Waves of luxury
Whether you’re a barrel-riding master, or just starting out on your surf journey, elevate your break with these incredible beachside escapes
Few sports embody the spirit of travel quite like surfing – a beautiful beach somewhere, just you against the elements, beers and barbecue at the ready for when the day is done. Although, it’s also fair to say few sports are made to look so easy by those who do it well; throw in some logistical challenges and surfing can be tricky to get to grips with. Many surfers can relate to early starts to beat the crowds, hoping the wave is as forecast – then, with the van parked a kilometre away, a barefoot trek board under arm down to the water’s edge. For those with a lifelong love of surfing, it’s all worth it for the perfect wave. For the rest of us, maybe it’s just best left to the imagination.
Which is where the surf resort comes into its own. Set in a beautiful location, the transition from slumber to surf is seamless. You just enjoy a quick warm up with the sand between your toes and out you go into the waves. What’s more, surf classes are a great way to meet like-minded people and the expert tuition will stand you in good stead for years to come. Take it at your own pace and before you know it you’re riding unbroken waves. And for those who have already conquered this gnarly learning curve, what better than having the wave quite literally on your doorstep.
The surf resorts in the following pages are a cut above. Great waves for all levels meets beachside luxury par excellence. No sooner have you showered off the ocean in the warm setting sun, you’ll be settling in to a soothing massage, or enjoying a cocktail in your private pool. Welcome to surf heaven.
TropicSurf, COMO Laucala, Fiji
TropicSurf offers curated surfing experiences around the world that represent the absolute pinnacle of luxury travel. Expert surf guides are on hand, helping you get the most out of the world-class waves. No experience is required as TropicSurf ’s aim is for you to maximise your potential and safely ride the wave of your life. Here, we look at their incredible offering in partnership with COMO Hotels and Resorts at Laucala Island, Fiji.
COMO Laucala is exclusively VIP. The focus here is entirely on creating a personalised private island experience, and the beauty of the setup is that guests have the breaks practically to themselves. It’s here that discerning A-listers seek guaranteed privacy at an exclusive tropical hideaway. Where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches, and atop the island’s volcanic mountains overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Waves are minutes away and a private TropicSurf guide and jet boat is available around the clock.
There are three main breaks located ten minutes away by boat where the crowds are thin and the water is warm. A long right-hander is the premier break. It starts as a grinding barrel, turns into a rippable face and ends with a very mellow section before petering into deep water, making this the ideal spot for every ability and style of surfing. Other breaks along the coast all have their day given suitable conditions.
Back on dry land, COMO Laucala is one of a kind right down to the smallest detail. From the resort’s own farm, where a large part of the kitchen’s produce is grown and reared, to the individual design of the luxurious residences which inspire guests with COMO Laucala’s unwavering commitment to nature.
When we talk about surf luxury, COMO Laucala takes it to the next level with their food and drink offering. You can arrange a romantic candlelight dinner on the private beach, experience fine dining in the elegant Plantation House Restaurant, or choose authentic special Asian delicacies in the Seagrass Restaurant. When it’s time to toast a day’s surfing, head to the Rock Lounge for a delicious sundowner cocktail, or to the Pool Bar for some finger food. Or, finally, for that totally tropical atmosphere, a barbecue in the Beach Bar is where it’s at.
As any experienced wave-rider will tell you, surfing is demanding on the body, making the luxurious spa experiences at COMO Laucala a welcome respite from the ocean beyond. Here, traditional Fijian therapies, organic amenities and serene settings go hand in hand, sending you out rejuvenated to face the next set. There are four treatment villas. Each has an outdoor tub, relaxation room and changing room, and two wet rooms with Vichy showers and steam facilities. All of which is set within water features and palm trees, complemented by a beauty salon, pedicure and manicure rooms, and the Spa Garden.
When the surf’s up
An expert TropicSurf guide will meet you at COMO Laucala to deliver you by jet boat to the best breaks – which are mostly 10 minutes away. Water safety and coaching for all levels is taken care of, and beginners are welcome to take an instructional course.
Others can improve their surfing with expert technical coaching. TropicSurf works with leading surf brands to offer a range of cutting-edge eco-friendly boards, so you can leave your gear at home and not have to worry about anything – reach out in advance to reserve your choice of board. SUPs are also available.
