Costa Rica Surf & Yoga Retreat

Join Women’s Quest in a beautiful paradise as we host our 25th year of Women’s Surf and Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica! Women’s Quest blends surf and soul for a fabulous week of oceanside adventure and restoration at the beautiful Lua Villas in Playa Hermosa.  Learn how to surf, stretch your body and mind with yoga, share sunsets with new friends, and have the time of your life. Come discover the true meaning of Pure Life, or as the Costa Ricans say, Pura Vida!

If you’ve ever dreamed of surfing into the sunset, then this is your adventure. Imagine yourself catching a wave and feeling the balance, grace and joy of playing in a warm ocean. Long white sandy beaches, unspoiled rainforest, a gorgeous yoga retreat center close to the beach near a turtle refuge, and a bunch of fun-loving women to share the experience in a pressure-free environment. Our perfect recipe for relaxation and rejuvenation includes a blend of daily yoga and surfing spiced with long walks on the beach, a dollop of massage and free time, horse riding on the beach, all complimented by outrageously fresh local cuisine and our expert staff to guide and support you every step of the way. Perfect for first-timers and accomplished surfers alike, come experience the exhilaration of catching a wave and the peace that is nurtured from a daily yoga practice and reconnection with nature. Celebrate the surf and soul of Costa Rica with us!

Lua Villas is our home for the week and we will have the whole area including the yoga shala to ourselves. It is the perfect place for relaxing in a hammock or chilling by the pool, and we are only a 3-minute walk to Hermosa Beach.

It is one of the most divine and perfect places to disconnect from the stress of daily life and reconnect back to nature and to yourself. This is a Quest that will allow you to nourish your body, mind and spirit. you will recalibrate your body to the flow of nature which will magically transform, cleanse, and connect you back to YOU!

“Every woman deserves to treat herself to a Women’s Quest adventure. I work full time and raise three children; I wanted something where I could be me, and just me.  I signed up for Costa Rica and spent an amazing week seeing a beautiful country, eating delicious food, and spending time with awesome women. The surfing instructors were supportive and positive, and the yoga classes connected me to peace and relaxation. For the first time at 43m I learned that I love to play in the ocean. It was an experience I can’t explain, but I recommend it to everyone; thank you Colleen and Pia!” – Tania, Costa Rica 2017.

What to Expect:

The Spirit of “Pura Vida” is infused in every one of our retreats and will rejuvenate every cell of your body. The warm ocean, the amazing food and staff and the new friendships made all come together for an experience of a lifetime

Awaken slowly to the sound of the ocean lapping on the shore. Start the day conversing with new friends over a vibrant gourmet breakfast, fresh-brewed Costa Rican coffee, and warm tropical breezes. We will typically surf in the morning after our morning “Awakening the Senses” yoga. After an amazing, nourishing lunch, you will have time for exploring, reading, and relaxing. Afternoons will be reserved for our yoga, creative exercises and journaling, wellness talks, adventures like our canopy tour or horseback riding, shopping at the local markets in town or some well-deserved free time to hang out in a hammock or read your book by the pool. Evenings are filled with friendship and laughter, whether we are kicking back beachside, or enjoying a bonfire.

Ride Your First Wave!!!

Surfing at Playa Hermosa-“Beautiful Beach”

It’s Costa Rica, one of the premier surf destinations in the world, so it will be incredible! A short 3 min walk down a wooded path you will find the white sand beach which is our gentle surf spot. This picturesque palm-lined beach is Playa Hermosa, ‘beautiful beach’ in Spanish. Our “home break” is perfect for learning with its sandy bottom and rolling waves. The area has some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica. This does not mean gigantic. In fact, we selected this location for its favorable waves. Having said this, while Colleen has performed some amazing feats, even she cannot control the seas, so we are still subject to the tides and swells.

Our instructors are patient, kind, experienced, and genuinely interested in you and your journey. They are able to accommodate absolute beginners to those who have been surfing for years. They teach safety first with fun and stroke as a close second. We have (2 students to1 instructor) ratio which will ensure that you receive thoughtful feedback and coaching. 

