A UNIQUE holiday experience, combining travel with health and fitness, is now being offered through the Bermuda Integrative Health Co-op.

Participants will spend a week next spring exploring the mountains of Costa Rica and receiving lessons in Yoga, Pilates and the Feldenkrais Method with local instructors Sophia Cannonier and Michael Watson.

"(Attendees will) begin the day with an inspirational Yoga practice and a nutritious and abundant breakfast," a spokesperson for the Co-op said. "The day is (theirs) to explore the sights and sounds or to just hang in a hammock and watch the hummingbirds.

"Join us in the afternoons as we delve into the functionality of the body through mini-workshops that will feed your brain and inspire your practice; the evenings invite insightful discussions and light lectures on the history, principles and the future of body movement and function."

A Bermudian, Ms Cannonier spent ten years performing with New York's prestigious Dance Theatre of Harlem. The former ballerina discovered Pilates as an alternative to dance and is today a teacher trainer and certifier for the PhysicalMind Institute and a maternal fitness instructor.

A licensed massage therapist, she is currently in her third year of study as a Feldenkrais Method teacher.

Mr. Watson has a degree in sports science and has travelled extensively around the world, presenting workshops in anatomy, Yoga, Pilates, and body awareness.

"Michael's interest in human biomechanics stems from his rich history in sport, participating in many physical pursuits ? most recently, running marathons and delving deeper into his Yoga practice," the spokesperson added.

"He combines his knowledge of functional fitness along with his insight of Yoga and the alignment of Pilates to create a balanced and therapeutic approach to body movement.

"With 25 years of combined experience in health and fitness, Sophia and Michael will present a fresh, fun and informative approach to body movement and learning through integrating the disciplines of Yoga, Pilates and Feldenkrais.

"If you wish to venture off and explore incredible Costa Rica, the all-inclusive package will include a day of white water rafting, a tree canopy adventure, a trip to the waterfall gardens, plus various other intriguing options."

The Co-op Costa Rica retreat will be held from March 6-13 next year. Packages start at $1,200 and include accommodation, meals, classes, workshops, eco-adventure tours and airport transfer in Costa Rica. Prices are based on double occupancy in a tentalow with upgrades available on request. For further information, telephone the Co-op at 236-0336.