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Best Surf & Yoga Retreats in Bali for Solo Travellers Over 50


Surf, Stretch, and Serenity: The Best Bali Retreats for Solo Travellers Over 50

Bali isn’t just for barefoot backpackers or influencers balancing on beach swings. Mature travellers are finding their paradise here too.

If you’re over 50, travelling solo, and seeking calm over chaos—Bali is calling. And no, you don’t need to be bendy or spiritual. A good attitude and maybe a sunhat will do.

Why Surf & Yoga Retreats Work So Well Over 50

Smiling solo traveller over 50 leaning on a surfboard at a sunny Bali beach, capturing the carefree spirit of mature adventure. Featured in The Road to Timbuktu’s blog post ‘Bali Bound: Solo Travel Over 50’, this fun snapshot celebrates confidence, sand, surf—and doing it all your own way.
The Road To Timbuktu

A growing number of surf and yoga retreats in Bali now cater to older travellers. They offer more than just exercise; they offer balance.

You’ll find gentle yoga classes, beginner surf lessons, and wellness programmes with purpose. Most come with private rooms, no single supplement, and zero pressure to chant.

No Flexibility Required (Physically or Socially)

Whether you want to stretch, surf, or simply snooze between smoothies, there’s a spot for you. The vibe? Laid-back, welcoming, and age-inclusive.

Many retreats create a shared sense of ease. You’re free to mingle or retreat—without ever feeling out of place. Ideal for solo travel in Bali over 50.

1. Pelan Pelan Bali – Surf, Stretch, and Serenity Near Canggu

Mature solo traveller practising yoga in Bali at sunrise, surrounded by tropical greenery
The Road To Timbuktu

Tucked away in the rice fields of Cemagi—just 20 minutes from Canggu—Pelan Pelan Bali lives up to its name. Meaning “take it easy” in Indonesian, this family-run surf and yoga retreat invites you to do exactly that.

You won’t find thumping beach parties or hectic itineraries here. Instead, expect calm mornings, fresh food, and the option to surf or just float through the day with purpose.

A Slow-Paced Retreat Perfect for Over 50s

Pelan Pelan offers a range of surf-and-yoga packages, including beginner-friendly surf lessons with video analysis. Whether you’re catching your first wave or just trying not to fall off the board, you’ll get personal coaching (1:2 instructor ratio).

Yoga classes take place in an open-air joglo, where you can ease stiff joints and breathe in the rice paddy views. Meditation is optional—no pressure, no chanting marathons.

Communal Dining, Private Rooms, No Awkwardness

The retreat caters especially well to solo travellers over 50. You can choose a private bungalow or share a dorm, and there’s no single supplement nonsense. Meals are served communally by the pool, giving you the perfect chance to chat—or not.

The vibe is social without being forced. One guest described it as “a home away from home,” and frankly, we agree.

Why It’s Great for Mature Solo Travellers

  • All-level surf instruction (you won’t be tossed in with adrenaline-hungry teens)
  • Gentle yoga for all bodies, stiff backs included
  • Healthy Indonesian meals daily (breakfast and lunch included)
  • Peaceful, community feel with river views and space to roam
  • On-site spa with traditional massages and body scrubs

Pelan Pelan doesn’t try to be flashy. It’s real, relaxed, and kind to both your body and your social battery.

👉 Visit Pelan Pelan Bali


💡 If you’re new to Bali, I’ve also put together a handy guide on what to pack for your solo trip over 50.

2. Mind Body Soul Surf Bali – Boutique Bliss in Seminyak

Solo female traveller over 50 surfing in Bali on a sunny day, capturing the spirit of active, mature travel and surf retreats from The Road to Timbuktu.
The Road To Timbuktu

Located in the heart of Seminyak—but thankfully not too close to the beach club chaos—Mind Body Soul Surf Bali is a boutique gem. Run by a surfer-yogi duo who know their stuff, it’s designed for wellness seekers who prefer peace over parties.

The beach is just minutes away. The airport? A painless 15-minute drive. No jungle trek or ferry mission required.

Wellness with a Personal Touch

Surf sessions are tailored to your skill level, with daily lessons that take you to some of Bali’s best breaks. You’ll also enjoy guided yoga (Hatha and Vinyasa), meditation, and spa treatments—because yes, your hamstrings will need a massage.

Meals are plant-forward and nourishing, with plenty of variety. Choose a ready-made retreat package or customise your own mix of surf, yoga, and wellness.

Quiet Corners and Easy Conversation

This isn’t a party pad. Expect early yoga, friendly vibes, and afternoons by the pool with a book. With a small guest count, it’s easy to connect—whether in a group class or over dinner under the stars.

