Other 2008 retreats scheduled to date include a combined yoga and travel tour throughout Burma (Myanmar) and Bangkok; a 7-night fitness and cultural spa stay in Marrakech, Morocco; and two restorative yoga retreats based at Round Hill Hotel & Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Inward Bound already rang in New Year's 2008 with sold-out yoga retreat in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

"Complete vacation packages that incorporate self-awareness through yoga, meditation and exercise at highly-desired worldwide destinations with upscale accommodations and fine dining have been our niche since our 1991 founding," notes Jane Fryer, Founder & Creative Director of Inward Bound. "For 2008, this includes the successful expansion of our ever-popular yoga surfing retreats, which combine the serenity of yoga with the spirited adventure of learning surfing in the stunning waters of the Pacific Ocean that front the unspoiled beaches of Nosara, Costa Rica."

Most Costa Rica retreats incorporate instruction in both yoga and surfing to accommodate all levels, from beginners to the experienced. Within that yoga surf foundation, each retreat differs in its schedule of activities and programs to achieve specific self-awareness objectives. For example, the February Pilates YogaSurf retreat explores one's physical grace through daily classes in Pilates, yoga and surfing. In contrast, the March retreat incorporates more introspective activities such as meditation, pranayama (breath control), chanting, journaling and energetic exercises. The week of July 5th July retreat will explore the Goddess within; the following week's retreat is devoted entirely to restorative yoga for those who just want to relax and unwind exclusively.

"The diversity of our Costa Rica retreat programs, combined with the physicality of both yoga and surfing, offers more choices to those travelers who seek self-awareness and growth during their time off," says Fryer.

The February 10-day retreat to Burma and Bangkok represents the most recent in Inward Bound's trips to Asia and Europe, which, in the past, have included India, Italy and France. Such far-flung trips mesh each country's culture and ancient history with its connections to today's studies of yoga and meditation techniques. In addition to touring the ancient Buddhist temples, the Burma/Bangkok trip will incorporate teachings in Vipassana Buddhist meditation and daily Anusara yoga.

For May 2008, Inward Bound features a magical 7-night retreat in Marrakech, Morocco. Guests will experience the vast wonders of this exotic city with luxurious accommodations, yoga and exercise, rich Arabic traditions, chaotic marketplaces, hidden treasures of the ancient walled city of Medina, and breathtaking natural beauty from the desert to the mountains. Along with the cultural and natural wonders, guests will also enjoy a combination of fitness and relaxation, including a daily massage, traditional hammam (Turkish bath) and belly dancing lessons, all while savoring the culinary delights that Morocco has become famous for.

For those seeking a more relaxing yoga holiday, Inward Bound's Montego Bay-based yoga retreats offer daily yoga classes and free time amid the luxurious tropical setting of Round Hill resort. This destination has proven so popular that both scheduled retreats are already full. However, Inward Bound's annual "Sweat & Surrender" retreat at Round Hill retreat is on the planning calendar for November.

Rounding out Inward Bound's mission as a truly worldwide provider of luxury yoga retreats, Inward Bound will hold a U.S.A.-based retreat at Cavallo Point, a brand new eco-luxe lodge located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, in September.

"In today's fast-paced world, the trend in travel is for more sophistication, more luxury and more meaningful activities that help individuals take time out for themselves in ways that are more introspective yet still fun and affordable," adds Fryer. "The 2008 Inward Bound schedule promises to provide that, and more."

About Inward Bound:
Since 1991, Inward Bound has offered upscale travel programs throughout the world that unite yoga with nature for the ultimate life-changing retreat. Appealing to the yoga novice, the yoga professional and all levels in-between, small groups travel with Jane and/or other uniquely qualified instructors and guides to gorgeous, natural settings to quiet the mind and transform from within. Pilates, NIA, dance and even surfing are added to make each experience unique. Founder and Creative Director Jane Fryer and Inward Bound have been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times syndicate, Time-Life's The Powers of Healing, Los Angeles Times, Self, Washington Woman, Mademoiselle, New Body, Yoga Journal, Travel & Leisure, and Healing Retreats & Spas.