Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
CHECK THE WAVES FROM YOUR BED! Each bungalow is just steps away from the surf. With Pitstops right out front, and E-Bay only a short paddle away, scoring perfect surf has never been easier. The Mentawai Surf Retreat consists of three comfortable, secure, and spacious oceanfront bungalows. Each handcrafted bungalow accommodates 2-4 guests, and is designed to soak in the ocean breeze to keep you cool. The Nayng Nyang Lounge: a restaurant, bar and lounge has amazing wave and ocean views. The best place to gather, eat, drink , share photos and watch videos. Over 25 Waves Nearby: No matter the conditions, there is always a wave working nearby. You will have access to some of the best surf in the world. Small Groups: Small resort with an intimate setting, providing the experience of scoring perfect waves with less crowds. Accommodating a maximum of 8-12 guests per stay.
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
The best part about this place is the owner Vere, his son Tom, and all of the staff at MSR. I was traveling solo but these guys made me feel like I was right at home. Nothing but smiles, laughs, storytelling and good times. The people you are around can often make or break a trip and these guys naturally are good people. Before I left, I was hesitant on traveling during COVID but Vere made sure everything was taken care of for a safe journey and he was always quick to respond if I emailed him with any questions. MSR is in the best location in the Playgrounds with Pit Stops and EBay right out front and a short boat ride to Bank Vaults, Nipussi, Burger World and others. Dozens of surf spots in the area and Vere and his team know where to be to get you on the best waves. Only wish was I could have stayed longer. Can’t wait to get back one day!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 14 Dec 2020
Mate!! Thanks so much for the awesome feedback. It was a real pleasure hosting you and I look forward to your next trip with us!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MSR distinguishes themselves from the other resorts in the area by providing the best service, value, and experience, and they do it all in a way that makes you feel like family. From the location with a wave right out front and the expert local knowledge of the other waves in the area, to the food, accommodations and friendly staff, MSR has it dialed. And it's not just while you're at the resort. Any questions I had or tips I needed for any aspect of my travel between my home half a world away and MSR, and Vere was there helping me along, making sure I had what I needed. There may be other resorts in the area but for me, there is no other choice.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 20 Jun 2021
Paul, what a pleasure to have you returning for your 4th tour with us. Thanks again for choosing us as your surf destination, and thank you for the kind words in your review. See you again soon!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was my first trip to the Mentawais, and it was incredible! MSR's location is perfect. Having a wave right out front really made the trip - I could surf at daybreak, run down for a quick couple of waves, and even get some sunset surfs in. The MSR Team was also spot on in getting us to the best and least crowded surf the entire trip. That was amazing! The food was tasty ranging from local curries, to bowls, to French Toast. The sleeping accommodation was comfortable, and the bathroom was large, clean, and modern. A nice touch was having a housekeeper tidy up the beds every day and provide fresh sheets during the trip. The rooms did not have air con, but each bed had a designated fan and mozzie net. I would and hope to go back to MSR and highly recommend Vere and his team!
Read more
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MSR is the best place to stay in the Mentawais. This is my third year visiting them (2018, 2019, 2021) and they offer the best blend of value, comfort, and local knowledge for the area. Vere and the team have all of the surf breaks dialed and will bring you to the best spots for your ability. The MSR team also helped immensely with the EVisa requirement and quarantine/transportation within Indonesia (which is a fluid situation and can change overnight). This most recent trip was the best ever and we scored uncrowded surf at a bunch of different waves for 14 days straight!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 28 Jun 2021
Matt, it was so awesome hosting you again!! It's always a pleasure to host our guests who travel from so far abroad. Glad to see that the stoke levels keep growing. We're already looking forward to your next trip with your mates! Thank you so much for the review.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our stay with Mentawai Surf Retreat was one for the ages. The idea of traveling across the world, into a country with Covid restrictions and limited access was daunting to say the least. MSR’s owner Vere was involved in successfully coordinating every step of the process to get us from point A to B.
Once you get to MSR, it quickly begins to feel like a home away from home, and their entire staff becomes like family.
The menu is outstanding, always presenting multiple hot and cold options for breakfast, with healthy lunch & dinners. I don’t think we ate the same meal twice for dinner during our two weeks.
Finally, the surf. Vere is 100% committed to getting you the best waves available every day. There were several times where we’d pull up to a break, happy with what was there when Vere would tell us we could find better. Sometimes checking three or four breaks for the best wind/swell combo. Vere found the best waves, with the smallest crowds for us every day. He also was a great asset to have with us in the water, detailing the swell direction, channels for paddling and reef sections to be aware of. And was just a great guy to have in your lineup. I’ve got to mention our surfing boat driver/music DJ, Jacob. That guy puts a smile on everyone’s face and is another buddy you’ll have waiting for you there.
We studied other resorts, saw them and their owners while we were there, and all agreed that we got lucky in choosing MSR. Can’t find one thing to say that anyone else does better.
