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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.
Date of stay: January 2019
Room Tip:To be away from the hubbub, ask for a room in the building to the left of the reception area.
Trip type: Traveled with friends
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Vibes_India, Guest Relations Manager at Soul & Surf Kerala, responded to this review
Responded Mar 19, 2019
We agree - we’d gladly take some pretty spectacular wipeouts for the sake of post-surf chai & banana fritters. They’re the stuff of life! Luckily, the Surf crew is so good at getting folks up and surfing, we generally don’t have to make that trade-off. Also, the Kitchen crew pour their hearts into the food, from the pizza to the tacos - that’s likely the secret ingredient you tasted. You’re right, yoga is a huge part of the yoga, surf, massage trifecta (with a brownie in the mix for good measure). It sounds like you got a good taste of what life is like as a “soul surfer.” We’ll welcome you with open arms when you’re ready for another dose of Kerala soul, sun & smiles.
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All reviews nice room yoga classes local community north cliff every evening lesson yin instructor waves vibes rooftop sunset garden india varkala practice clifftop
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We stayed here for two weeks and loved every minute. Starting everyday surfing with vargeese, rhazok, blackie, Ollie, jityu and praveen is enough to put a massive smile on your face. With coffee and a banana to start your day you are then driven to the beach for an awesome surf lesson with amazing people; what more could you want. Jityu and praveen never stopped smiling and all the boys were always there to give tips and advice... a perfect start to the day..... after surf you are taken for a lovely chai tea and banana ball . Delicious... you then arrive back at the hotel for a lovely breakfast with more smiley faces; anniken, Ryan, Alissa, cheri and most importantly the gorgeous kitchen staff who were massively helpful with my allergy ....then to end the day with a lovely, relaxing, faultless sunset rooftop yoga class with the beautiful hailee. Absolute Bliss... we couldn’t fault our stay at all. We would definitely go back. Varkala and the people are so welcoming and friendly and The staff honestly made the trip even more amazing. If you are looking for the perfect getaway and to escape the real world I can’t recommend soul and surf kerala enough.
Date of stay: January 2019
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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Vibes_India, Guest Relations Manager at Soul & Surf Kerala, responded to this reviewResponded February 3, 2019
Danni! First off...thanks so much for such heartfelt praise for the team! It was our pleasure to have you both stay with us - makes it effortless when the work we do is for genuinely cool and friendly people. Everyone is absolutely buzzing today seeing what a great time you guys had, and how our efforts really made your holiday unforgettable. When you’re ready for another steady dose of surf & yoga, you know where to find us...we’ll just be over here serving up smiles.
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An incredible holiday, Soul and Surf does exactly what it say’s on the tin and more. I felt completely alive, engaged and in the moment. The place...no 5 star OTT stuff here, its rustic and beautiful and real. The people...TBH I went there not wanting to ‘chat’ but I couldn’t help myself, the team made me feel so welcome, they were full of life and very funny, I found myself giggling everyday. I’ve come home holding onto a piece of paradise.
Room tip: Mine was a really good room with a beautiful balcony
Date of stay: January 2019
Trip type: Traveled solo
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Vibes_India, Guest Relations Manager at Soul & Surf Kerala, responded to this reviewResponded February 4, 2019
We couldn’t be happier that you “get” what we’re doing over here Anita. We place a lot of focus on helping folks find that giggle. There isn’t a higher compliment than making our guests feel “alive, engaged, and in the moment”! Be sure to keep that piece of paradise safe until you’re able to make your way out again - we’d love to have you.
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Loved our stay at soul and surf. Great vibes and amazing staff that really made the stay :) loved the surf lessons every morning and yoga in the evening. The cafe breakfasts were great to meet others staying there too and talk to the volunteers! Food was delicious :) thanks guys
Date of stay: January 2019
Trip type: Traveled with friends
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Vibes_India, Guest Relations Manager at Soul & Surf Kerala, responded to this reviewResponded February 4, 2019
Great vibes are our speciality - delighted that you had a good time helping us create them! Absolutely agreed, the staff really is the secret sauce; except, that is, for the actual secret sauce...but the fish tacos aren’t telling.
We’ll keep the vibes high for you until we meet again.
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I spent the third and last week of my trip in India in this wonderful place and after a few days there of surfing, enjoying yoga on the roof top and meeting lovely people, I only wish I could stay one more week! The staff is fantastic and makes you feel like family. I enjoyed every single moment of these days and can't wait to come back.
Date of stay: January 2019
Trip type: Traveled solo
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Vibes_India, Guest Relations Manager at Soul & Surf Kerala, responded to this reviewResponded February 4, 2019
Our favorite superlative: “most perfect!” That we made you feel like a part of the Soul Family is really what it’s all about. Exploring the vast and rich beauty of India is always a good idea, and finishing off your trip relaxing in our beautiful clifftop paradise is the best. We wish you could have stayed for longer too. Our door is always open - come back soon!
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I had an amazing stay at Soul and Surf and loved every minute. I traveled solo but met so many great people and all the staff was just wonderful. I took surf and yoga sessions. The surf teachers were great (also many local teachers which is great!) and so were the yoga teachers (in particular Hayley). Food on site was delicious and location is great by being a little away from the super busy North Cliff though still in walking distance. Rooms are beautiful. Go if you can!
Date of stay: December 2018
Trip type: Traveled solo
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Vibes_India, Guest Relations Manager at Soul & Surf Kerala, responded to this reviewResponded February 4, 2019
Thanks for helping us spread the word about our great location and people - the two always seem to come together perfectly to create the magic. We’re so glad you had such nice yoga & surf sessions with us, as they inspire everything we do here. It really is a way of life, and it’s always available to you - at least until the end of April. Come back if you can!
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