The atmosphere is calm, the staff are incredibly attentive, and the setting offers just the right balance between community and solitude. Perfect for anyone seeking a Bali yoga and surf retreat over 50 that doesn’t feel like summer camp.

Why It’s Great for Solo Travellers Over 50

  • Boutique size = no crowds, no chaos
  • Close to cafes, shops, and transport
  • Airport transfers available for stress-free arrivals
  • Communal meals and classes make socialising natural
  • Emphasis on rest, growth, and gentle rejuvenation

👉 Visit Mind Body Soul Surf Bali


💡 New to the island? Start with my full guide: Bali Bound: Solo Travel Over 50 – Your Guide to Paradise!

3. Escape Haven – A Women-Only Wellness Retreat in Canggu

Group female yoga session at sunset on a Bali beach,
The Road To Timbuktu

If the idea of a peaceful, female-only sanctuary sounds more appealing than a co-ed surf camp full of show-offs, Escape Haven might be your place. Nestled near Echo Beach in Canggu, this retreat is designed for women of all ages—especially those who like a bit of pampering with their paddling.

The crowd? Think solo women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s who’ve traded deadlines for downward dogs.

Surf, Stretch, and Sisterhood

Each day begins with a surf session—small group lessons suitable for absolute beginners to more confident board riders. Afterward, you’ll wind down with restorative yoga, spa treatments, or a calming meditation workshop.

It’s all about wellness retreats in Bali for women over 50—with no pressure to perform, and no one judging your warrior pose.

Meals are healthy, delicious, and served family-style, encouraging connection without forcing it. You’ll likely bond over fresh smoothies and post-surf stories.

Built for Solo Female Travellers Over 50

This is one of the few surf and yoga retreats in Bali for mature solo women that genuinely delivers on inclusivity. Many guests arrive alone, and the retreat’s no-single-supplement policy makes it easy to say yes.

You’ll stay in either a shared lodge (if you’re feeling social) or a private cottage (for quiet reflection between massages).

The atmosphere is uplifting without being “woo-woo.” Think women’s retreat with surfboards and spa robes, not sage smoke and soul-gazing circles (unless you’re into that).

Why It’s Ideal for Solo Travel in Bali Over 50

  • All-women environment = zero pressure, full support
  • Private and shared accommodation options
  • Surf and yoga packages for all levels
  • Unlimited spa time—yes, really
  • Friendly group outings to temples, beaches, and markets

👉 Visit Escape Haven Bali


💡 Coming from abroad? Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing for a long-haul flight over 50—because jet lag and stiff joints are not part of the holiday plan. And don’t forget your travel pillow. Or your patience.

4. Surf & Yoga Retreat Uluwatu – Jungle Calm by Nyang Nyang Beach

Smiling mature solo female traveller practising yoga at a jungle retreat in Bali, representing active wellness holidays for women over 50.
The Road To Timbuktu

If you like your yoga and surf retreats in Bali with fewer crowds and more ocean breeze, this hidden gem in Uluwatu is your kind of peaceful. Just steps from quiet Nyang Nyang Beach and a short drive from the famed Uluwatu Temple, it’s all jungle serenity and coastal calm.

The location is remote, which means no noisy bars or scooter traffic—just birdsong, waves, and the occasional gecko on the yoga deck.

Balanced Days and Beginner-Friendly Surf

This retreat focuses on mindful living. Each day blends surf lessons (with video coaching and theory sessions) and varied yoga classes like Hatha and Yin. Meals are vegetarian-friendly, fresh, and nourishing.

The simple villa-style bungalows offer sea or garden views, making this an ideal wellness retreat in Bali over 50—especially if you’re not fussed about frills and prefer fresh air over Wi-Fi.

A Quiet Winner for Mature Solo Travellers

Everything is designed with comfort and calm in mind. Surf outings are grouped by ability, so you’ll never feel out of your depth—literally or metaphorically. Yoga is gentle and inclusive, not a flexibility contest.

Staff quickly learn your name (and your coffee order), and airport transfers are available. That means no late-night bargaining with taxi drivers who think GPS is optional.

This is one of the more meditative surf and yoga retreats for solo travellers over 50—perfect if you crave connection, but also appreciate solitude.

Why It Works for 50+ Solo Travellers

  • Morning yoga, afternoon surf: a simple, satisfying rhythm
  • No nightlife, no pressure—just nature, movement, and mindfulness
  • Staff adapt to your needs with ease
  • Transfers available for seamless arrival
  • Ideal base for exploring Uluwatu’s coast and temples

👉 Visit Surf & Yoga Retreat Uluwatu


💡 Staying longer? Check out my guide to the best full-day tours in Bali for solo travellers 50+ perfect if you fancy mixing in a volcano, rice terrace, or temple adventure between yoga sessions.

