Sidonie Carter, Director La Escuela de Pura Vida

Sidonie is the founder and Director of La Escuela de Pura Vida, and is English and now living in Costa Rica and thinks of the country as her second place to call home.  Having worked in Banking in London, England for many years, after obtaining her degrees in Marketing and Business, decided that her passions for Spanish, Dancing, Surfing and Yoga made a perfect combination and wanted to offer this to others to enjoy as well.  You will often see her at the School as well as the Yoga and Dance lessons too.

Justin Bonilla Tijerino, Surf Instructor

Justin is Costa Rican and has lived in Manuel Antonio/Quepos all his life and has been surfing for as long as he can remember and has been teaching for many years, his passion and enthusiasm for surfing will ensure that you will also share some of this during your time with us.

Tony Ramrez Bustos, Spanish Professor

Tony is Costa Rican and has lived in Manuel Antonio/Quepos all his life and has been teaching Spanish in Manuel Antonio for over 10 years and has extensive experience in ensuring you learn more Spanish during your stay.  He is very passionate about ensuring you enjoy learning Spanish during your stay with us.  Tony is also fluent in English and speaks German too and also enjoys dancing so if you are joining us for Dance lessons as well you will most likely meet him in the lessons too.

Brigitte Kouba, Yoga Maestro/Retreat Coordinator

Brigitte (aka Gigi Yogini ) is a certified Yoga Instructor based in Los Angeles who spends a large portion of the year in New York and Costa Rica. Gigi is experienced in teaching Yoga and Performance Arts and encourages her students to evolve, explore and express themselves through various forms of communication. With respect for individual boundaries, classes are open to all levels, with the intention of personal growth. Brigitte has practiced yoga in countries including Costa Rica, Honduras, Peru, Greece, Australia, Kenya, and South Africa.

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Silvia Gfeller, Yoga Maestra

Silvia Gfeller is the resident Yoga Maestra, Silvia became a certified Yoga instructor at the Pentalfa Academy in Sevilla, Spain. She practices and instructs the contemporary Vinyasa flow.  Her main inspiration for Ashtanga Yoga came with her teacher training with Larry Schultz from "It's Yoga, California" in San Jose, Costa Rica.  In addition to teaching, Silvia ensures that her learning continues with attending workshop all over the world and practicing with inspirational Yoga professionals.  This means that during your classes you gain the benefit of this experience and knowledge.

Mario Lopez, Dance Teacher

Mario is Costa Rican and has been teaching all Latin Dance moves in both Europe and Latin America, for more than 15 years and he will ensure that you learn the moves for any Latin Dance you wish to learn, including Bachatta, Salsa, Meringue, Tango, Cumbia  etc.