C
OMING IN HOT: Surf & Mindfulness Retreat in Morocco – off the beaten track.
This winter, for the first time in ten years, we’re opening a brand new destination. We leave the cold and darkness behind, heading for the sun, sand, and salty Atlantic winds on Africa’s west coast. The waves here are playful – perfect whether you’re paddling out for the first time or fine-tuning your noserides.
Our base is Sidi Kaouki – a small coastal village where life moves in slow motion, and the waves roll in to a rhythm you’ll soon call your own. Here, you’ll find open beaches, deep breaths, and a natural sense of presence.
We are staying at Surfakademin’s ecolodge – an architectural dream in stone, clay, and wood, designed to blend seamlessly into the Moroccan landscape. Electricity comes from the sun, water is reused to nourish the garden, and lemon trees cast shadows across two lush courtyards. You wake to the sound of birds and the scent of the ocean. Present in the moment. No notifications.
We often start our days surfing at sunrise. Coffee and mint tea are ready before we jump into the surf van and roll down to the ocean. Back at the lodge, breakfast awaits. Then the rhythm continues: surf theory, rooftop yoga, video feedback, perhaps meditation in the shade of an olive tree, or an excursion to nearby Essaouira – widely regarded as Morocco’s most beautiful city, with its bustling fishing port and charming medina (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Your stay is at Surfakademin’s beautiful ecolodge – an architectural dream of stone, clay, and wood, designed to blend effortlessly into the Moroccan landscape.
Here, the sun powers the electricity, water is recycled to nourish the gardens, and lemon trees cast dappled shadows across two lush courtyards. You can choose to stay in a double room, a triple room, or a family room sleeping up to four guests. You wake to the sound of birds and the scent of the ocean. Present in the moment. No notifications.
Our home base is Sidi Kaouki – a small coastal village where life drifts by in slow motion and the waves roll in to a rhythm you’ll soon call your own. Open beaches, deep breaths, and a natural sense of calm greet you at every turn.
urfing is far from a sport, rather a lifestyle but above all a pure form of play. Surfakademin is not just a surf course, surf school or surf camp but a holistic surf experience.
In addition to the magical waves, we provide you with the theoretical basics of surfing, covering water safety, wave theory, style, and etiquette. We capture photos and videos throughout the week for a film feedback session.
To avoid learning how to catch your first wave the hard way (read a lot of wipeouts!) we carefully go through both surfing theory and etiquette before we hit the water. We also love talking about surfing’s rich history and everything from how waves are formed to how to score serious style points. Just because you are a beginner doesn’t mean you have to look like one.
Peter & Jens lead pep talks, surf philosophy discussions, and share their surfing adventures.
W
e kick off the dreamiest week of the winter with a Meet & Greet at the ecolodge around 7 PM on Saturday – so it’s a good idea to plan your travels accordingly.
Setting up
Your investment includes seven nights’ accommodation at the ecolodge (Saturday to Saturday), where you can choose between a double room, a triple room, or a family room sleeping up to four guests. The package also includes five days of surf lessons, and one day we take a break from surfing for a beautiful excursion – perhaps a scenic hike or a visit to Essaouira. Each day ends gently with a mindfulness session.
Please note: Week 4 (January 24–30) runs from Saturday to Friday, making it one day shorter. The program and inclusions remain the same – simply with a slightly more compact flow.
We’ll surf either on the nearby beach in Sidi Kaouki, or head off on a road trip to a beach further north or south – depending entirely on the day’s conditions. The waves are usually at their best early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so we’ll surf during one of these windows. Boards loaded on the surf buses, we set off on a humble little road trip along the Moroccan coastline.
Most days begin surfing at sunrise. Coffee and mint tea are ready before we jump into the surf bus and roll down to the ocean. Back at the lodge, breakfast awaits at 10:30 AM – served with sweeping views of the Moroccan landscape.
Breakfast is included in your package, while lunch and dinner are ordered à la carte from the lodge’s seasonal menu. Think grilled dorade, couscous with fresh herbs, ripe mango with mint.
Our package includes daily surf and mindfulness sessions. Additional sessions can be booked at a small extra cost. All equipment is included – board, wetsuit, yoga mat – and each surf day turns into a little road trip to the best beach for the conditions.