yoga & surf retreat
Join us for an exploration of movement, mindfulness, and nature adventure.
san juan del sur, nicaraguA
FEB 22 - feb 28, 2025
lead by julianne aiell0, magali Clazón, emilio Goldenhersch and benjamin anderson
What you can expect:
A guided experience with leaders you can rely on. Clear communication and support throughout the experience, from booking to arriving, to supporting you on the retreat. I have lead about 30 retreats in the last 10 years, and I familiar with creating easeful group dynamics, supporting international travel, and generally supporting trips where you can play, restore, learn and connect.
Experience wild + rugged beauty that is southwest Nicaragua, and our eco-resort, Costa Dulce. Nicaragua on the whole is still very beautifully undeveloped, rich in biodiversity, and is home to some of the kindest people. The earth hums with vitality and raw beauty.
Reconnect to your body and a healthy daily rhythm. Start the day with morning silence (often a favorite time of day). We practice meditation at 7am, and from there move into a daily morning movement practice at 7:30am, with breakfast to follow. Enjoy late morning rest, surf, swim or adventure tour, and lunch at 1pm. Return back to the group for a 4pm practice or workshop, communal dinners, and deep rest. (The day may sound a bit early, but when the sun sets at 6pm, you’ll find you naturally settle into a rhythm waking at dawn, sleeping at dusk.)
Mindfulness: 7am each day, enjoy guided mindfulness practice with Benjamin and Emilio. A couple afternoon workshops will feature talks and discussion around mindfulness principles, tools, and discussion.
Morning movement. Yoga practices and workshops lead by Julie, dance and creative movement lead by Magali.
Morning Yoga Practice: The morning yoga practices offered will support all levels of practitioners. Each class will have a theme to support your learning and integrating the benefits of yoga movements into your body and life.
Julie’s classes are oriented towards teaching alignment-based practices to discover and connect with more of your body, that also in turn help us mentally and energetically. For example, Julie will teach 2 “asana labs” breaking down the top 10 poses, and also teach a class about yoga and posture, and how to practice to support your posture and stability in your day to day life.
Magali’s yoga and dance practices are directed by an energetic theme, like a slow ocean yoga flow, and creative movement and dance. Both of our classes are very much influenced by music that takes you on a journey and supports the theme of what we are teaching.
Afternoon classes: Afternoons will include a combination of movement workshops, lectures and discussions. Julie and Magali will create opportunities to slow down with restorative yoga. Benjamin will lead a session on the teachings of the Brahmaviharas, 4 core Buddhist teachings that have greatly supported his life and practice. And Emilio will also lead workshops integrating spirituality and psychology.
Adventure! Play and nature exploration are a big part of this retreat. Wether you surf, body surf, foil, or like to stroll the beach or the jungle, there is so much to explore in the area. We are also 10 minute drive from town, and the retreat team has a couple weekly trips scheduled, or you can go in as you wish. With waves right in front of the retreat space, we are looking forward to getting out in the water once or twice a day!
Receive. Receive support and nourishment — from nature, from community, from yoga practice and us as your guides for the week. We create the space with enough structure and support so you can simply learn and experience. To truly allow ourselves to receive is such an important part of rejuvenating our energy, vitality and creativity.
Radical love! To be held in radical love and kindness. The space we seek to provide on retreats is one where you can trust that you will feel welcome as you are. It truly doesn’t matter how “good” or not, you are at yoga.
Soulful home away from home.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with questions: julianneyoga108@gmail.com
Who is this retreat for?
People of all ages, orientations, and backgrounds with a shared curiosity for connecting with yourself and to community in sacred space together. Sacred space simply means respect and kindness for ourselves and once another.
People who love to feel connected to their body! Or, who want to love being connected your body! We offer many modalities on the retreat to connect with your body.
On most retreats, we have people of all ages, from 20s to 70s. One of the gifts of these retreats are that we offer practices for all abilities, so you can bring your kid, your parent, your friend or partner. We offer a range of practices from slow stretchy yoga to more of a power class, as well as all levels classes, to support the range of bodies.
Anyone ready to dive in and have a playful, soulful experience! Yoga and mindfulness are not about dogma, but rather opening to life with love and openness. If you’re newer to yoga, or coming back to it after a while, know that this is a great place to learn and explore.
