A Love Letter to Nicaragua

To anyone who has ever had the privilege of visiting Playa Maderas through SYB (or is considering it), this one is for you. If you’ve been, you can’t deny the magic this place creates and its ability to make you feel alive in a way you might not have before. Whether going solo or with a friend, this special place has the makings of a love story–whatever kind you need or want it to be. 

Dear Nicaragua,

Have you ever been somewhere where it felt like all that cosmic astrology stuff might actually be true? Like the stars aligned to get you to a specific place at a specific time with a specific group of people? That’s exactly how I felt when I met you.

I’ve always been fascinated by how people meet—whether platonic or romantic—and I’m in awe of how you’ve become the starting point for so many love stories: friendships, romantic relationships, and new individual relationships with oneself. So many people I know have found themselves by meeting you.

It was December 2022 when we first met. We met on a whim when my friend Brittany suggested we book an active and social group trip through SurfYogaBeer for New Year’s Eve. Without any research and with total trust in my friend, I said, “Sure,” and a few weeks later, I was dancing with a blue wig, sloshing glitter on the faces and chests of new acquaintances that I now call some of my closest friends. We sweat together during jungle gym workouts, reflected and connected on life’s highs and lows during journaling sessions, and had real moments of, “Wow, same,” reminding us that we’re all looking for connection and just figuring it out as we go along.

Photo by @erinfortman

What started as one week with you turned into almost three when Brittany and I decided to extend our trip and join the SYB Remote program. This time with you over the next two weeks was grounding. We had early mornings setting intentions together, followed by gorgeous family-style breakfasts before diving into work for the day. We danced at villa parties, rested our chins on folded arms at the pool’s edge as we gazed at the sun melting into the horizon, and spent warm nights winding down around bonfires.

Maybe it was your electric sunsets and the quiet hush of your waves hitting the shore at sunrise, but something about you flipped my world upside down. How you opened yourself up instantly made me feel accepted–like I belonged there—and anywhere else. And I’ve loved seeing you continue to do the same for others who’ve met you.

People talk about how travel opens you up to new experiences and how visiting new places and experiencing new cultures can broaden your perspective. I wholeheartedly agree, but there’s something to be underscored about the people you meet in these places. When I reflect on my travels, it’s not the food or sites that trigger that sweet nostalgia, making me feel immense gratitude for that experience–it’s the people. 

Photo by @YesThisIsEli

I know that each person I met there had their own path leading them to you, but you’re the one who made it all happen. As the days and months have passed since leaving you (even after visiting you again a year later), I find your name constantly comes up—in a good way. So many I’ve met share the same sentiment about you that I have:

• You give people the courage to open up.
• You provide a judgment-free space for people to be their true selves.
• You set the tone for possibility.
• You encourage vulnerability.
• Your playful energy is a reminder to prioritize fun and enjoy the present.

It’s wild to think that because of you, I gained so much more than just a “Nicaragua” stamp on my passport and a few more sun-induced freckles. You’ve given me more than just memories and friends. You’ve shown me what it feels like to sit in the now and to see beauty not just in the gorgeous landscape (like walking your shores towards the shark tooth rock) but in the people who walk it with you. The joy, gratitude, confidence, and opportunities I’ve had since we met have been made possible because of the space you provided. As I think about how much my world has evolved since December 2022, I want to thank you for igniting so much happiness and love in my life and the lives of so many others. You’ve given me so much, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Until next time,

Sara

PS: Have the best time with all the new friends you'll meet on the upcoming Nicaragua trips. They're in for an experience of a lifetime with you.

Photo by @YesThisIsEli

SurfYogaBeer is an active and social travel company focused on global, local, and private adventures, offering group trips for people of all ages and fitness levels. We're all looking for adventure. Travel with us–change your life.