ECOTULUM RESORTS HOST YOGA TEACHER CERTIFICATION RETREAT

Contact:
Isabelle Chabrier
EcoTulum
(949) 340-2602
isabelle@mexicanpacific.com

TULUM, Mexico (January 24, 2005) - Yoga enthusiasts looking to take their practice one step further are invited to attend a month-long teacher certification retreat on the white sand beaches of Mexico's Mayan Riviera with one of the top instructors in the Kripalu tradition.

Led by the director of British Columbia's Nirvana School of Yoga, Asha Gayle Dieleman, students obtain their Hatha Yoga Teacher certification with a 200-hour course (March 26 to April 22) that is recognized by the Yoga Alliance, yoga's largest certification body. Cabañas Copal offers the ultimate spiritual setting with an inspirational paradise of tranquil blue surf lapping powder white shores. Traditional Mayan spa therapies that heal the body, mind and spirit are paired with Western spa techniques and round out daily yoga study at the property's onsite Maya Spa (www.maya-spa.com).

Asha, an instructor with 15 years of experience and former director of the Yoga Teacher Training program at Massachusetts-based Kripalu Center, is a teacher of gentle strength who skillfully guides her students into states of self-awareness and heart-opening personal growth. The 28-day session includes two daily yoga lessons interspersed with instructional components in anatomy and physiology and hands-on practical experience. On down time, students are free to explore the Tulum area, venture to the beachfront Mayan ruins, and snorkel in the shallow reefs offshore or in cenotes (underground sinkholes).

Retreat price is $2,996 Canadian (approx. $2,444 USD) for 28 nights of accommodations at the sea side Cabañas Copal (these include a private bath) and healthy breakfasts each morning. For those who are on a limited budget, shared accommodations are available for $885 Canadian (approx. $723 USD) at the Zahra Resort (Copal's sister resort), which is 5 minutes walk away along sand paths. Accommodations at Azuliik villas are also available upon request.

For details on how to reserve a spot in the Hatha Yoga Teaching seminar, the teacher and the lesson schedule please go to http://www.nirvanaschoolofyoga.com, phone (604) 542-0392 or email info@nirvanaschoolofyoga.com.

Cabañas Copal (www.cabanascopal.com) features 47 rustic cabañas hidden among the jungle on the pristine white powder shores of Tulum in Mexico's Mayan Riviera. The eco-hotel has candle lit cabañas, encourages total wellness, and celebrates spirituality with a clothing- optional dress code. Azulik (www.azulik.com), a 15-villa retreat next door carries the concept of rustic luxury to the max with lounge beds and hand carved wooden soaking tubs. Zahra (www.zahra.com.mx) offers
22 rooms and cabañas nestled between two private beaches. Electricity is provided from sunset until 11pm. At night under a canopy of celestial stars, hundreds of candles light sandy laneways at all properties.

Editors are invited to visit www.maya-spa.com for complete spa services, rates & packages, photos, and general information about Tulum, and www.azulik.com for information regarding accommodations at Azulik, or www.cabanascopal.com for Cabañas Copal. Publications interested in contest giveaway promotions to Azulik or Copal may inquire directly through Isabelle Chabrier.