Frequently Asked Questions
Bali’s Premier Surf & Yoga Retreat for Women since 2003
What makes your retreat different?
Surf Goddess Retreats goes far beyond what you can expereince on most other surf, yoga & spa retreats. While recently there are other retreats who have tried to emulate our concepts and ideas, there is a great deal of difference between our service and these copy cats. Firstly none of these other retreats have our decades of experience in living and working in Bali, and they often use unpaid volunteers who are on short term 'work exchange holidays', so they are unable to truly offer the same level of professionalism, standards of safety and our genuine warmth and desire to show our guests the best Bali has to offer. Because we have been successfully operating for 10 years and we have exclusive agreements with Bali's best local activity providers, our guests get to experience the highest levels of instruction and guiding both in the surf and while they are exploring Bali, plus they can be assured they are supporting local businesses. So while other retreat's inclusions can look the same 'on paper' the quality of experience you will receive on our retreat is far superior. We trust you share our vision and we promise we will make your stay in Bali a memorable one. We like to say our retreats are not just an holiday, but a magical journey full of sun, fun, culture & cuisine, divine pampering and personal transformation!
I found a cheaper surf, yoga spa retreat that 'looks' or 'sounds'' similar, is it?
We are the original surf, yoga & spa retreat for women, and over the years there has emerged cheaper copies that appear exactly the same at first glance, but be assured there is a big difference in the quality of the experience. The fact is that budget priced retreats are able to offer cheaper rates is because they provide a lower quality of experience without all those special extra trimmings. If price is your only criteria when you choosing your holiday, then maybe Surf Goddess isn't for you. However if you want to stay in a sumptuous setting at a superb location with very experienced leaders, world class professional instructors, amazing dining, expert cultural guiding and luscious spa services then we are 100% sure there's no other place in the world that compares to the whole Surf Goddess Retreat package.
Guaranteed!
What if I have never surfed before? Is Bali a good place to learn?
The majority of our guests are absolute beginners and Surf Goddess Retreats provides the perfect place to learn!
I'm going by myself. Is that o.k.?
Absolutely! Most of the women on the retreats are solo travelers and are trying surfing for the first time!
If I come alone, can I share a room?
Yes, we will match you up with another surf sister. Part of the fun is to meet new friends from around the world!
What is the age range of guests?
Our retreats attract women who are young at heart and wise beyond their years! The age range can span from mid 20's to mid 50's...with most of our guests being in their 30's - 40's
Why only women?
Bali is a popular destination for people from all over the world, but women traveling alone are sometimes intimidated by the distance and foreign travel. Also we make it fun and easy for women to try out the previously male dominated sport of surfing in a female friendly, non-chauvinistic environment.
What type of break is it?
The surf break where our beginner surf lessons are held is friendly sand bottom beach where you are able to stay close to the shore.
Don't I need to be young, or at least very fit to surf?
The only thing you need is to be able to swim and feel comfortable in the ocean. Surf Goddesses come in all body types, ages and backgrounds. Surfing is a self-paced activity and our surf lessons are designed so that you can develop your own surf style in a no pressure and totally supportive environment.
Do I have to be good at yoga?
Our classes are suitable for everyone. Our instructor is able to personalize the yoga positions to suit all levels. Also, attendance to sessions is optional and we ask each guest to assess her own abilities and conditions when deciding to join a class.
When is "best time" to go on a Surf Goddess Retreat? And will I need a wetsuit?
Bali is a surfers paradise as the island gets consistent waves which means there is great surfing all year round. There are two seasons in tropical Bali, the "dry" season which is April - November and the "green" season which is December - March. During our "green" season, the days are still hot and sunny, but we typically get a 1 hour ‘shower' in the late afternoon – it's the perfect excuse to enjoy a massage or cat nap! For both seasons, the temperature is around 90° F or 30° F. The water is really warm, so board shorts, rash guards and bikinis are the surfing attire... no wetsuits need!
What time should I schedule my flights?
The first and last days on the the retreat are travel days. Ideally it's best to book your flights to arrive on the first posted retreat date prior to 3pm and to depart around 3pm - 9pm on the last posted retreat date.
Room Check In is available between 12pm - 9pm on the first listed date of the retreat.On the first day the latest time a guest can join the retreat is 9pm. We are unable to cater to arrival after that time and so alternative accommodation would need to be organized for that evening along with transportation to retreat the next day at the guest's own expense.
Check Out is at 3pm on the last listed date of the retreat.
What airport do I fly into?
The airport code is DPS - Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia.We provide complimentary airport transfers to retreat between the hours of 11am – 8 pm on the first day of the retreat and 8am - 3pm on the final day of the retreat.
If you are arriving from or departing to other accommodation in Bali, we are able to provide a complimentary transfers to the following local areas only - Seminyak, Kerobokan, Umalas, Petitengit and Canggu.
For guest arrivals and departures outside our transfer times and range, it will be necessary to organize your individual transport to or from the retreat at your own expense, which can range from $10 - $25 USD approx.
