NICARAGUA 2025 RETREAT

Feb 16 – 23, 2025

REST – YOGA – DIGITAL DETOX – OCEAN THERAPY

LOS CARDONES, Nicaragua

Feb 16 – 23, 2025

SWEAT – RESTORE – DIGITAL DETOX – SURF

Virtual tour of pathway to surf – WATCH HERE!

Who is this for and what do the practices look like?

This is for anybody who desires a week of a physical and mental health reset. A digital detox is highly recommended during our week as well. Nicaragua is relatively unscathed from tourism and excessive distraction. This is a time for intentional time-out, natural connections with others and your body in space, nature and physical practices. Los Cardones is a remote, off-the-tourist-circuit adventure.

It is YOUR week to curate—healthy alone time as well as meeting new people. The most unlikely connections occur. A retreat should feel like a treat not a boot camp – however, the two-hour morning practice I am designing to be a “get-fit + sweat practice” adaptable for all levels with an integration of breathwork, yoga asana, somatic sweat & cardio bursts. The morning practice/sweat is intentionally going to be more vigorous/disciplined to encourage endorphins, serotonin and stimulate mood/brain health. The morning session will always begin with 30min of dynamic breathwork.

The evening practice is at sunset and is much more restorative, meditative – down-regulating breathwork as well.

My favorites about being here: The in-between time of natural hangouts, chats in hammocks and the permission to relax. There is no mall or town to walk to. There is no FOMO or pressure here. I encourage naps, get a massage, surf, read an actual book in physical form -and my biggest challenge to you: detox from your devices as an option. Even if you have kids at home, I challenge you to detach for a week – maybe a quick hello here and there and that’s it / for emergencies, of course.

What’s the weather like?

In February the weather is hot, not as humid as in the fall retreats, and sunny most days. Be prepared for anything, however, given global warming. Sometimes there are wild storms at night – but not as much in Feb. Los Cardones has excellent shade structures – you can avoid the sun as much as you need during the hot hours. Expect wild nature, gorgeous sunsets and a lullaby of constant waves several feet from your cabana.

How do I get there?

All flights land in Managua. Airfare in advance is the best way to get the cheapest deals and I recommend you buy flight-change option in case of storms, or deciding to stay longer than the retreat! (Both are common!) United Airlines has officially started flying back to Nicaragua post-pandemic, making it easier to get there again. Typically you’ll have to fly through one or two stops: Mexico City or the States as direct flights from Vancouver aren’t available. One site I use for cheaper airfare is: https://www.momondo.ca/

It’s a bumpy 90-minute to two-hour drive to Los Cardones from Managua International Airport. On the way you can grab extra groceries or grab cash at an ATM if need be. We will arrange pick-up and drop-off for you in advance. Car rental isn’t recommended because once you get to Los Cardones, Google Maps is very sketchy, and there is typically zero desire to leave once you get there!

What’s the accommodation and Los Cardones like?

The onsite accommodation is shared beach bungalows (singles available upon request, but cost more, see below).

There are two brand new family-style bungalows that share a massive deck over the ocean. They have two separate units within them – this is great for two couples or a family and have air-con as option. All onsite tiki-style bungalows have ceiling fans, electricity/outlets and natural/cool showers from the onsite eco-well system that Izic built. Sometimes an iguana will hang out on your balcony, or you’ll see a gecko or two on your ceiling – and you must be okay with this! Full transparency: Los Cardones is not a five-star hotel, it is a gorgeous, clean eco-surf lodge – but this is part of its charm and uniqueness.

Once you get to Los Cardones, other than our group, you won’t see many more people other than locals here and there fishing the beach or walking on Sunday’s with their family. There are ZERO tourist traps. We are in paradise. Beautiful ocean, massive beaches and sky.

You can arrange day trips if you like with Laure and the staff.

Do I have to do a digital detox, is there WIFI? I might have to check in from time to time.

I read a stat that the average North American spends four hours on their phones, and if you live until you’re 90 – that’s thirty-forty years looking at your phone pending on your age. Horrible!

During our week, we are off the grid. WIFI is available upon request on the property, and 5G is accessible as well (but it can be sketchy). This is a great place to detox from modern addictions to laptops, cell phones, and social media and to keep it real.

