General questions
You can flexibly rebook your trip to another date and/or location free of charge up to 4 weeks before your booked arrival date. Just send us an email in good time to smile@surf-spirit.com.
If you want to cancel your trip, the cancellation fees are based on our TERMS AND CONDITIONS under point 7.4.
We recommend that you take out travel insurance for your booking, which covers the costs of cancellations due to illness, flight cancellations and other reasons. Of course, we hope that won't be the case — but that way you'll be on the safe side.
In all locations, you can be a complete surfing beginner and do not have to show a level to participate in our retreats.
At both locations in Sri Lanka and in Spain, the surfing conditions at our home spots are suitable for complete beginners who benefit from smooth waves to intermediates who rave about the constant waves. Intermediate & advanced surfers also get their money's worth at challenging spots thanks to our guiding concept.
You don't need any previous experience in yoga either. It is not about how good you are at something, but about giving yourself completely to it and enjoying the process, the joy of creating.
Our surf and yoga instructors are qualified and experienced, so we will address your personal level in the lessons so as not to overwhelm or underchallenge you.
Surf and yoga levels will be asked when you book. If you are not sure about this in advance, it doesn't matter, because we will go through everything again after arrival.
Our Jungle Villa and Villa Andalucia is suitable for surfers of all levels, as we can cater to both our bloody beginners and our advanced surfers with our guiding concept. Our qualified surf instructors will share your current surfing level with you upon arrival and can therefore be sure that we will challenge and support you in the best possible way during your week with us.
Our Beach Lodge is best suited for complete beginners and surf beginners with previous experience. When it comes to refining your take-off (stand-up technique), surfing the first green waves or incorporating your first turns, you'll absolutely get your money's worth in this location too.
Experienced surfers who want to go surfing on their own can book the Board Rental & Yoga package at the Beach Lodge and borrow our boards free of charge. However, if you are interested in surf guiding including transport to the Reef Spot and coach feedback, we recommend booking at Jungle Villa.
The waves in Portugal are suitable for beginners as well as for surfers who already have experience. There is a larger selection of surfing spots in the region that can be visited for courses. Here - as everywhere in Portugal - you spend 25 - 35 minutes by car to get to the best beach of the day, but it's usually worth the trip! We will of course shuttle you to the surf lessons & our coaches will then find the best spot depending on the day.
Unfortunately no. We only reserve the right for our retreat guests to make use of the specified services.
Our coaches teach in German and/or English.
This depends on the respective coach and on the guests on site. However, when teaching in English, great care is taken to ensure that every guest understands everything.
It is important for us to communicate openly that our retreats are not designed for children so that no false expectations arise. Unfortunately, we do not have any cots or highchairs on site and cannot offer childcare or extra children's courses during the surf & yoga lessons. However, we try to make everything possible and are also happy to welcome younger guests! Just send us an email to smile@surf-spirit.com.
For us at Surf Spirit, it is a matter close to our hearts to create places where everyone can immerse themselves in a relaxed lifestyle characterized by ease, passion and pure joy. We always have a limited number of guests in our retreats. In this way, we can make everything very personal and create moments together that we will never forget and feel pure life in the midst of nature, for which we otherwise have so little time in our everyday lives.
We believe in the unique combination of surf & yoga and its benefits for your body, mind and soul. We are one of a few retreats that focus equally on both aspects and offers you packages that already include everything you need during your time with us. In both areas, no matter what level you arrive at, we make every effort to bring you one step further to your destination. We'll do everything we can to make you have a really great time in the water, on the mat or around the fire in the evening.
Each of our trips is unique and we can't wait to show you our fantastic locations.
Sri Lanka
We recommend that you bring the following things with you for your trip to us:
- mosquito repellent
- refill water bottle
- beach towels
- Anti-sting & Itch Spray
- sunscreen or zinc and aftersun
- Surf/sports bikini or shorts and, if desired, a lycra (long-sleeved top for surfing).
We have fresh shower towels and bed linen for you at the retreat and do not have to be brought along.
You can either change money after arriving at the airport in Colombo or withdraw money from various ATMs with your credit card in the immediate vicinity of the retreat.
No. In both locations, we offer you an all-inclusive package with full board, surfing and yoga courses that, in our opinion, include the optimal components for a special week. Of course, we understand that everyone has different ideas and may not want to participate in everything that is offered. This is absolutely fine and everyone should and may do what he/she feels like the most at any time.
