brazil edition
our first retreat in south america
the cosmic cross step
UPCOMING DATES
5 spots
Feb 20 - 27, 2027
Hidden away along Brazil's coastline lies a place where life moves a little slower. Warm water, playful longboard waves, and untouched landscapes create the perfect backdrop for a week of surfing, connection, and adventure.
You'll stay just steps from the ocean in a boutique beachfront pousada, wake to fresh tropical breakfasts, and spend your days immersed in nature. Beyond the surf, you'll experience the vibrant culture that makes this part of Brazil so special - from lively forró nights to incredible local cuisine to Ginástica Natural, a movement practice born from surfing, jiu-jitsu, and the natural rhythms of the body. Most of all, you'll experience the warmth, generosity, and infectious joy of the local community.
As with all Santai Retreats, we intentionally keep our locations private to help preserve the places that make these experiences so special. You'll receive all the details after booking.
This is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with the ocean, immerse yourself in a different way of life, and leave with more than just improved surfing — you'll leave with a deeper connection to the people, the culture, and the easy rhythm of coastal Brazil.
A longboarder's Paradise
Beyond the surf, it's the authenticity that keeps drawing us back. It's a sleepy fishing village where life still revolves around the tides, fresh seafood, music, and community. This retreat was created to share not only incredible waves, but the people, traditions, and everyday moments that make this corner of Brazil feel so unforgettable.
why we Chose it
We'll begin the week in a boutique cliffside retreat overlooking the ocean, where private beach access, sweeping coastal views, and a nearby local town provide the perfect setting to settle into Brazilian life. Here, we'll immerse ourselves in the region's rich culture through incredible food, music nights, and time spent exploring the coastline.
Then we'll move to a quiet fishing village where life still revolves around the tides. With fewer crowds in the water and a slower pace on land, it's the perfect place to disconnect, deepen your surfing, and experience an authentic side of Brazil that few travelers see.
By experiencing both locations, you'll leave with far more than improved surfing. You'll discover two sides of coastal Brazil - one vibrant and full of culture, the other peaceful, remote, and deeply connected to the ocean.
What makes this retreat special?
⮕ 8 days / 7 nights boutique cliffside accommodation (private ensuite room with A/C and wifi) - can walk to empty beach below!
⮕ Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
⮕ Clean drinking water
⮕ Daily guided surf sessions
⮕ Daily longboard coaching with an experienced local coach
⮕ 1:1 video analysis sessions (5 total)
⮕ Professional surf photography package including drone footage
⮕ Daily transport
⮕ Longboard rental throughout the retreat
⮕ Longboard-specific land drills and technique sessions
⮕ Local surf guide knowledge and support in water
⮕ Ginastica Natural sessions for recovery and mobility
⮕ Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
⮕ Turtle sanctuary visit and other coastal adventures
⮕ Local town exploration and cultural experiences
⮕ Welcome gift and more surprises :)
⮕ International or Domestic Flights
⮕ Alcoholic Beverages
⮕ Travel insurance (Mandatory)
⮕ Tips/Gratuities (Optional but appreciated by local hosts)
whaT's not included
Every Cosmic Cross Step retreat is led by an experienced and passionate coach who lives and breathes longboarding. With years of surf instruction under their belts, our coaches combine deep technical knowledge, expert video analysis, and supportive, joyful guidance in and out of the water.
Their approach is holistic — blending water time with land-based movement practices to develop body awareness, build neural pathways, and support lasting transformation. Additionally, we work with local surf guides who bring essential wave knowledge and cultural context to every session, deepening your experience on every level.
We are incredibly honored to welcome Lucas as our local longboard coach for our Brazil retreat.
A second-generation surfer, Lucas has been immersed in the ocean since he was six years old and began coaching at just fifteen. With over 16 years of coaching experience, he has dedicated his life to helping others build confidence, improve their surfing, and develop a deeper connection with the ocean.
Born and raised along this stretch of Brazil's coastline, Lucas comes from a family with deep roots in the local surfing community dating back to the 1980s. His connection to these waves runs through generations, giving him an intimate understanding of the ocean, its rhythms, and the culture that surrounds it.
After many years riding shortboards, Lucas discovered longboarding and fell in love with its rhythm, flow, and timeless style. Today, he shares that passion through his coaching, blending technical expertise with an infectious enthusiasm for surfing and a lifetime of local knowledge.
What we love most about Lucas is his philosophy. To him, surfing isn't defined by the board you ride, but by your relationship with the ocean. He believes surfing is a lifelong practice of presence, education, and emotional intelligence, and that every session offers an opportunity to learn something new - not just about surfing, but about ourselves.
Guests can expect plenty of stories, laughter, and a coach whose passion for surfing is truly contagious. We're so excited for everyone to experience Lucas's energy, generosity, and genuine love for both surfing and the community he proudly calls home.
Lucas
Our Brazilian Nose riding Guru
where stoke & culture meet in wild places where stoke & culture meet in wild places where stoke & culture meet in wild places where stoke & culture meet in wild places where stoke & culture meet in wild places where stoke & culture meet in wild places where stoke & culture meet in wild places
this is for you if...
