NORTHERN COSTA RICA RETREAT
Welcome to El Manglar, Playa Grande
When our clients arrive at our oasis, they often take a moment to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Many say, “This is paradise.” After days spent relaxing by the pool, enjoying the sun, and exploring the Costa Rican jungle, they often leave with an even better impression, declaring, “I will come back.” And they usually do.
Our hotel showcases the best of Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush greenery, we're just a two-minute walk from the beach, where you can hear the waves from your room. The warm waves are ideal for surfers of all levels, with peaks up and down the beach and more often than not we surf alone.
Northern Costa Rica
This is an all levels retreat, beginners to advanced
WINTER - FALL 2026
March 1st-7th
November 28th- Dec 4th
WINTER 2027
Early Booking Discount available before 6/1/2026
January16th-22nd
January (mini retreat)* 29th-31st
February (mini retreat)* 5th-7th
February 13th-19th
WHATS INCLUDED
6 nights + 5 days at El Manglar
3 gourmet meals daily + drinks (excluding alcohol)
Professional surf coaching + daily video analysis
Daily yoga classes
Surf + yoga equipment
Surf education workshops
Adventures: Beach hike, Tamarindo excursion, canoe trip*
Airport transfer to + from Liberia - Shuttle departs LIR at 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM
*One of the adventures is always included depending on surf conditions
THE SURF
Experience Playa Grande’s stunning 4-mile white sand beach with perfect waves in a picturesque setting. Winter months we generally have smaller surf, 2-4ft and this bay picks up a lot of swell and never goes flat.
This is quintessential Costa Rica. Think blue skies, clear water, beautiful waves and smiles all around!
YOGA
Join us at our daily yoga classes crafted specifically to address the unique needs of surfers.
Our classes aim to provide rejuvenation and release to your body, tailored to restore and re-energize after exhilarating hours in the waves.
Developed by seasoned surfers, our sessions blend restorative and yin yoga to aid in healing from the physical demands of paddling and surfing.
PRICING:
Shared Room $2700
Private Room: $3000
Deposit: $600
Remaining balance due 60 days prior to retreat start date.
Please note: If you are traveling solo, we highly recommend booking a private room as the shared rooms are comfortable but “cozy.” Private rooms are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
*CANCELLATION POLICY IS LISTED AT BOTTOM OF THE PAGE
El Manglar
Hotel El Manglar is proudly managed by three Costa Rican brothers, who are pleased to offer you a unique, enjoyable and memorable experience during your holidays.
It was a dream come true to have the opportunity to share the beauty of one of our favorite places in the world, the Parque Nacional Las Baulas (Leatherback Turtle National Park). Here, we love to show guests the amazing surf and sunsets, surrounded by turtles, monkeys, parrots, iguanas and more.
We are delighted to share the beauty of Playa Grande, while you enjoy paradise, explore our country and experience the true meaning of our favorite phrase:
“PURA VIDA”
Pura Vida is a style of life, where you enjoy every moment of the day, with gratitude for what you have and what you can share.
THE FOOD
Our dedicated team of local chefs curates daily menus that spotlight the freshest tropical fruit and produce, locally caught fish, and seasonal delicacies unique to each retreat location.
Our meals are thoughtfully prepared to be abundant in fruits, veggies, and fresh salads, ensuring a healthy and balanced dining experience for our guests.
We welcome all dietary needs. Let us know before you arrive so we can adjust meals for you, ensuring a great dining experience during your stay.
SURF COACHING
Our pillars of coaching:
Support: We are patient, dedicated and stoked to teach women how to surf. We are here to support you through your surfing experience weather it is your first time on a board, or you are an experienced surfer already and would like to take your surfing to the next level. We cater to each individual surfing needs.
Encourage: Our team is incredibly enthusiastic to help women learn the art of surfing. Anticipate plenty of hooting and lively hollering from our seasoned coaches and your fellow surfers as you embark on this exciting journey with us.
Empower: At Sister Surf & Yoga Retreat, our instructors are devoted to guiding you in refining your surfing abilities. Surfing is a unique journey that requires accessing your inner strength, trusting in your skills, and conquering the waves with confidence. Prepare to unlock your full potential and embrace a transformative surfing experience that empowers you both in the water and beyond.
* We welcome first time surfers as well as intermediate rippers. Surfer to instructor ratio is generally 2:1 depending on conditions and level of individual surfers.
GETTING HERE
Liberia Airport (LIR) is only 60 minutes from El Manglar. Check in time is normally no earlier than 2:00 PM on arrival day and departure day check is no later than 10:00 AM. We have 2-3 shuttles per day from Liberia Airport to El Manglar.
San Jose Airport may have more flight options but requires an additional domestic flight to LIR.
Address: El Manglar, Palm Beach Estates, Guanacaste Province, Santa Cruz
PHOTO GALLLERY
CANCELLATION POLICY
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: PLEASE PROTECT YOUR TRIP WITH TRAVEL INSURANCE. A POLICY WITH A CANCEL FOR ANY REASON OPTION (CFAR) THE IS THE BEST CHOICE. CONTACT US FOR DETAILS.
DEPOSIT IS NOT REFUNDABLE: IN SOME CASES, WE CAN MOVE YOUR DEPOSIT TO A LATER DATE.
BALANCE IS DUE 60 DAYS BEFORE RETREAT BEGINS
BALANCE IS NOT REFUNDABLE IF YOU CANCEL YOUR RETREAT WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE RETREAT STARTING DATE. HOWEVER, IF WE ARE ABLE TO FILL YOUR SPACE, WE CAN MOVE YOUR PAYMENT TO A FUTURE RETREAT.