Dear Shakans, future guests, friends, family, and furry creatures alike... this message is for you :) On behalf of the entire Shaka family, I wanted to personally reach out with an update on what’s been happening lately.
The grips of the COVID have affected us all, for some more than others, but the truth is, no matter how you've been affected, we’re in this together! Love & support above all. I'm writing to you from Shaka's home base in beautiful Playa Hermosa, where I've been since the beginning of the pandemic. The situation took notice here at the beginning of March, with our last guest leaving us around March 14th. At the time the severity didn't seem so real. Fast forward almost five months and Costa Rica (like most of the world) has started to see the effects of the total shut down, leaving this small country and almost 600,000 people directly affected by the tourism industry alone. Despite these difficulties, I’ve also been witnessing a time of transformation and seeing the beauty of the human spirit shine through, especially right there within our small beach community. Everything from fundraisers, to raffles, to food drives, helping any individual in need.
After coming to terms with the initial shock that our season could very well have been cut short by 6 months and what that might mean, I realized that only two choices were ahead: give in to the fear and uncertainty, or, use this time to refocus. And so here we are, deciding to use this time for the positive. Reminding ourselves that we've been blessed to meet so many lovely people over the years, whose lives may have been impacted by Shaka… but quite honestly have impacted ours even more! To rediscover ourselves and remember how this all came to be. To enjoy the ups and downs of these current days, to move, to create, and to allow the ocean to take away all the worries. I moved here for the ocean and will continue to trust that surfing will offer what it does for so many: freedom.
We’ve also been using this time for upkeep, landscaping, preparing and planning. We want to ensure that when the time comes (and it will), we reopen our doors to new and familiar faces while continuing to offer the same stellar service, happy vibes, and amazing retreat that the “Shaka” name is known for, while at the same time presenting some new and exciting updates. Until that time, the whole Shaka family wants to wish you all the very best. We wait here patiently knowing that we will soon be able to share a beer, some laughs, and lots of waves.
Much love & Pura Vida,
- Mike, Frank, and the entire team
Share the love with a review of your stay
Like most small businesses in the tourism sphere, we thrive in part thanks to the lovely reviews our guests leave us. We're currently ranked #3 in Santa Teresa and have been "Traveler's Choice" for the last 7 years in a row -- this is all thanks to you!
Have you stayed with us, especially in the last two years, but haven't left a review? We'd love to hear about your time with us! With your help, more amazing humans can find us and be sure they're in for the week of their lives after reading what you have to say :)
Borders & Reopening
While the Costa Rican border reopened on August 1st to citizens from the EU, UK, and Canada, there are a handful of new entry requirements. Likewise, many airlines will not be resuming service to the country until October, and beaches will only be partially open during the day. As a result, we've taken the tough decision to remain closed through to the start of next season (November 15th, 2020).
As things change almost daily, we'll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates via our website and newsletter closer to the start of a new season.
The Rebrand
Did you catch our brand relaunch on social media in January? While our plans for merchandise and an online shop got slightly derailed by COVID, we're back on track, with items on-site for the new season, and hoping to launch our online shop shortly thereafter.
Staying true to the Shaka ethos, we're only partnering with transparent vendors to offer quality products. Fast fashion doesn't resonate with the Shaka lifestyle, so we're working hard to work with companies that are socially and ethically responsible to provide branded products that'll last as long as your Shaka memories. Stay tuned!
Transporting You to the Rancho
You might not be able to lay in one of our hammocks, or grab a board and head down to the beach, but you can bring Shaka home by vibing to our Spotify. New playlists every month, and a handful of custom curations.
Stayed with us in the past 2 years? Find the playlist from your month's stay and you're sure to be feel like you’re right back in the rancho.
If you don’t already follow us on Instagram, click through for your dose of Playa Hermosa, vitamin sea, rolling waves, and good vibes
Stay safe Shakans, xx
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