faqs

For us at Surf Spirit it is a matter of the heart to create a place where everyone can immerse themselves for a week in a relaxed lifestyle characterized by lightness, passion and pure joy. We always limit the amount of guests in our locations. This way, we can make everything very personal and create moments together that we will never forget. We are here to feel the pure life in the middle of nature, for which we otherwise have so little time in our daily lives.

We believe in the unique combination of Surf & Yoga and its benefits for your body, mind and soul. We are one of only a few retreats that focuses on both aspects equally and offers you a package that already includes everything you need for your week staying with us. We are very keen to help you get one step further in both areas, no matter at what level you arrive. We will do everything possible to make sure you have a great time in the water, on the mat or by the fire in the evening.

Each of our weeks is unique, and we can't wait to show you our one of a kind locations.

Excluding our private island, you can be a complete surf beginner to be a guest at our locations. Both locations in Sri Lanka and the location in Spain offer surf conditions for complete beginners, who benefit from smooth waves, up to intermediates, who will love the consistency of waves at our home spots. Advanced Surfers get to enjoy our surf guiding concept, in which our Surf Guides take you to more challenging spots. Our private Island in Mentawai accommodates only experienced surfers in level 3 or 4.

You also do not need any experience in Yoga. It is not about how good you are, it is about enjoying the experience.

Our surf and yoga coaches are highly qualified and experienced, so we can make sure that you receive the coaching you need, which is neither too easy nor too challenging.

Surf and yoga levels will be requested at time of booking. If you are not sure in advance, don't worry, we will go over everything again upon arrival. 

When it comes to surfing, our Jungle Villa and Villa Andalucia is suitable for surfers of all levels, as we can cater for our beginners as well as for our advanced surfers with our guiding concept. Our qualified surf instructors will assign you to your current surfing level upon arrival and can thus ensure that we will challenge and encourage you during your week with us.

Our Beach Lodge is best suited for complete surf beginners and for beginners with previous surfing experience. When it comes to refining your take-off (stand-up technique), surfing the first green waves or making your first turns, you will enjoy a great time surfing in this location right at your surf spot.

Independent surfers who want to go surfing on their own can book the Board Rental & Yoga package at the Beach Lodge and rent our boards for free. If you are interested in surf guiding including transport to the reef spot and coach feedback, we recommend booking the Jungle Villa. 

Our Private Island is our only location on which we do not offer Surf Lessons, because the waves there are only suited for advanced surfers. This trip is perfect for everyone, who already knows how to surf, or for those who always dreamt of a private, tropical island without going surfing.

Unfortunately not. Only our retreat guests can join the services part of the Surf Spirit Package.

Our coaches are teaching in English and / or German. This depends on the respective coach and the guests on site. However, if we have English-speaking guests, even if it is just one person, all lessons will be held in English.

It is important for us to communicate openly that our retreats are not designed for children, so that no false expectations are created. Nevertheless, we always try to make everything possible and are also happy to welcome younger guests! Please send us an enquiry to smile@surf-spirit.info.

You can rebook your trip to a different date and/or location free of charge up to 4 weeks before your booked arrival date. Simply send us an email to smile@surf-spirit.info well in advance. 

Should you wish to cancel your trip, the cancellation fees are based on our terms and conditions under point 7.4. 

We recommend that you also take out travel insurance to cover the costs of cancellation due to illness, flight cancellations and other reasons. Of course, we hope that this will not be the case - but this way you are on the safe side.

Sri Lanka is one of the most popular destinations around the world, especially when it comes to surfing. Because of the tropical climate, the sea- and air temperature ranges between 27 - 31ºC throughout the year. This makes Sri Lanka the closest, tropical and surfable destination to Europe, especially during Winter. Our Surf Spirit Retreat is located at the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. We are open all year round for a reason. Over here the main season is between Sep - May though.

