# The Barkan Method (Hot Yoga in Costa Rica)

> The Barkan Method is a style of hot hatha yoga developed by Jimmy Barkan, a former senior Bikram teacher, with a heated set sequence and a hot vinyasa class. Each May the school runs a week-long retreat and Level II/III teacher training in Costa Rica, which suits hot-yoga students and teachers who want to deepen their practice.

Source: https://costarica-yoga-retreats.com/the-barkan-method-hot-yoga-in-costa-rica/
Last checked: 2026-11-04

The Barkan Method is a style of hot hatha yoga created by Jimmy Barkan. It comes from the lineage of Bishnu Ghosh's college in Calcutta, India: Barkan was first certified there and spent years as one of Bikram Yoga's most senior teachers before going his own way. His method keeps a set series practiced in a heated room, adds postures from other styles for more range of motion, and also includes a flowing "Hot Vinyasa" class.

![Black-and-white photo of a woman in a handstand with her legs bent over her head](/static/img/old/2013-06-barkan-method-png.webp)

## The Costa Rica retreat and training

Once a year, usually in May, the Barkan Method runs a week in Costa Rica that it calls its "Journey into the Rain and Cloud Forest". The official site lists the 2026 week as May 9 to 16 (its 26th year) and the 2027 week as May 15 to 22. There are two ways to join:

- **Yoga retreat:** open to everyone, with two hot yoga classes a day, plus meals, pool time and optional spa treatments.
- **Teacher training (Level II/III):** for certified teachers, or committed students who want to go deeper. The school says that completing three live Level II/III trainings leads to its 300-hour Barkan Method certificate. Its Yoga Alliance listing says these trainings run in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and in Costa Rica.

The site says packages include 7 nights' lodging, 3 meals a day and a round-trip transfer from San José airport (SJO), with tours sold separately: half-day outings on Mondays and Fridays and a full-day trip on Wednesdays. Rooms range from tent-style bungalows to suites. The site doesn't name the venue, so ask when you apply. Check their website for current rates.

![Black-and-white photo of a woman in standing bow pose](/static/img/old/2013-06-hot-yoga-in-costa-rica-png.webp)

## Who it suits

The week suits you if you already like hot yoga and want a structured practice twice a day in a warm, green setting. If you've never practiced in a heated room, try a few hot classes at home first. The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that hot yoga carries extra risks of overheating and dehydration, and says people who are pregnant should avoid it. Drink plenty of water, rest when you need to, and tell the teacher about any health conditions.

For other kinds of retreat weeks, see our [guide to choosing a yoga retreat in Costa Rica](/yoga-retreats-costa-rica/). If you're weighing a full 200-hour course instead, our [guide to yoga teacher training in Costa Rica](/yoga-teacher-training-costa-rica/) explains the options.

Website: [barkanmethod.com](https://www.barkanmethod.com/costa-rica)

## Frequently asked questions

### When is the Barkan Method retreat in Costa Rica?

It runs once a year in May. The official site lists May 9 to 16, 2026, and May 15 to 22, 2027.

### Do I need to be a yoga teacher to join?

No. The retreat is open to everyone. The Level II/III teacher training is meant for certified teachers or experienced students.

### Is airport pickup included?

The school says its packages include a round-trip transfer from San José's Juan Santamaría airport (SJO), along with 7 nights' lodging and 3 meals a day.

### Is hot yoga safe for everyone?

Not for everyone. Heat raises the risk of overheating and dehydration, and NCCIH advises people who are pregnant to avoid hot yoga. Check with your doctor if you have a health condition.