SPIRITED RETREATS


ABOUT
November through February is an ideal time to visit Playa Maderas. The landscape is still green, the sun is shining, and the weather is beautiful. Nicaragua is a diverse country, much like Costa Rica, home to active volcanoes, rainforests, and Granada—the oldest colonial city in Central America.
If you decide to extend your stay to explore more of Nicaragua, let us know! We’d be happy to suggest things to do and see.
TRANSPORTATION
Once you book your flight, please send us your arrival and departure times so we can arrange transportation.
We will have a shuttle to Playa Maderas, about a 90-minute drive from Managua Airport. The roads are smooth until the last 10 minutes, where we’ll take a dirt road to the hotel. Expect beautiful views and a glimpse of local culture along the way!
SURF LESSONS
All guests will receive one complimentary surf lesson, with surfboard rental included.
Additional surf lessons are available for $40 USD.
We will coordinate lesson times upon arrival with the resort staff.
YOGA
There will be three optional yoga classes offered most days.
This is your vacation—feel free to attend as many (or as few) as you wish.
Check the daily schedule for class times and styles.
BOAT CRUISE (OPTIONAL)
On Wednesday, November 12, we’ll be taking an optional boat cruise along the Nicaraguan coastline — one of the highlights of the retreat!
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Cost: $85 USD per person
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Included: Snacks, dips, fresh fruit, ceviche, unlimited beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
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Schedule:
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Depart resort around 11:30 AM for San Juan del Sur (free time to explore)
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Boat leaves at 1:00 PM
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Cruise ends at 5:30 PM after sunset
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We’ll visit a secluded beach and enjoy sunset views on the return.
Please let us know in advance if you plan to join!
If you prefer not to join the cruise, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy around San Juan del Sur, nearby beaches, or simply relaxing at the resort.
MEALS
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Breakfast: Plentiful buffet starting at 7:00 AM
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Dinner: Family-style each evening at 7:00 PM
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Lunch: Not included, but there are many options nearby—beach cafes, hotels, fruit stands, coffee shops, and more.
Meals feature high-quality, locally sourced Nicaraguan food, typically offering three options each night (chicken, fish, or vegetarian) along with sides like rice, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, curries, ceviche, and plantains.
If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, please email us in advance—we can accommodate all needs.
AMENITIES
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Massage Therapy: $40 USD per hour (available by request)
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Cold Plunge Tub: Available daily (highly recommended after morning yoga)
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Filtered Drinking Water: Complimentary anytime
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Bottled Water, Soda, Juice, Beer, Wine, Spirits: Available for purchase (very inexpensive)
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Laundry Services: Available directly through the resort staff (typically evenings)
IMPORTANT NOTES
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Travel Insurance: Required for all guests. Please purchase your own (approx. $20–40 USD) and email us a copy at gabesham@gmail.com
It is necessary to practice yoga at the resort. -
Mats and Props: Available at the resort. Feel free to bring your own mat or a mat towel if you prefer.
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Valuables: A safe is available at the hotel office. Each casita will have a separate envelope to store valuables and passports.
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Currency:
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Both US Dollars and Cordobas are accepted in Nicaragua.
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ATMs in San Juan del Sur dispense both currencies.
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Resort bar tabs can be paid at the end of your stay (cash only—credit cards not accepted).
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Packing Tip: Pack light! It will be hot and sunny throughout the retreat.
CONTACT
For any questions, feel free to reach out:
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Gabe: gabesham@gmail.com | +1 (604) 868-6225 | @gshamyoga
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Dustin: dustinvieler@aptumyoga.com | +1 (519) 362-1931 | @aptum.holistic.arts
CASITAS
Eco style casitas have a ceiling fan, offer plenty of privacy and are elevated off the forest floor, surrounded by natural beauty, animals and stunning views. Each casita features comfortable box-spring beds that can be arranged as one queen or two singles. They are equipped with ceiling fans, balconies and private bathrooms. We also provide beach towels for your trips to the beach, along with drinking water and body wash.
The casitas can be made up as singles, doubles or we have a few casitas that can accommodate 3 guests very comfortably.
Triple accommodations in Casita:
$1550USD before May 31st 2025.
$1850 thereafter
Double accommodations in casita:
$1750USD before May 31st 2025.
$2050 thereafter
Single accommodations in casita:
$2100USD before May 31st 2025.
$2400 thereafter.
LUX JUNGLE CASA
Lux accommodations includes fully equipped kitchen, workspace, dining area, living room, multiple ceiling fans as well as air conditioning in the bedroom with ensuite bathroom. A safe for valuables and excellent WIFI. The modern open concept design lets a nice breeze in as large sliding glass doors open to private balcony.
Double Lux accommodations:
$1900USD before May 31st 2025.
$2200 thereafter.
Triple Lux accommodations:
$1750USD before May 31st 2025.
$2050 thereafter.
Single Lux accommodations:
$2300USD before May 31st 2025.
$2600 thereafter.
WIFI provided at the main lodge, dining area, bar and in shaded lounge area.
At your Casitas and in the Lux Casa, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful tropical plants and exotic wildlife. There are plenty of spots to unwind around the property and the beach is a 5 minute walk. There are coffee shops, restaurants, boutique hotels with pools to enjoy, beach front taco stands all nearby and unlimited natural and exotic beauty to explore.
There are bean bags, comfy couches and board games as well.
Make this vacation just right for you. We will provide all the essentials.
Payment is via e-transfer cheque or cash. Please email us directly to choose accommodations and arrange payment.