Awake Siargao: Siargao, Philippines 🏄🇵🇭

Awake Siargao is more than just a surf retreat—it’s a transformative experience crafted by Rem, Castel, and their exceptional team. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this crew goes far beyond simply providing an incredible surf experience. They dedicate their whole selves to each guest, creating an atmosphere of genuine warmth, laughter, and care that exceeded all of my expectations.

The surf experience itself was phenomenal, with top-notch organization and thoughtful attention to detail. The surf locations were perfectly chosen, catering to varying skill levels and ensuring the best waves. The accommodations were luxurious (a treat!), and the meals were nothing short of extraordinary—a true celebration of local flavors.

What stood out most to me as a traveler was Awake Siargao’s commitment to supporting the local community and economy. They work closely with locals, ensuring that their retreat uplifts and honors the culture and people of Siargao. This added a meaningful layer to my trip, knowing my experience contributed positively to the island I was enjoying, as this was my top priority.

For surfers and travelers seeking a mix of great waves, authentic Filipino hospitality, and moments of peace, I cannot recommend Awake Siargao enough. It’s a truly elevated experience that blends adventure, culture, and connection in the most remarkable way. I’ll carry the memories of this retreat—and the incredible people who made it so special—with me always.

10/10 ...A phenomenal week, I recommend this retreat to anyone visiting Siargao!

I am a Canadian solo traveler who have been visiting Asia for 3 months now and I can say that Awake retreat is the highlight of my trip so far. Three days prior to my arrival, I was looking for a place to stay in Siargao and randomly felt on Awake website. I selected this place because I loved Rem's customer service. She was able to answer all of my questions and proceed with the reservation in the required time. Once there, I met my amazing host... Chingy. She welcomed me and integrated me into her community in an inviting and caring way. She organized my days while ensuring of my well-being during the entire stay. Jay R, my surf instructor was also incredible. He was able to dispel my previous traumas related to water, he was patient and above all very knowledgeable and a great teacher. Choosing Awake retreat is not only choosing a place for your vacation but it is also immersing yourself in the culture and being a part of an extraordinary team.

I would guess that most people go to a surf retreat to take a break, but I booked Awake Siargao as a surf and work retreat.

The booking process was easy. Reviews are spot on. Rem is great at getting things organised from first contact onwards.

The accommodations are great. Just note that it’s a province - the roosters do their work well and church bells ring at 4am during the Christmas season. If you need quiet to sleep, ear plugs may be needed.

It’s not easy to describe the experience. They give you a good taste of the local. There is nothing like seeing Siargao with a friend to guide you, and that’s how the retreat feels.

But there is also a sense that they are one of those companies that help make a place better. They’re training coaches who are already great to be better, and they’re generous with knowledge even with the rest of the community.

This is the most improvement in how I surf, by far, and I’ve tried various other lessons. Caught my first big wave and I wanted to dance on the board in the middle of the ocean! I can even read the surf forecasts now.

Work got done too. Numbers and sheets are so much better at the beach after a morning surf.

We had an amazing time with Awake Siargao. From the time of booking to our final day, Rem and her team were incredibly helpful and friendly. We progressed in our surfing and had so much fun doing so. Even with small hiccups with weather or island wide power outages, the Awake team quickly accommodated us and our every need. We cant wait to come back!

Best surf retreat I’ve ever done in my life - can’t recommend this enough!! I’ve been on 3 previous surf retreats (Sydney, Costa Rica & Nicaragua) but as you know, surfing is very difficult to learn as an adult so I still had a lot of challenges and fears catching. But after just 1 week with Awake Siargao, I had caught so many waves, progressed so much and had so much fun that I extended another week!

Rem, the founder is so warm and lovely and works around the clock to give you a curated experience. She has set up the retreat impeccably - from the airport pick up, to the accommodation, to the massages and ice baths and activities like a boat tour. Her communication is great and she shares the plan each day on WhatsApp and checks in. She even took the time to surf with us on our first day, hyped me up after I caught my first wave and even checked in on me to make sure I could paddle out again! She totally went above and beyond and is so incredibly sweet <3

Estong, my coach is the best surf coach I’ve ever had. He is so patient, relaxed and an incredible teacher. On the first day, he asked me what my goals were and literally got me 4 different boards to try so I could figure out the perfect surfboard. His instruction is super clear to follow and he always took the time to listen to all my fears (which was basically every time I went out haha) and always made sure I was safe. He was always so warm and friendly and even introduced me to local surfers in the line up, who in turn, were welcoming - this is so rare. I find surfing incredibly intimidating and (honestly) always feel so out of place as a beginner in the ocean - but I always felt welcome and part of the crew with Awake Siargao. Estong also helped me get over my fears to the extent that he even had me surfing Cloud 9, which is an advanced wave.

