Family Surf & Adventure Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica

Every day of this retreat includes two activities — one in the morning and one in the late afternoon, planned around tides, weather, and your family's energy. Surfing is the core of it for most families, with Mario scouting the best conditions daily and tailoring coaching to each family member's level. But if surfing isn't the point of the trip, the days can fill with waterfall hikes, river swims, fishing trips, horseback riding, national park walks, cooking classes, or just beach time.

The food is a genuine highlight. Jamie, who trained as a chef, cooks three fresh meals a day with local ingredients, helped by a local cook named Angelita. Breakfasts are a spread of tropical fruit, homemade granola, gallo pinto, and eggs. Lunches and dinners lean on fresh seafood, colorful salads, and Central American flavors — plus a signature opening and closing dinner. They handle gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, pescatarian, and other allergies without fuss.

What separates this from a standard surf camp is the private, family-focused setup. You're not joining a group of strangers; you get the property and the instructors to yourselves. Mario is known for his patience with children and his knack for making surfing fun and effective for total beginners, while still pointing intermediate and advanced surfers at the best breaks each day. Reviews from past guests mention how Mario and Jamie tailored everything and how hard it was to leave.

The location itself is part of the appeal. Montezuma is a small coastal town on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, a 25-minute drive from busier Santa Teresa. It's got a laid-back, artsy feel, with jungle, waterfalls, and the Cabo Blanco National Park nearby. Because the retreat is private and custom-built, no two weeks are the same — the only consistent thread is that you'll eat well, move your body, and get shown the Costa Rica that locals actually live in.

What's included

- 6 nights of private accommodation at Zumaloft - 3 daily meals prepared by a private chef - 2 daily surf sessions or excursions - Airport pickup & drop-off (Cóbano Airport, ACO) - Transportation to all daily activities - Specialty opening and closing dinners - Authentic cultural immersion activities - Wi-Fi connection - Daily yoga sessions with Jamie (when part of your plan)

What's not included

- International and domestic flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in your itinerary - Alcoholic beverages (unless arranged separately) - Gratuities for guides and staff - Optional cafe purchases (specialty coffees, smoothies)