5. Surf Lodge Limasan – Relaxed Surf Vibes in Kerobokan

Group of mature solo travellers over 50 practising yoga on a Bali beach at sunset, reflecting wellness, community, and mindful travel in Southeast Asia.
The Road To Timbuktu

If you like the sound of a Bali surf retreat that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Surf Lodge Limasan might be the perfect pick. Located in Kerobokan—just north of Canggu—it’s a cross between an eco-lodge and a stylish hostel, with polished concrete, thatched roofs, and zero pretension.

It’s surf, sunshine, and smoothie bowls—without the full-blown beach club chaos.

Gentle Surf Days and Optional Yoga

Daily surf coaching is available for all levels. Most sessions take place on Canggu’s more mellow waves, making it ideal for older beginners or those looking to shake off a few decades of rust.

Yoga can be added à la carte, with morning Hatha or evening stretches to soothe tired limbs. Not in the mood to move? There’s a “just relax” package that encourages pool naps and rice paddy bike rides instead. Yes, really.

Comfort, Conversation, and Community

This isn’t a party hostel, but it is social. Guests often gather around the pool, share sunset BBQ dinners, or chat over breakfast. It’s casual, not cliquey.

You can book a dorm bed or splash out on a private villa—there’s no single supplement, and the vibe is welcoming for all. Everything’s included: surfboard rental, surf transport, even accident insurance (because no one wants to test the local healthcare system at 55).

This is a solid choice for solo surf holidays over 50, especially if you want freedom, comfort, and a touch of camaraderie.

Why It Works for Mature Solo Travellers

  • Private or shared rooms with no pressure either way
  • Surf coaching tailored to your ability
  • Yoga classes available but optional
  • BBQ nights, open-air dining, and easy conversation
  • Free use of bikes and kayaks

👉 Visit Surf Lodge Limasan


💡 Flying in from abroad? Check out my post on how to find cheap flights over 50—because saving on airfare means more for seafood and spa days.

6. Bali Bliss Sanctuary – Luxury Wellness for Solo Women in Canggu

Woman meditating on a Bali clifftop at sunset, overlooking the ocean — representing peaceful yoga and wellness retreats for solo travellers over 50.
The Road To Timbuktu

If you’re the kind of traveller who wants a Bali retreat for mature women that involves more spa robes than surfboards, Bali Bliss Sanctuary will be your happy place. This all-inclusive wellness haven in Canggu is women-only, solo-friendly, and unashamedly indulgent.

It’s wellness without the woo, and spa days without the guilt. Bliss, indeed.

Yoga, Surf, and Unlimited Spa (Yes, Really)

Every day includes yoga or Pilates, meditation, and gourmet health-conscious meals. If you fancy a splash of adventure, you can opt for their Surf Retreat Package, which includes 1:1 coaching at nearby beaches.

Not into surfing? No problem. Their famous unlimited spa treatments cover everything from massages to facials. Add in stand-up paddle boarding, custom yoga classes, and you’re basically on the fast track to glowing.

Designed for Women Travelling Solo Over 50

This place is built for solo female travellers, with private luxury rooms (no dorms or “shared experience” awkwardness here). Most guests are mature women on a personal reset—so you’ll be doing downward dog beside someone who also remembers cassette tapes.

The schedule is structured but stress-free, and group bonding happens naturally over communal meals and spa time.

Why It’s a Top Pick for 50+ Solo Wellness Seekers

  • Private rooms with spa-like bathrooms
  • Unlimited spa treatments (yes, again)
  • All meals, transfers, and activities included
  • Surfing optional, pampering guaranteed
  • Built for solo women—no single supplement in sight

👉 Visit Bali Bliss Sanctuary


💡 Long flight ahead? Before booking that seat next to the loos, read my tips on finding the best airplane seats for long-haul flights. Your spine will thank you.

Wellness & Surf Blend: A Daily Rhythm That Actually Works

Three solo female travellers laughing together on a Bali beach with a surfboard, symbolising joyful surf retreats for women over 50.
The Road To Timbuktu

These surf and yoga retreats in Bali are masters of balance. No bootcamp vibes, just a steady, restorative flow.

Mornings often start with yoga or meditation in open-air shalas. Expect soft stretches beside forest canopies or a shimmering pool.

Surf Without the Stress

After a nourishing breakfast—think smoothie bowls and tropical fruit—you’ll hit the waves. Surf instructors cater to all levels.

