Travel Dates & Details
What are the Travel Dates?
June 28 - July 5, 2025
What airport should I fly into?
Arrive anytime BEFORE 3PM on June 28 at IZH Airport. Depart anytime AFTER 12pm on July 5, 2025.
IMPORTANT: If you do not have a return ticket in you will not be allowed to enter the country.
We provide all ground transportation to and from airport.
*If you want/need to fly in/out on different dates/times, you are fully responsible for your transportation & accommodations before/after the retreat dates. However, are happy to help you find information to book your ground transportation.
If you have any questions or concerns, email us [email protected] or call our director, Ben at 646-295-5907
How will we get to the retreat from the LIR airport?
The group will meet in the baggage claim area and a complimentary shuttle will pick us up and take us on a beautiful 6hour scenic drive down the Pacific Coast to Pavones. We will stop along the way for meals and of course bathroom breaks. Cell phones should work once you land in Costa Rica and wifi is available both in the airport and at most cafes and restaurants.
June 28 - July 5, 2025
What airport should I fly into?
Arrive anytime BEFORE 3PM on June 28 at IZH Airport. Depart anytime AFTER 12pm on July 5, 2025.
IMPORTANT: If you do not have a return ticket in you will not be allowed to enter the country.
We provide all ground transportation to and from airport.
*If you want/need to fly in/out on different dates/times, you are fully responsible for your transportation & accommodations before/after the retreat dates. However, are happy to help you find information to book your ground transportation.
If you have any questions or concerns, email us [email protected] or call our director, Ben at 646-295-5907
How will we get to the retreat from the LIR airport?
The group will meet in the baggage claim area and a complimentary shuttle will pick us up and take us on a beautiful 6hour scenic drive down the Pacific Coast to Pavones. We will stop along the way for meals and of course bathroom breaks. Cell phones should work once you land in Costa Rica and wifi is available both in the airport and at most cafes and restaurants.
What are the fees, tuition, and payment methods?
The total price of the trip ranges from $2800 - 3500 depending on rooms / availability.
$2800 is for a twin bed in our dorm style room - 4 people total (with a/c)
$3300 is for a double bed in a shared room with 1 other person (with a/c)
$3500 is for a queen bed in our private room (with a/c) This room is also great for couples (2500 each)
The price is all inclusive except for airfare to/from Liberia, Costa Rica.
You can see more by checking out our ACCOMMODATIONS page.
The deposit to guarantee your spot is only $750. You can make your deposit or pay in full via PayPay by clicking here *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. All deposits are non-refundable.
After you make your deposit, be sure to fill out the registration form.
The price includes transportation to/from the airport, lodging (single & shared rooms available), 2 delicious meals a day, prepared on site, free use of surfboards, daily guitar, surfing and yoga classes. BONUS: You will also receive one private lesson with Richard Miller before and after the trip (either in person or via Skype).
$2800 is for a twin bed in our dorm style room - 4 people total (with a/c)
$3300 is for a double bed in a shared room with 1 other person (with a/c)
$3500 is for a queen bed in our private room (with a/c) This room is also great for couples (2500 each)
The price is all inclusive except for airfare to/from Liberia, Costa Rica.
You can see more by checking out our ACCOMMODATIONS page.
The deposit to guarantee your spot is only $750. You can make your deposit or pay in full via PayPay by clicking here *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. All deposits are non-refundable.
After you make your deposit, be sure to fill out the registration form.
The price includes transportation to/from the airport, lodging (single & shared rooms available), 2 delicious meals a day, prepared on site, free use of surfboards, daily guitar, surfing and yoga classes. BONUS: You will also receive one private lesson with Richard Miller before and after the trip (either in person or via Skype).
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made 90 days before the retreat (September 26th, 2023). The deposit is non-refundable. Spots and housing are first come first serve. Space is limited.
What do I bring?
Checklist:
Suggested Packing List:
(less is more)
🎸 Guitar Gear
• Travel or acoustic guitar (in a hard case). Loosen strings slightly before traveling. “Gate check” for most safe handling.
• Extra strings (humidity can affect tuning)
• Guitar Tuner
• Small notebook or journal for songwriting
• Small towels for sweaty arms / palms
🧘 Yoga Essentials
• Travel yoga mat (lightweight or foldable)
• Comfortable yoga clothes (something you can move in. Can be your bathing suit)
• Reusable water bottle (hydration is key!)
