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JimmyJames70
Adelaide, Australia

The Best Surf Resort in the Mentawais.

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed May 18, 2015
I've been to Wavepark five times, and I've just booked my sixth trip for 2016. As you may be able to gather, I love this place! The question is, what elevates Wavepark above the other resorts? Let me answer that one for you...
1. EXPERIENCE. Christie has been in the Mentawais for 19 years. He's ridden every break (both well known and unknown) and has probably racked up more tube time than anyone. He knows the intricacies of the islands when it comes to surf. He knows how to time a run to avoid crowds. He knows the value of waiting a little, or staying a little longer. And he's supported by Shane who, in six seasons or so at Wavepark, is almost as knowledgable. The best advice I can give anyone is - never stress about where you are going to surf. Just let them read the conditions and put you on the best waves. You won't be disappointed. In addition, they both rip, but never belittle you if you can't surf as well as they can. They will encourage you to push your limits within reason, and are genuinely stoked for their guests when they get a great wave. They will provide valuable advice on each break, call you into great waves (although sometimes you might not want to go!) and they will support you in the lineup if others are not showing respect. They're both great guys who have a sense of humour and love what they do. Most importantly they do not take stupid risks with their boats that might put their guests and other people at risk. There are some cowboys out there - be warned!
2. ACCOMMODATION. The resort is respectful of both the heritage of Indonesia and the environment. The bungalows are spectacular (especially the open air bathrooms) and are constructed from locally sourced materials in traditional Indonesian style with constant thought given to sustainability. Yes, I know it's a cliche but Christie and Alice work hard on this and it shows. It's fair to say you could dismantle the entire resort and you would never know it was there. A great ethos for operating a resort in a paradise like this.
3. THE SERVICE. From the second you arrive at Padang airport everything is taken care of. The transfer boat out to the islands is a beast. It can make the run from the mainland to the resort in 3.5 hours, and it's available during your stay for breaks that are further out or for day trips. The food…oh my God the food! Indonesian food, western food, cooked breakfasts, or cereal and fruit, and decent real coffee. Burgers, burritos, pasta, fish, Singapore chilli crab, pizza, noodles, Rendang curry and lots of other Indo delicacies, dessert every second night (Oreo Cheesecake for the win!) and a fully stocked bar with ice cold beer. You will never be hungry, you will never be thirsty. If you want something, ask, and thy will be done!
4. THE PEOPLE - The entire team are friendly, easy going and happy to help you. There is no attitude. The boat drivers are classic characters, especially Rahim. The kitchen staff scurry about quietly while they do their magic and are lovely people. Alice takes sick photos which you can purchase at the end of the trip for a reasonable price. Ultimately Christie, Alice and Shane and the team are the primary reason I keep going back. They are like family and treat you the same. I've been there often enough now that they know my idiosyncrasies and quirks and I know theirs, and we rip on each other about them with good humour! It's lots of fun and it really feels like a second home to me now. I can't imagine ever staying at another resort.
5. THE MEMORIES. You've just paddled back to the boat at 6pm after getting some of the best waves of your life. Hauling yourself up the ladder with whatever strength you have left, you're greeted by smiles and high fives on the boat. You relive the highlights with your mates in highly animated conversation. The wipeouts are described in every painful and humiliating detail. You grab a seat as the boat raises anchor and sets a course for home. Someone hands you an ice cold beer. Cheers all round! You watch the sun's glow fade on the horizon as you toast your mates and the crew. Sometimes the conversation stops as everyone just sits back and takes it all in. Back at the resort you shower in the palatial bathroom of your private bungalow, and saunter off to the main building for another drink and some bar snacks. The banter continues and then the big screen becomes the focal point as the photo highlights of the day are presented with an eclectic soundtrack of everything from Lou Reed to Mastodon. Everyone erupts in cheers and snide remarks at every good wave, every classic wipeout, and drop-ins are caught in all their hideous reality (the penalty is a beer for the victim bought by the perpetrator). Then it's dinner time - you savour the amazing food in front of you over great conversation and more laughter. After dinner it could be movie time, a bit of 8 ball or table tennis, or a nightcap or two at the bar while playing iPod Roulette* (Trademark Jimmy James (c) 2011). Back in your bungalow, under the mosquito net with the fans on, you're comfortable and relaxed as you drift off to sleep, reliving that great barrel, that wave where everything just 'clicked', reflecting on the amazing feeling of paddling back out and hooting at your mates as they get the waves of their lives, and dreaming about what may come tomorrow….And that's just day one. Nine days to go…