OUR RETREATS ARE for people of all ages
to come play, practice, rejuvenate and celebrate life!
welcome! ❤️
I’m honored you’re here, and considering joining us for a really special week in southwest coastal Nicaragua, among kind community.
There’s so much to share about the joy and gifts of being on a retreat. There is the exquisite and rugged nature, the gift of time to begin or deepen your mindfulness practice and feel the wise support of the teachings of Yoga, Buddhism, and somatics that we’ll have time to explore, play with and integrate. There is the energy of kindness and being taken care of by the wonderful team at Costa Dulce, your healthy delicious meals cooked for you and yours needs abundantly met. There is time to literally sing, dance, practice yoga, meditate, surf, lounge, read, and any combination of the above.. This is the kind of party you can expect here! There are so many blessings of carving out time for yourself like this. I have lead retreats now for almost 10 years, and I have watched all of these elements together, the people, the land, the warmth, deeply renew and inspire and transform many souls!
What I feel most drawn to share with you about what I am finding most special about how I lead and the nature of retreats is around the benefit of connecting in community with kind, curious, wonderful people for a week. It’s like going on a vacation with friends, with the added layer of intentional created space that invites an energy of curiosity, compassion, and freedom. I’ve seen time and again how this combination of being deeply immersed in nature, off-the-grid (there is limited service), and held in a space of kind exploration makes are recipes for new, fun, and meaningful connection, whether that’s over meals, out surfing, and spontaneous (and planned) dance parties!
I have lead dozens of retreats, and they just keep getting better. This year, I am so excited to be co-hosting with my partner Benjamin who lead morning meditations and dharma talks. I am inspired by his commitment to mindfulness practice, his ability to communicate core principles of the Buddhist teachings and how they support his life, so the teachings can support you too in living in a greater sense of wholeness and freedom.
As guides, it is a privilege to facilitate classes and offer the teachings of yoga and mindfulness, with connection to ourselves, nature and community in a way that draws out the best in us, and one another.
Please read on, explore, and reach out anytime with questions. February is a popular time to get away, so advance sign up is recommended. It’s a beautiful thing to look forward to in the New Year and we can’t wait to share in this incredible week with you!
- Julie
photos of past retreats
DAILY ITINERARY:
6AM - Coffee, Tea and Light Breakfast Available
7AM - Guided Meditation.
7:30am - 9AM - Morning movement practice. Foundations flows, where we go slower and teach a bit more. All-levels vinyasa yoga, and a couple morning opportunities to dance!
9:15AM - Breakfast
10AM - 1PM - Activity option
1PM - Lunch
1PM - 4:30PM - chill time
4:30PM - Afternoons will include restorative yoga, breathwork, and creative workshops. I recommend using the retreat as inspiration to practice yoga at least twice a week leading up to this time.
6:30PM - Dinner
While it sounds like the day starts early, you will settle into a natural, early to bed rhythm here. The sun sets at 6:30pm (we are near the equator) and rises around 5:30am, so you will likely rise early, and get to enjoy the incredible peace and quiet of the morning time. We have morning silence in place on this retreat, so there is no talking until 7:30am, which really tends to be more like after yoga around 9:30am, and allows you to take in the beauty and stillness of the morning. Sometimes people go on a sunrise swim or beach walk, or just sit in the chairs and drink coffee, watching the sunrise.
CLASS OFFERINGS
MORNING SESSIONS:
3 FOUNDATIONAL FLOW CLASSES - Foundational Flow classes focuses on practicing one category of movement, like twisting, hip openers, or backends. It’s a well-rounded class, with extra emphasis on creating a strong foundation to build your yoga practice.
2 POWER FLOW CLASSES - For practitioners who have a yoga practice, and desire more flow and less instruction. An opportunity to drop into a strong and mindful flow. These classes are 2 out of 3 on advance scale, not super advanced, but a familiarity with yoga is helpful.
1 - 2 DANCE SESSIONS - This session will begin with guided instruction and after about 30 minutes, open up to free movement. This dance session can be whatever you want it to be - slow, sensual, wild, powerful, sweet, fun, playful, healing.. and maybe all of that. The music is a mix of tribal music, pop-remix favorites, and world beats.
1 - 2 MINDFUL STRENGTH CLASSES - Barre style classes with some cardio. These classes are intentionally designed to target small muscle movement, increase body awareness and strength, and offer great all-around cross training for all the ways you love to move your body. They are some of my favorite classes to teach and take, and I’m excited to offer these classes to you!
