Join SwellWomen for a week of surf progression, tropical reset, and elevated living in Cabarete — one of the most sought-after destinations for a surf retreat in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.

This women’s surf & yoga retreat is designed for those who want more than just a surf holiday. It’s for women who want to begin or improve their surfing with structure, feel strong in their bodies, and experience the kind of reset that only ocean, movement, and sun can give.

Located at Encuentro Beach — the most iconic surf break in Cabarete — you’ll surf warm, turquoise waters surrounded by palm trees and lush tropical nature. This is one of the best locations for consistent waves in the Caribbean.

One of the unique aspects of this location is that it offers waves for all levels — from complete

beginners to intermediate and advanced surfers. Different breaks are all located along the same stretch of beach, just a short walk from each other, allowing everyone to surf at their level while sharing the same experience.

Hotel El Encuentro Surf Lodge is just minutes walking from the break, and the training facility, Parallel, is located directly across the street — making your entire experience seamless, immersive, and deeply integrated.

September offers warm weather, sunny days, and fewer crowds — one of the best times to experience a surf retreat in the Dominican Republic.

Each day begins in the ocean with guided surf sessions. With a 1:2 coaching ratio and daily video

analysis, you’ll not only surf — you’ll understand your technique and improve with intention.

Surfskate training is a powerful tool to accelerate your progress. It allows you to practice maneuvers, refine body positioning, and build muscle memory on land — giving you the true feeling of surfing, without the unpredictability of the ocean.

Between sessions, your body and nervous system are supported through:

• Ice baths — to reduce inflammation, boost recovery, and build mental resilience

• Yin yoga — to deeply release tension, improve mobility, and bring mental calm

• Breathwork — to improve focus, control, and connection between body and mind

This balance between performance and recovery is what allows real progression to happen.

Hotel El Encuentro Surf Lodge offers a boutique, experience that blends tropical charm with modern comfort.

Expect beachy chic designed spaces, air conditioning, private bathrooms, and cozy, inviting areas to unwind. The atmosphere is intimate, stylish, and relaxed — perfect for a women’s surf retreat experience.

The property features a lush garden, a serene pool, and multiple chill areas designed for rest and connection.

Meals are a highlight of the experience. Breakfast and dinner are included daily, featuring fresh,

nourishing, farm-to-table cuisine with many ingredients grown on-site. Expect vibrant, wholesome dishes that support your energy, recovery, and overall well-being. Coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day.

Lola is a multifaceted woman who loves creating & connecting with and for women.

In 2022 after 5 years living as a nomad, chasing waves and creating around the world, she found herself leaving behind the solo-pursuits and finding a whole new passion in creating platforms for collaboration, education and empowerment across different disciplines: photography, yoga, surf and self-development. 

As a 200 hr YTT Vinyasa yoga instructor she has taught Vinyasa, Yin and meditation at a diversity of spaces and platforms in Holland, Argentina, Sri Lanka and Dominican Republic. As a photographer, she has taught online seminars and in-person classes of up to 50 people of all ages and social classes. 

In her journey as a photographer and retreat leader, she has worked with a wide array of camps and retreat brands such as: Aweekawake, Soul & Surf, Tiny Whale Surf, Mekayoga, etc. And she's bringing that experience to SwellWomen with our first retreat in El Encuentro, Dominican Republic.

How do we fit so much into one day? By taking care of all the details so that you can truly enjoy your retreat experience. The surfing time depends upon tides and swell size, but here is an example of a Swell Day:

• 6:00 am Coffee & Tea available

• 7:00 am Depart for surf session (surf schedule based on tides)

• 10:00 am Brunch

• Leisure time to enjoy the pool, get massages, explore the area

• 3:30 pm Video Analysis / Drills

• 5:00 pm Meditation & Yin Yoga

• 6:30 pm Group dinners together

The schedule will be created according to tides and surf conditions,  Do you need to participate in everything? We are here to provide options for you to choose from and we encourage you to do what feels best for you on any given day.  This is your surf and yoga retreat, and we are here to accommodate you in whatever choice brings you the maximum bliss.