Yes, this is theoretically possible subject to availability. Feel free to send us an inquiry mail to smile@surf-spirit.com and we will check our availabilities.
Alternatively, we have very nice twin rooms in our Jungle Villa and very pleasant triple and four-bed rooms in the Beach Lodge, which are ideal for solo travelers.
In this case, please send us a manual request to smile@surf-spirit.com. We may still be able to accommodate you.
Our regular surf and yoga package in both locations includes everything you need for your retreat week.
If you wish, you can order additional drinks or snacks from our bar for the prices listed on the menu, for example. Other extra services include: additional massages (Jungle Villa), your surf photo package, trips on your session-free day, airport transfer, T-shirts, tips, etc. Of course, these are all volunteers, extras that can be booked on site. Everything can and nothing must. Payment for all desired extras takes place at the end of your week in retreat and can be made in cash or by card in euros or rupees.
The destination airport in Sri Lanka is Colombo (CMB). The best way to find the cheapest flights is via a search engine, such as Skyscanner.
If you want, we would be happy to arrange an airport transfer to the retreat. The journey takes around 2.5 hours in an air-conditioned car. It costs approx. $100* each way and can be shared if several people are traveling with you. (Maximum 2 people at the moment. Each additional person costs $40* extra). When booking, we ask you to provide us with some information, such as flight number and arrival time. If you don't have this information when booking, you can simply add it up to 7 days before your arrival. The trip is paid for when you check out. The transfer for the return trip to the airport can be arranged by our manager at the retreat. When leaving the luggage hall, please keep an eye out for your driver. He'll be holding a poster with your name on it.
*Please note that the exact price depends on the exchange rate.
If you have a little more time, you can also travel by train. Public transportation in Sri Lanka is very cheap. Trains to Galle and Unawatuna depart twice a day from Colombo Fort, the departure times can be found on the Sri Lanka Railways website. From the train station in Galle it's about 15 minutes by TukTuk, from Unawatuna another 5 minutes to the retreat. You can always find tuk tuks in front of the train stations that bring you to us. Please note down our address, which you can find in your confirmation email or via Google.
Check in for your room is on Sunday at 2 pm, and check out the following Sunday at 10 am. Of course, unless your flight times allow otherwise, you can also arrive before 14:00 on Sunday. You can then spend the time before that at the pool (Jungle Villa), in our chill-out area or on the beach (Beach Lodge). We would be happy to arrange a tuk tuk for you to the beach or into town. If you arrive in Sri Lanka before Sunday, we recommend that you book accommodation in Colombo, Galle (historic old town 15 tuk tuk minutes away from us) or in other nearby areas until the day of arrival on Sunday.
There are no particular health risks locally in Sri Lanka. The south of Sri Lanka is considered malaria-free. However, there are occasional cases of dengue fever. We therefore strongly recommend that you bring a mosquito repellent for the tropics (e.g. Antibrumm Forte or Autan tropical), as there may be some mosquitoes on the move, especially in the evening hours. Our beds are of course fitted with mosquito nets.
The German Tropical Institute generally recommends vaccinations against rabies, diphtheria, hepatitis A and tetanus for trips to Sri Lanka. On the pages of Tropical Institute You can find more information.
Yes, you need a tourist visa to enter the country. This is suitable if you are staying in the country for less than a month, as the visa is valid for 30 days (but can also be extended up to 2 months). At the moment it is only possible to apply for a vis on arrival directly at the airport in Colombo. Please note that your passport must always have two free pages and be valid for at least 6 months.
Both of our locations are suitable for surfers of all levels, as we can cater to both our bloody beginners and our advanced surfers with our guiding concept. Our qualified surf instructors will share your current surfing level with you upon arrival and can therefore be sure that we will challenge and support you in the best possible way during your week with us.
In addition, we offer video analysis at both locations, which has proven effective for both beginners and intermediates. We really do our best to provide all our guests at all levels with the lessons they need to achieve individual goals.
No. Due to our high quality standards and to ensure a smooth process, we only offer our retreats on a weekly basis from Sunday to Sunday.
However, if your flight details do not allow you otherwise, you can of course arrive or depart late or early. Unfortunately, we are unable to reduce the price of the package.
Yes. Our retreats can be booked on a weekly basis from Sunday to Sunday. In total, you are welcome to stay with us for as many weeks as you want. If you have to leave early due to your flight details, that's a shame, but we will of course be happy to help you arrange a shuttle so that you get to the airport on time. Unfortunately, we are unable to adjust the price of the package in the event of an early departure.
