Escape to Shape | Travel

Many of our travelers are interested in knowing how far their dollar will go in the countries we visit. After all, in order to experience the local culture of your destination, you need to get out in it and experience the people, the food, the shopping, the bartering, all of it!

Obviously much can change between the time this was written and the date when you actually leave for one of our retreats. That’s why we’ve provided an overview of the past 12 months. For a great online exchange rate resource, we suggest the Oanda exchange rate calculator.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia (riel): While the riel is the official currency of the country, due to a flood of U.S. dollars into the economy during a 1993 U.N. peace keeping mission, American money is the common currency of commerce. Riels are used for fractions of dollars since U.S. coins are not in circulation. The exchange rate for today is 3973 riel per dollar, which is a bit low as the rate was between 4000 and 4100 for most of the past 12 months.

Bali, Indonesia (rupiah): Since November, the rupiah has been north of 8900 and it keeps heading up. At 9132, it’s currently at its highest point from over the past year.

Careyes, Mexico (peso): You’ll get 13.06 pesos for every $1. Since September 2011, the rate has fluctuated between 12.51 and 14.02 pesos.

Cartagena, Colombia (peso): The folks who Escaped with us to Cartagena last October were in Colombia at the best time for the exchange as the rate peaked at 1933 pesos in October. The rate has dropped since then and is down to 1771 pesos today. Most of the past year, the rate has fluctuated between 1750 and 1800 pesos.

Dubrovnik, Croatia (kuna): Although in Europe, Croatia is not on the Euro currency system (yet). Today, you can get 5.69 kuna for your dollar. The best exchange was right after the new year with a 5.91 to 1.00 rate; it had been as low as 5.00 to 1.00 in mid-2011.

Halong Bay & Hanoi, Vietnam (dong): Since September, the dong has been trading at between 20,600 and 20,900 per dollar. It currently sits at 20,772.

Istanbul, Turkey (lira): Since August, the lira to dollar rate has fallen between 1.70 and 1.90. Today, it’s right in the middle at 1.80 lira.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala (quetzal): Since last June, travelers have been able to get between 7.60 and 7.72 quetzales for an American greenback. However, in the last month or so, the rate has dipped to 7.56. Let’s hope it bounces back before our yoga retreat and boot camp in November.

Luang Prabang, Laos (kip): Currently exchanging at 7923 kip, this is about the mid-point of the average rate for the past year, although both August and November saw dips of the kip into the lower 7800s.

Marrakech, Morocco (dirham): The exchange rate stands at 8.45 Moroccan dirhams for one U.S. dollar (the banks won’t haggle, but the bazaar shop owners will). For the most part, the exchange has been climbing with a low of 7.81 in September and a peak of 8.62 in January.

Puglia, Italy (euro): Currently at 0.76 euros per dollar, the exchange rate has wavered between 0.75 and 0.79 since the start of 2012, with a low of 0.68 euros per dollar last May.

We are very excited for our first ever Escape to Dubrovnik, Croatia at the end of May. The city is still an undiscovered gem of Europe, but the “jewel of the Adriatic” is quickly becoming a popular destination. The question is: what can we expect to see or experience in our time there?  Who better to tell us than the locals?

That’s where our friend Google comes in allowing us to connect with people thousands of miles away before we connect with them in person.  This site, Dubrovnik Secrets, of course mentions the beaches and islands, but also lets us in on the “perfume lady” of Old Town and recommended walks around the city.  The Croatia Travel Blog says that THE find in the city is Cafe Buza, a bar that you’ll have to search for, but will be well worth it as it’s built into a rocky cliff with spectacular views, especially at sunset.

Another great resource is hearing from those who have traveled here already and what they most enjoyed. Sites like Virtual Tourist have dozens of recommendations for what sights and experiences Dubrovnik has to offer that shouldn’t be missed.

Of course, we’ve already got great guided tours, hikes, and private boat rides in store for our travelers, and invite you to consider Escaping with us to Croatia!

It turns out women have a little secret when it comes to exercise.  We sometimes feel heightened pleasure or even experience an orgasm while working out.  There’s even an official name for it—the Coregasm—and an official study from Indiana University that backs it up scientifically.