If your going to the Ments for a surf trip, you cannot lose with MSR. Looking forward to our return trip!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 20 Jun 2021
Wow! Thank you so much for the very kind words. Yeah it's true, we love what we do and it's easy to see why surf stoke lives here! It was great hosting you and your friends and even more rewarding that you had such a good time. I'm looking forward to round number 2!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I was one of the fortunate ones to experience the Mentawais during these interesting times, and my stay at Mentawai Surf Retreat exceeded my expectations. The location is indescribable, pulling into an island over flowing with coconut trees, and Mentawai Surf Retreat Bungalows perched amongst them was stunning. All the crew at the retreat were fabulous, greeting you with a warmly each and every day, the food was incredible and the hosts Vere and Aggy went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable. I am not an advanced surfer, but each day the crew took everyones ability into consideration, ensuring everyone got a chance to surf spots respective to their ability. There is no doubt that I will be back!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 14 Dec 2020
Yeeewwww!! Stoked as! That was such a fun trip with you and so good to see you getting into some of those waves. Thank you for the kind words. Looking forward to seeing you again next year!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MSR has the best location in the Mentawais, it has a perfect rippable righthander front of the camp and in 5-10 min boatride you find another 10 waves, lefts and rights, ebay, bengbeng,burgerworld,goodtimes,bankvaults,nipussi and many more! Also playgrounds is super close with another 5-6 waves more! (kandui-riffles). The food is amazing, Desta makes magic in the kitchen! Bungalows have only fans but its more than enough as there is always some light breeze from the ocean! The stuff is always smiling and ready to help. Vere and Aggy makes a very friendly enveirment, i felt like home! Highly reccomended!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip:Â All 3 bungalows are awesome, but nr 1 has better internet acsess
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 11 Nov 2020
Yewww!! Thanks for the raving review Balint. We were stoked to host you and we look forward to your return. All credit goes to our amazing staff who do an amazing job delivering the best service they can. We're stoked to share the stoke!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
March 2023 Surf Trip - I am 40yo mom of two and went to MSR with my friends. I am an intermediate surfer (enjoy short board and longboard), goofy, i can catch waves, but don't do fancy moves, just cruise and have fun! The wave out front Pitstops was so much fun to surf and had a channel that can float you out to the wave. I surfed it non-stop! There were many waves at all the nearby islands and Vere, Tom, Sarah and the crew did a great job shuttling people from the resort to the waves at the best times. We were able to surf many waves all around and received guidance at each wave. The surfing was a ton of fun! The resort was very comfortable and nice and the main cabin/restaurant was welcoming to just hang out. There are always drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic), hot water, tea, coffee (early morning) available and staff nearby to help with any needs. Food was healthy and good and they were conscientious about offering food/snacks as needed so you didn't get hungry between meals. (so no need to hide snacks in your cabin!) The food was a mixture of western and local cuisine and lots of colorful veggies/salads at every meal. Cabins had several fans to keep you cool, netting to lower at night, all with a view of the wave, and beds very comfortable. Go, enjoy!! and get the surf photo package and the surf coaching too! loved every minute, trying to plan a return trip already.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 17 Apr 2023
Surf stoke lives here! How good was that trip Sydney?? So much fun and we're happy to have shared the experience with you. Looking forward to seeing you here again this year.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I don't know how to tell you this, but if I find out you went to the North Mentawais and find out you stayed anywhere else, I will be very upset. Don't look further. These people are incredible, the place is incredible and there is simply not a better place to stay, eat, or surf.
The crew here is incredible. Vere and Team run an amazing program across the board. Chef Destra crushes in the kitchen. It's a mix of western and Indonesian food, and all of it is delicious. Tom and Ruby are so amazing people and guides. If you're lucky enough to have Balint there, you'll get the same level of pics I got, which were literally world class.
The bungalows are beautiful and airy, the restaurant/lounge is awesome, and you are literally ON Pitstops. You can go catch one wave if you want, it'll take you 5 minutes. You're a 10 minute max boat ride from some of the most famous breaks in the world.
I traveled all around the world surfing this year, and this was #1. Run don't walk.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Doesn't Matter. They're all amazing.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 25 Apr 2022
Wow!! Thanks heaps for the raving review. We were so stoked to be a part of your epic world tour and after all your travels, to be complimented like this. Thank you Cody. We're looking forward to your return and share the stoke with you again.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fantastic Experience! Vere and Crew were incredibly accommodating, striving to get us into the best waves of the day, generally always with the least crowd, with a great focus on safety while doing so. Even scoring some of the big name spots all to ourselves at times.
The camp is also in an amazing location with regular waves out the front at Pitstops in between boat trips.
Waves all day, beers at our bungalow or around the "Table of Knowledge" watching the sunset, top it all of with a delicious dinner, want more could you want.
Can't wait for next year's trip! 👌
Read more
Date of stay: May 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Vere Dixon-Smith, General Manager at Mentawai Surf Retreat
Responded 3 Jul 2023
Hey! Thanks heaps for the review. That was such a sick trip. We're glad that you enjoyed it. Next time though, bring the helmet...
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi!
You can find all the info needed at our webpage.
You can also check out our Facebook page to see what's happening currently with our guests.
The weather during this time of the year is very good.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheers,
Vere
Hi Wendy,
Yes absolutely. We have surf guides who will assess your level of surfing and then they will take you to the surf spots that are best suited to you.
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
