Soul Surfers Retreat is a six-night surf therapy retreat run by Surf Therapy Travel at a private retreat center in Portugal, with editions in the Algarve and on the Silver Coast. It's best for people going through a hard stretch, including grief, who want gentle surfing, group therapy work and community.
What it's like
Soul Surfers Retreat isn't a permanent resort. It's a small, week-long retreat that Surf Therapy Travel runs at a private retreat center in Portugal, with recent editions in the Algarve in the south and on the Silver Coast north of Lisbon. You stay in bright, comfortable rooms at the center, which has a pool, a shared dining area and a communal space for yoga and bodywork. The surfing happens at nearby beach breaks with waves for every level.
The idea behind it is surf therapy: using time in the ocean, with support, to help people feel more grounded and connected. Founder Sabine Wensink has surfed since 1998 and works as a Gestalt therapist, breathwork and bodywork facilitator. The site notes that surf therapy has been used for a range of struggles, including grief and bereavement, and that's one reason it's drawn attention as a retreat for people dealing with loss.
The programs
Each retreat runs for six nights and follows a steady daily rhythm:
- Mornings start with gentle exercise, then surfing and time to share how it went.
- Afternoons bring lunch, free time and a therapeutic group session.
- Evenings end with dinner and a meditation or a more experimental activity.
Over the week you get five surf therapy sessions with coaches, two yoga classes and seven therapeutic and bodywork sessions led by trauma-informed therapists and coaches. Surfing is always voluntary, and you can book without surf lessons if you'd rather stay on the sand. There's an intake before you arrive and an online aftercare group plus an individual session once you're home, which is a thoughtful touch for anyone processing something heavy.
Food
Meals are vegetarian and eaten together, with most breakfasts, lunches and dinners included. Allergies and intolerances can be handled if you mention them ahead of time.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
This retreat suits adults who want more than a surf camp: people coming through grief, burnout or a big life change who'd like support, structure and a small community around them. Total beginners are welcome, and so are experienced surfers.
It's not a luxury spa holiday or a hardcore surf trip, and the group sessions ask you to open up. If you'd rather keep to yourself, a quieter retreat may suit you better. Because dates are limited, it also needs more planning than a place that's open year-round.
National Geographic included it in a 2026 roundup of retreats that help people through grief.
Getting there
You make your own way to Portugal, and airport transfers aren't included. For the Algarve edition, Faro is the closest major airport, and for the Silver Coast, most people fly into Lisbon. Confirm the exact venue with the organizers when you book, as it isn't published on the site.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to surf?
No. The coaches work with complete beginners as well as experienced surfers, and surfing is optional.
Is this a grief retreat?
It's open to anyone, but the therapy-led format, sharing and aftercare make it a good fit for people working through loss.
How long does it last?
Six nights, with a set daily schedule of surfing, group work and yoga.
What's included?
Most meals, five surf sessions, two yoga classes, seven therapeutic sessions, an intake and online aftercare. Travel to Portugal and transfers aren't included. Check upcoming dates on the official Surf Therapy Travel website.
