Boca Sombrero + Osa Peninsula 

Costa Rica Retreat -

Yoga + Nature + Surf

Next Date TBD

Ready for a change of scenery? Is it time to hit reset? Join us and re-fill the well. Boca Sombrero is a 20 acre magnificent eco retreat center with many lodging options to meet your needs and budget. Come alone, with a partner, or a group of friends. With our own beach and all-levels surf break, you are steps away from the water, surf and surf lessons. Between meals and yoga you can lounge on the beach or in the shade of the jungle amidst the sounds of wildlife, or go on an adventure via kayak, boat or horse. We'll practice on Boca's beautiful beach front yoga deck. Our classes range from dynamic vinyasa to relaxing restorative and all levels are welcome. Our 2017 and 2018 retreats sold out quickly, so book soon!

“I'm not a person who ever goes back to a place—there are so many places to see and things to do! But this was literally the best and most rejuvenating experience I've ever had."

  Deb, Writer-Editor 

Telluride, CO

Boca Sombrero
Osa Peninsula
Costa Rica

Yoga

All levels are welcome. That means beginners too! We'll practice on Boca's beautiful beach front yoga deck. Depending on the group, the day's activities, and the time we practice, our classes will range from dynamic vinyasa to relaxing restorative. We'll practice guided meditation and pranayama (breath work). Modifications are always offered based on your specific needs, so you always have the choice to fire it up or cool it down.

Surf

There's a ride here for everyone! With warm water year-round and gentle rolling waves, the beach break, Playa Sombrero is just steps away and ideal for beginners. Neighboring breaks for more experienced surfers just down the road are Pan Dulce, Backwash Bay and Playa Matapalo. The world-class Pavones wave is across the Golfo Dulce and accessible by boat.

Boca Sombrero and the Osa Peninsula

Boca Sombrero is a 20 acre magnificent eco retreat center located on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula - one of the world’s most biodiverse environments, with deep jungles, endless unpopulated beaches, warm, waves, and rich wildlife. Boca Sombrero is off the grid. As Wifi is only available in the main house (and is spotty at best), this is a true invitation to relax, unplug, and be fully immersed in nature. The pristine rainforests and rugged natural beauty of the Osa Peninsula make this region among the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica. Declared “one of the most biologically intense places on earth” by National Geographic Magazine, the Osa Peninsula has become the premier eco-tourism destination in the country. It is a secluded nature wonderland, home to many of the country’s rare and endangered animal and bird species, including squirrel monkeys, jaguars, and other forest cats. With a large part of the peninsula forming the Corcovado National Park, this area has the single largest expanse of a lowland tropical rainforest in Central America and is one of the tallest rainforests in the world. The area hosts more than 375 bird species, a fourth of Costa Rica’s tree species and more than 4000-5000 vascular plant species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth. The rain forest is made up of 700 tree species — the greatest diversity of tree species in all of Central America. Don’t be surprised to spot monkeys, lizards, anteaters, and coatis. This is a nature lovers paradise!

Your Host

Rachel Posner, ERYT500, IAYT Certified Yoga Therapist, MA Counseling

The work that I do today flows out of my experience as a yoga instructor and therapist, nature guide, and counselor and merges nature-based practices, mindfulness, psychology, and neuroscience. It is rooted in the understanding that the body, mind and brain are one integrated system, each intimately affecting the whole. This confluence of mindfulness, psychology and neuroscience, informs the way I teach yoga, rooting my classes in both eastern philosophy and western science. My classes are always open-level, and include options, modifications, and encouragement to follow the wisdom of your own body.

