Reviews & Testimonials
“This is one of the best family trips we have ever taken. From the beginning planning meetings to the very end I was always taken care of and the service was so thorough. We will be repeat customers no doubt. Every detail of our trip to Costa Rica was planned perfectly. We had no hiccups and I could communicate the entire time I was on vacation if I had any questions. You will not regret working with Lush Palm.”
“Tara put together an absolutely amazing trip to Nosara. I have worked with a lot of travel professionals in my business setting and Tara is easily the most professional and thorough I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Every aspect of the trip was thoughtfully planned and all we had to do was show up and have fun. We have already planned our next trip to the Maldives with Lush Palm and I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking an amazing surf trip with friends or family.”
“Lush Palm epitomizes excellence in surf vacation planning. They partner with world-class resorts and experts, and facilitate really unique and meaningful surf experiences. Their dedication to my surf progression has helped me reach my goals while having a unique and memorable holiday. Eric has given me well-rounded trips and advice, that shows a next level personal commitment to my surf journey. From beginners to experts, their tailored approach caters to all levels. I regularly book trips with them because of the unforgettable surf adventures they offer.”
“My experience with Lush Palm was, in one word: epic!
Exceeds expectations!
The first moment of contact with Eric from the Lush Palm team was warm, helpful and chill. As a solo traveler, the team provided me with tips to enjoy a few wonderful days elsewhere in Costa Rica prior to the trip.
I was an absolute beginner participating in this surf & yoga retreat. I was guided very well by experienced and very passionate people. As a result, I quickly mastered all the basic techniques, experienced and understood how to ‘read’ the waves, which gave me a comfortable and safe feeling to make rapid progress.
The different surfing sessions were varied, in different places, so we also saw a bit more of the area. When we returned to the beautiful design villa, we were completely pampered. We could chill at an infinity pool with a dream view and were surprised with the tastiest dishes by real private chefs at breakfast, lunch and dinner. My gluten-free diet was taken into account. We also had dinner at local restaurants two evenings, which was very enjoyable and fun.
The villa was fully equipped, from a wonderful bed and nice bathroom to all the luxury you could wish for. Also a good internet connection, if you want to work (which is actually a waste of time there :-)) and wonderful relaxing yoga sessions that are very welcome after the strenuous surfing sessions.
I could go on for hours, but long story short: If you are considering a trip to learn to surf and make rapid progress, do you want to be completely pampered and experience true luxury? Then you’ve come to the right place with Eric & Tara from the Lush Palm team. They complete this trip by acting as a great host, taking care of the group and bringing them together in a relaxed way. I will definitely go again and continue surfing now, in slightly colder water closer to home. I’ve really gotten a taste for it.”
“One of the best holidays of my life! I went on this retreat with the intention to learn how to surf and to obtain enough skill to continue my progress on my own. And boy did they deliver, I went from having pretty much no experience on a board to be surfing waves bigger than me in one week. I also experienced the best possible food, amazing yoga classes to help with my muscle recovery and a massage. Not to mention the incredible boat day.
After coming home I am now surfing on my own and have the skills to read waves, know the proper etiquette in the water and how to further my progression. So no matter what your experience is I highly recommend lush palm! No matter your skill level or your intention whether it’s learning or to have a little fun and relax this is the holiday for you!”
“My recent experience with Lush Palm exceeded all expectations for the perfect surf getaway. Led by the knowledgeable and passionate surfers from California, Eric and Tara, this retreat offered an unparalleled blend of luxury and adventure.
From the moment I arrived at our private villa, overlooking the stunning ocean vistas, I was captivated by the attention to detail and the impeccable service provided by the Lush Palm team. The surf coaching sessions with local surfers were personalized and empowering, catering to both beginners and seasoned surfers alike – and perfectly to my specific wants and needs.
One of the highlights of this retreat was the culinary experience. As someone with dietary restrictions, I was thrilled to find that the chefs at Lush Palm were more than accommodating, creating gourmet meals that surpassed all expectations. Dining under the stars, with the sound of the waves as our backdrop, felt like a dream come true.
The villa itself was a haven of tranquility, with luxurious amenities and breathtaking views at every turn. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort and satisfaction, making every moment of our stay truly unforgettable – to include massages, yoga, and even a rest day on a catamaran.
But what truly set this experience apart was the sense of community and camaraderie fostered by the Lush Palm team. Despite the lavish surroundings, there was a genuine warmth and inclusivity that made me feel like part of a family from the moment I arrived.
I cannot recommend Lush Palm highly enough for anyone seeking the ultimate surf retreat. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer looking to hone your skills or a novice eager to learn, Lush Palm Costa Rica offers a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and genuine hospitality that is second to none. Prepare to be pampered, inspired, and utterly enchanted by the magic of Lush Palm and the entire team.”
“How many words do I get? This trip was awesome and I could go on and on. I went in thinking this was the most expensive bunk I’d ever rented, but midway through the week I couldn’t believe how much value Lush Palm delivered for the price.
The house was DOPE, the private chefs made amazing food (and cleaned up), Eric and Tara and Julio did a great job getting us to the right breaks at the right tide.
I’ve been a mediocre surfer for a couple of decades, and it was hard for me to let someone else plan everything, but they got us locked into the best waves on offer each day. We surfed 12x in 7 days (yeah, I was WRECKED after), and scored on 8.5 of those sessions. That’s better than a 75% hit rate, which I’ve never achieved traveling on my own.
And in-water coaching + vid review is amazing for advancement. Nobody ever told me how to surf before, and it helps! Abilities in our group ranged from 1 to 5 on the Lush Palm scale, but everyone got personalized coaching had had good rides at the right break for them.
Afternoon free surf sessions in Playa Negra were a 5 minute walk, followed by sunsets in the Infinity Pool and chef-prepared food. Afternoon catamaran ride midweek was a welcome rest with a great sunset. And I saw a monkey poop on pavement from maybe 25′ up. All-time trip!”
“An amazing experience. Fantastic hosts and staff plus the coaches were brilliant. The house was incredibly beautiful with amazing views, a short stroll to one of the surf breaks, and we were within 20 mins to 45 mins of a bunch of other surf spots so we got to see a bit of the local area. the boat trip excursion was about an Hour away and the full day experience was really worth it. Oh and the in house chefs and restaurants we went to were great so we had a full culinary experience as well.
This was my first time doing anything like this. I travelled solo as did the 4 other guests and i met some fantastic people. hope to return again and keep improving my surfing and meeting even more Fab people. Thanks Eric and Tara you spoilt us!!”
Epic surf trips, made easy.
At Lush Palm, we specialize in bespoke luxury surf trips, tailored to your surf level and preferences. Enjoy a 5-star surf vacation with insider surf intel, the best local surf coaches, stunning villas, talented private chefs, surf photography, and more. We’ve vetted and curated the crème de la crème at top surf destinations around the world and bring everything together to create dream surf getaways. Learn more.