From Costa Rica and Brazil to Bali and Spain, the world’s best surfing destinations combine serious swells and beginner-friendly breaks with a laidback lifestyle and nature. This is our pick of seven top spots around the globe for catching waves – and the boutique hotels to stay at.
Hotel Nantipa, Saint Teresa, Costa Rica
Once a fishing village, now a hip surfing hub, jungle-backed Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula has consistent waves throughout the year (the biggest swells are during the wet season, from June to October). Set on Playa Carmen, Hotel Nantipa is the dream of three friends who wanted to create an eco-conscious stay rooted in the community. Beach bungalows come with handcrafted furniture, a plunge pool and uninterrupted ocean views; tables at open-air Manzu restaurant are right on the sand; and the wellness centre’s movement and mindfulness classes reflect the destination’s relaxed Pura Vida pace.
Lost Lindenberg, Bali, Indonesia
A world away from Bali’s well-trodden tourist trails, Lost Lindenberg is hidden down a quiet track in the western village of Pekutatan. Whether in a jungle or ocean suite, guests wake up to the soul-soothing sound of the ocean at black lava sand Lost Beach (ideal for all surf levels). From here, it’s a 10-minute shuttle ride to Medewi Point – the island’s longest wave with a point break and a lefthander. For downtime, there’s a jungle spa, pool, sundeck and a restaurant serving up vegan Balinese cuisine.
Nanuku Resort, Pacific Harbour, Fiji
Think of world-class surf destinations and Fiji will likely be high on the list. Alongside the Mamanuca Islands and Taveuni Island, the Coral Coast of Viti Levu – where breaks include the heavy lefthand barrel Frigates Pass and beginner-friendly peaks of Natadola Beach – is a great place for riding the waves year-round. At the far eastern end of this stretch of shore, Nanuku Resort sits on a 500-acre oceanfront estate. Contemporary villas and suites are dotted among lush gardens just steps from the South Pacific, and freshly caught seafood takes centre stage at Kanavata restaurant.
Morgan’s Rock Reserve and Eco Lodge, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Playa Maderas on Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is one of those sweet surfing spots which has year-round waves, suitable for all ability levels. Two bays north, the thatched bungalows and villas at Morgan’s Rock Reserve and Eco Lodge are surrounded by 4,000 acres of jungle – almost half of which is a protected reserve. On-property experiences include horse riding, bird watching and mangrove kayaking; for those wanting to get out on the water, the lodge has teamed up with Rebelde Surf School, which offers lessons and board rentals.
ARIMA Hotel & Spa, San Sebastian, Spain
A 15-minute drive inland from San Sebastian’s pintxos bars, Michelin star restaurants and urban surf scene which centres around Zurriola beach, ARIMA Hotel & Spa is a Passivhaus retreat in Miramon Forest. Natural materials and a neutral colour palette mean rooms feel calm and restful; the adults-only spa has a thermal circuit and sauna – ideal for easing aching muscles after days practising how to stand up on a surf board. As the crowds peter off in September, the swells pick up, making autumn and winter the best time of year to catch some waves.
Barracuda Hotel & Villas, Itacaré, Brazil
Surfers first discovered Itacaré’s waves in the 1980s and since then Praia da Tiririca, on the edge of town, has played host to several world championships. Overlooking neighbouring Praia do Resende, Barracuda Hotel & Villas blends seamlessly into its Atlantic Forest backdrop. The low-rise wooden structure has been designed so that natural light and the ocean breeze flow through while minimalist interiors nod to the co-owners’ Swedish heritage. The hotel can arrange surf lessons and trips along the Bahia coastline (conditions are best for beginners from November to April); afterwards, the rooftop honesty bar is the place to be for sundowners.
Sansara Surf and Yoga Retreat, Cambutal, Panama
Surfing on Panama’s Pacific Coast centres around renowned spots such as Santa Catalina – meaning that it rarely gets crowded at Cambutal, a tiny, off-the-beaten-track coastal village with beach breaks from beginner to advanced (the waves are biggest from August to October). Sansara Surf and Yoga Resort has an in-house surf school, and offers guided adventures to nearby rocky points and reefs. Plus, there’s an ocean-facing shala for daily yoga and meditation sessions; a saltwater pool with hammocks hung from the trees; and bamboo-and-thatch treatment rooms for massages.
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