Frequently Asked Questions

Our pickleball retreats are hosted at our private jungle resort in Uvita, Costa Rica. Surrounded by lush rainforest and just a short drive from some of the country's most stunning beaches, it's the ideal setting for adventure, relaxation, and high-level pickleball in paradise.

We provide five-star shuttle transportation to and from the retreat through our trusted partners at Japi Travels. This premium service is included in your retreat cost.

Our Transportation Partners - Japi Travels:

Owned and operated by John-Paul and his son John-Paul, Japi Travels provides exceptional five-star service with English-speaking drivers. Every journey includes complimentary Wi-Fi, water, and comfortable seating. The scenic 3-4 hour drive features two amazing stops: the famous Crocodile Bridge and the beautiful coastal town of Jaco — perfect opportunities to stretch your legs and take in Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.

Schedule & Pick-up Location:

Pick-up is at 9:00 AM on the morning the retreat begins, and drop-off is in the afternoon on the final day.

All transportation is from:

Fairfield by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela

We highly recommend:

• Arriving in San José the day before the retreat begins

• Booking your return flight for the day after the retreat ends

Private Transfer Option:

For guests preferring a direct private transfer from the airport to our property, this option is available for an additional cost of $280 USD for up to three people (price subject to confirmation).

If you choose to fly in or out on the same day the retreat starts or ends, you'll need to arrange your own transfer to/from the property. Rental cars, private shuttles, and local transfers are all available.

Guests are responsible for getting themselves to the Fairfield Marriott for pick-up, regardless of where they stay the night before. We use this location to streamline pickups due to guests arriving from various destinations and to avoid traffic and delay issues.

Each retreat may have slightly different inclusions, so please check the specific retreat page on our website for full details.

Generally, most retreats include:

• Accommodations for the full duration

• Daily breakfast and lunch, and a set number of dinners

• Five-star shuttle transportation from and back to San José (via the specific hotel and time we list)

• Several group excursions (e.g., waterfalls, beaches) with transportation included

• Pickleball coaching and clinics tailored to your level

• Scheduled pickleball gameplay on our covered and lit courts

Yes! Non-playing guests are absolutely welcome and receive a reduced rate. They can enjoy all meals, excursions, and resort amenities — just without the pickleball programming.

Most of our retreats host between 12–20 guests. This small-group format allows us to provide personalized attention, tailor coaching to your needs, and create a fun, community vibe throughout the week.

We welcome players of all levels! Coaching is customized to each guest, with lots of individual feedback and small-group instruction.

For pre-planned retreats, we typically suggest a target DUPR range, such as 2.5–3.5 or 3.5–4.5, to keep coaching focused and gameplay fun, challenging, and fair. If we have around 20 participants, we can often split into two coaching groups based on level.

We always go out of our way to match players with others of a similar skill level.

For custom retreats, the level and programming are fully tailored to your group's preferences.

We'll send a full packing list after booking, but here's a quick guide:

• Lightweight activewear and casual clothes

• Pickleball gear (paddle, non-marking court shoes)

• Bathing suit, sunscreen, bug spray, hat

• Light rain jacket (we're in the tropics!)

• Refillable water bottle

• Any personal medications or essentials

A $300 USD non-refundable deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the retreat.

Cancellations within 60 days of the retreat are non-refundable, but we'll work with you as best we can if plans change.

Exceptions:

• If we cancel a retreat due to low registration (and notify you 60+ days in advance), your deposit will be fully refunded.

• In the rare case of an act of God (natural disaster, emergency, etc.), we will issue full refunds for any deposits paid.

Yes — we highly recommend that all guests purchase both travel and health insurance to protect themselves in case of delays, cancellations, lost luggage, or medical issues during the trip.

We also suggest booking a flexible airline ticket that can be canceled or changed. Flight prices to Costa Rica often get cheaper closer to departure, so this gives you the option to rebook at a lower fare.

All guests are required to sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of pickleball play and activities at the resort. The waiver also strongly recommends that you carry your own insurance coverage for the duration of the retreat.

