Wellness, Yoga And Surfing Retreats FAQ
All your questions answered
The “Familia” Vibe (Community & Connection)
Absolutely not! In fact, the majority of our guests arrive as solo travelers. We’ve designed our retreats to build instant, genuine connections. From the first welcome meeting to the nightly family-style dinners, you’ll be surrounded by warm, like-minded people. You may arrive alone, but we guarantee you will leave as part of a new global family.
The vibe is always whatever the group makes it, but we specialize in “laid-back luxury.” Our atmosphere is social, fun, and supportive, but it is not a party-focused retreat. Think more bonfires, deep conversations, and sunset toasts with new friends, and less late-night partying. It’s about connecting, not just partying.
Our guests span all ages, from people in their early 20s to vibrant travelers in their 60s and beyond! We’ve found that what unites the Rise Up Familia isn’t age, but a shared mindset. Our guests are adventurous, curious, open-hearted, and excited to learn something new.
It happens naturally because we bring together amazing people, but we also nurture it. It’s created through shared experiences: cheering for each other in the surf, laughing together during a delicious meal, exploring a new place on an adventure, and being led by a team of hosts and coaches who treat you like family from the moment you arrive.
The Surf Coaching (Progression & Confidence)
Yes, 100%. We love introducing people to the joy of surfing. Our expert coaches specialize in creating a safe, supportive, and incredibly fun environment for first-timers. We start with the basics on land before ever getting in the water, and we will be with you every step of the way, from your first push into the whitewater to the unforgettable moment you catch your first green wave.
The “intermediate plateau” is our specialty. Our coaching program is designed to break you through it. Using our game-changing video analysis, our coaches can pinpoint the small, ingrained habits that are holding you back. We’ll help you refine your technique, generate more speed, and start connecting powerful turns, unlocking the next level of your surfing.
It’s our combination of a structured curriculum and personalized attention. We keep our guest-to-coach ratio at a strict 2:1, so you get constant, in-the-moment feedback in the water. Back on land, our theory sessions and daily video analysis give you the visual and intellectual tools to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s a holistic approach that creates real, lasting breakthroughs.
Never. Your safety and confidence are our number one priority. Our expert coaches are masters at reading ocean conditions and, more importantly, reading our guests. We will always take you to the best spot for your skill level and will never push you into a situation you are not ready for. We build confidence gradually, ensuring you feel supported and excited for every session.
The Holistic Experience (Accommodation, Food & Service)
It means we believe you can have a world-class adventure without sacrificing comfort. It’s staying in beautiful, thoughtfully designed accommodations with stunning views. It’s enjoying delicious, chef-prepared meals made with fresh, local ingredients. It’s the feeling of having every detail handled, so you can truly relax and be present.
The food is a highlight of every retreat. We believe that nourishing your body is essential to a great week of surfing. You can expect fresh, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meals prepared daily by our talented on-site chefs. Our family-style group dinners are legendary—a time to connect, share stories, and enjoy a fantastic meal together.
Our all-inclusive packages cover your airport transfers, accommodation, all meals, daily surf coaching with video analysis, and daily yoga. We also arrange a variety of other adventures for you, from horseback riding to boat trips, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable week. Our goal is for you to be able to completely switch off while we handle the logistics.
While surfing is the main event, we offer a balanced, holistic experience. Our retreats include daily yoga classes specifically designed to complement your surfing. We also offer unique activities like adventurous ice baths, local excursions, and plenty of built-in downtime for you to relax by the pool, read in a hammock, or explore the area.
General Questions
While our community vibe is open to everyone, some of our locations are better suited for families with children than others. Our private villas in Costa Rica, for example, offer more space and privacy. If you’re considering a family trip, please contact us directly so we can guide you to the perfect retreat for your needs.
You are welcome to bring your own board, but you definitely don’t need to. Across our locations, we have a diverse quiver of over 100 high-quality surfboards—from longboards and funboards to mid-lengths and shortboards—all included in your retreat package.
The essentials are simple: swimwear, a rashguard or surf top, high-SPF waterproof sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Beyond that, just casual beachwear, a good book, and an open mind! We will send a more detailed, location-specific packing list upon booking.
Yes. Our chefs are very experienced in catering to a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and various allergies. Please make sure to note your specific requirements on your booking form so we can be fully prepared for your arrival.
It’s easy—we take care of it for you. All our retreat packages include round-trip transfers from the closest major international airport. Once you book your flight, you’ll share your arrival details with us, and our driver will be waiting for you when you land.
Yes. We have been operating in our communities for over a decade and have deep, trusted relationships there. We pride ourselves on creating a safe and secure “Rise Up bubble” for our guests. The areas we operate in are small, welcoming, and considered very safe for travelers.
Yes, comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests booking a retreat with Rise Up. This is to ensure you are fully protected in case of any medical emergencies, travel interruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances. Proof of insurance is required before your arrival.
Yes, all of our locations have Wi-Fi available. However, the speed and reliability can vary due to the remote, off-the-grid nature of our beautiful locations. It’s usually great for emails and messages, but we encourage our guests to embrace the opportunity to disconnect as much as possible!
