Pura Vida Adventures
Pura Vida Adventures
5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Since 2004, Pura Vida Adventures has been offering premium surf + yoga retreats for women in the tropical paradise of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Guests can expect world-class instructors, perfectly crafted meals made from local ingredients, and beachfront luxury at one of the world’s most beautiful coasts. Our retreats combine the thrill of adventurous travel with the comfort of having every need met. We draw inspiration from the Costa Rican phrase “pura vida,” which loosely translates to “pure life.” This spirit is infused into every aspect of our guest experience. If you’re looking for a surf and yoga retreat with substance and soul… you’ve found us. Join our connected community who support each other in surfing and in life.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
141 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Stephanie T
1 contribution
Nov 2019
This is the kind of vacation that lingers in your mind for a long time! Everything was great.
Sara was wonderful and kept everything on track and flowing without a feeling of being constrained. She even found a guitar for me to play!
The yoga instructor was perfect with his calming insightful messages along with the sound of the ocean waves.
In the spa area I had one of the best massages ever!
The surf instructors were fun and informative. I've been surfing for a long time but learned new techniques and was encouraged to go past my comfort zone. I was rewarded with catching some bigger waves.
All the other gals that came on this trip were a blast to be around. They all had interesting stories of where they're from and what they do, all of us uniting as surfers!
There were other fun surprises but I don't want to give it all away, you have to go there!
Sara was wonderful and kept everything on track and flowing without a feeling of being constrained. She even found a guitar for me to play!
The yoga instructor was perfect with his calming insightful messages along with the sound of the ocean waves.
In the spa area I had one of the best massages ever!
The surf instructors were fun and informative. I've been surfing for a long time but learned new techniques and was encouraged to go past my comfort zone. I was rewarded with catching some bigger waves.
All the other gals that came on this trip were a blast to be around. They all had interesting stories of where they're from and what they do, all of us uniting as surfers!
There were other fun surprises but I don't want to give it all away, you have to go there!
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Steph! It was a joy to host you here in Costa Rica. Surfing with you was a blast! And thank you for the amazing concert on our last night! xoxo
Written January 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Melinda M
Columbia, MO10 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
If you are looking for a week that will refresh you, energize your spirit and connect you with amazing human beings, look no further. I went on this trip with one of my dear friends, but could have easily showed up by myself and had a ball. Our hostess Sara was such a joy, and went above and beyond to make our experience delightful. The surf instructors (Luice, Michelle, Audrey and Davide) took a group of middle aged, inexperienced kooks and made us feel like REAL surfers by the end of the week. Daniel, our lovely yoga Instructor, led us through classes that were a great balance of relaxation, stretching and mindfulness. The INCREDIBLE, smart, funny and powerful women I met from Canada, California, South Carolina etc. made the week memorable and mean. The food was fresh, healthy and flavorful and the staff at the Tropico was so attentive. I am already dreaming of going back, hopefully soon.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a sweet review, thank you so much for all your kind words. We love providing a transformative experience such as this for our guests, and sharing all the magic of Costa Rica and surfing. Come back and see us soon!
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ilovetotravel_505
Brooklyn, NY24 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
When I first arrived at the camp I was really nervous about the surf part and very excited about yoga. After the first day of working with the amazingly talented surf instructors, I got up on my first wave on my very first try. I immediately started to understand how people get hooked on surfing. Although I was realistic about my comfort level and ability to swim and stay on the inside of the break, I hope someday to graduate to the outside. The conditions in Costa Rica are superb in that the temperature of the ocean is like bath water and the waves are not too big. I highly recommend this surf camp for all levels and although I only got to work with a handful of the instructors, I got to know most of them and they are all really great! I personally worked most with Michelle and Audrey, both of which are great for beginners. Looking forward to getting out there again in the next year or so while surfing locally when possible.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yeah! It was wonderful to meet you and watch your progression through the week. Thank you so much for the review. We hope to see you in Costa Rica again soon!
