When summer comes to an end in the UK, clouds roll in, rain begins to fall, and the days become shorter. The Sea Retreat in El Palmar, Spain, is the ideal getaway: with highs of 24°C throughout autumn and spring, and temperatures that still reach 17°C in winter, it’s a wonderful way of escaping the dark.
This brand-new retreat, opening on 18 September 2022, is perfect for those dreaming of learning to surf (or improving their technique) and soaking up the Spanish culture. Spend mornings catching waves with qualified instructors, and afternoons relaxing on the beach, riding horses in the sand, cycling along tree-lined routes, walking through pretty villages, or chilling with a well-earned drink.
Founded and run by partners Marina Nieves and Callum Jelley, The Sea Retreat is a brand-new surf camp located in one of the last untouched beaches in the south of Spain. Suited for beginner and intermediate surfers, think regular waves, white sand dunes, and the occasional palm tree swaying in the breeze.
El Palmar, in the Province of Cádiz, is a small and unspoilt community on the stunning Costa de la Luz, on the Atlantic coast. Deep in the Natural Park of la Breña, it has beautiful beaches overlooking the Trafalgar Cape and lighthouse. El Palmar has a mild climate all year round; making it the ideal location to learn to surf, even in the winter months.
Marina and Callum created The Sea Retreat due to their mutual love for travelling, enjoying the outdoors, and having a good time. Together, they have created the ultimate surfing experience, combining physically challenging surf lessons with quality moments of relaxation.
The Sea Retreat is about so much more than just surfing. Marina and Callum take care to create a calming communal atmosphere with evening barbecues, sunset drinks, and stories around a campfire, as well as plenty of opportunities for excitement and adventure. They believe life is infinitely better when shared.
With community and environment at the forefront of their vision, Marina and Callum organise beach clean-ups to protect their sandy paradise, and to show respect for the ocean and its creatures. They are proud partners of 1% For The Planet, and therefore one percent of their annual profits will go towards reducing plastic pollution in the oceans.
Guests of The Sea Retreat will stay in a spacious villa five minutes’ walk from the ocean, complete with its own shaded terrace, landscaped garden, brick BBQ, fully equipped kitchen, and welcoming living room. Imagine cool white walls, with touches of blue or terracotta tiles – and plenty of outdoor seating to make the most of the warm winter weather.
The Sea Retreat runs six-day courses from Sunday to Saturday, with daily surf lessons in the morning, one of which is filmed so surfers can analyse their own progress. Guests will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day aside from one – an opportunity to dine at restaurants nearby – with a specialist chef producing healthy meals with a focus on local, seasonal, and vegetarian cuisine.
Afternoons are free to try one of the many activities on offer at The Sea Retreat, including horse riding along the beach, hiking the impressive natural landscapes of the Atlantic coast, visiting the Vejer de la Frontera (a stunning Spanish hilltop town), or signing up to a yoga session in a Mongolian yurt to stretch out any sore muscles. Spend the evenings discussing the accomplishments and adventures of the day over a cold drink and delicious barbecue, before heading to bed in the private villa.
The Sea Retreat will run weekly (Sunday to Saturday) from 18 September 2022 to 24 June 2023 and will cost from £699 pp (minimum four people needed for surf camp to take place). Price includes accommodation, five surf lessons (plus theory), one sunset / sunrise surf, two video analysis sessions, daily breakfast, five lunches and five dinners, beer, wine, and soft drinks on arrival, and plenty of time to enjoy other activities. Bicycles and surfing gear are also available to borrow.
The Sea Retreat also welcomes families and will adapt the schedule depending on how much surfing everyone wants to do and the ages of the children; price is on request.
Fly direct from London Stansted/London Gatwick to Jerez de la Frontera Airport from £65 pp return. The transfer from Jerez Airport to El Palmar takes less than an hour. Alternatively, fly direct from London Stansted/London Gatwick/Edinburgh/Dublin to Sevilla Airport from as little as £55 pp return. The transfer from Sevilla Airport to El Palmar takes two hours.
For more information on The Sea Retreat, please call Marina (+34 625 02 55 64) or Callum (+34 667 792 400) or visit: https://thesearetreat.co.uk
