Surf & therapeutic writing retreat: December 1st-6th
Salt & Story
Salt & Story is a sacred return—to the ocean, to your voice, and to the parts of yourself ready to be felt, expressed, and remembered.
Salt & Story
Surf & therapeutic writing retreat: December 1st-6th
Salt & Story is a sacred return—to the ocean, to your voice, and to the parts of yourself ready to be felt, expressed, and remembered.
Co-led by world-renowned surf champion Gilbert Brown and published author and therapeutic writing guide Tenie Zarifian, this 6-day retreat weaves together two powerful practices: surfing and self-expression.
Co-led by world-renowned surf champion Gilbert Brown and published author and therapeutic writing guide Tenie Zarifian, this 6-day retreat weaves together two powerful practices: surfing and self-expression..
Surf & Self-Expression
The heart of the retreat
In surfing, you learn to feel—to trust the body, the timing, and the wave. You don’t control the ocean; you move with it. You fall, rise, paddle out again. There’s a rhythm of resilience.
In therapeutic writing, you do the same. You meet the page with honesty, let go of perfection, and allow the story to rise. It’s not about performance—it’s about truth. Feeling what’s real. Riding the wave of your own inner world without turning away.
Both require showing up, again and again. Both invite you to face fear, stay curious, and let go.
And both bring you home to yourself—one through saltwater, and one through story.
The heart of the retreat
Surf & Self Expression
In surfing, you learn to feel—to trust the body, the timing, and the wave. You don’t control the ocean; you move with it. You fall, rise, paddle out again. There’s a rhythm of resilience.
In therapeutic writing, you do the same. You meet the page with honesty, let go of perfection, and allow the story to rise. It’s not about performance—it’s about truth. Feeling what’s real. Riding the wave of your own inner world without turning away.
Both require showing up, again and again. Both invite you to face fear, stay curious, and let go.
And both bring you home to yourself—one through saltwater, and one through story.
This isn’t about being a perfect surfer or a perfect writer. It’s about returning to your body, your rhythm, and your truth. It’s about letting the wave move through you — on the outside and the inside. It’s about being witnessed and being free.
This isn’t about being a perfect surfer or a perfect writer. It’s about returning to your body, your rhythm, and your truth. It’s about letting the wave move through you—on the outside and the inside. It’s about being witnessed and being free.
Salt & Story is intentionally intimate
Salt & Story Retreat Experience
We’ll be sharing a beautiful home together—surfing, writing, resting, and returning to ourselves in community. Every stay includes full retreat access: surf coaching, Writing to Heal workshops, daily excursions, meals, and 5 nights accommodation.
Surf lessons
Surf immersion focused on presence, confidence, and learning to move with the ocean.
Daily Excursions
A gentle daily experience: waterfall visit, cacao ceremony, tide pool walk, creative expression, or spacious rest.
Writing Circles
Guided writing sessions with somatic grounding, reflective prompts, and supportive sharing in an intimate group setting.
Meals
Nourishing, local, and grounding. A gentle transition from surf to rest and reset.
Accomodations
5 Nights accommodation, in a private villa in the jungle of Jaco, Costa Rica.
Evening Ritual
Surf Analysis
Full video surf analysis including photography and videography.
Onsite Trails
River site and access to spa all located on site.
Choose Your Space at Salt & Story
Every stay includes full retreat access: surf coaching, Writing to Heal workshops, daily excursions, meals, and 5 nights accommodation. Choose the space that feels most aligned with how you want to experience the retreat.
Community Room
For the guest who feels nourished by connection and shared experience.
Shared Queen Room
For those who want comfort, softness, and the ease of sharing the journey together.
Private Queen Room
For the guest who values quiet space to rest, reflect, and integrate.
King Bed + Private Bathroom
For the guest craving spacious comfort and deeper restoration.
Choose Your Space at Salt & Story
Every stay includes full retreat access: surf coaching, Writing to Heal workshops, daily excursions, meals, and 5 nights accommodation.
Choose the space that feels most aligned with how you want to experience the retreat.
Community Room
For the guest who feels nourished by connection and shared experience.
Shared Queen Room
For those who want comfort, softness, and the ease of sharing the journey together.
Private Queen Room
For the guest who values quiet space to rest, reflect, and integrate.
King Bed + Private Bathroom
For the guest craving spacious comfort and deeper restoration.
Join Us in Jaco, Costa Rica
Salt & Story
All guests receive the same retreat experience.
Pricing reflects room type, privacy, and bed configuration only.
Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join Us in Jaco, Costa Rica
Salt & Story
All guests receive the same retreat experience.
Pricing reflects room type, privacy, and bed configuration only.
Rooms are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reserve Your Spot
Rest, rise, and rediscover your inner strength through a nurturing week of surf, story, and shared experience.
Reserve your spot for the retreat or get in touch if you have any questions.
Reserve Your Spot
King Bedroom + Private Bathroom
Our most spacious and private sanctuary, the Premium King Suite features a king bed and private ensuite bathroom for elevated comfort and deeper restoration.
Salt & Story Retreat Pricing
Solo Occupancy $3,950
Couple/Double Occupancy $7,200
Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure yours, please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
Private Queen Room
Our most peaceful and private sanctuary, the Private Queen Room features a queen bed and a quiet atmosphere designed for rest, reflection, and deeper integration between sessions.
Salt & Story Retreat Pricing
Solo Occupancy $3,350
Couple/Double Occupancy $6,000 per couple
Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure yours, please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
Community Room
The heart of the house—this shared community-style room features six single/twin beds and is designed for connection, laughter, and the beauty of experiencing the journey together.
Salt & Story Retreat Pricing
Solo Occupancy $2,750
Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To secure yours, please complete the form at the bottom of the page.
Shared Queen Room
A cozy and spacious shared room featuring two queen beds, offering comfort, softness, and the ease of sharing the experience with a friend or fellow guest.
Salt & Story Retreat Pricing