We’re wondering how the application for that study grant was received?

Anyway, researchers at Indiana surveyed 370 women and asked them if they had experienced an “exercise induced orgasm” or EIO.  124 women said yes they’ve had an EIO, and 246 said they’d experienced exercise-induced sexual pleasure (EISP).  Forty percent of the women said that arousal had happened 10 times or more.

Yoga focuses on body awareness and tuning in to the rhythms of your body.  It stands to reason that yoga would be conducive to giving us a great workout and a little EIO as well. Sexual energy is not something to be snickered at, but is actually something to work towards as part of a yoga practice.  After all, a fully-balanced life means taking care of yourself, eating well, moving well, and enjoying pleasure.  That certainly includes sex.

Those who practice Kundalini yoga for instance work towards improving their sex life.  From Spiritvoyage.com:

“Techniques in Kundalini yoga are designed to channel sexual energy up the spine, through pranayama, asana, and meditation, to where it can be used for spiritual development.”

At Escape to Shape, we want you to enjoy everything about your life.  One of the fun aspects of what we do is watching over-worked couples come to our retreats and relax and start having fun again.  We think yoga helps that process along beautifully.   If exercise helps free up your sexual energy, embrace it!

To get you in the mood for our upcoming Escape to Puglia, Italy (we’re almost sold out, so let us know now if you’d like to join us), we’ve scoured the web to collect an assortment of authentic Italian dishes that you can make at home to put you (or at least your tongue) in the mindset of the southern Italian countryside!

First up is a dish from Angela Hartnett, chef patron at Murano restaurant and a consultant at the Whitechapel Gallery and Dining Room in London. Her recipe recently appeared in The Guardian newspaper and is for oriecchette with chili and broccoli.

photograph by David Levene

If you have your own favorite dish that you like to cook at home but would like to add a bit of Puglian flavor to it, go out and get some Coratina olive oil.  These olives are native to the region and produce a flavor that is strong, green, fruity, bitter, and peppery with a hint of sweetness.

And if you’re looking for a wine to pair all of these foods with, the National Post of Canada recommends you track down a bottle of Giroolamo 2008 Anglianico.  This is a zesty red, like a sangiovese, with a fair share of “earthy-umami flavors.”

Enjoy the inspiration!

For those who have signed up for the Dubrovnik, Croatia vacation from Escape to Shape, get ready for an experience of a lifetime! The trip is quickly approaching, so it’s time to start preparing.

What you’ll need: swimsuits, cover-ups, and an open mind.Dubrovnik is located in the south of Croatia and is known for its history and beautiful Adriatic coastline, featuring crystal clear waters and exotic tree-lined islands.  In addition to strengthening your body with yoga and hiking, you’ll get to enrich your mind with a first-hand taste of Croatian culture.

You’ll be able to explore the city and learn about its history, architecture, cuisine, and more.  Furthermore, swimsuits and cover-ups are a must because the trip includes a private boat trip where you can sit back, relax, and take in the natural beauty of the nearby Elafite Islands.

You’ll even get a relaxing day at a local beach club where you can show off your swimsuits and unwind!  The trip includes a seven-night stay at a private villa located two miles outside of the historic walled city.  The villa itself is a real oasis; you can decide to soak up the sun in your swimsuits by the water, at the pool, or simply lounge around the property.  It’s the perfect place to enjoy your down time.

Since this trip is all about strengthening your mind, body, and soul, you’ll want to bring plenty of swimsuits that make you feel comfortable and completely at ease.  Choose from high-quality, fashion-forward swimsuits by L*SPACE, ViX, Gottex Profile, Vitamin A, Seafolly, or Karla Colletto.  In addition to swimsuits, make sure to bring some easy breezy cover-up styles that are lightweight and perfect for lounging around in.  Go for tunic and kaftan styles from Debbie Katz and Melissa Odabash.

Are you ready to “Escape to Shape?”  Pack up your swimsuits, cover-ups and the rest of your essentials and get ready to free your mind!

Susan Bodack is the Director of Social Media Marketing at InStyleSwimwear.com, a luxury online retailer of designer swimsuits, beachwear, and accessories.  To read more of her work, check out the Beauty and the Beach blog!

