We’ve spent a few years looking for the best place to run a Massage Therapy Immersion Program, and we’ve found it! Playa Santa Teresa, in Costa Rica. Located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Penninsula, Santa Teresa has been a well-kept secret among surfers for years. It combines the laid back atmosphere of a chic, exclusive beach town (the kind of place where major movie stars go to get away from it all,) with up-to-date conveniences, like internet cafes with wi-fi access (bring your laptop), grocery stores, wonderful restaurants, and great shopping.

If you haven’t heard of The Massage School, we are located in Easthampton, Massachusetts. We’ve been training people to be massage therapists since 2001. Our graduates have found great success all over the United States, working in settings as diverse as spas, hospitals, gyms, chiropractic clinics and yoga studios. We use a common sense, hands on approach that recognizes the differences in how we all learn.

At The Massage School we believe that learning to be a great massage therapist is like learning a new sport or learning to play a musical instrument. It is above all a motor skill. The best way to learn is not by reading a book or watching a video, but by jumping in and doing it. Unlike many other programs, we get you started on the very first day of class. Our instructors demonstrate the techniques and then coach you while you practice, practice, practice.

The Massage School exposes you to many different instructors, all of whom are acknowledged experts, and we’re bringing all of our great teachers with us to Costa Rica! We’re teaching the same curriculum that we teach in Massachusetts (see below). Our curriculum is taken directly from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. We have a 100 percent pass rate for this exam, so if your state requires it (many don’t), rest assured that you will receive a complete preparation.

So, now you can get world class training in massage therapy, in the coolest vacation spot in Costa Rica, and receive your certification from a school that’s licensed in the United States.

Because the atmosphere is energizing, and conducive to the massage training process, we can achieve in weeks, what takes months or years back in the States in a typical part-time program. Without the distractions of normal life in the states, and with perfect weather, surfing, swimming and hiking every day, it is amazing how we accelerate the learning process! Imagine starting your days being awakened by the rising sun, birdsong, and howler monkeys in the trees outside your window. Then it’s roll out of bed and down to the beach for swimming or surfing, or into the hills for a vigorous backcountry hike or run. We’ll gather back at the resort for a healthy breakfast, and spend the day learning to do massage. We’ll be done for the day in time to catch the waves while the sun goes down across the beautiful Pacific Ocean.

We’ll be staying at Hotel Cuesta Arriba, a beautiful, laid back resort that’s practically on the beach. We have our own chef for the program who will prepare all meals in the Costa Rican tradition: known for its exquisite and healthy cuisine using only the freshest ingredients in their traditional casados and their nouveau selections. Our chef can accommodate the needs of our vegetarian students as well.

So join us this winter for a life-enhancing experience training in the best massage techniques available, while immersing yourself in a fascinating and healthy lifestyle in paradise.