Ocean Wave Gliding & Yoga Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica

The Bodhi Slide retreat combines two activities that the team at Bodhi Surf + Yoga have found work exceptionally well together: bodysurfing and yoga. You get five of each spread across the week, and the two are taught as complementary practices. The yoga helps your body stay open and relaxed, while the bodysurfing builds confidence and a feel for the ocean—together they're meant to make you a better wave rider and a more relaxed person.

Bodysurfing here means gliding on waves using just your body and a pair of fins, riding the energy of the swell without a board. It's a wonderfully direct way to connect with the ocean, and it's accessible to beginners—your instructors will teach you how to read waves, position yourself, and catch the glide. The lessons take place at Playa Colonia, a gentle beach inside the Marino Ballena National Park, which means the water is clean and well-protected. You might spot dolphins or sea turtles while you're out there.

The yoga side is led by Pilar, who has trained in Costa Rica, India, and Mexico, and teaches Vinyasa Flow for all levels. Her classes focus on alignment and linking breath with movement, and they're designed to undo some of the tightness that surfing and bodysurfing create. Travis handles the ocean instruction—he's been surfing since he was 14, has taught for over a decade, and is a certified open-water lifeguard. Together they strike a balance between pushing you gently and making sure you're having fun.

The retreat also makes a point of connecting you to the place. There's a guided walking tour of Bahía Ballena that covers the community's history and how it's developed, and a trip to a local waterfall where you can swim in fresh water surrounded by jungle. The lodge itself is small and family-run, with a maximum of ten guests, so you'll get to know the other people in your group and the staff pretty quickly. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with shared meals and plenty of opportunity to just hang out.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation at the Bodhi lodge, 1 night in a San Jose hotel - 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners and snacks at surf lessons - 5 bodysurf lessons with instructors - 5 yoga classes - Guided Costa Rica culture walking tour of Bahia Ballena - Waterfall visit - Group excursions and activities - Airport pickup and drop-off - Round-trip transportation from San Jose and back - Shuttle service from San Jose hotel to airport - National park entrance fees for bodysurf lessons - Yoga mats and props - Travelers' Philanthropy donation - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Parking - WiFi connection

What's not included

- Airfare - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunches, 1 breakfast, and 4 dinners - Cost of optional activities - Transportation to optional activities - Additional activities not included in the itinerary