a new season of soul of surfing retreats and surf jams at beachside and clifftop locations
As the chill in the UK’s late autumn air starts to bite, surf and yoga retreat specialist Soul & Surf’s India and Sri Lanka bases are finding their rhythm for the new season with availability over Christmas and New Year in Kerala for those looking for a festive trip.
Offering a choice of different ways to enjoy their innovative ‘soul of surfing’ programmes including week long all-inclusive stays in Sri Lanka and flexible ‘pick and mix’ stays in Kerala, there’s also an exciting line of up events and special retreats planned for the season.
The company quietly weaves mindfulness in everything they do, finding new ways to work with the local communities and deliver unique experiences for guests focused on teaching the ‘whys’ behind surfing, from wave-riding on all kinds of craft (focused for your level – be that beginner, improver, intermediate or beyond), to ocean awareness and activism, to blue health and how the ocean is good for the soul.
In Sri Lanka the Cove Surf Jam returns after its inaugural showcase earlier this year for the weekend of 1and 2 February 2025, a raw, low-key celebration of the creative, soulful, less commercial edge of surfing hosted at the Cove out front of Soul & Surf. In addition, there will be two surf specific retreats running either side of the weekend hosted by Vasco Monica from Portugal.
Also in Sri Lanka, Soul & Surf will host a series of fundraising days working with Sea Sisters empowering Sri Lankan females to surf as well as special events with
How we grow foundation, encouraging local communities to come to Soul & Surf and integrate with tourists and ocean awareness.
Over in Kerala, inspired by the success of Sri Lanka’s Cove Jam, the inaugural Varkala Surf Jam will take place18-19 January 2025, integrating all the local surf community into a celebration of surf culture rather than competition. In addition there will be a series of new pop up food events, yoga workshops and longboard workshop through the season as well as new monthly ‘Sunday Sessions’ with music, dancing and bbq at the clifftop location overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Surf Specific Retreats Sri Lanka
25January – 1 February there will be a specific Longboard Retreatwith the chance to learn from last year’s surf jam pros and watch the longboard event at the end of the week. Then, following the event there will be a Fish, Singles & Mids retreat (1-8 February ) aimed at intermediates and above with a love for riding alternative surf craft and a desire to progress and focus on style, flow and technique. Prices for these specialist retreats start from £1195 per person for the week fully inclusive of surf and yoga, meals a programme of workshops.
Sri Lanka
Soul & Surf Cove boutique hotel is positioned on a dreamy, secluded little waterfront cove in Ahangama, Southern Sri Lanka, offering exceptional value weeklong retreats.
With eight sea facing rooms, and bang on the beach
In the main season which runs from now up until mid May 2025, prices start from £1045 per person per week. This includes accommodation, food, a glass of wine with dinner, 5 surf lessons, 5 guided ‘free-surf sessions’, 5 Soul of Surfing workshops, 4 Surf video analysis sessions and 7 Yoga classes.
One to one yoga sessions, therapies, photography sessions and extra drinks/snacks are also available as extras.
India
The Kerala clifftop retreat hotel, the original Soul & Surf location in Varkala has rooms which start from £60 a night solo or £95 for a double B&B and are simple yet stylish with the onsite Soul Food Cafe with a three night minimum stay.
Here guests can enjoy a flexible surfing holiday and take part in as much or as little activity as they like. Surf lessons are available for total beginners and for those looking to hone their skills, whilst more experienced surfers can take part in daily surf safaris hunting for the perfect wave. Yoga classes, meditation sessions and massages can also be added. A week of surf and yoga classes is priced from £195 per person.
Festive Breaks in Kerala
There is still space to book in for a stay over Christmas week with prices starting for a week’s stay during this time from just £335 per person B&B sharing a double/ twin or £420 for a week solo room.
Community Engagement
What’s more, the entire surf coach team are from the local area and have gained their training and qualifications through Soul & Surf, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting and developing local talent.
Soul & Surf has also developed team ownership here in Kerala, with staff who have been working for more than eight year being given shares in the company.
To book and to see the full list of what is included in Sri Lanka and India, please visit:
www.soulandsurf.com/retreats/sri-lanka/
www.soulandsurf.com/retreats/india/
Soul & Surf also have a permanent home in Portugal’s Algarve which is open year round.
