The goal of the vacation giveaway program is to keep Dogland Shelter open and running strong forever.  There will be 200 Costa Rica Vacations for 2 given away, valued at over $250,000.  For every $1 donated to Dogland Shelter, the donor will receive one chance to win one of the vacations.  There is no limit to how much you can donate and each dollar gives you a greater chance of winning.  For every 5000 entries, a name will be drawn and that person will win a vacation for two.

So what is Dogland?  Dogland Shelter in Costa Rica is a true dog city!  It is a loving place that takes in any dog in need.  It is truly a little piece of heaven for the sick, young, old, neglected and homeless.  There are no cages and it is definitely a no kill shelter.

The founder, operator and heart of this program is Helene Wirt.  Her non-profit organization “Asociacion Elena – Perros que ME encontraron” (Association Helene – Dogs they found Me) runs Dogland and the Meet Your Dog Sponsorship Program.  The dogs have a wide open space with small houses situated around the property.  It really is a dog town that is watched over by a loving caretaker who treats each of these souls as her babies.

Dogland houses about 180+ dogs at the current moment and is responsible for countless adoptions each year.  They also work with other rescue organizations on spay and neutering programs as well as educating the public.

Dogland is a labor of love for Helene and the small staff of volunteers that keep this place going.  But it is not easy, nor is it cheap to keep the place running and give the quality of loving care that Dogland gives.  And they always welcome help.  Volunteers spend time with the dogs, basically giving them the love and care that they have missed by not having a loving owner.  Any and all help is greatly appreciated.  They are always looking for foster homes, administrative help or for people to just spread the word.  You can adopt dogs, sponsor dogs and even board your dog there if you live in Costa Rica.

Some Costa Rica travel companies like Costa Rica Vacation Experts help by donating their time and resources to Dogland Shelter.  I would like to encourage everyone who is considering a vacation to Costa Rica to please help out and donate what you can for the chance to win a trip for 2.  Even if you weren’t considering a trip but are a dog lover they would greatly appreciate your help.  And if you are reading this, please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and all other social media outlets.  And once you make it to Costa Rica, arrange a visit to Dogland.  They would love to show you this heavenly refuge for man’s best friend.

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We started out over 10 years ago offering surf camps and packages in Costa Rica.  Very close to the beginning yoga was added as an option to the packages as it proved to be such a compliment to surfing.  Many programs, courses and DVD’s have been designed to tailor a yoga routine for surfers over the last decade.  And we have seen firsthand how yoga benefits surfers.

We figured that the natural progression beyond our current programs would be to offer multiple activities that could be incorporated into your fitness program once you are back home.  We are in the process of putting together different packages right now, but for the time being we have several activities that can be added to our yoga and surf programs.

Other fitness sources that we are working into the mix include stand up paddling, high intensity interval training (HIIT), TRX, Beachbody workouts and more.  Also to be included are seminars on nutrition, along with raw and vegan “cooking” classes.  We will show you natural and fun ways to make your diet more nutritious.  “Diet” in the traditional sense that we know it is really a nasty word that nobody likes to hear.  It is not about depriving yourself or suffering, but about learning to make better food choices.

Although we will be offering programs for those that wish to obtain an elite body, we will also have programs for people that are conscious about their health and just want to live better.  And a big part of being fit for life is not letting your fitness routine get boring or stale.

Costa Rica is the perfect spot for you to jump start your commitment to fitness or to take it to the next level.  Imagine waking up early to the sounds of scarlet macaws as you start your day with a run or hike up a nearby mountain.  After rehydrating with fresh fruit smoothies and an energizing breakfast, you are onto a challenging yoga class, a surf or perhaps a stand up paddle workout.  A lot depends upon the high tide, which is how we schedule our days.

Besides keeping you busy and making sure you get good workouts while you are in Costa Rica, we will set up guidelines for you to use once you are back home.  These will depend on your needs, the climate and any constraints you might have where you live.  All packages include a representative meeting you at the airport, beautiful lodging, surfing, yoga and whatever workout options you choose.  We also work with massage therapists to help your muscles get the relief they need to keep you going throughout the week.  Some or all meals can be included and you can’t go wrong with the abundance of fresh fruit, fish and seafood that is available.  Vegetarian and vegan options are available also.  Check out Costa Rica Surf and contact us for information on activities that can be added to the yoga and surf packages.

A fitness vacation to Costa Rica is the perfect way to start living a healthier lifestyle and create memories that last a lifetime.

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One of the best parties in the Jaco area will be at Los Amigos.  They have been hosting a Super Bowl party for several years now and it is probably the largest in Jaco.  There is still time to make your reservation for Sunday.

For a cozy living room atmosphere you might want to check out the Sky Lounge, which is located on the third floor of Hotel Poseidon.  They have air-conditioning, comfortable seating and are offering food and drink specials during the game.  It is a great mix of local expats, who watch football there all season, and guests that are on vacation from the US.  No reservations are necessary but you might want to call ahead if you have a group.

