1. Cuba

We love…
The vibrancy of music and outstanding talent in dance and art that has emerged from a place without access to a multitude of resources.

The must-visit spots…
La Fábrica de Arte Cubano, because it is the hot up-and coming-place for art and music. Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, particularly the youth dance troupe, because they are extremely talented and dedicated, and their focus will blow your mind. The beach at Cayo Jutías because it is far removed, not highly traveled and an untouched Caribbean gem.

Local eats and drinks to try…
San Cristóbal Paladar and El Cocinero in Havana, and a farm-to-table meal at Finca Agroecologica El Paraiso You have to have the Ernest Hemingway drink outside of his house with fresh-made sugar cane.

Favorite memory…
Being serenaded by a traditional Cuban band on the beach in Playas del Este, who were down to create us an original YFBP theme song on the spot.

2. Brazil

We love…
Our little tucked-away surf town of Praia do Rosa, in South Brazil was where YFBP began, so it always holds a special place in our hearts. With just the right balance of long, hot South American beach days, amongst the comfort of a small cobblestone street town, peppered with hibiscus flowers and rainforest like vegetation, there is just enough nightlife and quiet time to match the YFBP formula.

The must-visit spots…
Praia do Rosa, the beach, Beleza Pura for a wild night out and surf lessons with Captain Dave.

Local eats and drinks to try…
Lua Marinha for an incredible meal on the lagoon, açaí bowls and caipirinhas from the little stands on the beach, and Goen Temaki Lounge for sushi.

Favorite memory…
The year we spent New Year’s here was pretty special. In Brazil, everyone dresses in all white and partakes in ritual offerings to the ocean goddess, Yemeja, for good luck. We joined in the festivities, as the whole crew went to the rave in the dunes along the beach, danced all night and watched the sunrise while making offerings to Yemeja with thousands of Brazilians, everyone head to toe in white. It is the place to be for New Year’s!

3. Costa Rica

We love…
We go to Santa Teresa where there is a solid combination of both luxury, organic and healthy food, and the real dirt-road, surf-town living of Costa Rica. It’s hot, abundant in nature and there are perfect small waves to learn to surf on.

The must-visit spots…
There is a Sunday night drum-circle party where all the local ex-pats go, which can be loads of fun. Basically anywhere along the beach you will find magic.

Local eats and drinks to try…
Koji’s for sushi, Pranamar for a good healthy meal and Habanero for sunset.

Favorite memory…
Watching the wild horses graze in front of the yoga platform during class on the beach.

4. Uruguay

We love…
Uruguay has a unique charm all its own. We hold the retreat in José Ignacio, with our friend Isabella Channing at The Shack Yoga, which is a small beach town known for its culinary treasures, dune-y stretches of beach and its chic travelers from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

The must-visit spots…
Get your local vegetables and fruits at Cruz del Sur Farm, go dancing at Atlántida Jardín and Tequila, enjoy an incredible evening at Parador La Huella, and don’t miss out on the endless stretch of gorgeous beaches.

Local eats and drinks to try…
La Huella for an epic beachside meal or beverage (sushi is amazing here), Rincon Verde for an organic salad and green smoothie, La Susana for a perfect sunset meal on the beach with the best chef in town, El Mostrador de Santa Teresita for incredible coffee and midday snacks, and Marismo for some of the most beautiful cuisine.

Favorite memory…
We happened to be in Uruguay when the Rolling Stones played their first concert there. There were still tickets available so we splurged, rented a bus and went to see them in the soccer stadium in Montevideo. It was a night to remember to say the least! We also happened to be in Jose Ignacio during the culinary festival when every restaurant and vineyard in the area gets together in the town square, and with one ticket you walk around and try a small sample of their best dish. Mini glasses of wine, mini falafals and pizzas and one of our favorite pieces — fried seaweed. The evening turned into an all-night party with a DJ, dancing and then entire town present!

5. Miami

We love…
We hold retreats at The Edition in Miami, which has a very different feel from our usual boutique hotel retreat locations around the world. It has proven to be the perfect place for us because there is such a variety of activities, from incredible food to ice skating to dancing to bowling to the beach. Despite being a larger hotel, it felt very intimate while at the same time we never felt the need to leave the property. It is ideal for a long weekend away and we love working with the whole team there.

The must-visit spots…
The fact that you can ice skate, bowl and go to the club within 100 yards of each other pretty much covers your evening. We also love the spa for some next day rejuvenation.

Local eats and drinks to try…
The Matador is stunning for a large group dinner, Tropicale in the sandbox for brunch and you can’t go wrong with a cappuccino and croissant from the market.

Favorite memory…
We included a sound bath in the sandbox by Tropicale on our last evening, under the palm trees and looking up at the moon. It was a powerful evening for all to say the least.