We’re pleased to announce our new Best of Both keynote speaker Maryann Karinch! Maryann is the CEO of the Rudy Literary Agency in Colorado which is a leading agency for new and experienced writers. She is widely recognized for the 17 books with her name on the cover as well as for her athletic endeavors including completion of the first Eco-Challenge. Karinch defines the most crucial elements in taking your writing to the next step and I’ve heard it said many, many times: “If you want to take your writing to the next level, her techniques and advise will give you the tools necessary to possess that potential for hitting that best sellers’ list”.

It gives us distinct pleasure to announce that not only will Karinch be this March 8th – 13th 2012 keynote speaker, but Best of Both”s founder Dez Bartelt will speak about her new book “They Call Me White Devil- Her mission in Africa”: Collecting stories of the tribal women risking their lives to save girls from female genital mutilation. Despite the connections and experience of her traveling companion, long-time FGM activist Regina Faehrmann, Dez quickly found herself entangled in tribal politics and stalked by a witch doctor intent on completing a “cleansing ceremony.” She sought routes to safety through the backdrop of whistling mortar shells and explosions from al Qaeda attacks as well as civil unrest. She will give you incites to this amazing story and how it has effected her life and work. This is just the icing on the best of Both retreat cake!

Your yoga week is a combination of activities designed to rejuvenate and relax your body and mind. Various activities are scheduled throughout the week, but keep in mind, this is your time!!! We’ve created a inspiring week to get you into the perfect mind and body frame of mind : yoga sessions to transform you into your true self; a nutritional & health counseling session to bring awareness to your being; a one-hour private massage to relax body and soul; three delicious meals per day to keep the energy flowing; and daily outings that will introduce you to the local beauty and culture.

Morning

• 1 hour yoga session
• Breakfast
• Nature hike/ 1 Snorkeling or Kayaking excursion or Surfing
• Lunch/ Guest speaker

Afternoon

• Free time: explore the beaches, nutritional counseling session, relaxation (scheduled massages, poolside, hammock, and/or siesta) one on one with Dez Bartelt
• 1 hour yoga session

Evening

• Dinner (occasional outings to other restaurants), Guest speaker

Her love for travel, food and education
led Gina to India, where she completed the one-month Yoga Instructor
Certification program at S-VYASA Prashanti Kutirum Yoga
University in Bangalore, India

Her Massages
Swedish – manipulates the superficial layers of the muscles to:

• Reduce muscle soreness and stiffness
• Increase blood circulation and oxygen flow
• Stretch muscles, ligaments and tendons
• Help restore muscle tone
• Increase joint flexibility
• Relax the body and mind
• Deep Tissue – focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles, connective tissue and fascia through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted and restricted areas
• Sports Massage – for maintenance/training, pre- and post-event and injury rehabilitation, Sports Massage incorporates stretching, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy and Lymphatic Drainage for every level of athlete.
• Reiki – Reiki is a gentle yet powerful system of energy-based healing and spiritual growth practices, created in the early 1900′s by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist.

Hatha is a marvelous means of exercising, stretching, and freeing the body so it can be a healthy, long-lived, and vital instrument of the mind and soul.

In addition, hatha yogis can become extremely clear-minded and can concentrate well. However, a few yogis do practice hatha yoga as their main method for spiritual realization. Their clear minds and pure, healthy bodies enable them to meditate easily.

Our primary focus is on creating an environment where people have the opportunity to join with others, create space and stillness in their minds and lives, and participate authentically in their own self-discovery in life or business. We also hope to share with our guests a sample of the sights, sounds, tastes and sensations that make the tropical island of Puerto Rico a unique place – one with many facets worth exploring. Best of Both mind and body is an ideal place to relax and refresh, to try new things and experience old favorites, share with friends and take time for yourself, soak up the natural beauty and radiate it back. In short, it’s a place to explore both inner and outer landscapes and see how seamlessly they stitch together. The natural warmth of the tropics provides the perfect space to deepen stretches and help the body to detoxify and come alive through the ancient series of poses that are enjoyed in yoga classes around the world. Yoga is a practice. It’s an undertaking that continues to evolve and unfold as we explore it more deeply. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned practitioner is of little import. All levels are suported here, and everyone is encouraged to participate and explore to the degree that they are comfortable. Ultimately, it is your movement, breathing, awareness, and intention that combine to open within you a more transparent connection to your own nature. With regular practice, you’ll experience more freedom of movement, a lessening of chronic pain, and a greater opening to the world around you. This is what we’ve found — and what we look forward to sharing with you.

