Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Wild woman's jungle retreat: a wellness, self-love, and bonding journey

4.8
(131 reviews)131

Embrace your inner strength at this wellness and self-love retreat designed exclusively for women. In the heart of the jungle, the group will experience a transformative journey of bonding and empowerment through yoga, sound healing, and nature immersion. This is more than a trip; it’s a safe space to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with your essence. Join a community of like-minded women for a week of reflection, joy, and deep connection in paradise.

  • Wellness & Cultural Immersion

  • Surf Camp

  • Requires Intermediate English

  • 8 days

  • Up to 28 travelers

Eva Verkroost
Worldpackers host since May/2025
  • Reserve your spot now from US$ 561.75

Starting from

US$ 1,605 for 8 days (US$ 200.63/day)

Check dates & prices
Join 125 worldpackers who've loved having this experience

Starting from US$ 1,605
8 days 4.8
Check dates & prices

Available dates

Dec/27/2026 Jan/03/2027

  • Confirmed

Travel with Cary!

Come with me for this adventure in Costa Rica

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  • Reserve your spot now from US$ 561.75

Starting from

US$ 1,605

Requirements
  • Women only
  • Intermediate English
  • Women Only
  • Women Only
  • Over 18 years old

Jan/03/2027 Jan/10/2027

  • Confirmed

Esmie's Surf Trip

Come to Costa Rica with Esmie!

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  • Reserve your spot now from US$ 523.35

Starting from

US$ 1,681

US$ 1,781

-6%
Requirements
  • Women only
  • Intermediate English
  • Women Only
  • Women Only
  • Travelers aged 18 to 80

Jan/17/2027 Jan/24/2027

  • Confirmed

🏳️‍🌈 Come Join a Group of LGBTQIA+ People in Costa Rica (Trip #2)

  • Reserve your spot now from US$ 489.30

Starting from

US$ 1,398

Requirements
  • Intermediate English
  • Women Only
  • Women Only
  • Over 18 years old
Join this group
5 spots left

Itinerary

The activities in this itinerary and their order can be adjusted according to seasonality and the needs of the project.

What's included

Pre-trip support

Our support team is available via WhatsApp and email to provide quick answers to any questions you may have.

Comprehensive Program Guide

Get a complete and trustworthy go-to guide with travel logistics, destination highlights, full itinerary, host info, safety tips, and more.

Pre-trip preparation checklist

Get immediate access to a checklist outlining the essential steps you must take to prepare for a safe journey, with no surprises along the way.

Local guidance and support on the ground

Connect with grassroots hosts, passionate, reliable, and rooted in their communities.

7 Nights Accommodation

Stay in your chosen room type (Private or Shared) in our traveler-only lodge surrounded by nature.

Three Daily Meals

Fuel your adventure with delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner included every day, with rotating options and sample themes like BBQ, tacos, sushi, pizza, or bowls (all daily menus subject to variation).

Pickup and Drop-off

Group shuttle from the meeting point in San José (Denny’s Restaurant) to the lodge on Day 1, and back to San José on Day 8.

Daily Shuttles

Transportation from the lodge to the beach spots and included activities.

Jungle Wellness & Massages

Relaxing massages on an open-air jungle deck, paired with aromatherapy and sound therapy for deep rest and recovery.

Yoga & Meditation Sessions

Practices throughout the week, including aerial yoga in silks (Vayu) at Holis wellness center, an evening yoga class, and a morning beach walk with meditation and breathwork.

Guided Nature Tours

Includes guided visits to Manuel Antonio National Park and a swim in a natural jungle river.

Salsa Dancing Lesson

A social and active introduction to the basic steps and rhythms of local salsa culture.

Painting Session

A quiet, creative workshop designed for personal expression and artistic focus in the jungle.

Surf Lesson

A 60-minute guided surf lesson with board equipment and instruction tailored to your level.

Sound Bowl Healing

A sound healing session using vibrational bowls at the Holis Center.

Costa Rican Cooking Class

A hands-on culinary workshop to learn traditional Costa Rican recipes and local flavors.

Spanish Slang Lesson

An interactive language lesson to learn fun and useful Costa Rican expressions and slang.

What's not included

Flight tickets and info

Visas and documentation

Travel Insurance

Requirements

  • Intermediate English
  • Women Only
  • Over 18 years old

Activities

See the activities that will make your trip into an epic adventure.

Learning opportunities

Contribute to your project and make a positive impact while developing new skills.

Immersion activities

Get to know the local culture and have an authentic travel experience with activities included in your itinerary.

Extra activities

Additional activities for you to enjoy this adventure even more in your free time.


Videos

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131 Reviews

4.8

United States

5

This trip was a great experience! I had so much fun and it was so fun to be on vacation and having a blast with, once, strangers. I will say, some of the info on the worldpackers website didn't fully match the host's itinerary, however I think the differences added more fun! I really enjoyed all the included activities and the add ons.

19 days ago

Canada

5

The surf camp was incredible, but honestly, the people are what made it so unforgettable. I came for the beaches, adventure, and sunshine, but left with so many new friendships, stories, and little moments with people i never would have met otherwise. From strangers who welcomed me like an old friend to the girls I shared the trip with, it was a reminder that the best part of travelling is rarely the places you see, it's the people you meet along the way. the surf camp will always hold a little piece of my heart.

