Surf & Yoga Retreat in Barbados

A very belated review but I stayed at Rise Up Nicaragua for Christmas week 2021 and haven’t stopped recommending it to others since. So many thoughtful touches throughout the week, beautiful location with waves right out front, excellent coaching in 2’s and 3’s with all levels catered for from complete beginner up to advanced. Great mix of surf coaching, photo reviewing, theory and optional ‘holiday’ activities for those who wanted to participate. We had early starts to go with the tides but it wasn’t a problem and sunrise surfing was a lovely experience. Food was delicious and dietary requirements well catered for. Rise Up team were all super lovely and welcoming. I’ll 100% be back for another Rise Up week at some point! Thanks for having me 🙂

High quality instruction and well organized in a lovely accomodation. Fantiasic pictures and video too! Food was fresh and delicious.

This was one of the most incredible trips I've ever taken, and I don't even surf! I cannot put into words how wonderful this experience was for our group. With how effortless it was for us as guests, I know there must have been so much work that went into making this as comfortable, fun, relaxing, centering, and memorable as it was. For that, I am so grateful to the staff, instructors, and every one at RiseUp. Everyone in our group spent the car ride to the airport figuring out how and when we could come back as soon as possible!

Staying with the Rise Up Surf familia in Nicaragua was amazing from the moment they greet you until our teary goodbyes at the end of the week...I actually did have tears in my eyes.

Rise Up exceeded all my expectations! I was at the Tranquil Escape location in Nicaragua. What a gift to get to surf such uncrowded waves and be taken care of by such a stellar group of people 🙂 The setting, team, accommodations and food were all incredible. Everyone was friendly, attentive, and the surf coaches are top notch. Goin' back next year!

As a previous professional guide, this was my first time as a guest on a trip like this and I was not disappointed! From the time you are picked up at the airport to the time that you have dropped off again, you are taken care of. Based on the pre-trip information that you fill out they put each person in skill-level groups for surfing experience. Having never surfed in my life I was in Group 1. We had two super-competent surf instructors. Kim and Norvin really know how to teach and made things understandable and practical. Every day we progressed and they pushed us without making us uncomfortable or unsafe, they knew when we were ready to be pushed and when to be held back. Being able to walk out of your accommodations to the surf break was so incredible making multiple surf sessions possible. As we progressed we traveled by vehicle to different surf spots nearby. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided and are nutritious and delicious. Food preferences and allergies are well taken care of and not shamed, I felt very cared for and seen. The daily extra excursions were fun mostly because we had a really fun and interactive group. Daily yoga was an absolute blessing. Massages were available for a small additional price and were very high quality and much appreciated. It sounds like they sometimes use different resorts in the area but heard nothing but good things about all of them. I was at the LBBH if you look it up on Google Maps. Nahualapa, Aposentillo, and The Point were the main spots that we surfed.

I absolutely loved my stay with Rise Up Surf at the Tranquil Escape in Nicaragua. It's the perfect trip for surfers at any level looking to enjoy world-class surf instruction, learn about surf theory, and have a locals-only stress-free experience of Nicaragua. I'm a beginner-level surfer, but after the week in Nicaragua with helpful instruction from our surf coaches, I feel empowered to continue surfing on my own. The surf coaches did a great job making the time in the water fun, and weaving helpful tips throughout the week. The food was excellent, nutritious and yummy. I liked that the daily schedule was presented every day the night before, and there was still flexibility if you didn't want to participate in some of the activities or early morning surf, as an example. I strongly recommend Rise Up Surf for anyone interested in improving their surf skills and wanting an authentic local experience.

What a fantastic experience. I had the time of my life the Rise Up team were all rockstars & amazing people. The location, food & accommodation was fantastic. Couldn't recommend more highly do it!! Can't wait to book my next retreat with Rise Up.

My wife and I had an amazing time. Elegant accommodations, super friendly and helpful staff, terrific food. Its a really good mix of dedicated surfing and relaxation in a down to earth setting. The surf coaches are really great, dedicated, attentive and patient. A great place for my wife (a beginner) and me (an intermediate) to both get great waves with good people!

I felt welcomed and cared for throughout the week by everyone. Mandala is a beautiful place to stay, landscaping, various places to relax, great pool and lounge area, comfortable bed and room, delicious food, beach directly in front to walk to surfing spot, watch sunset and see the night sky!