Shared Accommodation – Now $1595 was $1795 save $200

Private Accommodation with private bath – Now $2195 was $2495 save $300

Additional Surf Instruction Packages:
Just add these prices to your yoga retreat package and you’ll be ready to surf.

• One-day Class: $70
• Two-Day $135
• Three-day Classes: $200
• Four day Classes: $260

Must book 24 hours in advance for extra surf lessons

Retreat has limited spaces so book now to insure your space!

Of course, it is also time to include self-care, an important part of functioning in our fast-paced world. A relaxing retreat before the blustery winter looms will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed. The Best of Both Surf and Yoga Women’s retreat offers the luxury and adventure one needs where the sun is shining, and the average temperature of is a comfortable 78 degrees.

In the fall, plane ticket prices are affordable, allowing you the best deal for booking early. Airlines understand the rush for vacation bookings in the winter seasons, and increase the prices as a result. According to good old Benjamin Franklin, “people don’t prepare to fail, they fail to prepare.” So jump the gun before everyone else plans their holiday trips and book dates for the surf and yoga retreat now! Remember the feeling of the post-holiday rut accompanied with dreary winter days. Beat the rush of the slush and book a retreat now! You will thank yourself for planning ahead and have something to look forward to during the months of frost-bite and flurry.

Book by the end of November and enjoy $300 off your winter get-way. The Best of Both Adventures for Women Retreat will take care of all your vacation essentials including: surf lessons, yoga classes, massage, complimentary menu, and much more. Escape to Puerto Rico for a rejuvenating and healing adventure you won’t want to miss.

Fresh updates on the Best of Both Adventures Retreat location! Picture this: In the peace of the lush, green atmosphere, one can fully immerse themselves in the relaxing sounds of the breaking ocean waves. Walk along the soft sandy beach, and one could find themselves unaccompanied as far as the eye can see. Tucked back into a hidden garden, privacy is achieved while maintaining intimacy solely between the guests and staff.

In addition to the large bedrooms and wrap around sunlit balconies, enjoy a dip in the refreshing swimming pool that will be added in late September located only steps away from the sea. Swim and snorkel along with tropical fish in the warm shallow Caribbean waters outside the doorstep. Spend the day surfing Puerto Rico’s famous surf spots or enjoy some of the added adventures, including kayaking, hiking, or a trip to the waterfalls!

The expansive, private, ocean side deck is the perfect location to practice yoga while connecting with nature. The flowing breeze allows one to unwind and truly become present in the moment. Inhale the salty air and feel the rhythm of the breath flow with the tide while practicing in the shaded comfort of tropical trees. Our registered yoga teacher will offer additional guided meditation at the wish of individual students for a low rate in between reg classes.

In addition to the previous retreat activities, a sunset sail is included in the package as an opportunity to socialize, share stories over wine, and dine gourmet appetizers under the glow of the vibrant sunset. Experiencing a Best of Both surf and yoga retreat is truly a revitalizing and rejuvenating indulgence that one must truly see for themselves!

After a long hot summer, school is back in session and our teachers are working hard. Preparing for the new school year, student, tests, and grades can be draining on the soul. What better way to treat yourself before mid-terms with a relaxing surf and yoga retreat?  We are offering a “Back to School” deal including a $500 discount towards The Best of Both Adventures Women’s Surf and Yoga Retreat in Puerto Rico! Let someone else do all the planning: from healthy gourmet chef-prepared meals, nourishing massage, transportation, restorative ocean side yoga classes to exciting outdoor excursions, all with in the company of like-minded women like yourself. Puerto Rico’s Sandy beaches, calming ocean waves, and the golden sunshine of the Caribbean are yours to enjoy. Teachers, book before the end of November 2009 in order to take advantage of this special offer. Check out www.bestofbothadventures.com for dates. Offer good towards teachers with valid school identification.

From your Yoga teacher

Hello Ladies!

