webmaster - My Serendipity | Women´s Yoga & Surf Retreat

MARINA

Manager / Co-Founder

Marina will accompany you throughout the retreat and will capture your best smile with her camera. Apart from being in charge of all the communication, she transmits the "My Serendipity" philosophy.

Marina is pure energy and is always doing things. She loves being in the water (her nickname is "Spanish mermaid"). She is passionate about surfing, traveling and writing stories of all those inspiring people she meets along the way.

She was born and raised in Madrid, but but from a very young age she competed in swimming. She has always had a great connection with the water and in 2016 she tried surfing for the first time. From that first wave her life changed. She left her job as a journalist in Madrid and went to Australia to live the adventure of her life and to learn how to surf.

Since then, Marina has traveled, lived and worked around the world. Surfing and this lifestyle inspired her to create My Serendipity to share life experiences with more women.

She works as a freelance photographer, social media and communication advisor. Marina is always looking for a new challenge to grow personally and professionally.

FOLLOW HER!

@marinamantolan

MARINA

Manager / Co-Founder

Marina will accompany you throughout the retreat and will capture your best smile with her camera. Apart from being in charge of all the communication, she transmits the "My Serendipity" philosophy.

Marina is pure energy and is always doing things. She loves being in the water (her nickname is "Spanish mermaid"). She is passionate about surfing, traveling and writing stories of all those inspiring people she meets along the way.

She was born and raised in Madrid, but but from a very young age she competed in swimming. She has always had a great connection with the water and in 2016 she tried surfing for the first time. From that first wave her life changed. She left her job as a journalist in Madrid and went to Australia to live the adventure of her life and to learn how to surf.

Since then, Marina has traveled, lived and worked around the world. Surfing and this lifestyle inspired her to create My Serendipity to share life experiences with more women.

She works as a freelance photographer, social media and communication advisor. Marina is always looking for a new challenge to grow personally and professionally.

FOLLOW HER!

@marinamantolan

DEBBIE

Manager / Co-Founder

Debbie will be taking care of the guest relations/organisation and the surfing element at My Serendipity. With her positive attitude and infectious smile, its no doubt that she has the intuition to create a beautiful atmosphere for the people around her, on land and in the water.

Debbie grew up in Germany in a small city near Frankfurt. She is a very active and fun-loving person and she takes every opportunity to spend her free time in nature or near the water. With her passion for surfing and looking for new adventures, she decided in 2016 to leave her routine life in Germany behind to explore and travel the world. Guided by the sea and different cultures, she explored the beauty of several countries such as Indonesia, New Zealand and Central America.

After completing her education, she worked in the advertising industry and hospitality for over ten years. Apart from that she has furthered her professional education as a health management Trainer & Coach.

In the last few years, she is working mostly abroad - in countries that she likes to call home. Next to the Training & Coaching Field she leads surf & yoga retreats in Sri Lanka & Spain.

FOLLOW HER!

@debbiejesea

DEBBIE

Manager / Co-Founder

Debbie will be taking care of the guest relations/organisation and the surfing element at My Serendipity. With her positive attitude and infectious smile, its no doubt that she has the intuition to create a beautiful atmosphere for the people around her, on land and in the water.

Debbie grew up in Germany in a small city near Frankfurt. She is a very active and fun-loving person and she takes every opportunity to spend her free time in nature or near the water. With her passion for surfing and looking for new adventures, she decided in 2016 to leave her routine life in Germany behind to explore and travel the world. Guided by the sea and different cultures, she explored the beauty of several countries such as Indonesia, New Zealand and Central America.

After completing her education, she worked in the advertising industry and hospitality for over ten years. Apart from that she has furthered her professional education as a health management Trainer & Coach.

In the last few years, she is working mostly abroad - in countries that she likes to call home. Next to the Training & Coaching Field she leads surf & yoga retreats in Sri Lanka & Spain.

FOLLOW HER!

@debbiejesea

YLVA

Yoga Teacher / Co-founder

Ylva is a fun-loving yogi with a passion for surfing, yoga, singing, and playing the guitar. She grew up on a Norwegian fjord and seeks the water anywhere she goes.

