Act now to reserve your spot! Early registration closes on Oct 1, 2017.
Travel Dates:
JANUARY 4th - 12th, 2018
Be sure to book your flight into Panama City
If you want/need to fly in/out on different dates or times, you are fully responsible for your transportation. However, are happy to help you find information to book your ground transportation. **NOTE: There a tourist tax of $30-50/person, so be sure to bring a little extra cash for that. If you have any questions or concerns, email us balancedguitar@gmail.com or call our director, Ben at 646-295-5907
JANUARY 4th - 12th, 2018
Be sure to book your flight into Panama City
If you want/need to fly in/out on different dates or times, you are fully responsible for your transportation. However, are happy to help you find information to book your ground transportation. **NOTE: There a tourist tax of $30-50/person, so be sure to bring a little extra cash for that. If you have any questions or concerns, email us balancedguitar@gmail.com or call our director, Ben at 646-295-5907
What are the fees, tuition, and payment methods?
The total price of the trip is $2100, but if you REGISTER BEFORE OCT 1, you save $150 ($1950 total).
The deposit to guarantee your spot is only $500. You can make your deposit via PayPay by clicking here
The price includes transportation to and from the airport, lodging (single & shared rooms available), 3 meals a day on site, daily guitar, surfing and yoga classes. You will also receive one private lesson with Richard Miller before and after the trip (either in person or via Skype) with your choice of teacher (Richard M. or Freddie B.)
Make the $500 non-refundable deposit via PayPal to hold your spot on the retreat (or pay in full) by clicking the "Payment" button (below). Once on PayPal's site, sign in or create a free account (takes 1 min). When prompted to select "Friends & Family" or "Goods & Services," be sure to SELECT "FRIENDS & FAMILY" to AVOID ANY FEES.
The deposit to guarantee your spot is only $500. You can make your deposit via PayPay by clicking here
The price includes transportation to and from the airport, lodging (single & shared rooms available), 3 meals a day on site, daily guitar, surfing and yoga classes. You will also receive one private lesson with Richard Miller before and after the trip (either in person or via Skype) with your choice of teacher (Richard M. or Freddie B.)
Make the $500 non-refundable deposit via PayPal to hold your spot on the retreat (or pay in full) by clicking the "Payment" button (below). Once on PayPal's site, sign in or create a free account (takes 1 min). When prompted to select "Friends & Family" or "Goods & Services," be sure to SELECT "FRIENDS & FAMILY" to AVOID ANY FEES.
How do I register?
Fill out the registration form and make a deposit today ($500) to reserve your space or pay in full ($2500).
Make your deposit before October 1, and save $100 on tuition ($2400).
Make your deposit before October 1, and save $100 on tuition ($2400).
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made 90 days before the retreat (by October 3rd, 2018).
The deposit is non-refundable. Spots and housing are first come first serve.
The deposit is non-refundable. Spots and housing are first come first serve.
What do I bring?
Checklist:
•Valid Passport*
•Sunblock
•Swim suit (or 2)
•Guitar
•Yoga mat
•We'll provide the surfboards and wax.
•Bug Spray (We are going during the dry season, so there will not be a lot of bugs to worry about. But if bugs bug you, bring spray).
•Round Trip Plane Ticket*
*return flight must be booked in order to enter the country
• IF YOU PLAN ON SNORKELING, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT.
•Valid Passport*
•Sunblock
•Swim suit (or 2)
•Guitar
•Yoga mat
•We'll provide the surfboards and wax.
•Bug Spray (We are going during the dry season, so there will not be a lot of bugs to worry about. But if bugs bug you, bring spray).
•Round Trip Plane Ticket*
*return flight must be booked in order to enter the country
• IF YOU PLAN ON SNORKELING, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT.
Expectations of the Program
To get the maximum benefits from the program, students are requested to participate fully in the program. Many musicians feel like they are not "athletic" or "coordinated" enough to participate in programs like surfing or yoga. Some beginners feel like they're "not talented" or "skilled" enough to participate as a group. NOT TRUE! One of the aims of this course is to show that these activities can be fun and accessible to everyone.
