The surf and wellness retreat on the quiet side of Byron Bay

Slow down. Learn to surf with confidence. Head home feeling more like yourself.

Settle in for four nights in Lennox Head, with just seven guests and your own beachfront apartment. There’s 2:1 surf coaching so you actually learn — plus yoga, wellness, good food and plenty of time to switch off in between.

Group of surfers walking to the waves at Byron Bay

Nov 11 – 15, 2026
Feb 10 – 14, 2027
Feb 24 – 28, 2027

View Dates & availability

Questions? Book a quick chat →

The grown-up way to learn to surf

An adult beginner surf retreat in Lennox Head only 15 minutes from Byron Bay.

If you’re an adult who wants to learn to surf properly, move your body and take a real break, there aren’t a heap of options in Australia.

So we built one. A four-night surf and wellness retreat for adults who want to build real confidence in the water, slow down and enjoy a proper holiday — all in one of Australia’s best little surf towns.

This is for you if:

You want to learn to surf properly, or finally make progress beyond those first few lessons
You like the idea of a small group and genuinely personal coaching, not a big surf camp
You want a real break, not a packed tourist itinerary
You’re after slow mornings, coffee in hand, watching the light come up over a quiet coastal village
You’re coming solo, with a friend or with your partner and want something social without having to be social all the time
You value quality over quantity, peace over hype, and a barefoot sunset over another crowded bar
You want to go home feeling like you’ve actually learned something, moved your body, properly switched off and feel more like yourself

“I’ve been around surfers my whole life but never found the right moment to learn—until now. I improved every day, and nothing beat the feeling of catching a wave to cheers from new friends.”

Julia – Waluaa PANAMA Guest

“This retreat is the most healthiest, most meaningful, and relaxing experiences l have ever had. You don’t require previous experience, and the main purpose of Vickie and Sergio is to make your trip unbelievable every minute.”

Fernando – Waluaa PANAMA Guest

“The surf instruction was by far the best coaching I have ever had, even after many years of surfing. Sergio made me feel safe at all times while also pushing me to take on bigger challenges.”

Julianna – Waluaa PANAMA Guest

“My wife and I were looking for a perfect combination of activity and relaxation and that’s what we got! I don’t think I have had a healthier week in my life.”

Jeff · Waluaa PANAMA guest

Why we chose Lennox Head over Byron Bay

Quieter, more relaxed and more Waluaa. It’s also home for us (hey… Vickie and Sergio here!), so we know exactly where to take you.

Lennox Head is a genuine coastal village with a welcoming local community and a relaxed pace
There’s a stunning seven-mile beach right on the doorstep
Great coffee on the one main street
Uncrowded waves where locals still outnumber visitors
Seven miles of beach to slow down, walk and enjoy the moment
Lennox is home for us, so you get the local’s version
Cafés, trails and hidden corners only locals know

What’s included

4 x nights in your own private beachfront apartment in Lennox Head
3 x two-hour personalised surf lessons at the best beginner beaches from Byron Bay to Ballina, with a maximum 2:1 guest-to-coach ratio — among the most personalised surf coaching in Australia
Beach transport to breaks along the Byron to Ballina coastline
2 x yoga classes at a local Lennox Head yoga studio
2 x beach sessions with breathwork, stretch and mindfulness
Daily surf videos, plus surf theory and video review with your coach
1 x 60-minute restorative massage
Most meals included
Free time for Seven Mile Beach, the hike to Pat Morton Lookout or a dip in Lake Ainsworth, Lennox Head’s freshwater tea tree lake

Not included: alcohol, transport to Lennox Head.

Note: Two dinners and one lunch are left free, on purpose, so you can explore the cafés and restaurants a short walk away.

Get the Retreat Details

What makes Waluaa different

Ten years running retreats in Panama for hundreds of first-timers with five-star reviews and features in Forbes, Condé Nast Traveler and Lonely Planet. A proven experience, not an experiment.