In the past, many students have done this. There is also a hotel down the beach where you can have a drink and use their WIFI for a fee. I understand if you need to check in with family here and there – but I recommend you cleanse from even that habit!

Back in the day, we sent postcards and all was well 😉

Who is this NOT for?

If you are looking for a five-star spa experience, admit to being high maintenance and are afraid of thunderstorms and/or mother nature… you may want to reconsider!

Also, if you are suffering from a medical condition, have allergies or an illness that may require instant care if an emergency occurs, we are two hours from the nearest hospital and in the middle of nowhere. As with all adventure travel, the risk is always there.

Why?

Because we all need a break from “regular life” to reset from time to time, especially in an intentional setting with good people.

Help us Build a Turtle Sanctuary, The Revival Project, 6th Edition

This retreat also includes an optional hands-on component. You can participate a little or not at all. This is a give-back, elbow-grease adventure for the gorgeous Los Cardones eco-surf community. Izic and Laure have committed to sustainability, eco-friendly, surf culture and ethical practices.

We will rebuild a turtle nursery together. It’s a bit of a chore but usually turns into a sweaty hot mess of a laugh. if you’re up for it.

Beach clean-ups are something I like to do daily, even just on a morning walk.

Location & is it safe?

Los Cardones is one of my happy places where I have held yoga teacher training programs and retreats for ten years. It is an eco-surf lodge, well-loved by the local villagers. Izic and Laure are surf bums hailing from Miami and France. They built their dream from the ground up and raised their three children at Los Cardones. I love this place with all my heart. You will too.

When you get to the airport, we will pick you up – a hired local driver with your name on a sign will get you.

I often get asked if Nicaragua is “safe.” Like any travel, there are risks, and common sense is necessary: always lock your door, avoid walking alone at night (i.e. in Managua), and use the safety deposit for all money and passports. Petty theft is, unfortunately, an issue whether you travel to Nicaragua or Vancouver. At Los Cardones, since I’ve held retreats and training since 2009, has had only one unfortunate theft incident, which was dealt with swiftly by Izic and Laure, and they responded by making the bungalows even safer by changing the doors, locks and security on-site. The staff is kind, appreciates your Spanish attempts and is grateful to have you.

Nica is a 3rd world country, so you will see a bit of this as you drive through Managua. They make the best of what they have and are kind, beautiful people. I’ve never felt “unsafe” at Los Cardones. I arrived in the middle of the night. I left at 2 am for some trips. I travelled there solo during COVID. I travelled alone across the border to Costa Rica with a driver. I am passionate about this country and want to support tourism here as possible.

Los Cardones website: www.loscardones.com

RETREAT INVESTMENT & FEES

Please note, we are attending during HIGH SEASON February rates at Los Cardones. Meaning the surf is supreme and the weather is bluebird most days. If you’ve attended my prior October retreats, you will notice a price difference because of this rate difference.

All accommodation is thirty steps from the ocean. They vary in size and styles: cabanas, bungalows and two family bungalows with A/C (new builds!) Pricing varies per cabana/bungalow and whether you share a space. The below rates includes eight nights of lodging, all meals, snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) and four hours of daily practices and classes with Julia. Extra night(s) discount 10% off Los Cardones lodge rates; please ask if you intend on staying longer. Vegetarian, vegan etc., is available upon request.

Accommodation virtual tours are below to see – everything is prettier in real life. As well as their website (It doesn’t do them justice!): www.loscardones.com

**All are USD’s pp = per person ** Canadian 5% GST tax is also added onto the below price when converted (ugh, taxes!) Please use that same day exchange rate from USD’s into CAD’s for Canadian participants and e-transfer fees to juliamariemccabe@gmail.com

Early Bird = before Dec 1, 2024. – Late Bird = after Dec 1, 2024

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

Single occupancy beach cabaña = $1490 USD EARLY BIRD (before Dec 1st, 2024 | $1590 USD late bird (after Dec 1, 2024).

Double & triple occupancy beach cabana (2-3 adults) = $1390 USD EARLY BIRD per person | $1490 USD late bird per person. (Please note, if you are three, it’s for convenience, not necessarily for privacy or full spaciousness).