There may be a number of ingredients with this chicken and rice dish, but it is actually easy to prepare, is very healthy, and tastes wonderful. Enjoy! And let us know how it goes in your kitchen!

INGREDIENTS:

PREPARATION:

Ubud by ViX from InStyle Swimwear

Bali, Indonesia is by far one of the most magical islands in the world.  With a rich culture, breathtaking scenery, and endless white sandy beaches, you can expect a life-changing experience during the upcoming Escape To Shape Bali retreat.  Whether you’re going for the fitness or to get a real taste of the culture, make sure to pack plenty of swimwear and cover-ups to get the full Balinese experience.

Bali has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.  Many make the trip to experience the island’s powder white beaches and crystal clear water.  When you step onto the beaches of Bali, you feel a sense of magic and exclusivity, so you want to pack swimwear styles that evoke this feeling.  Look for swimwear that makes you feel sexy, sensual, and confident.  In terms of color, think rich shades of red, orange, turquoise, and gold.  Whether you’re into surfing, scuba diving, or simply soaking up the sun, the beaches of Bali are ones to remember.

In addition to swimwear, you’ll need to pack plenty of cover-ups for walking around the resort.  The eco-chic resort for Escape To Shape guests has an extensive pool and gorgeous lush gardens where you can see the natural Balinese flora and fauna up close and personal.  Choose swimwear cover-ups that are lightweight and exude beauty and sensuality.  Think versatile pareos, drapey kaftans, and long maxi dresses with a hint of sheer, as these swimwear cover-up styles can also double as casual daytime-wear.

Kimberly Cover-Up by Melissa Obadash

When you’re not soaking up the Balinese sun in your swimwear or taking leisurely strolls, you’ll get a full-on fitness and cultural experience.  Take the chance to shape your mind, body, and soul with a combination of yoga, Pilates, spa treatments, beach walks, and hikes.  In addition, you can take guided excursions to get a taste of the Balinese culture, people, religion, and art.

Ready to Escape?  Experience the magic and tranquility of Bali!

Susan Bodack is the Director of Social Media Marketing at InStyleSwimwear.com, a luxury online retailer of designer swimwear, beachwear, and accessories.  To read more of her work, check out the swimwear blog Beauty and the Beach.

Look for a future post from Susan on ideal beachwear picks for exploring the Croatian coast!

Many thanks to Beth Furman for this perfectly timed post. The temperatures may be chilly throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe, but this sequence is sure to get your body heated up … and fast!

We’ve just passed the halfway point of winter. The winds have picked up. I need to wear a coat to yoga class. It’s gray outside. A lot. Al Roker is a big part of my morning ritual, probably yours too … Good time for an Escape to Shape vacation, huh? But there isn’t one in sight.

It’s also a good time for a good old-fashioned warming practice. If you can’t get to a “hot” yoga class (they’re oh so popular at the start of a new year), this very quick, very efficient practice will get you warm, even when the temps dip lower and lower.

Surya Namaskar (a solar practice aptly named as a greeting to the sun) is a series of movements that are the basis for most vinyasa yoga classes. The flow below is based on Surya Namaskar A and B.

Start in Chair pose (utkatasana) and sweep your arms up high and then back behind you. As your arms sweep behind your back, straighten your legs. Do this for about 20 repetitions and say something powerful to yourself like, “I am able to stand on two feet and stay in the flow.”

Move through a vinyasa and then hold plank for between one and three minutes (I am not kidding).

Lower down through a vinyasa: chatauranga, to up dog or cobra, and back to Down dog.

Lift your right leg to the sky, step it through between your hands, rise up to high lunge and, in high lunge, inhale your arms up above your head and exhale your fists by your sides. Repeat five times. Move through a vinyasa and do the other side and end up at the top of your mat in Mountain pose.

Jump out to one side and stand in Goddess pose (it’s a wide standing squat) and reach your arms out in front of you and pull them in assertively and add some sound, like “HA!” Do this for two minutes.

Then take a two-minute jump or prance to your favorite music.

Do a forward bend of your choice and take a short rest or sit quietly in sukhasana: easy pose.