Surf, Swim & Strength: 6-Day All-Inclusive Fitness Retreat in Siargao

The retreat is anchored by two training blocks each day, timed to the tides. Mornings usually start with a surf session at one of Siargao's breaks—Cloud 9 if the swell is up, or a mellower beach break if you're still learning. Dr. David and his surf instructors split groups by level, so beginners get whitewater coaching while more experienced surfers work on turns and positioning. Surf sessions run about two hours, and you'll get professional photos and drone footage to review afterward.

After a break for lunch (one of your two included meals, chosen from a list of local restaurants), the afternoon brings swimming and dryland training. The swimming sets are technique-focused—Dr. David has a background in competitive swimming and uses video analysis to break down your stroke. Dryland work is functional strength: bodyweight circuits, core work, and mobility. Every session is adjusted to your level; there's no one-size-fits-all workout here.

Recovery is built into the program rather than an afterthought. Twice during the week you'll take a guided ice bath—a shock to the system that genuinely helps with muscle soreness after hard days. You also get one full-body massage, and the instructors lead stretching sessions most days. The idea is to train hard but recover smart, so you can keep surfing every day without falling apart.

The week also includes a full-day island-hopping excursion, where you visit a few of the smaller islands around Siargao. The trip includes a traditional boodle fight lunch—a spread of rice, grilled fish, and vegetables laid out on banana leaves that you eat with your hands. It's a fun, messy, communal meal and one of the most memorable parts of the week.

SwimFIT is run by Dr. David, who has over a decade of coaching experience and competed professionally as a swimmer for seven years. He holds degrees in Physical Activity & Sports Sciences and Psychology, which shows in how he teaches—he's as interested in why you swim the way you do as he is in correcting it. He's on site for the whole retreat, working alongside local surf instructors.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in a shared or private villa at Villa Luna - 2 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, or dinner, chosen from a list of restaurants) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - 8 hours of personalized swimming and fitness training - 8 hours of surf coaching tailored to your level - Surfboard rental - Professional surf photos, drone footage, and video analysis - 2 guided ice bath recovery sessions - 1 full-body massage - 1 island-hopping excursion with lunch - Motorbike rental for the full stay - Airport pickup and drop-off at Siargao Airport - Transportation during retreat activities - Group excursions - Professional event photos - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Free parking - WiFi

What's not included

- Airfare to and from Siargao - Travel insurance (recommended) - Visa fees (if applicable) - Additional meals beyond the two included per day - Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra activities) - Optional spa treatments beyond the included massage