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Overview

Authentic Living Wellness Retreat
El Gigante, Nicaragua
Jan 31 - Feb 6, 2026
Room to Roam image
Room to Roam
$2,259
Deposit: $500

About your trip

 ✨ A Retreat for Authentic Living + Deep Connection ✨

Step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in a transformative experience designed to nurture body, mind, and soul. This retreat is all about creating space for deep connection, authentic living, and true well-being.


Each day begins with guided vinyasa flow and grounding yin yoga led by Stacey, helping you reconnect with your body through mindful movement and breath. Candace will guide you in mindfulness and meditation practices, teaching you how to bring presence and intention into your everyday life—even off the mat.


You’ll also explore wellness workshops focused on core values, self-compassion, and realignment with your authentic self.

This retreat is for you if you’re ready to:
✔️ Step away from stress and reconnect with your true self
✔️ Build meaningful relationships with like-minded people
✔️ Get out of your head and into your body
✔️ Cultivate tools for a more balanced, intentional life
✔️ Experience a unique, off-the-beaten-path cultural adventure


Expect time to explore, play, and connect—all while feeling safe to show up as your truest self. Leave feeling recharged, inspired, and more deeply connected to yourself and the world around you.


The Community of Playa Gigante

Nestled off the beaten path, El Gigante is a vibrant fishing village just over an hour north of San Juan Del Sur along Nicaragua's stunning Pacific Coast. Aptly named "big foot" in Spanish, the town's moniker captures the gentle embrace of lush green foothills meeting the ocean. Here, untouched beaches, wandering farm animals, and rustic dirt pathways paint the scene, reminding visitors of the beauty in simplicity and the art of slowing down.


The essence of El Gigante can be summed up in the phrase "Take it Easy". From the moment you arrive, there's an unmistakable feeling of releasing tension, as if exhaling a long-held breath. It's an invitation to simply exist, to embrace the moment without hurry or worry, and to relish in the laid-back rhythm of coastal life. 

Meet your Hosts

Candace Eddy Rhodes 

Candace is a certified DBT therapist who specializes in trauma treatment with 20 years of experience working with children, teens, adults, and families. As a trained yoga teacher, self-compassion informed therapist, and expert in mindfulness-based therapy, Candace has shifted her work over the past few years to incorporate a holistic wellness approach. Over the years, Candace has been an avid retreat participant herself and has experienced the profound life changing impact of travel, cultural immersion, adventure, and inner work with community. She has experience leading therapeutic self-compassion retreats and is passionate about creating safe and fun community spaces where group members can reconnect with their hearts and their bodies, build deep connections with others, and cultivate tools for mindfulness and authentic living. 


Stacey Howe

With over 15 transformative retreats led across Greece, South Africa, and the UK, Stacey is deeply passionate about creating space for women to reconnect with themselves through the power of travel, mindful movement, and soul-nourishing experiences. Her retreats blend adventure with stillness, designed to inspire deep connection, self-discovery, and lasting transformation.


Trained in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Mandala Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Bath Facilitation, Stacey weaves each of these practices into her retreats with a focus on intuitive movement, embodied awareness, and energetic balance.


Having owned and run several successful yoga studios, she has witnessed the profound transformation that happens when women gather with intention. Whether practicing under the sun-drenched skies of Greece, meditating to the sounds of the South African bush, or journaling beside the waves in Nicaragua, Stacey’s retreats offer more than just yoga—they offer a space to remember who you truly are.

The Hotel

 Welcome to Hotel InGigante, a boutique hotel nestled in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua. With 14 rooms all surrounding a central sparkling pool with shade under large palm frond palapas/wellness spaces and the restaurant/bar area.


Each room features a private bathroom, air conditioning, hot showers, and WiFi. Rooms also are equipped with bath towels and pool/beach towels.  The property is connected to high speed internet to keep you connected if needed during your stay.  The vibe of this community and experience is intentionally about letting go into simplicity, so hair dryers and extra styling amenities are not provided, however the power sockets and voltages are the same as in the US, so feel free to bring tools that you desire for any styling needs you may have.




The Meals

Wake up to coffee and tea with fruit, yogurt, and granola available for a pre-yoga bite. Following each morning yoga/meditation session, enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with local and familiar favorites like eggs, fresh cheese, gallo pinto, handmade tortillas, bacon, vegetables,  pancakes, and fresh fruits/juices.


Lunches and dinners are also included in your retreat, beginning on the arrival day of Saturday, January 31st.  A variety of amazing options like fresh caught fish, local meat and veggies, salads, and more will be served around 6:30pm daily.  Tuesday evening we will walk up to the top of "La Loma" (the hill) to one of our local favorites Monkey House for curry night (vegetarian and fish options available) while overlooking the beautiful cliffside ocean views.


On the day trip to Granada, lunch will be on your own ($), so you can choose where suits you best!


Day Trip to Granada & The Islets

Experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Nicaragua on this unforgettable day trip! We’ll start with a scenic drive to Catarina, a charming artisan village perched above the famous Laguna de Apoyo. Browse local markets filled with colorful crafts, handmade goods, and unique souvenirs while taking in stunning views of the volcanic crater lake below.

Next, we’ll head to the historic colonial city of Granada. Wander the colorful streets, admire the beautiful Spanish architecture, and enjoy some free time to explore, shop, or grab a local treat.