This is your yoga instructor, Shannon, wishing you a warm hello from Puerto Rico. I am so excited for the new retreats to start, ushering a winter season full of new friends, experiences, and memories.  Sharing yoga is one of my passions, and I can not wait to enjoy it with you.

In case you’re new to the yoga scene, the practice features a lot more than just exercise.  Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word, “Yuj”, meaning to unite. According to Swami Satchidananda, the guru my yoga school followed, “people think yoga always means standing on the head or doing some pose. But, the aim of yoga is to calm the mind. That’s why it’s called integral yoga-because we integrate every thing: body, mind, and spirit.” In yoga, one tries to move in the poses and feel something deeper, experimenting to see just what will happen. I want to focus on strengthening and stretching the muscles used in surfing, as well as finding poses that will bring relaxation.

I look forward to meeting each and one of the women who come for the Best of Both Adventures retreat.  Through new adventures I hope to learn as much from you as you can from me! I’ll leave you with a little phrase which simply means, “the light in me recognizes the light in you.”

Namaste,

Shannon Lyons

A Special Note from Dez…

The Economy and Our Retreats
We have been conducting retreats for over 5 years now, Here at Best of Both , we feel we are doing important work, and that women need the personal power and strength they get from our retreats, now more than ever! We are empowered by the women who understand and support our mission.

Because of the current state of the economy, we have shortened the number upcoming retreats. However, we are offering 5 fantastic retreats for you to choose from in 2009- 2010. We’ve put together many incentives packages and options for women to encourage them to plan ahead and look forward to a more positive future. As always, we have an Early-Bird Discount, Teacher Discounts, and an Easy-Payment-Plan to assist you in making attendance a reality. It also helps us meet our obligations for a successful retreat.

Thinking About It?
If you are interested, please register early rather than later to reserve. If you are thinking about it, please let us know and we will alert you before we come to the close of our registration.

Getting Good Deals on Flights
when the economy gets stressed we have seen prices to PR go down in effort to help the island communities. This past year some tickets were $200 round trip from NY. Good for our retreat!

Money tight? Don’t know how to make this a reality?
If you are a person with little means, but dream of attending, don’t give up!

The Power of A Gift
If you are a person of means, and can make a “gift” to a woman who you know would profit physically, spiritually, and emotionally from participating in our retreat, please consider making a donation in either part or full tuition. It can make a powerful difference in a women’s life, as well as the greater good. This kind of gesture has been done on many occasions over the years. During these stressful times we do need to be aware our sisters may need a helping hand.

We have had women’s groups raise money to send a member. We’ve had fathers send their daughters, wives, and mother in laws. We had one woman give it as a reward for finding another woman’s diamond ring! We have given retreats away as fundraisers for accident victims. There have been many beneficial and rewarding occasions!

Aside from the obvious that when you give to others it helps them to manifest their dreams and desires, there is also a secondary benefit. When we give to others we are AUTOMATICALLY placed in a state of ‘alignment.’ When we are in alignment with the Universe, everything flows to us EASILY and EFFORTLESSLY. Nothing will put you in a state of alignment FASTER than assisting other people to achieve their dreams and desires.

Dez Bartelt, founder of Best of Both Adventures for women

As each season passes we are reminded of the renewal opportunities given to us through nature. Coming out of the doldrums of winter metaphorically creates an awakening within. We may feel the urge to stand up and shout “I made it!” or just quietly and inwardly reflect on the progress of our personal journey. Either way spring is a reminder of renewal and re-birth. As the days grow longer and the sun gets warmer we can take refuge in the knowledge that summer is just around the bend.

Spring is the perfect time to start or renew your exercise routine, move your yoga practice outdoors or just enjoy a morning walk. Find the key to expanding your journey and awakening your spirit.

As spring unfolds to summer embrace it! Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a vacation and kick start that awakening to new levels. Best of Both Adventures has added new summer dates and locations! Check out our website and start planning today!

Outdoor Yoga tips:

• Find a flat spot in the grass or place an oversized beach towel down under your mat for stability, decks and cement patios also work well.
• Select a spot that is indirectly lit by the sun.
• Face the sun as you will pull in the energy during your practice.
• Wear a natural insect repellant or burn citronella candles nearby.
• Enjoy the sounds of nature and even street noise. Embrace all that is around you and be present in the moment.