A guide to surf & yoga retreats in Costa Rica for women who are ready to say yes to themselves

You don’t need anyone’s permission to change your life.

Imagine waking up to the sound of crashing waves, barefoot on warm sand, your mind clear and your heart full. You didn’t have to wait for anyone to book the ticket with you. You came alone. But not once have you felt lonely.

At Pura Vida Adventures in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, more than 40% of our guests arrive solo. They leave with sun-kissed skin, stronger bodies, lifelong friendships, and a clarity they didn’t know they were missing. If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling alone but hesitated, this is your invitation.

Why More Women Are Choosing to Travel Solo

Solo female travel isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. According to recent data from Condé Nast Traveler, women make up more than 80% of solo travelers today. Platforms like Airbnb and Intrepid Travel report a steady increase in solo travel bookings by women each year.

Why the shift?

Because women are tired of waiting. Waiting for the right time, the right partner, the right circumstance. They’re choosing themselves.

Because solo travel offers:
– Empowerment: Proving you can rely on yourself.
– Freedom: Designing your day on your terms.
– Growth: Embracing the discomfort that leads to transformation.
– Connection: Meeting people you never would have if you stayed in your comfort zone.

But even with all its rewards, solo travel can feel intimidating. That’s why a women-only surf and yoga retreat in a supportive, guided environment is the perfect starting point.

What makes Pura Vida Adventures Different

Why Costa Rica—especially Santa Teresa—is ideal for solo women

Santa Teresa is a small beach town that feels made for mindful travel: welcoming locals, a radiant wellness scene, open-air yoga shalas, world-class beginner-friendly surf, and a walkable main road lined with cafes, studios, and boutiques. It’s relaxed, communal, and easy to navigate. You’ll feel at ease strolling to smoothies after yoga, watching the sunset with new friends, or turning in early to the sound of the ocean.

Here are the Top 6 Reasons to Visit Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Why a Surf & Yoga Retreat Is the Best First Solo Travel Experience

Solo travel can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be isolating. At Pura Vida Adventures, we make solo travel feel like coming home to yourself—with a community cheering you on.

Here’s what makes a surf & yoga retreat the ultimate experience for solo travelers:

• Structure with freedom: Your week is beautifully planned, with time to explore and recharge on your own terms.
• Built-in sisterhood: You’ll be surrounded by women who also came solo, each with their own reasons, but a shared openness.
• Surf and yoga as self-discovery tools: You don’t need to be experienced. Surfing helps you face fear and flow through discomfort. Yoga grounds and reconnects you.
• All-inclusive ease: No stress about transportation, meals, or what to do next. Just show up and let go.

We’re not here to “fix” you. We’re here to remind you what you’re capable of.

“I came alone. I was scared. I left feeling fearless and loved.” — Emily R.

 

One of the First All-Women Surf Retreats—Born From a Solo “Yes”

The roots of Pura Vida Adventures start with a solo ticket. In 1998, our founder, Tierza, couldn’t find anyone to join her on a South America trip—so she went anyway. That decision didn’t just change a vacation; it changed a life. Traveling on her own revealed a freedom and strength she hadn’t accessed before: the confidence that comes from navigating new places, the joy of unexpected friendships, and the quiet power of doing something brave for yourself.

Out of that experience came a vision: create a retreat where women could feel that same courage—with more support, more safety, and more celebration. Over two decades ago, Pura Vida Adventures launched in Santa Teresa as one of the first all-women surf retreats in Costa Rica. From day one, our mission has been the same: make surfing and travel accessible, safe, and profoundly fun for women of every age and ability.

What “being first” means for you today:

Women-centered by design: Everything—from our coaching style to our daily rhythm—was built around how women learn, connect, and thrive.

Solo-friendly culture: Most guests arrive alone. We’ve been welcoming solo travelers since the beginning, so the sisterhood happens naturally and fast.

Small, supportive coaching ratios: Personalized surf instruction that meets you where you are—beginner to advanced—without pressure or ego.

A trusted home base: Beachfront lodging with a caring, professional team and a community that looks out for each other.

Local expertise with heart: Our host, Priscilla, and our Costa Rican partners help you experience Santa Teresa like an insider—safely, smoothly, and joyfully.