Written March 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Minnesota G
1 contribution
Feb 2020
Hubs had some time off and asked me if I wanted to do anything and I said, "YES! I want to go some where ALL BY MYSELF!" I loved the idea of 7 days with some structured activities. I was looking for a week to unwind, bond with other awesome (I hoped!) women, read, meditate, practice yoga and the surfing thing was an added bonus (I originally was looking for just yoga, but heck, why not???). My week in Santa Teresa with Pura Vida Adventures gave me all of that and more - the women ended up being awesome after all! The instructors for both yoga and surfing were welcoming, knowledgeable and really willing to help us progress at any level. Sara was an absolute terrific host; I didn't really have to think about or plan a thing. I felt really safe at all times and I spent a decent amount of time exploring on my own. Even though I didn't fall in love with surfing, I would do this again. The only complaint I have is it has been terribly difficult to get back on track now that I am home!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the lovely review! We're so proud that you stepped outside of your comfort zone this week and enjoyed all the best of Santa Teresa while reconnecting with yourself at the same time. That's what it's all about!
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amber J
Santa Cruz, CA12 contributions
Jul 2022 • Friends
I had the most incredible time on the woman’s surf and yoga retreat. This was my first time in Costa Rica and I will now be making this an annual trip. The surf instructors are by far the best instructors I’ve ever experienced which made the surf experience extremely pleasurable. The passion, care, time, and detail they put into you on an individual basis goes way beyond a typical surf lesson. Paired with the excellent and friendly service from the Pura Vida staff and hotel staff, I couldn’t have asked for a better vacation. The Pura Vida staff were all responsive, organized, and attentive throughout the entire trip from pre arrival to departure. I truly felt they wanted me to have a stress free and relaxing trip making the most of my time in Costa Rica, which I definitely did! The hotel garden bungalow I stayed in was beautiful and well kept. We saw monkeys in our trees everyday and the location is steps away from a beautiful stretch of beach filled with waves and shells. The food at all the restaurants within short walking distance from the hotel was some of the best food I’ve ever had. So much to choose from I just couldn’t help but try them all! The massage at the spa was relaxing and the perfect touch after surfing. The yoga instructor really tuned into each of us and structured the classes on what we were feeling with our body’s each day. She brought Namaste and facilitated the feelings of connection and nourishment every class. I highly recommend embarking on a Pura Vida Adventure in Costa Rica they really go above and beyond making this one of the best experiences of your life!
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing PVA for your surf adventure! We had such an amazing week with you and your friends. See you next time. Pura vida!
Written August 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jacque P
Denver, CO8 contributions
Jan 2020
When David sent me the link for this yoga/surf trip in Costa Rica, I jumped right on it! My yoga/surf experience was minimal. Like many before me have stated, the women I met on this trip were the icing on the cake for what was already fun! There was something amazing about all of them, and as a group, we just clicked! I'm a grandmother and did not desire to begin a surfing career, I just wanted to learn something new. I was not the best but I learned a lot and definitely caught waves all by myself! The instructors were skilled (and fun) with even the most needy surfers. :) The food was perfect, the zipline had a special perk, Sara is the best "handler" ever, and I have some new badass sisters. Highly recommend this experience. I came back energized!
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Right on sister! Thank you so much for the amazing review. What an incredible week! We loved meeting you!
