8-Day Tropical Yoga & Wellness Retreat in Nicaragua

Eden on the Chocolata is an eco-lodge run by a small, family-oriented team who genuinely care about their guests. The retreat combines two daily yoga sessions—an energizing morning vinyasa flow and a calming evening yin class—with a range of holistic activities that are all included in the price. You'll try a cacao ceremony using locally grown cacao, experience a traditional temazcal sauna, take an ice bath, join a sound healing session, and have the choice between a one-hour massage or a surf trip.

What sets this retreat apart is the setting. The lodge sits in a beautiful tropical garden with sweeping views over the jungle and the Pacific Ocean. The yoga shala is open-air, so you practice with the sounds of birds and monkeys in the background. The property runs on solar power and operates without air conditioning or television, which sounds rustic but actually makes it easier to disconnect and settle into the rhythm of the place. The bungalows are eco-luxury—comfortable beds, mosquito nets, fans, and private balconies with hammocks—so you get the experience of living close to nature without sacrificing comfort.

The teachers rotate but often include LaToya Maria, a therapeutic specialist and sound therapist with over 15 years of experience in women's health and mind-body education, and Chrissy, a yoga and fitness instructor who also facilitates breathwork and sound baths. Both are known for making yoga accessible to all levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. The small group size, typically between 4 and 9 people, means you get personalized attention and a real sense of community by the end of the week.

One of the highlights is the location itself. You can walk to a lookout bay in about 15 minutes, or take a 20-minute hike through the woods to a pristine, little-known beach that's perfect for swimming. San Juan del Sur, a charming horseshoe-bay town full of restaurants and cafes, is a 10-minute drive or a 30-minute walk away. The retreat also arranges optional trips to Granada, the Masaya volcano, and other nearby attractions, so there's plenty to explore if you want to venture beyond the garden.

What's included

- 7 nights eco-luxury accommodation in a shared or private bungalow - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and 3-course dinner) - Unlimited coffee, tea, and filtered water - Welcome drink - 2 daily yoga sessions (Vinyasa and Yin) - Special class: Mantra circle, Ecstatic dance, or Breathwork - Choice of 1-hour massage or surf trip - Cacao ceremony with locally produced cacao - Temazcal sauna experience (ceremony) - Ice bath session - Sound healing session - Specialized workshop - Beach trip - Free taxi from Managua airport on Saturdays at noon (otherwise $90 USD) - Free taxi to Managua airport on Saturdays at 9am (otherwise $90 USD) - Unlimited use of WiFi, swimming pool, yoga space, and outdoor gym - $5 per booking donated to a local charity

What's not included

- Airfares - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities or excursions - Optional activities like horseback riding, ziplining, catamaran tours, etc. - Snacks from the health bar - Taxis on non-Saturday arrival/departure days