Winter Season: Sep - May

This is the Sri Lanka’n dream. The main season offers great waves in warm water. Constant offshore winds are creating ideal surf conditions for all levels. In general the weather is a bit more predictable which means summer vibes in winter time. Of course, we are in a tropical area, so it can get rainy every now and then, which keeps our jungle nice and juicy. Sri Lanka’s south coast is the ideal place to escape the cold and enjoy a tropical Surf & Yoga holiday.

Summer Season:  May - August 

Also, the so-called low season in Sri Lanka is attracting more and more guests. Though the chances of rain (mostly mornings or evenings, strong but short) and storms are higher, they are getting waves constantly. We are located in a tropical environment which means there is rain every now and then before the sun is coming out again. The climate is warm all the time anyway.

Our main surf spot is located in a bay which protects the waves of most of the wind angles. If you are a surf beginner or intermediate you can catch a lot of waves in these months. Another positive aspect is having no crowds in the water during this time of the year. If you would like to work on your take-off, surf your first green waves or get into turning your board, you can definitely improve in this time of the year as well. During this time of the year we expect the retreat to be a bit quieter with smaller groups in general, which can be quite pleasant.

If you are a really experienced Surfer, we recommend surfing on the east coast of Sri Lanka for the time between May and August. Over there you will find some powerful right-hand point breaks. Due to a lot of competition in the water, we highly recommend bringing some skills to be successful catching waves over there.

On the subject of coronavirus, please refer to the "Covid-19 Update" section.

Otherwise the following applies:

There are no special health risks in Sri Lanka. The south of the island is considered malaria-free. Though, very rarely there are cases of Dengue-Fever. This is why we recommend bringing a mosquito repellant. Of course, all of our rooms have mosquito nets around the beds.

The Tropical Institute recommends getting the common immunizations which are Rabies, Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus. Please check this information again for your home country with the foreign office.

You have to get a VISA to enter Sri Lanka. If you are staying in Sri Lanka for less than 1 month, you can apply for a tourist visa online (Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via Sri Lanka’s official site. Your passport needs to have two free pages and must be valid for 6 months after your trip. If you are staying longer, it is best to apply for a 3-month visa from the Sri Lankan embassy in your home country.

Most important: You do not need any experience in any field coming to Surf Spirit. It's not about how good you are at something, it's about completely surrendering to it and enjoying the process, the joy of creating.

Both locations are suitable for all yoga levels. Our yoga teachers are qualified and experienced, so we will focus on your personal level in the lessons to neither over- nor under challenge you. 

When it comes to surfing, our Jungle Villa is suitable for surfers of all levels, as we can cater for our beginners as well as for our advanced surfers with our guiding concept. Our qualified surf instructors will assign you to your current surfing level upon arrival and can thus ensure that we will challenge and encourage you during your week with us.

Our Beach Lodge is best suited for complete surf beginners and for beginners with previous surfing experience. When it comes to refining your take-off (stand-up technique), surfing the first green waves or making your first turns, you will enjoy a great time surfing in this location right at your surf spot.

Independent surfers who want to go surfing on their own can book the Board Rental & Yoga package at the Beach Lodge and rent our boards for free. If you are interested in surf guiding including transport to the reef spot and coach feedback, we recommend booking at the Jungle Villa. 

Surf and yoga levels will be requested when you book. If you are not sure in advance, don't worry, we will go over everything again upon arrival. 

We also offer a video analysis in both locations, which is very useful for beginners and intermediates. We really do our best to offer all our guests at all levels the necessary instruction to achieve individual goals.

Well, you can only book the retreats in the weekly rhythm as this is how we can maintain our high quality standards and make sure all processes are running smoothly. Though, if your flight details do not match our Check In or Check Out times, surely you can arrive later or leave earlier. Unfortunately, we are unable to give any discount for the activities you miss due to arriving late or departing early, but it is possible for you to arrive or leave any day in the week, let us know, and we’ll arrange a transfer for that day.

