About this trip
Remote Island Paradise
Are you ready to step back in time? To be transported to the untouched? To the Indonesia that once was? This is Rote Island. It lies at the southernmost end of the Indonesian archipelago, and most who go report an uncanny sense of peacefulness and a slowing down of time. The Lonely Planet guide describes it as, “A slender limestone jewel, with powdery white sand beaches and epic surf” and the description is spot on. Most report Rote as “the way Bali used to be, decades ago”.
Accomodations
Nemberala Beach Resort is a modern property amidst the turned back hands of time. There are 8 beautifully crafted bungalows with local quarried stone, exposed regional hardwoods, and traditional Rotenese alang roofs with outdoor bathrooms and equipped with a/c. The resort sits on the edge of the stunningly blue ocean with a sunset to rival any in the world.
Travel Schedule to Rote - Cost Included
Due to the runway in Rote currently under repair and estimated to be fixed by May, we are creating the travel plan around the runway not being repaired. If the runway is repaired, then we will skip the night in Kupang , go straight to Rote on the 11th and you get a bonus night at NBR.
The transfer package is included in your retreat package.
Current Plan (with night in Kupang):
Please plan to arrive in Bali no later than 9th of April.
11 April - Group travel Bali /Kupang Lion Air
11 April Group stays overnight at Aston Hotel Kupang
12 April Morning fast ferry Kupang / Ba'a, Rote
12/18 April 6 nights Nemberala Beach Resort
18 April Susi Air Flight from Ba'a to Kupang
18 April Kupang/Bali Lion Air - we will arrive around 5PM on the 18th, so make sure your flights depart after 9PM or book to leave the following day (which we would recommend). You can stay right at the airport at the Novotel.
If the runway is repaired and Lion flights start operating we will drop the night in Kupang and add a 7th night in Rote at NBR.
What’s included
- AccomodationsSix nights at Nemberala Beach Resort plus night in Kupang.
- MealsFour meals per day. The Resort boasts a daily menu featuring early breakfast, late breakfast, lunch, appetizers, & dinner.
- Surf Lessons5 x 2 hour surf lessons with professional, patient, and knowledgeable surf instructors. We will cater the lessons to your surf level.
- Daily YogaDaily yoga classes that focus on opening and restoring not just the body, but also the mind after a day of surfing.
- Boat Rides to BreaksUnlimited transportation to the more advanced surf breaks in front of the resort by boat, at any time of the day, as many times as you would like.
- Massages2 x 60 minute massages designed to rejuvenate your surfing muscles and bring relaxation to the body. These can be enjoyed at anytime during the retreat.
- ExcursionsExcursions included. Options include boat trip to snorkeling spots, biking to the local farmers markets, SUP in the mangroves.
- Swag BagEach participant will receive a Swag Bag.
- TransfersRT transfer & hotel package from Bali to Rote.
What’s not included
- FlightsRT Flights to Bali, Indonesia
- GratuityTips for the staff ~ this is based on your personal experience.
Available Packages
Our beachfront bungalow is furnished with 2 x twin beds, outdoor bathroom, and a/c. If traveling solo, we'll place you with another swell guest of the same gender. In the slim chance we can't place you with a roommate, you will be upgraded to single occupancy and charged the difference.
Our beachfront bungalow is furnished with 1 king bed, outdoor bathroom, and a/c.
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!