Ylva has worked as a qualified yoga teacher since 2015. She took her yoga qualifications in Goa, Rishikesh & London, and is an E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher. Ylva has expanded her expertise into other branches of Yoga such as SUP & aerial and Full Moon SUP Yoga Ceremony.

She teaches yoga and organizes retreats around the globe. Based in the beautiful town of Voss, western Norway, and Sri Lanka.

Constantly smiling and laughing, she is a little ray of sunshine as you roll out of bed for morning Vinyasa.

FOLLOW HER!

@ylva.travelyogi

YLVA

Yoga Teacher / Co-founder

Ylva is a fun-loving yogi with a passion for surfing, yoga, singing, and playing the guitar. She grew up on a Norwegian fjord and seeks the water anywhere she goes.

Ylva has worked as a qualified yoga teacher since 2015. She took her yoga qualifications in Goa, Rishikesh & London, and is an E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher. Ylva has expanded her expertise into other branches of Yoga such as SUP & aerial and Full Moon SUP Yoga Ceremony.

She teaches yoga and organizes retreats around the globe. Based in the beautiful town of Voss, western Norway, and Sri Lanka.

Constantly smiling and laughing, she is a little ray of sunshine as you roll out of bed for morning Vinyasa.

FOLLOW HER!

@ylva.travelyogi

KRIS

Yoga Instructor

Kristina was born in Kazakhstan and grew up in Germany. With an open heart and curiosity she loves to explore the world and has been traveling for over 10 years, seeking for adventures, learning about new cultures and studying Yoga and it’s philosophy all around the world.

She was inspired by different teachers and traditions. It took her to India, the root and heart of Yoga, to study classical Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Breathwork, Meditation and Tantra. In her Yoga classes she teaches Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, intuitive movement, breathwork, mindfulness and female embodiment. She is hosting retreats all over Europe and synergises Coaching, Yoga and spirituality to a holisitc practice.

She is facilitating and holding space in women circle and cacao ceremonies. Her dharma and soulmission is to inspire and help women to unfold their true self, to claim their power and remember who they are. Besides Yoga, Kristina is a video editor and blogger. She loves to write about self-development, personal growth and mindfulness. She has a passion for surfing, dancing, doing art and playing handpan.

FOLLOW HER!

@kristina.dalia

KRIS

Yoga Instructor

Kristina was born in Kazakhstan and grew up in Germany. With an open heart and curiosity she loves to explore the world and has been traveling for over 10 years, seeking for adventures, learning about new cultures and studying Yoga and it’s philosophy all around the world.

She was inspired by different teachers and traditions. It took her to India, the root and heart of Yoga, to study classical Hatha, Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Breathwork, Meditation and Tantra. In her Yoga classes she teaches Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, intuitive movement, breathwork, mindfulness and female embodiment. She is hosting retreats all over Europe and synergises Coaching, Yoga and spirituality to a holisitc practice.

She is facilitating and holding space in women circle and cacao ceremonies. Her dharma and soulmission is to inspire and help women to unfold their true self, to claim their power and remember who they are. Besides Yoga, Kristina is a video editor and blogger. She loves to write about self-development, personal growth and mindfulness. She has a passion for surfing, dancing, doing art and playing handpan.

FOLLOW HER!

@kristina.dalia

ZOE

Chef

Zoe was a graphic designer based in Barcelona when she decided to travel the world. Since then, she discovered her passion for food in every country she visited and lived in. When you try her food, you can taste a piece of all these places she travelled. One day, she received a call to work as a chef, and that’s why she decided to take her talent to the next level.

She studied vegan cuisine at Hofmann Culinary School and since then she has been working as a chef in different retreats. Zoe loves the ocean and going for a surf, meet people, traveling and she is the best at making vegan desserts!

FOLLOW HER!

@zopps

ZOE

Chef

Zoe was a graphic designer based in Barcelona when she decided to travel the world. Since then, she discovered her passion for food in every country she visited and lived in. When you try her food, you can taste a piece of all these places she travelled. One day, she received a call to work as a chef, and that’s why she decided to take her talent to the next level.

She studied vegan cuisine at Hofmann Culinary School and since then she has been working as a chef in different retreats. Zoe loves the ocean and going for a surf, meet people, traveling and she is the best at making vegan desserts!