• Block or strap (optional, if you use them regularly)
🏄 Surf Gear
• Rash guard (preferably a long sleeve, water wicking, UV protective long sleeve shirt). Short sleeves work too (just more sun exposure). You can also rent/buy one there. This also prevents skin rash from surfboard
• Bathing suit
• Reef-safe sunscreen (VERY important in Saladita)
• Ear plugs (if sensitive to water)
☀️ Beach & Sun Gear
• Sunglasses
• Wide-brim hat or surf cap
• Flip flops or water shoes
• Light cover-up or sarong
• Beach towel
• Lightweight backpack or daypack
🧳 Clothing (light and minimal)
• Tank tops / t-shirts (4–5)
• Lightweight pants or joggers (1–2)
• Shorts (2)
• Breathable long-sleeve shirt (sun or bugs)
• Light jacket or hoodie (evenings can be breezy)
• Undergarments & socks
• Pajamas or comfy sleepwear
🧼 Toiletries & Health
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Natural bug spray (mosquitoes can be active)
• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash (travel size or eco-friendly)
• After-sun aloe or lotion
• Any personal medications
• First aid basics (bandaids, ibuprofen, electrolyte packets)
• Dramamine or Imodium (for travel tummy)
📱 Essentials
• Passport + printed copy
• Pesos (or USD in small bills, plus debit/credit card)
• Phone & charger (plus portable charger)
• We highly recommend leaving valuables at home (better safe than sorry)
🌿 Optional/Retreat-Ready Extras
• Journal for reflection & creative writing
• Favorite tea or supplements
• Eye mask / ear plugs (if you’re a light sleeper)
• Lightweight instrument (ukulele, shaker, harmonica)
• Book or Kindle
• Snacks (bars, nuts, electrolyte drink mix)
• Cash to tip Cook & Housecleaning (suggested $20-50ea)
- Valid Passport*
- Round Trip Plane Ticket to LIR (NOTE: return flight must be booked in order to enter the country)
- Sunblock (Eco & Reef-Friendly please)
- Swim suit (or 2)
- Guitar (if you want to play)
- Yoga mat
- Bug Spray
- Long sleeve shirt (rash guard) for surfing
Suggested Packing List:
(less is more)
🎸 Guitar Gear
• Travel or acoustic guitar (in a hard case). Loosen strings slightly before traveling. “Gate check” for most safe handling.
• Extra strings (humidity can affect tuning)
• Guitar Tuner
• Small notebook or journal for songwriting
• Small towels for sweaty arms / palms
🧘 Yoga Essentials
• Travel yoga mat (lightweight or foldable)
• Comfortable yoga clothes (something you can move in. Can be your bathing suit)
• Reusable water bottle (hydration is key!)
• Block or strap (optional, if you use them regularly)
🏄 Surf Gear
• Rash guard (preferably a long sleeve, water wicking, UV protective long sleeve shirt). Short sleeves work too (just more sun exposure). You can also rent/buy one there. This also prevents skin rash from surfboard
• Bathing suit
• Reef-safe sunscreen (VERY important in Saladita)
• Ear plugs (if sensitive to water)
☀️ Beach & Sun Gear
• Sunglasses
• Wide-brim hat or surf cap
• Flip flops or water shoes
• Light cover-up or sarong
• Beach towel
• Lightweight backpack or daypack
🧳 Clothing (light and minimal)
• Tank tops / t-shirts (4–5)
• Lightweight pants or joggers (1–2)
• Shorts (2)
• Breathable long-sleeve shirt (sun or bugs)
• Light jacket or hoodie (evenings can be breezy)
• Undergarments & socks
• Pajamas or comfy sleepwear
🧼 Toiletries & Health
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Natural bug spray (mosquitoes can be active)
• Shampoo/conditioner/body wash (travel size or eco-friendly)
• After-sun aloe or lotion
• Any personal medications
• First aid basics (bandaids, ibuprofen, electrolyte packets)
• Dramamine or Imodium (for travel tummy)
📱 Essentials
• Passport + printed copy
• Pesos (or USD in small bills, plus debit/credit card)
• Phone & charger (plus portable charger)
• We highly recommend leaving valuables at home (better safe than sorry)
🌿 Optional/Retreat-Ready Extras
• Journal for reflection & creative writing
• Favorite tea or supplements
• Eye mask / ear plugs (if you’re a light sleeper)
• Lightweight instrument (ukulele, shaker, harmonica)
• Book or Kindle
• Snacks (bars, nuts, electrolyte drink mix)
• Cash to tip Cook & Housecleaning (suggested $20-50ea)
Expectations of the Program
To get the maximum benefits from the program, it is suggested that you 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 don't 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 don't 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
8am Yoga
9:00am Breakfast Time
10:00am-12:00 Guitar/Music group class
12:30pm Lunch (provided)
1:30-4pm Free time, Siesta, Massage Sign-ups, Guitar Practice / Private Lessons
4-6pm - Sunset Surfing
7pm Dinner
8-10 pm Open evening jamming / Wind down
10pm - 8am Quiet Hours (sleep is key)
8am Yoga
9:00am Breakfast Time
10:00am-12:00 Guitar/Music group class
12:30pm Lunch (provided)
1:30-4pm Free time, Siesta, Massage Sign-ups, Guitar Practice / Private Lessons
4-6pm - Sunset Surfing
7pm Dinner
8-10 pm Open evening jamming / Wind down
10pm - 8am Quiet Hours (sleep is key)
Sounds great. Where do I sign up?!
