYBIRD” before AUGUST 3rd.

Prepare for your retreat

What to Bring

• Small day bag for excursions/outings

• Clothing:

  • Quick-dry clothes for hiking, day-trips (avoid jeans)

  • Quick-dry activewear for yoga (bring extra)

  • Swimwear/Cover Up

  • Walking shoes for hikes/general traveling

  • Sandals for the beach/retreat center

• Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, protective clothing)

• Insect repellent

• Refillable water bottle

• Journal and/or novel

• Passport and copy of passport in a separate place for international travel

• Yoga mat, travel mat, or mat towel (optional - there will be community mats provided)

CANCELLATION POLICY

Deposits are non-refundable but can be added to a future retreat within 1 year. 

Full payment on retreats is 50% refundable 120 days before the retreat.

Full payment on retreat is non-refundable after 120 within the retreat date