Erik Dalton – Costa Rica (Fall Retreat)
San Jose, Costa Rica Workshop
November 30 - December 07, 2013

Workshop description

Motion is lotion…move it or lose it!

There’s a saying in orthopedics that “motion is lotion for joints,” but what about muscles, fascia, nerves, and cardiovascular structures? Aging causes us to produce less synovial fluid (lubrication) for joints, and hyrolyanic acid for musculofascial gliding. Each day our bodies “dry up” a bit, get a little shorter, and hurt more. But, motion is lotion and nothing brings back the juice like good bodywork and functional home-retraining.

Trying something new...

This year, we’ll begin our Dalton Gang retreat by assessing and correcting cervical range of motion restrictions using specially designed deep tissue and myofascial joint stretching techniques. Next, we’ll focus on the “Big 4” spinal junctions (O-A, C-T, T-L & L-S) where most pain & dysfunction arise. Lastly, we’ll deal with upper & lower extremity issues such as rotator cuff, carpal tunnel, and hip capsules, and we’ll highlight the “Top 10” client complaints.

We’ve added a special “Do No Harm” segment to alert therapists to possible therapeutically-induced injury due to excessive stretching or “digging” on hypermobile, unstable, or protectively muscle guarded tissues.

Our therapeutic goal: Bring on the “lotion’ to restore ‘motion’ to stuck fascia layers, adhesive joint capsules, and injured ligaments. You’re client’s will love this work!

Here’s a short list of pain/injury sites where fibrosis, spasm and pain manifest:

• Head-on-neck (headaches & TMJ)
• Neck-on-shoulders (neck cricks, TOS & dowager’s humps)
• Ribcage-on-pelvic girdle (breathing problems & nerve pinches)
• Lowback-on-sacrum (sciatica & sprained SI joint ligaments)
• Rotator cuff, elbow & wrist (carpal tunnel)
• Hip capsule, knee & foot (piriformis & plantar fasciitis)

Incorporate this Myoskeletal skill-set now and elevate your clients to a new level of health.
This will lead to increased referrals, greater 'hands-on' confidence and self-satisfaction.
It'll change the way you work!

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Reduced off-season rates as low as $1,474 Per Participant
and $1,180 - Companion Rate. Bring a Buddy!

Participant: Rate includes lodging, all meals, workshop tuition and certification plus transportation to and from the San Jose Airport

Companions: (non-workshop participants) have the same access to all meals, spa treatments and excursions. Companions are welcome.

Space is limited... reserve you space and select your accommodations
call Rashida 888-767-7375 ext. 233

A $500 deposit is due upon reservation, non-refundable.
The balance is due by October 21st.

Q & A on your trip to PuraVida

When do I pay my balance?

Please call the reservations office to pay your balance on or before Oct. 19th. We accept Visa and MasterCard only.

What is the Workshop Schedule and Free time?

Saturday, Nov. 30 Arrival Day... Evening Orientation from 7 to 8pm and a “get to know everyone” party after.
Sunday, Dec. 1: Workshop: 10am - 1pm / 2 - 5pm
Monday, Dec. 2: Morning free time / Workshop: 2 - 5pm
Tuesday, Dec. 3: Workshop: 9am - Noon / 2 - 5pm
Wed. Dec. 4: Your free day to do the wonderful excursions, lay around the pool or take advantage of the many spa services

Details on classes and excursions will be available at the desk when you check in.

Thurs., Dec. 5: Workshop: 9am - Noon / 2 - 5pm
Friday, Dec. 6: Morning free time / Workshop: 2 - 6pm / Evening Party
Saturday, Dec. 7: Check out day

You can coordinate an early check-in or a late check out for 10% off the regular fee
All meals are included... The first meal is Saturday evening, Nov. 30, the last is breakfast Saturday Morning December 7.

What excursions and spa treatments are available in our free time?

Click on the above excursion link for details on tours availability. Those include: Waterfall Gardens, Canopy Adventure Tour- zip lining, White Water Rafting, Sky Walk and Wildlife Boat Tour, Hot Springs and Eco-Touring Hike, Volcano Tour and a guided hike in the Surrounding Coffee Fields Click on the above spa treatments link to view the spa packages.

Can I register for spa and trips before I go?

Because the spa treatments we offer change somewhat from week to week (depending on which therapists are here), we ask that you wait until arrival to arrange appointments at the Wellness Center. Once you arrive you will also have a schedule for your week and will better know what times work better for you to arrange appointments.

Check In / Check Out

Check in consists of filling out a simple form followed by a brief orientation. Check in time is 2:00 pm. and check out time is 11:00 am. If your departing flight leaves early in the morning, please check out the day before and settle any costs you may have incurred during your stay. For payment of balance due and extras incurred, we accept cash, traveler's checks, Visa and MasterCard.  

Reception

Our reception is open from 7:30 am to 10:00 pm for guest services and staff is available 24 hours a day for emergencies.

Tips

The staff gratuities are not included in the package price. We recommend $50 per guest for the entire week for the general staff of 50 people. We ask you to tip your massage therapist separately.

Do I need shots?

No shots or vaccinations are needed for visits to Costa Rica.

Do the people at the resort speak English?

