Ready to book a surf and yoga retreat in Bali? I’ve got you covered!
Joining retreats instead of just another beach holiday has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers the perfect blend of physical activity, rejuvenation and cultural immersion.
Bali, known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, lush rice fields, towering waterfalls, and a vibrant spiritual culture. It’s the perfect setting to connect with nature, improve your physical and mental well-being, and learn new skills.
After traveling in Bali for 15 years and living on the island for months, I have personally been to several of these retreats. So let’s take a look at what I consider to be the best surf and yoga retreats in Bali, including options for every budget and skill level.
🌟 Pro tip >> I book all my wellness, surf and yoga retreats through Booksurfcamps.com and Bookyogaretreats.com, both sites offering packages in all price ranges, worldwide.
Article overview
Overview of surf & yoga retreats in Bali
| Retreat name | Duration | Location | Yoga practice | Surf level | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARI Surf Camp Bali | 4 days, 8 days | Padang Padang | Hatha | Beginner, intermediate | $$ Check price here |
| Surf & Yoga Bali | 4 days, 6 days, 8 days, 11 days, 14 days | Padonan | Vinyasa Yin | Beginner, intermediate | $$ Check price here |
| Pelan Pelan Bali | 6 days, 8 days, 15 days, 29 days | Canggu | Hatha | All | $$ Check price here |
| Mondo Surf & Lifestyle Village | 8 days | Pererenan | Vinyasa Yin Restorative Ashtanga | Best for beginner and intermediate | $ Check price here |
| Padang Padang Surf Camp | 4 days, 8 days, 15 days | Padang Padang | Hatha Iyengar Power Vinyasa | All | $$ Check price here |
| Isla Indah Retreat | 4 days, 7 days | Nusa Lembongan | Hatha | All | $ Check price here |
Best surf & yoga retreats
Most of these retreats are located on the Bukit Peninsula or in Canggu. I personally prefer the Uluwatu/Padang Padang area, as this is where you find all the best white sand beaches in Bali.
However, Canggu is your best option if you mainly want to party and hang out in the bars. It is crazy busy there these days.
1. CARI Surf Camp Bali
My favorite all-round surf and yoga retreat
📍 LOCATION: Padang Padang │ 🌟 RATING: 4.8/5 │ 👭 GROUP SIZE: 3 per instructor
Cari is one of my favorite surf and yoga retreats in Bali, located in the beautiful Padang Padang. The camp is stunning with white private villas and a communal area with a large pool, surrounded by greenery.
It is the perfect place to learn to surf or sharpen your skills. They also have a different program for advanced surf guiding.
With 2 surf lessons per day, the instructors (several are locals born and raised in the area) will make sure you get the foundational skills you need. In addition, you’ll delve into surf theory and get photo and video analysis to speed up your learning.
I also love that CARI Surf Camp Bali puts and emphasis on nurturing the body and mind. This is why they offer 3 yoga sessions, 1 wellness experience at Istana Uluwatu and gym access at 360 Move. The food in their restaurant is made from locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
🧘 Check price and availability here >> CARI Surf Camp Bali
2. 11-day adventurous surf & yoga retreat
Best retreat in Canggu
📍 LOCATION: Padonan │ 🌟 RATING: 4.9/5 │ 👭 GROUP SIZE: Max 12 participants
This is my favorite surf and yoga retreat in the Gu. Surf’n Yoga Bali has created a little slice of vegetarian paradise with homemade food for curious, wild minds who want to explore wellness for the body and mind, outdoor activities, and water sports.
The retreat is located in Padonan, just across Raya Canggu opposite the Batu Bolong area. This is a quiet corner of hip Canggu, surrounded by lush rice fields and palm trees.
The surf programs are comprehensive and include plenty of time in the water, video analysis, pool sessions and surf theory classes. And the best part is that they offer a lot of different packages, so the retreat will fit into your holiday no matter how long you’re staying in Bali.
🌟 Check price and availability here >> Surf & Yoga Bali adventurous retreat
3. Pelan Pelan Bali 8-day surf & yoga retreat
Most beautiful camp
📍 LOCATION: Canggu │ 🌟 RATING: 4.8/5 │ 👭 GROUP SIZE: Max 12 participants
Pelan Pelan Bali is a great retreat in Canggu for those of you who are serious about improving your surfing as the lessons are customized to your skill level and you get a lot of attention.
The surf instructors are experienced and passionate, and they will work with you 1:1 to improve your technique.
