Yoga and surf in Nicaragua: an exciting adventure!

In 2018, after nearly a decade of teaching, I felt ready to challenge myself and try something outside the box. The idea of offering a Yoga & Surf retreat came to mind but I had never surfed before, nor had I ever led a retreat on my own, so I enlisted the help of my friend and fellow yoga teacher, Francesca Knowles, to co-lead it with me. Frankie is athletic, adventurous, and always up for new activities—the more thrilling, the better! She is also a passionate yoga teacher and practitioner with a background in marketing and promotion, skills that proved invaluable as we planned the retreat together.

After thoroughly researching locations and retreat centres, we discovered a gem located on the coast of Nicaragua: the Coco Loco Eco-Resort. We had only seen photos - all of which were breathtaking - but based on the kind, collaborative and considerate exchanges we had with one of the resort owners, Earl, our instincts told us it was a good fit, so we took a leap of faith and chose to make the centre our home away from home for the week. It turned out to be the best decision we could have made!

Just minutes from the Pacific Ocean and its rolling waves, Coco Loco offered everything we could have dreamed of: cozy thatched-roof cabanas, a cool and inviting pool, a bright and welcoming yoga space with sweeping views, and a restaurant/bar that served us the most delicious meals and thirst-quenching drinks. The staff including surf instructors, cooks, and massage therapists, were all locals, and their warmth and hospitality made us feel instantly at home.

On our first day, we organized a group surf lesson for anyone who wanted to give it a try. The instructors were all so helpful, encouraging, and patient. We learned the basics and rode the "whitewash" to find our balance and build our confidence. Some stood up for the very first time, others wobbled and tumbled, but everyone enjoyed their experience. Throughout the week, guests could rent boards to head out on their own or book a private lesson for extra guidance. By the end, a few of us even caught real waves, which was such an exhilarating feeling!

There were many other optional activities that retreaters could partake in throughout the week, such as cacao making, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and salsa dancing. We also organized a karma activity—volunteer work to give back to the local community. Each day, we encouraged participants to move at their own pace and rhythm, joining group activities when they felt called or taking quiet time for themselves when needed.

Our daily yoga classes were the foundation of the retreat—an invigorating session each morning to awaken and energize the body, and a gentle sunset practice to wind down and reflect after the day's adventures. We closed the week with a contemplative walking meditation to the beach, the sky full of colour as the sun went down.

It truly was the best first retreat experience we could have hoped for; we were joined by a beautiful group of yogis, and we were so lucky to have found such a sweet, magical place. Ever since then, we’ve been dreaming of returning—and now, the time has finally come!

This April, we’re heading back, and we hope that you’ll be with us to experience it all.

For details and to sign up click here.

photo credits: Nick Roffey and Coco Loco