Surf and Yoga

 Surf and Yoga

You are planning at trip around surfing or yoga? Make sure to check the places below if you're looking for sustainable places that care for the environment, or want a surf itinerary with vegan options along the way.

Sri Lanka

Yoga

Welikande

Up in the mountains above Kandy, the Knuckles, lies a beautiful property owned by a British-Sri Lankan couple. It’s a retreat for everyone, no matter if you want to hike, do yoga, enjoy wellness or get creative. From Kandy, there is a bus that takes around an hour, and another 15-minute TukTuk ride to the Villa. If you drive yourself, there are small roads through villages from the north or the same route as the bus takes from Kandy. What makes it so extraordinary is the family feeling - as soon as you arrive you feel instantly at home. Cozy rooms, a big living room area, meals on the veranda, and a Shala with one of the best views you will ever get. That combined with local staff and a relaxed atmosphere will let you slow down instantly. I mentioned Welikande in detail in my Yoga guide that you can find here

Green Peace Inn

If you're looking for a classical Yoga retreat, that is everything you connect with the term but actually so much more - Green Peace Inn is everything you can wish for. Situated in the touristic village of Weligama but still away from all the trouble with direct access to the beach, this place is an oasis of peace, spirituality and some of the best, westernized vegan food you can find in the south. Martina and Alex are the owners and the soul of Green Peace Inn, alongside their staff, they spent countless hours and thoughts into the construction of a beautifully balanced retreat that will make you leave as another person.

Mahagedara Wellness Retreat

There are loads of places to stay at around Sigirya, but if you want to wind down, emerge into nature and yourself, there is no way around Mahagedara. This place lies hidden in the woods, where you enter a world of peace, consciousness, and the definition of a sustainable resort. The rooms are basic, but if you look closer you can find so many little hidden details that you may oversee at first. All the food is homegrown and absolutely excellent catering for all diets. In addition, you can take strolls through the garden, explore a treehouse, use the shala for a yoga session, or check out the absolute highlight - their own Bodhi tree! If you don`t know what a Bodhi is, it’s a tree that is said to have grown out of a branch of the tree Buddha got enlightened under. And the ones in Sri Lanka are all related to the one in Anuradhapura which is said to be a direct relative of the original Bodhi. If you ever encounter one, take your chance to meditate at it, even if you`re not that experienced with meditation. At the one at Mahagedara, the energy is absolutely crazy and it’s such an intense experience, that alone would be worth coming here. You can read about their concept on the website linked above, but if you find yourself in the area - do yourself a favor and plan a few days at Mahagedara.

Villa de Zoysa

Around 20 minutes above Galle, hidden behind a big gate, the Zoysa Villa is a place that couldn't be better for a Yoga retreat. A spiritual place run by a local, who makes the house into something very special. The beach is close-by and is perfect for surfing, meditation or just a swim. The huge house is impressive as it is, and you can feel the history running through it. 

The rooms are big, bright, and beautiful; some even have a balcony and access to the terrace. It’s kept simple but very comforting - a place you want to stay longer than you thought.

Amor Wellness

Right at the main road in Dikwella with beach access on the other side, Amor Wellness will make you feel like a new-born baby.  All their products, except the nail polish, are organic and locally sourced. Whatever you`re looking for, you can get here: massages, peelings, manicures, and pedicures. The people working here are very professional and well trained, everything is cleaned and it’s owned by Australians. I would go as far and say that it's the best spa on the whole south coast. And what's better than a walk at the beach right after your treatment with a fresh coconut in your hand? Not much.

Surf

Kite Surf Lanka

What makes this place so extraordinary in comparison to all the other kite surfing places around it? The owner was the first person to introduce kiting to the region and it was just the start of tourism development for the surrounding villages. You will rarely find a place that cares so much about the environment: food is locally sourced, plastic is recycled and used to build art or eco-bricks. The plants you see on the photos are mangroves, which are planted all over the area.

India

Yoga

 The Beachhouse Goa

One of those places is the Beachhouse Goa, right at the beach of south Goa. You can reach it from Arambol via bus and TukTuk or take a driver either from the train station or the airport. The main train station is actually very close, so it’s the perfect location to start exploring India after coming down to relax.

