
AKKA: a sacred space nestled in the jungle!
Author: Sophie Paternot
Akka Institute is a Temple found in the village of Ojochal, an intimate space hosting weekly Yoga, Martial Arts, Sound Healing classes, and workshops and events.
Dedicated to offering positively-impactful teachings in a kind and playful environment, Akka offers you support and respect throughout all stages of your journey toward wellness.
Akka opened in December of 2020 from the vision of Sophie Paternot, a Swiss and Finnish national who has called Costa Rica her home for the last ten years. This significant community project emerged from the desire to create a space for togetherness, mindful activities, and complete health centered around body, mind, and spirit. Educational and transformational experiences are accessible to all, so you can participate in activities that support your health and wellness through our wide breadth of offerings.

We are also so grateful to have the opportunity to give back to our beautiful community in many different ways. On a regular and ongoing basis, we offer donation-based classes every Sunday, with 100% of all proceeds going to a local NGO of the instructor’s choice. This allows us to make our courses accessible to everyone from every socio-economic and cultural background while simultaneously supporting many different local organizations that do great work to help those who need it most.
New for March 2022, our cabinas are now available for short-term vacation rentals. The cabinas offered are three very distinct houses. They are teeming with a mix of jungle elegance and Scandinavian design, enhanced by the surrounding wildlife and the Balso river running through it. Catch the sight of a monkey, sloths, and other whimsical wildlife as you drink your morning coffee! You can book your stay through Airbnb and our website now.

The El Nido is our very private and exclusive cabina. Inspired by Northern European architecture, the Nest is the perfect getaway for a couple or a single person looking for a simple design aesthetic in a luxury accommodation.
Akka La Casita is our biggest house, offering modern and sleek design. Boasting a full modern kitchen, a big garden by the river, and a private plunge pool enrich your experience with us. Akka La Casita is sure to be a popular choice for visitors.
Akka Sol has been recently renovated to fit the quality experience that Akka is known for. This cabina has stunning views overlooking the trees and entire property. It offers a lot of natural light, a kitchen, a private deck, and direct access to our pool and social area.
Awaken your senses and allow yourself to be deeply supported by nature and staying with us, walking around our gardens, and finding your inner peace by the gently flowing river on-site!
About Ballena Tales
Ballena Tales is an essential free guide and digital comprehensive magazine for travelers, residents, and investors covering Costa Ballena in the Canton of Osa in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. It is a fully bilingual, bi-monthly, and full-color digital magazine.
The magazine introduces the reader to the life of the local community, with interviews of pioneers, writers, and artists, as well as extensive information on restaurants, hotels, experiences, natural attractions, and wildlife of the South Pacific of Costa Rica.

Free Digital Magazine in Costa Rica #89
Ballena Tales is an essential free digital magazine in Costa Rica, valid for travelers, residents, and investors



Sierpe mangroves
The mangrove forest and its massive maze and the intertwining of trees and roots is considered to be a critical component acting to subdue tidal surge, reduce erosion, provide opportunities for recreation and serve as nurseries for fisheries.



Back to the Earth
In each magazine edition, writers often relate to a topic relevant to the particular timing of the publication. Unfortunately, we are all writing with heavy hearts about the loss of Dagmar in this issue. Her vibrant personality and dedication to this magazine will surely be missed.



An unforgettable Tour to Caño Island
I had the opportunity to take a Caño Island tour. Since I was a little kid, I have loved swimming in the ocean and looking out for all the sea creatures.



The Bees – a Beautiful Example
In Costa Rica, we have over 50 species of bees. From the Apis melifera (an introduced species), to many others that have co-evolved with native plants.



Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor
Birth of the environmental movement in Costa Ballena.
At the beginning of the last century, tapirs, jaguars, white-lipped peccary, red brocket deer, harpy eagles, giant anteaters, and others wandered freely through the forests in the area that today is known as the Costa Ballena and the Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor.



Stone Veneer Decorations
Deco Rock is a family business based in Costa Rica. It opened its doors in 2007 with the passion of creating luxurious stone veneer decorations that create unique spaces that give an atmosphere full of elegance.



Work in the garden pays off… twice!
Imagine that millions of people – also many in Costa Rica – pay good money to visit a gym or do other physical exercises using expensive gear while in air-conditioned rooms. But it can be so easy and liberating to work (out) in your garden or on your farm and not go somewhere else.



Hotel El Tecal and Restaurant La Colonia
Do you need a break from your stressful life? Then you should come to Costa Rica and try the “Pura Vida” lifestyle for once. Come to Uvita in the South Pacific of Costa Rica and see how easy life can be.



MYTHS ABOUT THE USE OF BOTULINUM TOXIN
Botulinum toxin type A is a protein produced by a bacterium, which has a neuromodulatory, or relaxing effect on the muscles of facial expression.



Flutterby House…Once Again
Well telling our story Flutterby House after years of being one of the favorite places for both locals and tourists after overcoming together as humanity and taking a break from this virus called CO-VID 19.
What to do, Where to eat and Where to stay…
South Pacific Costa Rica Beaches,
Looking for business directories, maps or other printouts? We’ve got that too!
Dare to Discover and Enjoy…
Check out…
Need help planning your next trip? Let us help you with your Costa Rica vacations!
Email: carlos@ballenatales.com
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134 or +(506) 8914 1568
Skype: ballenatalestravel