If spending your holiday glued to a lounge chair isn’t really your thing and if you prefer to incorporate fitness and wellness in your travel itinerary or your next touring experience, consider a yoga and surf retreat for your next big adventure. So, why both surfing and yoga together? The answer is that they balance and complement each other perfectly; both mentally and physically.
Perhaps you’re a devout yogi and your partner is a surfer, or you’re a diehard surfer who has yet to step foot on a yoga mat. Or, maybe you’re entirely new to the yoga and surfing realm but willing to dip your toes in both. Whatever your intentions are or your experience level, yoga and surfing retreats are the perfect environment to try something new! And, there is no better continent to escape to for this than Asia.
If you’re unsure where to start your next wellness tour or experience, these are the top destinations for yoga and surfing retreats in Asia.
Asia is a surfer’s paradise for so many reasons. It’s not just the world-class swells that attract surfers, but also the climate, warm water, delicious cuisine, exquisite beaches and fascinating culture. As for yoga, its roots trace back thousands of years to the northern parts of India, and the practice has spread like wildfire through Asia and to the west.
Many people are turning to the ancient practice of yoga to find relief from the stress of modern life. And what better place to practice yoga than it’s birthplace Asia; home to some of the most peaceful and relaxing locations on the planet, surrounded by nature and the sea and like-minded yogis.
Why go on a yoga and surfing retreat?
Yoga complements surfing so well because it helps build strength, and improves flexibility and balance; which are all key components for improving your surf game. Yoga also brings clarity and peace of mind while equipping surfers with stress relief techniques which they can employ as they anticipate the next big wave.
Practising surfing and yoga helps keep you grounded and in the present moment. There is no better feeling than starting off or wrapping up an epic day in the water with a session (or two) on the mat.
Not sure about yoga, surfing, or both?
Are you new to yoga and under the misconception that yoga is too ‘static’, or that you’re not ‘flexible’ enough? Any yogi who’s been around the block can attest to the fact that with hundreds of yoga styles, there are definitely many yoga types (like Ashtanga and Vinyasa) that will kick anyone’s butt and leave their muscles aching for days. If you’re looking for a calmer, more relaxing style of yoga, there are plenty of options for you too such as Yin, where there are no standing postures.
And the whole needing to be flexible to do yoga is a major misnomer as yoga is for everyone and everybody. One could even say that the less flexible you are, the better because you have more room for growth.
If you’re a surfing novice and weary of the incredible force of mother nature known as the ocean, no need to stress; your expert surfing guides will have you covered. You’ll learn everything there is to know about staying safe in the ocean and you’ll start surfing on the foamy white water near the shore after the wave has already broken. If and when you become more comfortable, you’ll be rolling like a pro under the waves to try your luck on green waves!
Top destinations for surfing and yoga retreats in Asia
Bali
Indonesia’s hotspot, Bali lives up to its claim to fame as the most famous surf spot in the world with daunting breaks including Padang Padang and the Uluwatu. There are ample spots for beginners learning to surf as well and breaks like Canggu which offer something for all levels.
Bali is widely known for some of the world’s best yoga classes. You’ll find every form of yoga offered here. Bali is a hotspot for globetrotting teachers touring around the world. Check out the schedule of that world-renowned teacher you follow on Instagram and maybe they’ll be guest teaching during your Bali getaway.
Bali is much more than just a surfer and yoga paradise. Here you’ll find genuinely warm people with a rich and diverse culture that’s hard to beat. Bali alludes to a spiritual essence with its daily flower petal offerings and temple ceremonies. From the peace and quiet found deep in the jungles to breathtaking beaches and unbeatable nightlife, Bali has it all.
When to go:
- The best time to surf in Indonesia is during the dry season from May to September, but you can find decent surfing from April to October too.
One of our favourite retreats: The Chillhouse
The Chillhouse in Bali’s trendy Canggu hotspot offers yoga and surfing in addition to body, soul and healing treatments that will leave you feeling like a new person. The retreat attracts a lot of solo travellers between the ages of 25 and 40 but also accommodates groups and families. The accommodations range from standard rooms to full villa home rentals.
The retreat offers quick access to many surfing spots for all levels. Sandy shallow beaches are available for the less advanced and famous reefs for the experienced surfers. Whatever your skill level is, your International Surfing Association certified instructor will have you progressing in no time.