FOLLOW HER!

@zopps

MEET US IN THE WATER

Surfing is a primary activity at My Serendipity Retreats. We believe it provides a combination of physical exercise, joy, self-awareness, and a profound connection with nature. For us, surfing goes beyond just being a sport; it embodies a way of life.

The ocean serves as a powerful educational tool, compelling us to make friends with our fears, acknowledge our limitations with humility, embrace the present moment, and relinquish control. It connects us to Earth's natural flow and invites us to find our role and play within it.

Surfing is an inclusive sport that welcomes women of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Our retreats offer a unique opportunity for women to connect with the ocean, themselves, and other like-minded people, nurturing strong bonds which often lead to lifelong friendships.

Beyond being a fun full-body workout, surfing has been shown to have significant mental health benefits. The experience of being in the ocean and riding waves can decrease anxiety and stress while increasing feelings of happiness, relaxation, and acceptance of the present moment. Furthermore, surfing develops your ability to concentrate and focus, leading to improved mental clarity and mindfulness.

At our retreats, qualified instructors offer beginner and intermediate surf lessons in a supportive, fun, and relaxed environment. Daily in-water sessions, video analysis, and surf theories enable our surfers to catch their waves more effortlessly.

Most importantly, we hope to instill in you a love of surfing, leaving you with unforgettable experiences and stories to share.

MEET US ON THE MAT

Yoga and Meditation are our other primary activities at My Serendipity Retreats, as we strongly believe in the abundance of benefits that can be gained from these practices. At My Serendipity Retreats, we understand that physical and mental health are closely intertwined, and we strive to create greater harmony between the two through yoga and meditation.

Our beginner's introduction to meditation is designed to guide you through the tools and techniques of meditation, teaching you how to incorporate them into your daily life. We focus specifically on the practice of mindfulness meditation, cultivating the ability to become more present and aware of your senses, feelings, and thoughts without applying interpretation or judgement, ultimately leading to acceptance and calm. This practice helps to relax the body and mind and reduce stress while gaining a deeper understanding of oneself.

Our yoga classes are inclusive to all women and tailored to your individual needs. During our classes, we encourage you to learn about your natural rhythm and flow, forming a deeper relationship with your physical and emotional state. Our range of yoga styles, including Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga, allows you to explore various movements and find a style that resonates with you. We hope to inspire and motivate you to incorporate yoga into your lifestyle as a powerful therapeutic tool that aids in building relationships, enhancing work performance, improving self-care, gaining a deeper understanding of your body, and promoting a positive outlook on life.

At our retreat, we encourage guests to release their stress and immerse themselves in a serene environment. We understand that trying something new can be intimidating, which is why we have written a blog post titled "The Benefits of Yoga and Why So Many People Are Afraid to Try It?" for those who are hesitant to try yoga.

Our ultimate goal is to help strengthen both your physical and mental health, creating a healthier and stronger sense of self. Join us at My Serendipity Retreats and experience the transformative power of yoga and meditation.

MEET US ON THE TABLE

At My Serendipity Retreats, we understand that food has a special way of connecting people and fostering a sense of community. By sharing and tasting various plates together we provide an opportunity to celebrate diversity and appreciate different cultures. As advocates of a healthy lifestyle, we recognise the importance of a balanced and nourishing diet, especially for women with active routines that require ample energy and nutrients.

Our retreat features a thoughtfully crafted menu of healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options, featuring a vibrant variety of locally sourced fruits and vegetables unique to our destination.
By adopting a locally-sourced plant-based diet, not only do we receive essential nutrients, but we also help combat climate change. We take pride in immersing ourselves in the local food culture, sampling the diverse flavours and cuisines that reflect the unique cultures of the places we visit. We strive to serve our guests wholesome and nourishing meals, ensuring that their retreat experience is not only enjoyable but also contributes to their overall well-being.

ZOE

Chef

Zoe was a graphic designer based in Barcelona when she decided to travel the world. Since then, she discovered her passion for food in every country she visited and lived in. When you try her food, you can taste a piece of all these places she travelled. One day, she received a call to work as a chef, and that’s why she decided to take her talent to the next level.

