Travel Bucket List to the World's Best Surfing Resorts

Featured Image Caption: Hollow Trees Mentawai Surf Resort

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Surfers live for surf exploration. Searching for uncrowded waves, picturesque beaches, and rich local cultures has been a part of surfing since its earliest years. The goal is to find paradise and surf until your arms feel like noodles.

There are countless picturesque locales to dig your rail into some tubes or catch leg-burning long rides. In fact, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. We’ve outlined the best surfing resorts in the world, so you can spend less time Googling and more time in the water.

Here is a list of the best surfing resorts in the world.

Our carefully researched list includes the top 12 surf resorts in the world, one for each month of the year.

Resplendent Ceylon: Sri Lanka (January)

Sri Lanka recently entered surfers’ radars and has quickly become a must-visit destination for wave riders of all skill levels. Resplendent Ceylon is the most ideal place to call home for a Sri Lankan surf adventure.

This resort sits on Weligama Bay, one of the best longboard waves in the country. It’s also a perfect place to learn to surf, with a sandy bottom and generally soft waves.

January is an excellent time to escape the cold for the warm waters and fun waves of Weligama Bay. However, the area sees swells during all seasons.

Surf N Stay Beach Villa: New Zealand (February)

New Zealand is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise. You’ll have to throw on a wetsuit to enjoy the generally chilly waters, but you won’t mind when surfing the exciting beach break of Whangamata Beach. Visit in February, and you’ll be in the heart of the New Zealand summer, which makes catching waves on this scenic beach even more fun.

Six Senses: Fiji (March)

The Six Senses Fiji resort is a short boat ride from numerous world-class reef breaks. March is one of the best times of year to visit Fiji for surfing because the waves are fun for average to advanced-level surfers. Southeast trade winds are common, and the massive summer swells haven’t quite picked up yet.

Season Paradise: Maldives (April)

The Maldives is a dream destination for surfers seeking epic waves and breathtaking views. Season Paradise puts you in the heart of the waves and the beauty on Thulusdhoo Island, home to one of the area’s most consistent breaks.

We suggest that everyday surfers visit the Maldives in spring (April) when the swells are fun but not so large that they can be scary.

Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa: Maninoa, Samoa (May)

Samoa sits in the picture-perfect Polynesian Islands, and it’s still a little-known surf destination. The Sinalei Reef Resort and Spa works with Manoa Tours to put you and your crew on numerous world-class wreaks, including Coconuts, Boulders, Tafa Tafa, and Salani. There are left and right reef breaks for surfers of all levels.

The months from April to October offer the most consistent swells for an unrivaled surf trip. That’s why we suggest visiting in or around May.

One&Only Palmilla: Mexico (June)

South swells hit the Los Cabos coastline in the summer months, often turning dormant breaks into world-class waves. Visit the One&Only Palmilla to enjoy the luxury of the oceanfront resort before traveling up and down the Baja coast to countless unforgettable waves and picturesque desert landscapes.

The world-class spa at the resort is unbeatable after a long day in the sun and surfing. We suggest visiting the One&Only Palmilla for a summer south swell, and June is often ideal.

Hollow Tree’s Resort: Indonesia (July)

In July, we recommend heading to the unrivaled Hollow Tree’s Resort in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia. The resort is the epitome of tropical luxury with cozy oceanfront accommodations, picture-perfect beaches, and more than 10 world-class waves just a short bike or boat ride away.

July is the swell season in the Mentawais, and the expert team at Hollow Tree’s Resort can help you and your crew find the best waves for the current swell and your ability. Return to the resort after surfing for a relaxing dip in the pool or a meal at the on-site gourmet restaurant.

Smith’s Beach Resort: Australia (August)

Smith’s Beach Resort offers a variety of casual yet luxurious beach accommodations that serve as the perfect home base for surfing adventures. The resort is located on Smiths Beach in Yallingup, in the esteemed Margaret River region of Western Australia.

The exposed beach and point break at Smiths Beach are favorite sports for local surfers. While many surfers flock to the region during the Australian summer, we suggest going in August when crowds are low and prices throughout the region are down.

Mukul Beach Golf Resort: Nicaragua (September)

Nicaragua is another up-and-coming surf destination that remains slightly under the radar. The Mukul Beach Golf & Spa resort offers the ultimate luxury right in front of the famous Manzanillo point break. This lavish oceanfront resort offers award-winning dining, sumptuous suites, and world-class waves in a tight-knit package.

September is the shoulder season in Nicaragua, and it’s one of the best times of year to enjoy late-season swells and uncrowded lineups.

Soneva Jani Resorts: Thailand (October)

Thailand isn’t known for world-class waves, but it is one of the best places in the world to learn to surf or advance your existing skills. The eco-friendly Soneva Jani resort connects you with expert surf guides and fun surf breaks with waves waist to head high.

Swells generally arrive in Thailand between May and November, so we suggest visiting in the less crowded tail end of the season – October.

Nay Palad Hideaway: Philippines (November)

The Philippines is a tropical paradise, and Cloud 9 is the country’s most famous wave. Nay Palad Hideaway is a lavish oceanfront resort only minutes from the world-famous reef break known for its hollow tubes. Surf your brains out then head back to the pool or spa to rejuvenate your muscles for another day.

The biggest swells hit Cloud 9 in September, October, and November. We suggest visiting in November to see the famous wave doing what it does best.

Pura Vida Lodge: France (December)

The French coastline is known for barreling beach breaks, and you can stay in the heart of the action at Pura Vida Lodge. Learn to surf with knowledgeable ISA-certified instructors or head out into the lineup for unforgettable tubes.

December means you’ll need a wetsuit for the chilly water temperatures, but it also means pumping swells and fewer people in the water.

Conclusion

Your 2023 surf adventure awaits in one of the 12 unforgettable destinations listed above. At Hollow Tree’s Resort, we welcome surfers in all seasons, and our expert guides know where to surf depending on the time of year, the swell, and your individual surfing goals. Our goal is for you to leave completely surfed out.

We make it our mission to create an unrivaled escape for everyone in your group, whether you’re a solo surfer, a family of travelers, a honeymooning couple, or anything in between. Visit once, and you’ll understand why so many guests have made Hollow Tree’s their go-to annual surf trip destination.