The Nicaragua Chapter

Surf, Yoga & Adventure with Jess

8 Days / 7 Nights | Playa Gigante, Nicaragua

Come experience a little piece of the lifestyle that changed my life.

Picture this: waking up in a tropical surf town, spending your mornings in the ocean, trying something new every day, watching the sunset with people you only just met, and realizing that somewhere along the way, strangers have started to feel like lifelong friends.

That's what The Nicaragua Chapter is all about.

This isn't just another group trip. It's eight days of stepping outside your comfort zone, discovering new places, surfing warm Pacific waves, practicing yoga, learning Spanish, exploring local culture, and experiencing a different way of living.

But it's also about the little moments in between. Slow mornings, shared meals, spontaneous plans, late-night conversations, and having absolutely nowhere else you need to be.

Whether you're coming solo, traveling with a friend, learning to surf for the first time, or simply craving a new adventure, there's a place for you here.

We'll be staying at Hotel InGigante in Playa Gigante, a laid-back fishing village on Nicaragua's beautiful Pacific coast, surrounded by nature, incredible surf, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer.

Come solo. Say yes to something new. Leave with a whole new chapter of stories.

Meet Your Host — Jess

Heyyy, I'm Jess!

I'm a full-time traveler, surfer, trip host, and someone who has a pretty hard time saying no to an unexpected adventure.

I left home at 18 with two backpacks and honestly no idea where life was going to take me.

Since then, I've traveled to over 25 countries, lived in different parts of the world, hosted more than 10 group trips, and met some of my favorite people in places I never expected.

Travel has taught me to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, trust myself a little more, say yes to new experiences, and realize that some of the best moments in life happen when things don't go exactly as planned.

And Nicaragua? Nicaragua has a really special place in my heart.

I first came here in 2022, and it was one of those places that genuinely changed the way I saw the world. It's where I fell in love with surfing, learning Spanish, connecting with different cultures, and the freedom of living a little differently.

Now I'm coming back to spend several months here, and I couldn't be more excited to share this place with you.

I've created these trips because I know how intimidating it can be to book a flight somewhere new, especially when you're going alone. But I also know how incredible it feels when you finally do.

My goal is for you to arrive feeling excited (and maybe a little nervous!), and leave wondering why you didn't do something like this sooner. You don't need to know how to surf. You don't need to speak Spanish. And you definitely don't need to have your whole life figured out.

Just bring an open mind, a little curiosity, and a willingness to try something new.

I can't wait for the ocean days, the laughs, the adventures, and all those little “holy shit, I'm actually living this life”moments we'll get to experience together.

See you in Nicaragua!!

Your Home in Nicaragua — Hotel InGigante 🌴

Barefoot mornings, salty afternoons, and a little tropical home away from home.

For our Nicaragua Chapter, we'll be staying at Hotel InGigante, a relaxed boutique surf hotel in Playa Gigante, a small fishing village tucked along Nicaragua's Pacific coast.

It's just a short walk from the beach and the perfect base for everything we're going to experience together.

Imagine waking up surrounded by tropical greenery, grabbing breakfast before heading to the ocean, spending your days surfing or exploring, and coming back to jump in the pool, relax in a hammock, and catch up with everyone over dinner.

Nothing too fancy or complicated. Just comfortable rooms, beautiful surroundings, good food, great people, and that laid-back coastal lifestyle I love so much.

What Makes Hotel InGigante Special?

Your Kind of Stay: Choose between a social 4-bed surf dorm, a shared twin/double room, or your own private queen room.
Tropical Swimming Pool: The perfect place to cool off after surfing or spend a lazy afternoon between adventures.
Open-Air Restaurant & Bar: Fresh meals, daily smoothies, morning coffee, and plenty of opportunities to sit down and connect.
Yoga & Relaxation Deck: A peaceful space for morning movement, stretching, and slowing down.
Comfortable Rooms: Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and everything you need to recharge after a full day out exploring.
Incredible Surf Access: Playa Gigante is surrounded by amazing surf breaks, with options for different experience levels depending on ocean conditions.
A Real Nicaraguan Village: Local restaurants, colorful sunsets, fishing boats, friendly faces, and a chance to experience everyday life on the coast.

More Than Just a Hotel

One of my favorite things about places like this is how quickly they start to feel like home.

It's waking up and recognizing everyone at breakfast. It's making last-minute plans to catch the sunset. It's sitting around after dinner talking about the day and realizing you've somehow known these people for less than a week.

That's the atmosphere we're creating here. A place where you can have your own space when you need it, but always have people around when you're ready for another adventure.

Your little home on the Pacific coast, in one of my favorite corners of the world.

Website: https://www.hotelingigante.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotelingigante/

What You'll Experience

Eight days of ocean time, cultural adventures, new friendships, and a little bit of everything that makes Nicaragua so special.

