The Ultimate Surf & Retreat Escape: Relax, Recharge, and Ride

Not every surf trip needs to be about chasing the heaviest swell or stacking clips. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, getting a few clean sessions in, eating good food, and actually feeling rested for once. That’s what a surf retreat in the Mentawai’s is all about—surfing without the burnout.
Driftwood hosts a handful of retreats every year—each with its own flavour, but all grounded in the same thing: solid waves, simple living, and space to reset. If you’re looking for a wellness surf trip Indonesia style — surf, rest, repeat — you found it.
Wave Quality Meets Wellness
We’re lucky—there’s a variety of surf spots within easy reach of the camp, so no need for hour-long boat missions just to find a wave. Whether you’re just getting comfortable in reef breaks or you’ve been doing this for years, there’s something nearby that works.
Most guests surf once or twice a day, depending on energy levels and what the swell's doing. The rest of the time? It’s whatever you need it to be. Some people stretch, some nap, some grab a book and do absolutely nothing. It’s a chance to surf and recharge Mentawai style—on your own terms.
The Power of Slowing Down
This isn’t your average resort-style retreat with matching outfits and strict schedules. It’s Mentawai-style reset: barefoot, low-pressure, and built around how you feel that day. Morning movement sessions or some mellow yoga in the shade, maybe a cold plunge after a long surf—if that sounds good, great. If not, no one’s forcing it.
It’s quiet out here, and that’s kind of the point. You sleep better. You breathe easier. You log off without even trying. That’s the core of a wellness surf trip in Indonesia—less noise, more clarity.
Fuel for the Ride (and the Recharge)
Surfing takes it out of you, and we’re not about serving up bland food or mystery carbs. Meals here are fresh, balanced, and designed to keep you moving—lean protein, veggies, tropical fruit, all made from scratch.
There’s always good coffee, and the smoothie game is strong. It’s not some cleanse diet—just proper fuel that tastes good and helps you recharge without thinking too hard about it.
Shared Energy
One of the best parts of these retreats? The crew that shows up. People who surf, who travel, who get the rhythm of this kind of trip. You end up having proper conversations over shared meals. You swap stories, maybe some wax, maybe some life advice.
If you’re rolling solo, you’ll still feel looked after. If you’re coming with a mate or partner, you’ll find plenty of space to do your own thing too. That’s what makes a surf retreat in the Ments feel different—there’s zero pressure to perform, but all the freedom to connect.
Plan Your Surf & Retreat Escape
Curious what a day might look like? Picture this:
Sunrise smoothie + journaling
Guided yoga or breathwork
Morning surf session (solo or coached)
Chill time in the hammock
Post-lunch massage or recovery dip
Evening surf or mobility stretch
Sunset bonfire & group circle
This is a surf retreat Mentawai rhythm you’ll want to come back to.
We Host, You Lead
These aren’t packaged retreats we run every week. Driftwood hosts a few a year, led by different coaches and facilitators who bring their own thing to the table—some more surf-focused, others heavier on the recovery side. Either way, we provide the space, the waves, the food, and the backup to make it work.
If you’re keen, keep an eye on our socials. Retreats fill up fast, and we don’t oversell the camp—because it’s better that way. If you’re dreaming of a wellness surf trip in Indonesia that doesn’t feel performative, this is your sign.
Want to Host a Retreat Here?
If you're a coach, trainer, or just someone who wants to gather a solid crew for a surf-and-reset trip, we’d love to chat. We host retreats, but we don’t design them—what you bring to the table is what makes each one different.