7 Day Pura Vida Eco Adventure Retreat in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

The week is built around a core set of adventures. You get one guided surf lesson with a local instructor, including the board and a UV t-shirt. There are two days of ATV riding – one that explores dirt roads and jungle trails around Santa Teresa, and another that takes you to the Montezuma waterfalls. You'll also do a discover scuba diving session (no experience needed) and a snorkeling trip. And there's the full-day Tortuga Island tour with lunch, plus a canopy tour through the jungle.

La Posada Surf Camp, the base for the week, is an international hostel in Playa Carmen, about 100 meters from the beach. It has a pool, a communal kitchen, a bar, a lounge area with billiards and ping pong, and a relaxed, social atmosphere. The hosts organize family dinners and are available to help you plan extra activities. The setting is very central – supermarkets, banks, restaurants, and a pharmacy are all within a few minutes' walk.

What makes this retreat different from a typical wellness getaway is the range of activities and the lack of structure. There's no set daily yoga or meditation schedule unless you choose to add it. Instead, you have a list of included adventures that you can schedule during your stay, plus a long list of extras you can arrange if you want to do more – like horseback riding, Spanish classes, massage, more surf lessons, or a fishing trip.

The instructors and staff are local and experienced. The scuba diving is run by Ananda Dive N'Flow, a PADI-affiliated operation that keeps groups small and is used to guiding beginners. The surf instructors are locals who know the best breaks for different skill levels. The overall feel is less about being looked after and more about being given the tools and opportunities to have your own adventure.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared dorm or private room - Daily breakfast (pancakes, fruit, coffee/tea, yogurt & granola) - 1 meal per night (typical Costa Rican food) - 1 surf lesson with equipment (board and UV shirt) - 2 days ATV tours (one full day, one half day to waterfalls) - 1 Discover Scuba Diving session (no experience needed) - 1 Tortuga Island tour with lunch - Snorkel equipment - 1 canopy tour - Transportation to and from activities - Welcome gifts - Complimentary smoothie or beer

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights - Extra activities not listed - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional treatments - Lunches (except on Tortuga Island and full-day ATV tour)