SAVE $200 PER ROOM IF SIGNed UP BY May 1
Rates starting at $1150 per person double occupancy, $1550 single: all inclusive!
Extra $100 discount for you for each person you refer (who books their own room*) Prices go up $200 per person after May 1st!
What’s included:
Twice Daily Yoga + Meditation Sessions with Singer
One 60min Massage for each person
Three Daily Meals + Pre Breakfast
Ground Group Transportation from Managua Airport or Granada (If flights are much cheaper to Liberia Costa Rica for you, you might consider paying for private transport $150 each way for to cross the border and drive from there to our retreat venue)
Add-on: Additional massages, surf lessons, horseback riding and more!
Day 1, Arrival:
Flights arrive by 1:30pm into Managua. Drive 2.5 hours from Airport to arrive at Retreat Venue by 5pm (or pickup in Granada at 12pm for people who arrived a day early for the 2 hour drive - ask Singer for hotel recommendations). Check-in to rooms, light welcome snack. 6pm short yoga practice. Dinner 7pm. 8pm Relax by the pool with tea or a cocktail.
Flight suggestions bottom of page
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Day 2, 3, 4, 5:
6:45am Morning tea/coffee/pre-breakfast
7:45-9am Yoga with Singer
9:45am Breakfast
10:30-1:30pm Massages, Pool, Beach, Relax (add-on activities like surfing, horseback riding, zip-line excursion)
1:30-2:30pm LUNCH
2:30-5:00pm Massages, Pool, Beach, Relax (add-on activities like surfing, horseback riding, zip-line excursion)
5:30pm Yoga with Singer
7:00pm Dinner
8:30pm Free Time
(You can always skip a yoga session if it interferes with extra activities off-site)
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Day 6, Departure:
6:30am-8:00am Self serve light breakfast (yogurt, fruit, granola, coffee, juice)
8:00am Settle personal tabs (massages, extra activities, honor bar, tips)
9am Departure to arrive at airport by 12pm for 2pm flights (Simple sandwich will be made for the road)
* changes will be made if departure flights are much later than 2pm or for those headed to the colonial town or Granada for one night before heading home. (Granada is only 45 minutes from the airport)
This 5 night retreat will be a mix of all-levels friendly yoga led by Singer Mayberry
Sequences will be meant to relieve stress and tension while incorporating gentle strengthening and breath-work to invigorate and refresh the body and mind.
Classes are suitable for every yoga body and modifications/levels will be offered. If you're a beginner, it’s a wonderful way to find the inspiration to start a personal practice. If you’re an experienced yogi, join us for six unforgettable days of yoga practice & relaxation in a breathtaking setting!
You will feel at ease practicing in our open air yoga studio, relaxing on the minimally densely populated beach, and dining al fresco for all of our meals…
Ocean View Casitas:
These four casitas are nestled into the hillside with open views of the Pacific Ocean. They all have a queen-size bed, an indoor daybed large enough for a third guest, a ceiling fan, a private deck and outdoor shower as well as a full bathroom with solar hot water showers that boast ocean views, gorgeous tiles hand-made in Nicaragua and rain showerheads. One extra casita has a full size bed plus twin bed (perfect for friends or three people sharing a room!).
Two Poolside Rooms w/ AC:
The two poolside rooms are with double beds and private bathrooms. Each room has a ceiling fan and air conditioning. They overlook the ocean and valley below.
Flights (suggested flights at very bottom of this page)
For group transportation Yogis will fly into Managua Nicaragua on United or American Airlines. Look for flights arriving by 1:30pm on, and departing no earlier than 2:00pm. (This may change as dates are confirmed)
Our secluded beach, Costa Dulce - shared with just a few other small eco-lodges: Picture taken by Singer on her last visit to the area
The location of our small open air hotel is surrounded by a seemingly endless tropical forest, expansive unobstructed views of sea and sky, abundant wildlife, gentle breezes and world class surf breaks. This community is untouched by overdevelopment and commercialism.
A few highlights of this trip:
Small Retreat venue: 5 ocean view casitas, 2 pool rooms (8-16 attendees max)
Secluded Beach is a short hike down the hill, and we have our own pool
3 meals a day, coffee & juices included: pre-breakfast, breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
An honor bar for beverages at your leisure, and a bartender for during “happy hour”
Massages on site: one 60min massage included per person
You will need a Valid Passport for this Trip
$550 deposit to confirm your spot, per room. Payment plan starts 30 days after. Less than 90 days from retreat, payment in full is required* 5% discount if paying in full at signup via Zelle or Venmo* Email us!
