The ocean can teach us many things. The depth of an ocean, for instance, can remind us of how we’re a small, but important cog in the wheel of the universe. An ocean inspires us to look inwards - deep into the soul - like yoga, which is more of a spiritual wellness regimen than a purely physical one. Surfing on the undulating waves of an ocean is also akin to practising yoga, as it is majorly about mastering the mind, and conquering that fear of the unknown. It is from this mental framework, a surfer is able to gather his/her balance on the board. This beautiful symphony of the body and the mind makes surfing seem like poetry between the energetic waves of the ocean, and the person riding on it.
Costa Rica is one such destination, where an individual can experience the blend of surfing and yoga in scenic locales. Such is the beauty of this place that it has time and again enticed the leading actors of Hollywood (we’re talking Demi Moore, Catherine Zeta-Jones and the like here.) into its fold. Enamoured by its rainforests, national parks and beaches –these bigger-than-life stars have often stayed beyond their planned itinerary – with some buying holiday homes (Mel Gibson) in this little-known wellness getaway. Costa Rica’s amazing coastline, clear waters, and right climate – has made it a Mecca of surfing and yoga retreats in America and beyond. This erstwhile rugged country is seeing a wellness boom, thanks to many surfing and yoga retreats that have mushroomed all across Costa Rica. We, hence, have compiled some of the top 15 surf and yoga retreats in Costa Rica – that give you the best Pura Vida (Pure Life) experience.
“Ironing boards are surfboards that gave up their dreams and got a boring job. Don’t be an ironing board!”
Per day USD 25
La Botella De Leche offers a 4 Day Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica. This family-owned property also has the distinction of being the first hotel in Tamarindo. La Botella De Leche’s objective is to help their guests enjoy a stress-free holiday. With a rich experience of twenty years behind them, La Botella De Leche is constantly invested in maximizing the experiences of their guests. The hotel recently added four more rooms, and a yoga studio – as a part of its commitment of creating unparalleled experiences for its visitors.
The property has both private rooms and dorms to welcome every type of traveler. Located quite close to the supermarket and the beach, La Botella De Leche is perfect for those who want facilities near their stay. The hotel also boasts of a friendly staff, and a patient surfing instructor Marcus, to elevate your staying experience further. However, it should not be noted that the hotel has a no-smoking policy inside its rooms, to help you initiate good habits. Isn’t that the whole point of taking a wellness getaway?
The 4 Days Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica by La Botella De Leche Tamarindo includes
COST: USD 75
Per day USD 48
Casa Zen Guesthouse and Yoga offers a 5 Day Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica in Santa Teresa, Puntarenas for all levels of seekers -from novice to experienced practitioners. Located bang in the middle of surfing spots, most of the yoga classes of Casa Zen are conducted at its yoga deck. This means one doesn’t have to commute a lot to visit the beach. They can surf in the warm, tropical waters – without having to worry about keeping commuting time aside in their relaxation schedule. Casa Zen’s goal is to offer affordable packages for travelers on a budget while providing ample opportunities for adventure, exploration and tranquility.
Miles away from the maddening crowd and chaos, Casa Zen Guesthouse and Yoga came into existence after Kelly’s frequent Costa Rica visits to see her father Don. Today, the guesthouse cum yoga retreat has six rooms on its first floor for a price conscious traveler. Besides that the property has two well-stocked communal kitchens along with their signature chef kitchen and an abundance of shared bathrooms for a comfortable stay.
The 5 Days Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica by Casa Zen Guesthouse and Yoga Puntarenas includes
COST: USD 190
Per day USD 68
Selina Jacó & Surf school offers 6 Days Budget Surf Lesson and Yoga Retreat in Costa Rica. Selina Hotel Jaco is the only beachfront you will find in the town. Flanked by Miro Mountain, the hotel is designed to mirror a bona fide Costa Rican experience for those who aren’t from the place. Located at a stone's throw away from the main street, the hotel features a bevvy of amenities ranging from a swimming pool, communal kitchen, restaurant, bar - and a movie room.
The surfing sessions of its retreat is conducted at Hermosa Beach – a medium beach strip famed for its beauty and clear waters. The property also offers an excellent co-working space to those who may want to check important mails or attend a few crucial meets. Speaking of accommodation, the hotel offers an eight bed community room, a six bed community room and an eight bed female community room, exclusively, for its female visitors. All the community rooms at the property come with an individual storage locker to safely store your precious belongings such as passport and likes, and an access to the shared washroom.