Women’s Quest is different from other surf retreats. Our first day will begin with “ground school” or paddle school with PIA, which is where we will teach you the basics of surfing, how to pop up and how to balance on the board. We have also created a very special “paddle school”, to help you with paddling skills. We will teach techniques to paddle more efficiently and powerfully, how to turtle roll, how to spin around quickly (for catching waves) and how to find your sweet spot on the board.

Our local instructors from “TAKE OFF” surf school have the essential talents to help you
achieve your goals:

• Many years of experience in surf instruction.
• Genuine enthusiasm and patience.
• Local knowledge of the area.
• Passion for the ocean and surfing.
• Surf lifesaving, CPR, and first aid certifications.

The Yoga practice in Costa Rica

“Our yoga practice will be about being in the body as connected to the environment—opening our cells to the beauty and wonders of Costa Rica”

Balance, focus, and core strength are key components of surfing. We will begin most mornings with “Awakening the Senses” yoga to get ourselves ready for the day. We will have several sunset yoga sessions planned and a sound healing meditation as well.

The yoga practice on this retreat is designed to be accessible for all levels—both fresh beginners and experienced practitioners will deepen their practice according to individual needs and desires. Variations will be offered, and the instructors work with the principle that each person can find a relationship with an “inner voice” that guides our balance of challenge and ease. It’s fun for everyone!!

Highlights:

• 4 surfing sessions (all levels from beginners to advanced)
• An unforgettable horse riding experience for all levels at Ario Ranch which is a 6000 acre Ranch with lots of wildlife (monkeys, sloths, birds), and the ride ends on the beach where we will see a turtle refuge
• Morning “Awakening the Senses Yoga and Qigong (surf and tide schedule dependent)
• 3 Afternoon restorative yoga sessions 
• Qigong for relaxation and balancing each day
• Paddle school in Tide Pool on the first day with PIA PLANT our head mermaid
• “Yemanja” water ceremony honoring the sea goddess at our famous tide pool
• Delicious, fresh, organic meals showcasing local produce
• 6 nights at Lua Villas, Balinese-inspired grounds and accommodations that redefine comfort and luxury, allowing you to focus on your healing journey, while enjoying a sanctuary unlike any other Costa Rica hotel or resort.
• Spa services available for extra cost
• Cacao ceremony
• Hiking to waterfall in Montezuma 
• Sound Healing journey in Montezuma with Patricia at Ylang Ylang Resort
• Guided meditations and instruction, mindfulness practices, journaling on THE HEART’S DESIRE!
• Afternoon activities include inspiring wellness lectures from Colleen (World Champion Triathlete), making prayer flags, mala bracelets with Monica at Faery Dust Workshop, and watercolor cards
• Photos of your surfing are included from famous photographer Carlos Palacios 
• Laughter, friendship and relaxation

Included in the Price:

• 7 full days and 6 nights at our private Lua Villas
• All meals but: (1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 2 dinners are On Your Own to explore Santa Teresa)
• Four days of surf instruction
• All surf equipment, wax, and accessories.
• Video surf instruction and workout booklet to help you get in shape
• Horseback riding at Ario Ranch
• Inspiring lectures and stories
• Yoga, stretching, sound healing and meditation
• All yoga equipment including mats, blocks, and straps.
• Memories and friendship to last a lifetime
• Also available locally are (optional and for an additional cost): Massage and spa treatments, zip line tour, ATV tour

* Airfare and transportation to and from the retreat is not included in the cost. 1 breakfast, 2 dinners and 2 lunches are on your own. 

Deluxe Accommodations

This year, we are thrilled to announce our exclusive takeover of Luxury Lua Villas, an oasis nestled in the heart of the jungle, just a 3-minute walk from the breathtaking Hermosa Beach, our incredible surf spot. Yes, you read that right – we are the sole occupants of Lua Villas, aside from the occasional company of playful monkeys!