SAVE $200 PER ROOM IF SIGNed UP BY May 1st
*Prices below go up by $200 per person after May 1st*
2 Pool Rooms w/ private bath & AC
Double Occupancy: $1150 per person, Single Occupancy: $1550
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3 Ocean View Casitas w/ private bath
Double Occupancy: $1325 per person, Single Occupancy: $1900
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1 Hillside View Casita w/ private bath
Double Occupancy: $1325 per person, Single Occupancy: $1900
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1 Downstairs, Ocean View Casita w/ two beds
Double Occupancy (2 people minimum): $1325 per person
Pricing INCLUDES:
5 Nights lodging, one 60 minute massage, Group Ground Transportation to/from Managua Airport on scheduled dates, Daily housekeeping, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner each day, 2x daily yoga classes with Singer.
Prices above include $550 non-refundable security deposit per person to reserve your room & 15% Nicaraguan tax on room & services
Monthly payment plans start within 30 days after deposit is paid, on the 1st or 15th of the month. Full balance is due 90 days before trip.
Email theartofyogaschool @ gmail . com to signup*
More about the location:
Our retreat venue is situated on the hillside overlooking the beautiful sandy beach of the Costa Dulce Surfside Community at Playa Escameca. It is on the Pacific side of Nicaragua just north of Costa Rica and 20-25 minutes south of the town of San Juan del Sur.
One of the first things you will notice when you arrive is the area’s natural beauty. It is located in a tropical dry forest with a diverse array of flora and fauna, sharing it’s hillside with howler monkeys, lizards of all shapes and sizes, four species of sea turtles (that often come lay their eggs on the beach) as well as a wide array of birds that make for a bird watchers' paradise.
Beyond daily morning outdoor yoga, you will have many opportunities to explore the trails, surf, paddle board, or simply, peacefully swing in a hammock or lounge by the pool with a good book.
We will unplug during this 5 night trip: We ask that laptops or internet use takes place only in the lobby area (not the pool area), or your own private lodging to respect other’s connection with nature during the week.
FLIGHTS
Yogis will fly into Managua Nicaragua on United or American Airlines. Look for flights arriving by 1:30pm, and departing no earlier than 2:00pm.
*If flights are much cheaper to Liberia Costa Rica for you, you might consider paying for private transport $150 each way to cross the border and drive from there to our retreat venue.
If flights don’t arrive or depart at the specified times above, we suggest staying in the charming colonial town or Granada a night before and after retreat.
How far away is…?
The Managua Airport in Nicaragua is about 2.5-3 hours from our retreat venue.
San Juan del Sur is the closest major town with about 15,000 people (not including tourists). It’s a 20-25 minute drive from our retreat venue.
What’s not included in the cost of this retreat?
Travel Insurance - requires: Travel Guard – Gold (Protect Assist) w/ Cancel for any reason http://www.travelguard.com/ - or add on insurance when you purchase your flights usually with Allianz!
Airfare
Ground transportation to/from airport if you cannot arrive or depart at same time for the GROUP TRANSPORTATION
Tips for your massages and other activities
End of week gratuity to staff of Verdad for our 5 night stay ($20 per day suggested)
Alcoholic beverages and any other beverages purchased from the “honor bar” on site. Tabs settled at end of the retreat week.
Available add-ons:
60 minute massages - $40 (Book during the week, pay via venmo or PayPal end of retreat). Bring $10 US cash for gratuity per massage!)
Private Surfing Lessons or SUP sessions
$5-10 daily for SurfBoard, Paddle Board or Boogie Board Rentals
Rides into town for around $15 per person
Lunch or drinks at the Beach Cafe, or Tapas at Retreat venue
Food/Dinner in San Juan del Sur if you decide to go into town one night.
Fishing/boating, zip lining, horseback riding, and waterfall hike also available. Cost depends on size of group * Inquire on first day at retreat venue. We will also send out a email to see who is interested in these additional activities to coordinate ahead of time if possible.
Meals
Simple, delicious and fresh meals are prepared on-site. Our retreat venue grows fresh greens and herbs which are used daily. They also utilize the local farmer’s market for produce, and get all seafood right from their shores as well as fresh eggs and homemade yogurt from local suppliers.
Meals are served in our airy and screened in dining area overlooking the ocean, or poolside.
Fresh fruit and juices, and Nicaraguan coffee is available all day.
Before this retreat begins we will send out a survey to ask each guest if there are any dietary restrictions or allergies. Our chef will be able to tailor a menu for the week that will please everyone!
