We’ve been traveling to Costa Rica annually for the past three years staying at Shaka every time, and we can confidently say that the growth in our surfing abilities has been nothing short of remarkable. Shaka is definitely a gem of place with great people, amazing food, and superb surf instructors. During one of our trips my wife and I got engaged there and their staff helped create a very memorable experience for us. We will always look forward to coming back to Shaka! Thank you!
Have you ever arrived somewhere you immediately felt you belonged? Have you ever felt genuine camaraderie with perfect strangers who seemed more like long lost friends? Have you ever been to a place that feeds you sweet organic morsels of inspiration and relaxation? If so, you are one of the lucky ones. If not, you need a taste of Shaka at Hermosa Beach in Costa Rica. The team sees to it that you feel welcome and comfortable from arrival until departure. Your surf instructor will teach you how to surf in a week. Everyone there wants to see you successfully adopt the sport. Your yoga teachers optimize the sessions to address tight shoulders and hips. I had attended two yoga classes in my life and am now convinced it’s critical for my health moving forward. After an hour of movement, savasana was a near religious experience for me. Reflecting on my entire stay at Shaka the aggregate experience was the nourishment for my soul that I didn’t know that I needed. The mix of physical activity, afternoon relaxation or adventure paired with an outstanding food menu leaves little more to be desired. If a “Surf and Yoga” retreat sounds like something you would enjoy, look no further. Many thanks to Andrés, Alvaro, Kari, Erica, Emily, Valentina and Mike for a week I’ll always remember.
I had a truly excellent experience at Shaka, and I'd recommend it to anyone who's looking to learn how to surf (and just relax for a week in the jungle). I booked the 7-day surf package at Shaka, as a solo traveler who had only surfed 3-4 times in the last 2 years. I learned so much from the surf instructors Alvaro and Andres, and after 6 lessons, I was confidently getting up on a hardtop board and working on turning and paddling and even turtle rolls — things that seemed so far away on the first day in the water. Shaka is an easy, short walk to Playa Hermosa, so I ended up going to the beach 2-3 times every day — for sunrise, surf lessons, sunset, even one walk to see the full moon.
I enjoyed yoga with Kate and Luna; it was really nice to deal with any muscle soreness. Frank was very helpful with booking and providing travel tips to get from San José to Santa Teresa. The room I stayed in was clean and comfortable, with an A/C. The meals were consistently delicious; the poké bowl for dinner and burrito for brunch were two standouts. Though I was traveling alone, I always felt welcome and comfortable at Shaka.
It was awesome! the accommodations were kept very well, the staff was so helpful and friendly, they were able to make anything happen (booked a fishing tour and horse riding, and any taxis super quick). Food was amazing and never had the same dinner or brunch twice. Alvaro is so knowledgeable and a great surf coach. But most importantly- Shaka seems to attract some really great people. Everyone I met was friendly, down to earth, and willing to share the experience.
Shaka was awesome. The reviews all hold true. The staff is amazing. They have people there 24x7, so you are always attended to.
The combination of the staff and other guests makes for a great experience. We had a very structured daily routine, and any question we had a question where to go to get x or do y, the question was immediately answered. Whereas, usually it takes 2-3 days to get into the rhythm, we were fully in a daily rhythm by the end of our 1st full day. As far as the other guests, we ended up exchanging emails with each other despite a wide range of ages. Typical age is late 20's to mid 30's. My wife and I are in our mid 40's and had a blast.
The accommodations are really nice and private compared to other similar setups. The rooms are very much as photographed, and the food was really good. It was all very healthy and local. I will stay at 5 star hotels sometimes, and I didn't feel like I was wanting for anything relative to a more upscale resort.
The surfing was amazing. I am a beginner to intermediate surfer. I've surfed in Maui, Baja, LA, Santa Cruz . . and this was definitely the best beach I've ever been to for learning in terms of consistency and size of waves. The instructors were also the best I've ever had. I've had 7 or 8 instructors, and they were easily the best I've had. The beach is a 5 min walk. You're very close, but it's a walk.
Shaka is just outside of Santa Teresa, which was fine for us. It was a little quieter, but there were a few cafe's, shops and stores within walking distance. Downtown Santa Teresa is a 15 in cab ride. Shaka has a guy they use for this too. In ST there is every shop and restaurant you might want.
Also, it looks super far from San Jose (4.75 hr car ride), but you can get a flight for $100 (each way), and it's a 30 min flight. Flights run several times a day. It was like taking a taxi. This was a big game changer in terms of the time in transit.
Thank you so much Matthew. It's so incredible for us to read such heartfelt reviews, even after all these years. We are so grateful for you joining us, and we are always here with open arms to greet you in the future! Until next time, big hugs from the Shaka family. Pura Vida