She studied vegan cuisine at Hofmann Culinary School and since then she has been working as a chef in different retreats. Zoe loves the ocean and going for a surf, meet people, traveling and she is the best at making vegan desserts!

FOLLOW HERE!

@zopps

Adriana

Yoga Teacher

Yoga opened many doors for her.
She started (like most people) focusing on the physical practice but slowly she discovered that yoga was much more than that. It helped her to be more connected with her body, but mainly more aware of her internal dialogue and to start questioning it.

It was just the beginning of a bigger transformation for her.
In 2019 she got certified as a Vinyasa & Yin Yoga teacher and since then she has been teaching in different parts of the world. She sees yoga as a really powerful self-awareness tool. A way to go back to your essence.

Now her biggest passion is to hold spaces where you feel comfortable to get rid of the masks (we all wear them, consciously or unconsciously) and be your true self.

She believes when we come together and share openly how we feel and what is important to us, is when the real magic happens.

That´s why she LOVES being part of retreats, where you get the space, you need to first connect with yourself and then with others.

You can only love and accept others, as much as you love and accept yourself.

FOLLOW HER!

@adriana_vazquez_gonzalez

Adriana

Yoga Teacher

Yoga opened many doors for her.
She started (like most people) focusing on the physical practice but slowly she discovered that yoga was much more than that. It helped her to be more connected with her body, but mainly more aware of her internal dialogue and to start questioning it.

It was just the beginning of a bigger transformation for her.
In 2019 she got certified as a Vinyasa & Yin Yoga teacher and since then she has been teaching in different parts of the world. She sees yoga as a really powerful self-awareness tool. A way to go back to your essence.

Now her biggest passion is to hold spaces where you feel comfortable to get rid of the masks (we all wear them, consciously or unconsciously) and be your true self.

She believes when we come together and share openly how we feel and what is important to us, is when the real magic happens.

That´s why she LOVES being part of retreats, where you get the space, you need to first connect with yourself and then with others.

You can only love and accept others, as much as you love and accept yourself.

FOLLOW HER!

@sunrisesunset_community

Giulia

Surf Instructor

Giulia was born in Italy and has always been passionate about outdoor adventures. She discovered her passion for snowboarding as a teenager and quickly turned it into her profession. Since then, you are most likely to find her in the mountains, unless she is at the seaside.

After a few years, her love for board sports also drew her from the mountains to the sea. Because surfing was a way for her to "survive" the summer while waiting for the next snowfall. And so quickly, surfing became another addiction and lifestyle. In the meantime, Giulia works not only as a snowboard instructor but also as a surf instructor.

Teaching is a way for her to convey all the joy and excitement associated with these beautiful disciplines. And you can clearly see that, because she creates her classes with a lot of joy, dedication and authenticity. She creates an atmosphere in which every student feels comfortable, in safe hands and learns a lot at the same time.

Since then, Giulia has worked in the French Alps in winter and travels the world in summer wherever she feels like going. Clearly, she loves nature, adventure and tranquillity.

FOLLOW HER!

@giuliayrus

Giulia

Surf Instructor

Giulia was born in Italy and has always been passionate about outdoor adventures. She discovered her passion for snowboarding as a teenager and quickly turned it into her profession. Since then, you are most likely to find her in the mountains, unless she is at the seaside.

After a few years, her love for board sports also drew her from the mountains to the sea. Because surfing was a way for her to "survive" the summer while waiting for the next snowfall. And so quickly, surfing became another addiction and lifestyle. In the meantime, Giulia works not only as a snowboard instructor but also as a surf instructor.

Teaching is a way for her to convey all the joy and excitement associated with these beautiful disciplines. And you can clearly see that, because she creates her classes with a lot of joy, dedication and authenticity. She creates an atmosphere in which every student feels comfortable, in safe hands and learns a lot at the same time.

Since then, Giulia has worked in the French Alps in winter and travels the world in summer wherever she feels like going. Clearly, she loves nature, adventure and tranquillity.

FOLLOW HER!

@giuliayrus

Ana Belén

Psychologist & Dance Movement Therapist

General Health Psychologist, specialized in Dance Movement Therapy. Pioneer in combining verbal and movement therapy with a transpersonal approach. She fuses science and spirituality.

