Thank you for a wondrful week. I expect this to be a highlight of my life that I will talk about for many years to come!

Colleen, USA, July 2011

I literally had saved Surf Goddess Retreats as a favorite website for three years on my computer...I had travelled extensively and had attended other fitness type retreats. I expected this retreat to be exciting and fun but I didn't expect to be blown away. Blown away I was...I'm not sure even where to begin, but I'll try.

What made my experience so memorable were the individuals that led the retreat. So much sincere effort, warmth, and generosity was exuded daily by our Goddess leaders.

Joyce--our concierge and private chef was incredible.. so much so I asked her to adopt me : ) Every meal was an insane, delicious and artistic master piece. I'm not exaggerating; the Goddess kitchen rivaled any five star restaurant.. My mouth is still drooling from the gourmet bliss.

Melinda, our surf coach went above and beyond to help everyone regardless of their level of surfing experience. She even added in extra surf time by taking the advanced beginners and intermediates out at dawn to secluded surf breaks. I felt as though I had a private trainer out there in the water and there is no greater rush than taking that first wave as the sun is rising.

Susan our yoga guru was lovely, insightful and also incredibly generous with her time and attention. Each class was unique and thoughtful and definitely had a healing effect upon our tired and sore surf bodies.

Chelsea, Chelsea..how could i forget the supreme Goddess, creator and kahuna extraordinaire? This is one cool woman. She led this retreat so smoothly and never did I hear the word "no" come from her voice. She bent over backwards to make every one's experience enjoyable. So many thoughtful details it would take me five hours to list them all...but here are a few notables: top notch accommodations..Private and luxurious without being pretentious. Great equipment...every size and shape board for any level of surfer.

Bliss day..which was a pick your poison since every choice was amazing.. white water rafting, cooking class, bike trekking, spa treatments, ..I'm forgetting a few I'm sure.

Ah and the group...I must admit I was a bit leery about being around an estrogen filled villa for an entire week.

However the women that attended were extraordinary and had travelled from all areas of the globe. We all bonded through this amazing experience and I felt as though I had new sisters by the end of the retreat. I'm getting vaclempt just thinking about how beautiful it was to watch everyone improve, and grow as surfers. It is difficult to describe the inner strength that we all were tapping into by the end of the week.

A Ghandi quote that I had heard many years ago finally began to resonate with me..."Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever."

The retreat just ended but I know I'll still be carrying the pitter patter in my heart for a long time. The Surf Goddess Retreat affirmed for me that adventure is good for the soul. So my advice to those considering this vacation is an affirmative, carpe diem. Go for it because the experience you'll have is priceless.

Canon, USA, May 2010

My Awakening...I had the amazing pleasure of attending the Surf Goddess Retreat this month May 2010. Truly words cannot capture this experience; from the very first day, I felt I was able to leave behind my everyday life and enter into a true Goddess haven. As I open the door of Retreat facility I was transported to an oasis of comfort...t. The decor at the Villa is perfect down to the smallest of details (flowers in the toilet), rooms are so tranquil and clean, the pool and dining area are surrounded by the most gorgeous immaculately manicured landscaping. As if this relaxing purlieu and esthetically perfect environment is not enough, I was then to be nothing short of pampered, the meals were spectacular, the staff were friendly and helpful, on site massages, transport, proximity to shopping and activities everything was perfect. I felt we each attending Goddess was each given such individual care and focus for example I have some dietary restrictions (shell fish and peanuts) and I was catered to. Joyce is so talented, and is also one of the most authentically nurturing people I have ever met; I felt very well taken care of. It would be hard not to have a spiritual experience in this paradise, practicing yoga in the most gorgeous and calm part of the grounds. Then you inject surfing into the experience, I cannot lie I found it challenging but Melinda, Chelsea and the Surf School staff encouraged and guided me (look up), I will never forget the feeling when I finally stood up, the waves underneath me it was an awakening of my inner spirit and strength. You get all this plus you have the pleasure of meeting and sharing your experience with extraordinary, inspiring and diverting women from a variety of backgrounds and realities. For me the entire experience was an awakening, a true gift...my hope is for every woman to give herself this wonderful gift and attend the Surf Goddess Retreat. Thank You to Surf Goddess Retreat (Chelsea, Joyce, Melinda, Susan and friends).

