There’s a quiet kind of courage in booking a one-way ticket with no one but yourself for company.
No buffer. No shared itinerary.
Just you, your curiosity and the open road.
Solo travel, once considered the domain of the particularly brave (or the heartbreakingly single), has become a badge of self-assurance. A rite of passage for anyone seeking something more than just a vacation.
But let’s be clear… we’re not here to pit solo travel against romantic getaways or group adventures.
There’s a special kind of magic in sharing waves and sunsets with people you love. At Xanadu, we welcome everyone: couples, friends, families and solo surf wanderers alike.
This is a place designed for connection in whatever form that takes.
Still, there’s something unique about stepping into a space alone and discovering what unfolds…
Why go solo? 10 benefits of escaping alone
There’s something profoundly freeing about moving through the world on your own terms.
You eat when you’re hungry. You surf when the tide is right. You linger in conversations that light you up and disappear into your thoughts when the mood calls.
Solo travel teaches you to listen to your body, your instincts and even your joy. It sharpens your intuition and deepens your relationship with yourself.
At Xanadu, we see it all the time.
Guests arrive solo but leave somehow more themselves than when they came.
Maybe it’s the sunrise surf sessions or the way the saltwater seems to scrub off more than just stress. Maybe it’s simply the space to be.
Either way, something shifts. It hard to summarise, but it’s something like this:
- Ultimate freedom: Make every decision based on your mood, not a shared schedule
- Deeper self-connection: Solo time gives you space to reflect, reset, and rediscover
- Total flexibility: Sleep in or chase the sunrise. You call the shots
- Boosted confidence: Navigating the unknown builds trust in yourself
- Authentic connections: You’re more open to meeting new people when you’re not in a bubble
- Personal growth: Challenge comfort zones, break routines, expand your mindset
- Mindful travel: Being solo invites you to slow down and truly soak it all in
- Creative inspiration: Many travelers find their best ideas and clarity come when they’re alone
- Unique experiences: You’re more likely to say yes to things outside your usual
- Empowerment: There’s nothing quite like the realisation “I did this on my own”
Alone… but never lonely
One of the great misconceptions of solo travel is that it must be isolating. But at Xanadu, connection is part of the current.
Shared dinners under the stars, spontaneous surf trips with your new friends and yoga with the crew you met at breakfast. Community happens naturally here.
We’ve designed every part of Xanadu with this in mind.
There are cosy nooks for when you want solitude plus big communal tables, lounge areas and gorgeous pools when you don’t. You’ll find fellow adventurers, kindred spirits and maybe even a few lifelong friends.
All without ever having to compromise your solo flow.
Our retreats and experiences create space for those connections to bloom.
Whether you’re joining us for a curated surf and yoga week, intensive longboard retreat or a Yoga Immersion Week, the vibe is always inclusive, warm and a little bit magical.
More than just another getaway
Xanadu isn’t your standard surf experience and yoga provider.
With two stunning locations tucked amongst the natural beauty of Lombok in Indonesia, these little paradises were built to reflect their surroundings: raw, real and deeply soulful.
You’ll find beautifully designed rooms nestled near the coastline, epic surf spots a short drive and boat ride away and a team that feels more like family than staff.
Our slogan is “Boutique surf and yoga holidays with heart” and we really believe in meaningful travel.
That means slow mornings with strong coffee.
Ocean play that fuels your spirit.
Meals that nourish and connect. And a commitment to sustainability and supporting the local community that runs deep.
This isn’t a place for the checkbox traveller. It’s for those who want to root in… even if only for a little while.
Safe, seen, supported
Traveling alone shouldn’t mean fending for yourself.
From the moment you arrive at Xanadu, you’re cared for.
Our team is on hand with local tips, board recommendations, surf conditions or just a good story over a cold coconut. Our location is intentionally chosen for its safety, accessibility and deep connection to the natural rhythm of the coast.
We’ve hosted solo female travellers, digital nomads, career-break surfers and everything in between. And we get it… traveling alone requires trust.
That’s why we’ve created an environment where you can breathe easy, tune in and lean into whatever you came here to find.
Tips to make the most of your solo stay
- Say yes often: To yoga weeks, to a group surf lesson, to that dinner invite from the new friend in the hammock next to yours
- Balance your time: Build in rest days. Follow your instincts. Let your energy guide your itinerary (not the other way around)
- Pack light emotionally too: Let go of expectations. The best moments are the ones you didn’t plan
- Lean into the unfamiliar: Every new face, wave, and bite of something different is a chance to expand
- Bring your questions: Our crew loves to share local insight, secret surf spots, our favourite places to visit and wellness recommendations tailored just for you
- Disconnect to reconnect: Put your phone down. Pick up a board, a book or a fresh perspective
Not just for solo surf nerds!
While we celebrate the freedom and growth that comes with solo travel, Xanadu is just as much a haven for couples, friends and families.
Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a surf trip with the crew or a digital detox with your bestie, our space is flexible, beautiful and designed with intention.
Xanadu is also proudly a women-safe space too, fostering an environment where women can explore, connect and thrive—whether hitting the waves or unwinding in nature.
Learn more about how women are redefining surf culture at Xanadu.
You’ll find private accommodations perfect for two, group-friendly experiences and plenty of ways to tailor your time to match your vibe.
At the heart of it all is a philosophy of presence, play and connection. To nature, to others and to yourself.
Final thoughts
In a world that rarely slows down, solo travel is a radical act.
It’s an invitation to tune out the noise and listen inward. To follow your curiosity. To remember who you are beneath the layers of shoulds and schedules.
At Xanadu, we hold space for that.
Whether you come alone or with your crew, we invite you to experience travel that transforms. To sink your toes in the sand, chase the perfect wave, share a sunset with strangers who become friends and leave feeling a little more whole than when you arrived.
So pack the bag. Book the flight. Come as you are. Because going it alone?
That might just be the beginning of everything.