Selina Jacó & Surf School believes in treating the body, the mind, and the soul – as one single entity. They, hence, intertwine their wellness experiences with the values of wanderlust, nature and strength. Selina Impact, one of their initiatives, intends to engage their various stakeholders into meaningful dialogues on local, social, environmental, and economic challenges.
The 6 Days Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica by Selina Jacó & Surf School Jaco includes
COST: USD 340
Per day USD 154
Danyasa Eco-Retreat offers a 6 Day Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica in Punteras. Punteras is famed for its rich biodiversity. Danyasa Eco-Retreat is a multi-dimensional eco-treat that offers programs in surfing, yoga, movement arts and more in one of the most bio-diverse settings in the world. The yoga sessions at the retreat are conducted in its Yoga Play studios amidst a serene setting.
The best part about the Surf and Yoga retreat at Danyasa is that it can be customized as per an individual’s preferences. This means the retreat gives one the flexibility to decide the number/ratio of yoga and surf lessons they might want to partake in. At Danyasa, they believe yoga and surfing to be the two sides of the same coin. Hence, the yoga and surfing holiday is structured and designed in such a manner that it is suitable for all levels of surfers – and even to those who haven’t done any surfing before.
Danyasa Eco-Retreat provides three types of accommodation facilities namely King Room, Standard Queen and Superior Queen Rooms. Each room at Danyasa Eco-Retreat is comfortably furnished with a 1500 thread count mattress to enable you to sleep better. All the guests staying at the eco-retreat have access to the sun deck, swimming pool and lounge area, irrespective of the type of accommodation they chose to stay in. The eco-retreat is an ambassador for the Community Carbon Tree Association, under which anyone can plant a tree to offset their carbon footprint. The resort has also won awards and recognition such as ‘Best Eco-lodge in Costa Rica’ by Travel Awaits in 2019 and more in the past for its initiatives towards the environment. It should however be noted that since Danyasa Eco-retreat is an adult only resort, children below 13 years of age aren’t allowed in the retreat.
The 6 Day Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica in The Most Bio-Diverse Place in Puntarenas by Danyasa Eco-Retreat Costa Rica includes
COST: USD 772
Per day USD 75
Burnt Toast Surf camp organizes 7 Days Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica. Situated in a village near Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada named Nosara, on the peninsula of Nicoya, Guanacaste, Burnt Toast Surf camp is in the vicinity of various secret hideouts. So discover something new, everyday during your stay here. The staff at the Burnt Toast Surf Camp is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Dutch, which is a bonus if you have difficulty conversing in English.
Taehupoo, the dorm room of the camp has been freshly renovated and is replete with bunk beds. It also comes with a fully functional community kitchen and a bathroom. Burnt Toast Surf camp aims to connect you with the earth - and strengthen your connection with the water as you go catch the waves. The yoga classes at the camp require no previous experience and are open for all. Burnt Toast Surf Camp’s yoga classes are conducted by Lida Sirvio, a certified yoga instructor, who likes to begin her classes with dynamic hatha yoga before ending it into restorative yoga. Every participant here is provided with a surfboard and a tour to Mala Noche waterfalls in Nosara as a part of a surf and yoga retreat.
The 7 Days Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica by Burnt Toast Surf Camp Pelada Beach Nosara, Costa Rica includes
COST: USD 450
Per day USD 96
Dreamsea Costa Rica offers 8 Day Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica in Tamarindo, Guanacaste with a purpose to provide the combination of surfing, glamping, yoga, cuisine, and adventure to travelers from across the world. An eco-friendly, self-sustained, glamping and surf camp, constructed on a 15,000 square meter patch of obscure land, Dreamsea Costa Rica runs on the motto that one should collect moments, not things.
The classes at the property cater to both the beginner and the advanced surfer! It lets you catch a wave at any one of the four separate beaches located just a quick shuttle ride away from camp! A celebration of ‘being you’, Dreamsea Costa Rica is an ideal option for those desiring beyond yoga from a wellness retreat. It is also suited for those who want to experience a combination of yoga, glamping and surfing activities without spending too much on these separately.
The 8 Day Budget Surf & Yoga Retreat Costa Rica in Tamarindo, Guanacaste includes
COST: USD 675