From remote Indonesian hideaways to design-forward wave pool developments, surf culture is entering a new era of high-end hospitality—here’s where to check in and ride in style.
Surf travel isn’t what it used to be, and that’s exactly the point. Once the domain of backpackers and bare-bones beach camps, the sport is evolving into something more elevated. According to Grand View Research, surf tourism is on track to hit$65 billion by 2030, with surf-focused resorts leading the fastest growth. The shift is being fueled in part by surfing’s Olympic debut and a broader appetite for “skillcation” travel, where picking up something new is just as important as where you stay. The result? A more diverse crowd, from first timers to couples and solo travelers, all drawn to destinations that blend time in the water with thoughtful design, great food, and local culture.
NIHI Rote
NIHI Roteis shaping up to be one of the most anticipated surf openings of 2026, and for good reason. Set on the remote island of Rote in eastern Indonesia, the sister property toNIHI Sumbabrings the brand’s signature barefoot luxury to a destination long revered by serious surfers. The resort will feature just25 private villasoverlooking Bo’a Beach, where consistent, powerful waves break year-round. Guests will have front-row access to the famed Bo’a Barrel, along with guided “surfaris” to nearby breaks likeT-Land, known for its long, peeling lefts. It’s equal parts off-the-grid adventure and polished escape—exactly the balance today’s surf traveler is looking for.
Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort, Costa Rica
Lamangata Luxury Surf Resort
Tucked into Costa Rica’s lush southern coast,Lamangata Luxury Surf Resortoffers a more intimate take on the surf retreat. With just six ocean-facing suites, the 2025 opening feels more like a private hideaway than a traditional resort. What really sets it apart is the approach tosurf coaching: fine-tune technique with drone-assisted video analysis. Off the board, the property leans intowellness and sustainability, with a teak yoga studio, open-air massage space, and meals sourced from its own fruit forest and greenhouse. Low-key luxury with a purpose, Lamangata is perfect for travelers who want to improve their wave riding skills without sacrificing comfort.
Samas Suites & Villas
In La Saladita, often called Mexico’s “longboard paradise”,Samas Suites & Villasis quietly redefining the destination. Opened in 2025 as the area’s first hotel, the property sits directly in front of one of the country’s most forgiving and consistently rideable waves, making it especially appealing for beginners. The vibe is relaxed but intentional, with ocean-facing rooms, easy access to surf lessons, and a strong connection to the local community. Abreezy beach cluband restaurant serving market-driven dishes keeps things social without feeling overdone. It’s the sort of place where mornings start in the water and wrap up with a margarita in hand, effortless, but elevated.
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, Fiji
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Few waves carry the prestige ofCloudbreak,and one of Fiji’s leading resorts places guests closer than ever to the action. Located just a short boat ride from the legendary break,Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bayserves as the official accommodation partner for theWorld Surf League’s championship-deciding event. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most powerful and technically demanding reef breaks, Cloudbreak is strictly the domain of experts, making proximity alone a rarity. From overwater bures and lagoon-side villas to multiple dining venues and a serene, adults-friendly setting, the resort offers a front-row seat to elite-level surfing without sacrificing five-star comforts.
The Twin Fin
For classic Honolulu surf vibes with a polished edge,The Twin Finhotel taps into the spirit of Hawaii—widely considered the birthplace of modern surfing, while delivering a distinctly contemporary stay. Located just steps from Waikiki Beach, it offers easy access to some of theworld’s most iconic waves. A standout draw is the namesake surf school fromJamie O’Brien, a North Shore, born professional surfer, filmmaker, and Pipeline specialist known for his high-energy, accessible approach to the sport. Guests can learn from expert instructors through personalized lessons that pair technique with insider local knowledge. Add in streamlined Surf & Stay packages and easy access to Waikiki’s buzzy nightlife, and the experience becomes all the more seamless.
The Sitio
Unlike anything else on the East Coast,The Sitiobrings a fresh, design-forward take to the Virginia Beach oceanfront with concierge-arranged surf sessions and board delivery (wax included). Opened last month and located withinAtlantic Surf Park,home to North America’s firstWavegarden Cove surf lagoon, rooms at the 20-key boutique hotel feature a modern minimalist aesthetic, in-room surf racks, well-curated minibars, and artwork ranging from vintage coastal photography to pieces by international and local artists, such as Virginia Beach nativeSchuyler Beecroft. Select rooms overlook the lagoon, while a private infinity-edge pool and deck make it easy to unwind.
Not every great wave needs an ocean. Across the U.S., a new generation of wave pools is redefining where—and how—people surf. Here in California’s Coachella Valley,Palm Springs Surf Clubset the stage with its 2024 debut, while the forthcomingThermal Beach Clubis already generating buzz ahead of its 2027 opening. But it’sDSRT Surfthat’s leading the charge in the near term. Opening in June, the project brings a fully realized surf-and-lifestyle concept to Palm Desert, anchored by a 5.5-acre Wavegarden Cove lagoon capable of delivering up to 1,200 surf sessions per day.
DSRT Surf opens soon in Palm Desert
Set within Desert Willow Golf Resort, guests can book public surf sessions or train through a dedicated academy, then move seamlessly between yoga, pickleball, dining, and recovery. A 139-room hotel and a collection of private villas round things out, giving the project the feel of a true resort rather than a standalone attraction.
Sustainability is also central to the concept. Through its “Turf for Surf” initiative, DSRT offsets water use by removing non-essential turf from surrounding golf areas, complemented by drought-tolerant landscaping and systems that repurpose a portion of the lagoon’s water for irrigation—resulting in a net-zero water model. Projects like Atlantic Surf Park in Virginia and DSRT Surf here in California offer what traditional surf destinations can’t: perfect waves on demand, wrapped in a resort-driven lifestyle. It’s a different kind of surf trip, but one that’s quickly gaining momentum.
Palm Springs Surf Club
