Personalized Surf Coaching Escape in Nosara, Costa Rica

The retreat is based in Playa Pelada, the quieter neighbour of the more famous Guiones Beach, about a 15-minute walk along the sand. The area is full of cafés, a bakery, a mini market, art galleries and a couple of good bars, and the sunsets from the headland are genuinely something. It’s a proper local feel rather than a big resort strip.

Your surf coaching is the heart of it. Lessons are scheduled around the tides and conditions rather than fixed times, so you’re always surfing at the best part of the day. Your instructor tailors each session to your level — first lesson covers safety, paddling and board control if you’re new, and later sessions refine positioning, timing and wave selection if you’ve surfed before. One of your sessions is photographed professionally, so you leave with pictures of yourself actually riding.

Between surf sessions, the retreat gives you one included premium activity to choose from — a 60-minute massage, an ATV ride to hidden waterfalls, a horse ride on the trails, a SUP or kayak trip up the river, a cold plunge, or another option from the list. Your host Daniel is happy to suggest extras or just point you toward a good lunch spot. Optional extras like extra surf lessons, zip-lining and yoga classes can be arranged too.

The accommodations are at Refugio del Sol, a small hotel with just six rooms — it's got a shared kitchen, free WiFi and that relaxed Costa Rican atmosphere. Daniel’s been hosting retreats in Nosara for three years, and the whole operation is run by the local team behind YogaorSurf.com, who keep things personal and flexible.

What's included

- 3 nights accommodation in a private room at Refugio del Sol - Daily breakfast (3 homemade Costa Rican breakfasts) - 3 personalized surf lessons with dedicated instructors - 1 private yoga session - 1 professional surf photo session - Choice of 1 premium experience: 60-min massage, ATV waterfall tour, horseback riding, SUP/kayak paddle, cold plunge, or similar - Airport pickup from Nosara Airport (NOB) - Transport to scheduled surf lessons - Digital concierge before and during your stay - Free WiFi - Use of shared kitchen and common areas

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Lunch and dinner - Optional activities not listed in the included premium experience - Extra surf lessons beyond the 3 included - Airport transfers from Liberia (LIR) or San José (SJO) (available at additional cost)