A DREAM DESTINATION
Oahu has consistently been voted one of the Best Islands in the World by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. From warm clear water, sunshine and ocean breeze, consistent swell, and lush tropical vegetation, there is something for everyone on this incredible island. The best of city life - endless shopping, restaurants and activities - meets the beauty of beach life with the iconic Waikiki beach and views of Diamond Head. Relax and be embraced by the spirit of aloha as you experience and learn about true Hawaiian culture. Surf, yoga, tropical cuisine, epic sunsets ~ paradise found!
SURF AT ITS BEST
There is a reason why surfing was born in Hawaii ~ perfect waves and gorgeous turquoise warm waters. No wetsuit required! With countless surf break options, both first time surfers and intermediate surfers are sure to enjoy their morning surf lesson and recreational surf opportunities throughout their week. Expect rolling waves to greet you each morning; the start to a perfect day. Your package includes 5 early morning surf sessions (2 hours each) with our experienced surf coaches who will provide a land lesson teaching surf etiquette, safety and technique and then guide you through the water in a nurturing and accommodating manner. High performance, quality surfboards and equipment are provided by our coaches so just bring your sunscreen, rashguard and sense of adventure!
YOGA & WELLNESS
The yoga and wellness experience is an important element of your retreat. Guests leave not only feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and inspired but they also feel ‘The Bliss’ of experiencing a renewed sense of enjoyment for life, family and even their career. We offer daily yoga that nurtures the mind and body to open and restore the muscles and energy after a morning of surfing. Our practices are designed to illuminate acceptance and gratitude for the moment and offer invitations to absorb mind-body-soul nourishment through grounding, opening, and restorative flows. No previous yoga experience is required. All levels are welcome!
ACCOMODATION
Premium guestrooms await at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort - where barefoot luxury meets history as the OUTRIGGER Waikiki is situated along one of the most iconic oceanfront locations in all of Hawaii. From the rich surf history to Duke's Waikiki right in the lobby, OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort invites you to experience beach life with locally inspired dining, live music and entertainment and vibrant cultural events. These spacious rooms offer a relaxing view of the Waikiki skyline and mountains from your private balcony. Enjoy your home-away-from-home!
Six nights in the beautifully crafted premium guestrooms of Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, located directly on Waikiki Beach
Unlimited in-room coffee, tea, and water
5 x surf lessons with professional, patient, and knowledgeable surf instructors, including quality surfboards and equipment
Daily yoga and meditation classes that focus on opening and strengthening the muscle groups used for surfing , breathwork & restoring the body after a day of surfing
Mid-week afternoon excursion for surf sessions at the world class Line Up wave pool at Wai Kai
Opening night reception (onsite at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort) followed by a dinner at a luxury Waikiki restaurant that is walking distance from the resort
Flights to and from Oahu
Transfers to and from the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Adult beverages, smoothies, and soft drinks
Meals other than the opening night dinner
At Swell Retreats, we take care of all the details so that you can truly enjoy your surf & yoga vacation, and get the most out of each day!
The schedule may change according to surf conditions, destination, or other events that may be added to your surf and wellness package. Do you need to participate in everything? We are here to provide many options for you to choose from. If you opt to relax at the beach the entire day or choose to participate in only one activity per day, you will be supported in that decision. It’s your surf & yoga vacation, and we are here to accommodate you in whatever choice brings you the highest bliss.
Bully was first introduced to surf coaching in 2006. What started out as a job soon became his life’s passion and purpose. He taught at almost every surf school on Maui before opening up his own surf school in 2012, Bully’s Ohana Surf School, which is still in operation today. Seeing the impact that his surf instruction and life coaching had on people made Bully realize it was a calling for him to help people heal and become the best versions of themselves. Bully and his wife, Ashley, share a passion for ocean therapy, which led them to acquiring Swell Retreats and running retreats to empower, heal and help others find their bliss. Their hope is to share their own experiences and inspire others to awaken to their true potential and the limitless possibilities that life offers all of us.
Ashley was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. She earned a business degree at 21 and a law degree by age 25. A lifelong athlete, she grew up playing soccer and volleyball and spent her winters downhill skiing. She is also an avid cyclist and golfer having lived next to the majestic Rocky Mountains for most of her life. While traveling the world, she spent most of her time by or in the ocean and always wanted to learn to surf. So in January of 2022, in the face of burnout, trauma and a lot of grief, she took a month-long break from the world of corporate law to come to Maui to do exactly that. She was directed (by Lulu, the owner of SwellWomen!) to the best surf coach on Maui- Bully Kotter. A month-long trip was extended by weeks and then months, and Ashley now lives full-time on Maui and is married to Bully (and loves to surf!). Starting a retreat business has been a lifelong dream for Ashley and acquiring Swell Retreats allows her and her husband to share their passion for ocean, nature, longevity and wellness to help others live the highest vibration life possible!
