A Week Awake
A soulful surf experience
The surf
Located close to the Equator, Costa Rica has warm weather all year round. The dry season runs from December through March, offering sunny and glassy mornings under a clear blue sky with early offshore winds.
From March onwards, the rainy season or green season begins, with lush nature and south swells starting to hit our coasts. There is plenty of sunshine this time of year, but with occasional tropical rains in the afternoons.
September-November is the peak rainy and swell season. The jungle is green and vibrant, with tons of thunderstorms and rains passing by. With all the rivers running, expect the beach breaks and sand bars to change and shift constantly.
Early in the year is a perfect time for beginners, but the vibes and waves are equally amazing year-round with various options for all skill levels to enjoy beyond!
The adventure
Have you ever been to a place and stood in awe of its beauty and inspired by its sense of community? Have you felt at peace just being there but with just one nagging realization that you won’t be able to integrate the way you’d like in a short week's vacation? We know the feeling well and that’s why we have curated an experience that goes above and beyond what you could possibly find.
You will have an amazing experience in the incredible Santa Teresa town. You’ll be guided and held at all times by an all-star lineup of local women that inspire through their simple mindful way of living. We will laugh, move, stretch, meditate, share our love for surfing and enjoy the simple pleasure of connecting as human beings of this beautiful earth. The food here is a highlight. From exotic tropical fruits to local fish caught that morning, we will enjoy absolute decadence and rejuvenation on our brunches. Your body and soul are nourished by organic, locally sourced food prepared in-house with love by more amazing women.
There is truly something beautiful in watching people transform and being able to share that space and thrive together. We want AWA to leave you overwhelmed with joy and expand your body, mind, and soul while trying the relaxed lifestyle of this unique laid-back destination.
We believe that cultivating your best self is a journey. AWA will take you beyond borders and inspire you to see the world in new radical ways. This is the time to challenge our limitations and take our fears head-on together.
Surf
We love surfing! Come to catch the first waves of your life, take your surfing skills to the next level or simply enjoy the ocean with our badass team of surf instructors and us.
Choose a half-day or full-day surf guiding experience and we will take you to the best local spots and experience the Pura Vida.
Nature
One of our greatest teachers and our favorite medicine. Costa Rica’s wild and lush landscapes will capture your heart and take you by the hand to a deep and unforgettable journey.
Nutrition
We celebrate food with enthusiasm and loyalty. We eat local, organic and whole ingredients in every meal, nourishing our bodies with the purest flavors of Costa Rica. Food is always a powerful way of connecting to ourselves, with each other, and the nature surrounding us. If you book a half-day or full-day surf guiding, a brunch made by our amazing cookers is included.
Location
Getting there
A Week Awake
Mona Picasso
Giulia Valloto
We first met in Nepal in 2015 during a very powerful Earthquake. This experience bounded us so profoundly that anytime we create together, the world shakes a little and magic happens. We are both big life lovers and share a deep passion for the ocean and the tropical paradise we get to call home.
Together, supported by a fantastic community of jungle "sisters", we are shaping the most magical times for women from all over the globe. We love to attract all the good things and that is exactly what we are putting into AWA, our latest project and we believe the most badass creation so far.
Community & sustainability
We believe in the power of sisterhood and building community is our passion. There is a very special tribe of badass women in this jungle town that we want you to connect with, feel inspired, and inspire them back. Living in a small beach community has made us keenly aware of our daily practices regarding our natural surroundings and the people we live with. We share our efforts and responsibilities for you to leave with tools and inspiration to bring sustainable practices into your life, business, and communities.
Mona Picasso
My name is Andrea “Mona” Picasso. I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and moved to the beach town of Mar Del Plata when I was a little girl. It was here where I first fell in love with the sea and started surfing at the age of 14. Ten years after I booked a ticket for my first solo trip to Costa Rica, following my passion and my desire to explore the world. Santa Teresa was my favorite destination and where I wanted to reshape my life. Here I set myself free, fell in love, and built a family. In this new lifestyle, the ocean became my natural temple and my daily playground. I enjoy being outside adventuring with girlfriends so much that I became an ISA surf instructor and an ILS Life Saving to share my passion and knowledge with many others. For the past 6 years, I’ve introduced women to the ocean and taught them how to surf. Today I feel so fortunate to share this beautiful paradise with women from all over the globe, empowering each other and having fun in the waves together. I'm excited to turn your adventure of learning how to surf into a wonderful, life-changing experience. Much love, Mona.
Giulia Vallotto
My name is Giulia Vallotto and I was born and raised in a small town in northern Italy called Bassano Del Grappa. My hunger for adventure got me to move to the States to chase the American Dream when I was a teenager. I spent most of my adult life jet-setting from Coast to Coast in the fashion industry and living between Miami and NYC. One day I decided it was time to trade the glamorous city life for a sun-kissed barefoot kind of living. I left it all behind and moved to Santa Teresa where I found my home. I am now so honored to host women from all over the world and to share with you all my passion for the ocean, this wild nature, and the amazing community I get to call family!