My times at Wavepark have been the greatest days of my life. I'll keep going back as long as I am able. I hope to see you there sometime!
Date of stay: April 2015
Room Tip: All the rooms are the same - excellent.
Trip type: Traveled with friends
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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wavepark, Owner at WavePark Mentawai Resort, responded to this review
Responded May 22, 2015
Hi JJ,
that has to be our best review ever, thank you very much. I love the level of detail that you're sharing with everybody, so they know what to expect on their holiday with us. Thanks also for leading the charge with the Ocean's teams. It was great to host Mark again this year after 4 years away, and also to meet your friends with their families that you regularly surf with. It sounds like CS will be back again as soon as he gets a real job :~) Thanks again for all the support and kudos. We hope you have a great winter back home. Cheers!
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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    All reviews surf trip world class great food padang airport no matter like clockwork island paradise whole experience a lot of fun great surf these guys your doorstep christie alice paddle wave team
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    Reviewed May 17, 2015

    My boyfriend Tim had visited the Mentawai Islands before but this was our first trip to WavePark Mentawai Resort. It was the most amazing few weeks, an unforgettable holiday!

    I am a non surfer but still had the best time ever! I was happy to read books, swim, fish, snorkel, get some lessons in body boarding with Christie, try and play the guitar! Eat, drink and just be merry! Tim loves to surf, he had a permanent smile on his face from day one, such good waves to surf, he was in his element everyday :)
    We witnessed some of the most incredible mesmerising sunsets, often sat by a fire on the beach!
    Food-So yummy, thanks Nor! You made the most delicious tuna sashimi, wow! And those bacon baps, mmm. Oh, and those amazing omelettes, and poached eggs! So good.
    Location-Is like a dream! Turquoise crystal clear water! Fine white sand, sweeping palm trees, just such gorgeous surroundings!
    Accommodation-So awesome, Nothing better than waking up to the sound of the waves. I loved the shower, we were often joined by little frogs in the mornings! The bungalow was just perfect. Lots of our time was spent on the terrace looking out to the ocean and watching the sunsets.
    Surf-Tim would often arrive back and say 'I had the best wave of my life today!'
    Staff-Christie, Alice, Brandon and everyone else, we thank you for making our holiday undoubtedly the best ever! You guys rock! You really go out of your way to make each and everyone's time just perfect!
    Tim will be staying with you guys in a couple of weeks again (so lucky) and I hope to see you at the end of the year!

    A few things to remember: mosquito repellent, rain coat and sun block! If you forget anything at all, Alice does everything she can to help :)

    Room tip: We stayed in Bungalow 1, we loved it! Amazing outdoor bathroom :) I am sure they are all just as awesome.
    Date of stay: January 2015
    • Trip type: Traveled as a couple
      • Sleep Quality
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    1  Thank levieestbelle
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    wavepark, Owner at WavePark Mentawai Resort, responded to this reviewResponded May 18, 2015

    Hi Life is Beautiful,
    Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experiences about WavePark. I'm feeling doubly special that you've been a part of tripadvisor since 2009, been to 67 locations, but this is your first review!
    Thanks also for being a part in our "early season" experiment this year. Your trip was one of the reasons we decided to make the offer permanent. We're looking forward to seeing Tim in early June, and perhaps we can see both of you again in October on your next break? If you have time, please post some photos from your trip. There's a few with the great fish that you and Mike caught, and the ones of you and Alice playing with the floaty rings on the beach. I've got a couple great pics of you and Tim enjoying a sunset by the bonfire we made; I think I gave those to you already? Until next time, Cheers!

