8-Day Surf & Yoga Wellness Escape on Portugal's Atlantic Coast

The retreat is built around a daily rhythm that balances time in the water with time on the mat. Mornings start with yoga—Carla leads vinyasa flows that suit whatever level you're at, plus a couple of slower yin and restorative sessions during the week. After breakfast, you meet Rui at the lodge at 10:30 a.m. and drive to the day's chosen surf spot. He picks the beach based on the swell, the wind, and what the group can handle—he prefers sandy beaches, which makes learning a lot less intimidating. The surf sessions run about two hours, with a warm-up, a solid briefing on technique, and plenty of time actually riding waves.

Rui has been surfing for 30 years and coaching since 2004. He's a former international competitor with a real instinct for matching people to waves. The group is capped at six, so you're never just a number. During the week you'll also get a theory session, a video analysis of your technique, and a visit to a local surf factory to see how boards are shaped. Free use of quality surf and paddle equipment is included—boards, wetsuits, everything you need.

The accommodation is the Well Hotel & Spa, a modern spot with heated floors, a pool, sauna, and a proper spa. The team there handles breakfast daily—spread with pastries, fresh fruit, pancakes, and good coffee—and the location means the beach is a two-minute walk. The nearby town of Santa Cruz, with its cafes and seafood restaurants, is a pleasant stroll along the coast.

Afternoons are open. You can join a surfskate lesson to work on balance, try stand-up paddleboarding, take a vineyard tour with wine tasting, or just read on the terrace. The staff can arrange extras, like massages or private coaching, for an additional cost. Evenings are relaxed—dinner is on your own, but Rui and Magda often point you toward good local spots, and guests frequently end up eating together.

What's included

- Airport pickup and drop-off (Lisbon Airport) - 7 nights accommodation at Well Hotel & Spa - Daily breakfast - Welcome drink - Transportation to surf spots during the retreat - 5 x 2-hour surf or SUP lessons (depending on conditions) - 5 yoga sessions - Theory lesson and video analysis session - Visit to a surf factory - Free use of surf equipment and paddle boards - Professional event photos - Free Wi-Fi at the hotel - Free parking at the hotel

What's not included

- Lunch and dinner - Flights - Visa fees - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary (e.g., surfskate lessons, SUP sessions, vineyard tours) - Additional treatments (e.g., massages) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses