Yoga Vacation Retreat in Cartagena,Colombia, South America; Yoga in Historic Cartagena, Colombia

This fall ESCAPE TO SHAPE and INWARD BOUND take you on an exclusive and magical journey to Cartagena, Colombia in exotic South America. Each six-night session is limited to a maximum of 17 guests, so that each person receives the attention and quality of service they deserve.

Join us and experience the charm and sophistication of this 500-year-old original Spanish colonial walled city, located on the Caribbean on the northwest coast of Colombia. This yoga vacation offers a combination of luxurious accommodations, daily yoga and exercise classes, rich Spanish traditions, narrow cobblestone streets lined with impressive architecture and splashed with cafes, restaurants, boutiques and artisans, grand cathedrals and plazas full of life. Additionally, you'll experience the natural beauty of Cartagena, set on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, with its long strands of sandy beach, lush vegetation, exotic fruits and palm lined islands just miles off the shore. Guests will also enjoy relaxing massages, Salsa dancing lessons, Spanish language lessons and cooking classes on how to prepare traditional Colombian favorites at home, yet with an ESCAPE TO SHAPE, healthy twist.

While in Cartagena, ESCAPE TO SHAPE offers guests a rare opportunity to stay in an exclusive 18th century restored mansion within the colonial city walls. Imagine walking out the heavy wood doors into the narrow balcony lined, seductive streets of colonial Cartagena, steps away from famed author Gabriel Garcia Marquez's home and haunts. Traditionally decorated with a swimming pool in the courtyard center and a rooftop terrace designed to soak in the sun as well as the magnificent skyline of church domes, bell towers and the Caribbean sea, a stay in this private home is a unique experience in and of itself. Complete with spacious suites, numerous balconies and terraces overlooking the cobble-stoned Cartagena streets, a friendly parrot named Nora, and lots of indoor and outdoor space ideal for practicing and inspiring each yoga and exercise practice.

For more information, call us toll-free at 800-760-5099 or email us at hello@inwardbound.com.

Reserve now and start anticipating this unforgettable experience!

Savor the flavors of Cartagena, Colombia

WHAT WILL YOU EAT IN CARTAGENA?

Wondering what your healthy, nutritious Colombian diet will consist of? We use only natural, unprocessed, chemical free food in order to ensure that you fuel your body with the very best. We provide meals that are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, while low in fat and calories. The meal plan consists of whole grains, fresh fish and shellfish, organic chicken, lots of exotic fruits, vegetables, nuts and traditional Colombian dishes and desserts, all prepared the ESCAPE TO SHAPE way- flavorful yet low fat and low calorie! Every dish can be prepared vegetarian as well, upon request.

We serve lots of fresh fruit smoothies and juices, along with the signature Colombian drink- coconut lemonade....and of course, Colombian coffee, considered by many to be the finest in the world.

Experience luxurious accommodations in an 18th century restored mansion in Cartagena, Colombia

Experience luxurious accommodations in an 18th century restored mansion in Cartagena, Colombia

While in Cartagena, ESCAPE TO SHAPE offers guests a rare opportunity to stay in an exclusive 18th century restored mansion within the colonial city walls. Imagine walking out the heavy wood doors into the narrow balcony lined, seductive streets of colonial Cartagena, steps away from famed author Gabriel Garcia Marquez's home and haunts. Traditionally decorated with a swimming pool in the courtyard center and a rooftop terrace designed to soak in the sun as well as the magnificent skyline of church domes, bell towers and the Caribbean sea, a stay in this private home is a unique experience in and of itself. Complete with spacious suites, numerous balconies and terraces overlooking the cobble stoned Cartagena streets, a friendly parrot named Nora, and lots of indoor and outdoor space ideal for practicing and inspiring each yoga and exercise practice.

The mansion consists of 9 bedrooms, each with their own in-suite bathroom, air conditioning and ceiling fans, and each decorated in a traditional colonial style. Outdoor and indoor living space is extensive, with plenty of cozy indoor spaces to escape the South American sunshine. Outside the wooden doors guests will find all the beauty and charm of Cartagena, which has been declared an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Cartagena, Colombia - not your usual yoga retreat!

Cartagena, Colombia - not your usual yoga retreat!

OTHER PROGRAM OFFERINGS:

COOKING CLASSES - Colombia is home to many exotic fruits such as the lulo, caruba, mamomcillo, uchuva and zapote to name a few, not to mention 6 different types of mangos and 5 different types of bananas. Fruits, vegetables and seafood are plentiful! While with ESCAPE TO SHAPE you will have an opportunity to learn healthy adaptations of traditional Colombian delights, such as empanadas, sancocho, arroz con coco and tamales.

SPA TREATMENTS - One massage is included in your ESCAPE TO SHAPE package. Our therapists come from around the world, have extensive trainings and certifications . Relax with a Swedish Massage or work those tight spots out with a therapeutic deep-tissue or sports massage. Manicures, pedicures, facials and other beauty treatments can also be arranged at an additional cost.

EXCURSIONS & OUTINGS - Excursions such as the following will be included in your ESCAPE TO SHAPE program.

GUIDED HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR - Experience the charm, history and beauty of colonial Cartagena in a 2 hour guided walking tour. Discovery the history of the narrow, balcony lined streets, the private mansions, cathedrals, statues and plazas full of colorful life. Cartagena's history is rich with stories of pirates and treasures, the Spanish Inquisition, modern day folklore and much more.

ROSARIO ISLANDS - Spend the day basking in the sun, or swinging in a hammock under the shade of a palm tree. Enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean sea, refreshing coconut juice and the fresh catch of the day. Rosario Islands are a quick boat trip from the shores of mainland Cartagena. Escape To Shape will take you there, and make sure you burn some calories along the way- with a Beach Body Sculpt class right on the beach!

TOTUMO MUD VOLCANO - Enjoy an early morning trip to nearby Totumo. At only 50 feet high, there is easy access to the crater where you can immerse yourself into liquid mud and experience one of the strangest sensations ever! Although rustic, it is probably the closest you will ever come to a complete feeling of weightlessness. Due to the rising mud from below, it is impossible to sink, so floating is easy, and perfect to relax and let the bubbling mud perform its therapeutic massage. Afterwards there is a warm nearby lake to rinse off in.

* Six nights accommodations based on double occupancy (we can pair you with a roommate) in an exclusive colonial mansion. Each room is spacious with an in-suite bathroom, air conditioning & ceiling fan.
* Daily Yoga Classes.
* Beach walks
* Cooking classes focusing on healthy ways to enjoy the foods of the region at home.
* Excursions such as a day trip to the islands, a guided historical walking tour and a dip in the natural mud baths.
* Salsa dancing lessons.
* Spanish language lessons.
* Each person also receives one massage.
* Delicious, healthy meals reflective of the region are served each day. The tasty low-fat meal plan consists of chemical free food, fresh catch fish, lean meats, creative salads, healthy whole grains and lots of exotic fruits and juices. We even include some yummy desserts, made the ESCAPE TO SHAPE way!
* Round trip ground transportation from the Cartagena airport to the private mansion.
* Tax.

The above rate *does not* include airfare to Cartagena. Alcohol is not included. Gratuity is at your discretion.

Questions & Answers

Q. WHAT AIRPORT DO I FLY INTO?

You fly into the Cartagena de Indias, Rafael Nunez International Airport (airport code CTG). We are located about 15 minutes away from the airport.

Round trip ground transportation from the Cartagena Airport to the mansion is included in your stay. Look for the ESCAPE TO SHAPE sign as you exit the airport. We will send you a reminder a week prior to your departure.

Dollars and Colombian Pesos are accepted as payment upon checkout, as are Visa, MasterCard and American Express. The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Pesos, which is needed for any purchases you may make in the town. You can exchange money at the airport, and there are ATM's readily available throughout the town as well.

We aim to be as flexible as possible. The first group activity begins at 4:00 pm on the first day, and the program ends after breakfast and the morning workout on the last day. We realize that flight times vary so we work with your schedule as much as possible.

ABOUT INSTRUCTOR JOY BURCH

Joy was first introduced to yoga in 1993 and later began a more formal practice in 2001. While living in San Diego, she worked as an account manager for Anthony Robbins and later as sales consultant for Deepak Chopra, with whom she began to study Ayurveda, Hatha Yoga and Primordial Sound Meditation while at The Chopra Center for Well Being. She also furthered her professional and personal development studies with Jean Houston, Shakti Gwain, Debbie Ford, Dr. Roy Martina, Rama Birch and did her first yoga training with Peri Ness in Encinitas, California. In 2005, Joy moved from New York City to Nosara, Costa Rica and began her 500 hour teacher’s path with Amba and Don Stapleton at the Nosara Yoga Institute where she now assists trainings, teaches and leads surf/yoga retreats. Joy’s style is a fun, creative vinyasa flow that draws from a variety of disciplines with a deep affinity for yummy restorative poses. With an MBA in International Management and years of interesting work and travel experiences, Joy’s second favorite thing to yoga and surfing is trading stories over long, delicious meals!

For more information, call us toll-free at 800-760-5099 or email us at hello@inwardbound.com