You can absolutely stay longer than one week. As our retreats are bookable in a weekly rhythm from Sunday - Sunday, you can basically stay however long you like. If you have to depart early due to flight schedules etc. we can not give any discount for the activities you miss but are happy to arrange a transfer for any day you like.

Yes and no. At our Jungle Villa both surfing and yoga are included in the package. At the Beach Lodge you can book with or without surfing lessons, yoga is always included in the package.

In both locations we offer you an all-inclusive package with full board, surf and yoga classes, which in our opinion includes the best services for a special week. Of course, we understand that everyone has different ideas and may not want to take part in everything that is offered. This is absolutely fine and everyone should and may do what he/she feels most like at any time.

At the Beach Lodge we also offer a Board Rental & Yoga Package where you can rent our boards for free, but you have not booked a surf course. So this package is especially suitable for those of you who would like to go surfing on your own with already existing surfing experience. It is also suitable for those of you who want to concentrate on yoga or relaxation and are not interested in surfing.

Yes that's a possibility. Please send us an inquiry via mail, and we will check our availability.

Alternatively, we have very nice twin rooms in our Jungle Villa and in the Beach Lodge very pleasant triple rooms, which are ideal for single travelers.

In this case, please send us an individual inquiry per e-mail. We will try our best to find a solution for you to join your requested week. Otherwise we can offer to put you on our waiting list in case someone cancels. 

Our regular surf and yoga package in both locations includes everything you need during your retreat week. The Board Rental & Yoga Package at the Beach Lodge does not include a surf course. There are no additional costs on site, unless you want to book additional extras. 

If you wish, you can order additional drinks or snacks at our bar for the prices listed on the menu. Other extra services are: additional massages (Jungle Villa), your surf photo package, excursions on your day off, airport transfer, T-shirts, tips etc. Of course these are all optional extras that can be booked on site. Everything can and nothing must. The payment of all desired extras takes place at the end of your week in the retreat and can be done in cash or by card in Euro or Rupees.

The international airport in Sri Lanka is COLOMBO (CMB). The cheapest flights are easy to find on Skyscanner.

If you wish, we are happy to arrange an Airport Transfer to the Retreat. The ride takes about 2.5 hours in a car with air condition. It costs 100 USD per way and can be shared if there are more passengers travelling( with max 2 persons). Each other person will cost an additional 40 USD. In your booking process we will ask you for some infos e.g. Flight Number and Arrival Time. If you do not have those infos upon booking, you can complete the infos later. Please do not pay the driver, as you will pay with us at Check Out. The Transfer for your way back to the airport can be arranged by our Manager in the Retreat. Leaving the baggage hall, please check for your driver holding a poster with your name on it. Surely by now, you can sit back and relax.

Absolutely. If you have a bit more time and are an adventurous kind of person, the train route may be for you. It takes about 3 hours with the train to get to us, and it is surely the cheapest way of travelling around. The train leaves Colombo Fort two times a day to Galle (15 min. in Tuk Tuk to us) or Unawatuna (5 min. in Tuk Tuk to us). Departure times can be found online on the site of the Sri Lankan Railways. At the railway station are always tuk tuk drivers waiting for passengers. Please have our address (given in the confirmation e-mail or on Google) ready to show the driver.

Check In is Sundays at 2pm, Check Out the following Sunday 10am. Unfortunately you can not arrive earlier than Sunday, but of course, you can arrive earlier than 2pm e.g. due to your flight arrival time. Waiting for your room to be ready, you can spend the time at the pool (Jungle Villa), in our chill out area or at the beach (Beach Lodge). If you wish, we will organise you a Tuk Tuk that can take you to the beach or town. If you do arrive earlier than Sunday in Sri Lanka, we recommend booking a Hotel in Colombo, Galle (historical old town 15 minutes by Tuk Tuk) or in the near surroundings until you can make your way to us on Sunday noon.

