Looking for a thrilling, adrenaline-charged sport as a counterpoise to the time spent at retreats practising yoga or meditation? What better activity than surfing, a sport that builds cardio strength and works out the entire body – with the allure of spectacular ocean views, no less. From the tropical beaches of Bali to the golden-sand coast of Australia, these are the premier luxury surf retreats to ride the waves this summer.
COMO Maalifushi
COMO Hotels & Resorts have a fixed spot on luxury destination lists for a sound reason. Enter COMO Maalifushi: with its comprehensive COMO Shambhala wellness programme and plant-based cuisine its no exception to COMO collection of family-friendly resorts. Setting the Maldivian resort apart are the consistently excellent conditions for great surfing, enhanced through their partnership with Tropicsurf. At COMO Maalifushi, guests can begin their surf journey on surf machines or take guided trips to all three sequestered atolls with more than 20 different surf breaks.
Ocean Soul Retreat
While Canggu remains the popular location for surfing in Bali, Ocean Soul Retreat calls Seminyak home. While the resort is among a beach paradise for boutique shopping and sunset bars, the surfing conditions makes it impossible to skip out on riding the waves at Ocean Soul Retreat. Coupled with healing massages and yoga, surf lessons at the resort will allow you to channel both your inner peace and manifest your other adrenaline-filled side.
Find retreats at Ocean Soul Retreat, or enquire now at bookings@compareretreats.com
Lumeria Maui
For a serious surf, head to its birthplace in the Hawaiian Islands. Lumeria Maui sits in seclusion in Maui’s Northshore and Upcountry regions, providing a sanctuary for avid adventurers in need of relaxation. The resort provides lessons at the easygoing locations of Kaanapali, Lahaina, and Kihei, but Maui’s most popular surf spot Peahi is for anyone who’s up for a challenge. Surfing aside, Lumeria Maui offers an extensive list of water activities as well as wellness treatments to balance out the effect of the strenuous sport.
Six Senses Uluwatu
Hidden away in Southern Bali is another premier surfing destination housed by Six Senses Uluwatu, where this stellar surfing spot is coupled with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Six Senses Uluwatu also strongly commits itself to sustainability, as the only hotel in Bali with a Certificate of Sustainability so rest assured knowing the surf circles at Uluwatu are well protected.
The Byron at Byron
The Byron at Byron, only minutes away from the eclectic coastal town, provides the ultimate surf experience while also allowing guests to take in the bustle of brunch and boutique shopping in Australia. The intimate resort also offers daily yoga and a chance to lounge by the pool during rest days.
Find retreats at The Byron at Byron, or enquire now at bookings@compareretreats.com
See Also: 4 Weekend Retreats In Australia For A Quick Wellness Fix
Anantara Tangalle
Sitting atop the southern coast of Sri Lankan, not far from the old Tangalle town, Anantara Tangalle is home to spectacular surf and spa. The swells will appeal to avid surfers but the gorgeous coastline is for everyone to marvel at. Offering surfing services at the resort through Tropicsurf, Anantara Tangalle also has an extensive menu of yoga, meditation and therapeutic treatments as part of their wellness offerings, making a stay at the Sri Lankan sanctuary balanced between adventure and tranquillity.
COMO Uma Canggu
COMO Hotel and Resort’s Canggu location is at the heart of surfing in Bali. There’s nothing hidden about this surfing paradise, with the beaches often brimming with professionals and beginners. Combining both surf and wellness, COMO Uma Canggu offers transformative retreats guided by experts. The all-year-round consistency of the surf breaks at Canggu makes COMO Uma Canggu the ideal location for beginners ready to get their surf’s up.
Four Seasons Kuda Hura
Experience the ultimate luxury surf escape at the Four Seasons Kuda Hura. The Maldivian resort is renowned for its spa and world-class service, but the Four Seasons Kuda Hura also hosts surf retreats led by some of the largest names in the surfing world, making the retreats truly unique to the resort. Surrounded by the calm and tranquillity of its island location, guests can go beyond surfing at Kuda Hura, to the soothing spa sanctuary where age-old Maldivian traditions are used to give you the post-surf glow.
Nihi Sumba
Nihi Sumba, formerly Nihiwatu, is renowned in the luxury wellness world for its nomination as the World’s Best Hotel by Travel+Leisure for two years in a row — but among outdoor adventurers, it has another claim to fame. Playing host to one of the world’s most aspirational waves, “God’s Left” or “Occy’s Left” is a challenge for even experienced surfers, presenting over 200 metres of ripples and barrels for those skilled enough to catch a ride. This exclusive experience is limited to just 10 people per day. Beginner surfers don’t need to be intimidated though: Nihi Sumba‘s four expert surf instructors are at hand to help out all levels and offer a slightly calmer experience for those still learning the ropes at the nearby Coconut Cove.
