Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Unwind and Uplift Your Spirit at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Escape to the serene coastal paradise of Bahia Ballena, Costa Rica, and immerse yourself in a transformative surf and yoga experience. As an award-winning B Corporation and 1% for the Planet member, Bodhi Surf + Yoga is committed to sustainability and community. Our intimate retreats, limited to 10 guests per week, offer a personalized approach to learning and rejuvenation. Perfect your surfing skills in the world-class waves of Marino Ballena National Park, guided by experienced instructors who prioritize ocean conservation. Find your flow in our open-air yoga studio, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Beyond the surf and yoga, savor delicious, wholesome meals, unwind in comfortable accommodations, and connect with like-minded individuals. Let Bodhi Surf + Yoga be your sanctuary for personal growth, mindfulness, and unforgettable memories.
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Nestled in a prime location for surfing and dining, Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp offers a blend of tranquility and adventure. While the proximity to traffic can be a source of noise, the serene, community-focused atmosphere has earned high marks.
Guests rave about the clean, well-appointed rooms with comfortable bedding, though some suggest that the lack of air conditioning can be a drawback during warmer periods. The hotel's standout features include diverse amenities such as yoga and surfing, complemented by a Pura Vida vibe and consistently praised personalized service.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Comfortable
Cleanliness
Pristine
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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Perfect mixture of surfing and yoga. The yoga lessons with Pilar were some of the best I've ever experienced and co.pleme ted surfing perfectly. Both of our surf instructors, Dennis and Jimena, are first, really good instructors with lots of patience and grace and second, also really good surfers. An added bonus were the two photo session with Allie who is one of the nicest people! The provided breakfast was delicious and the dinner (when it was included) was equally amazing. Also: there was always enough since I eat a lot :-) The rooms and entire property are in incredible shape and well maintained, location is convenient if slightly loud due to the street with all the motorbikes right next to it. Bed was really comfortable as well. Overall: highly recommended!
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded Sep 16, 2024
Thank you for spending a week surfing and doing yoga with us. We enjoyed having you with us. It's so great to learn that you felt it was the perfect week and getaway; you were able to release stress, experience an ideal mixture of surf + yoga, receive great instruction, meet nice people, have delicious breakfast and dinner, and enjoy the rooms and property. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and the world, we look forward to having you again. Please note: Guest stayed in Room Dharma which is closest to the public street.
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How can I adequately put this into words. Simply put: go!
Allow yourself to experience an authentic community of ocean advocates, conscientious individuals who are passionate about offering each guest a unique opportunity to immerse into a culture of love. Love of the ocean. Love of family. Love of the local community. Love of health. Love of the planet. Love of life.
I’m not sure I’ve ever felt more cared for in my life. This was the biggest blessing of my time at Bodhi. As a therapist and a mother I often find I am more concerned with the care of others. The opportunity to receive was a huge gift.
Travis & Pilar and their team will welcome you with open arms and open hearts. Go with an open mind. This is not a tourist’s version of Costa Rica. This is a genuine representation of authenticity and local culture.