Villas:

“We offer two villas, each comprising two levels. Upstairs, you’ll discover the master bedroom featuring a luxurious king-sized bed, air conditioning, and access to a shared bathroom (available for an additional fee of $1200). On the lower floor, you’ll find a cozy double room with two twin beds, air conditioning, and a safety box for your belongings. Additionally, you’ll have access to a well-equipped kitchen, a shared bathroom with hot water and an open shower, a charming corridor complete with a comfortable hammock, a ceiling fan, and a dining area equipped with a table and benches.”

Apartments:

“We offer two apartments, each featuring a single bedroom with a comfortable queen-sized bed, equipped with air conditioning, a spacious closet, and a safety box for your convenience. A fully-furnished bathroom with hot water is shared with the other room. You’ll also have access to a well-appointed kitchen for all your culinary needs. Step out onto the balcony, where you’ll find a table and benches, as well as a sofa or hammock (depending on the apartment).

In the main living area, you’ll find two twin beds, each equipped with a ceiling fan. These beds come with a discounted rate of $250 each, making them a cost-effective option for your stay.”

Upper Studio:

“We have two studios available, which offer an all-inclusive experience. Each studio is equipped with two comfortable twin beds, air conditioning, a safety box for your valuables, a well-appointed kitchen, and a fully-furnished bathroom with hot water. Step out onto the balcony, where you’ll find a table and benches, as well as a sofa or hammock (depending on the studio). Enjoy a hassle-free stay in these cozy and well-equipped studios.”

Standard Studio:

“We offer a unique room with the added convenience of a private bathroom. This cozy room features a comfortable queen-sized bed, a convenient kitchenette, air conditioning, and a safety box for your peace of mind. Additionally, you’ll have exclusive access to a private bathroom. Step outside into a small outdoor space with a table and bench, perfect for relaxing. Please note that this studio is the only accommodation with a private bathroom and incurs an additional charge of $1500.”

For inquiries about room availability, please reach out to Colleen at colleen@womensquest.com.

Gourmet Meals

Enjoy delicious, healthy meals, we will have something for every palate and are more than happy to accommodate special dietary needs or lifestyle choices. They strive to use natural, fresh ingredients by gathering ingredients harvested from nature, stimulating individual well-being at the ground level which allows one’s health to blossom.

The meals will include an array of hot, and refreshing cold soups; an excellent buffet of veggies and salads; organic chicken, fresh fish and vegan options. 

one breakfast, two lunches, and two dinners are left for you to explore on your own, allowing you to savor the local cuisine at your leisure.”

What airport do I fly into?

First, fly into San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)

When does the retreat begin and end?

The retreat begins on Feb 2nd and ends on Feb 8th
You should fly into Liberia Costa Rica on Feb 1st if you want to get in more beach time. The retreat will officially starts on Feb 2nd at 11:00 in the morning and you should plan to depart on Feb 8th after noon.

How do I get to the retreat?

Travel Options:

FLY INTO LIBERIA CR: It is easier to fly into Liberia because it is a smaller airport and then you can take a Women’s Quest van shuttle to Lua Villas on the 3rd.
The shared shuttle cost is around $350 split between 1 to 4 people. (This shuttle price is subject to change)

FLY INTO San Jose: 

You could also fly into San Jose CR if that is cheaper for you and then take a small flight to Tambor. The taxi from Tambor to Lua Villas is around $60 – $75

Should I get Travel Insurance?

We all know things happen. Whether it’s before your trip, in transit, or during your retreat so Women’s Quest strongly recommends you take out travel insurance. Travel insurance policies can vary on their coverage so please make sure you understand their coverage if you have to cancel, travel delays and cancellations, medical coverage, emergency situations and other areas of interest to you. This site has the “In’s and Out’s” of travel insurance.

What weather can I expect?

Think tropical paradise! Sundresses, shorts, tank tops, flip flops! The warmest layers you’ll need are for your plane ride over.

What is the average age on this retreat?

We have a wide range of women who attend our women’s surf camp in Costa Rica. Each retreat will vary. Please contact us if you have questions about the ages on a specific retreat. We have had women as young as 13 learn to surf with us and as old as 75!

What if I am coming alone?

