Surf & Yoga Wellness Escape in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

The retreat mixes three professionally taught surf lessons with two ocean-view yoga classes, leaving plenty of unstructured time to make the week your own. Hostel La Posada sits right in the heart of Santa Teresa, a town that runs along the main street parallel to the sea, lined with restaurants, bars and surf shops. Supermarkets are a minute away, banks and pharmacies three minutes, which makes it easy to settle in and feel local quickly.

Surf lessons are small and tailored to your level, run by ISA-certified instructors and lifeguards who work the break every day. Pipi, one of the local surf instructors featured on the retreat page, has spent his life in the water and will pick the best time and spot for your ability. Boards and UV shirts are provided, and transport from the hostel to the beach is included.

Yoga sessions happen on a dedicated ocean-view deck, designed to complement the surfing rather than compete with it. Expect practices that focus on flexibility, strength and unwinding after time in the water, all to the soundtrack of the waves.

Santa Teresa itself rewards exploring. The lush jungle, waterfalls and Cabo Blanco National Park are within reach, and wildlife like monkeys, dolphins and whales are common sights. The hostel is also a social hub with a pool, billiards, ping-pong and a communal kitchen, so it's easy to meet fellow travellers or cook your own meals. Your host, Desi, is on hand throughout to help you put together the kind of week you want, whether that's joining group activities or just relaxing by the pool with a book.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in a shared dorm or private room - 3 surf lessons with professional local instructors (ISA certified) - Surf equipment: board and UV t-shirt - Transport to and from surf lesson locations - 2 yoga classes on an ocean-view deck - Full daily breakfast (coffee, tea, pancakes, fruit, granola, yogurt) - 1 meal per night (typical Costa Rican food, sandwiches, burgers or vegetarian) - Surfboard for the week - Snorkel equipment for exploring secret spots - Welcome gifts - 1 complimentary smoothie or beer - Free Wi-Fi - Access to hostel facilities: pool, kitchen, common areas - Free parking

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Other meals and drinks (beyond breakfast and one dinner per night) - Spanish lessons - 90-minute massage - Personal expenses - Flights and visa fees - Travel insurance - Optional activities (Tortuga Island tour, horse riding, fishing, zip-lining, scuba diving, etc.)