You will deepen your yoga practice and connect with yourself and others in a beautiful and supportive environment. As well as explore the beautiful island of Bali on a complimentary excursion.
3 Balinese massages, 1 guided meditation, breakfast and lunch are also included in the package.
🏄♀️ Check price and availability here >> Pelan Pelan Surf And Yoga Retreat
5. Mondo Surf Village 8-day surf & yoga retreat
affordable option
📍 LOCATION: Pererenan │ 🌟 RATING: 4.5/5 │ 👭 GROUP SIZE: ?
This Mondo Surf Village retreat is ideal for those of you with little to no surfing experience. It’s a unique surf and yoga resort nestled between the beach and the rice fields of Canggu, in the up-and-coming Pereranan area.
You get two yoga sessions a day and six lessons, which is very valuable for the affordable price. But Mondo Surf Village is more than just a surf and yoga retreat; it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for surfing, health, and personal growth.
The retreat’s experienced instructors and friendly staff create a supportive and welcoming environment that encourages you to connect with yourself and others on a deeper level.
Free use of motorbike/scooter, surf video analysis and breakfast are also included.
🧘 Check price and availability here >> Mondo Lifestyle Resort surf & yoga retreat
4. Padang Padang Surf Camp 8-day retreat
The OG
📍 LOCATION: Padang Padang │ 🌟 RATING: 4.5/5 │ 👭 GROUP SIZE: max 3 per coach
Padang Padang Surf Camp specializes in teaching complete newbies who have never surfed before. This was actually the first surf camp on the Bukit, so here you get a lot of experience and some of the best-qualified surf instructors in Bali.
There is something fun going on every evening, and the guests often join each other for dinner and social activities at the end of the day. The camp is located in my all-time favorite area, you can easily walk to great cafés and boutiques, or rent a scooter and zip around to the many beaches and Uluwatu Monkey Temple.
Video/photographed surf sessions, daily yoga classes and the use of a coworking office and gym are all included.
🏄♀️ Check price and availability here >> Padang Padang surf and yoga retreat
5. Isla Indah 6-day surf & yoga retreat
Best for calm island vibes
📍 LOCATION: Nusa Lembongan │ 🌟 RATING: 4.4/5 │ 👭 GROUP SIZE: ?
If you have read my blog before, you probably know that I love Nusa Lembongan. It is one of my favorite places in the world and my week at Isla Indah surf and yoga retreat was no exception.
Not as developed as Bali, Nusa Lembongan is a true paradise where you can relax and forget about the busy life of the city. The beautiful accommodation is located only a few steps from Jungut Batu Beach, my favorite part of the island.
Whatever your experience is in surfing and yoga, you are welcome to try your best and learn. The vibe is always high and the instructors are super patient and always smiling.
In addition to yoga and surfing, you also get a snorkeling trip with the majestic Manta Rays, a return fast boat transfer and daily healthy breakfasts in their own restaurant.
Nusa Lembongan is technically not in Bali, but since it’s only a 30-minute boat ride away I decided to include it. See all Isla Indah retreat lengths and offers here.
🧘 Check price and availability >> Isla Indah surf & yoga retreat Lembongan
How to choose the right retreat
I always go with my intuition when booking surf and yoga retreats. The one you keep looking at is probably the right choice. However, these are some things you can also take into consideration:
1. Decide on the essentials
Decide on location, length and your budget. Surf and yoga retreats in Bali are generally more affordable than in Europe, but the flights might be more expensive.
In my experience, I never want to leave when the retreats are over, so if you have the opportunity, choose one week or more. You get to know all the people on a deeper level and some will become friends for life.
2. Reflect on your intention
Do you want to relax and be mostly by yourself, or to meet and mingle with like-minded people? Is your main objective to improve your surfing skills or mostly just have fun?
What other activities and amenities are important to you? What type of yoga practice do you prefer?
3. Check what’s included
Does the retreat include airport transfers? Meals? Excursions? Equipment insurance? All of these things add up so an affordable retreat might end up becoming more expensive compared to one that already offers these services.
4. Choose your accommodation
The good thing about booking a surf and yoga retreat through Booksurfcamps.com is that you can easily choose between all accommodation options. Some of the more affordable retreats offer dorms as well as private rooms, and some have single rooms which are, of course, more affordable if you’re traveling alone.
5. Think about your food requirements
Some retreats cater to all dietary requirements, while the more affordable camps might only have a few options. So be sure to consider that as the meals are a big part of the retreat experience. And Balinese food is absolutely delicious!