Expert in self-care and body awareness. Entrepreneur and traveler. Coordinates the team of humanistic psychologists within HUMANS. She has been a professional dancer since she was very young and for more than 15 years she has been accompanying other women in processes of self-knowledge, feminine empowerment, personal development and professional reinvention.

She currently lives in Bali, Indonesia.

FOLLOW HER!

@anabelenmartosfer

Ana Belén

Psychologist & Dance Movement Therapist

General Health Psychologist, specialized in Dance Movement Therapy. Pioneer in combining verbal and movement therapy with a transpersonal approach. She fuses science and spirituality.

Expert in self-care and body awareness. Entrepreneur and traveler. Coordinates the team of humanistic psychologists within HUMANS. She has been a professional dancer since she was very young and for more than 15 years she has been accompanying other women in processes of self-knowledge, feminine empowerment, personal development and professional reinvention.

She currently lives in Bali, Indonesia.

FOLLOW HER!

@anabelenmartosfer

LONGBOARD SURF

Let's dance on the waves!

In Longboard surfing, we ride the waves with grace and courage, much like dancer’s glide across the stage. As surfers, we learn to flow with the rhythm of the ocean, just as dancers flow with the music's melody.

Whether you are a beginner (never surfed before or only couple of times) or intermediate surfer (you know the basics and can ride waves), you will learn how to surf with Longboard style. Our head coach & local legend; Yudi (Lombok Logs) will guide in and outside the water with surf coaching, land training and video analysis for a great and fast improvement during the week.

The classes will be separated in different levels. As we have a small group (max 12 guests) and almost one-one teaching lessons.

What you will learn depending on your LEVEL:

BEGINNERS: if it’s the first-time surfing or surfed couple of times!	INTERMEDIATES: if you can catch waves, can stand up and go left and right.
- Basic theory and techniques of surfing	- Reviewing the basics
- Learn all about surfing equipment	- Improving your take-off and paddling techniques
- Learn how to pop up on a longboard	- Work on your standing
- Safety and Surf Rules	- Passing the break, paddle to the outside
- Longboard paddling techniques	- Learning to catch unbroken waves (“green waves”)
- Stand up and surf the white water straight, left or right.	- Learning the basics of slowing down and accelerating
-If you are a quick-learner, why not to try your first cross-steps?	- Learning to angle your take-off to go either left or right
	- Cross-step and walking on the board

We also provide more advance coaching. If you are a more experience surfer and want to take your longboard skills to the next level, please drop us an email so we can explain you about the surf coaching for intermediates level II.

LONGBOARD SURF

Let's dance on the waves!

In Longboard surfing, we ride the waves with grace and courage, much like dancer’s glide across the stage. As surfers, we learn to flow with the rhythm of the ocean, just as dancers flow with the music's melody.

Whether you are a beginner (never surfed before or only couple of times) or intermediate surfer (you know the basics and can ride waves), you will learn how to surf with Longboard style. Our head coach & local legend; Yudi (Lombok Logs) will guide in and outside the water with surf coaching, land training and video analysis for a great and fast improvement during the week.

The classes will be separated in different levels. As we have a small group (max 12 guests) and almost one-one teaching lessons.

What you will learn depending on your LEVEL:

Beginners: if it’s the first-time surfing or surfed couple of times!

Basic theory and techniques of surfing
Learn all about surfing equipment
Learn how to pop up on a longboard
Safety and Surf Rules
Longboard paddling techniques
Stand up and surf the white water straight, left or right.
If you are a quick-learner, why not to try your first cross-steps?

Intermediates: if you can catch waves, can stand up and go left and right.

Reviewing the basics
Improving your take-off and paddling techniques
Work on your standing
Passing the break, paddle to the outside
Learning to catch unbroken waves (“green waves”)
Learning the basics of slowing down and accelerating
Learning to angle your take-off to go either left or right
Cross-step and walking on the board

We also provide more advance coaching. If you are a more experience surfer and want to take your longboard skills to the next level, please drop us an email so we can explain you about the surf coaching for intermediates level II.

FREE (E)MOTION

Dance Movement Therapy Workshops

The body has its own voice. Through body awareness, breathing and free, spontaneous and felt movement, we will release all those tensions and emotions that have been anchored in the memory of the body we inhabit.

