About this trip
Mentawai Islands is a destination of dreams. It’s 17,000 island’s boast the worlds best beaches, rainforests and of course, surf. Steeped in rich culture and spirituality, with stunning coastline and delicious food, there is no better place to explore.
DREAMS COME TRUE
There may be nowhere else on earth that delivers the consistency and quality of waves found in the Mentawais. From fast scary barrels, to mellow hidden gems, there is something for every level of surfer here. Warm clear water, sparkling sunshine and endless swell, this is truly a surfer’s dream come true.
SECLUSION AT IT'S BEST
This secluded island is surrounded by white sand beaches, magnificent coral reef, turquoise water and lush tropical vegetation.
YOGA & WELLNESS
The Yoga and Wellness Experience is an important element of your retreat. Guests leave not only feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and inspired but they also feel ‘The Bliss’ of experiencing a renewed sense of enjoyment for life, family and even their career.
The Bungalow
Bungalow features include:
- Beachfront with ocean view
- Private bathroom plus open-air garden shower with hot water
- Air-conditioning and ceiling fan
- Mosquito nets
- Beach chairs & towels
- Daily cleaning
Surf
The Mentawais are considered to be one of the most consistent and diverse surfing destinations on the planet. For those intermediate/advanced surfers, you’ll have access to a number of breaks including Iceland, Ombak Tidur, and Seven Palms to name a few. Your package includes 6 days with 2 daily speedboat surf sessions (morning & afternoon) with our experienced surf guide and coach.
For our beginners, you’ll be surfing at a break called Tikus and your package includes 6 lessons on a soft-top longboard.
Very important to note: all of the surf breaks are over coral reefs. We will teach you how to fall flat in the hope of avoiding injury, but there is a risk of scrapes and cuts. Reef shoes can be worn, but keep in mind they are not eco for the water environment.
Yoga
We will offer a week of delicious yoga that nurtures the mind and body to open and restore the muscles and energy after a day of surfing. Our practices are designed to illuminate acceptance and gratitude for the moment and offer invitations to absorb mind-body-soul nourishment through grounding, opening, and restorative flows.
Are you ready to be spoiled by super yummy cuisine, perfect waves, and juicy restorative yoga in a tropical paradise? The islands are remote, but it’s sooooo worth the adventure!
What’s included
- AccomodationsSeven nights in the beautifully crafted bungalows of Aloita Resort, with incredible ocean views from every corner.
- MealsThree beautifully prepared meals by our in-house chefs. Note: We can cater to your dietary requirements and preferences, so please let us know when booking.
- BeveragesUnlimited coffee, tea, and water.
- Surf LessonsBeginners: 6 x surf lessons with professional, patient, and knowledgeable surf instructors. Intermediate / Advanced Surfers: 6 days of surfing twice a day with a guide/surf coach
- Daily YogaDaily yoga classes that focus on opening and strengthening the muscle groups used for surfing & restoring the body after a day of surfing.
- Massage1 x 60-minute massages designed to rejuvenate your surfing muscles and bring relaxation to the body.
- Unlimited SUP + SnorkelUnlimited access to SUP boards and snorkel equipment.
- Swag BagSwag Bag including a Carve Designs SPF rash guard.
- Mentawais Surf TaxMandatory Mentawais surf tax
- TransfersRT Airport transfers
- Transfer to AloitaRT transfer package from preferred hotel in Padang to Aloita.
What’s not included
- FlightsRT Flights to Padang, Indonesia
- Hotel Nights Padang2 nights stay in Padang at preferred hotel.
- Additional BeveragesAdult beverages, smoothies, and soft drinks.
- SurfboardsSurfboards except for soft tops. The resort has a decent quiver of short and longboards available, please enquire when booking or feel free to bring your own surfboard.
- GratuityTips for the staff ~ this is based on your personal experience.
Available Packages
Price is per person for a private beach bungalow.
Price is per person for a shared beach bungalow - 1 king bed / 1 twin bed and bathroom.
Itinerary
Bully was first introduced to surf coaching in 2006. What started out as a job soon became his life’s passion and purpose. He taught at almost every surf school on Maui before opening up his own surf school in 2012, Bully’s Ohana Surf School, which is still in operation today. Seeing the impact that his surf instruction and life coaching had on people made Bully realize it was a calling for him to help people heal and become the best versions of themselves. Bully and his wife, Ashley, share a passion for ocean therapy, which led them to acquiring Swell Retreats and running retreats to empower, heal and help others find their bliss. Their hope is to share their own experiences and inspire others to awaken to their true potential and the limitless possibilities that life offers all of us.
Ashley was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. She earned a business degree at 21 and a law degree by age 25. A lifelong athlete, she grew up playing soccer and volleyball and spent her winters downhill skiing. She is also an avid cyclist and golfer having lived next to the majestic Rocky Mountains for most of her life. While traveling the world, she spent most of her time by or in the ocean and always wanted to learn to surf. So in January of 2022, in the face of burnout, trauma and a lot of grief, she took a month-long break from the world of corporate law to come to Maui to do exactly that. She was directed (by Lulu!) to the best surf coach on Maui- Bully Kotter. A month-long trip was extended by weeks and then months, and Ashley now lives full-time on Maui and is married to Bully (and loves to surf!). Starting a retreat business has been a lifelong dream for Ashley and acquiring Swell Retreats allows her and her husband to share their passion for ocean, nature, longevity and wellness to help others live the highest vibration life possible!