Vegan, Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Pescatarian options are definitely possible.
Yoga with Singer
Singer's passion is teaching Restorative, Hatha & Yin Yoga, while also being an active musician in her hometown of Austin Texas. She has hosted over 15 sold out international and US yoga retreats in the last four years. With over 3000 hours of teaching experience (E-RYT500, YACEP), her background as a musician and artist leads her to create inspiring yoga experiences for her students. Read more www.yogawithsinger.com
Singer & Courtney from 2022 Retreat in Nicaragua
Barrio Planta Project
Did you know that for every retreat The Art of Yoga School donates to a local organization that benefits kids or nature conservation? For our Nicaragua Retreat we are supporting the Barrio Planta Project. Visit their page and maybe you will be inspired to make your own donation as well this year: https://barrioplantaproject.org/
Cancellation & Payment Policy:
A non-refundable deposit of $550 is required to hold your spot per person, and is included in the total cost of each room. The $350 deposit is non-refundable even if a trip is canceled or rescheduled due to unforeseen reasons (including travel bans, safety, weather, global health concerns). If for any reason a trip is canceled, you will however be able to transfer your $550 deposit to a future trip with The Art of Yoga School within 1 year (*only one transfer can be made. Once a deposit or any money is moved to a new trip you are recommitting to that specific trip and dates and it will not be transferable).
Monthly payment plans start within 30 days after deposit is paid (payments on the 1st or 15th of the month). Full balance is due 90 days before trip.
Payment Plans: Your final payment installment must be received 90 Days before this trip begins, and all payments after this date are non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy: In the event of cancellation on your part, 75% of your entire payment (of what you have already paid) will be refunded less the $550 non-refundable deposit and a $50 processing fee, only if the cancellation is made 90 days before the scheduled dates for a trip. Payments are non-refundable after this date. We recommend all participants purchase travel insurance just in case.
If trip is canceled or rescheduled by the organizer (AOYS or Singer Mayberry) due to unforeseen reasons (including travel bans, safety, weather, global health concerns), your entire payment will be refunded less the $550 non-refundable deposit, unless you choose to put the full balance towards rescheduled dates or a new trip with the AOYS. You will also have the option to transfer your $550 non-refundable deposit to a future trip with the AOYS within 1 year (*only one transfer can be made. Once a deposit or any money is moved to a new trip you are recommitting to that specific trip and dates and it will not be transferable).
Consider travel insurance to protect the costs of your trip in the case of injury, illness or inability to attend for other reasons. *All refunds take around 30 days to process.
This is a nicotine free retreat: Smoking/Vaping is not allowed inside of the lodging rooms or public areas (pool, dining, etc). You must be 21 years or older to attend solo.
Under 21 is allowed if accompanied by a parent* Please inquire if under 21.
FAQs
What can we do while on retreat?
Whether on land or sea, there are many things to do near our retreat venue, including hiking local trails, snorkeling, horseback riding, deep sea fishing, and of course, world-class surfing, boogie boarding, ocean swimming, body surfing and just relaxing on a hammock with a book. In addition, we can help arrange a variety of off-site adventures to various tourist attractions such as a nearby zip-line canopy tour, the colonial city of Granada, the tropical island of Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua, the Masaya Volcano and the village of San Juan del Sur.
Is there surfing, fishing, snorkeling in the area?
There are surf instructors and board rentals based right on our beach, Playa Escameca. You can also venture out straight from our beach for snorkeling, or we can arrange a boat trip so you can check out various places along the neighboring shores to enjoy the underwater world. Please bring your gear from home. Additionally, we can arrange both on and offshore fishing expeditions.
How can we get around once on site?
You can of course walk to our beach and nearby beaches, but if you want to travel further than your feet can take you, we offer transportation services to most locations throughout the country. Please inquire if you have somewhere you’d like to go we haven’t mentioned above, but know there’s plenty to see and do close to us, so you won’t need to venture far!
How far away is…?
The Managua Airport is about 2.5 hours.
The Costa Rican border is an hour’s drive from us and the Liberia Airport in Costa Rica is another hour from there. If you are travelling to or from Costa Rica, you need to account for time to cross the border which can take as little as 30 minutes or well over an hour depending on the time of day, year and how many agents happen to be working.
San Juan del Sur is the closest major town with about 15,000 people (not including tourists). It’s a 20-25 minute drive.
Granada, a colonial town on Lake Nicaragua, is about 2 hrs by car
Isla de Ometepe is at least a full day adventure, and more likely you will want to spend the night. The ferry to the island is in San Jorge which is about an hour from us, and the ferry ride is just under and hour and a half. The island is 31 km long and 5-10 km wide. It’s shaped like a peanut with a volcano on each side.
