Kalon Surf Marks a New Era as a Fully Family Owned Costa Rican Luxury Retreat

The waves roll in under the golden light of the Pacific coast, just as they have for centuries. But for Kjeld Schigt and Silene Vega Delgado, the horizon now carries a deeper sense of triumph. Their acclaimed five star boutique surf retreat in Dominical, Costa Rica, has entered a new chapter. After more than a decade of vision, perseverance, and passion, Kalon Surf is now entirely family owned.

It did not happen overnight. It is the culmination of a process that began in 2010 with two suitcases, a surfboard, and a shared dream of trading corporate objectives for bliss, community, and harmony with the ocean. What was a leap of faith at the beginning is now one of Costa Rica's most high-end surf and wellness resorts.

From Corporate Towers to Ocean Breezes

Prior to palm trees and Pacific sunsets being their daily scenery, Kjeld and Silene inhabited a reality of boardrooms and business flights. Kjeld had worked his way through international positions at BP, Heineken, and Unilever. Silene had earned her MBA and developed a staunchly organized career in finance. But both of them were drawn to something more tangible, something based on experience, not on spreadsheets.

Leaving behind the luxury of steady paychecks and high-profile jobs was not a decision they made overnight. But the two had a dream of a retreat, where luxury was mixed with adventure, where travelers could catch waves by day and feast on gourmet fare by night. They jumped and made Costa Rica's Puntarenas province the focus of their attention.

Building a Dream in the Jungle

The early days tested all of their determination. Delays in construction, adapting to foreign legal systems, and the intricacies of moving a luxury resort to a foreign country required creativity and determination. The couple soon found that building paradise took patience.

The first retreat contained only six rooms, perfectly proportioned for subtle elegance and the domestic warmth of home. Over time, through reinvestment and unyielding commitment, Kalon Surf expanded to 12 suites, each a sanctuary with sweeping vistas over the lush coast. Along the way, the staff expanded to over 30 committed staff members who are as dedicated to the same dream of exceptional guest care as the original founders.

Resilience in the Face of Global Challenges

No success story would be complete without its storms. The COVID-19 pandemic brought in perhaps the biggest challenge, closing down tourism globally. For most hospitality firms, it was a breaking point. For Kalon Surf, it was a catalyst to adapt to changing.

The staff doubled down on guest satisfaction and sustainability, utilizing the lull to perfect every aspect of the guest experience. Gardens were expanded to allow for farm-to-table dining. Sustainability efforts were reinforced to preserve the very environment that attracts travelers from all over the world. When borders reopened, Kalon Surf was not only prepared to receive guests again, but to surprise them with an even more vibrant experience.

A Respectful Transition to Family Ownership

The final move towards total family ownership was in early 2025, when in a reflective three hour meeting between Kjeld, Silene, and their original partner Huub Stokman, the ultimate outcome was a handshake and respect for one another, in appreciation of Huub's valuable contribution to the early years of the retreat.

For the founders, this was not a change for change's sake. It was a change of being that much more invested in the space that they have created and the people that they bring in. Being able to own Kalon Surf outright means that they can continue to shape its future with the same personal touch that has been its hallmark since its founding.

Life at Kalon Surf Today

Guests arrive to the smell of sea air with a hint of just-brewed Costa Rican coffee. Mornings frequently start with guided surf lessons, taught by certified instructors who are familiar with the breaks as the back of their hand. The waves here are as welcoming to newbies as they are exhilarating to seasoned veterans.

Afternoons are spent lounging by the infinity pool, enjoying a spa treatment, or exploring the rich wildlife of the surrounding rainforest. Evenings are a gastronomic delight, with farm-to-table meals that highlight the best of fresh local ingredients, served with fine wines and the occasional sunset champagne cocktail.

Every detail, from the crisp linens to the meticulously planned outings, testifies to a dedication to excellence and integrity. For the visitor, it is effortless. For the Kalon Surf staff, it is the product of meticulous planning and sincere dedication.

The Beauty of Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

Dominical, with its pristine beaches and relaxed attitude, provides a refuge from the overdeveloped resorts of more touristy places. Here, mountains converge with sea in majestic splendor. Sunsets stay on in deep shades of orange and violet, and the background music is the constant beat of waves against the shore.

It's a space that invites presence. People who enter feel themselves relaxing comfortably, finding again the pleasure of easy conversation, perhaps a little more connected to themselves and the world in general.

Moving Toward a Sustainable and Inspired Future

Kjeld and Silene subsequently dedicate all their energy to the development of sustainability measures and the improvement of the guest experience. Suggestions include the development of on-site organic gardens, the addition of more wellness programming, and collaborations with local artisans to infuse Costa Rican craftsmanship into the retreat. They regard Kalon Surf not only as a resort, but as a family legacy and present to each and every guest who comes. Their vision marries the elegance Fine Homes and Living readers anticipate with the authenticity of a property fully committed to its setting and community.

A Place Constructed Out of Love and Purpose In the end

Kalon Surf is not just a luxury surf resort. It is a dream made real through hardship and victory. It is a place where the world slows down, where attention to detail is paramount, and where the beauty of Costa Rica is honored in each wave and in every bite. For travelers seeking not just an escape but an experience that fills the soul, Kalon Surf has waited. And with full family ownership, its next chapter will undoubtedly be its most inspired one.

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