I’ve attended 6 other retreats, so I came in with certain expectations, and overall, this one had a lot of positives, but there were also significant disappointments.
First, the people and the classes were fantastic. Heather, Ashley, and the community that gathered were exactly what I hoped for – warm, engaging, and inspiring. The Booty Luv and yoga sessions were well-run, and the group dynamic was lovely. Conversations flowed easily, and I definitely left with a sense of connection.
However, I was let down by the venue, which really didn't match the caliber of the experience I was expecting. The meal service was a major issue. Waiting anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes for lukewarm food was frustrating, especially in a retreat setting where the supposedly have done this before. Waiting over 45 minutes for a drink to be delivered was common – if I could even get someone to take my order. For the long waits, it would’ve been nice to have something simple like chips and salsa available to tide us over. I found myself eating a snack before meals just to avoid getting hangry.
The rooms also didn’t provide the ambiance I anticipated. They felt very generic – like a room you could find anywhere, with no real connection to the Costa Rica or the area. The yoga shala lacked any pretty views or aesthetic charm that I’ve come to expect from retreats, especially those at BL locations.
As for the location itself, I didn’t feel like I got the Costa Rican experience I was hoping for. Unless you’re a surfer, Playa Grande isn’t much to explore. The beach had no shade or umbrellas, and while you could walk along it, it was too hot to do so during the day, where morning/evening walks often conflicting with class schedules. The town didn’t offer much in terms of places to visit either. I ended up taking a day trip to Tamarindo, which had a much better vibe.
I didn't care for retreat schedule being different every day. While I understand that adjustments happen, I didn’t love that the times for meals, classes, and activities were different every day, except for the 4pm class. It made me feel like I had to stay glued to my phone for updates or find the schudule. Plus, getting up early for class and then having to wait until 9am or later for breakfast was difficult. I found myself eating a snack first thing in the morning because I was starving.
For the extra expense and travel hassle to get to Costa Rica, the location didn’t deliver the experience I expected. Overall, I loved the people and the classes but would not return to Playa Grande or the Rip Jack Inn.