“May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and freedom for all.” Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
I have always felt drawn to spiritual understanding. In the early years of my journey, I was introduced to yoga and meditation, a path that eventually led to my initiation as a Kriyaban yogi within the sacred lineage of Kriya Yoga.
At around the same time in the 1990s, I discovered surfing. It brought me into the present moment with the same clarity and reverence I found in meditation. Surfing became both a refuge and a teacher, showing me the value of surrender, flow, and joy.
Over a lifetime spent growing up and living in far-flung places, I came to understand the true purpose of a retreat in its original sense: a temporary step away from daily distractions, creating space for relaxation, exploration, and self-reflection, and opening the door to inner transformation.
It became clear to me that a retreat could be more than a healthy holiday. It could be a place for renewal, and a place where women could reconnect with their empowered inner Goddess.
I created Goddess Retreats as a deeply special self-care experience, and I feel honoured to have built an environment where every woman can discover the joy and freedom of being herself.
My heartfelt wish is for you to awaken, inspire, and celebrate the Goddess within you, and to let your Goddess glow shine so brightly that the world can see it.
Namaste
The World’s First Women-Only Surf & Yoga Retreat
The story of Goddess Retreats has unfolded over two decades of growth and evolution. The idea began during a peaceful sunset in Bali after surfing, when I was surrounded by friends. As we talked about our happiest memories, we realised they were often the moments we spent surfing together, just the girls, laughing and supporting one another.
At that time, surf camps and surfaris were still mostly male-dominated, and women had very few places to learn and thrive in the sport. I found my own way into surfing at 27, but it was not easy. The options for women were limited, and I wanted to change that. I wanted to create a space where women from all backgrounds could experience the joy, camaraderie, and empowerment that surfing had brought into my life.
In 2003, I took a leap of faith and launched Surf Goddess Retreats. Surf camps then were simple affairs, with rustic accommodation, cold showers, and a cold beer waiting after a long day on remote, rugged breaks. I imagined something different. Bringing together my love of surfing, my background as a corporate life coach, and my own spiritual exploration through yoga and meditation, I set out to create a retreat that was about more than surfing: it was about wellness, connection, and luxury, where women could feel cared for while embracing adventure.
That vision became the world’s first women’s surf and yoga retreat. I am proud that Surf Goddess Retreats helped open the door for women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities to enjoy surfing in a supportive and empowering environment. Even now, in my 50s, I still ride waves with joy, showing that you do not need to fit the media’s idea of a “surfer girl” to share in the ocean’s magic.
Our journey did not end with surfing. We expanded into Bali Goddess Retreats, offering wellness, healing, and cultural experiences for women seeking a blissful escape beyond the waves. From there, we introduced new locations such as Sri Lanka and Costa Rica for our Surf Goddess retreats, launched Dive Goddess Retreats for scuba divers in the Philippines, and created Snow Goddess Retreats for skiers and snowboarders in beautiful destinations including Japan.
At the heart of everything we do is the belief that every woman deserves a space to reconnect, rejuvenate, and rediscover her own power. Each retreat is designed to offer a meaningful blend of adventure, wellness, and personal transformation.
My deepest wish is for you to awaken the Goddess within, embrace your inner power, and let your radiant energy shine in the world.