7 Day Wellness & Surf Escape in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

This 7-day adventure is built around a simple daily rhythm: yoga in the morning, surf in the afternoon, and sunsets that feel like they go on forever. The retreat includes 5 yoga classes and 5 surf lessons, so you'll have a couple of days with free time to explore Santa Teresa's beaches, waterfall hikes, or the nearby town of Malpaís. For beginners, the surf lessons are patient and encouraging — the instructors are ISA-certified and have boards to suit every level. If you've surfed before, there's room to refine your technique at Playa Selina, which sits right out front and is one of the area's best surf spots.

The retreat also weaves in some ceremony and ritual. There's a cacao ceremony that's more about gathering together and setting intentions than anything formal, plus a Kirtan session — a call-and-response chanting session led by Sol that's surprisingly powerful even for first-timers. You'll also get a relaxing massage, which fits nicely between surf sessions. The one beach party is the exclamation point at the end of the week — a barefoot-on-the-sand dance night with the waves crashing behind you.

The hostel itself is simple but has everything you need: air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and a garden. It's called ICO Living Hostel and it's located in northern Santa Teresa, a short walk along a jungle path to Playa Selina. The town's single main road runs parallel to the ocean and is lined with surf shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can walk to everything in minutes, so it's easy to feel like you're part of the local scene rather than just passing through.

This retreat isn't about pushing yourself to the limit — it's about finding a balance that actually sustains you. If you're looking for a week of active rest, where you move your body during the day and let your nervous system settle in the evenings, this is that week. It's also a great launching point for a longer trip, as the hostel staff can help you arrange onward travel to places like Montezuma or even a small plane to the airport at the end.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared or private rooms - 5 daily yoga classes - 5 surf lessons with ISA-certified instructors - 1 cacao ceremony - 1 Kirtan session - 1 relaxing massage - Guided sunset tours - 1 beach party - Airport pickup & drop-off from SJO (departures at 7:00 and 15:00) - Free excursions to sites of interest - Water served throughout the day - Digital guide with local spots and hiking trails - Motivational audio sequences - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Wi-Fi and parking at the hostel

What's not included

- Flights to Costa Rica - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Meals and drinks (not included in package) - Optional day trips (e.g., Montezuma tour, ATV, waterfall hikes) - Private transfers or flights from the airport (if not using the included land transport)