Karma Surf Retreat is a small surf and yoga holiday company in Portugal with two villas: one above Praia do Guincho, about 35 minutes from Lisbon, and one in the southwest Algarve. It suits beginners, friends and families who want daily yoga and surf lessons in a homey villa rather than a big resort.
What it's like
Karma Surf Retreat has been hosting surf and yoga holidays in Portugal for well over a decade, and it still runs on the same simple idea: stay in a comfortable villa, practice yoga, get in the water, and eat well. Today it operates from two houses.
The main base is the Guincho Bay Villa in Figueira do Guincho, a small cluster of homes on the coast west of Lisbon. It faces south, looks straight out over Praia do Guincho and the Atlantic, and every room has a sea view. The garden is big and a bit wild, with hammocks, hanging chairs, a meditation spot and a pool area with a sauna and jacuzzi. A large yoga deck is set into the hillside facing the cliffs.
The second house is the Algarve Villa in the southwest of the Algarve, at the edge of the Costa Vicentina natural park. It's air-conditioned, has five rooms (four open onto the pool) and looks over the greens of a golf course toward the south coast. Local hosts Jamie and Sabine look after guests there.
The programs
The classic week is surf and yoga: daily yoga with surf lessons, equipment included. Beyond that, Karma offers a long menu of variations, so you can build the week around what you enjoy:
- Learn to surf and surf deluxe weeks, plus a guided "surfari" with a surf guide who takes you to the best spots in the area
- Yoga and surf family weeks, with childcare so parents get time on the mat and in the water
- Yoga deluxe for people who mainly want to practice
- Yoga plus an activity: hiking, climbing, mountain biking or stand-up paddling in and around the Sintra hills, or golf
- Just stay, for experienced surfers or anyone who wants the villa without a set program
- A New Year's Eve yoga retreat near Lisbon
Breakfast is an organic buffet, and depending on the villa and package, lunches are healthy and mostly vegetarian, with a welcome dinner and a Portuguese seafood lunch during the week. Tea, coffee, water and fruit are always out. Dates and availability change often, so it's best to check the site or ask the team directly.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
Karma works well for first-time surfers, solo travelers who like a small group, and families who appreciate the childcare option. Rooms range from single suites to family suites and an apartment at Guincho, plus a glamping tent, so it's flexible for different groups.
It isn't a silent or strict retreat. The Guincho villa has a lounge with a pool table, projector and sound system, so evenings can be social. Experienced surfers chasing big waves may prefer the surfari or the "just stay" option over lessons.
Getting there
The Guincho Bay Villa is about 35 minutes by car from Lisbon. Praia do Guincho is five minutes away, Cascais, Estoril and the historic town of Sintra are about 15 minutes, and the surf town of Ericeira is around 45 minutes. The village of Malveira da Serra, about a 10-minute walk away, has restaurants, a bakery, a pharmacy and a supermarket.
The Algarve Villa is in the far southwest of the country, so ask the team about the easiest route when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need surfing experience?
No. The core program includes lessons for beginners, and there are surf guide options for more experienced surfers.
Can I bring children?
Yes. The yoga and surf family package includes childcare, and some rooms sleep up to four.
What's at the Guincho villa besides surf and yoga?
A pool, sauna, jacuzzi, a hillside yoga deck, a garden with hammocks and a shared lounge. The Sintra hills nearby are great for hiking and biking.
Is the food vegetarian?
Breakfast is an organic buffet and lunches lean vegetarian, with vegan and vegetarian options available. A Portuguese seafood lunch is part of the week at the Algarve villa. Find current packages on the official Karma Surf Retreat website.