Our 2:1 surfer-to-coach ratio makes these some of Australia’s most personalised beginner lessons… all tailored to your pace. Sergio still leads as Head Coach, so it’s the Waluaa way PLUS the awesome local crew from Let’s Go Surfing in the water too.

Learn how we coach surfing

Men and women, solo or couples, at every adult age. This isn’t Bali or Costa Rica with a party camp bolted on. It’s not a women-only weekend either. We’re one of the few surf retreats in the Northern Rivers/North Coast NSW built for adult beginners.

Vickie and Sergio live a short walk from your apartment and personally host every retreat: Sergio a professional surf coach, Vickie an experienced yoga and mindfulness teacher, with ten years of Waluaa retreats behind them.

Meet your Hosts

Every guest gets their own private apartment with ocean views: the comfort of your own space, with the group right there when you want it. No forced bonding or awkward “get to know you” games. Alone time whenever you need it.

We launch with a maximum of seven guests, because smaller groups mean safer coaching, faster progress and the personalised hosting guests come back for.

A sample of your week

Day 1: Arrive and settle in

Welcome from 3pm
Welcome gathering — drinks & a grazing table
Sunset beach walk
Dinner at a classic Lennox surf hotel

Day 2: Find your feet

Early Breakfast
Morning surf coaching
A generous post-surf brunch
Yoga for surfers
Free time to explore
Surf analysis and theory
Evening at leisure

Day 3: Explore and recover

Beach stretch & mindfulness
A generous breakfast
Morning surf coaching
Casual village lunch at Williams Street
60-minute massage
Your afternoon, your call: beach walk, lake swim or the hike to Pat Morton Lookout.
Surf analysis and sundowners
Evening at leisure

Day 4: Soak it all in

Beach stretch & mindfulness
Breakfast
Final surf coaching
Afternoon at leisure
Yoga for surfers
Farewell sundowners & dinner at Shelter

Day 5: One last coffee

Morning beach swim
Farwell breakfast
Check-out at 10am

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 121 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Pablo Q 
 
 
 
 Verified Es más que una vacación . Es un descanso de tu cuerpo y de tu mente !
Una gran experiencia para desconectarte de día a día . Waluaa cuenta con un equipo muy profesional en todo lo que ofrece : instructores de surf , de Yoga y el hotel que yo estuve una extraordinaria y deliciosa comida casera . El lugar , la gente , las personas a cargo, el programa ordenado : una combinación para un Detox perfecto ! Lo repetiría y recomendaría de todas formas . Fueron 6/7 días . El precio es adecuado . Gracias por estos días tan especiales .
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jen C 
 
 
 
 Verified Curated, restorative, and run by people who care
One of the most restorative weeks I've had in a long time. I went with 2 friends and we lucked into what felt like a private retreat, just the 3 of us. That intimacy meant we got to have lovely conversations with the Waluaa Team during surf lessons, yoga classes and at each of our meals, which felt really special. Javier and Casey are excellent surf instructors. Javier's technical knowledge is deep, and his passion for the sport is contagious. Casey brings a kind of enthusiasm in the water that makes you want to paddle back out even when you're tired. I carry some anxiety in the ocean, and I always felt looked after. Both gave thoughtful wave selection guidance and real feedback after each ride. Elena and Gayle led restorative yoga in an open-air shala facing the ocean after morning surf sessions. They also introduced us to breathwork and meditation. I had limited experience with those practices, and it was a treat to open myself to these new modalities. The rooms at Catalina's Hideaway are beautiful. The enclosed sunroom facing a small waterway with chairs and a hammock became a peaceful resting spot after every surf. Food was fresh, flavorful, and the kitchen got creative. Staff was genuinely kind and accommodating of requests. We casually mentioned that we were excited it was the beginning of mango season; the next day, we were treated to fresh mangos blended into our drinks and added to our daily fruit bowls! Vickie was also incredibly responsive throughout the logistics and planning process, which made everything easy before we even arrived. Do the Coiba snorkel excursion. Dolphins, sea turtles, white-tipped sharks, schools of fish everywhere. Mama is passionate about the marine environment and kept the whole group comfortable and safe the entire time. Pack leggings for jellyfish. Already looking forward to visiting Santa Catalina and the Waluaa Team again!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alejandra P 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing experience
Solo female traveler and first time surfer here! I absolutely LOVED the experience with Waluaa. First of, the accommodations were loverly and provided the most amazing food. Second, the yoga classes were so much fun and so needed before/after the surf sessions; both Elena and Gayle are amazing teachers and not only we learned but had lots of fun with them. Lastly, the surfing was perfect. As I said it was my first time surfing and went into the experience with some anxiety but Javier and Casey made sure I understood the theory, practice enough on the sand and then accompanied me during every wave. In my first class I managed to stand up on the board and by the end of the week I felt safe enough to go into the deeper part of the ocean. I would give 6 starts if I could :)
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   jolenek960 
 
