Cancelations & Refunds
Deposit & refund rules
Deposits are refundable up until 90 days before to your retreat start date.
Within 90 days to your retreat start date, you may transfer your deposit to another person or another retreat, but it will not be refunded upon cancelation.
Retreats that are canceled after 90 days, but before 45 days will receive a refund of the balance (excluding the deposit).
Within 45 days to your retreat start date, you may transfer your place to another person or another retreat, but it will not be refunded.
Final payment due date
Final payments are due 45 days before your retreat start date.
Failure to pay by the deadline means forfeiture of your deposit and place on the retreat.
No shows
No shows forfeit their payment for the retreat.
No refund or transfer to another retreat is permitted.
Minimum participant requirements
Siempre Olas Retreats are subject to a minimum participant quota.
If there are less than 2 guests booked for a retreat, Siempre Olas Retreat reserves the right to cancel the retreat.
This decision will be made 60 days before your retreat start date and your deposit will be refunded (this is the only event in which your deposit will be refunded within the 90 day window).
We recommend either waiting to book your flights or booking a flexible ticket.
Force majeure
Siempre Olas Retreats is not responsible for delays, changes, cancellations, losses, or inability to operate caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, severe weather, pandemics, government restrictions, transportation disruptions, civil unrest, power outages, or other force majeure events.
If a retreat must be postponed, modified, or cancelled due to a force majeure event, we reserve the right to:
Reschedule the retreat to a future date
Offer a retreat credit
Adjust the itinerary or accommodations as necessary for safety and operational reasons
Refunds may not be available for costs already incurred or non-recoverable third-party expenses, including accommodations, transportation, activity bookings, or administrative costs.
Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, medical emergencies, and force majeure events.
By booking with us, you acknowledge and accept the inherent unpredictability of travel and retreat operations.
Terms & Conditions
Booking agreement
By submitting a booking and/or payment for any retreat, experience, or service offered by Siempre Olas Retreats, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.
A booking is considered confirmed once the required deposit or full payment has been received. By confirming your booking, you agree to:
comply with all retreat rules, policies, and instructions
make payments by the stated deadlines
accept the risks associated with travel, outdoor activities, and surfing
take personal responsibility for your health, safety, belongings, and travel arrangements
respect fellow guests, staff, local communities, and accommodations
provide a photo or scan of your passport to your retreat host on arrival
You understand that participation in retreat activities is voluntary and may involve inherent risks, including but not limited to physical injury, illness, travel disruptions, ocean conditions, weather conditions, and equipment-related incidents.
You acknowledge that itinerary details, accommodations, instructors, transportation, and activities may change when necessary due to weather, safety considerations, operational requirements, or circumstances beyond our control.
Failure to comply with retreat policies or behavior deemed unsafe, disruptive, abusive, illegal, or harmful may result in removal from the retreat without refund.
Age requirements
Siempre Olas Retreats accepts guests from the age of 16.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
If the accompanying adult is not a parent or legal guardian, a consent form should be provided at the time of booking.
By booking with us, you confirm that:
you are at least 18 years old, or have consent from a legal guardian
the information you provide is accurate
you are medically and physically fit to participate, or have disclosed any relevant conditions in advance
Passport & visa responsibility
Guests are solely responsible for ensuring they possess valid passports, visas, entry permits, vaccination records, and any other documentation required for travel to and from the retreat destination.
Passports must be valid for the minimum period required by the destination country and any transit countries. It is the guest’s responsibility to check and comply with all immigration, customs, health, and entry requirements before travel.
Siempre Olas Retreats are not responsible for denied boarding, refused entry, missed flights, delays, additional expenses, or cancellations resulting from incomplete, expired, or incorrect travel documentation.
Any losses incurred due to failure to obtain proper travel documents, visas, or entry approvals are the sole responsibility of the guest and remain subject to our cancelation policy.
Guests are encouraged to verify current travel requirements directly with the relevant government authorities or embassies prior to departure.