The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Costa Rica is a safe and easy country to travel to as a single female. English is widely spoken and we are here to answer any questions about travel that you may have. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends! We will help you every step of the way and you might learn something about yourself too!

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?

You do not need to participate in everything; you can pace yourself so that it is the perfect amount of activity for you. We fully support you in doing as much or as little as is right for you in the moment. The schedule gives you a sense of the flow of each day. It is subject to change, depending upon the needs of the group, weather, ocean swell size, tides, etc. We will go over the schedule each day at breakfast. There is plenty of time for relaxing in the hammock with a good book, long walks on the famous beaches or a spa treatment.

Am I in good enough shape to do this retreat?

Most Likely! We adapt to all levels of fitness. Since we break into really small surfing groups (one instructor for two people, and many times one on one) we can accommodate just about any skill and fitness level. We have even taught people who did not know how to swim or were afraid of the ocean. Groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge herself. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out, play and be active several days a week.

Activities that will accelerate your learning are push-ups (hands underneath the shoulders, not wide), swimming, upper body exercises, and yoga for balance. Any physical exercise is beneficial. People of all shapes, sizes, skills and backgrounds surf. …and everyone who does, shares a common bond with the ocean and a permanent smile on their faces.

Payment Policy

A deposit is required to hold your reservation at a retreat. Deposits are $500 for domestic and $1,000 for international retreats. Additional deposits may be required to reserve a single room. All deposits are non-refundable.

We cannot hold your reservation until we have received your deposit. If you would like to reserve an available spot in a retreat 90 or fewer days prior to the retreat date, we require payment in full for the retreat to hold the spot. This is in accordance with our payment policy below.

Payment in full for all retreats is due 90 days prior to the retreat date. If you do not provide payment in full by 90 days prior to the retreat you risk losing your reservation.

A 4% payment processing fee will be added to all payments made using PayPal, Stripe or Venmo. 

You are welcome to send in a check or pay by Zelle to avoid this fee.

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel a reservation, a full refund, less your deposit which is non-refundable, will be provided for any cancellation we receive in writing at least 91 days prior to the commencement date of the retreat. We are sorry but we cannot refund any payments for cancellations made 90 or fewer days prior to the commencement of the retreat.

We reserve the right to cancel retreats with inadequate participant interest. Women’s Quest IS NOT responsible for any personal expenses, such as airline tickets due to changes in schedules or tour cancellations.

Covid-19 Policy

Cancellations by Women’s Quest: Women’s Quest reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to cancel or reschedule any retreat due to concerns over Covid-19. As a small company Women’s Quest is unfortunately not able to provide refunds of payments for retreats cancelled by Women’s Quest due to the Covid pandemic. This is primarily due to our financial commitments with the various retreat venues. As a result, in the event Women’s Quest cancels or reschedules a retreat due to Covid-19 Women’s Quest will apply all payments to the rescheduled or following year’s retreat, or to any other Women’s Quest retreat of your choosing through the end of the next year after the year in which the retreat was cancelled by Women’s Quest.  Because of the unforeseen and unprecedented circumstances of the outbreak, this policy supersedes earlier policies.

Cancellations by You: If you need or desire to cancel your reservation due to Covid-19, or failure to comply with the requirements of a negative test and being symptom free, this cancellation is subject to the Cancellation Policy above.  This is why we urge everyone to purchase travel insurance when signing up. 

Covid Waiver and Release
This waiver, release and acknowledgement of responsibilities is unfortunately necessary during this unique time of the Covid 19 pandemic. By signing up for and or attending any Women’s Quest retreat you agree to be bound by the terms of this document. We understand these times are challenging, however, these provisions are necessary to protect all attendees and staff members of Women’s Quest.

