Days in the UK are getting shorter, and the wetsuits are getting thicker. But somewhere else, the water’s still warm, and there are women who surf for work, rather than work for surf.
I know the pull well. Just a few years ago, I was working an office job in Leeds, living vicariously through Instagram reels of other people travelling the world. Until one day, I wasn’t. I quit my job, moved to Cornwall, and trained as a surf instructor. Now, I balance surf coaching with freelance marketing, and live what some people would call ‘the dream’. Even though it’s not the tropics…
For this guide, we spoke to women working at surf camps around the world. Each of them has built a life that revolves around the ocean, and they encourage others to do the same, if only for a week or two.
Célia Rakotondrainy – Co-Founder of Mainty Studio’s Art × Surf Retreat
In 2021, she made the move to São Miguel, Azores, to set a rhythm of painting at high tide and surfing at low tide.
“One surf session there was enough to reshape my entire rhythm: I paint at high tide, I surf at low tide. Today, the tides guide both my practice and my projects.”
“From this rhythm, Mainty Studio was born. Through retreats, together with one of the best guides on the island, Amandine Marty Pinto, we now invite others to slow down, learn, and immerse themselves in the island’s culture and landscapes, discovering, as I did, the balance between art, the ocean, and a slower pace of life.”
Now Célia invites others to share in the beauty of the Azores on her retreats, to discover the life rhythm that she now lives by, and escape from a more hurried world, if only for a while.
Courtney Ruesch – Co-Owner of Mint Surf
“Books first drew me to Morocco. Already enthralled by yoga, looking for a retreat with something extra, I came across the yoga/surf combination, and it brought me to this country of vibrant sunsets and rich history.
The moment I landed back home in London, I booked my next trip where I met my husband. Starting the surf camp business a couple of years after that first trip though was my surf instructor husband Moncef’s idea, but if someone asked you to start a surf camp, how could you say no?”
Courtney and Moncef have been running Mint Surf together since 2010. Together, they’ve built Mint Surf into a space where guests can switch off and sink into Moroccan life. The camp takes care of everything, surf coaching, guiding, yoga, meals, and accommodation, making it the perfect reset.
Lily Robinson Davis – General Manager at Soul & Surf’s Sri Lanka Retreat
Whilst it wasn’t surfing that brought her to Sri Lanka, it’s the reason that she stayed. She is now the General Manager for Soul & Surf Sri Lanka, a retreat that blends surf, yoga, music, and community.
“The retreat and café are tucked into one of the south coast’s coves, so I go from meeting to line-up in around 20 seconds, and if the crew need me, they can just whistle me in from the beach. Honestly, it couldn’t be a dreamier set-up, longboard waves on tap and the office just a few paddles away.”
Sri Lanka offers a softer, more soulful escape: mellow points and a surf community built on creativity and connection.
Shiraz Ksaiba – Co-Founder of Amayour Surf & Yoga
When Shiraz first visited Taghazout, Morocco, in 2010 on a surf trip, she knew she would return. Four years later, she came back with her two children, and soon after, met her partner, Mhand, a local surf teacher. Coming from a career in London as a photographer, and a film and TV camera operator, Shiraz was ready for a new chapter.
The pair shared a vision of building something of their own, and in 2015, with only a few thousand pounds in the bank, Amayour Surf was born.
“I wanted to create something of my own while building a life by the sea that inspires my children and gives us all space to grow.
It was a leap into the unknown: a new country, a new culture, a new business. But that’s exactly what motivated me. At Amayour, it’s not just about surfing, it’s about creating a community where our guests and local staff can thrive together.”
This year, celebrating its 10th anniversary, Amayour Surf has grown into a much-loved part of Taghazout’s surf scene, and it’s safe to say that Shiraz is happier closer to the waves.
Anabel Requena – Co-Owner of Free Spirit Hostel Ecuador
“ Eventually, with a group of friends I met while travelling, we created the kind of hostel we always wanted to visit, a place to have fun and the freedom to live how we wanted. The most important thing for us was being able to surf year-round without a wetsuit and to be right on the beach.
We found our paradise, and now, the hostel has been running for six years. I chose a life with less money, but one that gives me the freedom and lifestyle I truly love.”
Now Ana has created a life where she can surf in a bikini every day, and hosts other people who want to do the same.
Escape to the Surf
Each of these surfers has carved out a life where the ocean comes first. They’re proof that you really can build your world around surfing.
But if you’re not quite ready to sell everything and move across the globe, the next best thing is to book an escape with one of these incredible camps. A week away could be all you need to change your life.
Paradis Plage
Surf & Yoga Resort
Paradis Plage - Surf & Yoga
At Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort, surfing is not just an activity, it’s an immersive experience for all levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned surfers. The on-site surf school is run by a team of certified and passionate instructors who provide personalised coaching in an ideal setting.
They provide high-quality equipment adapted to each profile: soft-top boards for beginners and a selection of longboards and shortboards for more advanced surfers.
Located near the world-renowned surf village of Taghazout, Paradis Plage enjoys privileged access to a variety of surf spots, all within a short distance from the resort. Gentle beach breaks like Crocodile and Panoramas are ideal for learning, while legendary reef breaks such as Anchor Point, Killer Point, and Boilers await more experienced surfers.
Thanks to the coastline’s diversity, there’s always a spot working — even when the swell or wind changes. This versatility makes the region a true year-round surf destination for progression, exploration, and unforgettable sessions.
