Papua New Guinea
Signature
January to April, October to December
Trip Overview
Nusa Island Retreat, located near Kavieng in Papua New Guinea, offers surfers an idyllic escape with world-class waves and stunning natural surroundings. The retreat is set on Nusa Island, a serene and picturesque location that provides a blend of traditional island culture and modern comfort. Surfers can expect warm tropical waters, uncrowded breaks, and a variety of waves suitable for all skill levels.
The most notable surf spots in the area, including Pikinini, Nago Lefts, Ral and Long Longs, offer consistent swells during the surf season, which typically runs from November through to April. These waves range from playful peaks to challenging barrels, making it an ideal destination for surfers seeking a combination of challenge, progression and fun-sized, mellow conditions.
The retreat emphasises sustainability and local community involvement, offering simple yet comfortable accommodations in beachfront bungalows made from traditional materials. Guests enjoy a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere where they can unwind after surf sessions with fresh local cuisine, stunning sunsets, and opportunities to explore nearby reefs and islands.
Beyond surfing, activities such as snorkeling, fishing, and cultural tours provide a well-rounded experience of PNG’s unique beauty and heritage. Nusa Island Retreat is a hidden gem for surfers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a tropical paradise.
Accommodation
Nusa Island Retreat offers charming beachfront bungalows designed to provide guests with a simple yet comfortable stay in harmony with the surrounding natural beauty.
Constructed using traditional materials like bamboo and thatch, the bungalows blend seamlessly with the island’s tropical environment. Each bungalow features thoughtful amenities, including mosquito nets, fans, a mini fridge and private verandas with stunning views of the lagoon and lush, tropical gardens.
The bungalows accommodate a range of group sizes, with options that sleep from 2 to 6 guests, making them suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups of friends. The interiors are cozy and functional, prioritising comfort while maintaining an authentic, rustic island vibe.
Premium Overwater Bungalows
Relax and unwind in these beautiful thatched-roofed bungalows, built directly over the ocean. Each bungalow features comfortable furnishings, a large verandah and a private ensuite bathroom. Mosquito nets are provided for all beds, as well as a mini fridge, filtered drinking water, lock box and cooling fans. These bungalows can accommodate up to five guests with various configurations available.
Premium Beachfront Bungalows
Overlooking the pristine beach, these bungalows are the perfect place to relax after a long day of surfing, fishing or exploring the islands. Each bungalow features comfortable furnishings, a large verandah and a private ensuite bathroom. Mosquito nets are provided for all beds, as well as a mini fridge, filtered drinking water, lock box and cooling fans. These bungalows can accommodate up to six guests with various configurations available.
Standard Beachfront Bungalows
A more affordable option for surfers on a budget, these bungalows feature shared bathroom facilities, comfortable furnishings and a large verandah overlooking the beach. Mosquito nets are provided for all beds, as well as a mini fridge, filtered drinking water, lock box and cooling fans. These bungalows can accommodate up to six guests with various configurations available.
Surfing PNG
Nusa Island Retreat offers surfers a unique experience with access to some of the most pristine and uncrowded waves in the region. The retreat serves as a gateway to a variety of breaks, accessible via short longboat rides, ensuring surfers can reach the best waves based on the day’s conditions.
Renowned spots like Pikinini, a fast and hollow right-hander, and Nago Lefts, a long and forgiving left perfect for carving, provide options for both intermediate and advanced level surfers. Other breaks, such as Long Longs and the nearby reef passes, offer diverse conditions, from mellow rollers to challenging barrels, making the area suitable for various skill levels.
The surf season runs from November to April, with consistent swells and offshore winds ensuring quality waves during this time.
The retreat offers surf guiding tailored to maximize guests’ wave count and experience. Local guides with intimate knowledge of the area ensure safe and efficient access to the best breaks while sharing insights into wave behavior and optimal conditions.
Ral
A 15-minute boat ride from the retreat, Ral is a swell magnet that almost always has waves. It’s a right-hand reef break with a couple of take-off points and fast, peaky walls.
Nago Rights
A fast, hollow right-hander off the southwestern side of Nago Island. This break needs a solid swell and tide to make it work, but when it does it’s definitely worthwhile!
Nago Lefts
Nago Lefts is a consistent left-hander that grows as it runs down the line. It’s a fun swell magnet that offers a user-friendly ride with a hollow section on the inside.
Long Longs
As the name suggests, Long Longs is a long, walling right-hander that is often compared to Bells Beach, but without the cold temperatures! More mellow than some of the other waves, this break is great for longboards or funboards and offers a clean, down-the-line ride.
Nusa Lefts
Only a short longboat ride away from the retreat, this is a great left-hander that begins in deep water and forms into a short intense wall. Beware of the reef though, as it comes up very quickly at the end!
Pikininis
Often compared to a mini Kirra, Pikininis is fast, hollow, and intense with no room for mistakes. The reef is shallow, but for experienced surfers, there’s a great reward at the end.
Surfer Cap & Crowd Managment
Nusa Island Retreat enforces a surfer cap of 16 guests to maintain a low-impact, uncrowded surf experience. The crowd management approach aligns with the retreat’s laid-back, eco-conscious ethos, allowing for a more relaxed and respectful atmosphere both in and out of the water.
Food & Drinks
Dining at Nusa Island Retreat is a highlight of the experience, offering guests fresh, locally inspired meals in a relaxed and communal setting. The retreat features an open-air dining area that overlooks the lagoon, providing the perfect ambiance for enjoying meals while soaking in the island’s natural beauty.
Guests are treated to a mix of international and traditional Papua New Guinean cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients such as seafood, exotic tropical fruits, and vegetables. The culinary team ensures a variety of flavors and dishes to suit all palates, making every meal a satisfying and memorable occasion.
A standout feature of the dining experience is the evening buffet, which brings guests together to enjoy a bountiful spread of dishes, often including freshly caught fish, curries, and an array of sides and desserts.
The retreat’s fully stocked bar complements the dining experience, offering a selection of beers, wines, spirits, and refreshing cocktails. The bar’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an inviting spot to unwind after a day of surfing or exploring, whether you’re enjoying a sunset drink or mingling with fellow surfers.
Enquire NowActivities & Experiences
Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts can explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs surrounding the island, with opportunities to spot everything from colorful reef fish to turtles and rays. The retreat provides snorkeling equipment for guest use, while diving excursions can be arranged to visit nearby dive sites, including WWII wrecks and pristine reefs.
For those interested in fishing, the rich waters around Nusa Island offer the chance to catch a variety of species, with both casual and guided fishing trips available.
Cultural experiences are a highlight at Nusa Island Retreat, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique traditions and lifestyle of the local island communities. Guided village visits provide insight into local customs, crafts, and daily life, while storytelling and traditional performances add an enriching element to the stay.
On-site, the retreat offers facilities for relaxation and wellness, including yoga mats for self-guided sessions in the tranquil surroundings. Guests can also enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the calm lagoon waters.
Enquire NowSustainability Commitment
Sustainability is a core focus at Nusa Island Retreat, with a strong commitment to low-impact tourism and environmental stewardship. The retreat is built using locally sourced materials and designed to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Solar power is used to supplement energy needs, and efforts are made to conserve water and reduce waste throughout the property.
In addition to eco-friendly infrastructure, the retreat supports the local community through employment, sourcing local produce and seafood, and partnering with nearby villages.