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    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Reviewed May 16, 2015

    Christie, Alice, Shane and all the crew work tirelessly and thoughtfully to provide an amazing and complete experience. The island is a beautiful location and the wavepark resort blends tastefully and immaculately into its idealic surrounds.

    This was my second trip to wavepark and I can certainly attest to the fact that the number and variety of quality waves in all conditions, to suit all standards of surfers, is definitely not just 'brochure hype'. But the thing that tops that off at wavepark is Christie and Shane's ability to read the conditions and crowds and find great waves and more often than not with just your crew out.

    The quality and variety of food is provided in abundance for three meals a day and ensures meal time is an experience in itself.

    One of the great lasting memories of both my trips is sitting back on the boat at the end of another day of great waves, cracking a cold beer, and watching another amazing sunset as you motor back to the wavepark resort.

    I will definitely be back - can't wait!!!!!!

    Thanks again

    Room tip: All bungalows have great views over the bay and Hideaways
    Date of stay: April 2015
    • Trip type: Traveled with friends
      • Value
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    2  Thank Mark A
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    wavepark, Owner at WavePark Mentawai Resort, responded to this reviewResponded May 17, 2015

    Hi Mark,
    Thanks for the great review. It really adds to the job satisfaction to hear how happy our guests are at the end of their trip. We were stoked you could come back and join the Jimmy James tour again. The "Ocean's '11" original team will always be the best, but we appreciate y'all trying to bring it up a notch with the newbies. It was a really fun trip this year, good to get some young blood in the mix, and to welcome back the regulars. I think the variety of waves we got this year was special, and it seemed there was a wave breaking to everyone's liking and skill. Your trip is recorded in the shot of the day archives, so the "Ocean's '15" team can relive the glory: http://www.wavepark.com/index.php?option=com_resort&view=sotd&selectedTrip=185#1583 Cheers!

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    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Reviewed May 10, 2015

    Myself, my husband and our 10 month old daughter went to Wave Park in March. My husband had been there before on a boys surf trip and loved it. He raved about how amazing it was there. So after I had our daughter we decided to go on a family holiday there. We had the most wonderful time at Wave Park! I don't surf but still absolutely loved it. The place is gorgeous, absolute paradise. The water is the most beautiful color and listening to the waves right outside your front door each night was blissful! The accomodations were great, the huge outdoor shower was luxurious. Taking a shower with the smell of the Frangipani's was like being in a spa. The food was awesome and I'm a fussy eater too so that's saying something. They serve three big meals a day in the main lodge so all the guests on the Island for that trip get to know each other. The staff are wonderful and they were so accommodating with our needs for our baby girl, whether it was special meals made for her or making a barrier for the stairs on the front porch of our villa or just getting a bucket with a lid for soiled nappies, every need was met with ease. As far as the surf my fella says it's great even in the off season, but it's seriously pumping during the regular season. He's goofy footed and loves Hideaways which is the a left handed wave right in front of the resort. They have stand up paddle boards, kayaks and snorkelling gear for when the surfers are taking a break from the waves or perfect for me as I don't surf. They also have cooking classes and trails you can hike across the island for those who are keen. I'm happy to swim, read books and snorkel all day followed by an afternoon cocktail but that's just me 😃 We will keep coming back to Wave Park again and again. Between the incredibly gorgeous surroundings, the wonderful staff, great food, tons of waves every day, fab accommodation and how helpful they were with our needs for our little bub they ticked every box for us. We really couldn't even list a complaint if we tried other than the fact that we had to leave when our trip was over. It's a great place for couples, families, people who don't surf or people who want to spend all day surfing. We highly recommend it and can't praise the staff and beautiful resort enough.

