Barbados Surf & Yoga Week on the Platinum Coast

A typical day starts early, because the best conditions on this coast are usually in the morning. You'll surf, come back for breakfast, then do a video analysis or surf theory session where your coach walks you through the footage of that morning's session. After lunch there's usually a yoga class on the deck or by the pool, a breathwork and mobility session, and then either an afternoon surf if the swell is on or free time until dinner. Four meals a day are cooked by the in-house chef, and the group eats together family-style. Some days the schedule shifts — the catamaran cruise, the sunset glass-bottom boat trip, the horse ride on the east coast, and the ice bath sessions are slotted in depending on conditions. One evening midweek the whole group goes out for dinner and a party at a local spot.

What separates this from a standard Barbados surf school is the coaching structure. It's capped at eight guests with a 2:1 student-to-coach ratio, and every day includes either video analysis or a theory session, not just water time. The surf guides take you to different breaks depending on the swell and your level, so you're not stuck at one beginner beach all week. The other difference is the base itself — a seven-bedroom home on the Platinum Coast with ensuite bathrooms in every room, a pool, and private beach access at Sandy Lane rather than a hotel block or hostel dorm.

The villa sits on Barbados' west coast, which is the calm, clear side of the island — powder-white sand, gentle waves, water you can see the bottom through. The east coast is rougher and wilder and is where the horse riding happens. Local Bajans, according to the team, are friendly and unhurried, and the island has good food, famous rum and a laid-back pace. Kitesurfing, golf, fishing and tours to Harrison's Cave and St Nicholas Abbey can be arranged at extra cost if you want to fill an afternoon.

The coaching team is described as experienced instructors who guide guests to the best waves in the area for their level and run the video sessions. Guest reviews consistently name individual coaches — Chepo, Corrado, Dennis, Carol, Elton, Chris — and praise both their technical knowledge and the fact they know when to push and when to just let people enjoy the session. Yoga is also taught daily, with guests mentioning it as a good complement to the surfing. Phil, the founder, is from Barbados and the whole company is built around returning to surf and show people this island.

This is a good fit if you want to actually improve your surfing rather than just rent a board and paddle out. Complete beginners are welcome — one guest said she was nervous before arriving and the instructors made it easy — and experienced surfers also get value because of the guided trips to less crowded breaks and the video feedback. Non-surfing partners or friends can come along and fill their days with beaches, catamaran trips and excursions.

What's included

- 7 nights beachfront villa accommodation with ensuite bathrooms - Maximum 8 guests per retreat - 6 days of surf coaching with experienced instructors - 2:1 guest-to-surf-coach ratio - 6 days of video analysis or surf theory sessions - Guiding to the best waves in the region for your surf level - All surf equipment (except rash guards) - Four meals daily prepared by the in-house chef - Appetisers, mains and desserts served family-style - One evening dinner out and party - Two weekly ice bath sessions - Daily breathwork and mobility sessions - Daily yoga sessions - Catamaran cruise with sea turtle swimming and snorkelling - Sunset glass-bottom boat adventure - Horse riding on a remote east-coast beach - Round-trip airport transfers at set pick-up times - Hosting and support from Phil and his team throughout the week

What's not included

- International flights to and from Barbados - Travel insurance - Rash guards - Personal expenses and alcohol outside organised meals and activities - Optional activities such as kitesurfing, golf, fishing and fishing trips - Tours to Harrison's Cave and St Nicholas Abbey - Spa treatments and massages - Additional food and drinks outside the included meal plan - Tips and gratuities for staff and coaches