At Pelan Pelan, lessons are tailored for everyone, from total newbies to seasoned surfers. No pressure, just paddling at your pace.

Afternoons are left blissfully open. Some opt for a massage, others lounge in river pools or sip coconut water with a book.

Evenings That Feed the Body and Soul

Dinner is communal but relaxed—fresh Indonesian cuisine shared under the stars. These retreats aren’t just about wellness—they’re about warmth.

You’ll find healthy meals, easy conversation, and zero judgement for going to bed at 9pm. (We’ve all been there.)

Surf, Spa, Stretch – Repeat

Most retreats offer flexible packages that let you mix and match your pace.

  • Pelan Pelan lets you alternate surf and yoga days depending on your mood.
  • Mind Body Soul Bali packages wellness, yoga, and surf into a calming daily blend.
  • Escape Haven follows surf with massages and restorative movement.
  • Bali Bliss Sanctuary adds spa indulgence to everything—yes, that includes “unlimited” treatments.

Built for Mature Travellers

The best part? You don’t need to be fit as a fiddle. All retreats are accessible for older adults and beginners.

Surf lessons are slow-paced and supportive. Yoga includes yin and restorative styles, designed to help—not humble—your hamstrings.

The result is a Bali surf and wellness holiday over 50 that keeps you active without wiping you out. You’ll return feeling refreshed, not wrecked.

💡 Curious about Bali’s best day trips? Check out my list of top full-day tours in Bali for solo travellers 50+ to add a little adventure between surf sessions.

Vibe and Social Atmosphere: Calm, Not Clubby

Three mature solo travellers laughing together on a Bali beach, highlighting the friendly, social side of wellness retreats for over 50s.
The Road To Timbuktu

One thing these retreats have in common? A peaceful, welcoming vibe that skips the late-night parties.

At Pelan Pelan, guests gather in the riverside yoga shala or cook together at the BBQ four nights a week. It’s relaxed, inclusive, and very un-Canggu-party-scene.

Mind Body Soul and Surf Lodge Limasan both offer communal spaces and group yoga classes—great for sparking conversations without forced mingling. You might share a stretch in the morning and end up swapping surf tips over dinner.

Friendship Without the FOMO

None of these retreats double as nightclubs. Evenings are usually filled with herbal tea, beach walks, or spa treatments. Escape Haven and Bali Bliss Sanctuary lean into the sisterhood feel—perfect for women looking to connect without small talk fatigue.

You can chat about life over a smoothie bowl, join a temple outing, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded women. No one expects you to be the life of the party (unless you want to be).

Whether it’s a rice-field walk, shared surf session, or quiet conversation at dinner, these Bali retreats for solo travellers over 50 strike the perfect balance between solitude and connection.

💡 Thinking of expanding your Southeast Asia adventure? Don’t miss my guide to solo travel in Thailand over 50—same vibe, different spice level.

Accessibility and Safety: Sorted from Arrival to Savasana

Mature solo traveller over 50 walking through a bright, busy airport terminal with luggage in hand, capturing the start of a long-haul journey filled with anticipation and quiet confidence.
The Road To Timbuktu

Worried about getting there solo? Don’t be. Every retreat listed here is easily reachable from Bali’s main airport, Ngurah Rai (Denpasar). Most spots—like Seminyak and Canggu—are just a 30–45-minute drive away. Uluwatu takes a little longer, but the view’s worth it.

A one-way airport transfer usually costs between IDR300k–500k (around £15–25). Most retreats will organise it for you, or you can sort a private pickup ahead of time.

✈️ Book your flights here via Booking.com
🚐 Arrange airport transfers with Viator

On-Site Safety and Support

Once you arrive, most retreats offer a short orientation. You’ll be shown where to get essentials, how to walk to the beach, and even where the nearest clinic is—just in case.

Staff are usually English-speaking and incredibly attentive. Many retreats have reception staff or on-call support 24/7, and you’ll often find security gates or discreet night guards in place.

Built for Safe, Solo Travel Over 50

Surf lessons come with safety gear and certified instructors. Some even include accident insurance for extra peace of mind.

Most importantly, you won’t be stuck alone. From group yoga classes to shared temple visits, there’s always a chance to connect—without ever feeling out of place.

As for solo women travellers? The feedback is nearly universal: safe, supported, and at ease. The only real concern? Forgetting where you left your flip-flops.

👉 Planning a wellness escape? Don’t miss my All-Inclusive Wellness Retreats in Asia for Solo Travellers Over 50 — beaches, smoothies, and none of the drama.

