Goddess Retreats, founded in 2003 as Surf Goddess Retreats, runs women-only retreats in Bali from a beachside villa base in Seminyak and a jungle base in Ubud. Its week-long surf retreat mixes beginner-friendly lessons with yoga, spa time and shared meals, and it's especially popular with women traveling solo.
What it's like
Surf Goddess Retreats started in 2003 as a women-only surf and yoga retreat in Bali, and it calls itself the first of its kind. Founded by Chelsea Ross, it now trades as Goddess Retreats, and the old surfgoddessretreats.com address still leads to the same company. Surfing is still a core program, but the brand has grown into a wider family of women's retreats.
The surf week is based at the company's Seminyak sanctuary: private pool villas, each with its own entrance and garden, around a central pool, a yoga shala and air-conditioned spa rooms. You can choose a shared or private room. There's also a separate jungle base in Ubud for the healing and cultural programs.
The feel is pampered but social. The FAQ says around 80% of guests arrive on their own, and the whole program is built so a woman traveling solo slots straight into the group.
The programs
The signature surf retreat runs for 7 days and 6 nights. The current package includes 5 group surf lessons or guided surf trips, all equipment, daily yoga and meditation, spa treatments, most meals, workshops, one "Follow Your Bliss" day and airport transfers on the set arrival and departure dates. A boat trip to a less crowded spot is included when conditions allow. One dinner is left free so you can try a Bali restaurant.
Surf coaching is run with Rip Curl School of Surf. Instructors are accredited and there's a cap of 3 students per instructor, grouped by level. Beginners start at gentle spots, while intermediate surfers move on to reef breaks and bigger waves. Both men and women coach, but only female guests are in the lessons.
Outside surfing, the menu now includes wellness and detox weeks, healing retreats in Ubud, longevity retreats, creative and cultural art weeks, fitness, and Pilates. The about page also mentions surf programs in Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and the Maldives, plus Dive Goddess and Snow Goddess trips, so check the site for what's running when.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
This is a good pick for women who've always wanted to learn to surf but don't want to do it alone, and for anyone who likes some comfort and spa time with their sport. No surfing experience is needed, but you must be able to swim.
It's women-only, so it doesn't work for couples or mixed groups of friends. Serious yogis should note the FAQ says the yoga is gentle and beginner-friendly, not intensive. The kitchen handles vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free diets, but not keto, paleo or other low-carb plans.
Getting there
Retreats are in Bali, and airport transfers are included on the official start and end dates within the company's pickup zone. Drivers meet you at the terminal. Check the Dates and Rates page for current start dates before you book flights.
Frequently asked questions
Is Surf Goddess Retreats still running?
Yes. It's now called Goddess Retreats and still offers its women-only surf retreat in Bali, alongside other wellness programs.
Do I need to know how to surf?
No. Lessons start at beginner-friendly spots, and intermediates progress to reef breaks. You do need basic swimming skills.
Can I come on my own?
Yes. Most guests arrive solo, and you can choose a shared or private room.
Can men or partners join?
The retreats are designed for women only, so partners can't join the program.
Where in Bali is the surf retreat based?
At the Seminyak sanctuary, a set of private pool villas with a shared pool, yoga shala and spa rooms.