We are open all year round. Because Sri Lanka is a great travel destination with a tropical climate all year round. The water and air temperatures are constant 27-31ºC. Both Surf Spirit retreats are located in southwestern Sri Lanka. Here is the peak travel season from September to May.
Winter season: Sept - May
The dream of Sri Lanka! The peak travel season offers great waves. Regular “offshore” winds provide ideal surfing conditions in warm water. This time is ideal for all levels of surfing and the weather is generally more stable than at other times of the year. Of course, we are in the tropics, so showers can always occur, which makes our jungle glow lush green. Sri Lanka's south coast is the ideal place to exchange the German cold for a tropical surf & yoga vacation.
Summer season: May - August
In the meantime, the so-called off-season is also attracting more and more guests. Although it rains more frequently during this time (mostly in the morning or evening, heavy but brief) and there are occasional storms, waves arrive here constantly. We are in the tropics, so there can always be short showers before the sun comes out again. It is always warm.
Our main surfing spot is located in a bay and is therefore protected from most winds. As a beginner/advanced surfer, you can get a lot of waves during this time because there are simply fewer people in the water. When it comes to refining your take-off (stand-up technique), surfing the first green waves or incorporating your first turns, you'll absolutely get your money's worth during this time. In general, it is a bit more comfortable with smaller groups in camp during this time, which can also be very pleasant.
As a very experienced surfer, we would recommend eastern Sri Lanka between May and August. In particular, you will find powerful point breaks there. Since there are many experienced surfers out and about here, it would be ideal to bring along an upscale surfing level to successfully hunt waves.
Spain
We recommend that you bring the following things with you for your trip to us:
- Mosquito repellent (spray against bites & itching)
- sunscreen or zinc
- Aftersun
- beach towels
- surf/sports bikini or shorts and, at best, a lycra (long-sleeved top for surfing)
- hair dryer
- refill water bottle
We have fresh bath towels and bed linen for you at the retreat and do not have to be brought along.
We recommend taking out additional travel insurance, which covers cancellation costs due to positive testing, on-site quarantine, flight cancellations and other reasons. Of course, we hope that won't be the case — but that way you'll be on the safe side.
There is no ATM in Los Caños de Meca. The closest ATM is 10 minutes away by car. It is therefore recommended to bring enough cash or to stop there with the airport shuttle/rental car on the way.
At Villa Andalucia, surf & yoga sessions are always part of your package.
We offer you an all-inclusive package with full board, surfing and yoga classes that, in our opinion, includes the optimal components for a special week. Of course, we understand that everyone has different ideas and may not want to participate in everything that is offered. This is absolutely fine and everyone should and may do what he/she feels like the most at any time.
Yes, it is theoretically possible. Feel free to send us an inquiry via email and we will check our availability.
In this case, please send us a manual request to smile@surf-spirit.com. We may still be able to accommodate you. Alternatively, we can add you to our waiting list in case someone cancels.
Our regular surf and yoga package includes everything you need in your retreat week.
If you wish, you can order additional drinks or snacks from our bar for the prices listed on the menu, for example. Other extra services include: your surf photo package, trips on your session-free day, airport transfer, T-shirts, etc. Of course, these are all voluntary extras that can be booked on site. Everything can and nothing must. Payment for all desired extras takes place at the end of your week in the retreat and can ONLY be paid in cash.
There are 3 airports nearby. Jerez de la Frontera is an hour's drive away, Seville around 2 hours away and Málaga is a three-hour drive away. The best way to find the cheapest flights is via a search engine, such as Skyscanner.
We would be happy to arrange a shuttle for you to take you from all three airports to the retreat. The shuttle service from Jerez costs 55 euros, from Seville 115 euros, from Málaga 220 euros and is valid for a maximum of 4 people. The price can be split if you share the trip with other guests. However, we cannot guarantee or provide information as to whether the trip can be shared. Our guests travel from various directions and we usually only receive all information ourselves at very short notice. Therefore, please plan the full amount for your budget if you order the shuttle.
During the booking process, we will ask whether you would like to use our shuttle service.
If you don't know at the time of booking whether you need a shuttle, you can follow the link in your confirmation email to order your shuttle up to 7 days before you arrive.
Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport. In this way, you are a bit more independent locally to visit other cities in the area. We only have a few parking spaces at the villa, but we can recommend a few places nearby. If you arrive by rental car, please add this information in the booking process under “Transfer Comments” so that we can prepare for the parking situation.
