As the autumn months roll through and bring cooler breezes and colorful fading leaves, one can only remember what this gorgeous season forewarns; winter is coming! It is time to start preparing for the darker, colder months of the imminent snow season.

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