Testing For and Symptoms of Covid 19.  Irrespective of vaccination status you are required to provide a negative test for Covid 19 taken within 3 days of the commencement of the retreat. This test can be either a PCR test or a home antigen test. Also, irrespective of your vaccination status, you agree you will not attend the retreat if you have any symptoms of Covid 19 immediately prior to the beginning of the trip. These symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea (these, along with symptoms outline in the following link and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control shall be collectively referred to as the “Symptoms”.) More information on symptoms of Covid 19 can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

Symptoms During the Retreat. In the event you develop any Symptoms during the retreat you must immediately leave the retreat and follow protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and all local regulations. We understand this may result in you incurring significant expenses associated with separate accommodation and travel, however, you understand these expenses are not the responsibility of Women’s Quest and must be incurred by you. You agree to be fully honest with Women’s Quest staff in regard to any Symptoms you may develop and agree to comply with a request by Women’s Quest staff to depart as determined by Women’s Quest staff in their sole discretion. As provided below, this is why we strongly urge everyone to get travel insurance covering these and other expenses prior to departure.

Procedures During the Retreat. During the retreat Women’s Quest may, but need not, endeavor to practice social distancing and wearing of masks when traveling in close proximity. You agree to comply with all requests of Women’s Quest staff during the retreat related to these procedures. Any such procedures implemented by Women’s Quest are not a guaranty you will not be exposed to Covid 19 and you understand you are responsible for taking any precautions you deem necessary and providing your own personal protective equipment during the retreat. You also agree to comply with any reasonable requests by other attendees to respect their social distancing and other protective measures (“Participant Requests”.) Notwithstanding the foregoing, you are responsible to comply with all laws and regulations of the locality visited relating to protections against Covid 19.

Waiver of Coronavirus Related Illness; Indemnification. You understand that irrespective of protective measures that Women’s Quest or you may or may not take, you may be exposed to Covid 19 by another retreat attendee, a Women’s Quest staff member and or an individual to whom you may be exposed during, or traveling to or from the retreat. You agree to waive and release Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any claims, liabilities or damages you may incur in the event you contract Covid 19 at any time during travel to, attending or after attending the retreat. You further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Women’s Quest, its officers, directors, staff, employees, contractors, and partners from any loss, liability or damages it or they may incur as a result of your failure to receive a negative test for Covid 19 prior to the retreat as provided above, attending the retreat with any Symptoms, not respecting Participant Requests, and not immediately departing the retreat if you develop any Symptoms.

Cancellation. In the unfortunate event you need to cancel your trip, cannot attend due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms prior to the retreat, or must leave the retreat due to contracting Covid 19 or developing Symptoms, Women’s Quest cannot provide any refund of any amounts you paid.

Travel Insurance. As provided in this document you could incur significant personal expense in the event you contract Covid 19 or develop any Symptoms during the retreat. As such, you are strongly urged to obtain travel insurance that provides adequate protections against these risks.

Additional Waiver. This waiver is incorporated into and made a part of other waivers you agreed to in connection with signing up for the retreat. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms of any other waiver, this waiver shall govern.

Purchasing Travel Insurance

We highly, highly recommend you get travel insurance to cover your expenses and losses, in the event you cannot make the Women’s Quest retreat for any reason or if  you test positive or come down with Symptoms prior to the retreat, develop Symptoms during the retreat, or cannot return home due to Covid related issues.  We recommend getting insurance that covers the cost of your trip, medical care while at the retreat, and coverage to pay for the necessary quarantine period if you test positive or come down with Covid.  Please remember, if you have to cancel your trip in the unfortunate event you come down with Covid, test positive, or suffer Symptoms prior to or during the retreat and need to leave, Women’s Quest cannot provide a refund since we have to pay your trip expenses well ahead of time.

If you are concerned about travel and the changing environment in which we are living irrespective of your Covid status, we recommend getting travel insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. This coverage is more expensive, however, may provide you with the coverage and flexibility you desire.

Irrespective of the travel insurance you get, please make sure you talk to a travel insurance agent prior to buying any insurance and make sure you have the coverage you desire and that the policy will cover trip cancellation, medical expenses and trip interruption due to Covid. 

You can do your own investigation by checking out Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison company that helps travelers search, compare and buy travel insurance online https://www.squaremouth.com/22393

Are you ready to join Women’s Quest on our Costa Rica surfing and yoga retreat? Sign up today!