Surf & Sunset Wellness Escape in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

The 'I Need Vitamin Sea' package is built around one thing: getting you surfing. You get five lessons with professional local instructors and lifeguards, all from a surf spot just 100 meters from the hostel. The lessons run for about 90 minutes each, and the schedule is set by the instructor based on the conditions and your level, which means you're always surfing when the waves are at their best. Boards and UV shirts are included, so you just need to show up.

Santa Teresa itself is a long strip of beach town along a dirt road, with the jungle on one side and the Pacific on the other. The hostel is in Playa Carmen, a few minutes' walk from the main intersection where you'll find banks, shops, pharmacies, and a supermarket that's literally 50 meters away. There are plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, and the town is a great base for exploring the Nicoya Peninsula.

What makes this retreat different is the atmosphere. La Posada is set up for socializing and making friends. The staff organize family dinners, there's a pool, and the common area has billiards, ping pong, and a library. The owners make a point of creating an inclusive, friendly space where solo travelers especially feel at home. The surfing is the main event, but the daily life of the hostel is a big part of the experience.

The area around Santa Teresa is full of things to do beyond surfing. You can hike in Cabo Blanco National Park, visit waterfalls, go horseback riding on the beach, take a boat trip to Tortuga Island, or go scuba diving. The retreat can arrange any of these as optional extras. For a more relaxed day, Mal País is just down the coast, with a chill atmosphere and some secluded beach spots.

What's included

- 7 days / 6 nights accommodation - 5 surf lessons with professional local instructors - Surfboard and UV t-shirt - Transportation to and from surf lessons - Daily breakfast - 1 meal per night (typical Costa Rican food, sandwiches, burgers, or vegetarian options) - Welcome gifts - Complimentary smoothie or beer - Snorkel equipment for exploring secret spots - Shared hostel facilities: pool, kitchen, lounge, games - Free Wi-Fi - Beach clean-ups (volunteer)

What's not included

- Flights - Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Extra activities not listed (yoga, massage, tours, etc.) - Visa fees - Personal expenses and souvenir shopping - Additional meals beyond what's included - Surf photo sessions