LATE AFTERNOON SESSIONS:
2 YOGA ASANA LABS - Learn how to breakdown key postures, with time dedicated to foundational postures as well as a few more advanced ones. You’ll learn by doing, and by assisting someone on the retreat with instruction. Students love these workshops.
1 -2 BREATHWORK SESSIONS - Learning the foundations of reiki, universal healing energy. Practice giving and receiving reiki in this workshop. Reiki is a subtle and powerful practice that empowers us to remember we are all healers, and with intentional, compassionate touch we can be of great service to each other.
2 RESTORATIVE YOGA SESSIONS - with guided visualization.
1 PLAY + CREATIVITY WORKSHOP - Get silly, play, make art! This one is TBD.
MORE RETREAT DETAILS ..
SANCTUARY SPACE
Costa Dulce is nestled on the southern coast of Nicaragua, offering a unique blend of tranquility, adventure, and community. Here, the gentle whispers of the jungle and the soothing rhythm of the waves invite you to a journey of self-discovery and connection. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the surf, the tranquility of yoga, or the promise of wellness, Costa Dulce is your gateway to an unforgettable experience. Alongside being an incredibly beautiful eco-resort, there are opportunities to participate in cultural experiences like Cacao rituals, salsa classes, temezcal ceremonies.
Learn more about Costa Dulce here: https://www.costadulcebeach.com/
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO ON THIS RETREAT?
- Surf, boogie board, snorkel
- Fishing and afternoon Catamaran tours
- Horseback riding on the beach
- Jungle hikes (guided and on your own)
- Cultural connection with cacao ceremony, temescal ceremony, salsa classes, and cooking classes on site.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SURF IN THE AREA:
https://www.costadulcebeach.com/surf-nicaragua/
MEALS: Enjoy healthy fresh, organic, plant-based and gluten-free meals at Costa Dulce. Our food has consistently been one of our favorite features for guests, where most find our farm-to-table kitchen to be a highlight of their trip. We pay extra attention to selecting locally grown fresh ingredients so our menu changes with the seasons. Good food not only means that it’s deliciously kind to our taste buds, but also that it is good for our body, our planet and our communities. We understand how important individual dietary needs in order to feel good and that’s our main goal.
SHARED ROOMS: Most people who join the retreat share a room with someone they haven't met yet. I consciously pair people based on my intuition and the information I receive from you. Sharing rooms is common on a retreat, and always works out beautifully. If for any reason your room situation doesn't work out, there is always another option we can work out for you.
TRAVELING TO NICARAGUA: Please visit this page on travel recommendations to and from Nicaragua.
TO BOOK: If this retreat is already feeling like an easy yes, great, jump on in! If you'd like to connect on the phone to see if it's a good fit for you, please email me at julianneyoga108@gmail.com with a few times that work for you to connect. I love meeting people and connect on the possibility for you to join this special retreat, to see if it's a good fit, and without any pressure to join.
As a dedicated student of yoga for over a decade, I truly believe that nourishing ourselves nourishes all life. Investing time and energy back into ourselves is essential to remember we are not only here to be of service, but to know ourselves as divine and worthy of receiving as well. We will use the yogic philosophy of the 8 limbs of yoga as a foundational teaching of this retreat, and explore how we can use the limbs to experience the joy of the inner most self, and express that in our being.
Come join us! This retreat is a time for you to slow your roll.. to live in the present, be wonderfully pampered with delicious meals, transformative yoga, immersed in nature and open to all that possible for your life! Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
With love,
Julie
PHOTOS OF COSTA DULCE ECO-RESORT!
about us
yoga teacher: julianne aiello
Hello! ❤️
I am a LOVER of nature, of love and wisdom. Nature was my first true love, remembering we are all held my the great Mother Earth. The awe and beauty, the innate intelligence and cycles of life in nature captivate my heart and mind. I love practicing yoga outside and laying on the earth (beach, grass, etc) feeling the heartbeat of the earth and my own heartbeat. Laying under a tree on a warm day, surfing and just hanging out in the ocean, hiking in the woods.. this the energy I try to keep close in my mind and heart.
