Awake Siargao: Siargao, Philippines 🏄🇵🇭

It's been a whole week since the retreat has ended and I'm still smiling thinking about what an incredible week I had in Siargao surfing, eating the most delicious food, practicing yoga, trying out ice baths, island hopping - etc etc; these are just some of the many many highlights. Rem and Castel are truly wonderful hosts and made my first surf retreat the experience of a lifetime. I had such a blast, and it wouldn't have been the same without the amazing group I shared it with. Thanks Rem and Castel for bringing so much love and care to everything you do, and for being such a joy to be around. I hope one day to be surfing with you again!!!

Awake siargao retreats was a trip of a lifetime. Remalyn and Castel are such incredible hosts, taking care of every last detail; from organizing epic surf sessions, relaxing accommodations, individual scooter transportation, restorative massages, limit testing ice baths, CrossFit and yoga if you feel up for it and of course delicious dining at a different hotspot for every meal. The surf spots are breathtaking, and the instructors are extremely friendly and informative. The vibes in the water are immaculate. Always felt safe, taken care of, and was smiling the entire time with the whole crew. Informative drone analysis is done and everyone in the group improved so much in just one week! Surfing aside, if you can manage to push past dinner you won’t regret it as the night life is just as fun and vibrant. Please don’t miss an opportunity to see the local talent playing in multiple bars and restaurants every night, especially if it’s your very own host, Castel. Incredible. I shared a million laughs, and have new friends, photos and memories that I’ll always cherish. If the opportunity comes, don’t miss out to book a spot on the next retreat. Remalyn and Castel give their heart to making these experiences unforgettable and you can really feel it. Can’t thank them enough! Can’t recommend it enough!

I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into booking this retreat. Solo traveler, first time in the Philippines and no surfing background but all my worries were erased before lunch on the first full day. The perfect trip to not think and just surf, eat, relax and enjoy the sun. The best part is how accommodating Rem and her team are. As someone who is not too big on yoga, Rem did a fantastic job of setting me up with as much CrossFit as I could squeeze in instead. Want to get an extra surf session in while the group is participating in some other activity? Rem can ask around for a guide to take you to the best spots. Rem also does a masterful job at bringing a group of complete strangers together and making everyone the best of friends before leaving. I was looking into another trip to Siargao while waiting on my plane off the island.

TLDR Awake Siargao is the best surf retreat you will ever go on.

I have been to a few surf retreats in different surf destinations and this was hands down the best, most organized, thought out, meticulously planned experience I have taken part in. Rem and Castel work incredibly hard the entire week to ensure all retreat participants are fully taken care of , and the amount of work they do behind the scenes to make sure everything goes off without a hitch is beyond impressive. From start to finish, the team spoiled us and took care of every detail so we could simply enjoy and relax. Every detail was invested with thoughtfulness and effort, from taking us to the amazing secret surf destinations to avoid crowded lineups, amazing surf coaches, variety of wonderful restaurants for lunch and dinners, and an amazing island hopping day trip. And ofcourse the accommodations were amazing as well. I could go on and on but better to just book the retreat and experience for yourself :)

I had a great week with the team of Awake Siargao in February and am really looking forward to going back! 🥰🙏🏻
However I hadn’t understood from se websitw that the private rooms are not in the place that is pinned on Google maps (close to Cloud9), but instead on the other side of General Luna in a boutique hostel called Bajala so I was quite upset finding that out once I got there after 24 hours of traveling. Luckily my host(ess) Castel made me feel understood and took care of me even while I was grumpy. 🫣😂 Castel and Rem are both such amazing people, you really can feel the Philipino hospitality and kindness radiating from them (they even hooked me up with my personal tuktuk because I don’t drive a scooter 🫰🏻). My surf instructor JR was great as well, pushing me to try different boards and also understanding my limits. 🙏🏻
All in all I can definitely recommend Awake if you want to have a carefree surf experience on the island! ❤️🤙🏻