My cup runs over! Stephanie
“Smile while you paddle” -Travis
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded Sep 18, 2023
Thanks so much for sharing your feelings about the experience here! We are so grateful that we had an opportunity to spend time with you. Bodhi is truly a "love story" and your testimonial sparked the fire to keep us serving each guest with passion. We look forward to having you again, and again and always with a ton of Bodhi Love. Appreciatively - Team Bodhi Surf + Yoga
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This has been the second time I've had the pleasure of staying at Bodhi and the experience has only gotten better. To start off every morning a fresh traditional breakfast is prepared. It is served buffet style so you are able to pick and choose what you would like. All the breakfasts were served with fresh fruits. Although I have an allergy to dairy I didn't have to worry about this as the chef is very accommodating to all dietary requirements, including veganism. It is shared with all of the people staying at the resort so it is a good time to get to know fellow retreaters and socialise. Depending on the schedule that day it is either time for surfing or yoga next. With multiple surf instructors at each lesson it doesn't matter how experienced you are as different experience levels are put with different instructors to ensure everyone is learning something new and gets the most out of the lessons. In the lessons you are taught how to read the waves as well as the weather to ensure you are only going into the surf when it is safe to do so. Yoga is a nice way to unwind after the more adrenaline spiking surf lesson. The yoga sessions again are suited to all, whether you have already taken some classes or if you've never stepped foot on a yoga mat, it is a good opportunity to relax and appreciate the space you are in. Location wise it is very close to an assortment of restaurants and the friendly staff are more than willing to help find excursions in the area to do when there is free time. There are many unique tours that take place in the area, such as a 'coconut tour' which is highly recommended. There also other options such as a tour of a local coral lab and a visit to a nearby animal sanctuary. There is also a scheduled trip to a local waterfall which allows you to experience more of the area. With much greenery around you are able to wake up to the sounds of the wild birds outside. There are also many opportunities to see other wildlife as the surf location is in a national park, so you'll often see monkeys in the canopy above. Overall I could not recommend Bodhi enough. It is very family friendly and perfect for solo travellers who want to explore outside of the resort as the area is very safe and locals very friendly. With organised pick up from the airport it is a stress free option to surf, relax and explore what Costa Rica has to offer!
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded Oct 15, 2024
Thank you for choosing to stay with us again! It was great sharing our passion for surfing, yoga, nature, and community engagement with you. We look forward to having you with us again soon. It's great to know that overall you loved your experience with us and you felt we are family-friendly and perfect for solo travellers. It's also nice to hear that you felt the area is very safe and locals very friendly and the surf + yoga vacation was a stress-free option to surf, relax, and explore what Costa Rica has to offer! In service - Team Bodhi Surf + Yoga
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If you’ve ever wanted to feel welcomed, safe, rejuvenated, and joyful, I highly recommend staying at Bodhi! I booked a last minute week-long stay at Bodhi simply to accompany my uncle who wanted to take a trip to Costa Rica to bodysurf for his 60th birthday. I had fully intended to just do the yoga classes offered throughout the week and read a book on the beach while my uncle bodysurfed. However, with the gentle encouragement of the Bodhi surf instructors, James and George, I ended up learning how to bodysurf the whole week and even overcame my fear of swimming out into bigger waves. The beach we were at was the perfect spot for beginners and not crowded at all. I had so much fun and couldn’t stop smiling.
From the moment my uncle and I stepped off of the shuttle bus into Bodhi, we were welcomed by incredibly warm and friendly staff who felt like dear friends and family during the week. I loved the attention to detail in the design and upkeep of the property, the genuine and thoughtful hospitality throughout our stay, and the flexibility of the schedule based on our interests and needs. Bodhi staff never pressured us to do anything we didn’t want to do. On one of the days we were feeling tired, they adjusted the schedule to shorten our yoga session and book us massages. The surf and yoga instructors do a great job of balancing pushing you out of your comfort zone while still making things feel relaxing, comfortable, and fun.
Bodhi also does a great job of making you feel like you’re connected to the surrounding community in Uvita. The community tour of the town was so memorable. I loved being able to pick fresh fruit from trees on the road and learning about the history and culture of Uvita. By the end of the week, I started feeling like a local. Bodhi is located in a great area of Costa Rica and as a brown Asian-American woman, I felt 100% safe walking around the streets of the town on my own. Uvita is such a gem, just like Bodhi and the people who run it. I loved my experience here and hope to come back soon ☺️
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded Apr 19, 2024
We really appreciate you choosing to spend time with us! Thank you for sharing this thoughtful and thorough testimonial. We always put our best foot forward and live and work passionately to serve and we are happy that you felt the warm and friendly spirit of the Bodhi Surf + Yoga team. We are excited to have you back again, continue learning with you, grow from the challenges, and connect with Mother Ocean and Mother Earth. See you soon! Sincerely - Team Bodhi Surf + Yoga
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I travelled solo for a week of bodysurfing and thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bodhi Surf. The accommodations are simple yet beautiful - nothing wasteful here. The staff and instructors are gracious and generous and the warm family/community atmosphere of the place speaks for itself.