Everyone in office, the yoga teachers and the massage therapists all speak English.

Do you have heat and air conditioning?

The ambient temperature at Pura Vida is about ideal. The year round temperature is 70 to 80 degrees during the day with mild nights.Thus, none of our rooms or facilities has air conditioning or heating.

Are there a lot of insects?

Being in the tropics, there is a lot of insect life in general in Costa Rica. However, our elevation keeps this issue at a minimum and our guests find it remarkably bug-free here.

Do you offer a laundry service?

Yes, we offer a laundry service to our guests. The charge is $8 per load to wash, dry and fold.

How far are you from the ocean?

The closest beaches to Pura Vida are about 2 hours away on the Pacific coast.

Preparing for your travels

Costa Rica's Travel Document Requirements:

Citizens of the U.S. and Canada may enter Costa Rica with a valid passport. Please note that Costa Rican law requires your passport be valid for at least 90 days after the date you enter the country. This means that if your passport will expire within the next 90 days, you must renew it before your trip. Check with your airline or travel agent for more information. Citizens of other countries should check with the applicable Costa Rican Consulate in your country about rules governing entrance into Costa Rica. You are required to carry your passport with you at all times. If you are stopped by officials, a photocopy with your photo, passport number and entry stamp will usually suffice and is recommended.

What do I need to bring with me?

Tables are supplied at no cost. Flashlight, alarm clock, sunscreen and hat, bathing suit, day pack/backpack, walking/hiking shoes, sandals with straps, sweater/sweatshirt, insect repellant, toiletries, warm pajamas (cool nights), rainwear/poncho (May-Nov.).

Safety

Our resort is very secure, yet as a standard precaution we recommend that you store your valuables (cash, credit cards, passports, plane tickets, etc) in the safe available in the office.

Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is quite safe. Like any place, normal precautions and care should be taken depending upon where you are visiting. Violent crime is rare in Costa Rica while theft of personal property (from automobiles and hotel rooms) is more common. Big cities, beach areas and anyplace with a concentration of tourists is more likely to draw thieves and such.

Is Pura Vida a safe place for single women to visit?

Yes, our property is very secure. The area around Pura Vida is also safe to walk around in and many people (male and female) enjoy a walk or run in the surrounding neighborhood and coffee fields.

Location and Climate

Pura Vida Spa is a private, gated, 8-acre mountainside estate in Costa Rica’s Alajuela province.  It is only 20 minutes northwest of the SJO International Airport and 45 minutes from downtown San Jose.  Located at almost 5,000 feet above sea level, year-round temperatures at Pura Vida range from 70 to 80 degrees during the day with mild nights in the high 50s to low 60s.  May through November is the Green Season in Costa Rica. 

Sunrise/Sunsets

The sun rises here all year round 5:30 am and by 6:00 am everyone is usually naturally awake and alert. Sunset is around 6:00 pm all year round.

Communication

What is the address to the Spa?

The mailing address is Villas Pura Vida Retreat Center Apartado 1112, Alajuela 4050, Costa Rica The physical address is 700 metros al sur de salon Apolo 15 Pavas de Carrizal, Alajuela, Costa Rica

WI-FI

Free Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant and guest lounge. We also have free high-speed internet available in our guest lounge free of charge.

Can I use my laptop?

Yes! Free Wi-Fi is available in our guest lounge, pool area and restaurant.

Can I use my cell phone?

Most cell phones work, however, you will need to contact your provider for assistance

Food & Drinks

Food & Drinks

We have bottled water in your room and at the bar. Soft drinks, beer and wine are also available. Our restaurant is casual buffet and our staff take great pride in serving delicious meals. The menu includes a variety of vegetarian fare as well as chicken and fish. We also can accommodate vegan and high-protein diets.

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, the water at Pura Vida is safe to drink from every faucet on the property. We filter our water on the premises with both a 1-micron filter and a UV filter. Countrywide, water quality standards in Costa Rica are generally quite high and visitors normally do not have any problems.  There is now alkaline water available in the restaurant at no additional cost.

Meal Times

Breakfast 7:30am-9:00am; Lunch 1:00pm-2:30pm; Dinner 6:30pm-8:00pm

Getting Around

Airport Transportation

Airport pick-up and drop-off are included in the package price. Our representative will be waiting for you at the terminal exit with a sign listing your name and "PURA VIDA".

How do I get into town?

The easiest way to get to town is by taxi. We can usually have a taxi for you in 15 minutes or less. The cost to downtown Alajuela is about $15 per taxi. There is also a public bus route that picks up near Pura Vida and goes to downtown Alajuela once per hour. The cost is less than 50 cents per person.

Can I rent a car?

Yes, our staff will gladly help arrange this for you upon arrival at the resort. There are several companies that will drop off your rental car to you here at Pura Vida. You will need a valid driver's license, passport and credit card.

How much is a cab?

Taxicab rates depend, of course, on the distance you want to travel. Taxis in Costa Rica charge by the trip and not per person. So, sharing taxis can really cut down on the cost. Generally taxis can accommodate up to 4 people. A trip to downtown Alajuela is about $15 each way, to the airport is $25 each way, to downtown San José is around $75 each way, and to Jacó (the nearest beach) is about $110 each way.