Stretch, Surf & Sunsets; A True North Retreat

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Stretch, Surf & Sunsets; A True North Retreat
Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica
Mar 31 - Apr 5, 2027
Group size: 8 - 16
True Yoga Vermont image
True Yoga Vermont
$3,500
Deposit: $1,000

About this trip

Trade the last weeks of Winter for warm sand, ocean breezes, and the easy rhythm of Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Join True North Yoga for five nights in Nosara, one of the world's most beloved yoga and surf towns and part of the Nicoya Peninsula Blue Zone.

Each day begins with a sunrise beach walk and includes yoga, followed by coffee and breakfast at the house. Afternoons are yours to surf, swim, book a massage, try a class at a local studio, an optional excursion or simply rest. Evenings bring the group together for sunset and dinner: a home-cooked welcome meal and sound bath. We will be dining both at our compound and also at a few of our local favorite spots where the chef's really know how to take care of us - and the view/atmosphere is a must do for your trip to Nosara!

Book the trip - we will take care of everything else!

All levels welcome. All activities optional. Spaces are limited.

Five nights of yoga, surf, and Pura Vida

For five nights, home away from home is Plantara, a private tropical retreat with a main house and four apartments, just a 5-minute walk from the beach and shops right outside our gated entryway. Choose a private suite or apartment, share a room with a friend or partner, or book a triple with your favorite travel companions. Mornings start with coffee and breakfast together, and the rest of the day unfolds at your own pace, with space to gather and space to be on your own. With a small group led by Liz of True Yoga Vermont, this retreat is as much about connection as it is about rest. You'll arrive as guests and for sure leave as best friends!

Our Location & Home base

Plantara Nosara our home away from home is located in the vibrant neighborhood of North Guiones within the coastal town of Nosara, Costa Rica, situated on the scenic Nicoya Peninsula. The location is exceptional because it offers an unmatched balance of secluded, jungle-like tranquility and absolute, car-free walkability right in the heart of town. In less than a five-minute walk, you can find yourself on the pristine white sands of Playa Guiones catching world-class waves, or stepping into premier yoga studios, fitness centers, and local boutique shops. The immediate area is a food lover's paradise, flanked by local favorites like Destiny Café for fresh morning smoothie bowls, El Jardin Coffee Bus for authentic Costa Rican brew, and lively evening spots like Guiones Brewing Company. It is one of the rare spots in Nosara where you can completely immerse yourself in lush nature—waking up to the sounds of monkeys and birds—while remaining steps away from the community's best amenities

Accomodations

For retreat guests that are used to TRUE LUX accommodation & seeking the ultimate restoration, Plantara offers just that. It is an elegant, high-design sanctuary where modern luxury meets the soothing energy of the jungle. After deep daily practices, guests can retreat to their beautifully curated, open-concept spaces, sink into premium queen beds, and rinse off under spa-like glass showers. Every single room is equipped with powerful whisper-quiet air conditioning to keep the spaces blissfully cool and comfortable, offering a great escape from the midday Guanacaste heat. Guests can enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living by stepping out onto private balconies or gathering around the main house's pristine private pool—all while we curate private chefs, sound baths, yoga classes & in-villa massage therapies.

Meals & food!

Throughout the retreat, you will enjoy an exquisite balance of exclusive in-house dining and curated culinary excursions into the vibrant local food scene. At the property, exceptional private chefs will prepare custom, farm-to-table dinners right in the comfort of our villa, while a daily nourishing continental brunch, and curated snacks will always be on hand to keep you fueled between practices. For our evenings out, we have secured reservations at some of Nosara's most spectacular culinary destinations: you will experience the legendary, candlelit beachfront Italian ambiance of La Posada, the breathtaking sunset mountain views and wood-fired mastery of El Coyol, and the lively, flavor-packed local charm of Howlers. For lunch, we invite you to explore and connect with the community at your own pace; the neighborhood is bursting with incredible options, including an array of charming boutique cafes and the organic local co-op grocer located just steps from the house, making it effortless to find fresh, wholesome bites whenever you desire.

Travel & Transportation Info

✈️ Flight Routing & Timing from the USATo align with our 2:00 PM complimentary shuttle departure, please book your flights into Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica. IF YOU ARRIVE EARLY - THERE IS A CUTE CAFE at the airport where you can grab a bite to eat and a cool beverage and chill ;)

  • Airlines & Hubs: Major carriers offer seamless direct flights to LIR, including American Airlines (via Miami, Charlotte, Dallas), United Airlines (via Houston, Newark), Delta Air Lines (via Atlanta, Los Angeles), and JetBlue (via New York-JFK).

  • Arrival Window: We highly recommend choosing a flight that lands between 11:30 AM and 12:45 PM. This ensures you have ample time to pass through customs, collect your luggage, and join the group at the arrivals exit.

🚐 The 2:00 PM Complimentary Shuttle Details

  • Departure Time: The shuttle will leave LIR promptly at 2:00 PM.

  • The Journey to Nosara: The drive to Plantara is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours through the beautiful Guanacaste countryside. The vehicles are fully air-conditioned with plenty of space for your luggage and yoga gear.

