There’s no such thing as booking your summer vacation too early. Every year, flights, resorts, and activities get booked up before we’ve even had a chance to land on the destination you will jet off to. This is why it’s crucial not to leave things to the last minute. Sure, you might be able to find a hotel with a pool and sub-par breakfast buffet, but the chances of securing beautiful accommodations in a highly sought-after destination are slim.
If you’re one to panic-book at the tail end of the summer months, consider making 2024 the year you do your homework and plan a fantastic summer vacation — and maybe even try dipping your toe into an activity you’ve never done before. So, where to?
Source: surfholidays.com
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Explore vibrant Costa Rica
Costa Rica is Central America’s beautiful heart of exploration and adventure, making it a fantastic destination choice for those looking for something a little different. With sprawling, verdant forests and golden coastlines flanked by two different oceans, it’s an incredibly versatile, tourist-friendly destination that brings together the best of many worlds.
Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, Costa Rica offers a wide variety of vacation options, from food and culture to adrenaline-fueled activities like zip lining and water rafting. It’s also a great spot to relax, reset, and unwind, and one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world.
What makes Costa Rica such a fantastic option for surfers is that the abundance of beaches means different spots for varying levels of ability. “With the right insider information, you can pick the right beach to surf at — depending on your skill level and the conditions of the day — to make sure you have the best time possible,” says Kjeld Schigt, founder of luxury surf camp Kalon Surf, which is based near Dominical and Manuel Antonio.
You can find surf breaks suitable for beginners, or more challenging spots to catch waves and tube ride towering barrels. Not only this, but Costa Rica is also one of the most consistent surf spots in the world due to its geographical position, receiving swells from the Northern and Southern hemisphere depending on the time of the year. Its warmer waters also make it a pleasant surf camp location for people to learn the basics, so you won’t have to worry about falling off the board or getting “wiped out” during your summer vacation.
A luxury surfing experience
“Surfing, relaxing, eating fresh, gourmet prepared food. This is what we are all about,” says Schigt. Their all-inclusive resort is nestled in the Costa Rican jungle, offering stunning views of beautiful greenery, majestic mountains, roaring waves, and fiery sunsets.
At the resort, coaches teach proper technique and methodology for optimal enjoyment, confident that it will get guests “hooked for life.” Positioned just a 15-minute drive away from some of the country’s prime surfing spots, the location promises fewer crowds and breathtaking beauty.
“We aim to be the premier surf school and resort in the world,” Schigt says. “‘Work hard, play hard’ is at the center of what we do. With porcelain and ceramic floors, large glass windows, and a communal kitchen table, the Kalon mansion has a warm, open ambiance we know you’ll find inviting. You deserve the experience of paradise that this immersive resort has to offer.”
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Relax and rejuvenate
With all this in mind, surfing is a pretty intense full-body workout, and it’s not unusual to feel a little sore after your first couple days in the water. “One of the best things about surfing is that you don’t even realize how much it’s working your abs, legs, and arms,” says Schigt. It’s the perfect activity to get you fully present in the moment, so surfers often don’t even feel how hard their body has worked until the next day. “That’s why we prioritize relaxation as much as our surf sessions, and you can find plenty of opportunities to fuel yourself with organic meals, restorative pilates, a relaxing midweek massage, or a lazy sunbathing day on the beach,” he adds.
The resort holds three zen yoga classes on the deck per week, where yogis can feel calm and peaceful while surrounded by a beautiful, secluded jungle. There are also a whole host of spa treatments on offer, from deep tissue massages for knotted muscles, hot stone treatment for ultimate relaxation, and facials for those sun, sea, and saltwater beaten faces. There are even couple’s treatments for romantic, escapist getaways. If that’s not enough, you can make special requests about stretching sessions and massages throughout the whole week of your stay, so you will leave feeling truly refreshed and recovered.
And for when you really need to do nothing, guests can take an evening dip in the beautiful infinity pool, curl up with a good book on their private balconies’ rocking chair under a mango tree, or enjoy a fresh juice or alcoholic beverage at any time from the open kitchen.
Source: kimkim.com
Don’t miss out — book ahead
We’ve all been there: after seeking out something to do on vacation, besides topping up the tan and dipping in the pool, we quickly find the most popular activities have been booked up months in advance. You’re also likely to find yourself caught up in crowds of tourists who have made the same mistake as you — you don’t have to be that person this year.
“There is a distinct lack of mass tourism at our surf school,” says Schigt. “It’s a wonderful place to be, and our resort is inspired by it.” Booking ahead allows guests to enjoy all-inclusive, gourmet food, along with opportunities to relax and unwind in whatever way feels best for you.
“Whether you are a complete beginner, experienced surfer, or novice looking to improve their skills, we want guests to have one of the best weeks of their lives, and it shows through the work that our staff does,” Schigt adds. “All of this can be enjoyed by thinking ahead and booking in advance.” Surf’s up!