Charlotte, Canada, May 2010

At 47 years old, I finally decided that it was time for me to learn to surf! Luckily I found Surf Goddess Retreat (it was recommended by a female business leader in the surf industry). The retreat provided just the right mix of comfort, activities, nurturing (particularly by providing gourmet healthy food), and space to relax. Rooms are classy, Key West bed and breakfast chic style (with air conditioning, nice linens, ceiling fans, and plenty of space). The food provided was creative, delicious, and varied - and we had lots of affordable choices for those meals we ate outside the retreat (a Moroccan restaurant near the villas had excellent food). Massages from recommended therapists can be booked at "home" at the villas for approx. $10 US per hour - a spa room on the property has two massage tables (and air conditioning - yes, you are detecting a theme, it is warm in Bali!). The local surf instructors were enthusiastic and supportive for all skill levels and you can decide how little or how much help you prefer as you learn to ride the wave. Surfing is not easy but it does an amazing thing for your soul: while you are in the ocean with your board you must focus on surfing to the exclusion of anything else, and this is a wonderful gift for those of us who are accustomed to doing a zillion things every day in our work and home life. A wonderful quote (I believe attributed to artist Jane Evershed), prepared me for this retreat: "While others preferred to chase the wave, I chose to ride it."

Barbara, USA, 2010

Thanks so much to everyone who made this experience one to always remember. I am happy to say I feel I have achieved what I came here to do. My confidence in surfing has improved hugely, I went out this morning and remembered how I used to feel going into the surf – excited and energized! Before this week I had considered giving it up. I will remember what I've learnt and keep cranking those waves! Having Melinda out coaching made me feel safe and looked after. Chelsea, I'm glad you were with me in that first big break zone! I'll try to remember to relax, have a chat and just go with it. Stefania – words cannot do justice to the food you create. I look forward to it every day! Kaz, Yoga was awesome. The meditation when we thought about perfect board and wave was da bomb! To the rest of the SGR team – cheers! You all do a wonderful job and I'll miss the great service! Crisis over, I'm leaving as a happier, healthier girl.

Adele, Australia, July 2009

I celebrated my 50th birthday last year with a Surf Goddess Retreat, joined by my two daughters ages 17 and 29. We had a fantastic time! It was a terrific combination of activity and rest, with lots of flexibility, a gorgeous facility, amazing food and lovely staff. The surf instruction was terrific, personal and fun, taught by the nicest guys on the planet who really love what they do. We had a wonderful group of terrific women and so enjoyed meeting like-minded souls from around the world. The Balinese people are amazing, and the warmth and love of the culture is evident in every detail of Surf Goddess. Seriously considering another week there in the future. You won't regret it.

Susan, USA, July 2009

That was awesome! I loved every minute of it. I will most definitely carry a piece of this place and of everyone I met here with me in my heart as I journey forward. I feel refreshed, empowered and so ready to take on whatever wave comes my way – for real. Thanks so much for EVERYTHING. What happens here is amazing. Until the next time.

Kate, USA, July 2009

This has been an amazing week. I have enjoyed every minute, it will be a lifelong memory. Chelsea, you should be so proud of what you have created. What a gift to be able to give others so much pleasure. Surfing has been something I have wanted to do all my life. All the girls staying thanks for your friendship, support & company. What a wonderful and interesting group of women. I hope we all keep in contact.

Thank you to all your friendly, wonderful staff who have made our week perfect. The good was wonderful. Thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for a retreat week.

Sue, Australia, July 2009

Dear Women of Surf Goddess,
Thank you. This has been an amazing week – almost 20 years as friends, and Erika and I are only now discovering our surf goddess selves. Thank you for leading the way – we are so honored to have such good teachers. And what an amazing group of women to learn with … no negativity! Counting my many, many entries for my gratitude journal from this week!

Rebecca, Amsterdam, June 2009

To Chelsea and everyone on the Surf Goddess Team,
I had such a wonderful time. Thank you for making my initiation into the world of surfing such a joy. The food, the tips for massage and restaurants, the encouragement, and most of all, sharing the experience with such a great group of women and all of the staff and surf instructors was AWESOME. I'm telling all my girlfriends in Japan to come here. Thank you!

Nina, Japan, June 2009

One of the most amazing weeks you could experience............Surf Goddess Retreats will take your surfing to the next level whilst experiencing the warmth of Bali with the most fabulous and inspirational women you can meet...........I arrived exhausted from typical fast city life and left refreshed and fitter with new friends to share... more surf, sun and laughter with. Chelsea.........you are indeed top Surf Goddess!

Maureen, England, April 2009

Surf Goddess Retreats was nothing short of one of the most amazing trips in my lifetime - the intrigue of Bali, the serenity of the villa, the surf, the beach, the amazing women and the experience itself is almost too much to describe in this little box! Each day is a new adventure with plenty of time for relaxing, shopping, surfing, ...playing...the leadership team at Surf Goddess is a well oiled machine - creating the perfect atmosphere of structure and allowing for plenty of free time to do what you want...the yoga is outstanding, the surf instruction is top notch, the food is delicious, the villa is just amazing...I really can't say enough about it! Not to mention, I was lucky enough to meet some of the most amazing and inspirational women during my time in Bali who've become lifelong friends...I can't wait to go back!!! Chelsea - kudos to you for creating such a great experience!!! And also for introducing me surfing - which has really changed my life.

Nikki, USA, April 2009