And then Siargao - what a a vibe! The culture on this island is unparalleled. Incredible food, friendly people, amazing local surf scene. Great cocktails and food across the island - whether you want to do something high end or cheap. Ahhh, I’m going to miss zooming around on a scooter in my bare feet and surfboard in tow!

If your everyday life is filled with hard decisions and you’re looking for time to unplug and have your days planned out perfectly for you then an Awake Retreat is for you! 10/10 recommend booking a getaway with Awake Siargao!! I made last minute plans to visit the surfing capital of the Philippines with the intention of learning how to surf and Rem & her team made the whole process smooth and stress free. The whole team was very fast to respond to all of my questions and needs. The attention you get from your instructors is unmatched and the energy everyone gives makes the phrase, “it’s more fun in the Philippines”, ring true. I highly recommend asking for Jack if you’re looking for a surf instructor who is knowledgeable, listens to your concerns, helps you make the necessary changes for a better ride, and makes the sport fun! I had such a blast riding the waves with Chingy! She is the sweetest and her willingness to go out of her way to help me with anything I needed was SO appreciated! Because it was a last minute booking, I didn’t have the correct swimwear for surfing, but both she and Rem gave me many recommendations on where to get all the things! She even brought some swimsuits from a local shop to my villa for me to try on!! Having Chingy, Rem, and Jack (amongst many others whom I had just met) there to cheer me on as I learned how to ride made the surf a lot less daunting and much more fun. I’m glad to say I not only had the best time, but I also left the retreat with new friends 😊 My time in Siargao was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation, all of which could not have been achieved without Rem and her team!!

Amazing crews and the best surf coaches!
It's hard to beat Awake Siargao retreat experience anywhere else! Thank you so much for the fantastic experience! Definitely recommend this to everyone!

My father and I, aged 65 and 30, made a last-minute decision to visit Siargao while on an island-hopping tour of the Philippines without a set itinerary. We couldn’t have made a better choice! The retreat with Awake Siargao Retreats turned out to be an incredible experience for both of us, despite our age difference.

I was particularly grateful for how our dedicated host, Rem, organised everything seamlessly on such short notice. From the moment we arrived, every detail was taken care of from airport transfers and a welcoming massage to motorbike rentals, well-organised activities and a list of recommended restaurants and cafes. We didn’t have to do any thinking or planning ourselves!!

The retreat was perfectly tailored to our needs, offering a fantastic mix of health and wellness activities. The surfing lessons, held in a space that wasn’t overcrowded and was safe for beginners, were a highlight. We learned so much and made significant progress, thanks in part to the drone footage and 1:1 feedback session. It was great to keep all the footage for our memories.

In addition to surfing, we enjoyed invigorating CrossFit sessions, calming yoga, and transformative breathwork. The schedule was well-balanced, providing structured activities while allowing ample free time to relax, explore, and enjoy the island’s beauty. The retreat also included a thoughtfully organised tour of Siargao, letting us fully appreciate everything the island has to offer.

Our accommodation at Munimuni Villas was comfortable, clean and well-suited to the retreat’s vibe. Rem and the staff were exceptionally attentive, creating a friendly, chilled environment and making communication easy.

I would love to return and participate in a 7-day group retreat. Overall, this retreat was a wonderful blend of wellness, adventure, and personal growth. I highly recommend Awake Siargao Retreats to anyone looking to recharge in a beautiful, personalised setting while advancing their skills, enjoying unique experiences, and discovering the island’s charm.

Thank you Rem for hosting us in such a personalised way!

OH MY WOW!!! I don't really know where to begin except by saying how amazing this retreat was. I will try my best to make this short and sweet but no guarantees...

