Life experiences or material wealth?

I am a surfer, not a desk jockey – I keep reassuring myself.

However, after a long year without a surf holiday, it seems I’d forgotten what it was like to relax.

I landed in the Maldives just over a fortnight ago and a valued repeat TPW client, Glen Jeffs, who just happened to be on my last surf trip exactly a year ago, said: “You look stressed, Benny.”

Fresh out of the office on my first rock hop across the reef, I was slipping and sliding everywhere. I felt a tad overweight, unco and kooking out. Post-surf, I had a chat with Melissa, one of our surf guides who is also a yoga teacher at Kandooma. Mel said: “Life experiences are so much more important than material wealth. Think about all the unforgettable moments you clock up on a surf trip? Science suggests booking a surf trip, instead of buying a new car or a mobile phone will be better for your long-term happiness.”

Melissa’s wise words really resonated, echoing in my brain the first few days of my break. Mel’s underlying message being that one-off experiences, like travel, keep you happier for far longer than a material purchase.

After 8 glorious days at Kandooma, I flew to Indonesia with my family for a week and scored some fun waves and enjoyed some great experiences with the fam.

I sent Glenn some surfing shots and a photo of me and my family. His response, “You look so much more relaxed and happy, bro.”

Thanks Mel, thanks the Maldives, thanks Indonesia and thanks TPW.

Want to chill out, create more memories, family time and life experiences, get healthy and score some waves along the way?

Take advantage of our Maldives and Indonesia early bird deals.

		Maldives 2015 and 2016 Specials (Book by December 31st) From US$770 for 7 nights (flights extra) Maldives Early Bird Deals Resorts with a wave out front Surf charters for all budgets The Perfect Wave’s own operations
		Indonesia and 2016 Specials (Book by December 1st) From US$462 for 7 nights (flights extra) Early Bird Deals Resorts and Boats for all budgets Uncrowded wave destinations The Perfect Wave’s own operations
		Pete Murray at Kandooma (12 – 19 June 2016) Price TBA – Enquire today Join Peter for 3 unique, exclusive and intimate shows that you will never forget. Surf Kandooma Right and nearby breaks and kick back at the sunset shows.
		Barton Lynch Surf Coaching Trip (9 – 16 May 2016) at Kandooma Resort7-night package excl. flights from US$2,408 surfer / US$1,148 non-surfer Includes Yoga Clinic with Holly Lynch
		Surf Coaching with Pam Burridge (August 15 – 22, 2016) From US$2,362 per person + flightsSurf with Pam Burridge in the Maldives. Australia’s Queen of surf is hosting a coaching trip in paradise with her husband, legendary shaper Mark Rabbidge.