It may be summer all-year round here in Singapore (we can hang at the beach anytime!), but pipe dreams about riding waves get us thinking about far-out sunny islands around the world that boast great surf breaks. And in these surfing dreams, we’re also frolicking around in a jaw-droppingly gorgeous surf resort, somewhere in The Maldives, Indonesia, Australia, or Portugal… Read on for a peek of our holiday fantasies that lets us hang ten in style.
Nihiwatu
Located on the west coast of Sumba Island in Indonesia, this socially conscious all-villa resort (all profits go to the Sumba Foundation which gives back to the island and local communities) is home to one of the world’s best left-hand break, aptly called The Wave. But there’s limited access to it: the hotel restricts the number of surfers to 10 at any one time, and only registered surfers are allowed to ride it. If, for some reason, you aren’t able to surf on your trip, there are plenty of world-class water activities to partake, like sport fishing and diving.
Nihiwatu, Sumba Island, Indonesia, p. (62) 361 757 149, e. [email protected]
Alila Villas Uluwatu
The photographs don’t lie: Alila Villas Uluwatu, perched on a cliff above one of the world’s best surf breaks, is drop-dead beautiful, and eco-friendly at that, too. There are different waves to ride out at the Bukit Peninsula, from short, powerful tubs to big, long swells. No reason to stay out of the waters after conquering the waves – kick back and laze around in your private salt water pool, or lounge by the hotel’s spectacular 50m-high clifftop infinity pool with killer views over the Indian Ocean. Did we also mention there’s a personal butler for every villa?
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Jl. Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali, 80364, p. (62) 361 848 2166, e. [email protected]
Maalifushi by COMO
Stay close to Maldive’s world-famous long curving atoll reef waves at Maalifushi by COMO, which has partnered with Tropicsurf to offer luxury surfing experiences – think bespoke training courses, expert guidance, amazing dining options and five-star transportations – to guests of the resort. You don’t even have to bring your own board if it’s too much of a hassle: just hire equipment and arrange for to the best spots (we hear they’re quiet too!) through the resident Tropicsurf guide. The best time to go toe-to-toe with breaks is from April to October.
Maalifushi by COMO, Thaa Atoll, Republic of Maldives, p. +960 678 0008, e. [email protected]
The Bryon at Byron Resort & Spa
You’ll be hard-pressed find an avid surfer that have not rode, or isn’t dreaming about riding, the perfect waves at Bryon Bay, Australia’s prime surf spot. One of the best surf resorts to stay at in the area is Bryon Bay Resort & Spa, set in 45 acres of rainforest, if you arrive between March and August to take on the waters. The hotel can arrange private surf lessons for you with Rusty Miller and his daughter Taylor, who are Byron Bay’s first and original local surf instructors, and the pair offers a personalised experienced for surfers of all levels. They are also the only coaches licensed to teach at the infamous Pass Beach.
The Bryon at Byron Resort & Spa, 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay, New South Wales 2481, p. (61) 2 6639 2000, e. [email protected]
Memmo Baleeira
Get in touch with Portugal’s laidback surfer side at Memmo Hotel’s first property at the Algarve. Surrounded by more than a handful of stunning deserted beaches – including Ariffana beach, which is popular among the Portugese surfing community, and Cape St. Vicente, renowned for its great surfing conditions – Memmo Baleeira offers some great surf-and-stay packages, all of which comes with a surf course that includes a surfboard, wetsuit, and roundtrip transportation to the beach.
Memmo Baleeira, Sítio da Baleeira, Sagres, 8650-357, Portugal, p. +351 282 624 212, e. [email protected]