A bus would be another option. However, we cannot recommend this as public transport is relatively irregular and unreliable. You can find details about bus connections over here
Check in for your room is from 2 pm on Saturday, and check out the following Saturday at 10 am. Of course, unless your flight times allow otherwise, you can arrive before 14:00 on Saturday and drop off your luggage while you explore the area until you can move into your room at 14:00
Our Villa Andalucia is suitable for surfers of all levels, as we can cater to our bloody beginners as well as to our advanced surfers with our guiding concept. Our qualified surf instructors will tell you about your current surfing level upon arrival and can therefore be sure that we will challenge and support you in the best possible way during your week with us.
Our yoga classes are also suitable for all levels, and our certified instructors will meet your individual needs.
Yes. Due to our high quality standards and to ensure a smooth process, we only offer our retreats on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday.
However, if your flight details do not allow you otherwise, you can of course arrive or depart late or early. Unfortunately, we are unable to adjust the price of the package.
Yes Our retreats can be booked on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday. In total, you are welcome to stay with us for as many weeks as you want. If you have to leave early due to your flight details, that's a shame, but we will of course be happy to help you arrange a shuttle so that you get to the airport on time. Unfortunately, we are unable to adjust the price of the package in the event of an early departure.
There are no particular health risks locally in Spain. However, the Federal Foreign Office recommends the current status of standard vaccinations. For more information, visit the website of Foreign Office.
Since Spain is part of the European Union, no visa is required. If you have a non-European passport, please find out what visa requirements apply for your nationality.
We are open all year round. Because Andalusia is a great travel destination with a Mediterranean climate all year round.
High season April - August
From April to August, we are in high season. During this time, the coastal towns come to life. All bars and cafés are open. During this time, you will feel the summer. Because it's not just the weather and the water temperature that's fantastic. The Spaniards are also bursting with joy. The entire region is flourishing. Live music is played in the bars in the evenings and people enjoy their break on the beach.
The waves are usually a bit smaller in July & August. This time is particularly suitable for surfing beginners. For advanced surfers, the time between September and June is suitable. Here, the waves have a bit more power, so experienced surfers absolutely get their money's worth. The water temperatures are 19-23 degrees between April and September. The air temperatures vary approximately between 20 - 30 degrees.
Off season: October - March
During this time, our beach town is a bit more relaxed. Although this time of year is a bit cooler than summer, the Andalusian climate spoils us with many hours of sunshine.
In general, there are fewer tourists traveling during this time. This offers a great opportunity to explore the area in peace and quiet, enjoy relaxing walks on the beach or the incredible sunsets.
During this time, all surf levels get their money's worth with us. From beginners to advanced and advanced surfers. Powerful waves and more frequent “offshore” winds attract all surfing levels.
Water temperatures fluctuate during this time. In September, the water temperature is up to 22 degrees. In April, it is around 19 degrees before the water temperatures rise even further in summer.
Air temperatures can still be up to 26 degrees in October. January has the lowest temperatures. As a rule, it does not get colder than 16 degrees. As soon as the sun shines, it is at least 20 degrees at any time of the year.
Andalusia is definitely the warmest place in Europe and worth a visit at any time of the year.
Portugal
A visa is currently not required to enter from a European country. If you are traveling from another country, please check the Foreign Office website for the entry requirements.
We recommend you bring the following items for your trip to us:
- Mosquito spray
- Beach towels
- refill water bottle
- sun cream / zinc
- Aftersun
- Surf / Sport bikini/shorts
- ecologically degradable shower gel and plastic- free toothpaste (due to the ecologically designed water cycle on site, we, the land and the local animals appreciate this support very much)
- optional: flip flops / slippers for the communal showers
- optional: torch / headlamp
- optional: a journal for writing down you thoughts
- backpack instead of suitcase (makes it easier for you and our team to transport the luggage around the Habitat)
Portugal is a rather cool country with a very strong sun. Therefore, it can get very warm during the day, but still cool down in the evening. We therefore recommend to bring warmer clothes for the evening and morning hours (sweater/jacket and scarf & warmer clothes).
Check-in for your accommodation is on Saturdays from 2pm, check-out is on the following Saturday at 10am. Please do not arrive before 2 pm on your day of arrival so that the team has the opportunity to prepare everything for your stay in the best possible way.
For a flexible and easy journey, as well as flexibility on site, we recommend traveling by rental car.
