Sacred Roots in Paradise
with Kelly Aguilera + Keri Huddleston
- Jan 7-13, 2024
- Group size: 8-15
- Playa Gigante - Nicaragua
Trip Summary
Join Kelly Aguilera + Keri Huddleston from Sacred Roots for a week long experience in an idyllic setting full of opportunity to connect within, with others, and nature. Beautiful environs, beaches, lakes + volcanoes, adventurous experiences, daily yoga and meditation, and good company for a true self care experience.
All participants will have the opportunity to learn the basics of self myofascial release and receive the tools necessary to continue their relaxing practice when they return home.
BOOK BEFORE 8/1/23 and save $200 with code: SACREDROOTS
The hotel
Equipped with a sparkling pool, WiFi, and A/C, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable accommodations without losing the rustic touch that makes Gigante unique and travel so meaningful.
Yoga + healing sessions will be held between a tropical open space underneath our newly built grand palapa and a cliffside ocean view shala overlooking the bay just south of Playa Gigante.
There will be plenty of time to relax and unwind so feel free to take a moment to relax in one of our day beds or hammock, and appreciate the blue skies.
Food + Drink
We have a full-service restaurant + bar to prepare meals and beverages during this retreat. Enjoy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with delicious options for all dietary needs and preferences. Experience delicious tropical fruits, fresh caught fish, local produce, and a thoughtfully crafted menu to keep you satisfied.
About Playa Gigante
A colorful fishing village off the beaten path, El Gigante is located just over an hour north of San Juan Del Sur on Nicaragua's beautiful Pacific Coast. The town is aptly named “big foot” when translated from Spanish to describe the gentle green foothills that meet the ocean with such ease. A town filled with untouched beaches, roaming farm animals, and dirt pathways; you’ll quickly remember the importance of slowing down and to embrace living simply.
The lifestyle and culture here very much embodies the phrase “Take it Easy”. Arriving here feels like taking one long exhale and a chance to just be.
Cliffside Oceanview Hike
Giant's Foot, located at the south end of Gigante Bay, a quick 20 min hike to the top gives beautiful coastal views of Nicaragua.
Laguna de Apoyo
A protected basin and nature reserve, see what happens when a volcano implodes on itself 20000 years ago. Options to enjoy a hike to the nearby market town of Catalina, or stick to water activities in the lake such as swimming, kayaking, or taking the opportunity to explore the beautiful sport of freediving (diving down on one breath) with an Intro to Freediving Course for an additional charge.
The lake nears Granada and masaya, so it is the perfect adventure pair to having a complete nature day with also visiting masaya, or taking a dip before roaming the streets of Granada.
Yoga
Led by both Kelly Aguilera and Keri Huddleston, 1-2 yoga classes per day are offered, with a mix of both invigorating flows and restorative Yin sessions. Both instructors have over 1000 hours of extensive training and co-lead the Yoga Teacher Training program through Sacred Roots. All levels are welcome and each class with have modifications and progressions offered to suit any level of yoga experience. Yoga sessions will be held between the on-site beautiful palapa space as well as a cliffside ocean view yoga deck at the neighboring bay.
About Kelly Aguilera
I've been stepping in front of classrooms since 2005. Because of this experience I feel uniquely suited to help students find their voice and comfort as a teacher. I began a career as a high school history teacher but in 2012 I found my passion stepping in front of students in a yoga studio. I feel at home guiding students in a dance of breath and movement, tuning in to what is happening in the present moment and hoping that at the end of it all they've learned a little bit about the Self and the nature of their bodies.
I have had over 1,000 hours of training in yoga asana, philosophy and anatomy. I consider Paul Grilley - a pioneer in yoga anatomy and chakra meditation - my dearest teacher. I have also completed more than 200 hours of education with Yogarupa Rod Stryker am Certified ParaYoga Nidra teacher. Lastly, I have completed 300 hours in yoga philosophy, history and training from leading academics in the modern yoga world. I feel I have a solid foundation in both the yang and the yin forms of yoga.
I teach 4 weekly classes at The Studio in Reno in addition to many workshops. I'm an E RYT-500, and also certified to lead continuing education classes through the Yoga Alliance.
About Keri Huddleston
I began a regular practice of yoga after sustaining a sports related back injury in 2001. Yoga has helped me to keep a healthy body so I can continue my habit of many outdoor activities, including snowboarding and backpacking, as well as cultivate a meditation and mindfulness practice.
I started teaching in 2005 and have an energetic style but I aim for even challenging poses to be accessible for everyone. I am a co-teacher for the Sacred Roots Yoga Teacher Training Program established in 2017. I have led numerous workshops to assist students and teachers in deepening their yoga practice including many for inversions and arm balancing, meditation, and Vinyasa yoga.
I also have a long career as Speech Language Pathologist, national consultant, and presenter. In my free time I love to do anything outside, travel, and spend time with my dog Daisy.
Daily Surf Opportunities
Our home break of Playa Amarillo is just a 10 minute walk or short drive away from the hotel. This long open stretch of beach offers great beginner waves in January, with a beautiful backdrop of the raw Nica jungle. We have a quiver of over 20 boards to rent from and local surf guides/instructors if you want to take a lesson with land, pool, and ocean training.
What's included
Room to Roam supports your entire travel process with personalized flight recommendations, all pre-travel preparations and instructions, and direct communication with our team if you have any questions! We save you the time and hassle of the planning so you can focus on the experience. Adventure, simplified.
6 nights in our 4-Star Beachside Boutique Hotel with a pool, grand palapa wellness space, A/C, hot water, Wifi.
Unlimited food, fresh juice, and non-alcoholic refreshments from our onsite restaurant that features fresh + local options for all types of eaters. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Roundtrip ground transportation between the airport + hotel. You can choose to fly into either Managua (MGA) or Liberia, CR (LIR) and we will pick you up from either!
Classes are grounding, yet challenging, and will be offered with modifications for all levels. Throughout the week, not only will you be supported in your practice - you'll be challenged to drop into joy and presence
A protected basin and nature reserve, see what happens when a volcano implodes on itself 20000 years ago. Options to enjoy a hike to the nearby market town of Catalina, or stick to water activities in the lake such as swimming, kayaking, or taking the opportunity to explore the beautiful sport of freediving (diving down on one breath).
Giant's Foot, located at the south end of Gigante Bay, a quick 20 min hike to the top gives beautiful coastal views of Nicaragua.
Beginner-friendly waves along unspoiled coastline just 10 minute stroll from the hotel. Optional surf lessons/board rentals available for additional charge.
Enjoy authentic Caribbean Curry cliffside, overlooking the ocean with the best view Gigante has to offer.
At our favorite local spot, El Pozo, with delicious wood-fired brick oven pizza and a lively hangout vibes.
Close out the week with a memorable beach bonfire fiesta!
We will search and assist you with finding the best flight, however your package price does not include the cost of your international airfare.
This is an introductory course that will teach you the fundamentals of freediving. The classroom session will cover topics like breathing technique, equalization technique, equipment, physiology and safety.
You will then practice these techniques up to 5m depths in the open water. After completing the course, your confidence and experiences as a snorkeler will be greatly enhanced, enabling you to trust your abilities and stay safe in the water.
Full Service Bar Onsite with Fresh Craft Cocktail Creations and Ice Cold Beer.
We work with our trusted partners for the extras like : day trip excursions, horseback riding, boat trips for surf/fishing, massages, salsa lessons, moto rentals, whatever you want to do!
If you loved your service + stay with us, feel free to leave a tip to be shared evenly amongst all of our awesome staff.
*Required* For your convenience, we offer Travelex Insurance Services protection plans. www.travelexinsurance.com Enter Agency Location # 28-0102 in the blue box.
"This was a transformative week!"
October 2022 by Ivonne G.
"I would come back again in a heart beat!"
September 2022 by Kelly T.