*As seen in The Logbook
If “Surf, Yoga and Malibu Style”, are four words that interest you, then read on. Karma Surf Retreat was founded in 2013 by Timo Janitzki and Jens Kielmann, old school friends who had the opportunity to reconnect in 2009 when Jens moved to Portugal after quitting his corporate job in Berlin to work as an independent online marketeer.
KARMA SURF RETREAT
Surfing was a passion that both Jens and Timo shared and soon after the Karma Surf Retreat was opened in Cascais in 2013, a second was opened in the Algarve in 2014. Then between 2016 and 2018 two pop-up retreat were launched in Morocco and Bali with a third location in Lisbon opening in 2018.
According to Jens, Timo had already lived and worked in Portugal for ten years but both of them sought an improvement to their job routines. Seeking nothing less than a substantial meaning and happiness they knew that they had to do something they were passionate about, which was and is, surfing.
Jens explains that being economists, they spent an appropriate amount of time deciding and planning the details of how, where, why and what they were going to do. Since they shared a passion for hosting and love to spend time and relax with friends, they decided that a surf hostel would be a great idea.
Having experienced first-hand the social diseases of stress, depression and burn-out syndromes they decided to offer yoga and meditation as part of their package. The combination worked very well and was immediately appealing to a generation of people seeking a deeper awareness and control of their internal and external lives, without necessarily feeling patronised by so called Gurus and Life Skill Coaches.
STAFF
A team of six people are involved in each location to cater for the guests needs including hospitality, food and cleanliness and lots of outsourced service providers for all activities. But of course, the surfing experience is kept inhouse and led by Jens and Timo who have also started their own surf school (www.karmasurfschool.com website coming soon). This is planned to lead into hiking, biking and climbing after they launch their outdoor adventure company.
ACCOMMODATION
Nestled in the rugged cliffs of Guincho bay, the boutique style villa which also has a pool, offers a breath-taking obstruction-free view onto Guincho beach with its spectacular coastline and vast ocean.
Their team is passionate for hospitality and are responsible for maintaining the unique Malibu style feel of this lush accommodation and this includes organising and assessing the all-important feedback from guests and clients.
“A client offers a first-hand account of how we’re doing,” Jens points out, “You can’t improve what you offer without their input.”
All rooms have showers and one comes with a bathtub. There is a Jacuzzi, a Sauna and an outside shower next to the pool all of which enjoys the sublime sea view.
Guincho Villa: 5 double rooms, 3 with ensuite bathroom, 2 with shared bath and 1 apartment.
Guincho Bay Villa: 5 double rooms, 3 with ensuite bathroom, 2 with shared bath and 1 apartment. 1 of the suites is a family suite with an extra children’s room. All with sea view.
Algarve Villa: 5 double rooms, 4 ensuite bathrooms, 1 shared.
KEEPING GREEN
All guests are provided with Soulbottles and Klean Kanteen water bottles, in order to reduce plastic pollution. Moreover, their guests can enjoy a blend of Pukka teas for free. Karma Surf Retreat also have the Trip Advisor’s Green Leader badge which is awarded based on a survey of their best practices and installed environmental awareness through all sectors including waste, water, heating, food, cleaning and even laundry management.
2020
Along with the already mentioned Karma Surf School going public, this year they will soon finish the Yoga house in Guincho Bay Villa. Additionally, Jens reveals that in Winter this year they are launching a new concept offer for digital nomads to live and co-work in one of their amazing villas!
ADDRESS: R. Figueira do Guincho 1, 2755-170 Alcabideche
WEBSITE: www.karmasurfretreat.com/
PRICES: A week of yoga and surf at Guincho Bay Villa comes from ranges from 949€ (low-season / double room with shared bath room) to 1199€ (apartment in high-season). Other outdoor activity packages (climb & yoga, hike & yoga,…) are +100€
TLE SPECIAL:
Get a free 50 minutes relaxing massage by using discount code 20TLELB in booking routine. BOOK NOW!
