A Spiritual Journey to San Juan Del Sur: Healing, Chaos, and Rebirth

There are moments in life when the only way to move forward is to step into the unknown. For me, that moment came after my husband left, leaving behind a life I thought was unshakable. My solo trip to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, wasn’t just about exploring a new place—it was about healing, letting go, and allowing myself to be guided by the universe.

The timing of this trip was no coincidence. It all unfolded during a cosmic whirlwind: the eclipse portal, Mercury retrograde, Venus retrograde, and a full moon in Libra. Each celestial event mirroring the chaos and transformation happening within me.

Sanctuary Music Festival at Tree Casa Resort: A Fiesta Among the Trees

The Sanctuary Music Festival at Tree Casa Resort inspired my trip. It kept popping up on my Instagram feed, and I couldn't help but feel like the universe was calling me there. The destination was beautiful, and the itinerary was full of yoga, sunset hikes, and sound baths, along with great headliners like Dirtwire, Sunsqaubi, Desert Dwellers, and one of my new favorites, Ojo de Buey.

And if I'm being honest, I have been feeling a little burnt out living in a partially converted School Bus in the freezing temperatures of North Carolina.

I've been working a full-time remote IT job and bartending nights to help pay for my build (skoolies are NOT cheap), and I was falling into a rut. I needed some inspiration... I needed a reminder of what I'm working toward... I needed a glimpse into the future I am building... so I booked my first solo trip, and that may have been the best decision I've made my entire life.

Sanctuary Music Festival felt like stepping into another world. Perched high in the jungle canopy, Tree Casa is a sanctuary in every sense of the word. Imagine wooden walkways winding through lush greenery, infinity pools reflecting the sky, and the hum of nature blending seamlessly with live music.

The festival itself was a celebration of connection—through music, movement, and shared energy. As the eclipse portal opened, I danced barefoot under the stars, feeling the vibrations of every beat ripple through me. The music wasn’t just sound; it was medicine for the soul. I feel so blessed to have experienced the very first Sanctuary Music Festival. It hasn't gotten too big or crowded, and I was able to stand right in front of the stage without being crushed, and with plenty of room for carefree dancing! Honestly, it felt more like a private party in paradise than a music festival.

As if it couldn't get any better, the artists hung out in the crowd with us after their shows. I was lucky enough to meet Evan, and his amazing wife Laura, from Dirtwire. He even gave me some great advice for tuning my bass to play more funky Reggae grooves. And then I danced the night away with Ojo de Beuy and got even more bass tips from their bass player, Sojo B.

Between sets, I found quiet corners of the resort to reflect. I made amazing new friends and found instant community, the festival was exactly the crowd and vibe I had been hoping for! There were so many amazing people who held space for me to process and heal. I met other inspirational women like Kiki Rae of Wildy Wealthy Woman who had stories similar to mine, and watching them shine and live their best lives lit a fire within me. So a BIG thank you to Kiki!!

You couldn't ask for a better music festival! If you're interested in going next year, you can find more info here. But don't wait too long! I have no doubt that this festival is going grow rapidly and be more and more crowded each year.

If you’re curious about Tree Casa Resort, you can explore their offerings here.

Surfing as a Metaphor for Life

The next morning, I booked my first surfing lesson with Makako Surf School. And oh... my... gosh... surfing has ruined my life! I used to care about things like schedules, shoes, and checking emails. Now all I think about is surfing, and I wake up with salt in my hair. Honestly, it’s a disaster. I might never go home. Send help. Or wax.

Playa Remanso, with its gentle waves and golden sands, became my classroom. Surfing was something I’d always wanted to try, and it turned out to be a profound metaphor for life. The ocean doesn’t care about your plans or fears. It demands presence, patience, and surrender. As I paddled out, I thought about how my life had been turned upside down, much like the waves crashing around me.

After several attempts (and a few spectacular wipeouts), I finally caught a wave. The feeling was indescribable—pure freedom and exhilaration. It was a reminder that even when life feels overwhelming, there’s always a moment when you can rise above the chaos.

Makako Surf School is known for its welcoming vibe and skilled instructors. If you’re ever in San Juan Del Sur, I highly recommend them. You can learn more about their lessons here. Ask for Tito, he is amazing! Just don't let him convince you to drink a Michelada, they are so grosssssss! (Sorry Tito, it's true)

Sunday Funday: Finding Joy in the Chaos

Sunday Funday, San Juan Del Sur’s famous pool crawl, was a wild and unexpected highlight of my trip. It’s a day-long adventure that takes you to some of the town’s best hostels and resorts, each with its own pool, music, and party vibe. I danced with strangers who quickly became friends, laughed until my cheeks hurt, and let myself feel joy again.

Sunday Funday is more than just a party—it’s a celebration of life, of connection, and of the beauty of living in the moment. It's run by an amazing entrepreneur named Meg, and if you know me you know I'm all about supporting strong, successful women. She has truly created something special, and if you go to San Juan Del Sur you can't miss this EPIC party! You can find all the details about Sunday Funday here.

The Stillness of Playa Marsella San Juan Del Sur

After the whirlwind of Sunday Funday, I sought solace at Playa Marsella. This quiet, unspoiled beach was the perfect place to reflect and recharge.

As the sun set over the Pacific, the sky turned into a masterpiece of pinks, oranges, and purples. I sat on the sand, watching the waves roll in, and felt an overwhelming sense of peace. An awesome group of Aussies invited me to join their bonfire on the beach. And I watched the full moon in Libra rising, symbolizing balance and harmony—the very things I was striving to find within myself.

Playa Marsella reminded me that healing doesn't happen all at once. It's a journey, like the tide: sometimes calm, sometimes chaotic, but always moving forward. So I turned off my phone, meditated on the beach, and reminded myself how much I love ME. That I deserve the same love, energy, and commitment that I give. My future is bright, and there's no turning back.

If you go to Playa Marsella, be sure to eat at El Islote Bar & Grill, and don't skip out on the most beautiful horseback riding offered right on the beach, in the middle of the most beautiful sunset I had ever seen.

The Chaos in Managua: A Lesson in Surrender

Not every part of the trip went as planned. On my way home I was stranded in Managua for four days due to mechanical issues with my flight. At first, I was frustrated. This was supposed to be my healing journey—why was the universe throwing more obstacles in my path?

But as the days went on, I realized this delay was a gift. It forced me to slow down, to sit with my thoughts, and to find beauty in the unexpected. I explored Managua’s vibrant markets, tasted incredible street food, and even managed to practice my Spanish with the locals. I made more new friends, and had long nights talking about the depth of life, the ups and downs of this rollercoaster we are all on, and the beauty in working past the hard times. One of my new friends shared the coolest tattoo I have ever seen, and I was reminded that everybody is on their own journey, and that humanity is so unbelievably beautiful.

Mercury retrograde, with its infamous reputation for travel mishaps, had delivered its lesson: sometimes, you have to let go of control and trust the journey.

Reflections Under the Full Moon

As my trip came to an end, the full moon in Libra illuminated the path ahead. Libra, the sign of balance, reminded me of the importance of finding harmony between the past and the future, between pain and joy.

This solo trip wasn’t just about San Juan Del Sur—it was about stepping into my own power, embracing the unknown, and allowing myself to heal. The eclipse portal had closed, the retrogrades had taught their lessons, and under the full moon, I felt ready to move forward.

If you’re considering a solo journey, especially after a life-changing event, I encourage you to take the leap. The road may be unpredictable, but it’s in those moments of uncertainty that we discover who we truly are.

Have you ever taken a trip that changed your life? I’d love to hear your story—share it in the comments below.