Through an integrative, creative and very dynamic practice, with meditative music in the background, we will connect with our body, releasing the accumulated rigidity and experiencing a deep sense of relief, joy, enjoyment and well-being.

The benefits of this practice are incredible as it helps to restore the flow of energy, reconnect with your essence, recognize emotions, improve the relationship with yourself, gain confidence and security, increase creative potential, awaken your inner wisdom.

These movement workshops will be taught by Ana Belén Martos, General Health Psychologist, specialized in Dance Movement Therapy. Pioneer in combining verbal and movement therapy with a transpersonal approach. She fuses science and spirituality. Get to know her more here

FREE (E)MOTION

Dance Movement Therapy Workshops

The body has its own voice. Through body awareness, breathing and free, spontaneous and felt movement, we will release all those tensions and emotions that have been anchored in the memory of the body we inhabit.

Through an integrative, creative and very dynamic practice, with meditative music in the background, we will connect with our body, releasing the accumulated rigidity and experiencing a deep sense of relief, joy, enjoyment and well-being.

The benefits of this practice are incredible as it helps to restore the flow of energy, reconnect with your essence, recognize emotions, improve the relationship with yourself, gain confidence and security, increase creative potential, awaken your inner wisdom.

These movement workshops will be taught by Ana Belén Martos, General Health Psychologist, specialized in Dance Movement Therapy. Pioneer in combining verbal and movement therapy with a transpersonal approach. She fuses science and spirituality. Get to know her more here

This Retreat is finished!

But dont worry! We have other amazing experiences waiting for you!

Next Retreats

This Retreat is finished!

But dont worry! We have other amazing experiences waiting for you!

Next Retreats

Because it's designed for women who are ready to dive deeper—not just into the ocean but into themselves.
We go beyond basic wave catching. You'll learn to read the sea's language - when to paddle, where to position yourself, and how to choose your wave (yes, you'll work hard and yes, you'll be challenged!)
But amidst the intensive training, you'll also discover the pure, unadulterated joy of surfing. The kind of joy that comes from riding a wave you thought you couldn’t or from finally conquering a fear that's held you back.
Beyond the surf techniques and the mindset training, you’ll meet people as passionate about surfing as you are. Everyone’s here to learn and support each other, making for a pretty awesome week. And last… We’re not just in Gijon for the food and the sidra. The place is a surf haven with a mix of waves for all levels, making it the perfect spot to learn and improve. Plus, you get a taste of the local surf scene.
Together with Nico Kalli, we created this week because we know the transformative power of surfing and the connections it can create. We can't wait to welcome you.

Because it's designed for women who are ready to dive deeper—not just into the ocean but into themselves.

We go beyond basic wave catching. You'll learn to read the sea's language - when to paddle, where to position yourself, and how to choose your wave (yes, you'll work hard and yes, you'll be challenged!)

But amidst the intensive training, you'll also discover the pure, unadulterated joy of surfing. The kind of joy that comes from riding a wave you thought you couldn’t or from finally conquering a fear that's held you back.

Beyond the surf techniques and the mindset training, you’ll meet people as passionate about surfing as you are. Everyone’s here to learn and support each other, making for a pretty awesome week. And last… We’re not just in Gijon for the food and the sidra. The place is a surf haven with a mix of waves for all levels, making it the perfect spot to learn and improve. Plus, you get a taste of the local surf scene.

Together with Nico Kalli, we created this week because we know the transformative power of surfing and the connections it can create. We can't wait to welcome you.

Our head surf instructor has more than twenty-two years of experience on the waves. He began his journey to competing at the age of 13, a chapter that lasted until he was 21. His passion for surfing and his profession as a surf instructor has taken him around the globe, from the Canary Islands and the north coast of Spain to the shores of Morocco, Australia and Sri Lanka. With more than 12 years of teaching experience and a talent for navigating big waves, Nico has a calm yet professional presence in the water. His coaching style is appreciated for its precision in challenging and expanding your skills at just the right moment. For those who want to feel more confident in the water and push beyond their current limits, Nico is the ideal mentor to realize their surfing goals.