Getting here
We will arrange a shuttle/driver pick-up from the Managua Airport and back, on the scheduled dates for this retreat. There are also several rental car agencies (we recommend Dollar as they also have vehicles and an office in San Juan Del Sur if you need assistance).
*Please note there is an extra cost of $150 per person, each way, if you need ground transportation that does not match up with our scheduled GROUP TRANSPORT TIMES.
Is there a pool on site?
We have a modest pool with an honor bar, pool chairs and sun deck that is open to all guests whenever they care to use it.
Do you supply shampoo and soap?
We provide both shampoo and soap in each room, but we encourage you to bring your own favorite cosmetics for your use.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, WiFi is available on site and it’s free, but given that Nicaragua is a developing country, the internet connection can be inconsistent. We hope you unplug and indulge in the serenity of our beautiful beach and natural setting.
Are there restaurants or stores nearby?
Our retreat venue serves breakfast and dinner every day in our beautiful on site dining room. In addition there is a beach bar on Playa Escameca that serves fresh smoothies, cold beer, cocktails and lunch. There are a couple of pulperias (mini-markets) that have some cosmetics and sundries which are about a 10 minute ride from us in Playa Coco. There’s a restaurant there as well. We are 20-25 minutes from San Juan del Sur which has a variety of markets, drug stores, restaurants, and bars.
What else should I know before I come?
Nicaragua has occasional interruptions of electricity service. The outages usually last for only an hour or two. Our retreat venue has a backup system, so it is unlikely you will be without power for long during your stay.
What are the safety features of your property?
We have staff on throughout the day and night including guards who roam the property from sundown ‘til sun up. You can lock your cabin front door when you leave, and your belongings will be safe, but we don’t recommend bringing valuable jewels and the like to Nicaragua.
Is the water potable?
We provide purified water at the restaurant and pool bar for drinking. Although you can safely bathe and brush your teeth with the tap water, we don’t recommend drinking a glass full.
What are your check-in and check-out times?
Our check in time is 3pm, although you are welcome to come earlier and hang out at the beach or restaurant if you arrive before and your room is not ready. Check out time is 11:00 am, but we are happy to accommodate a late checkout whenever there is availability. Also, you may safely leave your luggage at reception at checkout time, and you're welcome to spend a little extra time relaxing here before taking off.
What is the tipping policy?
To allow for a more relaxing stay here at the resort we recommend that guests wishing to leave tips for the staff do so upon check out, rather than each time service is provided. Any tips left are at the total discretion of the guest and can either be given to specific persons, departments, or left with the front desk to be shared amongst all staff. It is customary and we recommend leaving a 10-$15 per day tip for our staff.
Are there fans or air-conditioning in the rooms?
We want our guests to be as comfortable as possible; however we are mindful of our electricity use. All of our cabins are situated and designed to take full advantage of the near constant breezes on our hilltop. They each have a powerful ceiling fan as well which makes a great alternative to air conditioning and keeps everyone comfortably cool. The two habitation/rooms by our pool have both fans and air-conditioners.
Is the ocean water warm or cold?
The water temperature changes with the seasons and global conditions. The water is quite warm from May to December. Starting in January and through March, when the temperature on land begins to rise, the Humboldt Current passes the Nicaraguan Pacific Coast which makes the water cooler. Depending on what you are used to and the activities you do before diving in, the water can feel either very refreshing or perhaps a bit chilly during these months, but never too cold to enjoy. As a rule of thumb, once water temperatures drop, the fishing season begins to take off. So, the water might be a little cooler in the winter months, but fresh fish is more plentiful.
Is Nicaragua a safe place?
Nicaragua has come a long way in the last several decades. Since the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1978-1979, it has become the safest country in the region, outdoing both Costa Rica and Panama on this front. Although this developing nation is one of the poorest in the Western hemisphere, it is a beautifully diverse and culturally rich country that is remarkably safe, with low crime rates. Tourists should use normal, common sense when traveling around Nicaragua.
What is the best season to visit?
The weather from mid-November through April is a temperate 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit both night and day. You may experience a few light morning showers and a handful of windy days during these months. From May to August, the temperature will rise a bit and you will have warm beach days with a couple more light showers lasting around an hour or two, but nothing that would put a damper on your vacation. Heavy rains begin in late September and carry into October, but these are great months to surf the big swells.
Do I need to bring Cordobas (the local currency)?
