Where to Surf and Yoga Around the World
Santa Teresa Beach in Costa Rica
If you’re a yoga girl like me & dating a long haired, surfer bro (typical I know...), traveling around the world is easy for couples like us. Surf towns are completely aligned to the yogic way of life so both parties are always satisfied.
If you’re contemplating on where to surf & yoga next (or you're just craving for some beach bummin' time), here are some of our favorite spots!
Tagazhout, Morocco
This was our first surf trip together and it was certainly the most unique. Who knew that such a conservative country like Morocco had a buzzing surf town. You’ll be awakened by the bells of the local mosque. Just in time to catch some waves, but before anything, the sunrise and mint tea. Beaches are filled with surfers, sun chasers, and the most popular of them all, camels. You’ll find Moroccans covered from head to toe and surfer bros with tanks and colorful trunks. It’s the ultimate clash of culture, but that’s the beauty of Tagazhout.
We stayed at The Surf Hostel in the center of town which was close to beginner and advanced surf breaks such as Panoramas, Killers Point, and Anchors. The hostel had a cool, laid-back atmosphere and the rooftop overlooking Tagazhout was super chill for a yoga session.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands- Spain
Surf towns are typically not the easiest to get to. Two flights and a rental car later, Lanzarote was exactly that. The landscapes on this volcanic oasis was nothing I’d ever seen in Europe. Scenic views, tasty tapas, and siestas in between—Lanzarote is the ideal surf trip to enjoy Spaniard-island life.
I still get goosebumps thinking about the view from the eco-lodge we stayed at. Killer views overlooking Playa Famara, you can easily check for waves while practicing yoga in the spacious, communal lounge. The couple we stayed with, Isabella and Luca, were amazing hosts. We had the opportunity to chill with them during several nights alongside other surfer guests in their home. The sunset from the eco-lodge was incredible! We always rushed back from the beach to catch the sunset every night.
North Shore, OAHU- Hawaii
No matter how far I travel, Hawaii is still one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Hawaii will probably be one of your most expensive surf/ yoga trips, but it's a paradise worth every penny. Exotic landscapes with western amenities, you'll feel like you're out of the country without having to flash your passport. There’s always somewhere to explore, culture to soak in, and adventure to partake in. So if the waves are flat, don't worry—there's always something to do in Hawaii.
Sunset Beach was always our go to spot. Mikey surfed till sunset while I spent my time reading, practicing yoga, and meditating at sunset. A lot of great options for yoga studios and yoga boutiques. Bikram Yoga North Shore for some sweaty 26+2 and Noelani for yogi shopping!
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Before arriving, we spent several days inland traveling around Costa Rica. The moment we arrived Mikey was stoked and complained that we should’ve spent all our time in Santa Teresa (mind you he didn't help plan this trip whatsoever…boys). Although I loved the hot springs near the Arenal Volcano, our quaint treehouse in Escazu, and monkeying around with sloths at Manuel Antonio, I agreed with Mikey, Santa Teresa was paradise.
“Pura Vida” truly peaked for us here—consistent waves, yoga classes on the hostel’s tropical deck, and tasty healthy bites just around the corner. We spent mornings apart, but we spent afternoons together walking down the endless Santa Teresa beaches, sipping on coconuts, and cuddling in the hostel hammocks.
We stayed at the Casa Zen Yoga Guesthouse. It was an amazing location for any surf/ yoga couple. The hostel was a short 5 minute walk to the beach and there were yoga classes throughout the day on the hostel’s tropical deck. Just around the corner is the main dirt road filled with surf shops, boutiques, road-side fruit stands, and healthy cafes. I personally enjoyed our stay here, but if you have money to spare, I would recommend staying at a nice hotel for your last night to make up for AC and amenities.
Canggu, Bali- Indonesia
We solo-travelled in Canggu during different times, but that goes to say that we both loved it. Gentrified yet exotic—good vibes all around from backpackers, surfers, hip ex-pats, digital nomads, and friendly Indonesians. I spent my mornings at yoga then face down in smoothie bowls, followed by a stroll down Batu Balong to catch waves and the sunset at Berawa Beach. So many options for yoga, check out my Bali yoga post here. We both made a lot of memories in Canggu, and we'll certainly be back to make more together.
My stay at The Farm Hostel was awesome and affordable for the week. The Indonesian, surfer bros who run the hostel are the reason for the chill, party, surfer vibes. Located just off the Batu Balong strip, but be sure to rent a scooter to get around Canggu or be prepared to do a whole lot of walking.
Playa Maderas, Nicaragua
This i what I imagined Costa Rica to be like 10 years ago. Although Nicaragua is visually similar, it’s the less commercialized sibling of Costa Rica. Just outside of San Juan Del Sur is Playa Maderas—a low key surf town with not much going on except for surf. Clean waves behind a dramatic cliffy landscape, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in Central America. The sunsets every night were epic as the sun falls behind the iconic beach rocks.
Our friends at Clandestino Hostel made our stay super memorable. Authentic surfer, hippie vibes in a mature hostel setting—the travelers here were some of the best people we met during the trip. The hostel was up in the jungle, but only a 15 minute walk down the dirt road to Maderas Beach. We "slummed" it in their gorgeous, private, jungle casita that made us feel like the modern day Tarzan and Jane.
Just behind Clandestino was the yoga studio at Maderas Village. The ambiance at Maderas Village was different, but we loved their group activities such as the family-style dinners and daily yoga classes. The yoga studio was a a quick 2 minute walk from Clandestino. Their yoga deck was spacious and great for instagram photos.
If you're looking for world-class surf breaks and an even more low-key surf trip, we also recommend making a trip to Playa Popoyo. Our friends at SUYO Cabañas were extremely hospitable. You can't beat their cabañas that are located directly on the beach. It's the best accommodation in Popoyo + it's only a 15 minute walk on the beach to the yoga studio at Magnific Rock.
Playa Maderas has more to offer since it's close to the town of San Juan Del Sur. Playa Popoyo on the other hand is pretty much just surf. Since it's hard to choose between the two we vote you do both while you're in Nicaragua. They're only a 2 hour drive away from each other so why not!
Yoga deck at Maderas Village in Nicaragua
Surf & yoga have led us to so many beautiful destinations around the world!
On our radar for upcoming trips:
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Sayulita, Mexico
Siargao, Philippines
Where do you recommend to surf & yoga next?
