The Best Surf Hotels Around the World
“Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” – Cloud Atlas
I can’t really begin to express how important traveling has been in my life. From Sao Paolo to Lake Tahoe, each place has taught me something new about myself, but has also been where some of my fondest memories have been made.
The truth of the matter is that, although traveling is essential to personal growth, it is, in a sense, a luxury. When we become adults, we inherit the responsibility of paying rent, bills, and of course, having a job and thus it becomes harder and harder to get away as we must think about budget, expenses, and cost. However, in time, I have become even more of a believer that there is never a “perfect” time to take a trip and travel the world.
So, with summer finally here and remembering the clear intentions I made upon the turning of the new year, I’ve made a promise to continue traveling and to hopefully surf whenever possible. With that in mind, and if you, like myself, are planning to take a trip in the coming months, this compiled list of the best surf hotels around the world will hopefully be a guide to satisfy your surf fix. Each place will be sure to satisfy your wanderlust itch as well as provide the best setting to make some of your most coveted memories.
Chicama Boutique Hotel | Puerto Chicama, Perú
Chicama or Malabrigo Port is a natural and historical jewel hidden between the ocean and coastal desert of La Libertad Region in the central coast of Perú. The longest surfable left wave in the world, pictured in front of a spectacular sandy beach, ends by the old sugar cane port, built almost 100 years ago. Today Chicama is home to fishermen, a refuge of perfect waves, nature and relaxation for its visitors, and an unbeatable base to visit the historical surroundings, due to its location along the Moche Route. Chicama Boutique Hotel offers a place where relaxation and comfort are the norm. Enjoy our infinity pool, purify mind and body at our spa, take a warm and relaxing bath at our Jacuzzis, and taste the exquisite Peruvian gastronomy, while enjoying of one of the most amazing sunsets ever.
Noah Restaurant & Beach House | Torres Vedras, Portugal
Opened in the summer of 2015 and located at Praia da Física in Santa Cruz, it offers about 60 seats, bar, beach concession and surf school. It is also available for organizing events. The Noah restaurant has a menu based on traditional Portuguese cuisine and uses mainly local products, namely the sea and vegetables. Food and beverage suppliers are mostly local, representing 75% of all suppliers.
Sentidos Beach Retreat | Barra Beach, Mozambique
Locked between the turquoise glimmer of a lagoon and the stunning Indian Ocean, Sentidos Beach Retreat on Barra Beach in Mozambique offers you a moment to truly connect with the powerful beauty of nature—it is one of the world’s foremost dive spots—but also provides a laidback but very real slice of this enigmatic southeast African country. Here, miles of white-sand beach, the beautiful ocean, and a fascinating blend of cultures dictate the interiors, which combine colonial-style furniture and clean lines.
Somos Hotel
SOMOS is a place where the global adrenaline seekers, artists, builders, and adventurers come together to share a common goal. It's a destination for the few who can appreciate its true value of discovery; insatiable explorers who want to be part of something radical, something that satisfies all senses. More here!
Hotel Alaia | Punta de Lobos, Chile
The 12-suite property puts guests just moments from one of the country’s top surf spots—a picturesque stretch of coastline and natural wonder in itself—as well as being a celebration of all things Chilean. A design-led exemplar of adventurous hospitality and environmental sustainability, Hotel Alaia is housed inside low-lying minimalist structures made of native woods, black rock, and materials upcycled after the 2010 earthquake, while the interiors are a showcase of rough wood paneling; surfing paraphernalia and photography; as well as furniture, artwork, and sculptures by local talents.
Hotel La Semilla | Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Vintage Mexican furniture and carefully curated flea market treasures give soul to this adults-only hotel in the trendiest part of Playa del Carmen. With strong respect for the local culture, the couple has infused Hotel La Semilla with a sense of Mexican heritage and style thanks to vintage Mexican furniture and the finest flea market finds from haciendas in the Yucatan region and from around the country. They’ve also given the hotel a laidback simplicity with lots of lounging spaces where mismatched pieces of furniture, such as in the Cocina Loft restaurant, create the feeling of relaxing at a friend’s house.
