As summer heats up, our favorite models are taking a break from boxing (the fitness obsession du jour) and moving their workouts from inside the ring to the great outdoors. Lately, our Instagram feeds have been filled with shots of supers on surfboards—including Devon Windsor, Behati Prinsloo, Lais Ribeiro, and Candice Swanepoel—and it’s inspired a bit of wave-riding envy. Whether you’re already a seasoned pro or simply looking for your first Blue Crush moment, here, a few suggestions for the coolest spots to sleep, eat, and shred.
Locale: San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Lodging: Maderas Village
Just steps from the boutique hotel is Juan Carlos—the man to know in this Pacific coastal town. Surfboard rentals are just $10 a day, and if you want lessons from him, it will set you back only $15 per hour. Surf day trips to neighboring beaches, like Playa Hermosa and Playa Ramonzo, are also available upon request.
Locale: Nosara, Costa Rica
Lodging: Living Hotel
Nosara is without a doubt one of Costa Rica’s chicest surf towns. The Living Hotel has prime real estate, situated just steps from seemingly endless miles of undeveloped beaches. Playa Guiones is the spot to be for surfers of all skill levels, and you can shred here pretty much year-round. Surfing lessons can be coordinated directly with the hotel. (Early in the morning is recommended.)
Locale: Nusa Dua, Bali
Lodging: The Mulia
If you’re looking for an ultra-luxe surfing retreat, consider a visit to The Mulia (ranked number one beach resort in the world last year by Condé Nast Traveler). The hotel can arrange surf lessons at neighboring beaches, where beginners will be happy to find very approachable conditions (i.e., small waves). When you return to the hotel, recover from your ride at the world-renowned spa.
Locale: Montauk, New York
Lodging: The Surf Lodge
You don’t even need your passport to stay here—located just a few hours by train from Manhattan, Montauk is a go-to for urbanites looking to get a quick surf fix. Stay at The Surf Lodge (you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a Southern California beach oasis), and head to the nearby Ditch Plains to shred some waves. Beginners will want to be careful here—when the waves are good, the waters are filled with experienced surfers who won’t be too excited to see you and your extra-large longboard in their way.
—Kristin Tice Studeman, Style.com