If you do not know how to swim, we recommend you take swimming lessons before arriving simply to feel more comfortable in the water. The surfing lessons take place in shallow water where swimming is not required. If it turns out that you dislike one of the activities, that's okay too! There are so many wonderful things to do there (including relaxing). You know your body best.
If you do not know how to swim, we recommend you take swimming lessons before arriving simply to feel more comfortable in the water. The surfing lessons take place in shallow water where swimming is not required. If it turns out that you dislike one of the activities, that's okay too! There are so many wonderful things to do there (including relaxing). You know your body best.
Schedule
All activities encourage but optional
7:30-8:30am Yoga or Tai Chi
8:30-9:30am Breakfast
10:00am-12:00 Guitar/Music group class
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1-3pm Free time, practice, private lessons
3pm - Sunset Surfing, Siesta, Exploring
6-7pm Dinner
7-10 pm Open evening jamming
10pm - 7am Quiet Hours (sleep is key)
7:30-8:30am Yoga or Tai Chi
8:30-9:30am Breakfast
10:00am-12:00 Guitar/Music group class
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1-3pm Free time, practice, private lessons
3pm - Sunset Surfing, Siesta, Exploring
6-7pm Dinner
7-10 pm Open evening jamming
10pm - 7am Quiet Hours (sleep is key)
Extras
The retreat center has many activities such as $20 hour long massages, hiking, snorkeling, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, and of course, world-class surfing, boogie boarding, ocean swimming. You can arrange any of these activities with the concierge.
Enjoy FREE unlimited coffee, tea and filtered water. Plus enjoy free coconuts when in season!
Free WiFi
Enjoy FREE unlimited coffee, tea and filtered water. Plus enjoy free coconuts when in season!
Free WiFi
ACCOMODATIONS
What can we do when we're at Casa Verdad?
Whether on land or sea, there are many things to do right here at Verdad, including hiking local trails, snorkeling, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, and of course, world-class surfing, boogie boarding, ocean swimming, body surfing and just relaxing on a hammock with a book. IF YOU PLAN ON SNORKELING, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT. In addition, we can help arrange a variety of off-site adventures to various tourist attractions such as a nearby zip-line canopy tour, the colonial city of Granada, the tropical island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, the Masaya Artisan Market and the village of San Juan del Sur.
How can we get around once on site?
You can of course walk to our beach and nearby beaches, but if you want to travel further than your feet can take you, we offer transportation services to most locations throughout the country. Please inquire if you have somewhere you’d like to go we haven’t mentioned above, but know there’s plenty to see and do close to us, so you won’t need to venture far!
How far away is…?
Is there a pool on site?
We have a modest pool with an honor bar, pool chairs and sun bench that is open to all guests of Verdad.
Do you supply shampoo and soap?
We provide both shampoo and soap in each room, but we encourage you to bring your own favorite cosmetics for your use.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, WiFi is available on site and it’s free, but given that Nicaragua is a developing country, the internet connection can be inconsistent. We hope you unplug and indulge in the serenity of our beautiful beach and natural setting.
Are there restaurants or stores nearby?
Verdad serves 3 family-style meals every day in our beautiful on site dining room. In addition there is a beach bar on Playa Escameca that serves cold beer and lunch. There are a couple of pulperias (mini-markets) that have some cosmetics and sundries which are about a 10 minute ride from us in Playa Coco. There’s a restaurant there as well. We are 20-25 minutes from San Juan del Sur which has a variety of markets, drug stores, restaurants, and bars.
What else should I know before I come?
Nicaragua has occasional interruptions of electricity service. The outages usually last for only an hour or two. Verdad has a backup system, so it is unlikely you will be without power for long during your stay. Also you will not be allowed to leave the United States without a return ticket of some kind, so if you plan to stay longer, book your return ticket in advance. When asked "what is the reason for your travel," it's always best to say "leisure/vacation," to keep things simple.
What are the safety features of your property?
We have staff on throughout the day and night including guards who roam the property from sundown ‘til sun up. You can lock your cabin front door when you leave, and your belongings will be safe, but we don’t recommend bringing valuable jewels and the like to Nicaragua.
Is the water drinkable?
We provide unlimited coffee, tea and purified water at the restaurant and pool bar for drinking. Although you can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, we don’t recommend drinking a glass full. Plus enjoy free coconuts when in season!
What is the tipping policy at Verdad?