 
 
 Verified A restorative week
The week with Waluaa was truly memorable and restorative. The whole team was amazing and we felt very well taken care of. Everything was seamless and enjoyable from the food to the surf and yoga lessons.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Garry S 
 
 
 
 Verified Chill week of surfing, yoga, getting away from it all
Waluaa was exactly as advertised and exactly what I was looking for--a week of consistent, mid-sized waves, post-surf yoga, and an overall low-key, mellow vibe I could enjoy with my wife. The resort is beautiful and very comfortable, without being over the top or extraneously ostentatious. The food is clean, healthy, and ridiculously delicious, served up by incredibly friendly staff. Santa Catalina is an isolated, sleepy fishing village populated by friendly people and filled with rustic charm. If you're looking for raging nightlife and ultra-luxury lodgings, look elsewhere, but if you just want to surf uncrowded waves and chill, this is the place.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Deborah M 
 
 
 
 Verified Attention to detail
As a solo female traveler, I appreciated the attention to detail, communication and the ease of each transition. The accommodations and food were way beyond my expectations. Loved the yoga instructors and breath work and will integrate into my daily practices. Don’t miss going to Coiba!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Eveline S 
 
 
 
 Verified 200% perfekte Wahl für ein Retreat am Meer
Was für eine grandiose Woche. Herzlichen Dank an das tolle Valuaateam. Becky, Elena, Casey und auch alle anderen Surflehrer haben einen super Job gemacht. Und nicht nur das, sie alle sind mit ganzem Herzen dabei, gehen ständig die Extrameile und sind ständig in herzlichem Kontakt mit allen. Der Ort ist fantastisch, das Personal im Hotel immer freundlich und zuvorkommen und beim Essen wird jeder Extrawunsch mit einem Lächeln erfüllt. Wenn du Panama mit vollem Herzen und einem Lächeln verlassen möchtest - buche Valuaa 😊
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ashley 
 
 
 
 Verified Surf & Yoga Retreat - an incredible experience!
I have nothing but praise and gratitude for the entire experience and team at Waluaa Surf & Yoga. This retreat was beyond my expectations and a trip I will remember forever! The communication, organization and genuine hospitality from everyone was incredible. Everyone kept us well informed and prepared the entire week and was the perfect balance of activity and downtime. The accommodations were comfortable, the SC Hotel and views were beautiful, the food was delicious and plentiful and accommodated individual dietary requirements. The patience, guidance and enthusiasm from Javier & Jose, our surf instructors, was beyond and had our group up on the boards on Day 1. I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from them as a first time surfer and appreciated how comfortable and encouraging they made us feel. Elena & Becky, our retreat manager, co-host & yoga teachers were excellent and the pace and energy of class was exactly what we needed on those days. Elena was personable and connected the group (that all just met) together by asking about our stories and sharing her experiences that made our time together feel welcomed, warm & friendly. I have no regrets and look forward to coming back in the near future! Much gratitude and thanks to Elena, Becky, Javier, Jose, Alex & Vickie and everyone at the SC Hotel!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sageandsydney 
 