The variety of yoga styles offered here can’t be beaten: Vinyasa, Hatha, Luna Flow, Yin, Kundalini, sound healing and guided meditation. What more could you ask for? How about the best massage of your life that will cost you only 12 euros.
You’ll leave The Chillhouse with lifelong friends after getting to know each other congregated at the communal pool-side tables indulging in scrumptious local organic eats after your yoga and surf sessions.
Sri Lanka
In some regards, Sri Lanka has remained an unexploited paradise, located in the Indian Ocean south of its giant neighbour India, full of hidden gems. However, in recent years travellers are beginning to uncover its charm and its alluring history, natural beauty and culture. Sri Lanka boasts peaceful beaches, thousands of wild elephants, ancient temples, tea plantation tours, exceptional cuisine and world-class hiking.
Don’t underestimate Sri Lanka’s relatively smaller size, as its 1,340 kilometres of coastline is jam-packed with incredible surf spots. While Sri Lanka has waves in all shapes and sizes for all levels, it’s particularly appealing to beginner surfers. Its numerous sand bottomed breaks with very consistent swells bring in the perfect sized wave to practice on, practically year round.
How many people do you know who can say they’ve practised yoga in the forests of central Sri Lanka or a stone’s throw away from its stunning beaches? While yoga in Sri Lanka is certainly not new to the region, it is slowly but surely gaining popularity, so book your next retreat before it becomes too crowded!
When to go:
The best time to surf the east coast will be from May to September and the best waves in the south can be found from October to April.
One of our favourite retreats: Talalla Retreat
Talalla Retreat is located on the pristine southern coast offering its surfers and yogis a true paradise escape. Still hidden from tourists, the only people visiting the beach here are the local fishermen. Their keen focus on minimizing their environmental footprint makes this retreat a must for those travellers focused on treating the planet with care. Bunk up in a bamboo hut, bungalow or go all out and book an ocean view villa.
Talalla boasts three yoga pavilions, an Ayurvedic spa, 20-meter lap pool, an open-air restaurant and some of the best surf instruction you’ll find in Asia. Video analysis reviews with your instructions will help you boost your confidence in the water and improve your skills 10 times over.
The yoga instruction at Talalla culminates in an environment to make yoga accessible, fun and safe for all skill levels, from brand new beginners to advanced practitioners. There are opportunities to participate in morning and evening classes, workshops, meditation and pranayama or private sessions.
India
While India is the birthplace of yoga and draws in heaps of yogis year round, it has somehow managed to stay off the surf radar despite the fact that you can find surfable waves here year round. With its massive 7,500 km of coastlines, there are numerous hidden surfing spots with unimaginable crystal clear waters and immaculate beaches.
The best surfing spots can be found at Kovalam, Auroville, Varkala, Goa, Mahabalipuram and Andamana.
Chose to completely immerse yourself in the surf and yoga state of mind, or get out and explore the hustle and bustle and intoxicating finesse of India. From the Himalayas to the beaches of Varkala, India encompasses an incredible array of landscape and cultures, arguably the most spiritually vibrant place on earth.
When to go
- The swells are smaller during the peak sunny and dry season from December to February which is great for beginner to intermediate surfers. The bigger swells can be found offseason in October, November and March to May, however, the weather is less predictable these months.
One of our favourite retreats: Soul & Surf
What you’re bound to experience at Soul & Surf in India is the place to go if you’re after a serious dose of wellness inspiration and good times. Located in the southwestern state of Kerala, the retreat is set among palm-forests and tropical coastline, situated atop a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, with private steps taking you down to the most epic beach in the area.
At Soul & Surf, you’ll be surfing the tourist-free beaches of Kerala with top-notch instruction, and wrapping up the day with rooftop sunset yoga sessions. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, bonfires and BBQs, and the outdoor clifftop surf-cinema, all while finding yourself surrounded by amazing people from around the globe.
Participate in yin, slow flow and vinyasa flow classes offered in both the morning and evening and meditation and pranayama classes late afternoon. You’ll definitely leave Soul & Surf with a more relaxed and revitalized body and soul, and surf skills to brag about.
Now what?
All you’ve got to do now is decide which of these sublime retreats to indulge in first! A daunting task at hand, but whatever decision you make will hand down be the best travel decision of your life.