I’d also love to share a bit about my experience guiding in the Osa. This is my third retreat at Boca Sombrero and it is nothing short of magical. The grounds are stunning, combining open spaces and wild jungle. One morning walk introduced me to a coati - an animal I’d never even heard of and another brought me eye level with an anteater; and the sound of the howler monkeys is my favorite sound in the entire world. On our first retreat, I announced in a circle that my personal wish was to have animal encounters during the retreat. Howler, squirrel, capuchin and spider monkeys, anteaters, toucans, macaws, dolphins, sea turtles and jesus lizards are a few of the beauties that answered my call. If you are a natural world junkie like I am, you will be in heaven. And then there’s the surf…. I’d never surfed before and my first time out, I convinced myself that surfing wasn’t for me. And then I went out again. And again. And again. The last day I risked missing a taxi just to get one more wave in. I’ve since tried surfing at other places and now realize how spoiled we are at Boca Sombrero. There is a perfect spot for both beginners and intermediate surfers right outside our door with surf teachers that are so kind, helpful and encouraging, you almost can’t help but be lured into the waves. Surfing is completely optional on this retreat but if you’ve ever considered it, this is the place to GO FOR IT!!! For more information about me and my work check out rachelposner.com

Your Retreat Includes:

• Seven days and six nights accommodations at Boca Sombrero Retreat Center

• All meals and non-alcoholic beverages, delicious, organic and locally sourced

• 2 yoga sessions per day

• One group yoga nidra session facilitated by optional acupuncture

• Guided waterfall hike

Sample Daily Schedule

Schedule will vary based on the needs of the group, surf conditions and other daily activities.

• 7:00 Coffee, tea light breakfast

• 8:00 – 10:00 Morning yoga practice, including meditation, contemplation, and pranayama

• 10:00 Brunch

• 11:00 Free time: surfing, hiking or other optional activities

• 2:00–3:00 Lunch

• 3:00 Free time: surfing, hiking or other optional activities

• 5:00 - 6:30 Evening yoga practice

• 7:00 Dinner

Casa Playa Sombrero has an open construction style that allows for a steady ocean breeze throughout the living space and provides both ocean and lush mountain views. The second floor has a large open floor plan with a beautiful hardwood floor and a thatched-roof ceiling. This room provides one king-sized bed, 3 queen sized beds, one double bed and a balcony with a spectacular view of the Golfo Dulce. Downstairs has a cozy living space, bathroom and a detached kitchen. Both the living area and kitchen open up to the large swimming pool, deck, and lounge area (available to all retreat participants). The pool has both deep and shallow areas - perfect for relaxing or swimming.

To register, please fill out this contact form with your preferred room choice and payment option. We will invoice you directly via email.

Casa Rio Sombrero

Casa Rio Sombrero is custom-finished with fine hardwoods, an open floor plan, and a beautiful thatched roof. Upstairs the house has two bedrooms. One bedroom has a king size bed and the other has a king and a full sized bed. Downstairs, there is a central, open kitchen designed for gathering at the bar and a comfortable dining and sitting area. Detached from the main structure is an artfully designed bathroom and a private covered dipping pool - a refreshing escape from the midday sun.

Bedroom #1 : 1 King bed with option to add additional full sized bed
Bedroom #2 : 1 King bed

To register, please fill out this contact form with your preferred room choice and payment option. We will invoice you directly via email.

Tent Palapa
Glamping Option

Palapas are spread out on the magnificent 20-acre property. They are specially designed for comfort in a tropical climate. The thatched roof will keep you dry and cool, while a transparent material along the roof-line lets in light. The platforms are outfitted with beautiful, screened Moroccan-style tents whose special fabric allows for ventilation and guarantees dulce sueños (sweet dreams). Each bungalow has a cozy porch for relaxing, a private, open-air shower adjacent and shared bathroom. This glamping option is rustic and mindfully designed.

To register, please fill out this contact form with your preferred room choice and payment option. We will invoice you directly via email.

Getting There: Travel and Logistics

FLIGHTS, ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES

1. FLY to San Jose, Costa Rica

2.FLY from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula (40 minute flight) via Sansa www.flysansa.com

3. TAXI from Puerto Jimenez to Playa Sombrero. (30 mins, 15.5km) We will arrange taxis from the Puerto Jimenez airport to the Boca Sombrero retreat center. Once you've made your flight reservations, please send us your itinerary, and we'll email you to coordinate shared taxis ($25-50 cash).

