Surfing has long been associated with the adventurous. Where surfers seek out pristine waves and untouched coastlines foregoing luxury for the remote waves. However, the world of surfing has expanded beyond the realm of rustic beach towns and basic accommodations. With the rise of luxury travel, surfers now have the opportunity to experience luxury surfing and combine their love for riding waves with indulgent experiences at high-end resorts.

Destinations around the globe offer the perfect blend of epic waves and luxurious accommodations, creating an unparalleled surfing experience. Whether it’s the pristine beaches of the Maldives, the lush jungle of Central America or the rugged coastlines of Morocco. On the tropical islands of Indonesia or the exotic shores of Sri Lanka, surfers have a plethora of options to choose from.

Maldives Luxury Surf Resorts

One such destination that embodies the fusion of luxury and surfing is the Maldives. With its turquoise waters, picture-perfect waves, and stunning over-water villas, the Maldives offers a surfing experience like no other. Resorts like Six Senses Laamu, Niyama Private Islands, and AYADA Maldives cater to surfers seeking both adventure and indulgence. These resorts boast great surf breaks, expert surf guides, and luxurious amenities such as spa treatments, gourmet dining, and personalized service. At Niyama surfers can paddle out to its private world-class reef break, Vodi , and return to their villas for a truly lavish retreat.

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Maldives, Soneva Fushi stands as the epitome of luxury and sophistication. This idyllic resort offers an unrivalled experience that combines natural beauty, opulent accommodations, and impeccable service. From the moment you step foot on the island, you are transported to a world of indulgence and tranquility. Guests can indulge in exceptional dining experiences, rejuvenate at the serene Spa, and partake in a range of activities, from diving to sunset cruises. Soneva Fushi is a paradise where luxury meets sustainability, creating an unforgettable experience for discerning travelers.

Luxury Surfing in Sri Lanka

Heading to the teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka, luxury surf resorts have emerged along its stunning coastlines. Anantara Peacehaven Tangalle is a firm favourite for surfers wanting to escape their busy lives and experience 5-star luxury. Located in the far South of the island, Anantara Peace Haven Resort sits in front of a private tropical beach. Just a 5-minute drive from the resort there is a punchy righthand pointbreak which offers easy take-offs and fun walls to play with. Slightly further afield is a dreamy horseshoe-shaped bay with a beginner and longboard-friendly beach break.

Indonesia Luxury Surf Resorts

Indonesia, with its vast archipelago, is a treasure trove for surfers seeking luxury and seclusion in remote island paradises. From the Mentawai Islands to the Banyak Islands, this tropical haven offers a collection of exclusive luxury surf resorts that cater to the discerning traveler. Surrounded by untouched natural beauty, guests can enjoy uncrowded waves, explore vibrant coral reefs, and immerse themselves in the tranquility of these remote island escapes.

NIHI Sumba, having been voted the “World’s Best Hotel” for 2 years running, offers an unforgettable luxury surfing experience that is unmatched by any other resort in Indonesia. NIHI Sumba is blessed with exclusive access to ‘Occy’s Left’, a stunning left-hander that breaks directly in front of the resort. Awera Resort & Spa, located at the Northern end of the Central Mentawai Islands, is an exclusive beachfront surf resort with its own private beach, large pool, and access to some of the best waves in the Mentawai Island chain.

Indonesia Luxury Surf Boat Trips

For those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path surfing adventure, Kudanil Explorer is a completely unique, luxury charter experience. This converted Indonesian safety vessel offers some of the highest-end cabins and living spaces available on the water.

Surfers can explore the furthest reaches of the Indonesian archipelago (Raja Ampat, Papua, and the Maluku Islands) in 5-star luxury. Equipped with 8 beautifully designed staterooms, a large jacuzzi, and huge dining and lounge areas, Kudanil Explorer is a charter in a league of its own! The focus of Kudanil Explorer is to offer an exclusive experience onboard and in the water, chasing some of the most untouched surf in the world!