    Date of stay: March 2015
    • Trip type: Traveled with family
      • Sleep Quality
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    Thank WhittyKNYC
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    wavepark, Owner at WavePark Mentawai Resort, responded to this reviewResponded May 12, 2015

    Hi Whitney,
    Wow, this might be the best review we've ever had! Thanks so much for sharing with the world the experience of your trip. We've tried hard over the years to let people know that WavePark specializes in more than just surfing, and that families have a great time here too. Unfortunately Mentawai is unknown in mainstream media to be a premiere destination for the other things that you mention, and your review will help to get the word out there. Tellingly, 4 of our reviews are now from families that have stayed with us.
    Roxie was our youngest guest ever, and we're so stoked that you and Hamish were willing to break new ground with us! What a beautiful little human that you two have brought into the world, and thank you for bringing her to meet us. We look forward to hosting you again, and seeing Roxie running around (instead of crawling) the next time we meet. Regards to Hamish, he'll be spewing to see "shot of the day" on the website for the next couple weeks. His favorite wave is pumping... Cheers!

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    Reviewed April 18, 2015

    We have just spent the most amazing 10 days at WavePark. So why is it so good?
    5 star resort, with first class service, with that personal touch and just add perfect waves.
    The moment you are met at the airport with a cold towel and a cool drink & a big smile you realise your in for a special trip.
    After spending a night in Padang we were transported to the harbour for trip to the island on Sampan Buru WaveParks own speed boat that gets you to your island paradise in about 4 hours. All the staff are on the beach to welcome you as you arrive.

    Accommodation Fantastic.
    Food to die for.
    Staff so friendly.
    Surf Soooooooooooooo Good.

    Christie & Alice have created the perfect resort with a real smooth operation. A massive bonus for me that my daily coffee fixes were met with Christie & his coffee machine!!!:)
    If your a single surfer, a couple, a surfing group or a family trust me WavePark is a must.

    I can't wait to return, I will be Back. :)

    Date of stay: April 2015
    • Trip type: Traveled as a couple
      • Location
      • Rooms
      • Service
    Thank Rep66
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    wavepark, Owner at WavePark Mentawai Resort, responded to this reviewResponded April 25, 2015

    Davo!
    Thanks so much for the kind words. It was such a pleasure hosting you, Debbie and Asha. What a treat to have our small intimate group with the island to ourselves, and I can't believe how many great waves we scored everyday right out front. All three of you should be proud with how much you progressed on the trip. The only problem is your home break won't seem as exciting now... Keep pushing the envelope and we'll be ready for you when you decide to take another crack at the waves around here. Until then, love to Debs and Cheers!

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    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Reviewed April 15, 2015

    The excellent service begins at the airport as your picked up and taken to the hotel. The resort is beautiful, bungalows gorgeous and the food amazing. There is nothing to fault at all. The staff are all extremely friendly and helpful from the kitchen staff to the boat crew and housekeeping. Everyone has a smile. Alice and Christie have created this paradise which is hard to beat. The waves were awesome. There were only 3surfers for the week so most of the time we had hideaways to ourselves with the excellent supervision and help from Christie and Shane. We aren't expert surfers so were so glad that we were taken to places that we could test ourselves but was within our ability. I would highly recommend Wavepark to everyone whether a family, couple or travelling alone. The most beautiful place to visit and chill.

    Date of stay: April 2015
    • Trip type: Traveled as a couple
      • Location
      • Cleanliness
      • Service
    3  Thank G6539QVdebbiem
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    wavepark, Owner at WavePark Mentawai Resort, responded to this reviewResponded April 18, 2015

    Hi Debbie,
    thanks for your glowing report. It was a great trip for us as well. So relaxing on land, and wonderful that Hideaways would turn on for us everyday like that. It was our pleasure to call you into those great waves, you and Davo should be proud how much you improved in 1 trip! I know Alice was jealous of your beautiful longboards. Could you post some of your pictures to show others that there are mellow, fun waves right out front? We want more guests like you and Davo. Cheers!

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