  • Arrival: You will arrive at the property between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, leaving plenty of time to settle into your air-conditioned room before our first private chef dinner!

Cancellation policy

Cancellation policy: Deposits are 100% non-refundable; payments are refundable, minus the deposit, until January 31. After January 31, no refunds will be given; however, guests can transfer their spot to a friend.

Essential Packing List

🧳 Essential Travel Documents & Packing ListTo ensure a seamless entry into Costa Rica and a comfortable stay in the jungle, please make sure you have the following items ready

Mandatory Travel Documents

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 1 day beyond your planned date of departure from Costa Rica. However, we strongly recommend having at least 6 months of validity to avoid any airline boarding complications.

  • Return Flight Ticket: Costa Rican immigration requires physical or digital proof of onward travel (your return flight itinerary out of the country) before granting entry.

  • US Citizens do not need a visa

What to Pack for the Retreat

  • Cash (USD or Colones): While major credit cards are widely accepted in Nosara, we recommend bringing $100–$200 in crisp, undamaged US cash (smaller bills) for local tips, tuk-tuk rides, or small cafe purchases.

  • Footwear: Bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes or sneakers for travel and light hiking, alongside comfortable sandals or flip-flops for the short walk to the beach and town cafes.

  • Jungle & Beach Essentials: Pack eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen and high-quality insect repellent. A lightweight, reusable water bottle is highly recommended to stay hydrated between yoga sessions.

  • Apparel: Breathable, linen, cotton and/or moisture-wicking yoga wear is ideal for the tropical climate. While we provide premium spaces, you are welcome to bring any personal, favorite lightweight travel props. Pack a few cute sundresses for our nights out to dinner at Posada Margarita & Coyol ;)

What's included

Coffee & breakfast

Contintetal Breakfast

Snacks and beverages

Mid day snacks & n/a beverages

All evening meals

Private chef & 3 curated meals at our favorite locations: Posada Margarita, Howlers, & Coyol

Daily Guided Beach Walks

Daily

Daily Yoga & Mindfulness

On site or at our favorite studios

Sound bath

Evening sound bath on site

Group Surf Lesson

Group surf lesson at Playa Guiones surfboards included

Transportation

Airport transfers from LIR, (Liberia) & transportation to off site dinners

What's not included

Flight

Please book your flight to arrive LIR to arrive no later than 2:00pm

Travel Insurance

travel insurance

Massage services

60 or 90 Min - on site

Optional Off site yoga

Visits to Nalu, Bodhi tree or Aleo

Optional adventures

Additional surf lessons, atv tours or other adventures

Midday meal

Enjoy lunch your own while you stroll around town

Alcohol

Alcohol

Tentative Schedule

Tentative Schedule image

Surf, Strech & Sunsets

Dates: March 31 – April 5, 2027 (5 nights)
Location: Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Arrival airport: Liberia International (LIR). Land by 12:30 PM on March 31.
Group size: Small and intimate, limited to [number] guests
Level: All levels welcome. No yoga or surf experience needed.
Host: Liz Patnode, True North Yoga

Wednesday, March 31: Anchor: Arrival & Sound bath
Our group shuttle leaves Liberia at 2:00 PM for Nosara. Settle in, enjoy a welcome drink at sunset, and share a home-cooked dinner on site followed by an anchoring sound bath.

Thursday, April 1: Stretch & Surf day
Sunrise beach walk, yoga, and breakfast, then our group surf lesson at Playa Guiones. Explore the town or The Bus for lunch, take in some time at the pool, a nap, massage or an optional Pilates class at Aleo in the afternoon. In the evening, we walk to dinner at Posada Margherita.

Friday, April 2: Slow day; Massages on site
Sunrise beach walk, Morning practice and breakfast, then an optional vinyasa class at Bodhi Tree. Enjoy a free afternoon for the beach, on site massages, or rest, followed by a group sunset and a private chef dinner at the house.

Saturday, April 3: Explore Guiones
Sunrise beach walk, Morning practice and breakfast, then optional yoga at Nalu or second surf lesson. Spend a free afternoon shopping in Guiones, surfing, massage or relaxing, walk to sunset and then enjoy street tacos at Howler's.

Sunday, April 4: Farewell Sunset Dinner at Coyol
Sunrise beach walk, Morning practice and breakfast, a free afternoon, take in a massage and a closing circle, we will depart early so that we make sunset up high in the hills, followed by a farewell sunset dinner with a breathtaking view at El Coyol.

Monday, April 5: Departure
A gentle closing practice and breakfast, then our group shuttle back to Liberia for flights after about 1:30 PM.

Map of the trip locations

A. Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica

Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica

About your organizer

With a background in natural medicine, hospitality, Elizabeth Patnode is also a nationally recognized plant based chef and yoga teacher of 21 + years, owner of True Yoga Vermont and True North Juice co. Drawing on her expertise of community building, passion for wellness & travel TN was born 16 years ago and we has been helping people FEEL ALIVE ever since! Once on retreat you will quickly notice it is "never goodbye, just see ya next time" as you are instantly welcomed into a community of amazing people, places & spanning the globe!

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