Barefoot Luxury in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Siargao Island has gained a reputation as the country’s surfing mecca. Known for its legendary Cloud9 break, Siargao attracts surfers from around the globe. Amidst this tropical paradise, Nay Palad Hideaway, a barefoot luxury resort, offers unparalleled comfort and refined elegance. Surrounded by lush vegetation and pristine beaches, guests can retreat to their private villas or enjoy lavish amenities such as spa treatments and gourmet dining. After a thrilling day of riding the renowned barrels of Cloud9, surfers can indulge in the tranquility and opulence that Nay Palad provides.

World-class Luxury Surf in Fiji

In the heart of the South Pacific, Fiji captivates surfers with its epic waves and idyllic islands. Six Senses Fiji, located on the perfect Malolo Island, is a haven for surfers in search of luxurious seclusion. The resort offers a total of 24 beautiful villas, making it smaller and more intimate than many other luxury offerings, just one of the many reasons we love Six Senses Fiji. The resort is just a short boat ride from a range of world-class waves, including Cloudbreak, one of the best left-hand barrels in the world!

Luxury Surfing in Central America

Further afield, Costa Rica has emerged as a premier destination for luxury surf travel. Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, world-class waves, and luxurious amenities. Surfers can enjoy the thrill of riding breaks like Witch’s Rock or Ollie’s Point, knowing that a plush resort with stunning ocean views awaits their return. A few km up north, on the Southwest Pacific coast of Nicaragua, Rancho Santana delivers world-class accommodations and luxurious amenities with a dedication to sustainability. The Ranch boasts 2,700 acres of rolling hills, five unique beaches, a variety of dining options, and a myriad of activities from adventure sports to spa treatments.

If you’d like to experience a brand new eco-haven flanked by lush jungle-clad mountains and the warm Pacific Ocean you should stay at One&Only Mandarina, a hidden retreat in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico. Intrinsically connected to the environment, One&Only Mandarina blends the best of chic resort living, tropical relaxation, and authentic outdoor adventure. Nayarit has tons of options for experienced surfers, while the secluded crystal-clear waters bay of the resort is the perfect place to learn the basics of surfing!

Eco-luxury in Morocco

Venturing to North Africa, Morocco offers an enticing blend of world-class surf breaks and cultural richness. Taghazout, located along the country’s stunning coastline, has become a popular destination for surfers seeking both thrilling waves and luxury accommodations. Paradis Plage provides an oasis of sophistication amidst the rugged beauty of the Moroccan coastline. Surfers can explore renowned breaks such as Anchor Point and Killer Point, and then retreat to their private suites or villas with breathtaking ocean views. 

While the concept of luxury surf travel may initially seem at odds with the idea of a free-spirited surfing lifestyle, it offers an opportunity for surfers to indulge in comfort and relaxation after a day in the water. These high-end resorts and charters provide a level of convenience, service, and pampering that can enhance the overall surf experience. Additionally, luxury surf travel contributes to the local economies by creating employment opportunities and supporting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry.

It is important, however, to strike a balance between luxury and respect for the local environment and culture. Sustainable practices should be at the forefront of luxury surf travel, with resorts and charters adopting eco-friendly initiatives such as minimizing waste, supporting local communities, and promoting conservation efforts. Surfers can play their part by choosing resorts that align with their values and engaging in responsible travel practices, such as reducing plastic waste and respecting the natural surroundings.

Surfing and luxury travel are no longer mutually exclusive. With the availability of high-end resorts and charters, surfers can indulge in the best of both worlds. These destinations offer unparalleled surfing experiences paired with luxurious accommodations and amenities, providing an unforgettable getaway. As long as sustainability and respect for the environment are maintained, luxury surf travel can contribute positively to both the surfing community and the local communities where these resorts are located. So, whether you’re seeking the perfect wave in the Maldives, Indonesia, Central America, or beyond, why not treat yourself to an unforgettable surfing experience with a touch of luxury?

Written by Delia Ruiz Malo