Alternatively, we can arrange a shuttle from Faro airport. If you arrive in Lisbon, we recommend taking a car or bus for cost reasons. The shuttle from Faro is not part of the package and is only organized by us as a service and carried out by a third-party provider. The prices for a pick-up in Faro are approx. 120 euros (1-4 people) or 140 euros (5-8 people). This price can theoretically be split between all passengers. However, as our guests come from all directions and we only receive the information at short notice, we cannot guarantee whether and with how many other guests the price can be shared. Therefore, please plan the total price for your budget if you order a shuttle. For the return journey, we can also organize a shuttle to Faro airport, but this will only be planned on site.
The destination airport in Portugal is Faro (FAO). From there we can also arrange a shuttle to the retreat. Alternatively, you can also fly to Lisbon, but we recommend traveling on a hire car. You can usually find the cheapest flights on skyscanner.com.
In this case, please send us an e-mail to smile@surf-spirit.com. We may still be able to accommodate you. Otherwise we can put you on our waiting list in case someone cancels. Please let us know your name, available holiday period, e-mail address and telephone number.
If we have availability, you can also book a glamping tent for single use for an additional charge. This option cannot be booked online. Please send us an email to smile@surf-spirit.com with your enquiry.
Yes and no. Our retreats can be booked on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday. You are welcome to stay with us for as many weeks as you like. However, if your flight details do not allow you to do otherwise, you can of course also arrive or depart later or earlier. Unfortunately, we cannot reduce the price of the package for this.
Yes and no. Due to our high quality standards and to ensure that everything runs smoothly, we only offer our retreats on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday.
However, if your flight details do not allow you to do otherwise, you can of course arrive or depart late or early. Unfortunately, we cannot adjust the price of the package for this.
This information is only valid for season 2025:
In Portugal you have the choice between two packages. Both packages include accommodation, full board, all yoga lessons with guided meditation sessions and 2 workshops.
The Surf, Yoga & Create package also includes 5 surf lessons including theory and transfer and a surf video analysis.
The Yoga & Create package dispenses with the surf lessons and offers 3 additional workshops, which change seasonally but always take place in the areas of creativity, crafting or nature.
The individual package services are listed here:
The Surf, Yoga & Create package includes the following services per week:
- 7 x overnight stays in a double or twin glamping tent
- 7 x breakfast
- 5 x lunch incl. coffee & tea
- 6 x dinner
- 10 x yoga classes
- Guided meditation sessions
- 1x sound healing session
- 1x ceramics workshop
- 5 x surf lessons incl. theory & transfer
Alternatively, you can also choose the Yoga & Create package in Portugal if you want to focus primarily on yoga & relaxation and are not interested in surfing.
The Yoga & Create package includes the following services:
- 7 x overnight stays in a double or twin glamping tent
- 7 x breakfast
- 5 x lunch incl. coffee & tea
- 6 x dinner
- 10 x yoga classes
- Guided meditation sessions
- 1x sound healing session
- 1x ceramics workshop
- 3x seasonally changing workshops in the areas of creativity, crafting and nature
What's not included?
If you wish, you can order additional drinks or snacks at the bar for the prices listed on the menu. Other extras include: your surf photo package, excursions on the lesson & workshop free day, airport transfer, T-shirts etc. Of course, these are all optional extras that can be booked on site. Everything can and nothing must. Payment for all desired extras will be made at the end of your week at the retreat and can be made in cash or via PayPal.
The Habitat Algarve is an Eco Retreat located off grid in the nature of Portugal. You will sleep in a comfortable, individually furnished treehouse glamping tent, which offers you all the comfort you need while enjoying an authentic nature experience. Each glamping tent is equipped with an eco toilet. Showers and fixed toilets are available in the sanitary house and are shared.
The location is approx. 25 minutes from the nearest beach and 20 minutes from the nearest town of Aljezur. The Habitat offers you the perfect opportunity to really switch off from everyday life and relax in the middle of nature, as there is no telephone reception in the Habitat, but there is reliable WiFi in the community area.
Yoga takes place on our Mountaintop Yoga Deck or in our Yoga Dome, from where you have a great view over the Aljezur hinterland. In addition to the maximum of 14 guests, animals such as chickens, donkeys and a peacock also live on the land. A large proportion of the fruit and vegetables we use come directly from our on-site garden, while our Habitat also has a self-sufficient system with sustainable water cycles and there is no usage of chemicals or plastic.