Mainty Studio’s
Art & Surf Retreat
Mainty Studio’s Art × Surf Retreat
November 8–15, 2025, marks the first edition of Mainty Studio’s Art × Surf Retreat on São Miguel Island, Azores. Hosted in Ribeira Grande, the archipelago’s surf capital, the retreat blends oil painting workshops and surfing sessions into one immersive week.
What makes it unique is its rhythm: painting at high tide, surfing at low tide, a way of living that Célia, the retreat’s founder, has embodied for years and now shares with others. Instead of a packed schedule, the retreat balances structured workshops, time in the ocean, and free space to explore volcanic landscapes, hidden viewpoints, and even the island’s famous hot springs.
Guests stay at Surfin Azores Eco-Lodge, a welcoming space with a pool, garden, fireplace, and communal dining. All meals feature local seasonal products with vegetarian options.
Everything is included: four painting workshops, two surf lessons with certified instructors, three guided island tours, all meals, ground transfers (including airport shuttle), and a special farewell BBQ dinner at a panoramic viewpoint. The program also leaves time to make it your own, whether to rest, explore, or add extra surf sessions if you wish.
With only 16 spots, the retreat is designed for small groups, open to all levels in both painting and surfing, and perfectly timed for the Azores’ slow season: fewer crowds, empty lineups, hot springs to warm up in, and the island at its most authentic.
Free Spirit Hostel Ecuador
Surf Hostel
Free Spirit Hostel Ecuador
Off the beaten path, on a cliff in the authentic fishing village of Puerto Engabao, Free Spirit Hostel Ecuador is a hidden gem where good vibes, ocean views, and unforgettable moments come together.
Just 1.5 hours from Guayaquil, this is more than your average surf spot—it’s a place where travellers become friends and days stretch effortlessly from surf to sunset. The hostel’s location is a major advantage, saving you travel time compared to most other surf destinations in the country.
With the most consistent surf in Ecuador right in front of the hostel, it’s a paradise for surfers of all levels, featuring both a point break and a beach break. However, the experience goes beyond the waves. What truly sets Free Spirit apart is the sense of community. Every evening, guests gather for family-style vegetarian dinners, sharing stories, laughter, and a feeling of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Add a skatepark, a pool, hammocks, daily activities, a stunning ocean view yoga deck, and a staff that feels like family, and you’ve got more than a hostel; you’ve got a second home. From cosy dorms to private rooms, everything is designed to make you want to stay longer. Come for the surf, stay for the people. This is Free Spirit Hostel, where you arrive as a guest and leave as family.
Soul & Surf Sri Lanka
Surf Retreats
Soul & Surf Sri Lanka
Tucked into a palm-covered cove on the south coast of Ahangama, Soul & Surf Sri Lanka is a year-round surf and yoga retreat, with all sea-facing rooms. It was born from a simple idea: create a space where people can slow down, surf well, eat well, and connect with themselves and others.
The retreat blends Sri Lanka’s warm, laid-back culture with a signature mix of surf, yoga, music, and community. Guests wake to the sound of the ocean and start the day with guided surf sessions – whether catching their first wave or fine-tuning their style on the reef. Back on land, yoga classes help balance tired muscles, while hammocks and workshops.
Food is at the heart of the experience. The menu celebrates “sunshine food”: vibrant, soulful dishes inspired by Sri Lankan flavours and global sunshine cuisines, with modern twists. Soul & Surf isn’t a luxury resort or hardcore camp, it’s a community where surfing, slow living, and good people come together.
Amayour
Surf & Yoga Retreats
Amayour Surf & Yoga
Looking for the ultimate surf escape? Amayour Surf, founded in 2015 by Shiraz Ksaiba and her partner M’hand, is a boutique surf hostel and yoga retreat across Taghazout, Tamraght, and Tamazirt. Each location has its own vibe, with the Mountain Lodge at Tamazirt suited for retreat weeks, complete with a pool and a dedicated yoga shala. From fresh, locally sourced breakfasts to vibrant 3-course dinners celebrating Moroccan flavours, every meal is crafted to fuel a day of surfing and adventure.
What sets Amayour apart is its blend of personal service, authentic experiences, and strong local roots. Guests are welcomed like family, sharing waves, meals, and moments that make their stay unforgettable. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, Amayour offers more than just waves – it’s about connecting with people, culture, and your own adventurous spirit.
Together, Shiraz and M’hand have created a home that reflects their love for the ocean, community, and the unique spirit of Taghazout.. Shiraz, a former artist and photographer, left her career in London to pursue her passion for waves, community, and creative living. Together with their carefully selected team, they make sure guests discover the best of Taghazout and beyond. Amayour Surf stands for quality, authenticity, and the chance to become part of a genuine surf family.
Mint Surf
Surf & Yoga Retreats
Mint Surf Morocco
Experience old Morocco at Mint Surf’s traditional Moroccan riad in the up-and-coming town of Tamraght. Step through a lobby rich with artisanal detail, into a palm-shaded courtyard with a tranquil pool at the heart of the oasis. Beautifully bohemian ensuite rooms overlook the courtyard, and corridors with ornate lamps and arches lead the way to a relaxing roof terrace, a perfect spot to unwind after a day in the ocean.
Surf guiding and lessons are on offer for any length of stay, and weekly packages ensure you get as much time in the water as possible for the best price. Morning and evening yoga classes run daily, while authentic and lavish Moroccan dinners in the courtyard bring guests together for evenings of fun.
Each room is a haven of comfort, with its own ensuite bathroom. If you’re never surfed before, you’re in good hands with experienced local guides ready to give you your first lessons. For experienced surfers, the weekly guiding or lessons packages ensure maximum time in the water. Or you can opt for the independent options with every detail handled by Mint Surf.
