With RetreatKoh’s launch into the world of wellness and sabbaticals in September, we are overjoyed to announce our first two Surf x Yoga adventures coming to you in March of 2025! We will be hosting our All Levels Surf Retreat from March 24th to 30th, and our Women's Intro to Shortboarding Retreat from March 31st to April 6th, both located in Popoyo, Nicaragua!
We strive to continue exploring and learning all over the world, driving us to venture down to Central America, one of the world-renowned hubs for surf fanatics, to host our upcoming retreats. As there are so many rich, viable countries to host a surf retreat (stay on the lookout for new locations dropping soon!), we had to scout the best of the best: stunning beaches, an eco-friendly accommodation, delicious food, relaxing atmosphere, and of course, great surf.
We have found all of that and more with Malibu Popoyo, located in the heart of the breathtaking Nicaraguan surf town, Popoyo.
So you may be wondering, if there are so many ripping surf spots in Central America, why Nicaragua? We are here to share all the reasons why we know Popoyo is the perfect town to host RetreatKoh’s All Levels Surf and Women's Intro to Shortboarding retreats this March!
And be sure to read the Koh Collective to find out how you can win a free spot on one of RetreatKoh’s Surf x Yoga Nicaragua escapes in 2025!
First and foremost – the surf in Popoyo is known for its top-tier consistency and its breaks suitable for all levels of surfers. Popoyo’s most famous spot, Main Break, right on the inner reef, boasts both right and left-hand waves, and pumps out consistent, powerful sets for intermediate and advanced surfers. Surfers who are looking for a challenge can travel a bit further out, onto the outer reef, where bigger swells create beautiful barrels and long rides.
For newer surfers (we hope you’ll join us for our All Levels Surf Retreat!), head north to Playa Guasacate, to a spot called Beginner Bay – the name holds true! Here, a beach break with a sandy bottom and decent sized waves is perfect for surfers looking for a mellow day. And the best part: warm, tropical waters create conditions perfect to surf in just a swimsuit!
As surfing became more popular in the 70’s, many Central American surfers hunted for less crowded breaks. Traveling north from Costa Rica, surfers stumbled upon the hidden gem, Popoyo, Nicaragua, in the 80’s – and word traveled fast. Since then, international surf contests have been hosted there, and Popoyo has transformed into a must-surf destination.
Popoyo’s economy thrives off of surf tourism, and with many hostels and surf camps popping up, locals strongly advocate for preserving the peaceful, uncommercialized environment. As of 2024, Popoyo has maintained its down-to-earth, laid-back surf culture and luckily remained relatively untouched by developers. We are so excited to share the natural beauty of Popoyo with our koh-mmunity! Don’t forget to leave no trace!
Both Surf x Yoga retreats will stay at the gorgeous Malibu Popoyo Surf Eco-Resort, a space dedicated to creating an eco-friendly, uniquely tranquil experience for traveling surfers and yogis. Our accommodation is right off of Playa Santana, which features a picturesque coastline, tidepools bursting with life, pumping waves, and unmatched sunset views.
During our time at Malibu Popoyo, our retreats will offer daily surf sessions led by world-class surfers (shoutout Rob Underwood!), daily yoga classes to increase mobility, flexibility, and balance (led by the wonderful Cici Smith!), and hand-crafted meals made from local produce.
Food is an incredibly important aspect of any retreat or training we host. We must fuel our bodies in order to move the way we want to! In Nicaraguan culture, dishes are often centered around seafood, beans, rice, plantains, and feature a wide variety of fruits, like mangoes and coconuts. Malibu Popoyo partners with their neighbor, La Quinta, a 3.5 acre orchard, to provide farm-to-table cuisine in an eco-conscious manner.
Malibu Popoyo’s onsite restaurant, Sunset Cantina, uses produce from La Quinta to create a delicious blend between Central American and Western cuisine. During our Surf x Yoga retreats, three healthy and locally sourced meals will be provided daily – and we are really looking forward to all the fresh Pargo (Red Snapper), Dorado (Mahi Mahi), and Corvina (Sea Bass) ceviche!
Although Popoyo is known for its surf culture, if you prefer to explore on land, there is still tons to see and do! Taking a beach walk up Playa Guasacate is a great way to soak up the scenic coastline, watch the surfers shred, bask in the sunshine (don't forget your sunscreen!), while wandering the sandy stretch. And if you are looking to unwind in a natural hot spring, Aguas Termales de Nahualapa, also known as Las Salinas Hot Springs, is just a 15 minute drive from Popoyo.
About a 45 minute drive north of Popoyo is one of Nicaragua’s primary sea turtle reserves, Río Escalante-Chacocente Wildlife Refuge. Located on an isolated beach extending inward into a tropical forest, Chacocente is home to diverse flora and fauna species such as nesting sea turtles, monkeys, and toucans. From visiting local fishing villages and markets, to horseback riding and hiking, to eating and surfing, there is something for everyone in beautiful Popoyo!
It is important to note while discovering Popoyo’s ins and outs, the town is primarily cash only. There is no ATM in Popoyo, and locals prefer you to support their small businesses in the Nicaraguan currency, the córdoba, or the US dollar.
While experiences are the main highlights of our retreats, the wonderful people we meet along the way must not be forgotten. Nicaraguan natives are well known to be warm, welcoming, and very hospitable to travelers. Popoyo locals are accustomed to their relaxed, slow-moving lives – and we highly recommend embracing their ‘rush free’ lifestyle, maybe even taking this peaceful mentality home with you!
Coming back to our original question: why Popoyo? The answer is more than just the dreamy beaches and barreling waves. We chose Popoyo for the friendly locals, the fresh seafood and produce, our jaw-dropping accommodation steps away from Playa Santana, the rich surf history of the town, and yes – the unbeatable waves.
Traveling with RetreatKoh to Malibu Popoyo, Nicaragua is the perfect place to begin (or continue!) your transformational journey, work on your surf skills, meet new friends, and find your inner peace. We are thrilled to be expanding our brand into the world of wellness retreats and to take on this new adventure with you! Visit our website and sign up for our Surf x Yoga Nicaragua Retreats today.
Keep practicing!
the Koh Collective
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