Teacher: VaZa

VaZa's dynamic approach guides students through a physically and spiritually expansive journey. Her vigorous teaching style is coupled with a strong focus on proper alignment and total body awareness. The use of personalized instruction helps students of any level harness the power that comes from an understanding of the relationship between breath and movement, body and mind. VaZa infuses her Vinyasa based and multifaceted knowledge of yoga with personal passion to inspire students to truly listen to their bodies, leave their egos at the door, and - most importantly - reconnect with themselves!

The Yoga

VaZa and Christie will lead Vinyasa yoga classes in an uplifting series exploring the five elements of nature. Classes will be dynamic and include challenging sequences involving fun and funky transitions with a focus on bandhas, breath and drishti. These practices are all about modification, self-expression, moving towards your goals, and calming the nervous system while strengthening the body and mind. Students can expect full-spectrum classes with arm balances, inversions and backbends.

Teacher: Christie

In 2006, Christie attended her first yoga practice in the small town of Yountville, California - this event forever changed her life. Unconsciously on a path toward self-discovery, Christie began to realize the time on her mat was more than just a physical challenge; she had discovered a way of uniting body and mind, breath with mindful movement, and a way of living life, making conscious, healthy decisions. Christie has studied with many teachers on her journey in yoga and she continues to meet new teachers - both on and off the mat - who nurture the spiritual and physical growth in her practice and teaching. She loves her students and is grateful to share the practice of yoga with others.

The sea

Sea of Cortez

The diverse marine life has created a thriving ecosystem; smaller microorganisms attract a myriad of small fish, which then attract larger gamefish. The Sea of Cortez, and its hundreds of islands, along with nearby Magdalena Bay lagoon, are home to birthing and nesting sites for a large number of marine mammals, birds and fish, some of which you can only find here. Blue whales, humpback whales, California gray whales, orcas, manta ray, and leatherback sea turtles migrate annually to the area, and it’s not unlikely to spot a vaquita porpoise speeding alongside your boat or kayak.

The Land

Hiking

Naturalists from around the world are attracted to the area’s sheer diversity. Desert flora and fauna, mangrove estuaries, and the coastal shorelines make up the captivating terrain. The area provides nesting sites and migratory habitat for about 210 bird species (both terrestrial and marine) and a number of endemic species, including the world's largest cactus, black-tailed jackrabbit, ground squirrel and a variety of reptiles.

Valleys covered in thousands of desert plant varieties lead to ravines and stream beds, the site of primitive cave and gorge paintings and carvings. The alluvial plains, dramatic cliffs, and waterside wonders make Azul de Cortez and the Baja peninsula a flourishing tropical ecosystem. Rancho Las Cruses alone has 10,000 acres of private, pristine coastline, breathtaking trails, and mountain pools to explore.

activities

Whale Shark Tour

This area of the Pacific Ocean is home to some of the world’s most incredible gentle giants. Our tour is a truly humbling experience as we get to see these incredible creatures up close and in person. It includes the boat excursion, transportation from El Rancho, and an awesome picnic lunch on a secret beach ($100/pp).

Kayaking and SUP

Rancho de Las Cruses provides a fleet of sea kayaks and stand up paddle boards that guests can take exploring. These water toys are a great way to get up close and personal with the diverse and exciting sea life.  

Our retreat to Baja begins and ends at Rancho Del Las Crusas. Fly into La Paz (LAP) for the shortest ground transfer, a quick 45 minutes away. Flights to La Paz are few and far between for those flying from anywhere other than the southwestern United States or other parts of Mexico.

Life Force suggests flying into Los Cabos (SJD). Currently, United Airlines is offering nonstop roundtrip flight options from San Francisco (SFO) to SJD (including the return) for an incredible price of $473.

The drive from the Los Cabos airport to Las Cruces is 3 hours and we will organize a shuttle to the retreat location for $75 round trip per person. If flying into Las Cruces we request guests to schedule their flight to arrive between 10am-2pm on May 19, and to depart around 2pm on May 26. 

We are partnered with a premier travel agency that will make your travel planning stress free. Exito is 100% focused on air and is the leading flight consolidator for the adventure travel industry. For over 20 years, they have specialized in bringing a personal and seamless experience to booking international flights. At no extra cost to you, they can assist you in finding the routes and flights that best fit your needs. Click their logo below to fill out an inquiry form.

A valid passport is required for all foreign visitors to Mexico. In preparation for your trip, please read our Travel Planning Guide for important tips and information. Life Force recommends purchasing "Cancel For Any Reason"  travel insurance in the unlikely event of a trip cancellation due to low enrollment.