We blend surf and soul for a fabulous week of oceanside adventure and restoration at the beautiful Lua Villa in Playa Hermosa. Practice yoga, 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 to 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 a brand new construction designed for the perfect vacation. A beautiful swimming pool, jetted tub, hammocks or our amazing yoga deck are some of the amenities you can enjoy during your stay. An unbeatable location, just 3 minutes walking to Hermosa Beach, our different accommodation options, and our dedicated service makes Lua a real oasis in the middle of the jungle.
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, clarify and connect you back to you…
What to expect
Awaken slowly to the sound of the ocean lapping the shore. Start the day conversing with new friends over a vibrant gourmet breakfast served with warm, tropical breezes. We will start our women’s surf camp in the mornings around 9:00 a.m. and finish up at 11:30 a.m. (We are at the mercy of the ocean tides so we may get up earlier or even do a sunset surf session).
Before we take to the water, we’ll do our morning yoga practice and awaken the senses, gently stretching our arms, back, and shoulders. Around 4:00pm, we will do our afternoon yoga session designed to support our bodies’ surfing endeavors or relax and read a book. Evenings are filled with special inspirational talks, friendship and laughter, whether we are kicking back beachside, enjoying a bonfire, or taking dance lessons.
Surfing
It’s Costa Rica, one of the premier surf destinations in the world, so it will be incredible! 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.
The instructors for our women’s surf camp in Costa Rica 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 as a close second. A 2 to 1 student-to-instructor ratio will ensure that you receive thoughtful feedback and coaching.
We are different from other surf retreats. Our first day will begin with “ground school” 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 instructors 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)
Catamaran sailboat day to see the whales and dolphins and private beaches
Hiking to a waterfall, guided nature tour to see Ostional National Wildlife refuge and the Sea Turtles
Morning awakening the senses yoga (surf and tide schedule dependent)
Afternoon restoring yoga sessions
Qigong for relaxation and balancing
Delicious, fresh, organic meals showcasing local produce
7 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.
Bodhi Tree Spa services available for extra cost
Cacao ceremony
Sound Healing journey
Afternoon activities include inspiring wellness lectures, boutique shopping in town, making prayer flags, mala bracelets, and wellness workshops from World champion triathlete.
Laughter, friendship and relaxation
Weather
Think tropical paradise! Sundresses, shorts, tank tops, flip flops! The warmest layers you’ll need are for your plane ride over.
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About The Host
Host enriching, rejuvenating adventure retreats to renew the spirit and strengthen the body. A unique and powerful approach to creating vibrant health and personal empowerment deals for women of any age, background, or athletic ability. Programs targeting the mind, body, and spirit have been developed and refined over 16 years by world champion triathlete Colleen.
Location
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
I am out of shape, can I do the retreat?
YES! Because women of all ages, backgrounds, and athletic abilities attend the retreats there is a strong sense of support and camaraderie. Participants are inspired to overcome their limitations, celebrate their bodies, and refresh their spirits. Whether you have just started a fitness walking program and want to learn new wellness tools, or are a competitive athlete looking for your next adventure, Activ Retreats invites you to comfortably challenge yourself with fun and adventure.—whether that means a long hike or speedy bike ride down a trail, or giving yourself quiet time to sit on a rock and stretch. You will be encouraged to playfully explore at your own pace.
The ability levels are always varied: The staff provides expert technical instruction for all ability levels and we really have fun teaching the advanced as well as the beginners. We want to help you achieve your goals and fulfill your expectations, whether that means learning or perfecting cycling, hiking a 14,000 ft peak, surfing or doing yoga for the first time. We keep the groups small so that everyone gets individual attention.
Who is your typical quester?
Backgrounds range from:
*Business professionals who want a fit and fun vacation with everything planned
*Mom’s that really need to talk to someone their own age and refresh from the Inside-Out!
*Empty Nesters that are finally FREE to PLAY
*Women that did not have the chance to learn sports as children and they want a safe place to learn
*Girlfriends that want a fun getaway to laugh and celebrate life
*Athletic women that want to learn from the Pro’s and learn their training secrets
*Single women that want to travel and find adventure. The majority of the women who attend our retreats come by themselves. Although you may come alone, you will leave the retreat with new, lifelong friends!
*Mother/Daughters, single, married WOMEN!
You see…everyone is a Quester!!
What is the typical age?
We have had questers as young as 8, and as old as 82 but the bulk of our participants range from 30-65.
What is the The Mind/Body Balance?
Activ Retreats has always had the balance of the Mind/Body. We were doing it before it was cool because Colleen realized from her coach Phil Maffetone, that it was important to be Healthy as well as Fit and Healthy was balancing the Body, Mind and Spirit. The retreats offer a mixture of traditional and alternative methods to give you the powerful tools for personal discovery and transformation. For each of the physical activities, you will receive expert, and often individual, instruction. You also will be introduced to a variety of mind/body exercises and inspirational lectures to help nurture balance and encourage you to voice and follow your life’s dream.
What will I discover?
Have you ever had an experience that really changed your life? Many of us have had a few magical, poignant moments that made us see things in an entirely new way – bringing what we value most into sharp focus. These experiences encourage us to step beyond our limitations and discover our power and passion. Activ Retreats retreats invite these sorts of special memories. In the company of supportive and inspirational women, you will experience moments of laughter, excitement, and reflection that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Activ Retreats invites you on a journey to find balance in you life—a quest for INTEGRATION, PASSION, and VITALITY of mind, body, and spirit. You will develop the tools and motivation needed to realize your unique potential and create a plan for what you want to create with your “one wild and precious life.” Our participants report profound and lasting change as a result of their retreat experience.
Where are the retreats held?
Our adventure retreats for women are held at resorts in spectacular and inspirational places such as the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Vermont, Sonoma Wine Country, Hawaii, Tuscany, Italy, Costa Rica, Croatia, Peru and Bali The splendor of the natural environment invites women to reflect upon their own innate beauty and experience their relationship with the natural world. Serene forests, singing streams and glorious wildflowers will be your wise companions on the journey. Accommodations, gear, and healthy, delicious food are included in every retreat.
Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?
No! All activities and outings are optional. This is YOUR retreat. We encourage you to do what feels most nurturing and right for you. You will be fully supported in doing as much or as little as you choose. All of our activities will be guided by expert staff, and instruction and support will be offered for every activity according to your experience level.
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!