25 days ago

United States

5

10/10 experience! I had an amazing time in Manuel Antonio at the surf camp-long surf camp. Brett, our trip coordinator, was awesome! Super flexible, invested, and overall made the experience smooth. I had a great time and will recommend it to other travelers.

about 1 month ago

United States

5

Brett is an amazing guide and host! He was able to work swiftly with the group changes, loss of members due to their own reasons and bring the small group together so well! It felt like a perfect getaway with people I had never met, and by day two we were already bonding and everything felt simple! The adjustment to the climate was the only issue I had and having a crisp AC to return to after each event was awesome! Even days I needed to stay back, I never felt left out!

about 1 month ago

United States

5

Great experience overall! Felt comfortable and cared for while still having the opportunity to explore a place I was visiting for the first time

about 1 month ago

United States

5

Such an incredible trip. I loved the place & the people. I didn't want to go home! <3

about 1 month ago

Talk to those who have lived the experience

In our community, you can talk to worldpackers who have already collaborated with this host and get your questions answered directly.

Available after purchasing the experience

Connect with others who will also be there

Exchange ideas with other confirmed worldpackers before your trip.

+5

Accommodation options

Private Room

Expect a comfy double bed, a private hot shower to wash off the Pacific salt, and your own personal kitchen and balcony perfect for a morning brew. If you need to hustle, a dedicated workspace and fast Wi-Fi have you covered. It’s the ultimate balance of total privacy when you need it, with a laid-back, social vibe waiting just outside your door.

Note: Travelers are organized based on location availability, but you will always have access to the chosen room type with all the same amenities listed.

8 bedrooms 8 bathrooms
  • Fixed-price laundry service
  • Internet (over 100 Mbps)
  • Use our equipped kitchen
  • Dedicated Workspace
  • Hot water showers

Shared Dorms (Bunks & single bed)

Join the crew in our jungle-immersed shared rooms. With 3 or 4 bunk beds, it’s the ideal social setup; connected but comfortable. Each dorm has a hot shower to rinse off the salt, a kitchen for quick meals, and a balcony perfect for relaxing and hanging out. Fast Wi-Fi and workspace are included for when duty calls. It’s the ultimate basecamp to meet fellow travelers, swap stories, and recharge.

Note: Travelers are organized based on location availability, but you will always have access to the chosen room type with all the same amenities listed.

4 bedrooms 4 bathrooms
  • Fixed-price laundry service
  • Internet (over 100 Mbps)
  • Use our equipped kitchen
  • Dedicated Workspace
  • Hot water showers

Meals

Fuel your adventure with delicious, inclusive meals that celebrate local flavors, featuring traditional and typical ingredients designed to offer a taste of Costa Rica in every bite as a special part of the journey. The menu offers vegan and vegetarian options to ensure every traveler is well-nourished. While the group enjoys prepared dishes, you'll also have full access to a kitchen for any personal preparations. For any other dietary needs, please contact the Worldpackers team to see if the project can accommodate them.

Included meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dietary restrictions
Vegetarian friendly
Vegan friendly

Arrival orientation

The journey begins at Denny’s Restaurant in San Jose, where the group meets to board the shuttle bus. While you'll meet the host at the final location in Manuel Antonio, the transport is organized to take you straight to the project with no layovers. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a party to introduce the program and start the bonding process. For your return, the group is taken directly to the SJO Airport, ensuring a smooth departure with no overnight layovers required.

Pickup included
San Jose Denny Restaurant

About the project

Hosted by Eva Verkroost
4.8
(131 reviews)131

Founded in 2021 by a visionary who traded life in the Netherlands for the pura vida of Costa Rica, this project is all about sharing happiness and wellness. With seven years of local living and deep community ties, the host leads a dedicated team of cooks, cleaners, and instructors. They are committed to creating a space where travelers can find their path back to nature. Having hosted many groups successfully, they offer a secure and professional environment for an impactful stay.

Languages spoken in this project
English, Spanish
How long does it exist
5 years
Worldpackers host
Since May/2025

About the destination

Located in the lush Manuel Antonio region, where the jungle meets the Pacific Ocean, this destination is pure magic. The property is situated just a 10-minute drive from the beach and surrounded by vibrant wildlife. Travelers are a short 5-minute walk or bus ride from local conveniences, yet felt completely immersed in nature. It’s a place where days run on sun and tides, not clocks—a region famous for its national park, stunning biodiversity, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the local "Tico" culture.

Local currency
Costa Rican Colón (₡), but US Dollars are also widely accepted
Timezone
GMT-6

Impact & Purpose

This retreat addresses the challenge of digital burnout by inviting the group back into nature. By participating, the traveler plays a vital role in providing income for locals and supporting the community. The experience fosters engagement through curated trips that promote well-being and local growth. Together, we focus on health, education, and economic empowerment, ensuring your journey of self-love also leaves a positive footprint on the local community.

This host contributes to Sustainable Development Goals


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