First things first, I was hesitant to book because I have done surf trips but had never participated in guided trips and usually just find the waves on my own. But this was beyond just pointing us in the right direction and sending us off with a rental (which btw I could have never found these breaks on my own). It was in an intimate setting with a team that honestly did not make it feel weird they are local people, with local wave knowledge as well as understanding surf analysis and wave swell.
Estong and Tacio ( both surf instructors) really pushed me to adjust my icky bad surf habits but did it in a functional way that made me adjust my mistakes but also laugh so hard during the process. Edward, the drone pilot helped put everything in perspective because we were able to sit down one on one and analyze what was going on with the provided footage.

Beyond the surfing, Rem is honestly a gem!! Such a sweet person and organized the surf, yoga, ice bath, transportations, accommodations and who knows what else she did behind the scenes. She is one of those people who are not only so organized but she genuinely made me feel like she cared about me, coming out to surf and yoga when I knew she had a million other things to do.

I did not mean to make this so long but honestly, I was blown away by the genuine love everyone had for the beautiful island of Siargao and care they took of me any my friend. I am leaving the retreat feeling like I made real connections with the group and see them as lifelong friends. If you are like me and hesitant I can't tell you enough how worth it was to book this retreat.

I've just returned home from the most incredible trip with Awake Siargao Retreats. This was my first time travelling solo and it was one of the best experiences of my life! I booked very last minute for a couple of days as it was an extension of a work trip with flexible dates and Rem easily accommodated me. Rem was amazing from start to finish and produced the itinerary to perfectly suit me. I highly recommend Awake Siargao Retreats to anyone, whether you're a solo traveller, a couple or travelling in group - It suits everyone! You will not regret it - Just book the trip!

I joined the Awake Siargao Retreat and it is just AMAZING! I increased in surfing like never before -- and this in one week. Rem the Host of the Retreat is so passionate about surfing and she gave so much good energy and good vibes in every Day. Everything was perfectly organisized, moreover it was really adjust what i personally wanted. I could just focus in my surf. We had a videoanalyzing with the Headcoach from the Philippina Surfteam witch was very exclusive and really bings me forward in my surf. The Surflessons I had was with the best Surf Instructor I ever had! ( And I expirienced with a lot of diffrent Surfinstructors).
And after all the Acommodiation in Muni Muni was just stunning :))

I am still STOKED from the Retreat!

Thank you 🤙

Before i Write a roman - if you want an active week with surfing, yoga and/or crossfit or just wanna learn something any of these without worrying about a single thing - BOOK this retreat.

We spent 8 days here and wouldn’t miss a single minute in siargao. The island is just magical and without any doubt THE paradise!!!

We were there for a private retreat because there was no group at our fixed dates happening - but I’ll say it was still absolut incredible. Beautiful accommodation which is nice located, “all-in-carepaket” and all activities included. Also you will meet an amazing host - REM thank you so much for hosting us. Not just hosting sharing your life, showing your favorite spots and restaurants and always trying to get the best out of even worse situations. Rem as a local builded and still building the best team around her. I think there’s nothing even close comparable available here.

End of story best active relaxing and improving week you can imagine!

Thanks rem

This retreat was definitely one for the books. I had an amazing time throughout the 7-day stay. I initially joined the retreat to accompany my girlfriend for her birthday trip, but I think I might have enjoyed it even more than she did haha. Rem was a fantastic host and not to forget her co host, Manu!—always checking in with us and ensuring our comfort by adjusting the itinerary to suit everyone. This flexibility was great, as we never felt we were tied to a fixed schedule.

The one-on-one surfing lessons were excellent, and I really appreciated the consistent feedback from the instructors after each set. Plus, the sick drone shots of your surf session, which you get to keep!

Surfing, great food, nature, community, scooters—Awake Siargao Retreat offers it all on the paradise island of Siargao. I would highly recommend this retreat, 10/10!

An amazing week spent surfing the most magical breaks and swells on the beautiful Island of Siargao.

The organisation, logistics, equipement, and coaching were first class. All of our needs and wishes were tended to.

We stayed in a beautiful designer hotel where the staff could not do enough for us. The food, drinks and service were first-class. Im already looking to book back on in October.