Surf & Ocean Adventures

Up to 5 coached or guided land-based surf sessions, adapted to the group's experience and conditions
Surfboards provided during scheduled surf sessions
1 filmed surf session with group video analysis to help you improve
1 surf boat adventure, with the location and participation determined by ocean conditions and surfing ability

Whether you're catching your very first wave or working on improving your skills, we'll make sure you have opportunities to learn, progress, and enjoy the ocean.

Yoga & Wellness

5 yoga sessions throughout the retreat
Time to slow down, stretch, recover, and reconnect
Free time to relax by the pool, explore the beach, or simply do nothing for a while

Because adventure is amazing, but so is giving yourself permission to rest.

Local Culture & Adventure

Tambo Ranch experience, including horseback riding and traditional food-making
2-hour beginner-friendly Spanish class
Salsa dancing class and a chance to practice your moves
Full-day Nicaragua excursion to discover more of the country
Guided sunset hike with beautiful coastal views

We'll explore beyond the typical tourist spots and experience some of the local traditions, landscapes, and everyday moments that make this country unforgettable.

Community & Connection

Welcome dinner to meet everyone
Karaoke night
Sunset beach bonfire and farewell celebration
Shared meals, spontaneous adventures, and plenty of time to connect

Some of the best memories are the ones you never planned.

Stay & Hospitality

7 nights at Hotel InGigante
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners
House non-alcoholic drinks throughout the retreat
1 fresh smoothie per day
Coordinated round-trip group transfers from Managua International Airport (MGA)
Local support and retreat coordination throughout your stay

All three accommodation options include the same scheduled retreat activities, meals, and experiences.

The daily schedule and specific activity locations may change depending on weather, ocean conditions, safety, and local availability.

Who Is This Trip For?

This trip is for you if...

You've been dreaming about traveling somewhere new but haven't wanted to go alone.
You love meeting people from different places and making new friendships.
You're curious about surfing, yoga, and trying things you've never done before.
You want to experience Nicaragua beyond the typical tourist spots.
You love a mix of adventure, good food, beach days, and spontaneous plans.
You want to step away from your everyday routine and feel a little more alive.
You're ready to say yes to something that might end up becoming one of your favorite memories.

You don't have to be an experienced surfer, a yoga expert, or a seasoned traveler.

And you definitely don't need to arrive knowing anyone.

Come exactly as you are. That's more than enough.

Choose Your Nicaragua Chapter 🌴

Two dates. Two incredible groups. One unforgettable adventure.

There are two opportunities to join me in Nicaragua in 2027!

Same beautiful destination, same retreat experience, and two chances to make some incredible memories with a whole new group of people.

JANUARY 23–30, 2027

New Year, New Adventures!

What if 2027 started a little differently?

Instead of making another list of things you want to do “one day,” what if this was the year you actually went for it?

Imagine starting the year with a plane ticket to Nicaragua, warm Pacific waves, morning yoga, new friends, and eight days of trying things you might never have imagined yourself doing.

A little spontaneous? Maybe.

Worth it? I think so.

You don't need a perfect plan or a travel buddy. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is just book the trip.

Start your year with a story worth telling.

MARCH 13–20, 2027

Spring Break, Nicaragua Style!

Spring Break or simply in need of an adventure? Nicaragua is calling!

Trade your usual routine for warm Pacific waves, tropical sunsets, surfing, yoga, local adventures, and a week of unforgettable memories with new friends.

Whether you're taking a break from university, work, or everyday life, this is your chance to experience something different.

Think ocean mornings, discovering new places, laughing until your stomach hurts, and coming home with stories you'll be telling for years.

Your March adventure starts here!

Two Chances to Say Yes

Both retreats run Saturday to Saturday — 8 days / 7 nights at Hotel InGigante in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua.

Same activities, same inclusions, and same accommodation prices. Just two different weeks and two different groups of people to share the adventure with.

Which chapter will be yours?

Choose Your Stay

Your experience, your kind of comfort.

Whether you're looking for a social dorm, a cozy shared room, or a private space to recharge, there's an option for you.

Every option includes the full 8-day retreat experience: accommodation, scheduled meals, surf, yoga, activities, and coordinated Managua airport transfers.

Come for the adventure. Leave with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a whole new chapter of stories.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

We understand that plans can change!

30 days or more before the retreat: Full refund of retreat payments made.
Less than 30 days before the retreat: Payments are non-refundable.

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to hello@ingigante.com.

Any exceptions or booking transfers are subject to approval by Hotel InGigante.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected changes to your plans.

If Hotel InGigante cancels the retreat, the applicable refund or rebooking arrangements will be communicated in accordance with your booking terms and applicable law.