Unleash your inner cowabunga at Costa Rica's Surf Synergy
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During a cozy dinner in the snowy mountains of Aspen, a friend regaled me with tales of her transformative journey at a wellness retreat nestled on the west coast of Costa Rica. She painted a vivid picture of her days filled with surfing lessons, rejuvenating yoga sessions, invigorating breathwork, chilling ice baths, delectable cuisine, and the warm embrace of the sun. Her adventures were new to her, much like they would be to me, but it was the profound shift in her perspective on life that truly captivated my attention.
Intrigued and inspired, I delved into researching this refuge of renewal and promptly booked myself a spot for an upcoming one-week retreat at Surf Synergy. What better way to thaw out from the winter chill?
The days before my arrival, the Surf Synergy team meticulously planned my schedule, ensuring I knew exactly what awaited me in this tropical paradise. This thoughtful preparation allowed me to personalize my retreat experience by choosing activities that resonated most with my spirit of adventure.
Landing in San José, I was greeted by the comforting sight of a driver holding a sign with my name, a thoughtful inclusion in the retreat’s comprehensive package that eased the logistical worries of travel. This seamless start was but a prelude to the week of transformation that lay ahead.
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The allure of wellness retreats is on the rise as more people seek escapes from the digital saturation and the relentless pace of modern life. Surf Synergy epitomizes this sanctuary, reminiscent of the secluded havens favored by celebrities seeking respite from the spotlight - minus the hefty price tag! Here, guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil rhythm of nature, starting the day with sunrise surf lessons, nourishing their bodies with three well-balanced meals, and winding down with sunset yoga sessions. The retreat is a refuge for relaxation, with guests leisurely reading by the pool, engaging in outdoor fitness activities, or swaying in hammocks, encapsulating the true essence of a vacation. Far removed from the hectic tourist trails, Surf Synergy offers a genuine retreat, allowing you to return home rejuvenated rather than yearning for rest.
About Surf Synergy
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Established in 2021, Surf Synergy offers a holistic surf and standup paddling (SUP) experience founded on the belief that these invigorating sports should be within everyone's reach. This tranquil haven marries the exhilarating practices of surfing, yoga, wellness, and restorative recovery, crafting a well-rounded retreat suitable for surfers at every skill level. The resort is a vision of Bohemian elegance, nestled among verdant rice paddies, with accommodations perched on hillsides amid an orchard of mango, coconut, banana, and starfruit trees, presenting guests with stunning sights of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding jungle.
The inception of Surf Synergy traces back to a life-changing family vacation. At the age of 51, American entrepreneur Rich Naha was introduced to the timeless joy of surfing by Marcel Oliveira during a retreat. This fortuitous meeting inspired the creation of Surf Synergy, envisioned as a sanctuary where the thrill of surfing, the tranquility of yoga, and the pursuit of wellness converge. Co-founder and Head Coach Marcel Oliveira, an esteemed four-time national SUP champion of Costa Rica, propels this local endeavor with his considerable talent and infectious zeal.
An All-Inclusive Experience
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Surf Synergy’s immersive week is designed to blend relaxation, adventure, and personal growth. It encompasses seven nights in serene accommodations, complemented by three nutritious meals prepared daily with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Dive into the world of surfing or standup paddling (SUP) with five tailored sessions led by skilled bilingual coaches, complete with all essential equipment (everything but your swimsuit!). Beyond the waves, the program includes breathwork sessions, land-based training, a rejuvenating ice bath, soothing massages, and daily yoga sessions aligning thoughtfully with your surfing experience to enhance flexibility and strength.
Moreover, your surfing journey is beautifully documented with professional photography and video analysis, facilitating personal growth and preserving unforgettable memories. Midweek, adventure calls with an organized excursion, promising new thrills. Everything is taken care of from your arrival to departure, including hassle-free airport transfers from San Jose (approximately 90 minutes away), ensuring your focus remains on the enriching experiences ahead.
(re)Treat Yourself
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Surf Synergy welcomes everyone seeking a transformative escape: solo adventurers, couples of all ages, families on bonding trips, and individuals navigating life’s challenges, including those with anxiety and depression. It’s a melting pot of diverse and fascinating individuals. During my stay, the guest list included a spectrum of stories – from newlyweds and mother-daughter duos seeking quality time to individuals embracing new beginnings post-divorce or exploring personal identity.
The surfing village offers tailored lessons for every skill level, welcoming both complete beginners and seasoned surfers looking to refine their techniques. The experienced instructors are adept at significantly enhancing your skills, ensuring a rewarding experience regardless of your starting point.
