DE 
EN 
WATER PEOPLE
October 3rd - 10th, 2026
JOIN OUR UNIQUE FIRST EDITION OF THE WATER PEOPLE RETREAT TO FUEL UP YOUR ENERGY TANKS AND BOOST YOUR WELL-BEING
The Water People Azores Retreat is a curated ocean experience set in one of the most untouched and powerful environments in Europe, the island of São Miguel. Surrounded by volcanic landscapes, deepAtlantic water and wild nature, this week brings you closer to the elements and to yourself. We combine surfing, freediving and breathing into one integrated experience, not as separate activities but as tools to understand the ocean and your response to it. You learn how to move with water, staycalm under pressure and trust your body, your breath and your awareness in unfamiliar situations, guided by big wave surfer, freediver, Christina Gindl and ocean photographer, longboarder, Lotta and the Waves.
Package
- surf lessons with experienced instructors and both of us surf guiding
- introduction to freediving and guided exploration of the Atlantic’s underwater world
- dedicated freediving session with a certified instructor
- professional photography in and out of the water by Lotta
- breath awareness and breathing techniques throughout the week
- pool apnea sessions to build breath-hold capacity and awareness
- movement and mobility sessions
- outerworldly hikes through volcanic landscapes
- waterfall explorations, open ocean swims
- ocean-based confidence training
- 7x nights accommodation
- 7x healthyBreakfast
- 6x daily vegetarian dinner
- 1x special Sunset BBQ
- 5x surf lessons
- 1 x movement
- 1 x freedives house
- 1 x freedives outside
- 5x guided adventure tours
- airport transfers
- surf lesson transfer
- surf equipment
- surf insurance
- natural hot-pools
- hiking
- self prepared lunch boxes
- airport transfer
- surprise welcome package
- usage of high quality yoga mats
- group size limited to 12 guests
- all elements are designed to work together in an environment that is safe, supportive, yet true to the
conditions. - no prior surf, freedive, or ocean skills are required to join this retreat
- all meals included. Special BBQ evening.
- private rooms or shared rooms are available
- safe small group setup
curated by big wave surfer and freediver, Christina Gindl
captured closely in and out of the water by photographer Lotta and the waves
Package
IMMER INBEGRIFFEN
- surf lessons with experienced instructors and both of us surf guiding
- introduction to freediving and guided exploration of the Atlantic’s underwater world
- dedicated freediving session with a certified instructor
- professional photography in and out of the water by Lotta
- breath awareness and breathing techniques throughout the week
- pool apnea sessions to build breath-hold capacity and awareness
- movement and mobility sessions
- outerworldly hikes through volcanic landscapes
- waterfall explorations, open ocean swims
- ocean-based confidence training
- 7x nights accommodation
- 7x healthyBreakfast
- 6x daily vegetarian dinner
- 1x special Sunset BBQ
- 5x surf lessons
- 1 x movement
- 1 x freedives house
- 1 x freedives outside
- 5x guided adventure tours
- airport transfers
- surf lesson transfer
- surf equipment
- surf insurance
- natural hot-pools
- hiking
- self prepared lunch boxes
- airport transfer
- surprise welcome package
- usage of high quality yoga mats
- group size limited to 12 guests
- all elements are designed to work together in an environment that is safe, supportive, yet true to the
conditions. - no prior surf, freedive, or ocean skills are required to join this retreat
- all meals included. Special BBQ evening.
- private rooms or shared rooms are available
- safe small group setup
curated by big wave surfer and freediver, Christina Gindl
captured closely in and out of the water by photographer Lotta and the waves
Freedive
Surf
The sessions are held in small groups by experienced surf coaches. Since the surf spots are close between north and south coast, it is always possible to find the perfect offshore surf conditions. No matter if you are an absolute beginner or an advanced surfer, our team will provide a safe environment for you to learn and improve your skills.
Über uns
is a big wave surfer and freediver, deeply connected to the power and unpredictability of the sea. Her experience comes from real conditions. Heavy waves, long hold downs and moments where staying calm is not optional but essential. Through this, she has developed a strong understanding of breath, fear, and how the body responds under pressure. During the retreat, she shares these tools in a grounded and practical way. From breath awareness and apnea basics to ocean safety, confidence building and mindset in challenging situations. Her approach is not about pushing limits blindly. It is about understanding them, working with them and expanding them over time. What excites her most is creating a space where people experience the ocean in a more complete way, not only on the surface through surfing, but also below through freediving, while developing a deeper awareness, respect and connection to both the water and themselves.
Discover more about Christina @christinagindl
is a well-known surf photographer with over 11 years of experience, shaped by countless hours spent in and around the ocean. Her work focuses on capturing authentic, in-between moments – both in the water and on land – turning them into a cohesive visual story. Alongside her photography, she is a passionate longboarder and has recently started competing, deepening her understanding of style, flow, and progression in surfing. During the retreat, she documents the full experience, creating a high-quality gallery that becomes part of the journey itself. Being in the water with the group allows her not only to capture unique perspectives, but also to offer helpful, real-time feedback to support individual progression. Her approach goes beyond photography. It is about creating a memorable experience through surf, adventure, and storytelling – ensuring that the week is not only documented, but truly felt and remembered.
Discover more about Lotta @lotta_and_the_waves
is a group of friends. Over the last years we have been following the same passion surfing around the globe, making friends and exploring new places. We all fell in love with São Miguel Island and have been here ever since.
For the first edition of the Water People Retreat in October 2026 we created together with Christina and Lotta a unique experience. We have been connecting, planing and sharing ideas from the many retreats we hosted the past summer. All of us can’t wait for this wonderful upcoming week 2026, full of adventure, stunning places and special moments around this beautiful Island. We are looking forward to October and to meet you all very soon.
Discover more about Salt Lips @surfazores
Adventure
The Azores are said to be the Hawaii of Europe with beautiful beaches, glassy waves, hidden waterfalls, untouched nature, breathtaking views, lush green fields, volcanic lakes, … and so much more. São Miguel offers activities for every weather: hiking, snorkeling, relaxing in natural hot pools or discovering waterfalls – there is always something incredible to do. During our week on the island we will visit many of the hot spots (as well as some secret spots) with our local tour guide.
Haus
We will stay in a beautiful Villa with a homey atmosphere, located on the south shore, very close to the beaches of Populo and Milicias.
The Villa has seven rooms ensuite with double or twin bed options, all with a private bathroom. The living room with a fireplace makes a great centerpiece for cozy evenings together.The outdoor area has a pool, yoga deck and a wooden tower to watch the sun set down over the ocean.
Essen
Start your day with fresh fruits from the farmers market, a daily highlight and the healthy buffet. For brunch and dinner we will gather around the big table for family inspired meals, freshly prepared by the in-house chef. These are the times of the day to lean back and refuel with healthy, homemade, nourishing meals. We will offer lunch boxes which you can fill with your favourite foods from the brunch buffet to refuel yourself for when we are out and about exploring the island during the day. Of course, we are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. The food will be vegetarian, with vegan options.
Buchen
Die Zimmer
- All rooms with private bathroom
- Shared rooms maximum 3 beds
Die Zimmer
- All rooms with private bathroom
- Shared rooms max. 3 beds