 
 
 Verified 5 stars for a reason
It's a 10/10 experience. Read all the reviews to know why to book ASAP. Everything was taken care of with authentic kindness and thoughtfulness. I traveled with my college grad daughter who also says it was a 10/10 experience. The owners, staff, and excursions were beyond our expectation. Our group of 4 was seredipitously perfect. Thank you to our host Elena who genuinely is one of the most interestingly fantastic person you can meet. Yoga was amazing with Becky and Elena. We both had a deep tissue massage with Becky that was exceptional. Next time I am trying the Thai massage with Elena! Accommodations on the ocean front property were magnificent. Food was accommodated to dietary restrictions and also delicious. Surf lessons by the best instructors Javier and Jose! I originally signed up for just yoga decided to give it a try and it was the best decision. They have you up and surfing having fun smiling and wanting to surf more. Highly recommend you say YES and GO!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Julia O 
 
 
 
 Verified Just book it! I can't wait to go back.
What an amazing week! I did the surf and yoga retreat at the oceanfront location and it exceeded every expectation. Surfing – 10/10 I’ve been around surfers my whole life but never found the right moment to learn—until now. At 33, I’ve officially caught the surfing bug. Javier and Jose were phenomenal instructors; I improved every single day, and nothing beat the feeling of catching a wave to cheers from new friends. Yoga & Mindfulness – 10/10 Elena and Gayle were incredible. They continuously checked in, adjusted the practice to the group’s needs, and created such a supportive atmosphere. I arrived with hip pain and left feeling amazing. Elena’s Thai/Swedish-style massage was one of the best I’ve ever had, and Gayle’s hypnotherapy session for motion sickness felt like a deeply calming guided meditation. Hotel & Location – 10/10 The hotel staff—and even the owner—were wonderful. Service was quick and thoughtful, the food was fantastic, and the town itself is truly special. We loved walking to Panachocolat and picking up bracelets from a local shop. I’d been eyeing this retreat for a long time and kept putting it off—let this be your sign to just book it. I barely touched my phone and never once felt bored. I left Santa Catalina thinking, What a magical week. I can absolutely see myself coming back.

Why this? Why now?

Because a good surf session is nature’s own medicine and you’re never too old to feel it. You drop in, everything else disappears and you head home more like yourself. This is what guests love most about our getaways:

You wake up rested
You walk to the beach without checking your phone
You paddle into waves with confidence (and ride them all the way in)
You make memories with people who get it
You stretch out what’s tight and tired
You sleep deeply for the first time in ages

By the end of the week you’ll feel clearer. Stronger. Calmer. That’s the shift!

Pricing

Save $300 when you book by October 1.

Four nights in Lennox Head, with your own beachfront apartment, 2:1 surf coaching, yoga, mindfulness, massage and most meals included.

Private apartment, 1 person

AU$3,900 ~~AU$4,200~~
Non-participating partner add-on AU$990

Double apartment, 2 people

AU$3,350 per person ~~AU$3,650~~

View dates and reserve your spot

Questions before you book?

Get the Retreat Details

or Book a chat with Vickie →

Your private beachfront apartment

You’ll have your own beachfront apartment at Lennox Holiday Apartments — not just a private bedroom, but your own living room and ocean-view patio too. Right on Seven Mile Beach and just a block from the village, it’s your own space to properly settle into for the four nights.
Shared meals, welcome sessions and surf theory happen together at “Waluaa HQ” — a separate apartment set up just for the group — so when you head back to yours, it’s entirely your own.