I was in room Armonia which I found is perfect for the solo traveller. The rooms come equipped with bath and beach towels and shampoo, conditioner so no need to bring those with you. And it was comfortable enough to sleep at night (in Nov/Dec) with the fans to keep the heat at bay.
One of my favourite times of the day was the breakfast meal when guests and instructors sat down together to relax and mingle over great food before dashing off for a surf session. The surf sessions were superb. I was the only one of our group there for bodysurfing and I had the time of my life!! It is an experience like no other. Highly recommended if you are looking for bodysurf instruction – this is the only place I know that does it and does it well. Travis helped me progress beyond my expectations and…..to be continued, as I plan to return for more.
Thanks to the entire Bodhi Surf family for a stellar week! (I wish it had been two instead of just one.)
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded Dec 22, 2023
Sliding down the waves with you was a blast. We enjoyed sharing our passion for Mother Ocean via bodysurfing with you and look forward to diving deeper into the experience soon. It makes us happy to learn that you felt the staff and instructors were gracious and generous and that you felt the warm family/community atmosphere of Bodhi Surf + Yoga and our greater community. Thanks for joining us! Slide on my friend and we will have you for 2 weeks in 2024. Sincerely - Team Bodhi Surf + Yoga
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I had a wonderful time at Bodhi and the staff could not have been more lovely! The schedule was very thoughtfully put together so that you have the perfect balance of planned activities and time to explore the cute beach town. I have very little surfing experience but they got me standing up by day 2 and by day 5 I was paddling out for green waves and catching some pretty big ones all the way into shore. The food was exquisite and fresh and nourishing and the lodgings were fantastic - I highly recommend bungalow gratitud since it has lots of shade and is nice and quiet and has a nice kitchen area.
A few things to know: - If flying in from San Jose, try to get a shuttle. I rented a car and drove and it was pretty scary driving at night with no street lights through the mountains, and apparently drunk driving is quite common. Having a car is nice to be able to do things but there is plenty within walking or biking distance of Bodhi. - There is construction noise in the area with homes being developed and landscaping work being done, so this might distract a bit from the yoga sessions, but it didn't ruin the experience for me. If you're looking for a totally silent, meditative yoga retreat, you might need to go to a more remote location. For me, the yoga was led by a very capable instructor and I was able to relax, but I found the surf to be the highlight and focus of the trip. - There is no air conditioning, but with fans in the rooms it is possible to get good sleep, even for someone like me who typically sets the AC to cold. - The sun is dangerously powerful here. Bring plenty of sunscreen! Bodhi is great about bringing sunscreen for you to the beach but you should wear it everywhere. - Consider bringing a rash guard. I bought some mens surf leggings and they kept my knees protected from the surfboard and offered UPF50 sun protection. I also brought several rash guard shirts with UPF50 sun protection. A surf hat is also a good idea but you can borrow one from Bodhi. - Sign up for the coconut tour, it's amazing!!!
