2023 Surf Retreat

Mal Pais, Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

NR
NUSHU Retreats
  • Email address verified
13 reviews
Feb 4 - 10, 2023
Group size: 1 - 18
2023 Surf Retreat
Mal Pais, Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

NUSHU Retreats
  • Email address verified
13 reviews

Feb 4 - 10, 2023
Group size: 1 - 18

About this trip

The NUSHU Surf Retreat aims to combine adventure, fun, and joy with opportunities for connecting with incredible women in a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free environment. We will create the conditions to come home to yourself in community, to remove all masks, show up exactly as you are, and be celebrated and loved for it.


Experience for one week what a full-body YES feels like. Our retreat will give you a chance to step out of your everyday life and deepen your connection to nature, others, and most importantly, to yourself. You will go back to your life forever changed- with a deeper understanding of what it means to be supported, nourished, seen, and acknowledged as the unique and beautiful gift that you are.


Read our retreat FAQs.

Retreat Location

The retreat is located in a beautiful villa nestled high in the privacy of a lush jungle. Our private accommodation, which is a short walk from the beach, offers a safe container to connect deeply with nature and yourself. You’ll share the Pura Vida lifestyle of this unique laid-back destination, surf your hearts out in warm blue waves, and meet an amazing local community of like-minded women that inspire a mindful and simple way of living.


Our destination is unique for its patches of unspoiled nature, rocky coastline full of natural tide pools, and amazing wildlife. This piece of paradise remains untouched after the booming development of Santa Teresa but is still close to its gorgeous beach, dreamy surroundings, cozy restaurants, and beautiful atmosphere.

What You'll Experience

Over the course of a week, we’ll create space for reflection, quiet, and restoration. You’ll come away with indelible memories, friendships, and a renewed sense of self. You'll experience:

  • Surfing
  • Yoga
  • Nature
  • Nourishment
  • Community

This Is For You If...

  • You’re thinking about all the obligations you have, feel guilty for leaving your family or work, and have never considered doing something like this before. That is EXACTLY why you should take this time for yourself.
  • You feel like surfing is a little scary or intimidating and you’re not sure that you can do it. YES!! We would love you to come. That’s exactly where all the growth lives, and you will be supported ALL THE WAY.  Also, no one will force you to do anything. You take everything at your own pace, and we will always honor what feels right to you.
  • You are craving community and looking to get to know like-minded women, all in an intentional and thoughtful container of trust and love. Also, it’s for you if you’re into fun, amazing and healthy food, awesome weather, spectacular nature, and did we mention fun?
  • You’ve always wanted to try surfing, but you haven’t ever had someone to make sure that every little detail is taken care of and that you learn in the safest, friendly, supportive, and fun way possible. We take care of all the details and know exactly how to make a first-time experience fun!
  • You are a surf junkie and want to surf with amazing women on exceptional waves and just get a week of maximum stoke!

Food

An in-house private chef will prepare delicious, organic meals during your stay. All meals will be made using the highest quality seasonal produce grown locally and organically in the area. We will provide the following meals:

  • Welcome beverages and snacks on arrival
  • 6 early bird breakfast snacks and coffee/tea/juice
  • 6 brunches or lunches (depending on the surf schedule) 
  • 4 gourmet dinners
  • Fresh snacks and beverages available daily

*Please note we’ll be visiting two local restaurants over the course of the week. You’ll need to bring cash for our two dinners in town. USD are accepted!

Cancellation Policy

Should you need to cancel prior to the January 1, 2023, payment deadline, you will not be responsible for the remainder of your balance. However, please note the deposit and any past payments will not be refundable. Should you need to cancel on or after January 1, 2023, your payments will not be refundable.


There are no exceptions to our cancellation policy, including but not limited to COVID-19, weather, personal emergencies, flight cancellations, or delays. Naturally, no one books with the intention of canceling or postponing their retreat, but unexpected things do happen, so please consider purchasing travel cancellation insurance. Depending on the policy and conditions, travel cancellation insurance will pay for some or all cancellation fees.

