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What are the accommodations? This year, we are thrilled to announce our exclusive takeover of Luxury Lua Villas, an oasis nestled in the heart of the jungle, just a 3-minute walk from the breathtaking Hermosa Beach, our incredible surf spot. Yes, you read that right – we are the sole occupants of Lua Villas, aside from the occasional company of playful monkeys!
 
What rooms are available?:
Villas:
 
“We offer two villas, each comprising two levels. Upstairs, you’ll discover the master bedroom featuring a luxurious king-sized bed, air conditioning, and access to a shared bathroom (available for an additional fee of $1400). On the lower floor, you’ll find a cozy double room with two twin beds, air conditioning, and a safety box for your belongings. Additionally, you’ll have access to a well-equipped kitchen, a shared bathroom with hot water and an open shower, a charming corridor complete with a comfortable hammock, a ceiling fan, and a dining area equipped with a table and benches.”
Apartments: “We offer two apartments, each featuring a single bedroom with a comfortable queen-sized bed, equipped with air conditioning, a spacious closet, and a safety box for your convenience. A fully-furnished bathroom with hot water is shared with the other room. You’ll also have access to a well-appointed kitchen for all your culinary needs. Step out onto the balcony, where you’ll find a table and benches, as well as a sofa or hammock (depending on the apartment). In the main living area, you’ll find two twin beds, each equipped with a ceiling fan.

Studios:
“We have two studios available, which offer an all-inclusive experience. Each studio is equipped with two comfortable twin beds, air conditioning, a safety box for your valuables, a well-appointed kitchen, and a fully-furnished bathroom with hot water. Step out onto the balcony, where you’ll find a table and benches, as well as a sofa or hammock (depending on the studio). Enjoy a hassle-free stay in these cozy and well-equipped studios.”
 
Standard Studio:
Studio with private bath:
“We offer a unique room with the added convenience of a private bathroom. This cozy room features a comfortable queen-sized bed, a convenient kitchenette, air conditioning, and a safety box for your peace of mind. Additionally, you’ll have exclusive access to a private bathroom. Step outside into a small outdoor space with a table and bench, perfect for relaxing. Please note that this studio is the only accommodation with a private bathroom and incurs an additional charge of $1650.”
 
“Each morning, we kickstart your day with the aromatic flavors of Costa Rican coffee. Our dining experience is an exquisite affair, offering sumptuous meals set against a backdrop of breathtaking views and a laid-back ambiance. Our talented chefs craft dishes that not only nourish the body but also awaken the senses. Costa Rica’s abundant local tropical fruits, such as pineapple, papaya, starfruit, and citrus, will tantalize your taste buds. We prioritize using the freshest ingredients, with a strong commitment to sourcing organic and locally-produced items for our menu.
 
We cater to a wide range of palates and are more than happy to accommodate special dietary needs or lifestyle choices. Our chefs excel in creating delectable vegetarian dishes while also featuring high-quality proteins, including fresh fish and seafood sourced from local fishermen on the Peninsula. Please note: one breakfast, two lunches, and two dinners are left for you to explore on your own, allowing you to savor the local cuisine at your leisure.”
 
What is the weather?
Anticipate a tropical paradise climate in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, where warmth and charm reign supreme. Pack your suitcase with the essentials: 2 swimsuits, rash guard, sundresses, sarong, shorts, tank tops, and trusty flip flops. As for those cozy layers you’ll need, save them for the plane ride over because the local weather boasts balmy, delightful conditions that make heavy clothing a rarity. Get ready to bask in the glorious tropical weather throughout your stay and relish every moment!
 
What if I am coming alone?
“Thinking about joining us on your own? You’re in for a fantastic adventure! The majority of women who attend our retreats take the solo route, and it’s a breeze in Costa Rica. Traveling as a single woman here is not just safe but also delightfully easy. English is widely spoken, and our team is always at your service to help with any travel questions you might have. So, while you may arrive solo, you’ll leave the retreat with a bunch of lifelong friends who’ve shared in the incredible experiences and cherished memories of your stay! Get ready for an unforgettable journey!”

What will the food by like?

Each morning we will start the day with fragrant Costa Rica coffee. We will serve outrageously delicious meals with spectacular views and a relaxed atmosphere. The chefs create dishes that nourish the body and enliven the senses. You’ll love Costa Rica’s local tropical fruits like pineapple, papaya, starfruit, and citrus. The freshest ingredients will be utilized for the menu with a strong emphasis on using organic and local produce….  We have something for every palate and are more than happy to accommodate special dietary needs or lifestyle choices. They create amazing tasting vegetarian food and they compliment each meal with good quality protein like the fish and seafood bought from local fishermen of the Peninsula. (They also offer local organic beef and chicken)  *One Breakfast, two lunch and two dinner are on your own

The Yoga practice in Costa Rica

“Our yoga practice will be about being in the body as connected to the environment—opening our cells to the beauty and wonders of Costa Rica” Balance, focus, and core strength are key components of surfing. We will begin most mornings with “Awakening the Senses” yoga to get ourselves ready for the day. We will have several sunset yoga sessions planned and a sound healing meditation as well. The yoga practice on this retreat is designed to be accessible for all levels—bot

h fresh beginners and experienced practitioners will deepen their practice according to individual needs and desires. Variations will be offered, and the instructors work with the principle that each person can find a relationship with an “inner voice” that guides our balance of challenge and ease. It’s fun for everyone!!