4. Plan arrival for Sunday, June 13 and departure for Saturday, June 19. Be sure to factor in two hours between your International / San Jose and Domestic / Puerto Jimenez flights.

5. To make all your connections on the same day, plan to arrive in San Jose before 12PM on the way to the retreat, and depart San Jose after 12PM on the way home. Or, you can arrive the evening before the retreat begins in San Jose and take a flight the next day to Puerto Jimenez.

6. For your return flight, be sure to factor in two hours between your Domestic / Puerto Jimenez and your International / San Jose flights. If you plan to take your “entering the U.S. Covid test” in San Jose, you’ll have to add and additional 5 hours in San Jose in which case, you may decide to stay over night and fly out on Sunday, June 20. If you prefer to leave on the 19th, you can take the Covid test in Puerto Jimenez (keeping in mind that it is a more expensive test in PJ because the test has to be shipped to San Jose).

7. The retreat center may be able to accommodate late departure, if you would like to stay and explore post-retreat. Just let us know.

8. It is also possible to rent a car or take a bus from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez, but the trip could take 8 hours. Please let us know if you'd like more information on the drive.

9. Once you have registered, we will provide a list of recommended accommodations in San Jose and suggestions on where to stay in the Osa if you want to arrive early or extend your trip. 

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

You must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica (and it must not expire within 30 days of your arrival for Americans and 180 days for some nationalities). You do not need a Visa if you are American. Other nationalities should check with your consulate.

INSURANCE

Costa Rica requires health and travel insurance to enter the country. If you would like an initial quote, contact Trawick International: https://www.trawickinternational.com/travel-insurance-plans/costa-rica-required-travel-insurance

COVID Information/Guidelines

All participants must be fully vaccinated by June 1.

The U.S. requires a negative covid test to reenter the country. These tests cost between $50 and $160 depending on whether you get them in Puerto Jimenez or in San Jose. We will provide you with all of the information you need.

Additional Activities

***activities may be subject to change

The Osa Peninsula is truly amazing and we encourage you to get out and see the area. Optional activities include:

Surf 

Surf Lessons • $50 Beginner / Surf Lessons / Board rental • $25 

Bird Watching • $35

Go for a sunrise walk with a guide and a telescope and see the “bird world” unfold before your eyes! 

Sea Kayaking • $55 (plus taxi to and from Puerto Jimenez)

Far from the open ocean waves, lies the calm waters of the inner gulf, where mangrove estuaries invite exploration. Kayaking these wild waterways offers an unobtrusive and sublime means of navigating one of the most important of tropical ecosystems, the mangrove estuary. 

Dolphin Boat Tour • $65 (plus taxi to and from Puerto Jimenez)

Feel the exhilaration of seeing hundreds of bottle-nosed dolphins. Your boat will take you out into the calm morning waters of the Golfo Dulce where your experienced local guide will search out the large pods of dolphins. Once found, they will follow the boat, and sometimes show off by jumping 6 or 8 feet out of the water right next to you! 

Horseback Tour • $60 + Waterfall Rappel (optional) • $30

Enjoy a horseback ride around Matapalo with an experienced guide. You will ride through primary jungle, pass through the cattle field, and enjoy the rush of galloping along the beach. You can also opt to extend your tour up to the Carbonera waterfall where you can rappel down a 100 ft. waterfall in the primary forest!

All activities will be arranged upon arrival. Prices and availability subject to change. Please remember all payments are in cash.  

FAQ’s

Is there Wifi? What does it mean to be off the grid? 

There is wifi in the main house, although it is slow. Cell coverage is also extremely spotty. If you need to conduct business this is not the place for you. The retreat center runs off solar power, as does much of the area so there is limited connectivity and at times, limited charging capacities. This is a wonderful opportunity to unplug. It also means that the area remains largely undeveloped with no big hotels, no stores and the few restaurants outside the retreat center, remain very low key. 

What about currency, money and expenses?

