1. Wavepark Mentawai, Indonesia
Located 150km off the west coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean, WavePark Mentawai is a resort on its own island. It's in an area known locally as "playgrounds" due to the plethora of big-name waves nearby, and is for the more competent surfer. Accommodation is in the main house or two new luxury bungalows. A speedboat trip to secret breaks is included in the rates
WavePark Mentawai Surf Resort, Mainuk Island, South Siberut, Mentawai, West Sumatra, Indonesia (00 62 868 1213 2215; www.wavepark.com). Doubles start at US$370 (£195), full board and including transfers and surfing
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2. Monte Velho, Portugal
Costa Vincentina, on the south-west tip of Portugal, has some of the best surf in Europe. Monte Velho, 4km from Praiado Amado beach, has 14 colourful rooms, and runs on solar and wind power. The hotel can organise surf lessons at Amado and yoga.
Monte Velho Nature Resort, Carrapateira, Algarve, Portugal (00 351 282 973 207; www.wonderfulland.com/montevelho). Doubles start at €100 (£83), including breakfast
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3. Ravesi’s, Australia
A favourite among celebrities, it’s the views that swing it every time at Ravesi’s. All but one of the 12 individually designed rooms look out over fashionable Bondi Beach. Decorated in bronzes, coppers and blacks, the hotel has a sophisticated, modern Australian vibe. The local school – Let’s Go Surfing – is one of the best in Australia.
Ravesi’s, Corner of Campbell Parade & Hall Street, Sydney, Australia (00 61 2 9365 4422; www.ravesis.com.au). Doubles start at A$320 (£152), room only
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4. Moana Lodge, Costa Rica
Year-round world-class breaks, and miles of secluded white sandy beaches make Mal Pais one of Costa Rica’s hottest surf spots. Just 200m from the surf, the African-themed Moana Lodge has seven bedrooms set among tropical gardens. Guests are free to bring their own boards, and there is an in-house surf instructor for the uninitiated.
Moana Lodge, Mal Pais, Costa Rica (00 506 640 0230; www.moanalodge.com). Doubles start at US$95 (£50), including breakfast
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5. Hotel Renew, Hawaii
Oahu’s first designer property has all the creature comforts for a luxury surf experience. Seventy two Asian-inspired rooms are decorated in earthy tones, with platform beds, shoji screens, and balconies with views of either the Pacific or Waikiki. Surf is year-round, with numerous breaks to choose from. Beginners should head to Ty Gurney Surf School, which guarantees to have you standing up in the first lesson.
Hotel Renew, 129 Paoakalani Avenue, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii (001 808 687 7700; www.hotelrenew.com. Doubles start at $201 (£106), room only
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10 May 2008, Chosen by Katie Monk