I have also found deep resonance with the ancient teachings of yoga. Yoga is a powerful tool to work with the mind, heart and body. Connecting to my body as my home, a source of information, strength and love, has been a big part of my journey. While I’ve always loved sports and being active, it wasn’t until my 20s and beginning a yoga practice that I realized I wasn’t really living in an “embodied” way. I was running a lot, literally and figuratively. So I was moving, but rarely found a source of presence, connection and wow.. relaxation in my body. In yoga we say that the mind is not just in the head, but in our entire system, and that every cell contains intelligence. Over years of study, I have learned many joyful practices to connect with the wisdom and gift of living in a body, and it’s a joy to share.
Practicing yoga is a simple way to unite mind and body and come home to a sense of full body relaxed alertness. From here, so much innate joy, wisdom, creativity and goodness flows.
I so look forward to having this retreat time with you, as it allows us all to sink into the experience, and feel into new ways of experiencing being alive together.
Stay in touch on IG: @julianneyoga
surf photos & more: gillian stargestsky
Gillian Stargensky is a passionate female photographer deeply inspired by the ocean and the incredible stories it holds. Based near the coast, I specialize in surf and water photography, capturing the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural world. Gillian will be supporting the trip with her beautiful presence, and capturing land and water adventures. On previous retreats, she’s captured stunning portraits of people in the water, incredible surf shots, and yoga shots as well. Her easeful presence also makes capturing photos of yourself way easier! :)
Check out Gillians stunning work IG: @gillianstargensky
workshop leader: Emilio Goldenhersch
Emilio Goldenhersch is a psychologist and somatic therapist with a deep passion for holistic well-being and human development. As a systemic thinker, Emilio combines his expertise in psychology, mindfulness, and somatic practices to help individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions in profound ways. His approach integrates mind-body awareness, focusing on emotional health, stress resilience, and the interconnectedness of physical and emotional states. With a strong foundation in both clinical research and digital health, he offers a unique blend of modern science and ancient practices in his work, allowing participants to deeply explore personal growth and self-awareness.
Beyond his background as an entrepreneur and behavioral health founder, where he pioneered innovative mental health solutions, Emilio is dedicated to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life and leadership with clarity and resilience. His work emphasizes the importance of somatic experience through his practice in Fractal Psychology, encouraging individuals to develop greater body awareness and emotional intelligence. Whether through group retreats or individual sessions, Emilio provides a transformative experience aimed at fostering balance, self-empowerment, and holistic well-being.
Dance & somatic guide: Magali Clazón
Magali Clazón is a skilled ontological coach, yoga teacher, and holistic wellness facilitator with nearly two decades of experience in guiding individuals toward emotional balance and personal growth. With a background that spans both the corporate and spiritual worlds, Magali brings a unique perspective to her coaching, blending mindfulness, yoga, and dance with a deep understanding of emotional well-being. Her passion for movement as a path to self-discovery has led her to empower others through mindful practices, helping participants unlock the power of their bodies to heal and transform.
In her work as a coach and facilitator, Magali focuses on creating safe, nurturing spaces where individuals can explore their emotional and physical selves. Whether through yoga, dance, or mindfulness practices, she encourages participants to engage with their emotions, release stress, and cultivate a deeper connection to themselves and others. Her holistic approach ensures that those she works with not only experience physical wellness but also find emotional clarity and inner peace. Magali’s retreats offer a unique blend of movement, stillness, and reflection, guiding participants on a journey of self-awareness and empowerment.
meditation teacher: BENJAMIN ANDERSON
I'm a student of life, and always on a quest to cultivate a beginner's mind. I love living in California, exploring the abundant nature and connecting with people from different backgrounds with open minds. I enjoy traveling and never pass up an opportunity to go to the tropics, especially when good waves are part of the equation.
I'm very much a devotee to the ocean. Rarely does a day go by that I'm not connecting with the ocean in a meaningful way, be it surfing, wingfoiling, kiteboarding, foil-surfing or just going for an ocean dip. The ocean is a stabilizing force in my life. If I'm feeling stressed and overwhelmed, the ocean can mellow me out. If I'm feeling worn down and lethargic, the ocean provides life force and stoke. It seems whatever energy I bring to the ocean, I leave feeling balanced and humble.
