THE FUN ONE
Location
Varkala, Kerala, India
Why you’ll love it
The tropical coastline is mostly untouched and snakes round to the wild Western Ghats mountain range, the beaches are tourist-free, the waves are warm and the accommodation is on a secluded cliff-top. Add friendly owners Ed and Sofie Templeton to the mix and you’ve achieved nirvana.
When you’ll surf the waves
First thing in the morning with qualified instructors on hand to help you pop up on those surf boards.
Where you’ll salute the Sun
At sunset on a rooftop among the trees and overlooking the beautiful lapping shore.
What you will eat
Healthy communal breakfast (there are fresh flowers on the table every morning) pre-surf fruits, late-night barbeques.
Post-yoga activities
Ayurvedic treatments and massages at local pharmacies. Hire a boat and cruise the coastline. Watersports. Beach bonfires. Barbeques in their picturesque gardens. An outdoor surf-cinema with stone-baked pizza. The retreat is also walking distance from Varkala Cliff if you decide you want to go shopping or explore the local town.
They say
“We’re not an overly serious and worthy retreat. We like to live healthily while still having some fun.”
Cost
Around £670 for a Nice Room, £750 for a Really Nice Room, based on two people sharing for a 7-day stay.
THE VEGGIE PARADISE
Location
The Tagahzout region, Morocco.
Why you’ll love it
The rustic setting is enchanting and the surf instructors are said to be the best.
When you’ll surf the waves
The Moroccan ocean is all yours after breakfast until 4pm everyday. They cater for every level of surfer from beginner to pro.
Where you’ll salute the Sun
On the beach or the rooftop of the Villa Mandela studio overlooking the ocean. There is also a deep yin style restorative practice each evening to ensure you sleep soundly and rebalance your body for the next day.
What you will eat
Delicious vegetarian feasts (one fish option mid-week). A typical day includes fresh smoothies, eggs and fruit for breakfast, a picnic lunch of salad and falafel and an evening meal of veggie dishes such as beetroot patties, tagines and their special chocolate hazelnut and avocado tart. If you have an allergy, let them know in advance and it will be taken care of.
Post-yoga activities
Camel riding. Quad biking. Spa treatments including massage and hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath. Day excursions. It’s the chef’s night off on Thursdays so this is the chance for you to sample the local cuisine.
They say
We believe in nourishing and balancing the body and mind through a daily diet of vitalising yoga, serene surf and wholesome food within a tranquil environment.
Cost
Between £700-£805 per person depending on which room you choose for a 7-day stay.
THE LUXURY ONE
Location
Seiminyak, Bali
Why you’ll love it
It is a surfing paradise and private villa oasis for women only, the golden beaches, tropical warm waters and scenic coastline will live up to your wildest dreams. The included extras: five hours of spa treatments, fresh tropical fruit baskets, purified spring water, a surf shirt, sarong and canvas tote bag and a surf goddess retreats gourmet cook book.
When you’ll surf the waves
Every afternoon and The Rip Curl School of surf promises you’ll be standing on your board by the end of the first lesson and you even leave with a photo CD of your best surfing moments
Where you’ll Salute the Sun
In an open-air yoga studio overlooking tropical gardens with the balmy Indian Ocean breeze brushing against your skin.
What you will eat
Divine gourmet healthy food with an Asian twist. Breakfast could be a ginger and banana pancake or poached eggs with avocado salsa. Fresh young coconuts are cracked open after lunch and dinner which are an array of salads or delicious vegetarian/fish curries. Caters for gluten-free.
Post-yoga activities
Rejuvenating Balinese spa packages including hot stone massages, facials and deep conditioning hair treatments. Visit Bali’s Elephant Sanctuary. Relaxing downhill bicycle tour from Mountain lake through the rice fields. Batik painting. Balinese markets. Stand Up Paddle. White water rafting. Snorkeling. All this can be done on your three bliss days off.
They say
We are a boutique holiday adventure on a magical island, our wellbeing programe will spark your spirit and leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Cost
Around £1,500 per person based on two people sharing a Harmony room with a double bed each for a 7-day stay.
THE RUSTIC ECO ONE
Location
Tipi Valley, Algarve, Portugal
Why you’ll love it
The native cork oak trees and organic vegetable gardens surrounding the retreat add to its friendly eco-style. Oh and you will be sleeping in rustic tents designed for sustainable living – this is simple, magical living at its best. The camp is powered by solar energy and the private outdoor showers are built from local cane and bamboo. Follow the valley’s river and you reach the idyllic surf.
When you’ll surf the waves
Late morning you will be taken to three different beaches along the Valley throughout the week, the instructors seek out the best surf depending on weather conditions.
Where you’ll Salute the Sun
On a yoga platform overlooking the heart of the camp and the Tipi Valley with one session each day on the beach. Be prepared for an invigorating class in the morning with a more restorative class in the afternoons. The silence is blissful.
What you will eat
Delcious, healthy and vegetarian. A picnic of salads, rolls, tortillas and fruits at lunchtime, seasonal produce from the organic gardens around the camp including beetroot, tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and lemons.
Post-yoga activities
A range of massages from deeply soothing to acupressure. Hiking trails along the cliff of the coast. A gentle trot through the eucalyptus forests on horseback (there is a stable a 5-minute drive away)
They say
Our yoga and surf camp reflects our philosophy of “simple living” in a natural, sustainable environment.
Cost
Around £800 during peak season (July to September) and £718 the rest of the year.
THE RAW FOOD HAVEN
Location
Surfer’s Point, Barbados
Why you’ll love it
You will be immersed in the chilled out Caribbean vibe, from the cool breeze to the hammocks on the patio of the ocean-fronted apartments.
When you’ll surf the waves
First thing in the morning you will head to Surfer’s Point with expert surf instructor Zed Layson and his team.
Where you’ll Salute the Sun
At sunset you will follow a dynamic practice designed to strengthen your body on a wooden gazebo overlooking the sea.
What you will eat
Organic raw delights made by certified gourmet raw food chef Manuela Scalini – also a variety of juices, herbal tonics, beauty elixirs and raw chocolates. A typical day includes citrus granola with Brazil nut milk, coconut and mango savoury crepes with spinach, tomato, basil and ricotta nut cheese and coconut curry soup.
Post-yoga activities
Raw food and clean-eating workshops every lunch-time. Hiking off the beaten trail around the rugged East coast. SUP yoga sunset sessions. Sunset cruise where you can snorkel with sea turtles at sunset, included on the last day.
They say
Experience island living and let go of it all. A complete detox of body, mind and soul.
Cost
£1,300 for 7 days all inclusive.
Photography by Surf Goddess Retreats