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Date of stay: December 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded 4 weeks ago
We're so thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful time at Bodhi! Thank you for sharing such a detailed and helpful review. It means the world to us that you enjoyed the balance of activities and free time, and that you progressed so quickly with your surfing – getting you up on day two and catching green waves by day five is fantastic! We're also delighted you loved the food and your bungalow, Gratitud. We really appreciate you highlighting some important points for future guests: Transportation: The 7 and 14 day experiences include transportation to and from Bodhi Surf + Yoga and your advice about taking them is spot on. While having a car offers flexibility, night driving can be challenging, amongst other challenges like traffic, windy roads, etc. 99% of our guests take the included transportation services we offer. Construction: We acknowledge the ongoing development in the area and appreciate your understanding. We strive to create a peaceful environment despite this, and we're glad it didn't detract significantly from your experience. Accommodation: Thank you for mentioning the fans and confirming they provide sufficient comfort. We're committed to providing comfortable lodgings while minimizing our environmental impact. Sun Protection: Your emphasis on sun protection is crucial! We're glad you appreciated the sunscreen we provide at the beach and that you're encouraging others to be diligent about sun safety. We also appreciate the tips on rash guards, surf leggings, and hats – excellent advice for anyone planning to spend time in the water. Coconut Tour: We're so happy you enjoyed the coconut tour! It's a guest favorite, and we're glad you recommend it. We're so grateful for your feedback and can't wait to welcome you back to Bodhi! Appreciatively - Team Bodhi Surf + Yoga
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Communication before, during, and after our stay was exceptional. I would like to highlight George and everything he did to make us feel so welcomed. The Yoga and Surf sessions were superb. The ambiance of the property was clean and peaceful, and the locally inspired meals were catered specifically to our dietary restrictions. The web page for Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp is full of helpful information. Visit the web site, and I attest they live up to their business philosophy. Thank you everyone! We hope to come back.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded Jan 22, 2024
We appreciate that you felt our communication before, during, and after your experience was exceptional. It is also so great to hear that George made you feel welcome, that the yoga and surf were superb, that the ambiance of the property was clean and peaceful, and that the locally made meals catered to your dietary restrictions. We look forward to having you back at Bodhi Surf + Yoga for more than a week. Appreciatively - Team Bodhi Surf + Yoga
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It was a family vacation in which we had space to share with members of Bodhi Surf & Yoga as a family. My children, 14 and 9, received surf lessons, which they enjoyed very much, the food was delicious, and we truly returned with a change of energy. The lodge is a small gem in which nothing is missing, the gardens are well designed, the rooms are spacious, cool, well ventilated, with corners to accommodate luggage and dry wet clothes, a pool to cool down and everything absolutely flawless. The food is delicious and balanced, everything is made instantly with fresh ingredients, which has a result full of flavor. The service is simply unbeatable, the hosts are aware of every detail and need. For my children learning to surf was like acquiring a new superpower.
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Date of stay: July 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bodhi Surf & Yoga was an excellent experience from the friendly staff and instructor's, the amazing food served, to the clean rooms and comfortable beds. Bodhi is an oasis, with well maintained beautiful grounds next to a jungle, making for some great listening and viewing of tropical birds and animals nearby. The surf and yoga sessions were great. The instructors capable and professional on and off the water, our group was well taken care of and we all progressed in our surf skills. Yoga was relaxing and restorative. The Pura Vida vibe was contagious and I highly recommend the experience.
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Date of stay: December 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded Dec 16, 2024
We're so glad to hear you had such a positive experience at Bodhi Surf & Yoga! It's wonderful to know that our team, accommodations, and activities exceeded your expectations. We're committed to providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for all our guests, and your feedback confirms that we're on the right track. Thanks for contributing to the experience with your wealth of knowledge and skills. Appreciatively - The Bodhi Surf + Yoga Team
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Bodhi Surf & Yoga delivers a top notch unforgettable experience. The Bodhi rooms and grounds are pristine, the freshly prepared meals were delicious and the staff could not have been more inviting and professional. The surf instruction was easy to follow and provided sufficient instruction to start riding waves. The yoga classes and instruction were perfect to accommodate a beginner to advanced level and left me feeling relaxed & energized. I look forward to my return.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Travis Bays, Owner at Bodhi Surf + Yoga Camp
Responded Mar 21, 2023
We appreciate that you felt Bodhi Surf + Yoga experience was, as you write, "Excellent - Bodhi delivers an all-around unforgettable experience." Our staff works hard to make sure the rooms and grounds are pristine, and that food is delicious and fresh. We are happy to hear you felt the same. We also take great pride in developing our surf and yoga instruction so it is easy to follow and can accommodate each person's needs. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. We look forward to having you return soon again! Pura Vida, Team Bodhi Surf + Yoga
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There are more places to choose from in the Uvita area.
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of PuntarenasUvita
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
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