Nicaragua is quickly becoming one of the most exciting destinations for a Surf & Yoga Retreat—and for good reason. With year-round waves, breathtaking landscapes, and a growing culture of wellness, this Central American gem offers something truly special. But with so many retreats popping up, how do you know which one is truly worth your time?
In this guide, we break down five of the country’s most talked-about independently owned retreats—objectively, honestly, and from the perspective of the traveler seeking a transformative experience. You’ll see why Costa Dulce continues to be the top choice for anyone looking for an authentic and powerful Surf & Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua.
Retreats Compared (In This Order):
- Costa Dulce – Playa Escameca, San Juan del Sur
- Amaru – Punta Aposentillo
- Rancho Santana – Tola
- Maderas Village – Playa Maderas
5. Eden on the Chocolata – Near San Juan del Sur
Quick Comparison Table
| Establishment \ Feature | Costa Dulce | Amaru | Rancho Santana | Maderas Village | Eden on the Chocolata |
| Beach Access | Secluded beach, direct access | Cliffside, stairs to beach | 5 private beaches | Walk to Playa Maderas | 15–20 min walk to bays |
| Yoga | Twice daily yoga, retreats, teacher trainings | Daily yoga, retreat focus | Daily yoga, treetop studio | Daily yoga, large shala | Retreat yoga, studio space |
| Surf | Surf camp, rentals, video analysis | Beginner/intermediate coaching | Multiple surf breaks, instructors | Surf lessons, local camps | Lessons, off-site surf trips |
| Accommodations | Eco-bungalows, natural design | Boutique rooms | Luxury villas, inn, casitas | Cabañas, suites, shared rooms | Eco-cabanas in gardens |
| Food | Farm-to-table, vegan/gluten-free | Healthy, local cuisine | Multiple restaurants, gourmet | Fresh, local meals | Veg-friendly, healthy menu |
| Wellness & Activities | Spa, temazcal, hikes, turtle release | Spa, yoga, excursions | Spa, fitness, horseback, hikes | Massage, cruises, hikes | Pool, workshops, massage |
| Sustainability | Composting, solar, local staff | Some eco focus | Farm & nature, less eco-marketing | Natural design, modest eco | Solar, recycling, eco ethos |
| Staff & Atmosphere | Warm, family-like vibe | Intimate, small-group feel | Polished, resort-style service | Casual, creative, communal | Quiet, peaceful, intimate |
Why Costa Dulce Is the #1 Surf & Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua
Private Beach Access = True Retreat
At Costa Dulce, your cabin opens right onto a surfable beach—no driving, no hauling your board down the hill, just barefoot-to-board in under a minute. That’s rare in Nicaragua and makes a huge difference in your day.
Amaru offers a short walk to the beach, which is nice, but it’s not the same as waking up and hearing the waves from your bed. Rancho Santana’s beach access is via a shuttle to its beach club, while Eden on the Chocolata and Maderas Village require a ride—meaning less spontaneity and fewer surf sessions. For a true Surf & Yoga Retreat, convenience matters—and Costa Dulce delivers it effortlessly.
Consistent, High-Level Yoga
We offer two yoga classes per day with a rotating lineup of expert teachers from around the world. This keeps things fresh and ensures every guest finds a style that speaks to them—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi.
Amaru has daily classes, but a smaller variety of teachers. Rancho Santana and Maderas Village tend to offer just one class a day, and Eden’s yoga is more occasional. At Costa Dulce, yoga isn’t just an add-on—it’s a core part of the experience.
Read more in A Yoga Retreat Experience at Costa Dulce.
World-Class Surf Coaching — Literally at Your Feet
Our surf program includes daily clinics with video and photo feedback—so you actually improve during your stay. Instructors are local pros who know these breaks like the back of their hand, and our location on Playa Escameca gives you direct access to consistent waves all year.
Amaru offers guided coaching but not the same level of feedback and analysis. Rancho Santana is better for advanced surfers but less focused on teaching. Maderas Village and Eden on the Chocolata offer surf lessons but require transport, which means less flexibility.
Discover more in Riding the Waves of Wellness: The Connection Between Yoga & Surfing.
Eco-Luxe Lodging with Soul
Whether you choose a private ocean-view cabin or a shared eco-glamping setup, Costa Dulce provides comfort while staying deeply rooted in nature. No trees cut for construction, solar-powered systems, and thoughtful integration with the landscape.
Amaru’s boutique rooms are lovely but fewer in number. Rancho Santana offers luxury villas but feels more like a resort than a retreat. Maderas Village’s jungle lodges are rustic, and Eden’s eco-bungalows are cozy but more basic. Costa Dulce strikes the perfect balance.
More on this in What Makes a True Eco Lodge? Sustainable Stays in Nicaragua.
Incredible Food That Fuels Your Day
Our meals get rave reviews—from surfers to yogis to wellness lovers. Everything is made from local, organic ingredients with menus for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free diets, and more.
Other retreats offer good food—Amaru’s vegetarian focus is great, Rancho Santana’s gourmet dining is impressive—but Costa Dulce’s combination of nutrition, variety, and sustainability makes every meal both nourishing and memorable.
Activities That Nourish Mind, Body & Spirit
Costa Dulce is more than a place to stay—it’s an experience-rich sanctuary. Daily yoga and surf, cacao ceremonies, temazcal sweat lodge, guided jungle hikes, boat trips, turtle hatchery, spa treatments, live music, bonfires, salsa nights, sunset catamaran sails, horseback rides, sauna, and cold plunge.
Other retreats may offer some of these, but few combine them all in one place. This isn’t just a Surf & Yoga Retreat—it’s a complete ecosystem.
We Walk the Eco Talk
We compost, use solar power, plant trees with our own fertilizer, and support the local economy by hiring and training staff from nearby communities.
Some retreats embrace sustainability, but at Costa Dulce it’s not a marketing buzzword—it’s woven into everything we do.
Staff Who Become Family
Guests always mention our team. They’re warm, bilingual, and genuinely care. You’ll see them teaching yoga, serving meals, guiding hikes, and sharing stories. This creates an authentic bond, not just a guest–staff relationship.
Real Guest Feedback
“From yoga at sunrise to surf at sunset, Costa Dulce blew me away. The staff are like family, the food is delicious, and the beach… wow.” — Alex, Google Review
“I’ve been to other retreats, but nothing matches the soul of Costa Dulce. It’s the most complete Surf & Yoga Retreat I’ve found.” — Lindsay, TripAdvisor
Looking for the Right Retreat?
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Final Thoughts
There are plenty of options for a Surf & Yoga Retreat in Nicaragua, but Costa Dulce stands in a league of its own. Private beach. Daily surf and yoga. Deep sustainability. A loving, connected team. And wellness offerings you won’t find all together anywhere else.
If you’re looking for more than just a vacation—if you’re looking for transformation—Costa Dulce is the place.
For a candid perspective, check out our Honest Take on Costa Dulce.