To allow for a more relaxing stay here at the resort we recommend that guests wishing to leave tips for the staff do so upon check out, rather than each time service is provided. Any tips left are at the total discretion of the guest and can either be given to specific persons, departments, or left with the front desk to be shared amongst all staff.
Are there fans or air-conditioning in the rooms?
We want our guests to be as comfortable as possible; however we are mindful of our electricity use. All of our cabins are situated and designed to take full advantage of the near constant breezes on our hilltop. They each have a powerful ceiling fans, which makes a great alternative to air conditioning and keeps everyone comfortably cool. The two habitation/rooms by our pool have both fans and air-conditioners.
Is the water warm or cold?
The water temperature changes with the seasons and global conditions.Starting in January and through March, when the temperature on land begins to rise, the Humboldt Current passes the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast which makes the water cooler. Depending on what you are used to and the activities you do before diving in, the water can feel either very refreshing or perhaps a bit chilly during these months, but never too cold to enjoy. As a rule of thumb, once water temperatures drop, the fishing season begins to take off. So, the water might be a little cooler in the winter months, but fresh fish is more plentiful.
Is Nicaragua a safe place?
Nicaragua has come a long way in the last several decades. Since the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1978-1979, it has become the safest country in the region, outdoing both Costa Rica and Panama on this front. Although Nicaragua has received some negative press in the past, don’t let this color your perception. Although this developing nation is one of the poorest in the Western hemisphere, it is a beautifully diverse and culturally rich country that is remarkably safe, with low crime rates. Tourists should use normal, common sense when traveling around Nicaragua.
Do I need to bring Cordobas (the local currency)?
The USD is readily accepted in most parts of Nicaragua. Verdad and most other establishments in our area accept dollars but will give you change back in the local currency. Please note that all of Verdad’s prices are in US dollars. The closest ATM, which dispenses both cordobas and US dollars, is located in the village of San Juan del Sur which is a 20-25 minute drive.
Should I take anti-malaria meds?
Mosquitos and other insects are present within Nicaragua but are not much of an issue in our area. The entire Southern Pacific side of Nicaragua where we are located has no malaria transmission. Since we are in this no risk area, we do not provide bed-nets. For more information about recommended vaccines and medications, please visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.
How close is the nearest hospital?
There is a small clinic located in San Juan del Sur (20-25 minutes away) and a hospital in Rivas 45 minutes away that can deal with more serious injuries or illnesses. The largest and most sophisticated hospital is in Managua, 2.5 hours away.
Whether on land or sea, there are many things to do right here at Verdad, including hiking local trails, snorkeling, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, and of course, world-class surfing, boogie boarding, ocean swimming, body surfing and just relaxing on a hammock with a book. IF YOU PLAN ON SNORKELING, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN EQUIPMENT. In addition, we can help arrange a variety of off-site adventures to various tourist attractions such as a nearby zip-line canopy tour, the colonial city of Granada, the tropical island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, the Masaya Artisan Market and the village of San Juan del Sur.
How can we get around once on site?
You can of course walk to our beach and nearby beaches, but if you want to travel further than your feet can take you, we offer transportation services to most locations throughout the country. Please inquire if you have somewhere you’d like to go we haven’t mentioned above, but know there’s plenty to see and do close to us, so you won’t need to venture far!
How far away is…?
- The Managua Airport is about 2.5 hours.
- The Costa Rican border is an hour’s drive from us and the Liberia Airport in Costa Rica is another hour from there. While it takes about an hour longer once you arrive, flying into Liberia airport is much cheaper. If you are traveling to or from Costa Rica, you need to account for time to cross the border which can take as little as 10 minutes or well over an hour depending on the time of day, year and how many agents happen to be working.
- San Juan del Sur is the closest major town with about 15,000 people (not including tourists). It’s a 20-25 minute drive from Verdad.
- Granada, a colonial town on Lake Nicaragua, is about 2 hrs by car
- Isla de Ometepe is at least a full day adventure, and more likely you will want to spend the night. The ferry to the island is in San Jorge which is about an hour from us, and the ferry ride is just under and hour and a half. The island is 31 km long and 5-10 km wide. It’s shaped like a peanut with a volcano on each side.
Is there a pool on site?
