Nicaragua Surf & Yoga Eco Retreat: Waves, Wellness, and Community

Costa Dulce sits on a stretch of Nicaragua's southern coast, about 2.5 to 3 hours from both Liberia (Costa Rica) and Managua (Nicaragua) airports. The lodge is built into a cliffside overlooking a public but secluded beach, with ocean-view yoga shalas, a pool, sauna, and cold plunge. Guests stay in a range of cabins and rooms — from the Cliffside Oceanview Cabin 'Delfin Villa Cortez' to the Jungle & Ocean View Cabin 'Cangrejito' and the larger 'Big Bungalow'. Each room is named, and many have balconies or terraces facing the water. The property is an eco-lodge, so expect natural materials, open-air spaces, and a focus on low-impact living rather than air-conditioned luxury.

A typical day starts with coffee and fruit before an early surf session or a yoga class in one of the ocean-view shalas. Surfers of all levels can head to the beach out front — the waves are consistent and the beach is sandy with no hidden rocks or strong currents. Beginners can take lessons with local instructors, while more experienced surfers can explore other breaks nearby. After breakfast, there's often a second activity: a spa treatment, a sauna and cold plunge session, a salsa class, or a cultural excursion. Afternoons are free for reading in a hammock, swimming, or another surf. Evenings usually involve a communal dinner, sometimes with live music or a cacao ceremony.

The food is farm-to-table, with a kitchen that supports vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary protocols. Menus change with what's fresh and local, and communal meals are a big part of the social scene. The team is local and passionate — guides, instructors, and therapists who know the area well. The retreat attracts a mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups, and while it's popular with yogis and surfers, there's no pressure to be either. You can do as much or as little as you like.

What sets Costa Dulce apart is its location and its community. The beach is quiet, the jungle comes right up to the property, and the nearest town is a short drive away. It's a place where you can disconnect and still feel looked after — there's 24/7 on-site support, and the team helps arrange airport transfers and border crossings. Over 600 five-star reviews across platforms speak to the experience, but the real draw is the combination of surf, yoga, spa, and genuine Nicaraguan hospitality. It's not for everyone — if you want room service and nightlife, look elsewhere — but for a week of waves and wellness, it's a strong choice.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in selected room - Daily yoga classes - Daily surf sessions (boards available) - All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Access to pool, sauna, and cold plunge - Wi-Fi in common areas - Welcome drink and orientation - Use of yoga shalas and communal spaces

What's not included

- International flights - Airport transfers (available at additional cost) - Travel insurance - Spa treatments and massages (available at additional cost) - Alcoholic beverages - Personal expenses - Optional excursions not included in package - Gratuities