You’re ready to level up on a log — but don’t know where to start.
You’ve caught some waves, maybe even cross-stepped a few times, but now you're seeking expert guidance to progress. Our focused, longboard-specific coaching helps you move past the plateau with personalized feedback, video analysis, and supportive instruction.
You want a surf trip — not the stress of planning it.
No more juggling bookings, transport, tides, or trying to guess where the good waves are. We handle everything, so you can fully drop in and enjoy the week.
You’re tired of crowds.
Join us and surf empty, playful lineups where you can refine your skills without pressure, compete only with yourself, and reconnect with why you started surfing in the first place.
You want more than just a surf camp.
With land drills, culture, and connection, this is a holistic experience.
04.
01.
03.
02.
01.
This retreat is for surfers of all levels who want to deepen their longboarding skills in warm, playful waves without the stress of planning a surf trip. Whether you’re just starting to cross-step, looking to refine your noseriding, or transitioning from shortboarding, you’ll find personalized guidance, plenty of uncrowded waves, and an unforgettable week on the water.
Note: Participants should be comfortable catching their own waves.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Once your booking is confirmed and payment has been received, we'll send you detailed travel information to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. To ensure a relaxed start to the retreat, we ask that all guests arrive the day before the retreat begins. On the morning of the start date, we'll pick you up from the airport and travel to the retreat together.
How do I get there?
The Cosmic Cross Step is an 8 day, all-inclusive surf retreat in various lesser known locations around the world. We focus on refining your longboarding skills through personalized coaching, expert video analysis, land drills, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced longboarder, this retreat is designed to help you progress and deepen your connection to yourself, the ocean, and your surroundings.
What is the Cosmic Cross Step Longboard Retreat?
While the retreat is best suited for those who have already caught a few waves, it’s not ideal for complete beginners. If you're newer to surfing and want to build confidence before the retreat, we offer 1:1 online coaching to help you get surf-ready. Please see our online surf coaching page for more details.
What if I don’t have any (or limited) surf experience?
This retreat is for anyone with a curiosity for longboarding, both men and women. Whether you’re an individual, a couple, or a family. It is ideal for surfers who have caught a few waves on their own and want to take their skills to the next level as well as more intermediate surfers working on specific techniques and everyone in between.
who is this for?
The waves here are ideal for longboarding, with a variety of breaks nearby that accommodate different swell sizes and conditions. Our retreat dates are carefully chosen around ideal tides/seasons to maximize wave quality - expect long, cruisy waves with plenty of time and space to practice walking, nose riding, and refining your flow.
what are the waves like?
In line with our values, we intentionally keep our retreat locations private until your booking is confirmed. This is part of our commitment to protecting the integrity of remote surf destinations and minimizing the impact of mass tourism. We’ve witnessed the effects of overexposure on so many sacred places and we’re dedicated to doing our part in preserving their beauty for future generations. We promise an authentic experience in beautiful surroundings.
Where does the retreat take place?
To maintain an intimate and personalized experience, we limit the retreat to 6-10 guests. This ensures individual coaching and a more relaxed, tailored retreat experience, with plenty of time for everyone to enjoy many waves and not overcrowd the lineup.
How big are the groups?
Yes, some of the waves here break over reef, but we time our retreats to coincide with optimal tides for safety and comfort. Reef booties are not required but can be worn if you prefer them for extra confidence.
Will we be surfing over reef? Do I need reef booties?
Absolutely! We love welcoming families. The resort has space and amenities for everyone to enjoy. Whether your spouse or kids want to join in the surfing or relax and soak up the island vibes, we can arrange tailored packages. We can also suggest family-friendly activities and childcare if needed.
Can I bring my family or partner?
We provide longboard rentals as part of the retreat package so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own board. Traveling with surfboards internationally can be challenging and costly, but if you prefer to bring your own, we’ll help make arrangements.
Do I need to bring my own board?
To secure your spot, a 50% deposit is required. We’ll send you an invoice with payment details once your retreat spot is confirmed. Payments are processed securely through Wise (or Venmo for U.S.-based guests), which offers low international transfer fees.
How do I pay for the retreat?
If you’d like to arrive earlier or extend your stay, we can help arrange accommodations and activities for you. Please note that any additional arrangements outside of the included pick-up and drop-off times will be at your own expense.
What if I want to come earlier or stay later?
We can certainly suggest accommodations in Brazil based on your preferences, whether near the airport for convenience or further out for exploration. Additionally, we offer add-on packages for accommodations, transportation, and activities to make your pre- or post-retreat experience seamless.
Can you suggest places to stay in Brazil before the retreat?
If you cancel more than 90 days before the retreat start date, your payment (minus the non-refundable 50% deposit) can be applied as credit for a future Cosmic Cross Step retreat within one year. Cancellations made within 90 days are non-refundable. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment.
What if I need to cancel?
Yes! While surfing is the primary focus, we also include restoring mobility sessions, relaxation time, and local cultural experiences. You’ll have the chance to unwind, explore the area, and engage with the local community if you'd like to, however all activities are optional.
