Yoga&Surf Retreat in the Colombian Pacific Coast
My first idea of coming back to Colombia for an extended period of time was mainly to explore as much places as possible and share what people don’t expect about this beautiful country. Not being my first trip to Colombia, I wanted to visit places I’ve never been before and as you might already know, I’m not the kind of tourist that will spend her trip in an all-inclusive resort. Therefore, was the perfect experience in the Colombian Pacific coast; the YogAmar Eco-Retreat.
Located in a secluded beach called Playa Brava, about 60 minutes in speed boat from Nuqui, in the department of Chocó, this sustainable hotel is a true hidden gem. If you could close your eyes, feel the soft warm sunlight on your skin, hear the sound of the waves as they were on your foot, smell the salty breeze and taste every single fruit you could imagine well, that would be exactly the experience I had the chance to live. More than a heavenly location, YogAmar Eco-Retreat is an unique yoga and surf experience where I got initiated to not only the sport but the entire surf culture and the values behind it. In a small and isolated community like Nuqui, where the youth can easily be influenced into the wrong path, surf was recently introduced as a passion and even an opportunity to travel the world to national and international competitions. It was simply amazing to have the most passionate surf teacher Tello, who’s also in charge of one of the surf club with over 50 kids in Termales, a village close to Ecohotel Punta Brava. Seeing this surf community and all its accomplishments in so little time was definitely a source of inspiration and faith for the next generations.
Another part of the experience I wasn’t prepared for even thought they informed us about it, was the absolute absence of network in the region (except in Nuqui and where there was satelite installations). As I said, it didn’t come as a surprise to me but it did change my entire mindset to be unable to post immediately each and single one of the pictures or story I did on social medias or check on my work or even be able to communicate with friends and family. I’ve never felt more relaxed, careless of the time and date and overall free than in those four days without any network. I was able to enjoy every single vegan meal which by the way, was the most delicious food regardless it was vegan (from the restaurant Dharma. chef Erika Hoyos Sanchez). I was finally able to go to bed regardless what time it was just when I felt like it and wake up to the sound of birds and waves ready to do the morning yoga session. Above all, I had the incredible chance to explore one of the richest and unexploited ecosystem in the world in company of wonderful people and medidate on the impact we have on our environment wherever in the world.
