In our natural world we are surrounded by rhythms and cycles. The push and pull of the tides, the phases of the moon, the cycle of life and death in our seasons and even the simple daily rise and fall of the sun. We ourselves are also in a constant state of ebb and flow. Periods of profound growth and progress to necessary stillness and recovery, times of grief and hardship countered with joy and ease, and even simply through the inhales and exhales of our breath. 

Are we able to slow down enough to notice these shifts both inwardly and around us? During this retreat we hope to instill reconnection to the natural tides of the ocean through surfing the beautiful waters of Nicaragua while reconnecting our minds and bodies through yoga and breathwork. Come ebb and flow with Carly and Christine this fall.

 Equipped with a sparkling pool, WiFi, and A/C, you’ll be able to enjoy comfortable accommodations without losing the rustic touch that makes Gigante unique. Yoga will be held between a tropical open space underneath our newly built grand palapa and a cliffside ocean view shala.

Breaks in the day are encouraged, so feel free to take a moment to relax in one of our day beds or hammock, and appreciate the cloudy blue skies, palm trees, and gift yourself the feeling of serenity. 

We have a full-service restaurant + bar to prepare meals and beverages during this retreat. Enjoy fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with delicious options for all dietary needs and preferences.  Experience delicious tropical fruits, fresh caught fish, local produce, and a thoughtfully crafted menu to keep you satisfied.

 A colorful fishing village off the beaten path, El Gigante is located just over an hour north of San Juan Del Sur on Nicaragua's beautiful Pacific Coast. The town is aptly named “big foot” when translated from Spanish to describe the gentle green foothills that meet the ocean with such ease. A town filled with untouched beaches, roaming farm animals, and dirt pathways; you’ll quickly remember the importance of slowing down and to embrace living simply.  

The lifestyle and culture here very much embodies the phrase “Take it Easy”. Arriving here feels like taking one long exhale and a chance to just be. 

 Christine

        Christine is 200hr YTT trained from San Diego, CA where she grew up and where she is currently an active member in her little beach community in Ocean Beach. She has been practicing yoga since 2015 and currently teaches at her local climbing gym. Christine offers powerful strengthening Hatha and Vinyasa for folks of all different experiences and energy levels.

        Having spent a summer living and surfing in Fiji, Christine has a deep understanding of the power of the ocean and the fears we get to face when we step out of our comfort zones. You will find that she loves to connect yoga philosophy with the lessons of the ocean in her classes as she sees the yoga mat as a perfect place to breathe, move and work through emotions and challenges in our lives. Beyond yoga and surfing, Christine is a registered nurse who also enjoys cooking plant-based meals, climbing and backpacking in the mountains and deserts of her home state of California. 

Carly

Carly first discovered yoga and surfing over 8 years ago when she stepped away from her running career on USD’s D1 women’s team. After witnessing so many of her teammates grapple with injuries, eating disorders and burnout, she was in search of movement that integrated playfulness and rejuvenation yet physically and mentally challenged her. She quickly fell in love with how alive and energized both yoga and surfing made her feel, and she was in awe of the beautiful communities that both brought her. 

Carly is 200hr YTT trained bringing her athleticism and passion for dance into her Vinyasa-style classes, integrating deep opening postures with thoughtful pauses and breathwork throughout the breath-to-movement sequence. Outside of the yoga studio and ocean, Carly serves as the Director of Programming for a learning and development organization called Learnit and volunteers as a Confidence Coach for 4th-grade girls with Girls on the Run. She can also be found running trail marathons (still!), grilling for friends in her backyard, and tasting Mezcal throughout Mexico.

Carly & Christine 

            Carly and Christine first met in the water in Cardiff, CA and were captivated by the giant smiles on each other’s faces as they traded waves. They quickly bonded over their past lives as collegiate cross-country runners, shared passions for the ocean, and a strong belief that yoga and surfing are incredible mediums that challenge us, allow us to celebrate the present, and most importantly - get us back to pure joy and play. 

            They met during a time of monumental growth and transition - Christine had just returned from a life-changing adventure in Fiji (in a season of flight and adventure) and Carly had completed her first year living and surfing every day in Encinitas after moving from San Francisco (a time of nesting and cultivating community). They expressed their shared dream of leading a retreat one day on a ladies surf trip to Baja. One year later they could not be more stoked to lead and share this special experience together!