We recommend you to bring the following things: 

• Mosquito repellent
• Refill Waterbottle
• Beach towles
• Spray against bites & itching
• Sunscreen or Zinc and After-Sun
• Surf/Sport bikini + Shorts & if you wish a Lycra (long sleeved top for surfing).

Of course, we provide fresh Bathroom Towels and Bed Sheets.

You can either change money after your arrival at the airport or withdraw money with your credit card at various cash machines, only a few Tuk Tuk minutes from the retreat.

We are open from March until November. Indonesia is a great travel destination throughout the whole year, but the waves are especially good in this period. Air temperature in our retreat ranges between 21° and 32 °C. Water temperature is stable at approximately 27 °C.

Dry Season: February - September

Wet Season: October - January

Local winds surrounding the retreat are variable throughout most of the year but occasionally go through intermittent periods of storminess, called “Badai’s”. The Surf Spirit Island Retreat lies exactly 1 °C below the Equator and as a result is not influenced by the steady easterly trade winds often associated with the rest of Indonesia.

There are no special health risks in Indonesia. Malaria can be a factor on the Mentawai Islands. This is why we recommend bringing a mosquito repellant. Of course, all of our rooms have mosquito nets around the beds.

The Tropical Institute recommends getting the common immunizations which are Rabies, Diphtheria, Typhus, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A and Tetanus. Please take appropriate precautions before your arrival. Also please check this information again for your home country with the foreign office.

Usually, there is no visa required if you stay less than 30 days and already have a departure ticket. You can also get a visa on arrival at the airport, which can be extended 30 days to a total of 60 days. If you plan a longer stay, you have to request a visa a few weeks before arrival. Please check if special conditions apply for your country of citizenship.

Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic every tourist needs an E-Visa, which has to be applied for online. Furthermore, a negative PCR-Test 72h prior to arrival and a 5-day quarantine in Jakarta are mandatory. Since the rules change frequently, the information on this site might not be up to date, which is why we kindly ask you to do your own research before your trip.

This trip is for Intermediate and advanced (Level 3 & 4) surfers. The waves are not suited for beginners, which is why we do not offer surf lessons at this location. 

Our yoga only package is perfect for those, who just want to enjoy a private, exotic island without surfing.

Because arrival and departure from the island requires a lot of effort, it is usually not possible to extend your stay spontaneously. If you want to abort your trip earlier, please note that boats to the mainland are not available every day. In that case no refund is applicable.

Yes that's a possibility. Please send us an inquiry via mail, and we will check our availability.

Yes! If you do not wish to surf and just want to enjoy a private island, we have a discounted package for you. Every package includes yoga lessons.

The Surf & Yoga package includes surf guiding, transfers to the waves, daily yoga lessons according to your needs and the transport to and away from our island. Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner is also included.

The Yoga only package includes everything you need for a relaxed stay on our island. Daily yoga lessons, transport to and from our island and breakfast, lunch and dinner. Surf guiding is not included.

The following services are not included in any package and can only be paid on site

• approximately 100 Euro Surf Tax on arrival at the Harbor (Mandatory)
• approximately 10 Euro Departure Tax (Mandatory)
• 2 Nights in a Hotel in Padang (can be paid online)
• Surf Photos (optional)
• Massages (optional)
• Drinks from our Bar (optional)
• Tips for our staff (optional)

Please book your flight to the airport Minagkabau of Padang. The cheapest flights are easy to find on Skyscanner.

Please note the information in “How does arrival work?”

Please make sure to arrange a flight that lands in Padang one day prior to the start of your stay with us. You will then spend the night in Padang, as the next morning we will pick you up very early. Please also organize accommodation for this night in Padang. We recommend the Ibis and the HW Hotel in Padang.

Once you arrive at the airport of Padang (1 day prior to Surf Spirit arrival date), you will get picked up by our crew. We will bring you to your booked hotel and pick you up early morning to get you to the ferry.