To sign up, just email us [email protected] & we will follow up as soon as possible to connect and discuss details for payment, confirm availability, and introduce ourselves. A 50% deposit is requested via Paypal or Venmo to hold your space. We also accept credit cards (4% fee). Space is limited so call or email us today to reserve your spot! Invoice for the final balance will be sent 30 days before the retreat begins. For any questions, please reach out to [email protected] or call Ben 646-295-5907. Thank you!
To sign up, just email us [email protected] & we will follow up as soon as possible to connect and discuss details for payment, confirm availability, and introduce ourselves. A 50% deposit is requested via Paypal or Venmo to hold your space. We also accept credit cards (4% fee). Space is limited so call or email us today to reserve your spot! Invoice for the final balance will be sent 30 days before the retreat begins. For any questions, please reach out to [email protected] or call Ben 646-295-5907. Thank you!
More FAQs
Is their WIFI?
Yes, the house has complimentary moderate speed WIFI as does most of the cafes and restaurants in town.
Is there a pool on site?
Yes!
What is the currency in Mexico
The currency in Mexico is the pesos. However most places also take US Dollars and credit cards. You'll most likely receive change in pesos. There is an ATM in the airport, but there is only 1 bank in the area so it is strongly recommended that you bring cash with you from the states and/or get cash out at the ATM in the airport. There is a safe in the house to keep valuables.
Electricity outlets
All electrical outlets are the same as those used in the U.S.
Are there ATMs in Pavones?
Yes there are 2 ATMs in town and 1 bank 10min outside of town. Many businesses accept dollars as well as Debit/Credit cards. HOWEVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS IS NOT ACCEPTED IN MOST OF MEXICO.
Do you supply shampoo and soap?
We do not. You can bring your own or buy some in town.
Are there restaurants or stores nearby?
Yes, the town has several delicious restaurants and mini marts, within walking distance, where you can eat out or buy groceries to make your own food (breakfast) at the house.
What are the safety features of the property?
It is a very safe and small community. Everyone knows everyone and the family who owns the property checks on it daily and lives across the street. There’s even a safe on site to store valuables in the house. However, we don’t recommend bringing an unnecessary valuables, as petty theft does exist.
Is the water drinkable?
Yes there is a top of the line filtered water system at the house. You can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, and we drink the tap water safely. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are nervous, you can buy bottled water from any local vendor.
How much do you tip ?
10-15% is the norm for restaurants, hotels and bars. You don’t need to tip taxi and tuk tuk drivers, but be sure to agree your price with the driver up front.
Yes, the house has complimentary moderate speed WIFI as does most of the cafes and restaurants in town.
Is there a pool on site?
Yes!
What is the currency in Mexico
The currency in Mexico is the pesos. However most places also take US Dollars and credit cards. You'll most likely receive change in pesos. There is an ATM in the airport, but there is only 1 bank in the area so it is strongly recommended that you bring cash with you from the states and/or get cash out at the ATM in the airport. There is a safe in the house to keep valuables.
Electricity outlets
All electrical outlets are the same as those used in the U.S.
Are there ATMs in Pavones?
Yes there are 2 ATMs in town and 1 bank 10min outside of town. Many businesses accept dollars as well as Debit/Credit cards. HOWEVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS IS NOT ACCEPTED IN MOST OF MEXICO.
Do you supply shampoo and soap?
We do not. You can bring your own or buy some in town.
Are there restaurants or stores nearby?
Yes, the town has several delicious restaurants and mini marts, within walking distance, where you can eat out or buy groceries to make your own food (breakfast) at the house.
What are the safety features of the property?
It is a very safe and small community. Everyone knows everyone and the family who owns the property checks on it daily and lives across the street. There’s even a safe on site to store valuables in the house. However, we don’t recommend bringing an unnecessary valuables, as petty theft does exist.
Is the water drinkable?
Yes there is a top of the line filtered water system at the house. You can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, and we drink the tap water safely. However, if you have a sensitive stomach or are nervous, you can buy bottled water from any local vendor.
How much do you tip ?
10-15% is the norm for restaurants, hotels and bars. You don’t need to tip taxi and tuk tuk drivers, but be sure to agree your price with the driver up front.
Answers to most questions about Playa Guiones in Nosara can be found on their website