Written February 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maura Ward
Plymouth, MI1 contribution
Feb 2020
I read an article about Pura Vida and have been stalking it for a year. I finally took the leap and it was life changing! I’m 53 with no surf experience but got right up and soon was catching my own waves, paddling and turning. Lucie, Audrey, Michelle and Davidae are the most knowledgeable, patient, friendly and fun team you could want. We had a group of varied ages and experience and they challenged us all! Sara is a master hostess and the most organized human I know! She takes care of everything so you’re free to relax and enjoy. The hotel and grounds are peaceful, clean and comfortable.. The staff is helpful and so friendly. I was thoroughly impressed with the fresh, clean delicious food at every meal! Tierza the owner of retreat company was there this week. She surfed and ate with us and has a truly uplifting, infectious energy which shows in all the people she has chosen to workwith. It’s hard to pick a favorite part but the women I met were inspirational, funny, warm and open. It’s amazing to me the universe put me exactly where I needed to be with people I need to have in my life. Take the leap! Do something for yourself and ride that wave into everything life has ahead of you!!
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes! There truly is something magic about Costa Rica! So happy you got to experience that with us last week. Thank you for such a wonderful review and we hope you keep riding those waves of life with true pura vida spirit!
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen G
Bend, Oregon, United States5 contributions
Nov 2021
What a great surf camp in a beautiful location. The surf and yoga instructors were all awesome. So very supportive and friendly.
I went with a couple of my friends and by the end of the trip had a lot more friends with a similar passion for surfing and enjoyment.
It didn't matter if you were a complete beginner or had surf experience already, we all got great instruction at the level we needed while having lots of fun.
I really appreciated the attention to safety and etiquette in the water - not something that typically gets explained.
I went with a couple of my friends and by the end of the trip had a lot more friends with a similar passion for surfing and enjoyment.
It didn't matter if you were a complete beginner or had surf experience already, we all got great instruction at the level we needed while having lots of fun.
I really appreciated the attention to safety and etiquette in the water - not something that typically gets explained.
Written December 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review and we are so glad you enjoyed your time at Pura Vida Adventures! You and your friends brought such positive energy and enthusiasm. Pura vida!
Written December 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bodhis_sunshine
1 contribution
Feb 2020
I had visited Santa Teresa a few years before I found Pura Vida Adventures. I knew I would be back again one day..I couldn't have asked for a more amazing way to find myself back in this magical surf town. I had essentially zero surfing experience. Surfing for me has been something I have wanted to try but was a bit reluctant. This is why I chose this adventure. Not only that I was really feeling a pull to surround myself with female energy and women that I would never have a chance to meet otherwise. Everything and everyone exceeded my expectations. Sara the camp hostess is amazing. She is kind and very knowledgeable. She made me feel comfortable and at home from the minute I arrived. I was looking for some spiritual experiences as well in this journey and she was so accommodating with my search for this. All of the surf team was amazing as well. They have amazing spirit and are there to cheer you on and see you succeed. Yoga was very much needed daily to stretch and align the body after putting it through wave after wave:) Cristina is such a gentle, grounding energy and that for me was essential. The resort is perfect along with all of the staff. The food is so flavorful and healthy. All that you need to nourish your body. Lastly..The sunsets are the most warming and over the top eye candy I have ever seen. The most relaxing end to such fun and rewarding days.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, thank you so much for the lovely review. It was a joy to meet you and share this week with all the wonderful women in the retreat. I'm so glad you found just what you needed in our magical little town. Please come and surf with us again soon! Much love.
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jihae K
Los Angeles, California2 contributions
Aug 2022
I had the most amazing time with Pura Vida Adventures. I attended one of the women only retreats as a solo traveler, and felt so safe and included by both the staff and the other retreaters. Pura Vida Adventures truly sources the best of the best talent; from Diane the retreat manager, to Karen the yoga instructor, and to the various surf instructors.
I had only taken 1 surf lesson 20 years ago, and the surf instructors had me popping up, turning, turtle rolling, and catching my own waves in a span of 5 days.
I highly recommend attending!
I had only taken 1 surf lesson 20 years ago, and the surf instructors had me popping up, turning, turtle rolling, and catching my own waves in a span of 5 days.
I highly recommend attending!
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
You caught waves with the best of them! We loved having you at surf camp. Keep surfing, even in the chilly water of Washington! Pura vida, and we will see you next time.
Written September 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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