Shaka is a fantastic place to visit. The scenery is incredible. The accommodations have a homey feel with plenty of space in the rooms and livings areas, hot water, and ice cold A/C. The food is fantastic, nutritious, and freshly made. The surf coaches are expert technicians and qualified to provide high quality surfing instruction to any level of experienced or beginner surfer. 10/10 would go back.
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.
