Arrived at Soul and Surf with no pre-conceived ideas of what it would be like. I had booked a full year before going and took a risk only knowing of it via photos on the internet. I received a very quick response to my inquiry, incredibly friendly and informative, this encouraged me greatly and I booked. On arrival, as promised, there was a taxi waiting at the airport to drive us to Soul and Surf. As soon as you drive through its gates, there is an air of calm; the surroundings, landscapes and views are lushly tropical, with the sea only a rocky step path away. The atmosphere is laid back, informal and friendly. The tables in the cafe are communal so you get to know fellow guests pretty quickly. For those who surf, the getting up at 6, driving to the beach in various vehicles - surfboards strapped to the roof plus the surfing itself, makes for great camaraderie. Rash guards are provided, but being quite petite, they did rather dwarf me. Next time, I would definitely bring my own along - but this is just minutiae. The surf teachers are incredibly kind and patient - they actually had to dig very deep to find patience with me - not a natural surfer. Frankly, I only kept going to get the post surf Chai and Banana Fritter Experience. Worth being battered by waves, never standing up and covered in...Arrived at Soul and Surf with no pre-conceived ideas of what it would be like. I had booked a full year before going and took a risk only knowing of it via photos on the internet.

I received a very quick response to my inquiry, incredibly friendly and informative, this encouraged me greatly and I booked.

On arrival, as promised, there was a taxi waiting at the airport to drive us to Soul and Surf. As soon as you drive through its gates, there is an air of calm; the surroundings, landscapes and views are lushly tropical, with the sea only a rocky step path away.

The atmosphere is laid back, informal and friendly. The tables in the cafe are communal so you get to know fellow guests pretty quickly. For those who surf, the getting up at 6, driving to the beach in various vehicles - surfboards strapped to the roof plus the surfing itself, makes for great camaraderie. Rash guards are provided, but being quite petite, they did rather dwarf me. Next time, I would definitely bring my own along - but this is just minutiae.

The surf teachers are incredibly kind and patient - they actually had to dig very deep to find patience with me - not a natural surfer. Frankly, I only kept going to get the post surf Chai and Banana Fritter Experience. Worth being battered by waves, never standing up and covered in bruises for.

The rooftop yoga is spectacular. Such great teachers, all with a different slant. I was taught by Tara, Hayley and Pooja and I found it to be the absolute greatest part of the vacation. The serenity, the view. I have never done yoga more than two days in a row so it was immensely pleasing to do it every (most) days.

The days are structured beautifully, with early yoga on offer for those who don't surf, breakfast then a full day to yourself. Evening yoga is at 5:30 after which you are absolutely ready to eat (again).

There are a couple of large blackboards outside, you simply fill in your name for surfing and/or yoga for the next day, but there is no pressure to go if you change your mind or want to lie in.

Be prepared to be go to bed early - you will not believe how tired you are.

Our room, 203, was on the ground floor with a little terrace and perfect for sleeping and showering. There is not a lot of closet space for two people, but as one is mostly in surfing or yoga gear, it doesn't feel too important. The bathrooms are functional rather than luxurious. To be honest, though, very little time is spent in one's room as there are so many places to loaf about and nap in the gardens.

Even though the atmosphere is terribly informal, you do not get interrupted if you want to nap or read, there is a respect for everybody's space, but should you play a game of Bananagrams, you can usually find folks who want to join.

The cafe is small, but the food is delicious - very simple, fresh and interesting. There are different events offered in the evening - a barbeque, and pizza 'n' movie night. The real highlight, though was an incredible communal feast, cooked up locally and served to all the guests. Truly fantastic.

The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive and helpful, no matter whether it was surf teachers, yoga teachers or those working in the cafe.

Don't miss Becky's treatments and cakes - I'm still hankering after them now.More