Wellness Escape: Surf, Yoga, and Art Retreat in Coastal Vietnam

The retreat takes place at Maison de Van, a villa in Cam Lam that mixes modern comfort with classic Indochine style. The house sits close to a calm lake, and the beach is just five minutes away by car—guests often cycle or get a lift for early surf sessions. The space itself is open and airy, with shared living areas, a piano, a garden where chickens wander, and a small organic vegetable plot that supplies much of the produce for meals. It's a far cry from a big resort: you're staying in someone's home, with all the warmth and informality that brings.

Surfing is the core of the week. Luan, the surf instructor, tailors sessions to your level, and the beach here is known for gentle waves that suit beginners and intermediates. You'll get several guided lessons, video analysis to see what you're doing right, and free time to practice on your own with a board. When waves are flat, especially in June and July, the team switches to paddleboarding instead, so there's always something to do on the water. Yoga happens at sunrise, either on the lawn by the villa or by the lake, led by Mrs. Oanh, who has years of teaching experience and also practices acupressure.

The art side of the retreat is what sets it apart from a standard surf camp. Linh, who trained in visual arts, runs workshops where you can paint, draw, or try something creative without needing any experience. It's a relaxed way to spend an afternoon, and guests find it a good contrast to the physical mornings. The week also includes a sunset dinner trip, social nights, and plenty of unstructured time to read, swim, or explore the area around Cam Ranh.

What makes BodyVaMind work is the combination of good teaching, a beautiful setting, and the personal attention from Linh and her team. The group is small, so you're not one of dozens of guests; you're part of a small community for the week. Guests regularly mention how comfortable they feel, how well they sleep, and how the food—fresh, local, and adapted to dietary needs—is a highlight in itself. It's a retreat that delivers on the promise of doing you good, without any of the pretension you sometimes find at wellness places.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in a private double room - 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners - 2 spa treatments (massage, manicure, or pedicure) - 5 surf lessons with instructor guidance - 1 hour surf guidance - Surf theory and video analysis sessions - Surfskate session - 2 art workshops - 2 yoga sessions - 2 hours surfboard rental - Airport pickup and drop-off (for €20 per person, see notes) - Pre and post retreat support from the team - Unlimited water - Photographs and video of your surfing - Wifi connection - Free parking - Luggage storage - Use of villa facilities (garden, shared living rooms, piano, terrace, spa)

What's not included

- International flights - Visa fees - Travel insurance - Lunches (not included in package) - Additional activities not in itinerary (e.g., extra surf lessons) - Additional spa treatments - Personal gear (wetsuit, surfboard, etc.) - Alcohol and other beverages - Extra nights (€28 per night) - Tips for staff (optional)