Assumption of risk
By participating in our retreats, surf sessions, excursions, and related activities, you acknowledge and accept that participation involves inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated, regardless of the level of care taken by organizers, instructors, guides, or staff.
These risks may include, but are not limited to:
ocean and surf conditions
strong currents, tides, reefs, rocks, and marine life
changing weather conditions
physical exertion and fatigue
transportation-related incidents
equipment failure or misuse
slips, falls, collisions, or other accidents
illness, injury, or medical emergencies
You voluntarily assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, damages, losses, or expenses that may occur as a result of participating in retreat activities, whether on land, in the water, during transportation, or at accommodations.
You acknowledge that surfing and ocean-based activities are physically demanding and that you are responsible for participating only within your own skill level and physical capability.
By booking and participating, you confirm that:
you are physically and mentally capable of participating safely
you disclose any injuries prior to the retreat start date
you will follow all safety instructions provided by staff and instructors
you understand that conditions may change rapidly and activities may be modified or cancelled for safety reasons
you participate voluntarily and at your own risk
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Siempre Olas Retreats, its owners, employees, contractors, instructors, affiliates, and partners shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, accident, delay, or expense arising from participation in retreat activities, except where caused by gross negligence or unlawful conduct.
Guests are strongly encouraged to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance prior to travel.
Payment obligations
By submitting a booking, you agree to pay all applicable fees associated with your retreat, accommodation, and activities.
A booking is not confirmed until the required deposit or full payment has been received. Remaining balances must be paid by the stated payment deadline communicated at the time of booking.
Failure to complete payment by the due date may result in cancelation of your reservation and forfeiture of any deposits previously paid.
All prices are listed in USD unless otherwise stated and may be subject to applicable taxes, processing fees, bank charges, or currency conversion fees imposed by your payment provider.
Guests are responsible for ensuring that payment information provided is accurate and authorized for use. Any declined payments, chargebacks, or unpaid balances remain the responsibility of the guest.
We reserve the right to:
refuse or cancel bookings with incomplete or failed payments
correct pricing errors or inaccuracies
modify pricing for future bookings at any time without prior notice
Any additional costs incurred during the retreat, including activities not included in the retreat, transportation (excluding to activities and collection from either Golfito or Paso Canoas), damages, personal expenses, or incidental charges, are the sole responsibility of the guest.
Behavior expectations
We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment for all guests, staff, instructors, and members of the local community.
By participating in our retreats, you agree to behave respectfully and responsibly at all times. Guests are expected to:
treat others with kindness, respect, and consideration
follow all safety instructions and retreat guidelines
respect local customs, communities, accommodations, and natural environments
act responsibly during surf sessions, excursions, transportation, and group activities
avoid behavior that is disruptive, rude, aggressive, discriminatory, abusive, unsafe, or illegal
Excessive intoxication, harassment, violence, reckless conduct, damage to property, or behavior that negatively impacts the experience or safety of others will not be tolerated.
Guests are financially responsible for any damage, loss, or additional costs caused by their actions during the retreat.
We encourage all participants to contribute to a positive, relaxed, and respectful atmosphere that aligns with the values and intention of the retreat experience.
Removal of retreat guests
Siempre Olas Retreats reserves the right to refuse participation, remove, or terminate the stay of any guest at any time if their behavior is considered unsafe, disruptive, abusive, illegal, reckless, or inconsistent with the values, policies, or safety standards of the retreat.
In such cases, Siempre Olas Retreats may cancel the guest’s participation immediately and without refund, including any unused portion of the retreat.
Any additional costs arising from removal from the retreat, including transportation, accommodations, or related expenses, will be the sole responsibility of the guest.
In the event that a guest is terminated from a retreat, they are required to remove themselves and their belongings from the retreat venue at a stated time. If the guest returns to the property without permission after this time to use the facilities, they will be considered to be trespassing and the police will be called.
