If you’re a lover of the sea and surf, you won’t be disappointed visiting Swell Surf Camp. This adult only camp offers the very best in accommodation, food and activities.
The Caribbean is a great place to surf and a popular spot for holidaymakers and natives alike. So let’s look at the resort in more detail and the features of Swell Surf and what you should expect from your visit.
History
Jeroen and Clare lived in the Dominican Republic for 8 years, living the dream and loving the outdoor lifestyle. They had stayed in many surf retreats around the world in some very questionable accommodation.
They realized there was a niche in the market that they could fill and decided to design an adult only luxurious retreat for sea loving individuals.
Furthermore, they wanted their guests to enjoy the surf without compromising comfort and tranquility in their accommodation.
They quickly set about employing highly skilled architects from Switzerland to start the process. They offer a retreat that is sociable and focused on high quality in all areas, with surf lessons included as a package.
The retreat opened in 2009 and has won several awards and received a plethora of fantastic reviews from happy customers. In addition, they also offer other activities such as kite surfing, horse riding, yoga and other outdoor activities.
Accommodation
The accommodation at Swell Surf is comfortable and stylish. The rooms are perfect for coming back to after a long day of surfing and fresh air. The rooms are relaxing with nautical themes throughout.
They come with fitted mosquito screens to keep the little annoyances away whilst enjoying the fresh evening air. They provide lots of lovely extras such as toiletries and the room is cleaned ready for your return every day.
There are two room options. One with a king size bed and en suite, the other has two single beds with en suite.
All rooms have air conditioning, a ceiling fan that’s quiet and all windows are double-glazed and secure. There is also a safe in the room to keep your valuables.
Socializing
Whether you’re a solo traveler or travelling with others, Swell Surf is a great place to meet new friends and make memories. The retreat has a happy and welcoming vibe.
You will find like-minded individuals and meals are shared around a large inclusive dining table, perfect for getting to know your fellow guests.
Throughout the retreat there are sofas and bean bags to relax on as well as card games, pool tables and screens to watch a movie on.
Surfing
Swell Surf camp has a fantastic program for surfing beginners, ideal if you’ve never surfed before. The temperatures and weather are perfect for water water sports and with the professional guidance from experts you’ll be riding the waves in no time.
The lessons are fully structured and taught in small groups, so everyone gets individual attention.
The coaches are fully qualified in teaching both practical and theory based elements of surfing as well as having certificates in First Aid, CPR and Lifeguarding. What exactly will you learn ?
You will learn the basics of how waves are formed, so you can start to understand surfing conditions. You will learn how to paddle and how to sit on the board.
The lesson structure with a week-long package will be 5 mornings of mixed practical and theory lessons and then supervised surfing in the waves. The day usually runs from 6:30am — 12:15 pm, but these times may change spending on weather conditions.
For those who can already surf and haven’t bought a board along with them, they have a great selection of surfboards available to hire. In fact you could hire a different one every day to find out what really works for you.
Food
With all the sea air and physical exercise you will likely work up an appetite, but don’t worry, Swell Surf has got you covered. They specialize in healthy and organic food that’s tasty and guaranteed to satiate the hunger pangs.
All ingredients are fresh and created by chefs that care about making homemade food that is tasty and comforting.
The breakfast menu has a wonderful selection of good food such as granola, crêpes, omelette, fresh bread and superb Dominican coffee. They also offer gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
As part of the surfing package you will receive 3 mid-week dinners (Mon, Wed, Fri) Meals are based on what is available and fresh at the local market.
Meals are served buffet style and traditional Domiciana food is super delicious and includes meals such as chicken and pineapple curry, as well as fresh fish with plenty of salad and veg.
For the evenings where no meal is provided, why not check out the local restaurants? They are all within walking distance; some of them even on the beach, so you can enjoy the wonderful ocean views.
Other Activities.
As well as awesome surfing opportunities, Swell Surf Camp also offers other activities to enjoy. As a place of relaxation, it makes sense to provide yoga classes.
Yoga is a great way of stretching the body in preparation for surfing, which uses many muscles you may not have discovered yet.
Yoga can help you work on balance, which is an essential skill to develop in surfing. Arms use a lot of energy in surfing, so preparing the shoulders is wise to avoid injury. Yoga can also help post surfing to relax muscles as well as repairing and toning.
Swell has an in-house Yoga teacher who teaches in a friendly way and has been practicing since 1993. She will help individuals fully relax and provide individual support and advice. You must pre-book Yoga as the class is very popular.
For a less gentle option, why not try Kitesurfing? Cabarete beach is a popular spot for kitesurfing. The sport is relatively easy to learn, and the local kite school has the very best instructor and modern facilities with everything you need to learn.
You will learn how the wind guides your activity as well as all the safety precautions.
A trip to Swell Camp is a very special experience and a truly unique place to stay that will result in precious memories to look back upon. What’s not to love!
