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On the first night of my first ever Costa Rica yoga retreat, I was getting ready to take a bath. I usually bring these mineral bath packets with me when I travel, and I had just stepped into a warm bath at the end of a really long day when I heard a knock at my bedroom door. I thought it was my assistant Alejandra, who I've known for sixteen years so I told her to come in (I was in the master bath within the bedroom). But she didn't come in. She knocked again, and again I told her to come in, but was met with silence.
So I got out of the bath, soaking wet, wrapped a towel over myself and ran on my tip toes to the door. When I opened it, there stood one of my students.
"I'm so sorry," she exclaimed, "but there is a scorpion under my bed, can you get him for me?"
You guys!
I can barely kill a mosquito without saying a little prayer and feeling badly about it, so you can imagine how I felt when she asked me to "get" a scorpion.
"Sure," I said, as calmly as possible.
"Hurry before he leaves," she said, and off we went - me in a towel, her in clothes she'd traveled in for the last twelve hours.
We made a pitstop at Alejandra's room because if there's anyone who knows what to do with a scorpion it is a native Costa Rican.
"You guys," Alejandra said. "I'm sorry but we do need to kill it. They're very dangerous here, and with us being 45 minutes from the closest hospital, it's not safe."
So we all agreed it was the least yogic thing to do, but it had to be done. Alejandra and I moved the bed, and there was the biggest (ok the only!) scorpion I've ever seen. It was like the size of a remote control, and about as fat as a rat. It had this huge tail like a thick fishtail braid that curled up and it was scurrying around the room as we moved the bed. I had the leave the room (I am the worst, I know!) and let Alejandra take care of it.
And basically spent the rest of the week about ready to crawl out of my skin with every little movement I saw out of the corner of my eyes.
Scorpions are really only near the beach, so this most recent Costa Rica retreat (pics coming up hopefully later today - I am working with very slow internet which is making uploading the pics difficult), I made a conscious decision to avoid the beach. Not only to avoid the scorpions, but to also make it a more relaxing trip because travel between the jungle and the beach makes for a seriously long day in the heat.
At the end of our Costa Rica trip, we had a joke that we hoped we didn't bring back any scorpions in our luggage! Can you imagine?!
Anyway, today's post is about what to pack for a yoga retreat.
Yoga Retreat Packing Guide Giveaway
1. InYo pants, $52. These funky pants are made for an "in yo' face booty" (#genius!) and feature a subtle yet flattering rouching detail on the bum. Bonus points for awesome prints. Use discount Code: CANDACE15 to receive a 15% discount if you purchase within the next seven days.
2. Osmia Organics detox exfoliating face mask, $50. This is my go-to mask after a long day of travel. It's charcoal based, so it draws our impurities, and it has a bit of grit to it so it exfoliates as it washes off leaving skin feeling balanced.
3. Sadhana sports bra, $45. This has easily become one of my favorite bras for both yoga and weightlifting. It accommodates small torsos and larger cup sizes, so if that describes you, I suggest snagging one asap. It's flattering, offers medium support, and has retained its color and shape wash after wash. Huge fan. Use discount code: yogabycandace for 20% off on all orders until December 31.
4. High Chi Leadership mala, $399. This gorgeous mala necklace is perfect for the first time retreat goer or teacher, as it's constructed using beads that inspire a more powerful role. Featuring lapis, turquoise, rudraksha beads and pearls, this is a breathtakingly beautiful necklace not only for meditation, but also to wear daily. Coupon code YBC at checkout for 15%, valid until Dec 20.
5. Confused girl in the city leggings, $72. These pants are for the yoga girl who is ready to branch away from solid colors but isn't quite on board with a bold print. This print is subtle, different, and inspired by healing crystals which is a little added feel good bonus. Discount Code: 15% Off plus free domestic shipping with code: Bye Felicia.
6. La Mav Green clay detox mask, $26.95. This is a wonderfully healing clay mask that is perfect at the end of a long day of activities. The clay draws out impurities, and the natural fruit extracts purifies the skin while the aloe vera extract and rosa damascena revitalizes and rehydrates dull skin. Free BB Creme with purchase.
7. Jeanne Verger Namaste Necklace, $65 NAMASTE says it all. It recognizes the belief that the life force, the divinity, the Self or the God in me is the same in all. Acknowledging this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we honor this life force, the divinity, the Self or the God in the person we meet. Wear this beautiful symbol as a way to honor each person you meet throughout your day. Simple, modern and meaningful, this is the perfect necklace to complement any outfit. Giveaway code: Receive 20% off your entire order using the code YOGALOVE. Coupon code expires on 11/20.
8. RAD Roller, 24.99. Traveling sucks. Ok wait, that came out wrong. The actual traveling (sitting on an airplane, dealing with delays, the heat, lost baggage) is brutal. But once you get to your destination you're usually on cloud nine, right? This little RAD Roller takes up approximately zero space and will help unravel the kinks and tension from long travel days. Bonus, it's cheaper than a massage and weighs next to nothing so it's very travel friendly.
The Giveaway
This giveaway is open to those in the US. This is for shipping reasons - I'm sorry to our international readers! One lucky person will win everything. In order to enter, just leave a comment below telling us about critters on your vacations. Did you ever have a similar experience to our scorpion experience? Ugh, this is bringing back memories of when I went camping as a kid. (#spidercentral) Anyway, once you leave your comment, just fill out the rafflecopter widget below. If you have an email address you use for promotions, feel free to use that one because by entering to win you agree to have your email address shared with the sponsors so they can stay in touch with future promotions. A winner will be picked next Thursday and announced here on Friday. Good luck!