Surf Synergy All-Inclusive Surf Retreat

Surf Synergy was a wonderful experience, and we will go back. I am an upper-level intermediate surfer who went primary for the one-on-one coaching and video analysis. After looking at their website and social media, it appeared as if they focused on beginners, which was great for my wife, who had only surfed once. However, I was concerned that I might not be able to get the more advanced coaching that I wanted. I also had some concerns about it being in Jaco because of some of the things I heard from my friends about the city, especially at night. But I am so glad we went, and I hope this review will capture the awesomeness of this place. I know it’s a long review, but please read to the end because I had a medical emergency that I share in the end, and how the staff helped me. First, Surf Synergy is a beautiful place. While it’s technically in Jaco, you would never know it because it’s on the outskirts of town in a rural environment. We stayed in Bungalow 1 at the top of the hill and had a view of the ocean on one side and breathtaking mountains on the other. The thing we liked most about our bungalow was the shower (with hot water). While part of our room, the shower was outside and included more beautiful plants! They also provided organic soaps, shampoo, conditioner, and bug repellent. My wife works at the Brevard Zoo in Florida, which employs a Master Gardener, and she was surprised that the gardening and landscaping at Surf Synergy is on the same level! There are colorful flowers and plants everywhere you go. You truly feel like you’re in paradise. The bungalows and other buildings complement the landscape and are clean and attractive. Second, the staff was amazing. Marcel, Kriss, Marlin, Jose, and many others, tended to our daily needs and requests. They set up a group chat in WhatsApp, so anytime we needed anything we could just send a message and someone on the team would respond. In addition, Kriss set up a date night for my wife and me at a restaurant in Hermosa, as well as an excursion to Manuel Antonio Nation Park (which was amazing!). Knowing that I was there to celebrate my 50th birthday, the staff also went out of their way to throw me a surprise birthday party, buying and decorating a cake just for me. They also customized meals, taking into consideration special dietary needs, and replacing items that we didn’t like with things we did. The person I connected most with was Marcel, a truly exceptional human being, who I now consider a friend. Speaking of food, every meal was amazing and filling! The food was organic, fresh, healthy, and full of flavor. The highlight for me was the night they served grassfed filet mignon, but I also can’t stop thinking about the homemade bread and jelly, the fruit smoothies, and the seared tuna. The food was one of the highlights of our trip. While they have a very small selection of beer and wine, we bought most of our alcoholic drinks in Jaco. Third, there were so many great act

Yes, this place has perfect reviews. That’s not fake or by accident. I have traveled all over the world, and this resort is the most special place I have ever experienced. I just finished my third trip staying there. It’s a small, intimate resort. Even with their new building opening soon they will only have capacity for under 40 guests. They tend to market themselves as a surfing experience, but it is so much more. It’s really a health and wellness retreat and community with surfing as the primary teaching mechanism for wellbeing. But the surfing is just a part of it- you don’t even have to surf if you don’t want to! You will make new friends with the other people staying there- everyone eats and surfs together! It’s an amazing resort, but their killer differentiator is their people and culture. Everyone who works there is world-class at whatever they do. The surfing instructors are all current pros or could be. Cata, the yoga instructor, is the most knowledgeable and effective instructor I have ever had the privilege to work with. Misha, the workout instructor, literally launched CrossFit in Costa Rica and was hired by the UAE government to launch their national CrossFit program in Dubai, which she did for 8 years!!! 😱😱😱 Tell her what your needs are for your workout, and she will design and deliver it perfectly. I came in with a pulled groin, and she was still able to design a program to work around it and give me an amazing workout. The head chef David designs the most delicious and healthy meals you have ever tasted, all tailored to your specific dietary needs. I’m a foodie, and I’m telling you, that Dude needs a Michelin Star pronto. The staff will all become like family members to you. When your friends see your itinerary here, they will die of envy. The resort offers basically every activity you could ever hope to do. Want to be pampered? Massages, facials and spa offerings galore. Prefer to be adventurous? ATVing, Ziplining, jungle and volcano tours, horseback riding, canyoneering, you name it. Other incredibly underrated wellness activities include breathwork and ice bath (if you haven’t tried these, you don’t know what you are missing). They work with you to design your perfect itinerary, and are super-responsive to your every need. My one learning after three trips there is to not do too much. This resort and country offer so many amazing activities that it is easy to over-schedule yourself. Rest and relaxation is an important part of your wellness experience, so just book another trip rather than trying to cram everything into one. Make this your next vacation. You will thank yourself for a lifetime.