The Surfrider Hotel | Malibu, California
The Surfrider is a modern California Beach House, inspired by the picturesque Malibu landscape and rich heritage of California surf culture. Personifying Malibu’s historic beach-town community, the complete redesign of the original 1950s-era motel has transformed The Surfrider into a contemporary boutique hotel that gives guests an unparalleled and elevated visit to Malibu. The Surfrider – the new standard of relaxed luxury on coastal living.
Hero Beach Club | Montauk, New York
This brand new boutique hotel in Montauk is exactly what gets us excited for summer. Situated on the serene beaches of the East End, Hero has created the perfect getaway for surfers, fisherman, travelers, and of course - ocean lovers. With the impeccably decorated interiors of the rooms to the perfect beach and poolside exteriors, Hero is the place to go when looking for good surf and great service and stay.
The Surf Jack | Honolulu, Hawaii
The Surf Jack is one of the coolest surf hotels to hit Honolulu in a long time. Nestled on Lewers Street, they are just a short walk or bike ride to some of the most storied beaches, waves, and shopping in the country. And when it comes to dining, we’re proud to have teamed up with famed local chef Ed Kenney to create Mahina & Sun’s, offering a progressive-yet-comforting menu that’s representative of Hawaii’s real palate. Plus, their interior design vibes are ideal for any beach vibe setting.
The Sanderling Resort | Duck, North Carolina
A beach town that is incomparable to many around the world, the Outer Banks or OBX as it is referred to by many, is a true gem. Although it isn’t the easiest place to get to when you are coming from northern states, you will find that it is the distance and trek that makes it even more special. With surf breaks that are found all along the inlet’s coast, from Hatteras to the 4wd area known as Corova, you haven’t quite experienced the east coast surf scene until you’ve done the Outer Banks. And if you’re looking for a nice beachside experience, the Sanderling Resort is the place. With a good surf break right out front, you’ll experience the best of southern comfort and great waves.
Surfers Lodge Peniche | Ferrel, Portugal
After one night here, you’ll realize that Surfers Lodge is more like a home than a hotel. With a community room equipped with a fireplace and surfing gear serving as the decor, this place is perfect for some rest and relaxation. With yoga, surfing, skateboarding, biking, and a spa, it is highly unlikely that you will find yourself looking for things to do. With locally-sourced organic food served at the restaurant and in-house surf instructors to assist you in catching the perfect wave, you’ll be sure to leave feeling better than ever both in and out of the water. OK for kids, but not recommended due to the generally older customers.
Long Beach Lodge | Tofino, British Columbia
Located on the beautiful Cox Bay beach, this lodge-like hotel provides a different kind of surf hotel experience. Swap palm trees out for beautiful plush pine trees and you’ll have the serene setting that surrounds this cozy destination. If you’re looking for a change, Long Beach Lodge has various accommodation options – from modest rooms to upgraded 2-story lodges equipped with fireplaces and hot tubs. Although not ideal for young children, Long Beach Lodge has enough activities to keep kids entertained and occupied, plus there is also a great hotel restaurant. Most importantly, the surf break is located right in front of the hotel and lessons for beginners are also offered.
The Rose Hotel | Venice Beach, California
Deemed a “clubhouse for creatives” and started by fashion photographer Glen Luchford and portrait shooter Doug Bruce, the Rose Hotel is cooler than you would imagine. With shabby-chic interiors and surfing photographs hanging all around, this quaint boutique hotel is a hip surfers dream. As Tablethotels.com says, “Rooms range from very affordable shared-bath bedrooms to some properly luxurious residential-style suites, a bit of something for any conceivable budget. As for services, they’re delightfully minimal, and delightfully well chosen: Stumptown coffee, exquisite croissants from Sugarbloom Bakery, and daily deliveries from Moon Juice.” Not great for children, but great for the young-adult crowd.
The Harmony Hotel | Nosara, Costa Rica
This beachfront hotel is located at one the of the most notable surfing destinations in Costa Rica and Central America. For a reasonable price, the Harmony Hotel provides comfortable room accommodations and a great outdoor restaurant. In addition to a pristine surf break, the hotel also offers great yoga classes that will leave you relaxed and renewed. This is a great place for families to get away for some much-needed bonding time or simply a great surf trip.