Self-contained one and two-bedroom apartments, light-filled and uncluttered
Private balcony or patio on every one, all facing the Pacific, with bi-fold doors that open the living space right up to the view
Full kitchen, smart TV, washing machine and dryer, reverse-cycle air conditioning throughout
Heated pool, undercover parking, on-site management
You wake up to ocean views and fall asleep to the sound of the waves

Frequently asked questions

Getting Started

Yes. This is a beginner surf retreat first and foremost. Most guests arrive having never stood on a board, and our coaches meet you exactly where you are.

Absolutely. This is an adult surf retreat built for 35 to 65s, and plenty of our guests take their first wave in their 40s, 50s and beyond. You go at your own pace, every time.

If you can walk on a beach and you’re comfortable in the water, you’re ready. Not a confident swimmer? That’s fine. We keep you no deeper than waist high in calm conditions, with a coach right beside you the whole time. We coach every age and fitness level individually.

Perfect. Our yoga is grounding, not intimidating, with no flexibility or experience required. Learn more about how we teach yoga.

Your coaches pick the best break from Byron to Ballina each day, choosing the right conditions for your level. Yoga, theory and recovery fill any gaps.

Surf, wellness and yoga

Both. It’s a surf and yoga retreat: with surf coaching to get you catching waves, plus yoga and mindfulness to keep your body loose and your mind calm.

Most surf retreats in NSW are twenty-something camps or women-only weekends. Ours is a co-ed, boutique surf and wellness retreat for adults that’s beginner-friendly, with a 2:1 coaching ratio, private beachfront apartments and uncrowded waves.

Bookings

Your apartment, all surf lessons, gear, yoga, mindfulness, movement, a massage and most meals are included. Only alcohol, 3 x meals, and transport to Lennox Head are extra.

$500 AUD deposit secures your spot, with the balance due closer to your dates. Full terms are on our booking and cancellations page.

We launch with just seven for our first November retreat. Once they’re booked, that retreat’s full.

Getting there

In Lennox Head, a quiet coastal village in NSW about 15 minutes south of Byron Bay. It’s a boutique surf retreat away from the crowds, with the best breaks from Byron to Ballina on your doorstep.

Yes. Waluaa is one of the few surf retreats near Byron Bay built specifically for adult beginners. With a 2:1 coaching ratio, a maximum of seven guests and private beachfront apartments in Lennox Head, it’s designed around confidence rather than crowds. It’s also co-ed, so solo travellers, couples and friends all fit.

Plenty, all a short walk or drive from your apartment: barefoot walks on Seven Mile Beach, the hike up to Pat Morton Lookout for dolphins and whales, a freshwater swim in Tea Tree Lake and great coffee on the main street. You’ll have free time built into the week to explore at your own pace. And being locals, we’ll point you to the spots only other locals know.

Ballina-Byron airport is 15 minutes away, then it’s an easy Uber for around $45. Or, Gold Coast Coolangatta is about 60 minutes away.

Coming along

Not at all. Most guests come solo, and with just seven of you, you’ll know everyone by day one. Many leave with new friends.

Absolutely. Choose a private apartment and bring a non-participating partner for AU$990. Their stay includes our shared meals and social experiences. If you prefer separate beds, apartments include a main bedroom plus either a separate queen sleeping area with a privacy screen or a queen Murphy bed in the living area. You’ll see the option to add a non-participating partner when you book.

Ten years of getting this right. Now it’s your turn.

Hundreds of guests have walked into a Waluaa retreat unsure they belonged, and walked out standing on a wave. That’s not luck. It’s ten years of doing one thing well, and it’s why we can promise you’ll leave healthier, happier and more like yourself.

Now we’re bringing that experience to Lennox Head. Book by October 1 and receive $300 off.

Nov 11 – 15, 2026
Feb 10 – 14, 2027
Feb 24 – 28, 2027

Reserve your spot

We acknowledge the Nyangbul People of the Bundjalung Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we welcome our guests. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, honour their enduring connection to Country, and encourage all who visit to do so with respect and care.