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- We bring in professional surf instructors and their patient, knowledgeable guidance to develop your skills in this fun and challenging sport. First-timers more than welcome, and advanced surfers will love Playa Grande’s world-class waves. If you’re afraid of the ocean, don’t worry—we’ll be right there, easing your anxiety. If you really don’t want to surf or don’t think you can due to physical limitations, we can grab you a boogie board instead so you won’t be left out!
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- Combining soul-filling activities with our science-based workshops distinguishes our happiness retreats from any other retreat of any kind. This is the critical piece that will foster your changes in perspectives and generate long-term happiness. Workshops are led by retreat host Michele, who has her doctorate in Communication. Read More
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- Daily mindfulness meditation brings countless benefits to health and happiness. Much research has shown that mindfully meditating just 20 minutes a day for a short time can bring notable improvements to health and well-being, even reducing pain in some circumstances. Mindfulness meditation is far more powerful than it appears for achieving and staying in a state of happiness.
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- Paying attention to the muscles of your body brings overall health, particularly when some forgotten ones will be waking up in the surfing classes. We will definitely at least offer an informal group stretching session every day. Whether we do yoga or bring in a yoga instructor will depend on the preferences of retreat attendees.
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- Playing drums in unison with others brings a powerful experience of connecting with self and other. We’ll bring the drums. The beats live within us. We’ll take the drums onto the beach under the full moon, and connect with that part of our selves as we commune with others riding high on our shared vibe.
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- When visiting the jungle, a proper jungle tour is in order! Our favorite is a canoe tour into the estuary where you’ll be visiting the homes of all kinds of tropical birds looking for breakfast, a large troop of Howler monkeys, and possibly a crocodile family or two. The Tamarindo estuary is recognized by Ramsar as one of the 200 most important wetland ecosystems on the planet. Don’t worry—the massive mangroves won’t come alive and wrap their tremendous roots around you.
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- Everyone needs a day off every once in a while. We have one designated rec day factored into our schedule. The jungle tour is scheduled for that morning, but the rest of the day is yours. Our chef will also have the day off, so you’ll be on your own for food that day. Feel free to dig out some leftovers, make something yourself in the kitchen, or explore the local faire.
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- This activity is perhaps best explained by a Buddhist joke. A woman bought a new house and asked the local Buddhist monk to come bless it for her. He said, “Yes I will be happy to! I just can’t today.” “What are you doing?” the woman asked. “Nothing,” replied the monk. The next day, the woman asked the same monk again. His response was the same, “Yes I will be happy to! I just can’t today.” “What are you doing?” asked the woman. “Nothing,” the monk replied. “But that’s what you were doing yesterday!” expressed the woman.
