“It’s Sunday afternoon and I’m sitting on the beach enjoying my bbq lunch. I look around my group and see the smiles on everyone’s faces. I can’t remember the last time I felt this good and it’s something I will never forget.

The last few days have been fantastic. My friend convinced me to join them on this retreat and I am so glad I did. The surfing, yoga, relaxation and pampering have been wonderful.

The 4½ star resort accommodation is exceptional. It has everything you need and the beach is right across the road. The day spa downstairs rejuvenated all of us with heavenly massages and we have eaten in some of Port Macquarie’s finest restaurants. Our meals have been superb, fresh and of great quality.

I was anxious at first about the surfing but after warming up with yoga stretches and going over the safety aspects with our coach, I started to feel more comfortable. Once I hit the water I was amazed by how much fun I was having and noticed everyone else was too. I stood up on my board in my first lesson. Woohoo!!

The more experienced surfers were taken by 4WD to the undisturbed, natural beaches further up the coast and came back with stories of great waves and uncrowded beaches.

Our group had a wide range of differing yoga abilities (I’ve only ever done a little in the past), which the yoga teacher dealt with through skill and professionalism. It was a very nurturing environment and I worked muscles I’d forgotten I had. The physical benefits of yoga and surfing certainly work well together.

The gentle guidance during the yoga and the Soul Surfing team’s talks about the ocean energy has opened my mind to the more spiritual aspects of these connected activities.

I continue to enjoy my surrounds and feel blissful and relaxed.”