Real choice in how you retreat: All-women weeks, Mother-Daughter, Coed, and 50+ offerings—because empowerment isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Pioneering matters because culture compounds. For more than 20 years, we’ve refined the details that help women feel brave and held at the same time—clear logistics, compassionate coaching, and a community that celebrates every win, from your first pop-up to your first green wave. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to travel solo, this is the place that was built for your “yes.”

Real Guest Stories That Prove You’re Not Alone

“I almost canceled. I didn’t think I was strong enough to travel solo. That week changed me. I surfed my first wave, cried in yoga, laughed harder than I have in years. I’m still in touch with women I met there. We became family.” — Kate, 34, New York

“I booked it during a breakup, thinking it would be a distraction. It became a healing. I returned home with clarity, strength, and a reminder that I am whole on my own.” — Jessica, 29, Toronto

“This retreat taught me that I don’t have to wait to live the life I want. I don’t have to ask for anyone’s permission to book the ticket, take the surf lesson, or show up for myself.” — Tanya, 47, London

 

Their stories are your invitation.

Read more about our client testimonials.

What to expect with Pura Vida Adventures

• Personalized surf coaching (small ratios; you’ll be seen, supported, and safe)
• Daily yoga in an open-air setting steps from the sea
• All-inclusive ease (airport transfer, beachfront lodging, delicious and nourishing meals)
• A Community that feels like coming home
• Time to rest and explore (massages, waterfall trips, journaling in a hammock)

Prefer to plan ahead? See dates and openings:

Women’s Surf & Yoga Retreats →

Practical tips for your first solo retreat

Packing: 2–3 swimsuits, surf leggings or rashguard, lightweight yoga wear, flip-flops, sun hat, reef-safe sunscreen, journal, reusable water bottle, and a light rain layer.
Money & phone: ATMs are available; store valuables in your room safe; use WhatsApp for easy local communication.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available if you need to check in with home or work, but we encourage a gentle digital detox.

Is it safe to travel solo to Pura Vida Adventures? (the #1 question—answered)

Yes—your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Here’s how we care for solo guests:

• From touchdown to toes in the sand: We arrange trusted airport transfers directly to our retreat.
• 24/7 on-site team: Our hotel partner is staffed round-the-clock; our retreat managers and coaches are present and available.
• Small group sizes: You’ll have built-in buddies—for surfing, town walks, and sunset dips.
• Safe, walkable area: Santa Teresa’s main road is an easy stroll; we share common-sense guidance (just like in any beach town).
• Room & gear security: Lockable rooms, secure board storage, and guidance for valuables.
• Local support: We live here. Our host, Priscilla, knows the area inside out and helps you navigate transport, tours, and any special requests.

For more details and FAQs, see our safety page for solo travelers:

Solo Traveler Safety & Support →

You Don’t Have to Wait for Someone to Join You

This is your moment. Perhaps you’ve been dreaming of taking a bold step. Maybe life has pushed you to let go. Maybe you’re just ready.

At Pura Vida Adventures, we don’t just run retreats. We create transformations. And we do it in a space designed for women like you, with room for laughter, challenge, clarity, and sisterhood.

Over 70% of our guests come alone. None of them leaves the same.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to go solo—this is it.

👉 Explore Retreat Dates

Upcoming Retreats

• November 15 – 21, 2025
• November 24 – 30, 2025 (Surfsgiving)
• December 11 – 17, 2025

Whether it’s your first trip alone or your fiftieth, let it be one that changes everything.

Book Your Retreat 

and let go of everything that no longer serves you.

Because this is the adventure you deserve. And you don’t need anyone else to say yes.

Explore more guest stories, retreat dates, and what to expect at puravidaadventures.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need surf or yoga experience?
Not at all. Total beginners are not just welcomed—they’re celebrated.

Is this a good fit for solo travelers?
Yes. Most of our guests come solo and leave with lifelong friends (and new group chats).

Can I come with my partner or friends?
Absolutely. Whether you’re bringing your crew or flying solo, you’ll be part of something unforgettable.

What if I have dietary needs?
You’ll be nourished and cared for. Vegan, vegetarian, and GF options are always available.

Will there be WiFi?
Yes—but you may find yourself forgetting to check it (and loving it).

👉 Explore Retreat Dates

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