Just a few years ago, the very idea of a luxury surf resort would have seemed oxymoronic to most any wave rider. Surfers, after all, have traditionally eschewed creature comforts in favor of access to their favorite breaks.But while many still crowd into shared sandy-floored motel rooms and trailers, these days, to quote the Beach Boys, everybody’s gone surfing—including those of us who appreciate lavish accommodations. Below is a short list of the top resorts around the world that cater to this new breed of surfer, with luxe lodgings, excellent surfing programs, and prime break access.
Nihiwatu, Sumba Island, Indonesia
This boutique eco-resort in the lesser Sunda Islands (an Indonesian archipelago southeast of Bali, on the Timor Sea) beckons mostly hardcore surfers. The west-coast beach of Sumba island, where the property is set, opens to one of the most revered surf breaks in the Southern Indian Ocean: Occy’s Left. While remote, many surfers make the pilgrimage here; to ensure its guests get wave time, Nihiwatu caps the number of people allowed on the lineup per hour to just 10 (reserving one of these spots costs $100). The resort itself is a collection of 28 spacious, gorgeously appointed private villas, each with its own pool and private ocean-view terrace. nihiwatu.com.
The Cape (a Thompson Hotel), Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
A main draw at this cooler-than-cool new high-rise hotel is its spectacular location right off Monuments, a top beach break on the Sea of Cortez (for experienced surfers only). But its sleek, angular style—more Malibu mod than Cabo hacienda—doesn’t hurt either. The 161 rooms here have huge windows and terraces with swinging daybeds; the common areas include a giant sunken open-air lounge, a slick seafood restaurant, a casual-chic rooftop bar and lounge (where DJ Samantha Ronson spun on New Year’s Eve), and, of course, surfboard racks. There’s a Surfer Villa for groups—but at 3,000 square feet and upwards of $5,000 per night, it’s a far cry from the crash pads of yore. thompsonhotels.com.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, Santa Barbara, California
This waterfront hacienda-style property offers the characteristic Four Seasons experience: solicitous service, fine dining, and 207 traditionally elegant suites (and a single, ultra-opulent 2,000-square-foot villa with private pool)—all with a surf-centric twist. Guests not only have easy access to some of the south-central coast’s best surfing spots (like Sandspit and Rincon), but they can also take part in a special, by-appointment-only “Surf With a Legend” program—which means a day of surfing alongside three-time World Champion big-wave surfer (and Santa Barbara local) Tom Curren. fourseasons.com.
Kalon Surf, Domenical, Costa Rica
Surfing is the main event at this gracious tropical mansion, which has been turned into a luxurious boutique hotel for those who want to spend their holidays focused on wave riding. Weeklong packages here (offered for a maximum of 12 people) include lodging in one of six plush rooms with private terraces overlooking the sea, prepared meals, Pilates classes, one massage session, and intensive daily surf instruction (with gear provided by the hotel) for all levels. Beginners can take advantage of the gentle swell at Domenicalito; practiced surfers can enjoy the bigger waves of Playa Linda. kalonsurf.com.
Anantara Veli, Maldives
Like many of its neighbors in the Maldives, this sumptuous resort offers extravagant amenities, including lodging in gorgeous private over-water bungalows set above a turquoise Indian Ocean lagoon (17 of which have their own swimming pools, in case the sea doesn’t suffice). A beachfront yoga pavilion, Ayurvedic spa, and three restaurants round out the property. It’s one of the only hotels in the region, however, to partner with international surfing school TropicSurf. This means easy access to private lessons for first-timers (right off the resort’s beach) and transport to (and guidance at) the more challenging South Malle Atoll breaks of Nonya’s and Jacks, just a 10-minute boat ride away. veli-maldives.anantara.com.
Memmo Baleeira, Sagres, Portugal
Some of the best surfing in Europe can be had at the southern tip of Portugal’s Algarve peninsula, whose dramatic rocky cliffs mark the westernmost point of the continent. Recent years have seen the otherwise sleepy fishing town of Sagres attracting a new influx of surfers, and those who like to indulge opt for this chic beachside property. The 144 rooms and suites at Memmo Baleeira are kitted out in stark, white-on-white modern decor—the better to emphasize views (which about half the units have) over Baleeira Harbor. The hotel partners with the local Freeride Surf School and arranges lessons for all levels—even beginners, who can ease into the gentle swell at nearby beaches like Mareta, Beliche, and Cordoama. memmohotels.com.
The St. Regis Bali Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali
This sumptuous beachfront compound occupies a coveted spot on Nusa Dua beach—just minutes from some of Bali’s prime surfing breaks—and can arrange lessons and rentals through local outfit Surya Segara Water Sports. After spending a day at Kuta or Seminyak (both good for learners) or the more strenuous Jimbaran, Balangan, and Bingin, guests can unwind at the resort’s expansive lagoon-style swimming pool, enjoy a deep-tissue massage or steam at its lavish spa, or snooze in one of the 123 palatial suites and villas—all of which come with round-the-clock butler service. stregisbali.com.
The Byron at Byron, Byron Bay, Australia
While the entire Gold Coast of Australia is a mecca for surfers, there’s a special quality to both the waves and the community of Byron Bay, located just south of the popular Queensland hot spot in New South Wales. Alt-minded nature lovers of all stripes—naturopaths, energy healers, Rastafarians, yogis—converge here, and surfers fit in beautifully. The Byron at Byron is easily the most opulent resort in town, with 92 airy, modern clean-lined suites, an infinity pool, and a tranquil day spa. Though it’s set in 45 acres of subtropical rainforest, the property runs free shuttles that take guests within an easy walk of powerful beach breaks like The Wreck and The Pass; it also arranges lessons and rentals through two local surf schools. thebyronatbyron.com.au.
