SWELLWOMEN MENTAWAI ISLANDS SURF & YOGA RETREAT
WITH LULU AGAN ~ CO-CHIEF OFFICER OF BLISS AND KATY COX ~YOGA INSTRUCTOR & BODY WORK THERAPIST
September 20 – 27, 2019
Please Note: This will be a semi-private retreat (2 guests) for intermediate – advanced surfer due to resort reaching capacity. If you have surfed before, feel comfortable paddling, catching your own waves, but want to learn more about technique, positioning, etc.. then this retreat is for you. Please email or call with any questions.
ESCAPE TO A HIDDEN TREASURE!
This secluded tropical island is surrounded by white sand beach, magnificent coral reef, turquoise water and lush tropical vegetation. Oh, and did we mention just a short walk away from Aloita is an all-levels surf break and a 10-20 minute boat ride away access to a plethora of premier surf breaks?
Bungalow features include:
Beachfront with ocean view
Private bathroom plus open air garden shower with hot water
Air-conditioning and ceiling fan
Mosquito nets
Beach chairs & towels
Daily cleaning

THE SURF:
The Mentawais are considered to be one of the most consistent and diverse surfing destinations on the planet. For those intermediate / advanced surfers, you’ll have access to a number of breaks including Iceland, Ombak Tidur, Seven Palms to name a few. Your package includes 2 daily speedboat surf sessions (morning & afternoon) with our experienced surf guide and coach.
For our beginners, you’ll be surfing at a break called Tikus and your package includes 5 lessons on a soft top longboard.
Very important to note: all of the surf breaks are over coral reef. We will teach you how to fall flat in hope of avoiding injury, but there is a risk of scrapes and cuts. Reef shoes can be worn, but keep in mind they are not eco for the water environment.
Note 1: Beginner – from absolute newbie to learning to catch your own waves.
Note 2: Intermediate++ – you feel confident padding out, catching your own waves, and riding down the line. Working on cutbacks, carving, style, etc.
Are you ready to be spoiled by super yummy cuisine, perfect waves, juicy restorative yoga in tropical paradise? The islands are remote, but it’s sooooo worth the adventure!
YOUR RETREAT IN THE MENTAWAI INCLUDES:
- Seven nights in the beautifully crafted bungalows of Aloita Resort, with incredible ocean views from every corner.
- Three beautifully prepared meals by our in-house chefs. Note: We can cater for your dietary requirements and preferences, so please let us know when booking.
- Unlimited coffee, tea and water.
- Beginners: 5 x surf lessons with professional, patient, and knowledgeable surf instructors. Intermediate / Advanced Surfers: 6 days of
- surfing twice a day with a guide / surf coach.
- Daily yoga classes that focus on opening and strengthening the muscle groups used for surfing & restoring the body after a day of surfing.
- 2 x 60 minute massages designed to rejuvenate your surfing muscles and bring relaxation to the body.
- Unlimited access to SUP boards and snorkel equipment.
- Swag Bag including a Carve Designs SPF rash guard.
- One professional photo shoot capturing your surfing highlights.
- Mandatory Mentawais surf tax
- RT Airport transfers
- RT transfer package from preferred hotel in Padang to Aloita.
Not Included – RT Flights to Padang, 2 nights stay in Padang at the Mercure Hotel, Adult beverages, smoothies, nor soft drinks. Surfboards except soft tops. Rentals available please inquire when booking – we highly recommend bringing your surfboard if possible. Tips for the staff ~ this is based on your personal experience.
A VERY SWELL SAMPLE DAY
How do we fit so much into one day? By taking care of all the details so that you can truly enjoy your luxury holiday. The surfing time’s depend upon tides and swell size, but here is an example of a SwellWomen Day:
6:15am Meditation & pre-surf warm-up
7:00am Breakfast
8:00am Depart for surf // beginner lessons based on tides
11:00 Free Time
12:30am Lunch
2:30 Blissful Yoga
4:30pm Depart for 2nd surf session OR Free Time for snorkeling, SUPing, nap, massage
7:00pm Dinner
The schedule may change according to surf conditions, destination or other events that may be added to your surf and wellness package. Do you need to participate in everything? We are here to provide many options for you to choose from. If you opt to relax by the pool the entire day or choose to participate in only one activity per day, you will be supported in that decision. It’s your surf and yoga retreat, and we are here to accommodate you in whatever choice brings you the highest bliss.
LEADERS
Lulu Agan ~ Co-Chief Officer of Bliss
“Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” – Bethany Hamilton Surfing, yoga, cooking and wellness: these 4 passions are what lead Lulu Agan, globe-trotting surfer and yogini, to SwellWomen which launched in 2003. Having spent more than a decade as a Private Chef and more recently getting certified as a Health & Wellness Coach with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Lulu cultivates a great knowledge and enthusiasm for top-quality cuisine that promotes glowing health, from the inside out.
Katy Cox ~Yoga Instructor & Body Work Therapist
Having been raised since a child on a Macrobiotic diet and a holistic approach to health, Katy’s personal journey to abundant wellness has been a life long practice. Since deciding to focus on Nutrition and bodywork she has explored many dietary modalities, natural medicinal traditions and movement styles. She has studied and continues to explore: Nutrition (Certified BANT Nutritional Therapist), Raw Food Alchemy (Certified Chef Trainer Living Light Culinary Institute California, USA) and Yoga, which has been one of her integral practices for the past 20 years. She holds over 500hrs of certified training in a range of yogic disciplines.