Chicks on Waves was a rejuvenating week in the Algarve. The owner Katrine, her husband Nick and her team of generous and kind-hearted women made us feel welcome as soon as we entered the lodge.

Everything was so well considered - from the daily surf lessons with the lovely instructors (who can provide a board tailored to your experience/level - they provided me with a hardboard) to the restorative yoga lessons with Iaci which helped us unwind our tired muscles and minds from surfing. The yoga was a combination of yin, hatha and mindfulness based exercises, with one day of vinyasa flow (although again this is tailored to group needs and yoga experience). She also integrated lots of exercises to help us “let go” of the daily pressures and tension we hold onto, which was unique and liberating.

The retreat is a small group format - there were about 8 girls on the camp. It attracts like-minded women, and it was such an uplifting opportunity to be with a supportive group. We shared travel stories, life experiences and wisdom and came away with plenty of laughs, sunshine (some more than others!) and full hearts (and bellies!).

The lodge also hosts families and private B&B style accommodation but there’s plenty of cute and cosy spaces to get away, and common areas if you want to get to know the group. The rooms were immaculate with plenty of storage space and a luxurious bathroom with waterfall showers! The meals were plentiful, healthy and tasty - the fish BBQ and delicious salads were a highlight, and all the meals were very filling and nutritiously sound. They also catered to dietary requirements - on my last night we had someone vegan, another gluten free, another dairy free and all meals were accommodated with no issues. We also had a day off which we used to explore Lagos, a neighboring city - take a boat for a grotto tour if you go!

I would highly recommend Chicks on Waves - whether you’re a beginner surfer or yogi taking your first tentative steps into the ocean or mat, or an experienced surfer or yoga looking to improve your skills and broaden your experience. The team were so accommodating and Nick even arranged a private surf lesson as most of my group were beginners and I had a bit more experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or to go again - as a solo traveler, with friends or family 😊❤️

What to do with 7 girlfriends looking for a holiday with sun, qtime and yoga, complemented with some action and nice food? Encouraged by the beautiful pictures on the website, we booked our trip to the Chicks on Waves in Portugal.

The location itself is stunning: tastefully furnished with low-key corners where you can enjoy some reading and with a fantastic sea-view. We had a triple room with access to the terrace and a nice bathroom. The breakfast, served on the terrace, offered a large choice of healthy options, with eggs of our choice prepared and adapted to gluten intolerance for some of us. Perfect to start our day. In the evening, cook Anina made us soup and some healthy dishes…learned some new things there but not the same when I tried it at home! (the polenta with mascarpone and courgette )

Our daily schedule depended on the wind and tide but surfing started mostly in the morning. Our sympathetic surf teacher had the incredible patience to keep motivating us, as surfers, and teach us the pleasure of surfing. What a feeling when you finally get on that board and take your first wave !! We have discovered the most beautiful beaches there.

I want to conclude that al boxes were ticked for us. For me it is not the question ‘if’ I go back some time, the question is ‘when’.
Thank you ladies for the warm welcome and for the wonderful surfing experience!