I'll admit I was skeptical about a surf retreat 1 mile from the coast outside a busy beach town, but Surf Synergy changed my mind--fast. Their main differentiator is the surf coaching. For seven straight days I was in the ocean with guys who knew the breaks, the tides, the swell direction, and of course surfing technique, so they brought me to ideal spots to both enjoy myself and advance my skills. I'm an intermediate surfer who was traveling with a more beginner-level friend, and they hooked him up with a similar experience. I felt like my surfing improved dramatically throughout the week. Equally impressive, on some days our fearless leaders brought us to breaks--with solid waves--where were the only people in the lineup. A+ on that front. The food at the retreat was sublime--fresh, local, and the right amount; three solid meals a day, enjoyed with other guests (all of whom we really liked) and occasionally surf coaches and other staff (all of whom we ALSO really liked). And no stupid snack food lying around (you could of course BYO), which helped me break the snack-because-it's-there habit. The property is a little sanctuary, well manicured but not overly so, with a pleasant tropical vibe and regular appearances from resident iguanas and scarlet macaws and other cool birds. Add in the daily yoga with an awesome teacher, massage, an ice bath, bike rides into town for cocktails, a day trip to Manuel Antonio park, and a super friendly and attentive staff, and you really can't go wrong. HIGHLY recommend this place for anyone hoping to score some waves, improve their surfing and wellness, and meet very cool people.

Great experience. Really thoughtful staff, coaching, and activities. Amazing food, and amazing level of care while you are there. These people really care about the experience and they are selling something they all believe in and thoughtfully deliver. We were a bit taken by some of the safety comments online, but found the area to be safer then our home town of Denver Colorado and, although we did not go out at night and can not speak to that experience, we always felt surrounded by good people and in a safe environment for our 12 and 15 year old kids. We were also a bit concerned about our trip coinciding with the end of the "Rainy" season. Rain in this area is warm and rather nice on a hot day. We biked in the rain, swam in the rain, and in general did not feel the occasional rain was anything but enjoyable. If you want to bring your surfing skills to a new level, or simply want to relax and enjoy the activities, this place really hits the mark. We will be back.

Surf Synergy is way more than a surfing camp. It is a wellness retreat that is top shelf all the way. Your schedule can include not just one-on-one surfing lessons, but yoga, meditation, massage and other activities. The food is outstanding -- no need to ever go into town for food as no one can beat the breakfast, lunch or dinner prepared by master chef Diego and his team. Fresh, always healthy/clean, and delicious! The staff are incredibly gracious, friendly and attentive. If you enjoy getting to know the locals when you travel, you'll love that a member of the team joins your table at meals to share what they love about their life in Costa Rica and learn more about you. You'll truly make friends on this trip. The grounds are a garden of orchids, fruit trees and tropical plants meticulously cared for by a team of gardeners. The bungalows, yoga platform and common areas are all spa-like. This is the perfect vacation for so many audiences: couples, families that want to connect with their young teenagers, a great girls trip, or a guys getaway . This is because they really customize so much of your stay from matching you with the perfect surfing coach, best beach and board for your level, to meals tailored for dietary restrictions or preferences and other activities. All these five star reviews are true!

Our family spent a week at Surf Synergy and had an amazing experience. Everything was exceptional from the comfortable bungalows with fantastic views, delicious food and the wonderful staff made us feel at home. The professionalism and knowledge of the surf instructors made the surf experience incredible, and the Yoga and Massages topped off the stay. We will definitely be back!! Pura Vida!!

Surf Synergy was an amazing experience. The food is incredible (so fresh and healthy) and they can teach anyone to surf. My grown daughter and I went together and had so much fun. The days are full of really healthy activities: morning yoga, breathing exercises, land practice, and then surfing at either sunset or early in the morning. The surf coaches are patient and kind; if they can get me surfing, anyone can learn.

I’m not sure where to start - other than Surf Synergy exceeded our expectations in every way. From the amazing surf instructors, to the fantastic staff, the amazing food and great accommodations. We were a family of 5 with teenage kids. They stayed in one side of the bungalow and we were in the other. We started our day with a pour over coffee we made in our room, then to yoga with Cata, breakfast and then depending upon the tide had a surf lesson at some point. The video review is super helpful - and a good laugh ;) completely recommend the ice bath and breath workshop as well! Bolita, Guapo and Pantera became fast friends - keeping us from missing our dogs at home! The laid back vibe of the central meeting and eating area was a great place to hang out and get to know the staff and other guests. Highly recommend the waterfall hike and zip line. Heard great things about ATVing. Can’t wait to come back again! Thanks to everyone at Surf Synergy!!!

My partner and I came through Surf Synergy on our trip to Jaco and every detail was amazing. While we didn’t stay on site, Krissia and the rest of the staff helped us set up surf lessons, meals on the compound (the food is excellent!), and cold therapy sessions. Marcel was awesome during our surf sessions and cold plunges - I brought home a lot of great cues for improving my SUP surfing. They’ve got a great thing going and I can’t recommend them enough. We’ll definitely be back!