Ever thought about the history of surf travel? You might picture remote, rugged camps, cold showers, and a male-dominated lineup. And you’d be right — for a long time, that was the norm. While legends like Mike Boyum and Gerry Lopez kicked off the surf camp scene in G-Land in the early ’80s, an offering that quickly spread globally, it took over two decades for the “surf camp” to evolve into something bigger, something more inclusive.
Inventing a New Wave of Adventure
The world’s first luxury surf retreat exclusively for women was the vision of Chelsea Ross, founder of Goddess Retreats in Bali. In 2003, long before “wellness travel” became a buzzword, and at a time when women were rarely seen confidently claiming their space in the surf line-up, Chelsea — a passionate surfer seeking something “more” — identified a void.
At the time, there were virtually no women-only travel experiences, and Chelsea knew that had to change. Women were underrepresented, undervalued, and expected to squeeze into spaces designed for men. The existing surf travel landscape offered little in the way of empowering, luxurious, or holistically designed experiences for women. As she puts it: “Surf camps were built for men, with basic dorms, rough conditions, and a ‘sink or swim’ mentality. There was nothing designed for women, nothing that blended joy, adventure, transformation, and comfort.”
Chelsea realized that if she wanted this, other women did too. So in 2003, she created something that didn’t yet exist: the first-ever ‘Surf Retreat’ for women.
Introducing “Surf Goddess”
“Surf Goddess,” the original Seminyak retreat, was nothing short of revolutionary. It flipped the script on surf travel for women by blending expert surf lessons perfectly with dreamy inclusions like unlimited spa treatments, daily yoga sessions designed to help your surf game, and private villa stays. All of this set against the stunning backdrop of Bali.
She started with one guest, then two. Slowly, organically, Surf Goddess grew because the need was real and the experience resonated. Chelsea explains: “Over time, we welcomed more women who, like myself, were searching for something deeper than just a typical getaway. They wanted a meaningful vacation, one that was not only fun and rejuvenating, but that also offered practical ways to enrich their lives.”
This wasn’t just about catching waves; Surf Goddess was a sanctuary designed to truly honor women in an authentic way, providing experiences that were not just beautiful and healthy, but good for the soul. A place where women could push their physical limits, nourish their minds and bodies, and connect with a truly supportive community. It was Chelsea’s firm belief that women deserved a space where adventure, indulgence, and sisterhood could coexist, fostering both physical strength and deep, personal rejuvenation.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Fast forward two decades, and the ripple effect of Chelsea’s vision is undeniable. Goddess Retreats has evolved from its single Seminyak retreat to include serene offerings in Ubud, welcoming over 18,000 women through its doors.
The women visiting are as diverse as their reasons for seeking transformation. From women tackling burnout and finding healing after a breakup to busy mums finally getting some well-deserved “me time,” women in their 50s rediscovering their zest for life, and even those looking to forge genuine connections. And the retreats have beautifully evolved to continuously meet their needs, now blending holistic healing, creative workshops, surfing, yoga, and cultural activities with unlimited spa therapies, offering a personalized approach to empowering and rejuvenating women from all walks of life.
A Movement of Empowerment
Chelsea Ross didn’t just build a successful business; she ignited a movement, inventing a category of travel that champions women’s empowerment, wellness, and adventure. As purposeful travel gains momentum and the undeniable strength of the female traveler becomes increasingly evident, particularly with a growing number of women in their 50s and beyond seeking surf retreats, Goddess Retreats highlights how one woman’s vision can redefine an entire industry. From the basic camps of G-Land to luxurious, empowering sanctuaries, the evolution of surf retreats has truly come full circle, with women now leading the charge.
