8 Day Surf and Yoga Wellness Retreat on Portugal's Atlantic Coast

This is a seven-night package that pairs five surf lessons with five yoga classes, set in Porto Novo and Santa Cruz on Portugal's central Atlantic coast. The surfing takes priority, with each lesson running two hours and covering everything from paddling and wave positioning to standing up and riding green waves. Rui Ferreira, who has been coaching since 2004 and holds Level 1 and 2 certificates from the Portuguese Surfing Federation, leads the sessions in groups of no more than six, so you get individual attention every time you're in the water.

Yoga is taught by Carla, a Portuguese instructor who trained in Hatha yoga at the Sivananda Ashram in southern India in 2017. Her classes are vinyasa-style but adaptable to whatever level shows up, and the retreat also includes workshops in yin and restorative yoga for the days when you need to slow down. The mix means you're working your body in the ocean and then stretching it back out on the mat, which is exactly what makes a week like this feel restorative rather than exhausting.

The location is the real draw. Porto Novo beach is quieter than Santa Cruz, with fewer people and more space, backed by cliffs and green hills that are good for walking. Santa Cruz, a few minutes away, has a proper village feel with whitewashed houses, small cafes, and seafood restaurants. The hotel itself sits just 20 meters from the sand, with heated floors, a cozy lounge, and hot water for after cold sessions. It's the kind of place where you can stumble out of your room in a wetsuit and be in the water before you've fully woken up.

You don't need to be fit or experienced to come here. Total beginners learn to paddle and catch waves within a few days, and people who have surfed before will find plenty of challenge in the Atlantic breaks. The schedule leaves chunks of the day unstructured, so you can nap, read, explore the villages, or book an extra massage at the hotel's wellness center. Rui and his team handle the logistics and are known for being responsive before you arrive, which helps if this is your first solo trip.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation at Well Hotel & Spa - Daily buffet breakfast - 5 surf lessons (2 hours each) - 5 yoga classes (vinyasa and yin/restorative) - Theory lesson and video analysis of your surfing - Tour of the surf factory - Use of high-quality surf and paddle equipment - Airport pickup and drop-off - Transport to the surf spots during the retreat - Welcome drink - Free Wi-Fi - Parking - Professional event photos

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Lunch and dinner - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary - Extra surf or yoga classes - Spa treatments and massages - Personal expenses