There’s a moment every solo female traveller knows by heart. It happens right before you hit “Book Flight.” A big part of you is buzzing with pure excitement, but there’s also that quiet little voice asking: Is this actually a good idea?
When it comes to Bali, the answer is always yes.
The Island of the Gods has been welcoming solo female travellers for decades. The infrastructure is seamless, the vibes are high, and travelling alone here feels far more like an adventure than a challenge. Add surfing into the mix, and you’ve got one of the most energising, confidence-building trips you can take.
Here’s why heading to Bali solo is the best move you can make, and how our first-ever Kima Women’s Surf Retreat in Uluwatu turns a simple surf trip into the experience of a lifetime.
Well, Bali is made for it. It ticks a lot of boxes that matter when you’re travelling alone. The island is well-connected and safe, English is widely spoken across the island, and the local Balinese culture is warm and welcoming. The south coast, home to our camps in Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, has a thriving international community of surfers, digital nomads, and travellers, which means you’re rarely far from people who share your interests.
Female surf instructors are increasingly common, the lineups at beginner and intermediate spots are relaxed and welcoming, and the surf camp model is practically designed for solo travellers. You show up, you’re immediately part of a group, and the social side takes care of itself.
What if I don’t make friends? What if I feel alone? What if it’s not safe? Every woman thinks these things before she goes, and almost every woman forgets she ever thought them a few days in. Because she’s too busy planning trips, dinner and checking tomorrow’s forecast.
There’s something about surfing together that fast-tracks friendship. Maybe it’s the shared joy of catching a good wave, the mutual suffering of an early alarm, or the way a long dinner after a session just flows. Whatever the reason, surf trips have a way of turning strangers into people that become friends. You won’t stay solo for long within a day or two, there are plans being made, spots being shared, and group chats being started. Book the trip alone and leave with a crew.
No compromises, no negotiating. You eat when you want, you choose where to go, and stay as long as you like. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave wondering why they ever waited so long to do it.
We get asked this question all the time, and it’s worth breaking down because the daily rhythms are quite different. Both are incredible ways to improve your surfing and meet like-minded women in Bali. It really just comes down to the kind of energy you’re looking for:
| Surf Camp | Surf Retreat |
|---|---|
| Open, social atmosphere | Small, intimate group of women |
| Flexible schedule, make it your own | Fully curated programme from start to finish |
| Meet a wide mix of travellers | Build real connections with a handpicked group |
| Freedom to explore independently | Experiences organised and guided for you |
| Great value, all levels welcome | Premium experience |
Over the years we’ve welcomed thousands of women to our Bali surf camps and watched surf travel change lives. But we kept hearing the same thing from a certain kind of traveller, someone who wanted something a little more intimate. Smaller groups, a dedicated host, a curated itinerary, and a trip where every detail was taken care of.
So we built it. That’s exactly what inspired Kima Women’s Surf Retreats.
It’s a curated series of women’s surf retreats hosted in some of the most sought-after surf destinations on earth, with new locations continuing to be added. Each destination is carefully chosen for its rare beauty, powerful energy, unforgettable surf, and unique cultural experience.
We created the Kima Women’s Surf Retreats for women who:
It’s not a replacement for our camps. It’s a completely different kind of experience. It is one that sits alongside them. So when you’re trying to choose, don’t overthink it. The best decision is the one that makes you book the flight.
You’ve seen it on Instagram, you’ve sent it to your group chat, and you’ve thought about it more than once. Here it is.
18–28 August 2026 · Uluwatu, Bali · Limited to 8 guests
The Kima Women’s Surf Retreat is hosted by professional surfer Giada Legati. Uluwatu is the first destination in this new series of retreats in some of the world’s most sought-after surf destinations. Created by Giada x Kima Surf, it is the kind of surf trip she’d book herself.
And the timing couldn’t be better. August is one of the most consistent months of the year on the Bukit. This is a surf trip where you not only surf incredible waves with coaching shaped by years of competitive experience, but also return to one of Bali’s most beautiful designer villas, recover properly, enjoy dinners at some of the island’s best restaurants, and experience the Bali Giada was born and raised in.
First announced destinations include:
Mentawai Surf Charter — remote tropical islands, legendary world-class waves, and the ultimate boat trip adventure
Bali – Trendy surf towns, world-class waves and waves for every level!
Sri Lanka — coastlines lined with lush jungle, gentle rolling warm water waves, and a slow, soulful rhythm
Maldives — crystal clear lineups, perfect waves, and barefoot luxury at sea
Costa Rica — wild tropical energy, consistent surf, and pura vida living
Morocco — raw Atlantic power, desert-meets-ocean landscapes, and world-class point breaks
From the moment you arrive, everything has been thoughtfully curated for women who care just as much about where they stay, what they eat, and who they travel with as they do about the waves they’re surfing.
Surf progression is at the heart of this retreat.
Surf Hard. Recover Properly.
Discover The Real Bali
Great waves are only part of the story. This retreat combines surf progression with beautiful accommodation, Uluwatu’s best restaurants, local experiences beyond the guidebook and a small group of women who share the same passion as you! You’ll improve your surfing with expert guidance, stay in a hilltop villa, discover Bali through local eyes and leave with memories that last long after the trip is over. Think of it as part surf retreat, part girls’ trip, part gastro tour.
Please do. Some of the best friendships in Kima started with two girls who had never met before sharing a surf trip. This retreat naturally attracts women who love surfing, travel and beautiful experiences, so arriving solo is never as scary as it sounds.
This retreat is for intermediate surfers and above. You should feel comfortable catching and riding unbroken waves independently and paddling out without constant assistance. Not sure if you’re ready? Reach out and we’ll happily help assess your level.
A lot. Giada isn’t just dropping in for a photo and disappearing. She’ll be surfing, coaching, reviewing video analysis, joining dinners, sharing experiences and spending time with the group throughout the retreat. Think less ‘host’ and more experienced surf traveller, mentor and ultimate girls’ girl.
Not for long. Bali is the first stop in the curated series, with future retreats already planned in some of the world’s most beautiful surf destinations. Join our newsletter to be first in line when new locations and dates are announced.