Craving sand, sea and yoga at sunset? They are the telltale signs that you’re ready for a retreat. We’ve gathered up seven of the best yoga and surf holidays from around the globe, so you don’t have to.
Yoga and surfing are two of our favourite pastimes here at Outsider. And with the winter creeping its way in, it’s time to start planning for some downward dogs on a beach somewhere in India or Sri Lanka, or to get wrapped up in neoprene and dive headfirst into some pumping swell closer to home. Warning, daydreams of this roundup of our best yoga and surf retreats may cause you to drool on your desk.
1. Surf Maroc
Location: Taghazout, Morocco
Heading to Morocco? Surf Maroc is the surf camp worth going to, trust us. This well-established camp is ideally situated in the village of Taghazout, Morocco’s favourite surf destination. It’s got some of the best sand bottom, right-hand point breaks you’ll ever surf. They offer tailored surf/yoga packages that include an inspired mix of creative vinyasa, powerful pranayama, laughter yoga, restorative, yin, yoga nidra, meditation and of course lots of surf.
More info: Surf Maroc
2. Soul & Surf
Location: Kerala, India
India is not well known for its surf, but a trip to Soul and Surf in the colourful Kerala retreat might change your opinion. It’s the perfect place to get off the beaten track and surf the Arabian Sea. Run by two Brits, Sofie and Ed Templeton who have done a stellar job in building this chic retreat. It’s not for the big guns, but the perfect place for small, surfable waves, with the occasional rupture of great breaks off Varkala. Soul & Surf also runs surf lessons for the local children. As for yoga, stretch out on the rooftop with the sunset as your backdrop. There is no better way to see India.
More info: Soul & Surf
3. Oceanflow Hot Yoga Retreat
Location: Cornwall, England
Cornwall is Englands premier surf spot, and there’s no place like it on a good day. Step up your yoga routine with a hot yoga retreat. With surf lessons at Fistral Beach with The Surf Sanctuary, hot yoga classes (in 40-degree heat), yin yoga classes, outdoor surf yoga classes, basically every yoga class you can think of! Then there are options to go paddleboarding, horseriding, walking. It’s the perfect place to escape for a weekend.
More info: Oceanflow Hot Yoga Retreat
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4. Star Surf Camp
Location: Moliets, France
The original Star Surf Camp base. Nestled in the vibrant town of Moliets, it’s all about living the good life. Star Surf Camp is just north of Europe’s surfing capital, Hossegor. Spend your days surfing the swell, practising yoga on the white beaches, chilling in a hammock in the sun and partying your nights away in San Sebastian.
More info: Star Surf Camp
5. Talalla Retreat
Location: Talalla, Sri Lanka
This eco-surf camp is perched on a secluded cove on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. It is quickly becoming world-renowned for its sustainable approach to design and its philosophy which is centred around reconnecting with nature. Surf all day and then enter the two custom-built open-air yoga pavilions to unwind and reconnect.
More info: Talalla Retreat
6. Tipi Valley Surf & Yoga
Location: Algarve, Portugal
This is a tented, organic and eco-friendly surf and yoga camp in Portugal’s famous Algarve Coast. They offer surf lessons in the morning and then a chance to head back out again in the afternoon. Fill the days with surf, yoga sessions and relaxation on the multiple beautiful beaches and coves. It’s glamping at its finest, on a rustic retreat surrounded by native cork oak trees and organic vegetable gardens. Choose here, to experience nature at its best.
More info: Surf Algarve
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7. Cliffs of Moher Retreat
Location: Clare, Ireland
Finally, if you are looking for relaxation on your doorstep. The Cliffs of Moher Retreat is one of the best staycations you’ll find in Ireland. Situated in Liscannor, Co Clare, it is one of the finest parts of Ireland. The perfect place for a digital detox. While away your days practising yoga while gazing out at the perfect beach breaks, then in your free time, go and surf Ireland’s best waves. They’ll organise it all for you. Namaste.
More info: Cliffs of Moher Retreat
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A yoga retreat gives you most desirable tranquility, an atmosphere which is stress free. Yoga does not let you do physical exercise rigorously unlike what you do in gym, but few therapies which are essential for staying fit. Wandering shortly on the beach, you get to have nutritious breakfast followed by gentle meditation. Almost all retreats offer two guided sessions on yoga each day. Meditation and discussing philosophy is a part of the session.