Where Comfort Meets Nature
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Built on seven acres of verdant paradise, just a stone’s throw from Jacó’s famed surf beaches, Surf Synergy offers an intimate boutique resort experience designed to cultivate personal growth and a deep dive into the Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica.
The subdued bedrooms, devoid of TVs and phones, encourage guests to connect with nature and the essence of relaxation and wellness. Each elegantly appointed bungalow features bamboo sheets for restful sleep, along with thoughtful amenities like bedside USB ports, insect repellent, and a unique shower experience for an authentic touch of Costa Rican living. The bungalows are equipped with modern conveniences such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a safe, mini fridge, a kettle and coffee maker, and air conditioning, complemented by the delightful scents of organic toiletries from Raw Botanicals. Outside, hammocks sway in the breeze while the sounds of nature lull you into a peaceful siesta.
On May 1, the grand unveiling of Casa del Cielo will introduce a new dimension of luxury to the property. This solar-powered villa, designed with versatility in mind, offers the option of reserving individual rooms or securing a full buyout, making it perfect for families, friends, and corporate retreats. With six elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, alongside two cozy bunkrooms, the villa significantly enhances the resort's accommodation capabilities, elevating its guest capacity from 12 to 38.
The Cuisine
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The culinary experience is an integral part of the retreat. The in-house chef serves three wholesome meals daily, embracing the bounty of local produce. Beverages, including fresh coconuts and a variety of fresh juices, elevate the dining experience. All dietary preferences are embraced with creativity, ensuring you'll never feel like you’re missing out but rather indulging in every meal.
The real essence of dining here is the communal atmosphere, fostering connections and friendships at the main dining table, a rare gem in travel experiences. The resort prides itself on minimizing food waste, adapting quantities as needed, and offering a daily menu featuring dishes like poke bowls, tacos, lasagnas, and pizzas, with fresh fruits available throughout the day for snacking.
The kitchen’s commitment to holistic and mindful eating is evident in the colorful, balanced, and thoughtfully curated creations featuring organic ingredients fresh from the garden, including basil, turmeric, and oregano. Given Costa Rica’s status as a leading pineapple producer, the inclusion of garden-fresh pineapples, along with coconuts, bananas, and mangoes, adds a local flair to the dishes. And for those looking to add an extra kick to their meals, the array of Shade Time artisan hot sauces offers the perfect zest. The exceptional quality of meals, from preparation to presentation, hints at the potential for a Surf Synergy recipe book – a compilation eagerly anticipated by many.
When to Visit
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Deciding when to visit Surf Synergy, located in Jacó with its idyllic surf beaches, is perhaps the most challenging part of planning the trip. With water temperatures hovering around 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, any time is a good time. Costa Rica’s summer, or dry season, spans from December to April, offering sunny, rain-free days perfect for outdoor activities. In contrast, the winter, or green season, from May to November, brings afternoon rains that rejuvenate the landscape, making it lush and vibrant.
Surf Synergy operates year-round, offering something special for everyone, with themed weeks scattered across the calendar. For single women, Galentine’s Week in February focuses on surfing, self-care, and camaraderie. October’s Longevity Week, in collaboration with Vail Health, promises transformative experiences guided by healthcare experts.
Gay Surf Week
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Gay Surf Week, led by author and travel influencer Joe Santini, invites you to “ride with pride,” celebrating the gay community with surfing, pool parties, and uncovering the hidden queer history of the sport.
Joe Santini reflects, “Wellness retreats resonate deeply as they offer more than just a vacation; they’re about shared experiences, community, and self-improvement. Gay Surf Week, in particular, welcomes everyone, whether solo or coupled, for a week of wellness and joyous community, ensuring an unforgettable and inclusive experience.”
This year, in collaboration with Santini, Surf Synergy will host two exclusive editions of Gay Surf Week. The first week, scheduled for May 11-18, is nearing total capacity, while the second is scheduled for September 14-21. During these two weeks, the entire surf and wellness camp will be dedicated to the gays, creating a unique sanctuary where guests can fully embrace and celebrate their authentic selves while embarking on a journey of self-improvement.
“That is a novelty not found in many places throughout the world,” remarks host Santini, highlighting the uniqueness of the experience.
Given the enthusiasm and rapid near sell-out of the first Gay Surf Week, Surf Synergy is already charting plans for additional themed weeks.
Beyond the Waves
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The adventure extends well beyond the surf and yoga sessions.
I had the opportunity to partake in breathwork training with Marcel Oliveira. It’s fascinating to learn that we breathe around 22,000 times a day yet seldom consider its impact. Marcel’s guidance shed light on the intricate connection between breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rates, revealing how these elements harmonize to influence our overall well-being.
