Fancy combining a holiday in the sun with learning a new sport? This, the first of a regular spot, looks at the best surfing holidays for women.
Sporting holidays have increased in popularity over the past few years and now there are an abundance to choose from. Often they combine complementary activities and some even have a luxury spa element.
And one of the best aspects of these new holidays is that many are orientated towards individuals. Which means you can go on your own without feeling isolated or with a girl friend, and you may even make some new friends along the way.
Surfing is the perfect holiday companion and offers the chance to go to some really exotic locations. The following companies all offer excellent teaching with a high teacher to pupil ratio, alongside luxury accommodation and pampering treats.
Kelea Surf Spa
Kelea, named after the ancient Hawaiian Chiefess, has two locations - Hawaii and Costa Rica. They offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodation, gourmet meals, surfing lessons, a massage and other organised activities.
In Hawaii they are located on the legendary North Shore in a beautiful Hawaiian Villa. The traditional island style decor combined with a small tropical garden and amazing ocean views all add to the luxury. And there is no need to worry about the reputation of big waves, Kelea runs during February, March and April when the surf is calmer and even during big swells it is still ideal for beginners.
The Costa Rica location is Malpais where surf conditions and water temperatures are ideal throughout the year. Accommodation is provided in the Ritmo Hotel cottages which surround a pool set in lush tropical gardens. The hotel is walking distance from the main surf beach and the attractions of the town. These holiday packages run November through to January.
Image from Kelea website.
For travellers from the UK, the Hawaii location is possibly more straightforward to get to, but either location is fantastic and a total departure from the often chilly waves of the UK. And with the exchange rates so favourable for us the costs are far more affordable.
Prices for 1 week inclusive of accommodation, meals, surf instruction, a massage and yoga start at $1750. (Flight not included) www.keleasurfspa.com
Surf Goddess Retreats
Surf Goddess Retreats are based on the exotic Indonesian island of Bali and boast near perfect conditions for surfers of all or no ability from February through to October. Surf lessons are combined with morning yoga, luxurious spa treats and cultural experiences.
At Surf Goddess, the majority of guests are beginner surfers, and as such the surf camps are designed to offer a fun and safe environment. Tuition is always a high proportion of instructors to pupils and there is always some one-to-one instruction during each lesson. And to ease you into the sport gently, lessons are held at a friendly beach break with warm water waves in about waist deep water.
Images from Surf Goddess website
Included in your package and very much part of the week is the spa experience. You will receive a two hour treatment at one of Bali’s best spas – The Prana Spa. Using all natural ingredients including rose petals, sea salt, avocado and yoghurt, you will be pampered from head to toe.
Accommodation is situated in Seminyak, moments from popular restaurants, shops, spas and beautiful beaches. The private villa, which is solely dedicated to Surf Goddess has en-suite facilities for each room, lush tropical gardens and an outdoor swimming pool.
And alongside the local décor and ambience, there are state-of-the art facilities including an ipod sound dock and CD players, a large flat screen TV plus complimentary wi-fi for those that may need to work or stay in touch with home..
Prices for 7 nights inclusive of accommodation, tuition, meals and a spa treat start at £1195 (flight not included). www.surfgoddessretreats.com
Voec retreats
Voec retreats are based in Costa Rica in the North Western Province of Guanacaste, chosen for its gentle and forgiving waves and warm waters. With the environment and wildlife such an important aspect of Costa Rica, it’s no surprise that this retreat places a lot of emphasis on it’s surroundings and eco awareness.
Surfing lessons are led by former World Longboard Champion, Kristy Murphy and all the instructors are certified lifeguards and accomplished surfers meaning the tuition will not only be world class but also safe.
Image taken from Voec website
Morning and evening yoga sessions are part of the daily routine, and they focus heavily on the muscle groups that you will be using during your surf lessons, so they are a great opportunity to prepare for the day and then wind down after. And to help you relax further, spa treats are included using locally sourced botanical products.
In addition you can make the most of your surroundings by taking part in canopy tours, scuba and snorkeling trips or even enjoy a salsa class if that’s more to your taste. Accommodation is provided in a 4* beach front hotel with wonderful facilities, including lush gardens overlooking the beach with an outdoor pool and sun terraces.
Prices for the all inclusive package (except flights) start at $2095 and include 4* accommodation, daily surf lessons, meals, two treatments and yoga. www.voecretreats.com
Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
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