The US dollar is widely accepted throughout Costa Rica and most transactions on the Osa are conducted in cash. We will supply more detailed information regarding money and incidentals upon confirmation. 

What is the food like and when are meals served?

All meals are included during our retreat. The cuisine is light and delicious with an emphasis on fresh produce. The Boca Sombrero chef prepares regional specialties and international dishes using local ingredients. Throughout the day coffee, tea, juice and fruits are available. The daily meal plan generally includes a selection of fruits, granola and yogurt before the morning yoga class, a big brunch afterward, a light lunch and a fabulous buffet dinner. If you have specific dietary needs, let us know and we can accommodate you.

Can I Drink the Water? 

Yes! One of the most wonderful parts of the retreat center is that it runs on well water. No need for bottled water or concern over getting ill. This makes the abundance of salads and fresh local fruits served by the retreat center even more enjoyable. 

Do I need travel insurance?

You must have insurance to enter Costa Rica. We will send recommendations but you can contact Trawick International: https://www.trawickinternational.com/travel-insurance-plans/costa-rica-required-travel-insurance if you would like to receive a quote.

I’ve never been surfing. Can I come?

YES! Boca Sombrero is a great place to learn to surf. Lessons and board rentals are available (see surf or activities section for more info). We team up with local instructors Eddie and Michelle. They are experts at making sure everyone is safe, catching waves and having fun.  That said, surfing is optional and there are tons of extra activities to choose from.

I’m an experienced surfer. What is there for me?

Pan Dulce is a perfect peeling right point break. When you catch it firing, you can expect rides of up to 500 meters long. This is also a great beginner wave when the swell is small at low-medium tide.

Backwash Bay offers a playful right reef break.

Our yoga practices are geared to support your body, balance, breath and your experience in in the water.

I’ve never done yoga. Can I come?

YES! Rachel has been teaching yoga for 20 years. Her classes are all levels and she is always able to support both new students as well as long time practitioners. Modifications are offered for beginners or students with physical limitations or injuries. We believe yoga is accessible to everyone and we were beginners once too! Part of our work is introducing newcomers to the awesome and big world of yoga. If you are joining us primarily for the surf, the practices we do in yoga will fully support your surf sessions.

I’m a seasoned yoga practitioner. What will I learn?

Rachel’s starting point is a place of awareness and ease. You’ll have the opportunity to shift your practice to the next level through mindful movement and self inquiry. We’ll practice varied styles of yoga asana, meditation and pranayama in open-level classes with lots of options to move deeper.

Should I check in my board or rent one? Do I need a wet suit?

You will not need a wetsuit, but a rash guard and other sun protection is recommended. The ocean surface at Playa Sombrero is mostly smooth rock. Most people surf barefoot. However, one cut on the foot, and a trip can be ruined. If you have sensitive feet, a 1-2 mm bootie is an inexpensive investment. If you are interested in surfing Pan Dulce you do have to navigate some rocks getting in and out. 

Those of you who travel to surf know that the airlines have made it difficult to travel with a board, charging up to $100 each way. Travel from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez is on a small plane. They charge according to how much luggage you are bringing. If you have a prized shorter board and will be unhappy without it, it may be worth bringing. Feel free to send specific questions our way and we’ll put you in touch with the surf school.

What is the climate like in June?

June is a great time to visit Costa Rica. Crowds are reduced, air and sea temperatures remain in the 80s and although it's the second month of Costa Rica's rainy season, it starts off gradually. However, do expect some daily rain and cloud cover.

Power Adaptors

Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not need a converter or adapter. 

Vaccinations

No immunizations are currently required for visiting Costa Rica. However, this you will need to have your final Covid vaccine by June 1st to attend the retreat.

Mosquitos and Other Critters

The Osa Peninsula is home to half of all the species in Costa Rica and 2.5% of the entire biodiversity of the planet, living on a mere 0.00000085% of the earth's total surface area. So yes, you will be sharing the retreat center with a variety of insects. This is an opportunity to experience nature at its most undisturbed.  

What Should I Bring? 

A detailed packing list will be provided upon confirmation.