Best Time to Visit: Surf, Sun & Sanity

A mature solo female traveller watches the sunset on a quiet Bali beach, framed by dramatic sea stacks and golden light—capturing the essence of freedom and reflection during the best time to go to Bali over 50 solo, as featured on The Road to Timbuktu travel blog.
The Road To Timbuktu

Dry Season (April–October): The Sweet Spot

This is when Bali’s surf-and-yoga retreats really shine. The days are hot, sunny, and breezy. Temperatures sit in the high 20s°C, but low humidity keeps things comfortable.

Peak surf hits between June and August—especially in Uluwatu. But the shoulder months (April–June and September–October) strike the best balance:
✅ Good waves
✅ Great weather
✅ Smaller crowds

It’s also when solo travel over 50 in Bali feels easiest. Quieter beaches, emerald rice fields, and no rave-related soundtracks to your savasana.

Wet Season (November–March): Lush, but Damp

Humidity rises, and afternoon showers are common. Still, the rain passes quickly and makes the jungle pop. Western beaches can turn a bit murky, but spa days and gentle yoga carry on rain or shine.

November to February sees the heaviest downpours. Still, for budget-conscious travellers, it’s not a bad shout—just pack light rain gear and expect some flexibility.

Avoid late December and New Year’s Eve if you’re not into crowds or quadruple hotel prices. Seriously, Kuta is bedlam.

When to Avoid the Party Crowd

If the phrase “beach club brunch” gives you the ick, skip July, August, and Christmas week. These are peak times in Canggu, Kuta, and Legian. Expect traffic, crowds, and thumping bass.

Instead, go for:

  • May/June or September – warm, dry, mellow
  • April or October – great shoulder months for older travellers

As one guide bluntly puts it, “Kuta during high season might not be your first choice if serenity matters.”

💡 Extending your stay? Check out affordable hotel deals that won’t blow your post-retreat bliss budget.🧳 Need cover? See my go-to travel insurance options for older travellers.
🎟️ Want more to do? Browse 1000+ Bali tours and experiences.
🧦 Forgot your yoga socks? My Amazon travel kit has the essentials.

Final Thoughts: Surf, Stretch & Smile Your Way Through Bali

Two mature women enjoying cocktails and conversation at a Bali beach bar, reflecting the friendly expat and solo travel community over 50. As featured in The Road to Timbuktu’s ‘Bali Bound: Solo Travel Over 50’, this joyful moment captures the sociable side of long-term stays and solo adventures in paradise.
The Road To Timbuktu

Who says solo travel over 50 has to be quiet, clinical, or full of tour buses? Bali’s surf and yoga retreats prove the opposite—welcoming, warm, and perfectly paced for mature travellers who want adventure without sacrificing comfort.

Whether you’re easing into your first wave or rediscovering your love of wellness in a shala by the sea, there’s something here for you. And the best bit? You can show up solo and leave with restored energy, new friends, and possibly a slightly sunburned nose.

👉 For even more tips on solo travel in Bali over 50, check out my full guide:
Bali Bound: Solo Travel Over 50 – Your Guide to Paradise

🛠️ Handy Travel Tools I Personally Find Useful

Peter Kane from The Road to Timbuktu working on his travel blog at a tropical beach bar, researching destinations and travel tools for solo travellers over 50
The Road To Timbuktu

Here’s what I use myself — no fluff, no clickbait, just genuinely useful tools:

FlightsBooking.com or (Going.com – USA departures)
Hotels/Resorts/Guesthouses/Boutique Stays
Hostels with Private Rooms
Airport TransfersCar Rental
Pre-book Entry Tickets, Tours & Activities
Travel Essentials
eSIM & SIMs
Travel Insurance
Asia: Buses/Taxis/Ferries
Train & Bus Tickets (over 80 countries)

View the full list of travel resources on my Trip Planning Tools Page.


Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this post may earn me a small commission — not quite enough to buy a beachside villa, but certainly enough to keep me caffeinated and just witty enough to keep creating. Book through them, and you, my friend, are officially a legend.

Image Disclaimer: The images featured in this post are not direct representations of the specific retreats mentioned. Instead, they’re chosen to reflect the spirit of solo travel over 50 in Bali, showcasing mature travellers enjoying surf, yoga, and the wellness lifestyle this island is known for. Consider them inspiration, not exact previews.

Whether you’re preparing your documents, triple-checking visa rules, or just having a “do I need a photo for this?” moment, these official links will steer you in the right direction. Below are reliable resources for travel advisories and visa applications—perfect for solo travellers over 50 who prefer peace of mind with their passport stamps.

Travel Advice for Most English-Speaking Countries Including EU

Visa Information for Asian Countries

Thanks for exploring The Road to Timbuktu — and here’s to many more stamps in your passport! 🌎✈️