Ocean & Soul: 5-Day Surf and Yoga Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica

Cuatro Vientos is a small, family-run complex set a minute's walk from the beach in Malpaís, just south of Santa Teresa. The whole place feels like a guesthouse rather than a hotel, with a big garden, a shared kitchen, and a yoga deck built for the purpose. Your host Eliana will meet you on arrival, hand over your schedule, and be around all week for questions or recommendations. She's the kind of host who makes you feel like you're staying with a friend rather than at a resort.

Surfing is the centerpiece. Guillermo, a local instructor with 15 years in the water, runs three lessons at spots chosen based on the day's conditions and your experience. If you've never surfed, he'll start you on the white water at Playa Carmen; if you have, he'll take you to point breaks like Mar Azul. All equipment is included, and the lessons are small enough that you'll get real feedback, not just pushed into a wave.

Alongside the surf, the retreat includes two yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, or Yin, depending on the day) held on the open-air deck where you can hear the ocean. You'll also get a 60-minute massage with Brinel, who guests consistently praise. The rest of the program is optional and costs extra: breathwork, reiki, sound baths with quartz bowls, cacao ceremonies, waterfall hikes, a visit to Tortuga Island, or Spanish classes. The team is happy to arrange any of these.

Malpaís itself is a low-key town of dirt roads, surf shops, and excellent casual restaurants. The complex is within walking distance of a supermarket and the Fishermen Village, and Santa Teresa's main strip is a 10-minute drive or a fun ATV ride away. The area is known for its sunsets, and you'll have a front-row seat at the beach just down the path.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in a private double room - Breakfast each morning at La Esquinita coffee house - 3 surf lessons with local instructors (equipment included) - 2 yoga classes (Hatha, Vinyasa, or Yin) - 1 x 60-minute massage - 1 full day of ATV rental - Transportation to and from scheduled activities - Welcome gift and pre- and post-retreat advice - 100MB Wi-Fi connection - Free parking and luggage storage - Discounts at local restaurants - Airport shuttle from San José or Liberia (on set schedules)

What's not included

- Flights to Costa Rica - Travel insurance - Meals other than breakfast - Additional activities (e.g., waterfall hikes, Tortuga Island, extra yoga, breathwork, reiki) - Personal expenses and gratuities - Airport taxi from Tambor or charter flights (can be arranged)