Single occupancy ocean view bungalow = $2369 USD EARLY BIRD | $2439 USD LATE BIRD

Double occupancy ocean view bungalow (2 adults) = $2100 USD EARLY BIRD per person | $2200 USD late bird per person

Triple occupancy ocean view bungalow (Three adults, for convenience not necessarily for privacy or full spaciousness) ocean view bungalow = $1900 USD pp. $2000 USD late bird per person.

Family bungalows (There are two of them, Orange & Blue) – This is a minimum of two people that you are traveling with – option up to four-five people per bungalow. Two couples for comfort, whereas four to five friends will be less privacy and a little cozier. These bungalows have air-con as option as well.

Double occupancy only for family bungalows = $2200 USD EARLY BIRD per person | $2300 USD LATE BIRD per person. These two new builds have two enclosed, separate bedrooms each, a full conventional bathroom, and a huge elevated terrace on the oceanfront, with a sofa. There’s optional AC in the bedrooms as well. This unit is for a minimum of 2 people. One bedroom has a king bed. The second bedroom has a queen, 2 trundles and a sofa that turns into a bed if needed.

For triple or four person occupancy for family bungalows (for sharing the double or adding trundles to each bedroom) = $2100 USD EARLY bird per person | $2200 USD LATE BIRD per person

Virtual tours (Please note, there is no 5 or 6 as they were taken down with the new family bungalow builds)

Family Bungalow Blue – bathroom & deck

Family Bungalow Blue – Outside only

Family Bungalow Orange – outside only (inside is exact same as Blue)

The Driveway into Los Cardones in October 2024

Virtual tour of pathway to surf – WATCH HERE!

OPTION TWO – OFF-SITE HOME RENTALS

These homes vary in style and are higher in pricing. The minimum is two people for house lodging; Laure will choose the best options for everyone’s comfort and your group size. The homes are a short walk away next door from where the rest of us are staying at LC. Here is a page with some photos of the off-site homes Laure will choose for you pending on your group size.

Pictures of off-site homes outside of Los Cardones here

CHECK-IN & EXTRA NIGHTS:

Check-in is the morning of Feb 16, 2025 by 10 am

Check-out is on the morning of Feb 23, by 10 am.

If you are early or leave late you can chill all day at Los Cardones and leave your bags in the main rancho.

If you want to book extra nights before or after these dates, please arrange them separately with Los Cardones. Guests typically fly in the evening before into Managua airport and either arrange an extra night at Los Cardones (late evening pick up can be arranged) OR spend the night at Managua Best Western and get the morning shuttle. Let us know!

KIDS* – Be in touch as it varies with kids’ ages etc., and if we can squeeze you all into a private bungalow. If this is the case, be in touch sooner than later, as last year sold out. Kids 0-3 are free. Kid rate 4-12. 13 + adult pricing.

Please email me to discuss kid rates.

To register, e-transfer a $500USD non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot for 48 hours upon deciding which space you want – after which you will then make a larger payment. There are zero refunds for your retreat payments. In the case of a natural disaster, family illness/death, severe injury. passport issue etc. – in that you cannot attend, a credit worth the yoga-component (not accommodate/food) can be transferred to any future program to be used within two years with Julia. There are 100% no refunds otherwise upon committing.

A one to three-part payment plan can also be arranged in advance of Feb 16, 2025

Please email your room/home request and any questions you have to: juliamariemccabe@gmail.com

Travel health insurance & visas

Travel & Health Insurance

It is VISA on arrival, but you MUST have a passport that doesn’t expire within the next six months. Please check this.
It costs $10-25 USDs in cash to the Nica customs officer upon arrival (I don’t why it changes).
Please make sure you purchase insurance with your flights so you aren’t disappointed in the case of an emergency.
You must have travel health insurance during the retreat and be asked to email proof of purchase. You cannot attend the retreat without your medical travel health insurance. Luckily, this is very easy and somewhat affordable to purchase via your local insurance broker, certain credit cards or when you buy your flight.

It is unfortunate if you do not have insurance for an accident, sudden illness or injury.