Morning Yoga Class
Steve offers morning class at 8 am
each day to guests and visitors. He has been practicing yoga since 1988
and is a part of the Kripalu community. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
located in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts is the largest yoga facility
in the United States. It is dedicated to creating a more conscious and
compassionate world. Steve is a member of the Development Office's
Leadership Committee, participating in annual fundraising for the center and its
educational institutes. He attained his 200 hour teacher training
certification in November 2007.
Tadasana (Mountain) Yoga Studio at Casa Grande is a
Kripalu Affiliate Studio. For more information about Kripalu visit their
website at www:kripalu.org.
Morning yoga class consists of an
introduction, centering, breathing techniques, warm-up stretches,
postures, meditation and deep relaxation. Beginners are welcome
and private classes are available by appointment.
You may experience the following benefits from the
class -
For your body
- stretch and tone muscles
- release chronic tension
- de-stress and refresh
For your mind
- calm restless thoughts
- cultivate concentration
- support mental clarity and
confidence
For your spirit
- encourage self-acceptance
- honor inner wisdom
- invite deep peace
Gardens
Casa Grande is a virtual botanical garden. Throughout the property
are both landscaped and wild areas where fruit trees and tropical and
exotic plants abound. Over one hundred varieties have been identified
including numerous ginger and heliconia. Casa Grande Café harvests and serves grapefruit, orange, lemon, mango, avocado,
banana, papaya, plantain, peppers, herbs and spices.
Hiking Trails
A Hike in the Forest: (about 45 minutes) - Walk partway down the driveway in front of the hacienda. On the right you'll see a small sign that says "el camino". Take the path up the hillside. This is where the trail begins and ends. About 15 minutes into the hike you'll come to a fork and a park bench. If you go left up "Ceiba" you'll be on the high road. If you go right down "Valle" you'll be be on the low road. Either way, you'll return to the bench as the trail is a loop from that point on.
Moderate to Difficult Loop Hike: (4 miles; 2-3 hours) – By car, go down the driveway and turn left onto Road 612. Just after Km 5 turn left and park your car at the side of the road. Begin your hike and at all forks in the road, always stay to the right. You will end up where you began.
Caution: Bring plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun.
Lago Dos Bocas
A fifteen minute drive downriver from Casa Grande is Lago Dos Bocas. Park your car near one of the makeshift docks and hop a ride on the free government operated launch. The captian will take you on a thirty minute scenic ride to the main dock on the opposite side of the lake. On weekends you can stop off at Vivian and Harry's place, Rancho Marina, to enjoy a lunch of typical Puerto Rican food.
Expediciones Tanamá
Small group guided adventure tours. Call Roberto at 787-894-7685.
Arecibo Observatory
The largest radio telescope on Earth is located an hour away from the
hotel. Visitors are welcome to see its mammoth reflective dish.
Scheduled days and hours: Wednesday-Friday 12-4 pm, Saturday, Sunday and
Holidays 9am-4 pm. Call 787-878-2612.
Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park
Forty five minutes north of Utuado is the Arecibo Lighthouse & Historical Park. This cultural theme park is open daily to the public. For more information visit their website at:
www.arecibolighthouse.com.
Río Camuy Cave Park
This cave system, famous for its underground river, is considered one
of the biggest in the world. Guides will take you from Parque de las
Cavernas' Tourist Center into different caverns around the park.
Scheduled days and hours: Wednesday-Sunday and certain Holidays from 8 am to 3:35 pm.
Caguana Indian Ceremonial Park
Visit the Caribbean's most important indian ceremonial center.
Scheduled days and hours: Open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm. Call 787-894-7325.
Toro Negro State Forest
Hikers will enjoy walking the many trails. Stop and climb up Cerro de
Punta, Puerto Rico's highest mountain. Call 787-844-4660.
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