I grew curious about eastern ideology and Buddhism living in Asia during my 20's and have been pursuing knowledge and incorporating mindful practices ever since. I'm passionate about living aligned with my values and living a life of integrity, cultivating compassion and goodwill, and being mindful in each moment. I'm curious about and fascinated by the experience of consciousness and enjoy learning about the inner workings of my mind.
When I'm not in the ocean or meditating, I'm spending time with friends and family, exploring San Francisco's finest Golden Gate Park or tending to my house plants.
I'm pursuing an Integral Coaching Certification so I can better support others in their journey of cultivating awareness and inspiring positive changes. I also sit on the Board of Directors for City Surf Project, to help bring more diversity and equity to the lineup, and create opportunities for inner-city youth to cultivate meaningful connections with the ocean through surf.
A favorite quote that I'm inspired by is from Sri Nassar Gadat Maharaj, "Love tells me I'm everything, wisdom tells me I'm nothing, between these my life flows."
I'm looking forward to sharing my practices and learning from others on the retreat.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“Amazing experience. I'd recommend Julie's retreats to anyone. It was the perfect balance between challenging yoga classes, yoga philosophy, connection and adventure. The retreat center was fantastic as well. We were in a remote area of the Osa peninsula in Costa Rica and the retreat center was this hidden, beautiful gem nestled between the ocean and the rainforest. The food was spectacular and the staff were all friendly and accommodating. And the friendly, supportive space created on this retreat made it easy to meet and connect with new people of various backgrounds, which I loved. Julie made it a point to make sure everyone felt welcomed and her way of being is inspiring. She is a wonderful teacher and leader!” - Derek F.
“Ridonculously great. A spiritual journey of growth and self discovery and friendship enabled by a yoga retreat that was a once in a lifetime experience. The location was peaceful, inviting and liberating. The logistics were exceptional, and the communication was clear throughout. The yoga sessions we’re incredible, comprehensive, challenging, and still doable! Julie incorporated yoga philosophy in a way that gave substance and foundation to the daily practice of yoga . There was also plenty of time for adventure and reflection throughout. I formed powerful and meaningful friendships in such a short time. After a week here, I feel newfound space in my body, a sense of resilience, flexibility and growth; physically, spiritually and in my whole being. Would go again in a heartbeat.” - Avi T.
“I can honestly say this retreat changed my life. Julie helped me reawaken a self love and self care that I had been ignoring for many months, and brought together such a beautiful community of people and teachings that are helping me continue this positive change back home. Thank you!!” — Elizabeth H.
TRAVEL
GETTING HERE:
Fly into Managua Airport (MGA) in Nicaragua. Roundtrip flights start about $400 from SFO to MGA.
OR, You can fly into Liberia in Costa Rica (LIB), prices are closer to $600-700 from Bay Area.
Group Shuttle times:
Pick up in Managua on Sunday February 22nd at 9:30am. Its about a 2 hour drive to Costa Dulce. It will pick up at Globales Camino Real hotel, and at the airport.
Depart from Costa Dulce to Managua on Saturday February 28th at 8am. A flight at 1pm or later is best.
*If you prefer to take a private car, or come at a different time, you can arrange a car on your own, or the team at Costa Dulce is happy to help too. You can reach them here: groups@costadulcebeach.com
Hotels in Managua - Global Camino Real is recommended, in case you arrive on Friday night.
The retreat starts at 3pm on Sunday! And ends with the closing dinner on Friday night. The group will depart Saturday morning.
How to afford going on retreat?
I have thought a lot about the value of retreat for the cost, and I keep offering them because I think they provide a tremendous amount of value. This is like a yoga teacher training, in a way. You learn a good amount, you will definitely deepen your practice and leave inspired! And it’s more restful, connective, playful than a training. You will be held in supportive, structured space by the teachers - myself and Emily in a way that I believe will be nourishing for you. The accommodations and food are amazing. We also support with all planning logistics. It’s a big gift to yourself that I think is really worth it, and of course up to you to decide for yourself!
If you know you want to come, and you’re not quite sure you can afford it, consider who in your life might be willing to help. If there are loved ones who want you to be well, to travel, etc, and who can possibly support you, you may consider asking for support.
If you’re financial situation is such that you won’t be able to join without a scholarship, please reach out. We have at least one partial scholarship space available every year, and possibly more.
If you’re financial situation is such that you have an abundance of resources, please consider contributing at a higher rate. Your support is so appreciated and will directly benefit someone else to join the retreat.