Georgia Hopkins

Surfers Lodge Peniche

  • Where:
  • Why:Chasing sunshine and waves along the surf coast of Portugal before a friend’s wedding in the Algarve.
  • When:September 2014
  • Who:Me and a friend from Santa Barbara - a pilates trainer who (lucky for me!) surprised me by doubling as my own private pilates trainer while in Peniche.
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Surfers Lodge Peniche And sunset swims on the rooftop.

And sunset swims on the rooftop.

Surfers Lodge Peniche Reclaimed wood, denim ottomans, leather, custom-shaped boards and rolling surf footage…the most cosy of living rooms.

Reclaimed wood, denim ottomans, leather, custom-shaped boards and rolling surf footage…the most cosy of living rooms.

Surfers Lodge Peniche Room 18: our favorite twin room, taking us back to our childhood. Reminiscent of the “top and tailing” we used to do and love as kids.

Room 18: our favorite twin room, taking us back to our childhood. Reminiscent of the “top and tailing” we used to do and love as kids.

Surfers Lodge Peniche Design features we love.

Design features we love.

Surfers Lodge Peniche Good times.

Good times.

Surfers Lodge Peniche Getting cosy on the roof terrace at dusk.

Getting cosy on the roof terrace at dusk.

Surfers Lodge Peniche Sunset surf.

Sunset surf.

Surfers Lodge Peniche Welcome to the Surfers Lodge. The fun starts here.

Welcome to the Surfers Lodge. The fun starts here.

Highs & Lows

  • The design. We loved the simple Nordic aesthetic combined with a touch of classic 60’s surfer style. Art, bespoke furniture and lots of reclaimed wood and glass. It’s beautiful here.

  • The food. We were blown away by the quality, freshness and local organic food in the beautiful restaurant here. Happy to hear the menu will be changing seasonally, to keep things interesting.

  • The sunsets. The roof deck is the ultimate place to be at dusk. Sip sundowners sitting on Moroccan rugs and cushions, jump in the hot tub, or cosy up under blankets when it gets cold. Live music and DJs some nights as well.

  • The surf. Dreamy swells to appeal to both beginner and expert wave-gliders. Lots of beaches to choose from. Worth knowing that Prainha (the little beach where they hold the daily surf lessons) is a good 10-min walk down the road (longer than we were expecting, especially with a longboard in tow!).

  • There seemed to be a few communication kinks with staff – but it’s something that’s being addressed by management, and will no doubt be fixed pronto. Not a huge deal anyway. It was always service with a smile, and that’s the most important thing, right?

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 45/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Laid-back boutique surf accommodation, run by former Swedish national surfing champ, John Malmqvist.

  • Vibe

    Laid back, friendly, barefoot, beachy, cute Swedish surfer vibes.

  • Location

    In Portugal, not quite beachfront, the lodge is located just back from the beach on a relatively main (but quiet) road. Five minutes walk from Baleal beach, and ten minutes walk from Prainha (where the surf lessons are held).

  • Rooms

    Two suites, fifteen double/twin bedrooms, and two luxury dorms (with twelve beds in total).

  • Music

    Discreet and perfect beats throughout the day.

  • Year Opened

    The summer of 2013.

  • Designed By

    Lars and John Malmqvist - Swedish father and son.

  • Health & Wellness

    Rooftop infinity pool and hot tub. No gym, but surf and skate lessons with fun, local pros are available. There is a massage room as well.

  • Restaurant

    Yes – one of the best bits. Local, organic and seasonal menu with a big, healthy breakfast included. Great lunch (try the gazpacho) and dinner options as well.

  • Bar

    A small bar downstairs, and one on the roof deck, perfectly fit for sundowners. Great local wines and cocktails.

  • Minibar

    A mini mini-bar. Just a few nuts and things.

  • Children

    Yes – they are welcome. But better without.

  • Price

    High-end bohemian.

  • Website

    Visit website

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