The USD is readily accepted in most parts of Nicaragua. Verdad and most other establishments in our area accept dollars but will give you change back in the local currency. Please note that all of Verdad’s prices are in US dollars. The closest ATM, which dispenses both cordobas and US dollars, is located in the village of San Juan del Sur which is a 20-25 minute drive.
Should I take anti-malaria meds?
Mosquitos and other insects are present within Nicaragua but are not much of an issue in our area. The entire Southern Pacific side of Nicaragua where we are located has no malaria transmission. Since we are in this no risk area, we do not provide bed-nets. For more information about recommended vaccines and medications, please visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.
How close is the nearest hospital?
There is a small hospital located in San Juan del Sur (20-25 minutes away) and a hospital in Rivas 45 minutes away that can deal with more serious injuries or illnesses. The largest and most sophisticated hospital is in Managua, 2.5 hours away.
Check-in time is 3pm and check-out time is 11am. We are happy to store luggage at the front desk either before check-in or after check-out so our guests can relax and take full advantage of what the area has to offer.
DECLARATION OF HEALTH (agreement you will be asked to sign before any trip with AOYS)
“By accepting the Trip/Retreat Participant Agreement I (the trip participant) represent that I have no physical conditions or medical precautions which would adversely affect my ability to take part in the yoga program or other physical or cultural activities offered on The Art of Yoga School (AOYS) trips. I fully understand that my participation in the yoga program or other activities could be injurious to my health and I voluntarily assume all risks related to such activities.
PERSONAL RELEASE. By agreeing to the terms outlined here and elsewhere on the AOYS website I hereby release and discharge my rights and claims for damages or liabilities that may occur as a result of participation on a AOYS trip, including but not limited to damages as a result of unexpected occurrences including those from weather, local political situations, wildlife or uncontrollable acts of God, including the risk of death. I release AOYS & Yoga with Singer, including its owners, directors, employees, guides, yoga teachers and partners from liability for personal injury, illness, emotional damage, incurred travel expenses or property damage I may incur as a result of participation on this trip.
For the benefit of everyone on your trip, AOYS reserves the right to accept or reject any participant at any time without liability, and in the event it determines, in its sole and exclusive discretion, that a participant is disruptive to the harmony of the trip, it may without any obligation to pay a refund or any other amount whatsoever, expel such participant from the trip. AOYS will carry no responsibility or liability for any participant who leaves the trip prior to its conclusion or for any activity undertaken by any participant which is not included on the trip itinerary.
Acknowledgment of Risks – Assumption of Responsibility
Although The Art of Yoga School (AOYS) & Yoga with Singer has taken reasonable steps ensure safety, I acknowledge that this activity has risks, including certain risks which cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of this activity. The same elements that contribute to the unique character of this activity can cause loss or damage to the Participant including accidental injury, illness or in extreme cases, permanent trauma, disability or death and also can cause damage to or loss of property. The following describes some, but not all, of those risks.
Activities vary from trip to trip and may include but are not limited to: hiking, backpacking and climbing in a wide variety of environments including on rock, snow and ice; bicycling on trails and roads with a wide range of surface conditions and traffic volume; rock climbing, climbing on climbing apparatus and ropes courses, using zip-wires and rope swings; white-water rafting, river kayaking, sea-kayaking and canoeing; swimming, snorkeling and surfing; fishing.
AOYS trips can involve travel to remote places, oftentimes many hours from medical facilities. Transportation, evacuations and medical care can be significantly delayed; communication can be delayed, limited or not available.
Environmental risks and hazards include rapidly moving, deep or cold water; insects, snakes and predators, including large animals; falling and rolling rock; lightning, flash floods and unpredictable forces of nature, including weather which may change to extreme conditions without warning. Possible injuries and illnesses include hypothermia, frostbite, high altitude illnesses, sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration and other mild or serious conditions.
Throughout the trip, participants are responsible for their own safety.
I (the trip participant) acknowledge and understand that AOYS trips include risks of injury or death to participants. I understand the description above of these risks is not complete and that other unknown or unanticipated risks may result in property loss, injury or death. I agree to assume responsibility for the inherent risks identified herein and those inherent risks not specifically identified. I acknowledge that participation in this activity is purely voluntary, no one is forcing participation and participation is elected with full knowledge of the inherent risks.
I (the trip participant) assume and accept full responsibility for any injury, death, loss of personal property, and expenses suffered as a result of those inherent risks and dangers identified above, and those inherent risks and dangers not specifically identified and as a result of my negligence in participating in this activity.”