Surfing

It’s Costa Rica, one of the premier surf destinations in the world, so it will be incredible! A short 3 min walk down a wooded path you will find the white sand beach which is our gentle surf spot. This picturesque palm-lined beach is Playa Hermosa, ‘beautiful beach’ in Spanish. Our “home break” is perfect for learning with its sandy bottom and rolling waves. The area has some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica. This does not mean gigantic. In fact, we selected this location for its favorable waves. Having said this, while Colleen has performed some amazing feats, even she cannot control the seas, so we are still subject to the tides and swells. Our instructors are patient, kind, experienced, and genuinely interested in you and your journey. They are able to accommodate absolute beginners to those who have been surfing for years. They teach safety first with fun and stroke as a close second. We have (2 students to1 instructor) ratio which will ensure that you receive thoughtful feedback and coaching.  Women’s Quest is different from other surf retreats. Our first day will begin with “ground school” or paddle school with PIA, which is where we will teach you the basics of surfing, how to pop up and how to balance on the board. We have also created a very special “paddle school”, to help you with paddling skills. We will teach techniques to paddle more efficiently and powerfully, how to turtle roll, how to spin around quickly (for catching waves) and how to find your sweet spot on the board. Our local instructors from “TAKE OFF” surf school have the essential talents to help you achieve your goals:

  • Many years of experience in surf instruction.
  • Genuine enthusiasm and patience.
  • Local knowledge of the area.
  • Passion for the ocean and surfing.
  • Surf lifesaving, CPR, and first aid certifications.

What is the average age on this retreat?

We have a wide range of women who attend our retreats, from 15-70 years young. Each retreat will vary. Please contact us if you have questions about the ages on a specific retreat. We have had women as young as 13 learn to surf with us and as old as 75.

Do I have to participate in everything on the schedule?

You do not need to participate in everything; you can pace yourself so that it is the perfect amount of activity for you. We fully support you in doing as much or as little as is right for you in the moment. The schedule gives you a sense of the flow of each day. It is subject to change, depending upon the needs of the group, weather, ocean swell size, tides, etc. We will go over the schedule each day at breakfast.

Am I in good enough shape to do this retreat?

Most Likely! We adapt to all levels of fitness. Since we break into really small surfing groups (one instructor for two people, and many times one on one) we can accommodate just about any skill and fitness level. Groups are formed according to each woman’s level of fitness, experience, and desire to challenge herself. We do suggest that you start a training or workout program before you come so that you can get the most out of the retreat. Your training does not need to be a hard-core program…just get out, play and be active several days a week.

Activities that will accelerate your learning are push-ups (hands underneath the shoulders, not wide), swimming, upper body exercises, and yoga for balance. Any physical exercise is beneficial. People of all shapes, sizes, skills and backgrounds surf. …and everyone who does, shares a common bond with the ocean and a permanent smile on their faces.

Payment Policy

To secure your spot on a retreat, a non-refundable deposit is required:

  • $500 for domestic retreats
  • $1,000 for international retreats

Single room reservations may require an additional $200 deposit. Reservations cannot be held without a deposit.

Full payment is due 90 days prior to the retreat. If payment is not received by this deadline, you may lose your reservation. For bookings made within 90 days of the retreat, payment in full is required at the time of registration.

Payment Options:

  • Avoid fees by paying via check or Zelle.
  • Payments via PayPal or Stripe incur a 4% processing fee.

Cancellation Policy

  • 91+ days before the retreat: Refund of payments (minus your deposit).
  • 90 or fewer days before the retreat: Payments are non-refundable.

Women’s Quest reserves the right to cancel retreats with insufficient participant interest. In such cases, all payments will be refunded; however, Women’s Quest is not responsible for personal expenses, such as airline tickets, due to schedule changes or cancellations.

Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in case unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending or completing the retreat.

Travel insurance is particularly important in the event you:

  • Need to cancel due to illness or injury (including testing positive for COVID-19).
  • Require medical care during the retreat.
  • Face trip interruptions, delays, or unexpected quarantine requirements.

We suggest a policy that covers:

  • Trip cancellation and interruption
  • Medical expenses
  • Quarantine costs

For maximum flexibility, consider a “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) policy, which provides additional peace of mind. While this type of coverage is more expensive, it offers the most protection for unforeseen changes.

To compare and purchase travel insurance, we recommend using Squaremouth, a trusted platform to find the best policy for your needs.https://www.squaremouth.com/22393

Before purchasing any policy, consult a travel insurance agent to ensure it meets your coverage expectations.