The Headland | Cornwall, United Kingdom
This is definitely one of the more unique hotels found on our list. Located in Cornwall, UK, the Headland Hotel is nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for surfing, for you will most likely never find another world-class surf break in front of a 19th century hotel. From suites to self-catering cottages, there are accommodations to suit any type of rooming preference. Additionally, “the ocean view restaurant serves locally sourced produce and afternoon tea. There’s also a seafront veranda and a bar. Leisure facilities include a heated indoor pool with sauna and steam room, an on-site surf school, a 9-hole golf course, a stylish spa, 3 tennis courts, a croquet lawn and boules area.”
The Halycon House | Cabarita Beach, Australia
We believe Vogue Australia said it best in their June 2015 issue: “Located halfway between the glitzy Gold Coast and bohemian Byron Bay — but a world away from both — Cabarita Beach is little-known beyond locals and itinerant surfers. For this reason it seems an unlikely place for one of Australia’s newest, most distinct boutique properties, Halcyon House.” And with a beachfront pool, a day spa, 2 restaurants, a fantastic surf break, and individually designed rooms with antique furniture, this boutique hotel shows us exactly why Australia is a must on everyone’s bucket list.
Memmo Baleeira Hotel | Sagres, Portugal
Characterized by its relaxing, contemporary atmosphere of design, this 4-star design hotel has everything you need a break from your daily routine or for a few days of holiday retreat in the relaxing and beautiful town of Sagres, in the Algarve. The resort has 144 rooms and family-friendly suites, with views over the sea and over the Baleeira harbor. Stylish, minimalist rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Some offer ocean views, while suites add lounges, microwaves, and balconies. Upgraded 1- to 2-bedroom suites include kitchenettes; some have 2 floors.
Roundhouse Hotel | Barbados, West Indies
If you are looking for beautiful beaches, but also great surf then Roundhouse Hotel in Barbados is the perfect place. “Located in historic Bathsheba on the rugged east coast of Barbados, Round House has been a popular destination for locals and visitors alike for over 100 years. Offering commanding views of the entire Atlantic coast, a unique scenic environment and an undisturbed stretch of beach studded with natural tidal pools located just a one-minute walk down the sand to the “Soup Bowl”, one of the world’s premier surf spots. Great for kids and families.
Nihiwatu Resort | Bali, Indonesia
According to the acclaimed hotel review site, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the Nihiwatu Resort is nothing short of exquisite. “A cluster of rustic-luxe villas perched above a stretch of unspoiled Sumbanese coast, Nihiwatu hotel feels perched on the edge of the world. Preserved from urban development, this off-the-beaten-path Indonesian island is an idyllic setting for once-in-a-lifetime romance. Unplug and explore acres of luxuriant valleys, a vibrant local culture and world-famous surfing breaks.”
Surf Maroc | Killers Bay, Morocco
With six different locations, Surf Maroc is Morocco’s leading surf holiday company providing the best accommodations at one of the premier surf destinations. Founded by 2 soul surfers in 2003 with 5 boards, a few old wet-suits, an even older Transit van, and the notion of spreading the love of surfing as much as they could, Surf Maroc has become the best place for the surfer looking to broaden their cultural experience. In addition to surfing, Surf Maroc also offers great yoga classes, beach excursions, and an on-site photographer to capture every moment of your epic trip.
Hotel Escondido | Puerto Escondido, Mexico
“A natural jewel nestles between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range that snakes through the Mexican state of Oaxaca. A top-ten surfing and popular fishing destination, the tiny coastal town of Puerto Escondido invites with its laid-back atmosphere and beachside vibe. Hoteliers Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha, the duo behind Grupo Habita, have transformed a pristine stretch of Oaxacan coastline into a private paradise for beach bums and thrill seekers alike.” There is also an infinity pool on the beach, a fusion cuisine restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner plus additional amenities that include a beach club, an underground bar and a spa area with a steam room.
The Surf Lodge | Montauk, New York
Many of us know The Surf Lodge as being the go-to spot to catch some of the best and most intimate musical performances of the summer and year; however, this awesome boutique hotel boasts some of the best interior design and hotel accommodations around and consistently tops the list of the best boutique hotel spots to check out. With Ditch Plains beach close by, this hotel is the perfect place for the music lovers and surfers alike. Since the nightlife scene is prevalent, this is definitely a better place for those 21 and over.