From November to April, the nearby coral reef breaks become a surfer’s paradise. This is off-season for Fiji and it’s the best time to visit because lighter offshore winds from the north become more frequent. The team don’t recommend surfing between June and October because the SE trade wind is predominantly strong onshore, however for those willing to roll the dice there is the chance of a rare bonus glassy session.
tropicsurf.com/pages/laucala-island-fiji
Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
With four exceptional surf breaks right on your doorstep, the serene Laamu Atoll transforms into a superb surf destination every year from April to November at Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. Teaming up with TropicSurf, the resort offers a harmonious blend of thrilling waves and island tranquillity. Positioned amid four distinct surf breaks, including the famous Yin Yang break, Six Senses Laamu welcomes surfers of every proficiency level. Under the expert guidance of their own Surf Scientist, Josh Button, TropicSurf ensures that everybody can enjoy surfing’s ultimate thrills in safety, comfort and style.
After an exhilarating sessions on the waves, you can relax in one of the resort’s 96 eco-friendly villas which are either dotted along the stunning beach, or poised above crystal blue waters. With panoramic views and spectacular sunrises and sunsets, you can indulge in world-class cuisine at the two over-water restaurants. There are also various island dining destinations, a signature sunset bar, and even unlimited daily ice-cream. The resort also offers a Six Senses Spa, where guests can unwind with a restorative massage or locally inspired treatment. For those seeking the ideal surfing retreat, there is no better spot to experience some of the world’s best waves in total privacy and absolute luxury.
sixsenses.com/en/resorts/laamu/
NIHI Sumba, Indonesia
NIHI Sumba is a remote hideaway on Sumba, Indonesia. Totally untouched by mass tourism, Sumba is twice the size of Bali and just an hour’s flight away. It was first put on the map in 1988 by surf fanatics Claude and Petra Graves in their search for the perfect wave, NIHI Sumba is home to one of the world’s most legendary private waves, ‘Occy’s Left’, named after globally renowned Australian surfer Mark Occhilupo. Providing the ideal haven for surf enthusiasts, Occy’s Left rewards surfers with a 200 to 300-metre-long ride through rippling walls and heaving barrels.
Beginners can learn the ropes on the calmer waters of nearby Coconut Cove, ensuring a safe and enjoyable start to their surfing journey. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, NIHI’s dedicated team of expert guides is on hand to showcase the best the island has to offer. In order to protect the coral reef at Nihiwatu Beach, there are a limited number of slots for guests to surf Occy’s Left, ensuring Sumba’s unique ecosystem is protected and preserved.
A place to be totally wild, NIHI’s philosophy embraces surfing as a way to deeply connect with the natural environment and extends to all other aspects of the guest experience. Brand new in 2024, NIHI elevated its iconic wellness offering by unveiling a brand-new series of innovative wellness retreats, treatments, and adventures in the wild. ‘Wild Wellness’ is an extraordinary holistic immersion that fuses the rawness of nature with absolute luxury and best-in-class healing practices – bringing happiness-inducing experiences to the wellness world.
With just 28 villas amid hundreds of acres of luscious jungle and wildlife habitat, each beautifully thought-out suite invites sweeping panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, designed to make guests feel both at home yet completely transported.
Offering a mix of pristine beaches, tropical scenery, and fascinating Sumbanese culture, NIHI is the ultimate wellness destination for joy-seeking adventurers looking for secluded experiences surrounded by natural beauty and untouched wilderness. It’s also one of the best places in the world to go surfing.
Mukul Resort, Nicaragua
Mukul Resort is spread across 1,675 acres within the stunning Guacalito de la Isla community on Nicaragua’s south-west Pacific coast. An hour from Costa Rica, it’s the ultimate surf sanctuary, tailormade for relaxation and family adventures. The accommodation is an intimate collection of organic, tropical lodges and villas. There is sumptuous fine dining, lavish spa experiences at Spa Mukul, and exclusive golf at the world-renowned Guacalito de La Isla course.
Activities include incredible walking trails, tennis, yoga, fishing and, last but not least, surfing in partnership with TropicSurf.
Nicaragua is a true surfer’s paradise, providing consistent waves, warm waters, and offshore winds nearly all year-round, especially during surf season, which peaks between March and November. You’ll have access to the Manzanillo surf break – a fun and forgiving left-hand wave that’s perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned surfers.
With TropicSurf training and rentals conveniently available on site, guests can refine their skills or learn the essentials – either way, an unforgettable session awaits. Imagine waking up in a luxurious beachfront villa, stepping outside to the sound of waves, and starting the day with a private surf experience in paradise. Mukul offers not just a getaway, but an authentic surfing adventure tailored to every level.