about us
We create unique retreats immersed in Chile’s natural beauty that balance adventure and relaxation.
Our mission is empowering women over 30 to embrace their inner adventurer and live life to the fullest.
We’re redefining adventure, creating inclusive spaces in often male-dominated sports.
By fostering a supportive community where women can connect, grow and (re)discover their passions.
Together, we’ll explore, connect, and find the joy of living life on our own terms.
Gabi Carpenter is a Chilean-British filmmaker and founder of Medusa Collective.
based in London, born in Santiago.
“I worked in film and television production for almost 15 years. A highly demanding and stressful job which I loved, but it was having a toll in my physical and mental health
I needed to do more of what I love and rediscover joy.
Having organised hundreds of complex film shoots around the world, and catering for film and TV top talent I decided to channel my skills into helping other women.
I created Medusa Collective a space where women can rediscover joy, recharge, and lead more fulfilling lives through incredible adventures and supportive community”.
Gabi Carpenter - Medusa Collective Founder
FAQs
-
Accommodation is included in the package price, however, you do have the option of booking your own accommodation on the weekend breaks.
We have secured a beautiful boutique hotel for the retreat that will be for the group use only.
The hotel has 7 private double rooms and 2 shared (twin beds) rooms.
We offer a discounted rate on the shared rooms but we have very limited availability, and we recommend you book soon as they sell out quickly.
All rooms are spacious and have private bathroom.
-
We offer airport transports and local transportation during your stay.
If you want to go to explore the nearby cities, we’re happy to make arrangements. Just let us know!
-
If you booked accommodation with us, my dear friend, you are in for a treat!
We include all meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner (except two meals eaten out) and cater for any food allergies and/or intolerances.
We are very proud to work with a private chef that will prepare all meals during your stay, using only fresh and local produce.
We aim to offer an extraordinary culinary experience for you to immerse in the traditional culture in cuisine of Chile.
-
We pride ourselves on working with the best coaches there are.
Our instructors are certified by the International Surfing Association (ISA) and the Chilean National Skateboarding Institute.
They’re experienced surfers and skateboarders who are passionate about teaching all skill levels, including adaptive surfing.
-
Our retreats have very limited capacity, and they book fast. We can only keep your spot for 24 hours.
Email us at hello@medusacollective.co.uk to save your spot while you think about it.
-
Most countries don’t require a visa to enter Chile but we recommend you checking the country entry requirements before booking.
Here is the official website with all the entry requirements:
-
Chilean currency is Pesos (CLP).
USD are accepted at hotels and tourist shops, but Chilean Pesos is by far the most accepted currency.
Conversion rates are roughly:
$1.000 CLP = £0.80 GBP
$1.000 CLP = €0.96 EU
$1.000 CLP = $1.02 USD
-
As transport, meals, accommodation and activities are included in our 8-day retreats you don’t need to bring much more with you.
We recommend to bring enough to cover for two meals out (£40 per dinner including drinks), and some extra to buy gifts and souvenirs if you see something you like.
Most shops accept cards, so no worries if you didn’t manage to exchange money before traveling.
ATMs are available and very accessible, although the banks tend to charge a fee to foreign card transactions (it can be up to £5 per transaction).
You can also request cash back in major supermarkets without fees.
-
Chile has pretty much all the types of weather you can imagine in one place. Very hot in the North and extreme cold in the South.
The Surf & Skate retreat and the Weekend break are in central Chile (about 1h30m from Santiago).
Central Chile temperatures are temperate. During the summer it can get up to 35C and in the winter is around 15C, although evenings and nights can get cooler.
October temperatures are between 19C and 24C with low temperatures of around 10C.
November temperatures oscillate between 24C and 27C with low temperatures of around 15C.
-
Central Chile has all 4 seasons but it’s generally speaking mild weather.
Light clothing & Something warm: The temperatures vary a lot between day and night so we suggest you bring light clothing for the day and something warm for the evenings and after surfing.
High SPF & hat: UV index is high in Chile, bring plenty of high SPF and a hat to protect your head from the sun.
Swimming suit because we will spend a lot of time in the water.
Sandals and a beach towel.
Comfortable footwear to explore city.
Insect repellent: There aren’t any dangerous insects in Chile, but we recommend bringing eco-friendly insect repellent if you are sensitive to mosquito bites.
-
Yes! Our instructors are trained to coach beginner to advanced surfers and skateboarders.
So if you haven’t tried any of these sports before this is the perfect opportunity to give it a go. You’ll be riding a board in no time!
-
Yes! We offer free cancellation up to 14 days after booking. Just email us at hello@medusacollective.co.uk
No questions asked.
After that, you can reschedule free of charge up to 2 months before starting date of the holiday.
If you can’t make it, our trips are fully transferrable up to 1 month prior the starting date.
-
Personal Travel & Medical Insurance is required when you book our trips. It is also an entry requirement by the Chilean border agency.
-
Our retreats are intimate. We cater for small groups of 10 in our 8-day/7nights retreats and up to 15 guests in our weekend breaks.
We make sure that we have enough support to keep a instructor/student ratio of 3-1 in our surfing and skateboarding lessons.