27 Aug Stephanie Tesson August 2019

Amazing surfing and yoga retreat
Chicks on Waves was a rejuvenating week in the Algarve. The owner Katrine, her husband Nick and her team of generous and kind-hearted women made us feel welcome as soon as we entered the lodge.

Everything was so well considered – from the daily surf lessons with the lovely instructors (who can provide a board tailored to your experience/level – they provided me with a hardboard) to the restorative yoga lessons with Iaci which helped us unwind our tired muscles and minds from surfing. The yoga was a combination of yin, hatha and mindfulness based exercises, with one day of vinyasa flow (although again this is tailored to group needs and yoga experience). She also integrated lots of exercises to help us “let go” of the daily pressures and tension we hold onto, which was unique and liberating.

The retreat is a small group format – there were about 8 girls on the camp. It attracts like-minded women, and it was such an uplifting opportunity to be with a supportive group. We shared travel stories, life experiences and wisdom and came away with plenty of laughs, sunshine (some more than others!) and full hearts (and bellies!). 

The lodge also hosts families and private B&B style accommodation but there’s plenty of cute and cosy spaces to get away, and common areas if you want to get to know the group. The rooms were immaculate with plenty of storage space and a luxurious bathroom with waterfall showers! The meals were plentiful, healthy and tasty – the fish BBQ and delicious salads were a highlight, and all the meals were very filling and nutritiously sound. They also catered to dietary requirements – on my last night we had someone vegan, another gluten free, another dairy free and all meals were accommodated with no issues. We also had a day off which we used to explore Lagos, a neighboring city – take a boat for a grotto tour if you go!

I would highly recommend Chicks on Waves – whether you’re a beginner surfer or yogi taking your first tentative steps into the ocean or mat, or an experienced surfer or yoga looking to improve your skills and broaden your experience. The team were so accommodating and Nick even arranged a private surf lesson as most of my group were beginners and I had a bit more experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or to go again – as a solo traveler, with friends or family 😊❤️