What could be more fun than going on a surf retreat just for women!
No creepy dudes, no agro, just you surrounded by a bunch of like minded ladies with the same shared passion – surfing (oh, and maybe a little R & R, Mind, Body & Soul nurturing whilst you’re at it too).
Not too much to ask right?
Thankfully it’s not, as you’re about to find out with this list of the absolute best all-women’s surf retreats on the planet.
Time to start getting excited…
Now!
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Alright, before I share with you my top women’s surf retreat picks, I’ve first got to explain a little as to the criteria I’ve used.
Why?
Well, because there are a few things that really take something from good, to spectacular.
With that being said, I’ve made my selection based on the following:
- Climate: For the full retreat experience, warmth is a key factor, as ideally you want to be surfing in a bikini and not a 5mm wetsuit, so the tropics is where we’re at.
- Safety: As a female traveller safety is paramount. So this is a consideration too.
- Wave type and quality: Most women are looking for fun, playful waves – not terrifying, heaving barrels.
- Religious considerations: The beauty of travel is experiencing different cultures and religions, however, they don’t all encourage a full female expression – with bikini bodies on show, etc. This will be impacting the picks below.
- Nature and beauty: Good waves are amazing don’t get me wrong, but they’re made so much better surrounded by natural beauty.
9 OF THE BEST WOMENS SURF RETREATS WORLDWIDE
Here it is, your list of the absolute best female only surf retreats on the planet.
Hold on tight to your credit card, as things are about to get spicy!
1. SURF GODDESS RETREAT
BALI
LUXURY
BEAUTY LEVEL: 7
Goddess Retreats have been in operation since 2003, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about running a successful retreat operation.
Their Bali Retreat for women is based in Seminyak, providing luxury accommodation with access to all the delights the area has to offer.
You can expect quality surf instruction from qualified coaches, teaching beginners or intermediates with their daily lessons that come with the package.
You can also expect to be well fed, with delicious, healthy, wholesome meals freshly prepared in-house.
Website: https://www.goddessretreats.com
2. HOLISTIC SURF COACHING RETREAT [SURF WITH AMIGAS]
COSTA RICA
MID RANGE
BEAUTY LEVEL: 9
Surf With Amigas is led by ex pro surfer Holly Beck, so you can be sure you’re going to be getting elite level coaching.
Many of the retreats in this list will have qualified instructors, sure, but there’s a big difference between someone that’s been surfing for two years and got their ticket, vs someone with 25+ years of elite experience.
This is where Surf with Amigas will really stand out.
Furthermore, coupled with a more holistic approach, this retreat ticks all the boxes.
Connection to self, to others, to source – plus elite level surf tuition in one of the worlds most beautiful destinations.
Website: https://surfwithamigas.com/
3. CHICA BRAVA RETREAT
NICARAGUA
BUDGET/MID RANGE
BEAUTY LEVEL: 9
If retreat is what you really want, then Chica Brava is certainly for you.
With their Cloud Farm accommodation nestled in the Nicaraguan hills just 30 minutes south of the Costa Rican border, this really is a place to get away from it all.
But that’s not to say it’s all rest and relaxation, as there’s a daily regiment of surf instruction with guided tours and video analysis breakdowns too.
Expect to be challenged, expect to meet a bunch of likeminded ladies, and expect to have the time of your life.
A hidden gem in the hills, not to be overlooked by its beachfront contemporary’s.
Website: https://www.chicabrava.com
4. SURF GETAWAYS
MALDIVES
LUXURY
BEAUTY LEVEL: 9
This one’s a little different from the others on this list as it’s not really a retreat in the traditional sense, but damn it ticks so many boxes it had to be on this list.
Unlike the other land based women’s surf retreats this one is 100% at sea, aboard a luxury boat taking you to some of the most pristine, uncrowded lineups in the world, surrounded by nature and beauty.
A true trip of a lifetime.
With no expense spared you’ll be treated like royalty, with expert surf tuition throughout.
A chance to leave the stresses of land behind you, embrace the sisterhood onboard and melt into a moment in time you’ll never forget.
Website: https://www.surfgetaways.com.au
5. SWELL WOMEN
MAUI
MID RANGE
BEAUTY LEVEL: 6
Maui is not the typical place you’d expect a women’s surf retreat to pop up, but the operators at Swell Women have done just that, and if the reviews are anything to go by they’re definitely doing a few things right.
Now although Hawaii is known for its massive waves, that doesn’t mean that’s the standard everywhere.
With this retreat nestled in a protected location the waves are perfect for beginners and intermediates alike.
Maybe not the pick for the younger surf chick that wants a little nightlife, and that bit of traveller atmosphere, but certainly great for the more mature amongst us that want to genuinely relax surrounded by an awesome group of supportive ladies.
Website: https://swellwomen.com/
6. WATA MATA
COSTA RICA
MID RANGE
BEAUTY LEVEL: 9
The ladies at Wata Mata are doing some great things, with unique women’s retreats focusing on different areas of life.
Take their ‘Flow’ Retreat for example, a week of presence work, breathing and connection with self.
A chance to stop an appreciate, connect with your heart space – and don’t forget, surf your frickin brains out!
A beautiful balance of full froth and full connection with self.
Website: https://mamawatacr.com/
7. SOUL AND SURF
SRI LANKA
BUDGET
BEAUTY LEVEL: 8
Many of the retreats in this list come with a hefty price tag, but not this one.
Soul and Surf are able to provide a simple authentic Sri Lankan experience at a fraction of the cost.
Sure, that might mean doing away with a few creature comforts, but if it’s surfing and connection with others you’re looking for – that’ll come your way in buckets here.
Situated in a hidden beachfront property in the epicentre for surf on the West Coast, Ahangama, with surf right at your doorstep this is a magical destination to get away from it all.
Website: https://www.soulandsurf.com/
8. BLISS SANCTUARY FOR WOMEN
BALI
MID RANGE
BEAUTY LEVEL: 7
Unlimited massage, unlimited food, unlimited sightseeing experiences.
That’s a lot right there, but it’s backed by a solid schedule of surf tuition too.
Probably not the place to go and take your surfing to that elite level, granted, but a fun place to get away from it all and really unwind with a surfing twist.
With three different accomodation options to choose from in Canggu and Seminyak, you can take your pick, and choose your budget too.
Website: https://www.blisssanctuaryforwomen.com/
9. OCEAN SOUL RETREAT
BALI
MID RANGE
BEAUTY LEVEL: 7
Beautiful accommodation nestled in the trendy suburb of Seminyak, surrounded by trees and rice fields.
You’ll be enchanted by the beautiful accommodation, and nourished with the healthy selection of food served daily by in-house cooks.
5-Star luxury service, coupled with a daily surfing regime with qualified instructors.
Some of the retreats on this list are very surf centric, run by elite surfers with elite level tuition, but this is not one of them.
So think of it more of a luxury woman’s retreat, with a daily surf add-on, go into it with this expectation and you will not be disappointed.
Website: https://oceansoulretreat.com
CONCLUSION
If you’re looking to travel to an exclusively female surf retreat, hopefully you’re now much closer to finding that perfect spot that’s going to tick all the boxes.
So what are you waiting for!
Do your research, and get yourself booked in.
You’re going to have the time of your life, meet some incredible people, and birth a whole new love for surfing & travel I promise.
Is there a women’s surf retreat that I missed? Somewhere else you could recommend? If so, pop it in the comments below.
LAUREN RINGER
Ex WQS warrior, and all-round frother – Loz is the technical coaching queen at the House of Surf.
She is also a mindset and life coach and has a habit of living in her van way too much.