His enthusiasm for ice baths introduced me to another level of invigoration, where the breathwork techniques proved invaluable in bracing against the cold. As I reminded myself while seconds stretched into what felt like hours, the practice of cold-water plunging comes with a wealth of benefits. These include a boost in collagen production, anti-inflammatory properties, quicker recovery post-exercise, the transformation of white fat into calorie-burning brown fat, detoxification of the lymphatic system, enhanced circulation, stress reduction, and a surge of “feel-good” hormones, culminating in a profound sense of accomplishment.
So, even if you can only endure one minute and 20 seconds like me, make sure not to skip out on this activity!
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The weeklong package also features a full-body massage in the peaceful ambiance of the roofed outdoor yoga studio. The massage therapist soothes and relieves any muscle soreness that may arise from your surfing adventures, especially as you engage muscles that may not be accustomed to such activity. It’s the ideal way to unwind and rejuvenate after embracing the exhilarating challenge of a new hobby.
Tailored Experiences
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The array of activities at Surf Synergy ensures your Costa Rican adventure is as vibrant and varied as the landscape itself.
While one activity of your choice is included, ample free time in your schedule allows for the addition of further experiences at an extra cost. Thrill-seekers can delve into extreme canyoning and waterfall rappelling or soar through treetops on a zipline canopy tour. For a more serene exploration, options like horseback riding along scenic trails, sea kayaking, Hawaiian canoeing, or Standup Paddleboarding on Playa Herradura's calm waters await. Culturally curious guests can immerse themselves in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Latin dance, or music instrument classes alongside insightful tours ranging from local coffee plantations to majestic volcanoes.
The Surf Synergy team is ready to tailor your experience to your interests.
If indecision strikes, take a cue from personal highlights: the waterfall hike tour offers an invigorating trek through Jacó's rainforest, presenting stunning mountain vistas and refreshing waterfall swims – just ensure your footwear is hike-ready and water-friendly. Similarly, the ATV tour combines the thrill of off-roading with the tranquility of waterfall swims, promising an unforgettable adventure.
The Jacó Impact
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Beyond being a surf retreat, Surf Synergy actively engages in the Jacó Impact initiative to foster community well-being and environmental stewardship. Through volunteer activities like beach clean-ups and surfboard donations for local youth, alongside supporting local artisans through pop-up markets, Surf Synergy cultivates a culture of giving back. Jacó Impact, a community collective, works together with Surf Synergy to enhance local lives and promote sustainability, evidenced by initiatives like the resort’s use of a bio-composter for fuel, underscoring their commitment to eco-friendly practices. This partnership not only enriches the guest experience but also ensures a positive footprint in the Jacó community.
Discover Holistic Bliss
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By the conclusion of your week, you’ll come to see the staff as nothing short of human Prozac – emanating an aura of serenity and patience and effortlessly uplifting everyone around them. Their genuine interest in connecting with each guest during shared meals, surf lessons, and various activities infuses each day with a sense of calm and belonging, enriching your experience.
Price
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An all-inclusive seven-night retreat at Surf Synergy starts at $2,765 per person, based on double occupancy. For solo adventurers seeking a personalized escape, the rate is $3,150. To learn more about Surf Synergy or to book your transformative retreat, visit www.surfsynergy.com.
Other Important Information
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LGBTQ+ Rights: Costa Rica stands as a beacon of progress in Central America for LGBTQ+ rights, upholding anti-discrimination laws that protect individuals regardless of their sexual orientation. The country also empowers transgender individuals to amend their legal gender on official documents, aligning them with their true gender identity. A landmark moment in 2020 saw Costa Rica legalizing same-sex marriages, making it the first nation in Central America to embrace this significant step towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community.
Traveling to San José: Direct flights are available from major US cities, including Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, New York, and Atlanta.
Language: While you'll find that many staff members are bilingual, sprinkling your conversations with a few Spanish phrases can enhance your connections. Basic expressions such as "gracias" (thank you), "buen día" (good morning), "por favor" (please), and "hola" (hello) can add warmth to your interactions. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with counting down from five in Spanish can come in handy, especially during those challenging yoga stretches when the instructor leads the countdown in Spanish.
Sun Protection: Given the consistently high temperatures, bringing along coral-reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin while preserving marine ecosystems is crucial. A highly recommended option is Soleil Toujours or Summer Fridays.
Cannabis Regulations: Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Costa Rica. :(
Tipping Etiquette: While tipping is not mandatory in Costa Rica, it is greatly appreciated for exceptional service. A guideline of 10% is customary and helps show your appreciation for those who go above and beyond to make your experience more enjoyable.
Local Currency: The colón is Costa Rica's currency. While many places accept US dollars, the colón is often more convenient and appreciated by local vendors.