What’s included

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
    Prepared by in-house chef
  • Daily lunch
    Prepared by in-house chef
  • 4 gourmet dinners
    Prepared by in-house chef
  • Daily drinks and snacks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • 5 surf lessons
    Adapted to your level with ISA certified instructors
  • 2 surf theory sessions
    Video feedback to optimize learning
  • NUSHU Group session
    Led by NUSHU Founder Vanessa Cornell
  • 1 massage treatment
  • 2 yoga classes
    Restorative sessions focused on breath and stretching
  • Excursion to tidepools
  • Surf photography
  • Surf and yoga equipment
  • Travel booking support
    NUSHU Team and on-site representative will help coordinate travel if needed
  • Concierge
  • 24-hour security guard
  • Daily cleaning services
  • Goodie bag

What’s not included

  • International airfare
    Flights to and from Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)
  • Travel within Costa Rica
    Domestic fights to and from SJO to Tambor, or shuttle to and from retreat property
  • Taxis to and from villa
  • 2 dinners in town
  • Medical insurance
  • Travel insurance

Available Packages

Standard Shared Room, Private Bath

Our Standard Shared Room, Private Bath with Ocean View includes one queen-size bed, one twin bed, a private bathroom, and a small fridge. The room overlooks the property’s infinity pool and has a view of the Pacific Ocean. 

$4,800
Deposit: $1,500
Premium Shared Room, Private Bath

Located on the top floor of the retreat property, our Premium Shared Room, Private Bath with Ocean View directly overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The spacious room features cathedral ceilings, a private bathroom, two twin beds, and has direct access to a large, fully equipped kitchen, living room, and a spacious terrace with ocean views.

$5,200
Deposit: $1,500
Standard Private Room, Shared Bath

Our Standard Private Room, Shared Bath offers more space and privacy. Located in a two-bedroom suite, the room features a queen-size bed, connecting bathroom (shared with the suite’s second bedroom), access to a private suite kitchen, and a pool view.

$5,600
Deposit: $1,500
Standard Private Room, Private Bath

Our Standard Private Room, Private Bath with Ocean View features a king-size bed, private bathroom, and kitchenette. The room overlooks the property’s infinity pool and Pacific Ocean.

$6,000
Deposit: $1,500
Premium Private Room, Shared Bath

Our Premium Private Room, Shared Bath with Ocean View offers more space and privacy than the Standard Rooms. The room features a king-size bed, shared bathroom, access to a kitchen, and a breathtaking balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

$6,000
Deposit: $1,500
Standard Private Room, Private Bath

Our Standard Private Room, Private Bath with Ocean View includes one queen-size bed, one twin bed, a private bathroom, and a small fridge. The room overlooks the property’s infinity pool and has a view of the Pacific Ocean. 

$6,000

Available Add-Ons

Additional Massage
$120

Add a second full-body massage to your trip itinerary (one already included in your package). Price is inclusive of tax and gratuity.

Charter Flight + Group Shuttle Bus
$561
Sold Out


Itinerary

NUSHU Surf Retreat
Sample Day Itinerary

Every day will look a little different, but a sample day will include:

  • Coffee/tea and snacks in the morning
  • Coached surf session
  • Lunch 
  • Yoga session or NUSHU programming
  • Optional self-guided afternoon surf
  • Beach sunset
  • Gourmet dinner

Your retreat week also includes:

  • A massage
  • A group excursion to the scenic tide pools
  • Option to book horseback riding on the beach or another excursion (additional cost)

Your Organizer


NR
NUSHU Retreats
13 reviews
NUSHU is a wellness collective and global community committed to fostering true connection, personal growth, and empowerment. Our retreats aim to combine adventure, fun, and joy with opportunities for connecting with incredible women in a safe, nurturing, and judgment-free environment. We will create the conditions to come home to yourself in community, to remove all masks, show up exactly as you are, and be celebrated and loved for it.

