5 of the best designer surf hostels

Waves come and go but the surfing community camaraderie is here to stay, and where better to meet like-minded surf-enthusiasts than at one of these stylish surf hostels?

The Lunar Surf House in Agadir, Morocco

Easy to find by its purple door and idyllic location, The Lunar Surf House is a surf haven. The hostel’s thick, white walls keep it cool, while the communal areas are warmly decorated with pops of colour from traditional Moroccan fabrics. The nearest beach – Plage Imourane – is only a 6-minute walk away and free bike rental is available for guests to explore the coastline.

Cohort Hotel in Cornwall, UK

A chic surf hostel in the centre of one of Cornwall’s most popular surfing towns, Cohort Hotel has become a meeting point for surfers all along the coast. Ideally located only a 3-minute walk from the beach, this property shows its character with a striking contrast between classic architecture and neon furniture.

99 Surf Lodge in El Limon, Nicaragua

The super sleek 99 Surf Lodge is about as far removed from a traditional surf hostel as can be, promising an extra lux surfing experience. Thanks to the coastal location and the friendly staff – the laid-back vibes associated with the surf lifestyle are very much in evidence here. Wake up with the sun, head off for a day out on the waves and then return for a lantern-lit evening by the plunge pool.

Chill in Ericeira Surf House in Portugal

Chill is a colourful hilltop hostel, overlooking some of the best breaks in Portugal. The beach in Ericeira was recently granted World Surfing Reserve Status and – at only two minutes’ walk away – this stylish hostel is a great base for visiting surfers. The primary colours and unusual design quirks at Chill create a fun, social atmosphere and offer a great place to wind down after a long day’s surf.

Surfing Etxea in San Sebastián, Spain

At Surfing Etxea, you’ll usually find a couple of skateboards lying around, while paddle-board classes are a daily event. But it’s the surfing opportunities that keep drawing guests back. This design hostel offers easy access to the beach, the trendy Gros neighbourhood and in the evening, the in-house bar fills up with visiting and local surfers.