In the afternoon, we’ll board a small boat for a peaceful tour through the lush Isletas of Granada, a cluster of tiny tropical islands formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. Glide across the calm waters, spotting exotic birds, monkeys, and maybe even a local fisherman at work.

This day is the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation—a chance to soak in Nicaragua’s beauty, connect with local traditions, and return feeling inspired.

Beach Cleanup with Local Kids of the BLG

We strongly believe that part of being a good traveler is giving back to the local community that we have been so lucky to enjoy.  Playa Gigante has a local grassroots beach cleanup and environmental education organization called the Brigada de Limpia Gigante (BLG).


On Wednesday, we will join the local kids around 3pm for one of their twice weekly beach cleanups.  Beyond the value of keeping the beaches clean, the donations to this group provide for swim lessons, surf lessons, snacks/food, jewelry-making classes, and more.  If you wish to further support this mission, you can also make financial donations to support their causes.

Local Cowboy Experience

Just a short drive from Gigante, the cowboy community of Tambo offers a rare glimpse into Nicaragua’s rural traditions. Customize your experience with horseback rides through river crossings, guided farm tours, and hands-on culinary sessions featuring homemade tortillas, local cheese, and traditional Nicaraguan dishes.

Payment Details

Secure your spot with a $500 deposit (non-refundable), with the final payments due as follows:

  • 50% of remaining balance due 60 days prior to the retreat date

  • the final balance owed is due 30 days prior to retreat date.

  • However, you can make payments at any time, and can set up a custom payment plan by emailing kate@room-roam.com.

Also: once you reserve your spot with $500, you can share your link with friends + family that can contribute any amount of money towards your trip cost...a perfect option for any upcoming birthdays or special events where receiving experiences is much more enriching than people buying you more "stuff"! 

Cancellations: If you need to cancel your retreat, the following terms apply:

  • $500 deposit is non-refundable (can be transferred to another participant if more than 30 days notice is given)

  • 100% of any additional payments made (less non-refundable deposit)will be refunded if more than 60 days notice is given (prior to retreat start date)

  • 50% of any additional payments made (less non-refundable deposit) will be refunded for 30-59 days cancellation notice given (prior to retreat start date)

  • No refunds for cancellations made less than 30 days before the retreat start date

What's included

Boutique Hotel Stay

6 nights in our 4-Star Beachside Boutique Hotel with a pool, grand palapa wellness space, A/C, hot water, Wifi.

Food + Drink

Enjoy breakfast, lunch, + dinner daily from our onsite restaurant that features fresh + local options for all types of eaters. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Airport Shuttle

Roundtrip ground transportation between the airport + hotel. You can choose to fly into either Managua (MGA) or Liberia, CR (LIR) and we will pick you up from either!

Daily Yoga

The perfect starter or finisher to the day, yoga will keep your body active, strong, flexible, and balanced physically, mentally, and spiritually

Breathwork + Meditation

Daily practices to keep you grounded in the present moment, connected internally and available to soak up this experience.

Giant's Foot Hike

Located at the south end of Gigante Bay, a quick (but effortful) 20 min hike to the top gives beautiful coastal views of Nicaragua

Day Trip to Granada

Explore artisan villages, colonial streets, and tropical islets on a full-day cultural adventure through Granada and beyond.

Beach Cleanup

Join local kids for an afternoon beach cleanup supporting community-led efforts in environmental care, youth programs, and cultural exchange.

Local Cowboy Experience

Experience the daily life of Gigante's local cowboy community, Tambo.

Reggae Curry Night

Enjoy authentic Caribbean Curry at Monkey House, a local cliffside restaurant overlooking the ocean with the best view Gigante has to offer.

Beach Bonfire

Close out the week with a memorable beach bonfire fiesta!

What's not included

International Airfare

We will search and assist you with finding the best flight, however your package price does not include the cost of your international airfare.

Alcoholic Drinks

Full service bar onsite with fresh craft cocktail creations and ice cold beer.

Lunch in Granada

Choose from a variety of restaurants whether on your own, or in the group on our Granada day trip.

Extra Activities

We work with our trusted partners for the extras like : horseback riding, boat trips for surf/fishing, extra massages, salsa lessons, moto rentals, etc.

Optional Gratuity

If you loved your service + stay with us, feel free to leave a tip to be shared evenly amongst all of our awesome staff.

Travel Insurance

*Required* For your convenience, we recommend both Travelex Insurance www.travelexinsurance.com, and World Nomads https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance

Arrival Day

Arrival Day image

Playa Gigante: A charming, laid-back fishing village

Your airport transportation is coordinated for you based on your arrival times into Managua (MGA) or Liberia (LIR).  Scope out the country on an approximately 2.5 hour drive direct to your beachside hotel home for the week!  


After you arrive and get settled into your rooms, enjoy a family style dinner under the large palapa and get acquainted with your tribe.

Full Retreat Day 1

Full Retreat Day 1 image

Yoga, Surf, Pool, Sunset

7:30 AM – Morning yoga to ground and energize

9:00 AM – Fresh, local breakfast

10:30 AM – Mindfulness practice & journaling

12:00 PM - Nourishing group lunch

1:00 PM – Free time: surf, rest by the pool, or explore

4:30 PM – Wellness workshop: reconnect with your core values

7:00 PM – Family-style dinner 

Location

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1. El Gigante, Nicaragua

El Gigante, Nicaragua

About your organizer

RR
Room to Roam
Room to Roam is an all-inclusive retreat service provider that streamlines the retreat leading process and connects people to amazing experiences off the beaten path.

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