Reviews

Nushu's Upstate Retreat with Terri Cole and Vanessa Cornell was wonderful. It was well-organized with a daily schedule that included meditation, yoga, group sessions with Terri and Vanessa, three meals, and free time to socialize, get a massage, go in the sauna, or just relax. The lodge was cozy and offered us ample private space to gather and the food was great. The dinners, in particular, were first class. Our guest speaker, Terri Cole, was present the whole time, including meals, which was really fun. We all felt well taken care of and that we gained a lot from the material she and Vanessa presented. They provided a comfortable, safe space for learning and sharing. I would definitely consider joining another Nushu retreat.
By ESTHER A for Upstate Retreat with Terri Cole and Vanessa Cornell on Feb 11, 2025
Magical Trip with incredible women.
By Ashley F for 2024 Surf Retreat on May 14, 2024
KM
This trip is a reset to break myself out of spiritual hibernation. Every part of it brings a part of me back to life that was set aside to accomplish the routine of every day life. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know anyone. You can sit down at a table with other women on this trip and you are immediately welcome and wanted. You can come as a stranger but by the time you leave you have new friends. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never surfed before-do the awkward thing. Every person there will be cheering you on as you do it. We are there to play, something that has been pushed to the side too much as we “grow up”. And the laughter, so much laughter. I come back from these trips with a renewed sense of strength and a full heart.
By Katherine M for 2024 Surf Retreat on May 14, 2024
My trip with NUSHU to Costa Rica was beyond words. I had been suffering from severe burnout and could not find anything to help me. Not only did I have child like fun while surfing and discover I loved something I would never try on my own I was also nourished so well that I came back with a spark for life I had been missing for several years. I am beyond grateful for this trip but, anytime I attend a NUSHU retreat I feel held, the accommodations are the best and I definitely get my moneys worth and more.
By Angela A for 2024 Surf Retreat on May 13, 2024
AM
I had an awesome time - the accommodations were perfect, the surfing fabulous, and every detail well thought through! Bravo!
By Angela M for 2024 Surf Retreat on May 13, 2024
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References

I had the pleasure of attending the NUSHU Upstate Retreat with Terri Cole and Vanessa Cornell , and it was an extraordinary experience in every way. This was my first NUSHU retreat, and I was deeply impressed by how professionally and thoughtfully it was run—seamless organization, beautiful accommodations, and carefully curated details that made for a truly enriching and transformative experience. The content was powerful, with sessions that encouraged deep self-exploration and meaningful connection. One of the standout aspects of the retreat was having the opportunity to learn from both Vanessa Cornell and Terri Cole, each bringing their own unique and profound wisdom. Terri, an extraordinary teacher and expert in boundaries, self-awareness, and personal growth, didn’t just speak to us—she engaged with us on a deeply personal level, creating an intimate and safe space where real transformation could take place. Her warmth, authenticity, and depth of knowledge made her sessions not only insightful but profoundly moving. Vanessa, NUSHU’s founder, was equally remarkable. She didn’t just lead the retreat—she infused it with her presence, creating an environment of trust, vulnerability, and genuine connection. As a speaker, she was deeply transformative, guiding us through thought-provoking discussions and powerful exercises that challenged us to see ourselves more clearly and step into our truth. Her ability to foster meaningful dialogue and hold space for each attendee made the experience even more impactful. Beyond the programming, what truly set this retreat apart was the NUSHU staff. They went above and beyond—not only ensuring everything ran smoothly but also making a genuine effort to get to know each attendee. Their attentiveness, kindness, and deep commitment to fostering a supportive and transformative environment were remarkable. It was evident that they weren’t just facilitating an event; they were building a true community. The attendees were equally special—seekers like myself, open, kind, and deeply insightful. The sense of community and shared experience made this retreat not just valuable but truly life-enriching. I wholeheartedly recommend NUSHU retreats to anyone looking for personal growth, meaningful connection, and a beautifully curated experience that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit.
By Stephanie C on 13 Feb, 2025
Nushu's Upstate Retreat with Terri Cole and Vanessa Cornell was wonderful. It was well-organized with a daily schedule that included meditation, yoga, group sessions with Terri and Vanessa, three meals, and free time to socialize, get a massage, go in the sauna, or just relax. The lodge was cozy and offered us ample private space to gather and the food was great. The dinners, in particular, were first class. Our guest speaker, Terri Cole, was present the whole time, including meals, which was really fun. We all felt well taken care of and that we gained a lot from the material she and Vanessa presented. They provided a comfortable, safe space for learning and sharing. I would definitely consider joining another Nushu retreat.
By ESTHER A on 12 Feb, 2025
The Mastermind Retreat in Costa Rice Oct 2024 was a powerful experience! The combination of self reflection, physical challenge, and sisterhood was incredible. I have never has that much personal growth in such a short period of time and left with new lifelong freindships. Benis Reffkin
By Benis R on 04 Nov, 2024
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