We have a modest pool with an honor bar, pool chairs and sun bench that is open to all guests of Verdad.
Do you supply shampoo and soap?
We provide both shampoo and soap in each room, but we encourage you to bring your own favorite cosmetics for your use.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, WiFi is available on site and it’s free, but given that Nicaragua is a developing country, the internet connection can be inconsistent. We hope you unplug and indulge in the serenity of our beautiful beach and natural setting.
Are there restaurants or stores nearby?
Verdad serves 3 family-style meals every day in our beautiful on site dining room. In addition there is a beach bar on Playa Escameca that serves cold beer and lunch. There are a couple of pulperias (mini-markets) that have some cosmetics and sundries which are about a 10 minute ride from us in Playa Coco. There’s a restaurant there as well. We are 20-25 minutes from San Juan del Sur which has a variety of markets, drug stores, restaurants, and bars.
What else should I know before I come?
Nicaragua has occasional interruptions of electricity service. The outages usually last for only an hour or two. Verdad has a backup system, so it is unlikely you will be without power for long during your stay. Also you will not be allowed to leave the United States without a return ticket of some kind, so if you plan to stay longer, book your return ticket in advance. When asked "what is the reason for your travel," it's always best to say "leisure/vacation," to keep things simple.
What are the safety features of your property?
We have staff on throughout the day and night including guards who roam the property from sundown ‘til sun up. You can lock your cabin front door when you leave, and your belongings will be safe, but we don’t recommend bringing valuable jewels and the like to Nicaragua.
Is the water drinkable?
We provide unlimited coffee, tea and purified water at the restaurant and pool bar for drinking. Although you can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, we don’t recommend drinking a glass full. Plus enjoy free coconuts when in season!
What is the tipping policy at Verdad?
To allow for a more relaxing stay here at the resort we recommend that guests wishing to leave tips for the staff do so upon check out, rather than each time service is provided. Any tips left are at the total discretion of the guest and can either be given to specific persons, departments, or left with the front desk to be shared amongst all staff.
Are there fans or air-conditioning in the rooms?
We want our guests to be as comfortable as possible; however we are mindful of our electricity use. All of our cabins are situated and designed to take full advantage of the near constant breezes on our hilltop. They each have a powerful ceiling fans, which makes a great alternative to air conditioning and keeps everyone comfortably cool. The two habitation/rooms by our pool have both fans and air-conditioners.
Is the water warm or cold?
The water temperature changes with the seasons and global conditions.Starting in January and through March, when the temperature on land begins to rise, the Humboldt Current passes the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast which makes the water cooler. Depending on what you are used to and the activities you do before diving in, the water can feel either very refreshing or perhaps a bit chilly during these months, but never too cold to enjoy. As a rule of thumb, once water temperatures drop, the fishing season begins to take off. So, the water might be a little cooler in the winter months, but fresh fish is more plentiful.
Is Nicaragua a safe place?
Nicaragua has come a long way in the last several decades. Since the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1978-1979, it has become the safest country in the region, outdoing both Costa Rica and Panama on this front. Although Nicaragua has received some negative press in the past, don’t let this color your perception. Although this developing nation is one of the poorest in the Western hemisphere, it is a beautifully diverse and culturally rich country that is remarkably safe, with low crime rates. Tourists should use normal, common sense when traveling around Nicaragua.
Do I need to bring Cordobas (the local currency)?
The USD is readily accepted in most parts of Nicaragua. Verdad and most other establishments in our area accept dollars but will give you change back in the local currency. Please note that all of Verdad’s prices are in US dollars. The closest ATM, which dispenses both cordobas and US dollars, is located in the village of San Juan del Sur which is a 20-25 minute drive.
Should I take anti-malaria meds?
Mosquitos and other insects are present within Nicaragua but are not much of an issue in our area. The entire Southern Pacific side of Nicaragua where we are located has no malaria transmission. Since we are in this no risk area, we do not provide bed-nets. For more information about recommended vaccines and medications, please visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.
How close is the nearest hospital?
There is a small clinic located in San Juan del Sur (20-25 minutes away) and a hospital in Rivas 45 minutes away that can deal with more serious injuries or illnesses. The largest and most sophisticated hospital is in Managua, 2.5 hours away.