Two weeks ago I had the great pleasure of experiencing an unforgettable week at Awake Siargao Retreats, organized by the incredible Rem! From the moment I arrived until the bittersweet farewell, every aspect exceeded my expectations - Rem's meticulous planning and attention to detail were evident from the start, and the itinerary she put together for our group included various fun and action-loaded activities.

The highlight, of course, was the surfing! Each morning, we were paired with our own instructor who guided us through the waves of Siargao’s best surfing spots - mostly just a quick ride on the scooter and/or boat away from our hotel. The team of instructors was friendly, professional and fun to hang out with - and whether we were beginners or a bit more experienced, the 1:1 coaching definitely made all the difference and ensured that we all made progress and had an absolute blast out on the water. I could definitely see a big learning curve after just a few sessions!

But the retreat offered a lot more than just surfing - there was yoga, massages, cross-fit, island-hopping, an ice-bath,... What truly set this experience apart, however, was the sense of community and camaraderie fostered by Rem and Manu. From shared dinners to impromptu Karaoke after a few drinks - all in all, it just felt like hanging out with a group of friends.

In every aspect, Rem's retreat exemplified excellence: The accommodation was amazing, the dinner locations were carefully picked, the food was delicious - and the atmosphere was simply great! I genuinely had the best time and I wholeheartedly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure on Siargao island. Thank you, Rem, Manu and team, for an experience I’ll never forget!

My week in Siargao was an absolute dream thanks to this all-inclusive getaway! From top-notch surfing lessons organized by Rem, our host, and her team, to the variety of complementary activities like yoga and fitness classes, every aspect was meticulously planned. The flexible schedule allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience without any worries. My surf instructor, Tacio, provided individualized coaching, which was very helpful with helping me improve, and he knows the 'just right' level of challenge for me each day. During our retreat, we were able to enjoy different surf locations including Stimpy's, Pesangan, Rock Island and Salvacion without worrying about the transport and logistics. We also had one surf analysis session (based on our drone-recorded surf footage) which was invaluable for our progress. On top of that, Rem's hospitality truly went above and beyond - we were able to enjoy the best food and experiences that Siargao had to offer, which include a day just for island hopping! Can't wait to return for another unforgettable trip!

Couldn’t speak more highly of the Awake Siargao experience! We did the 7 day all inclusive surf and yoga retreat. Everything we did I could tell had been thought about with optimising the guest experience in mind. The included food choices were clearly the best on the island, extremely refreshing, refuelling and delicious. The surf coaching is tailored to your experience. The accomodation is way more comfortable than I would have expected. Having all of these aspects organised for you by the host made it so easy to relax rather than be planning and deciding :)

But overall the key standout feature to me was Rem’s and Claire’s flexibility (the hosts), and willingness to go above and beyond to make sure you get what you want out of the retreat. For me that was as much surfing as possible (and good food which was taken care of!). They didn’t hesitate to help me organise/put me in touch with the surf coaches to organise more surfing, at ideal times, with coaches picked to best suit me. I got so much out of the hours in the surf in such a short period, I was impressed. Where adjustments need to be made to the schedule, the hosts are also willing to work with you to give you what you want, which is tricky to do and not unappreciated. It makes you feel well looked after, and relaxed.

My girlfriend and I left the retreat feeling very refreshed, relaxed, and we’d had incredible fun! Couldn’t have expected more, could rave all day about it, and will definitely come back to do it again when the time is right!

Awake Siargao Retreats has everything you could want in a weeks vacation. The hosts were amazing and provided a great local feel. With 1 instructors per candidate the surf experience and progression was incredible with waves and locations I would never have expected possible. The camp prioritized surf but left plenty of time for other activities which seemed tailored around the group or individual needs. I couldn't recommend the camp enough and think the cost not only covers the endless organized activities but also allows for an experience that money can't buy and can only come from a local team.

This is my first time I choose to travel alone through a Retreat to meet new people, discover secret places and live experiences all at the same time.... I discovered Awake Siargao thanks to a friend who lived on this island and it was the best travel experience I've ever had... I learned how to surf combined with Yoga, healthy food and thousands of adventures with new friends from all over the world.
Our coordinator Rems, just by seeing her you realise that this week will be a turning point for ever.... It changes the way you live your life, eating healthy, doing sports, breathing better and making friends... Surf, Yoga, Adventures and Friends in one trip.
See you next year!