The ferry is going to get you to Tua Pejat. This journey takes around 4 hours. From the harbor of Tua Pejat, we will pick you up with our boat. After 40 minutes you arrive at our island. Welcome to paradise.

Important Notes

The transports to the hotel and to the ferry both ways, as well as the ferry and boat tickets are already included in your hotel. The hotel in Padang for both nights (1 night before check in and 1 night after check out) costs extra and will be booked by yourself. You can enter your hotel details in the “Transfer Comments” of our booking system, so our driver knows which hotel to take you to. Spending a night on arrival in Padang is mandatory. We also recommend another nights stay on return to Padang.

Please make sure to book your flights accordingly.

On the day of leaving the island you will arrive in Padang in the evening. To make sure you can make your flight, you should book your flight one day after leaving the island and book a night in a hotel in Padang again for your check-out day. We will take care of the transportation after you arrive in Padang and bring you to your hotel. We will also bring you to the airport on the next day.

Important Notes

The transports to the hotel and to the ferry both ways, as well as the ferry and boat tickets are already included in your hotel. The hotel in Padang for both nights (1 night before check in and 1 night after check out) costs extra and will be booked by yourself. You can enter your hotel details in the “Transfer Comments” of our booking system so our driver knows which hotel to take you to. Spending a night on arrival in Padang is mandatory. We also recommend another nights stay on return to Padang.

Please make sure to book your flights accordingly.

We recommend you bring the following things:

• Mosquito repellent
• Spray against stitches & itching
• Sunscreen or Zinc
• After-Sun
• Surf/Sport bikini/Shorts & if you wish a Lycra (long sleeve top for surfing).
• Refill Waterbottle
• Beach towles

Once you get to the resort all you have to focus on is getting as many good waves as possible. Most of our guests bring extra money for the following reasons:

• approximately 100 Euro Surf Tax on arrival at the Harbor (Mandatory)
• approximately 10 Euro Departure Tax (Mandatory)
• 2 Nights in a Hotel in Padang (can be paid online)
• Surf Photos (optional)
• Massages (optional)
• Drinks from our Bar (optional)
• Tips for our staff (optional)

Wireless Internet is available in the Bar/restaurant area for guests. The price is 45€ for unlimited access.

We are open all year, because Andalusia is a great destination throughout the whole year with mediterranean climate.

April - September:

Experience the Spanish summer with all its flair.

The sunniest region in Europe is worth a trip all year around.

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 experience pure summer. Because not only the weather and the water temperature are fantastic. The Spaniards also sprout with joy of life. The whole region is flourishing. Live music is played in the bars in the evenings and people enjoy their time-out on the beach.

Usually the waves are a bit smaller in July & August. This time is particularly suitable for surf beginners. The water temperatures vary between 19 and 23 degrees. The air temperatures vary between 20 - 30 degrees.

October - March:

Escape winter and enjoy endless hours of sunshine.

During this time, our beach town is a bit more relaxed. Although these seasons are somewhat cooler than summer, the Andalusian climate spoils us with many hours of sunshine.

In general, fewer tourists are traveling during this time, which can be very pleasant. This offers a great opportunity to explore the area in peace and quiet, to take relaxing walks on the beach or to enjoy the incredible sunsets.

During this time, all surf levels will have a fantastic time. From beginners to intermediate or advanced surfers. Powerful waves and more frequent “offshore” winds attract and suit all surf levels.

The 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 further in summer.

The air temperatures can still be up to 26 degrees in October. January measures 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 every season.

Andalusia is definitely the warmest place in Europe and worth a trip in every season.

There are no special health risks in Spain. It is recommended to have all immunizations up to date.

If you are a citizen of an EU-country, you do not need a visa. If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU, please check if there are special visa requirements for your country.

The Villa Andalucia is suitable for all yoga levels. Our yoga teachers are qualified and experienced, so we will focus on your personal level in the lessons to neither over- nor under challenge you. 