6. Read past reviews
I would never let a few bad reviews deter me as I know some people are just impossible to please. But I like to take a quick glance.
All of the retreats listed on Booksurfcamps.com and Bookyogaretreats.com are generally very popular and highly rated. And you are totally safe to choose one of the surf and yoga retreats on this list, as I have personally been to several of these and heard about the others from friends.
What to pack
Here are some essential items I recommend you bring to your surf and yoga retreat in Bali:
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Flip flops
- Comfortable athletic wear for yoga and post-surf chill. Even if you go out in the evening, the vibe is usually super laid back in Uluwatu. Canggu is a little more dressy.
Surfboard:You don’t have to worry about bringing a board unless, of course, you’re an advanced surfer who prefers your own.- Yoga mat: If you have one you prefer, but all retreats provide mats as well.
- Swimsuits: You will be living in your surfsuit and swimsuit most days, so bring a few. I prefer to surf in a one-piece because when you wipe out you don’t have to worry about your bottom disappearing. If you’re a beginner you will also be wearing a bright rashguard provided by the retreat so they can easily spot you in the water.
- Sunscreen: Remember to bring reef-safe water-resistant sunscreen, it is so easy to get sunburned out in the water. And some zink for your face to really embrace the surfer vibe.
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle: I always travel with this one from Lifestraw. The filter allows me to safely drink tap water and even fill it up from streams.
- Light jacket or hoodie: It does get cooler in the evenings sometimes, yes even in Bali. But mostly I always wear a hoodie if I’m driving longer distances on a scooter. Both in case of accidents and to look less like a tourist to the police.
It’s also a good idea to bring some spending money for any additional activities or souvenirs you may want to buy during your stay. Shopping at the markets in Canggu, and Bali in general, is so much fun.
🌟 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
My favorite bottle for travel, backpacking and hiking.
You can fill it up anywhere, LifeStraw filters bacteria, parasites, chemicals and microplastics.
For every LifeStraw product purchased, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year!
Quick Bali travel guide
Here are some quick answers to the questions I often get about travel in Bali.
What is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is from February to April (avoid Easter) when it’s lush and green after the rainy season and fewer tourists.
The dry season from April to October is generally considered the best time for surfing, as the waves are bigger and more consistent.
The wet season from November to March can still offer good surf conditions, but it’s often more messy and rapidly changing g weather.
It’s important to note that Bali’s peak tourist season is from July to August and around Christmas, so prices and crowds may be higher during this time.
What is the best place to surf in Bali?
Bali has many surf spots, each with their own unique characteristics and challenges. Some popular surf spots include Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, Balangan, Canggu and Keramas in East Bali.
Surfing Nusa Lembongan just off the coast of Bali, one of my favorite places in Indonesia, is also popular.
The best surf spot for an individual depends on your skill level and preferences. Beginners may prefer gentler waves in areas like Seminyak, Batu Bolong Beach, Padang Padang on small days or Nusa Dua during the rainy season. While if you’re a more advanced surfer you may enjoy the challenging waves at Uluwatu and Keramas.
Or check out some of the epic surf camps in Lombok.
How to get around Bali?
The main mode of transportation in Bali are scooters or motorbikes as the locals call them. You can easily rent from your accommodation and some of the surf and yoga retreats have free use of motorbikes.
After traveling in Bali for 13 years I have yet to be stopped by the police, but they are known for finding You’ll need an international driver’s license that you can easily obtain from the DMV in your country. You can read more about what to know before driving a motorbike in my guide to things not to do in Bali.
When I’m traveling longer distances in Bali I usually book this private driver. It’s an affordable way to get around the island, especially if you’re traveling in groups. However, if you’re doing excursions as part of a retreat transportation is most likely taken care of.
Is a surf & yoga retreat in Bali worth it?
YES, surf camps and yoga retreats are definitely worth it! Some of my most memorable travel experiences have been retreats, and that comes from me who usually prefer to be alone. Definitely a must on any Bali Bucket List.
Apart from improving my surfing and yoga practice, I love to join wellness, surf and yoga retreats to meet like-minded people. I don’t have many friends with similar interests, so I often travel alone.
If you’re traveling on a budget I often find that organized retreats are more affordable than if you were to book everything on your own.
Also, many world-renowned surf and yoga teachers are drawn to the waves and mystical spirituality of Bali, making the island one of the hubs for surf and yoga in the world. You can even do your ISA course or yoga teacher training in Bali.
🌟 Read next >> The ultimate 2 week Bali itinerary (including Nusa Lembongan & Penida)
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