And it is not too late to bet on the Super Bowl.  Besides the lines and the total, there are a ton of prop bets for the game to make it a little more fund and interesting.  See our friends at America’s Bookie for all the lines, odds and bets available!

Where ever you are on Sunday, you are sure to find plenty of party action for the Super Bowl.  Have a great time and enjoy it Costa Rican style!!

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We have been offering yoga along with our surf packages for close to 10 years now and we have had many of our clients fall in love with yoga.  The combination of the two offers a fun and healthy vacation.  Depending on the tide, imagine surfing for a couple of hours in the morning and doing yoga for 1 1/2 hours in the evening.  This generally leads to an early night in bed and one of the best sleeps you’ve had in your life!  If you want to hit the night life, we strongly suggest a nap in between these two physical sessions.

You will not find any two things that go together as well as yoga and surfing.  One thing that they both have in common that they are a way of life.  Unlike other forms of exercise, yoga and surfing tend to be a lifestyle for many.  Yoga provides a lot of physical benefits that make it the perfect compliment to surfing.  Yoga helps build strength and gives you flexibility to prevent injuries in the water.  It will also help to stretch out sore and strained muscles that can come from awkward positions in surfing.  Many claim they have a new calm and peace in the water when adding yoga to their surfing.

If you add in all the healthy food options available in Costa Rica, you should go home feeling great after a surf and yoga retreat!  This is a big contrast to the usual vacation hangover, where you have gained weight, been lazy and feel worse than ever.  Plan your vacation to suit yourself.  You can do as much or little yoga as you like while you are here.  The same goes for surfing.

There are many options for Surf and Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica and you should shop around for the one that is right for you.  We have the following Yoga and Surf Packages and can also design a personal package for you and your group.  Let us offer you a healthy vacation that might end up changing your life.

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It’s time to get ready for Spring Break 2012.  This is just one of our packages.  Be sure and contact us for more information.  We can arrange more surfing, surf only or no surfing at all.  There are all kinds of activities available.

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And most important of all, watch the event live with our friends at Wipeout Films.  They will be streaming the event live all weekend.  We will be back later with photos and a follow up….  Pura Vida y suerte a los surfeadores Ticos!  Oh yeah, when the event is over, make sure to visit our friends at Los Amigos in Jaco!

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There are a lot of Costa Rica hotels to choose from and we will offer just a few reasons why you will enjoy your vacation at Hotel Catalina in Playa Jaco.  With the holidays just around the corner and high season coming you will want to make plans soon to enjoy the beauty that is Costa Rica.

One of the first reasons we recommend Hotel Catalina is that they offer the best of what Jaco has to offer.  They are located on the south end of Playa Jaco, which has a much nicer beach and is quieter than central Jaco.  But you are not isolated.  They are only a short walk or inexpensive taxi ride to downtown Jaco.  So you won’t miss out on all the great restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and more.  There are surf lessons available right out front of the hotel.  You will enjoy the feel of this part of Jaco as many who live there prefer this area for afternoon BBQ’s, cocktails at sunset and walking their dogs in the evenings.  You will definitely get to know people in the neighborhood while you are here.

Another reason to stay at Hotel Catalina in Jaco is that the rooms are very quaint, comfortable and the surroundings are peaceful.  The lush plants on the property remind you that you are in a truly amazing country.  There is a small pool facing the beach that is perfect for relaxing with a drink and watching one of the patented South Jaco Beach sunsets.  Check out these PHOTOS to get a little preview of what you will experience.

The last reason I will mention for staying here are the charming hostesses that I mentioned before.  The property has been family owned and operated for years and these lovely ladies go the extra mile to make your Costa Rica vacation something to remember.  From restaurant recommendations to tours to general information on the area, they are there to assist you while planning your days.

Next time you are looking for Costa Rica hotels, be sure and consider Hotel Catalina in Playa Jaco.  Whether you want to surf, do extreme adventures or just sit on the beach, this is the place to visit.  You are also welcome to do one of our Surf Packages with Hotel Catalina for your accommodations.

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Camelo Bikinis, Swimwear for surfing chicas in Costa Rica

The three owners of Camelo are from Venezuela and share a passion for bodyboarding and creating amazing swimwear for women who surf and those that just want to look good at the beach.  Camelo has one location in Jaco and another in Puerto Viejo, along with their clothing in a couple of locations in San Jose.  They are constantly growing and also offer their clothing in Panama and Puerto Rico.   They are very active in bodyboarding and have several team riders that are sponsored by Camelo.  One strong feature of all their bikinis and swimsuits are that they are designed for surfers and stay in place in the water for women who live an active lifestyle.

Below is just an example of their designs.  For more of their creations or to contact them directly see them on Facebook at Camelo Bikinis.

We like to support all businesses in the area that are a reflection of the Pura Vida lifestyle that is unique to Costa Rica!  It is all about surfing, a healthy lifestyle and good vibrations.  Their video sums it up and says it all:

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