They offer several treatments that get adjusted to your needs, wishes and preferences, they got an Ayurvedic doctor, incredible massages, fresh food that may seems to be a bit dull after trying all the spicy Indian dishes, juices once a day, Yoga classes twice a day and several other treatments that belong into the Ayurveda range. Especially the guided meditations are incredible, and the teachers really know what they are doing. They are situated right at the beach and have a small swimming pool for your own use. You can choose from a wide range of massages every day, and especially the sports massage is really great. The yoga classes really differ from teacher to teacher and some are way better than others, but you are also free to use the mats and the shala that overlooks the ocean whenever you want to.

Surf

Surf Wala

A bit further down, close to some big party locations, you will find Surf Wala, Goas only surf school. While the waves are nearly non-existent during the day, in the morning they reach a perfect surfing level. The school is run by an Australian expat who developed his own techniques that will make beginners get on the board very fast and even better surfers can learn something. They also got all kind of boards available for renting if you just want to explore the sea on your own, but if you want to stay, they also offer bungalows where you can spend your days.

Portugal

Yoga

Aterra Eco Camp

The Aterra Eco Camp is a glamping experience in the Algarve. A bit inland and in a beautiful lush green area, hidden away from all the buzz. They focus on a sustainable way of living: rainwater showers, solar energy and recycled material used for its built. They have several kinds of accommodation, their own little lake with a beach, a yoga shala and a communal area where you can socialize during the day. They offer breakfast and dinner (vegan on request). And if you come with your van there are a few spots available in the parking area. The owners are incredibly nice and it’s one of those places that just make you feel at peace - even if it’s just for a night.

Open from spring to fall

Carvalhal das Figueiras

Corgo da Casca, 7630-635

Surf

Rapture Surf Camp

In the south of the town is one of the most populated surf beaches Praia da Foz do Lizandro. Rapture has several surf camps all over the world and the Portugal one defines their high standard in every way. I have visited many surf camps during the past years: from tent towns in France, dorm camps in Sri Lanka and South Africa, to surf houses in Spain, but this one holds a very special place in my heart. They always say that the people make a place, and I couldn`t agree more. The people who run it and their staff vibrate what they got on all guests and make it something you rarely find but are always on the hunt for. 

The beach is only a few minutes away and you can overlook the beach from the road to check the waves. Google reviews speak for themselves, but the food is as good as they say and being vegan is absolutely no issue at all. They happily cater for your special diets. Unlike other camps, you will get your dinner served and everyone sits together for a chat after an exhausting day in the water. Boards and wetsuits are in great condition, their surf teachers make sure that you get into a group that fits your level and helps you progress in your own pace. Whatever you`re looking for, you`ll find it here as they also offer theory lessons, yoga, and SUPs which you can use in the nearby river. There is a huge carpark next door. And a sandy one closer to the beach, where some vans stayed overnight (which is prohibited on the big one). They are open from spring to fall and offer flexible stays instead of set weeks.

If you`re thinking about visiting a surf camp in central Portugal, don`t think twice and go with Rapture. 

R. do Lizandro 6

2655-130 Carvoeira

Slide Surf Camp

A short drive from Aveiro, a German-owned surf camp offers lessons and fun in a very laid-back environment. The place feels like home the moment you arrive; the kitchen is available for your own use and every evening Nico cooks the most delicious dishes, happily adjusting them for vegans on request. All day long there is bread and fruits available to get you ready for the next session. A swimming pool invites you to relax and if you want to watch the sunset, the beach is right in front behind the dunes. Especially if you are already an advanced surfer, this place is perfect for you as you got several challenging breaks close by. There is a huge parking in front where you can park your van or car during your stay. If you plan to reach Porto make sure to plan a few days here and you won`t regret it. 

Praia da Vagueira

Rua Armenio Abreu 46

3840-240 Urb, 3840-240 Aveiro

Spain

Surf

Surfhouse As Furnas

For all surfers: don`t look further if you want to go surfing in Spain. This surfhouse has everything you can wish for and is owned by one of the kindest people you will ever meet: Kathi is an absolute sweetheart, a great cook and an even better surf teacher. Her place will make you feel right at home. What differs As Furnas from other surfhouses or camps, is the fact that you got your own bedroom with a bath; it feels much more like a hotel and it is rather small in comparison to the big party surfcamps. There is a pool, a yoga area, you can get massages and they take you to the best surf spots every day. You can even try skating or learn some Spanish! There is a fully equipped kitchen available if you want to cook for yourself. Breakfast is included, but you can also get what’s on the today’s menu - made by Kathi herself.

 I cannot recommend this place highly enough! Please say hi if you find yourself there.

Open from spring to fall 

 Agra, 66, 15995 Porto do Son

 A Coruña