Siempre Olas Retreats reserves the right to make decisions regarding guest conduct at our sole discretion in the interest of maintaining a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
Intellectual property
All content associated with Siempre Olas Retreats, including but not limited to logos, branding, website content, photographs, videos, graphics, written materials, itineraries, designs, and promotional materials, is the intellectual property of Siempre Olas Retreats unless otherwise stated.
This content may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, modified, published, transmitted, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission.
Guests may not use our name, branding, media, or content in a misleading, defamatory, or unauthorized manner.
Any photographs, videos, or media captured by us during retreats remain the property of Siempre Olas Retreats and may be used for marketing, promotional, website, and social media purposes unless a guest requests otherwise in writing prior to the retreat.
Guests retain ownership of their own personal content captured during the retreat, however, by tagging, submitting, or sharing content directly with us, you grant Siempre Olas Retreats permission to repost or share that content for promotional purposes unless otherwise requested.
Unauthorized use of our intellectual property may result in legal action where permitted by law.
Transportation policy
Transportation provided by Siempre Olas Retreats is intended solely for scheduled retreat activities and designated group transfers included as part of the retreat experience.
We offer guest pickup and drop-off services from Golfito and Paso Canoas at the recommended arrival and departure times communicated prior to the retreat. Guests arriving or departing outside these recommended times may be accommodated where possible, however, transportation outside scheduled transfer times cannot be guaranteed.
If alternative transportation is required outside the designated pickup and drop-off schedule, guests may be responsible for arranging and covering the cost of private transportation, taxis, or shuttle services. We are happy to provide local transport contacts and recommendations where available.
The retreat vehicle is reserved for organized retreat activities, scheduled group outings, and official retreat operations only. Guests are not permitted to use the retreat vehicle independently or request private transport outside scheduled retreat programming.
Any optional activities, personal outings, errands, or independent travel outside the retreat itinerary are the sole responsibility of the guest, including transportation arrangements and associated costs.
While we aim to assist guests where reasonably possible, transportation availability in remote areas may be limited and flexibility may be required.
Meals & menu flexibility
We aim to provide fresh, nourishing meals using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Due to the nature of sourcing fresh produce and ingredients in remote areas, menus are subject to change based on availability, seasonality, weather conditions, supplier access, and other operational factors.
While we do our best to accommodate dietary preferences and communicated dietary restrictions, we cannot guarantee the availability of specific ingredients, meals, brands, or menu items at all times.
Guests are encouraged to notify us of any allergies or dietary requirements prior to the retreat. Although reasonable care is taken in meal preparation, we cannot guarantee allergen-free environments.
We appreciate guests’ flexibility and understanding as part of supporting local sourcing, seasonal cooking, and the unique nature of retreat experiences in remote destinations.
Itinerary changes & participation
Our retreats operate with a planned itinerary designed to provide the best possible experience based on local knowledge, surf conditions, weather, tides, and operational considerations.
However, due to the nature of surf travel and outdoor activities, schedules, locations, activities, and timing may need to be adjusted, modified, postponed, or cancelled at short notice for safety, weather, ocean conditions, transportation issues, or other circumstances beyond our control.
We reserve the right to make itinerary changes when necessary in the interest of guest safety, group experience, or operational requirements.
Retreat itineraries are curated as group experiences and are not customized based on individual guest preferences or requests. Guests are welcome to participate in as many or as few scheduled activities as they choose, however, opting out of activities does not entitle guests to refunds, credits, substitutions, or alternative private arrangements unless otherwise stated.
We encourage flexibility, open-mindedness, and understanding as part of the retreat experience, particularly in remote surf destinations where conditions can change rapidly.
Code of Conduct
At Siempre Olas Retreats, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment where all guests can relax, surf, connect, and enjoy the experience.
By participating in our retreats, all guests agree to uphold the following standards of conduct.
Respect for others
Guests are expected to treat fellow participants, staff, instructors, accommodation partners, drivers, guides, and members of the local community with kindness, respect, and consideration at all times.
Costa Rica is a conservative and religious country, with many in the Pavones community following these practices. Sexual related comments or jokes towards locals (including vendors, guides or drivers) is not tolerated and you will be asked to leave the activity if this type of behavior occurs.
Coercive behavior towards other guests is inappropriate and unacceptable. This includes pressuring other guests to take part in any activities, situations or experiences that they are not comfortable with. Any guest who experiences this is encouraged to report it immediately to the retreat host.
Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, abusive language, unwanted advances, or inappropriate behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
Safety & responsibility
Guests must:
follow all safety instructions provided by retreat staff and instructors
participate only within their own physical ability and surf skill level
act responsibly during surf sessions, transportation, excursions, and group activities
immediately communicate any injuries, medical concerns, or unsafe conditions to staff
Reckless, dangerous, or disruptive behavior that puts yourself or others at risk is prohibited.
Alcohol & substance use
We encourage a balanced, mindful, and respectful retreat environment.
Excessive intoxication, illegal drug use, or behavior that negatively impacts the safety, comfort, or experience of others will not be tolerated.
Smoking of any kind is not permitted at the retreat venue.
Guests are solely responsible for their personal choices and conduct regarding alcohol consumption.
Respect for property & environment
Guests are expected to:
respect accommodations, vehicles, equipment, and shared spaces
avoid damage, theft, or misuse of property
help maintain clean and respectful communal areas
respect local customs, wildlife, beaches, and natural environments
Any damages caused by a guest may result in financial responsibility for repairs or replacement.
Inclusivity
We aim to foster a welcoming environment for people of different backgrounds, identities, cultures, and experience levels.
Discrimination or exclusionary behavior based on race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, personal identity or political/religious beliefs will not be tolerated.
Photography & privacy
Please be respectful when photographing or filming others during the retreat.
Always seek consent before sharing identifiable images or videos of other guests publicly.
Women’s retreat environment & outside guests
This retreat is intentionally designed as a women-focused space intended to foster comfort, safety, connection, relaxation, and community among participants.
To respect the experience and privacy of all guests:
outside visitors or unregistered guests are not permitted at retreat accommodations or organized retreat activities without prior written approval from retreat organizers
guests may not invite friends, partners, dates, or acquaintances onto retreat property or into shared retreat spaces
participants are expected to help maintain the supportive and respectful environment that the retreat is designed to create
We ask all guests to be mindful of the group dynamic and respectful of the purpose and intention of the retreat experience.
Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from retreat activities or termination of participation without refund.
Personal time & group expectations
While our retreats are designed to encourage connection and community, we also respect that each guest may have different needs, energy levels, routines, and personal boundaries throughout the experience.
Free time between scheduled activities is intended to allow guests flexibility to rest, work remotely, explore independently, reflect, socialize, or spend time alone as they choose.
Guests are encouraged to:
respect one another’s personal space, downtime, and individual preferences
avoid placing pressure or expectations on others to socialize or participate outside scheduled retreat activities
communicate openly and respectfully regarding boundaries and personal needs
We aim to create an environment where guests feel equally comfortable engaging socially, taking quiet time alone, or balancing personal responsibilities during the retreat.
Communication & conflict resolution
Siempre Olas Retreats strives to maintain a positive, respectful, and supportive environment for all guests. If any concerns, discomfort, conflicts, or issues arise during the retreat, guests are expected to communicate directly with the retreat host or staff so that concerns can be addressed appropriately and professionally.
Feedback is incredibly valued and retreat staff will work to address any concerns immediately.
Guests are asked not to create tension within the group by repeatedly complaining to other participants, involving other guests in personal grievances, or engaging in gossip, hostility, or behavior that negatively impacts the retreat atmosphere.
Siempre Olas Retreats encourages respectful, honest, and constructive communication and will always do our best to resolve concerns fairly and thoughtfully.
Any behavior that creates ongoing conflict, discomfort, division, or disruption within the group may be addressed by retreat staff and, where necessary, may result in removal from activities or termination of participation without refund.