When it comes to surfing, our Villa Andalucia is suitable for surfers of all levels, as we can cater for our beginners as well as for our advanced surfers with our guiding concept. Our qualified surf instructors will assign you to your current surfing level upon arrival and can thus ensure that we will challenge and encourage you during your week with us.

Well, you can only book the retreats in the weekly rhythm as this is how we can maintain our high quality standards and make sure all processes are running smoothly. Though, if your flight details do not match our Check In or Check Out times, surely you can arrive later or leave earlier. Unfortunately, we are unable to give any discount for the activities you miss due to arriving late or departing early, but it is possible for you to arrive or leave any day in the week, let us know and we’ll arrange a transfer for that day.

You can absolutely stay longer than one week. As our retreats are bookable in a weekly rhythm from Saturday - Saturday, you can basically stay however long you like. If you have to depart early due to flight schedules etc. we can not give any discount for the activities you miss but are happy to arrange a transfer for any day you like.

In our Villa Andalucia, Surf & Yoga are always part of the package.

In this location we offer you an all-inclusive package with full board, surf and yoga classes, which in our opinion includes the best services for a special week. Of course, we understand that everyone has different ideas and may not want to take part in everything that is offered. This is absolutely fine and everyone should and may do what he/she feels most like at any time.

Yes that's a possibility. Please send us an inquiry via mail, and we will check our availability.

In this case, please send us an individual inquiry via e-mail. We will try our best to find a solution for you to join your requested week. Please e-mail us, and we will check all options again for you.

Our regular surf and yoga package includes everything you need during your retreat week. There are no additional costs on site, unless you want to book additional extras. 

If you wish, you can order additional drinks at our bar for the prices listed on the menu. Other extra services are: your surf photo package, excursions on your day off, airport transfer, T-shirts, Tips, etc. Of course these are all optional extras that can be booked on site. Everything can and nothing must. The payment of all desired extras takes place at the end of your week in the retreat and can be done ONLY  in cash.

There are 3 airports nearby. Jerez de la Frontera is an hour's drive away, Seville about 2 hours and Málaga three hours. The best way to find the cheapest flights is to use a search engine such as Skyscanner.

We are happy to organise a shuttle to take you to the retreat from all three airports. 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 journey with other guests. However, we cannot guarantee or give information if the trip can be shared. Our guests travel from different directions and we usually receive all the 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 if you would like to use our shuttle service.

If you do not know at the time of booking whether you will need a shuttle, you can follow the link in your confirmation email to order your shuttle up to 7 days before your arrival.

Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport. This way you are a bit more independent to visit other cities in the area. We only have a few parking spaces at the villa, but we can recommend some places nearby. If you are arriving by rental car, please add this information in the booking process under "Transfer Comments" so that we can prepare the parking situation.

A bus would be another option. However, we cannot recommend this as public transport is relatively irregular and unreliable. Details on bus connections can be found here.

Check-in for your room is on Saturdays from 2 pm, check-out on the following Saturday at 10 am. Of course, if your flight times do not allow it, you can arrive before 2pm on Saturday and leave your luggage while you explore the area until you can check into your room at 2pm.

We recommend you to bring the following things: 

• Mosquito repellent 
• Spray against stitches & itching
• Sunscreen or Zinc
• After-Sun
• Refill Waterbottle
• Beach towles
• Surf/Sportbikini + Shorts & if you wish a Lycra (long sleeved top for surfing).
• Hair dryer

Of course, we provide fresh Bathroom Towels and Bed Sheets.

We also recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover cancellation costs due to positive corona test, on-site quarantine, flight cancellations, and other reasons. Of course, we hope that this will not be the case - but this way you are on the safe side.  

There is no ATM in Los Caños de Meca. The nearest ATM is 10 minutes away by car. It is therefore advisable to bring enough cash with you or to stop there on the way with the airport shuttle / rental car.