Our Story

Otra Ola began with a shared desire for adventure and a curiosity about a slower way of living.

Before retreats, before teaching, before it had a name, Manuela and Samantha built out a van and set off together to travel through Mexico and Central America. That van became our home on wheels — a small, simple space that carried us along coastlines, dirt roads, and into a life shaped by nature and curiosity.

Our days revolved around the ocean. We were constantly searching for waves, falling deeply in love with surfing and the rhythm it required — patience, presence, and respect for forces beyond our control. Life on the road naturally slowed everything down. Without rigid schedules or distractions, we learned to live simply, move intuitively, and listen more closely to what each day asked of us.

Along the way, yoga found us. What started as a way to support our bodies through long drives, surf sessions, and constant movement became a deeper practice — one that offered grounding, reflection, and balance. That path led us to Nicaragua, where we completed our yoga teacher training and began weaving movement, breath, and awareness into our daily lives.

After our time traveling together, Samantha continued south, spending three more years traveling the entire Pan-American Highway. Those years deepened the lessons learned on the road — a trust in change, a connection to place, and a growing desire to create spaces where others could experience that same sense of presence, freedom, and connection.

From those journeys, Otra Ola was born.

Otra Ola means another wave — a reminder that life moves in cycles, that nothing is fixed, and that we are always allowed to begin again. Our retreats are an extension of the life we lived on the road: slow mornings, intentional movement, time in nature, shared meals, and meaningful connection.

We create these experiences with care and intention — choosing locations that support both adventure and rest, keeping groups small, and holding space that feels grounded, welcoming, and real.

Together, Samantha and Manuela strive to create a welcoming and transformative retreat environment, where guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, embrace the thrill of surfing, and find peace through yoga and holistic practices. Join us and become part of our journey towards a life of adventure, mindfulness, and connection.