The 10 Best Surf Lodges In The World

A surfing vacation is the ultimate experience for an admirer of this adventure sport. But to make it an unforgettable trip, there is more to consider than the water, sun, waves and the weather.

The après-surf scene and facilities at the place where you're staying are also important.

Businesses are beginning to understand that and are opening more and more surf-lodges all over the world – from cottages and overwater bungalows to hotels and luxurious resorts. Most have schools offering lessons to surfers of all levels.

The places on the following list vary in prices, accommodations, entertainment and geography. There is something for every kind of surf enthusiast – from the one who just wants waves and no crowds to the one who wants to try other fun activities.

The Harmony Hotel is just four minutes away from the surfing beach of Playa Guiones, an untouched surf break with consistent year-round waves. The staff will arrange you to visit a local surf school. Other active adventures to complete your vacation include river safari, horseback riding on the beach, zipline canopy tour, biking, and stand-up paddleboarding. A Conde Nast traveler review says of the place: "A fantasy of bygone surf culture so impeccably rendered that you can spend a week there 'surfing' without ever actually dropping in on a wave."

The Red Frog Bungalows is very close to one of the most spectacular beaches in the country. The two story custom bungalows are set quietly in the jungle. The resort is meant for people who are looking for adventures off the beaten path. Surfing in Bocas Del Toro is unbelievable as this is where you'll find some of the best breaks in the Caribbean. The season starts in early December and begins to fall off in early April. The peak of summer can also produce a mini season during the months of June and July. When you're not surfing, you can go fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or you can play beach volleyball and relax in a beachfront hammock.

"[Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore] is very much about old school and perfection. [...] You are treated first class the entire stay and the staff is more than willing to go above and beyond to accommodate your needs," one review on TripAdvisor reads. Most are very positive. Guests not only indulge in surfing but they also get to do a lot of wine tastings, sunbathing on the beach, relaxing by the pool, play golf or tennis. Offsite activities also include surfing lessons, scuba diving, sailing and bodyboarding.

The Popoyo Surf Lodge, snuggled into the valleys of Nicaragua's southern Pacific coast in Playa Guasacate, is known all over the world, especially for the amazing surf breaks and big waves due to consistent and prevailing offshore winds. The lodge offers lessons for beginners and special adventure day tours. If you want, you can get unlimited surf sessions from sun up until sun down via 4×4 truck on non-boat days and 3 full day boat trips per week in fully out-fitted surf pangas, to name a few.

Cabo Surf Hotel, as the name suggests, caters to surfers of all levels and few other kinds of adventurers. The hotels offers lessons year-round, even during off season between December and February when the waves are a bit smaller, but perfect for learning. Right above the surf break is an awesome pool and a bar so you can relax while enjoying the views of the water and other surfers. The Old Man is recommended for beginners. La Roca and Zippers are for more advanced surfers.

San Clemente, forming one of the most consistent, and wave-rich zones in Southern California, has been ranked among the best surf town in the U.S. The Nomad Hotel has an unmistakable "Island Style" surfing vibe with its seven very different but artistic rooms. The idea is to surf, eat and sleep. You get two guided surf sessions a day and a free beginner surf lesson. You also get to enjoy a beach BBQ, surf off their 28' Panga at remote beaches and a free board and wetsuit rental.

Surfing here is like no other place. The resort's location is ideal – it is exposed to swells generated by Southern Ocean storms that travel thousands of miles across the Indian Ocean to the reefs and shores, according to the Nihiwatu's website. The best time to go is usually between March and October. The ocean in Sumba is a very dynamic place and we can experience tides of about 13 feet. You can even stay in a unique tree house. Other possible experiences include trekking, scuba diving, going on a spa safari and horseback riding.

Portugal is known all over the world as one of the best surfing destinations on the planet. It's no surprise that you can find amazing lodges there. The Surfers Lodge is unusual – there is a living room instead of a lobby. They offer lessons to surfers of all levels. The Lodge has a variety of tours you can enjoy. Visit the famous Forte de São Miguel to learn about how 100-foot waves form, immerse yourself into the wild at Berlengas Islands that has a few a few inhabitants, or go on a wine tour.

More than 800 people have reviewed the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa on TripAdvisor and more than 600 of them say "excellent." The surfing options here include seaplane surfing safari. "You'll be on top of the world when you drop into a wave during your own customized surfing safari in the Indian Ocean." You can also go diving, snorkeling or on a dolphin watching cruise. Sunset fishing is also an option.

The St. Regis Princeville Resort, located on Hanalei Bay, has a private beach, Pu'u Po'a Beach, which lures guests into surfing. You can stay in a private cabana for sheer relaxation or take your pick among the many water sports you should try on the beach. You can have surfing and windsurfing lessons arranged for you. Many people love the swimming pool, which is heated, open 24 hours and has a stunning view.