We have four professionally built pickleball courts, all covered and fully lit for play at any time of day or night.

Features include:

• High-quality nets

• Court dividers to prevent balls from crossing over

• Roofing for sun and rain protection

• A large air-conditioned lounge beside the courts with drinks, tables, and video analysis stations

Absolutely. Uvita has an amazing food scene — everything from local Costa Rican sodas and seafood shacks to smoothie bars, Italian bistros, and craft breweries.

Explore the best local dining spots here:

👉 https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/205354/where-to-eat-best-restaurants-in-uvita

Yes — Uvita is one of the most beautiful and adventure-packed areas in Costa Rica. Popular activities include:

• Whale and dolphin tours

• Nauyaca Waterfalls

• Snorkeling at Marino Ballena

• Surfing and paddleboarding

• Mangrove tours

• Chocolate & coffee farm experiences

• Zip-lining, ATV rides, and more

See this full list of things to do nearby:

👉 https://mytanfeet.com/activities/things-to-do-in-uvita-and-dominical/

San José offers plenty of activities and attractions for guests staying overnight before or after the retreat. Whether you're interested in culture, history, dining, or shopping, Costa Rica's capital has something for everyone.

Highlights & Suggested Itinerary

Connect with Nature

• Spirogyra Butterfly Farm – A peaceful urban garden near downtown with 50+ butterfly species and lush surroundings. Great for a short, relaxing visit.

Explore Culture & History

• Museo del Jade – Home to the world's largest collection of American jade; a quick but fascinating cultural stop.

• National Museum of Costa Rica – Learn about the country's history in a beautiful historic building.

Shop & Eat Like a Local

• Mercado Central – A vibrant local market for souvenirs, handmade crafts, and authentic Costa Rican food.

Experience Local Art

• Museum of Costa Rican Art – Located in the city's old airport terminal, featuring notable local and regional artists.

Optional Day Trip Ideas (just outside the city)

• Butterfly farm or canopy tour near Alajuela – Around 20–30 minutes from the airport, great for adventure and nature lovers.

We offer fully customizable retreat packages for groups — whether you're a group of friends, a club, a coaching team, or a wellness organization.

Custom retreat options can include:

• Number of players

• Time of year (seasonal pricing)

• Length of the retreat

• Meal plan options

• Number and type of excursions

• Coaching or just open gameplay

• Option to bring your own coaches

• Private coaching or video analysis add-ons

• Wellness classes (yoga, fitness, etc.)

• And much more!

You can check out the custom pickleball retreat page for approximate pricing and retreat structure.

Or feel free to contact me directly for a personalized quote tailored to your group's needs.

In addition to the listed retreat price, the following charges apply:

• 13% VAT (Costa Rica's value-added tax), applied to all retreat bookings

• 2.5% credit/debit card processing fee for payments made by card

• No processing fee for Canadian guests who pay by e-transfer

We offer pricing in both USD and CAD to help guests avoid exchange rate fees and added banking costs. If you have a preference or need help choosing the best payment method, we're happy to assist!

Yes. During your stay at our retreat, we offer an optional laundry service for added convenience. For $13 USD, we'll handle one full load of laundry for you. Simply give us your items, and they'll be washed, dried, and returned the next day — perfect for guests staying multiple days or traveling light.

Yes, we welcome one well-behaved pet per guest at our Costa Rica retreat. There is a $75 USD pet fee for the week, which helps us maintain a clean and comfortable environment for all guests. Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring your furry companion so we can make the necessary arrangements.

We understand that safety is a priority when traveling abroad. Uvita has reliable medical facilities, pharmacies, and access to emergency care. In case of a serious issue, we can arrange immediate transport to advanced hospitals in San Isidro or San José. Our team is available to assist with any health or safety concerns 24/7 during your stay.

We're currently updating this section with detailed information about local medical facilities, emergency services, and healthcare options available in the Uvita area to ensure our guests feel safe and informed during their stay.

Yes. All guests are required to sign a waiver before participating in the retreat. You can fill it out here:

👉 Retreat Waiver Form