Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald

Photojournalist, surfer and adventuring story teller

photos by amazingly talented photographer Ming Nomchong

Some people are really inspiring. They motivate you to go out into the world leaving behind all your fears and doubts and actually live your dreams. They make you look at your own life and want to be a better person. I know a person like this. Her name is Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald.

Chrystal is a soul surfer, inspirational writer, engaging filmmaker, motivated conservationist, talented photographer, adventurous traveller, nature lover and all around amazing human. She is all these things and more. She dreams and then she does.

I enjoy the beauty of simplicity and believe in Kismet. ~ Chrystal

She has an incredible gift to tell a story. Her stories are often inspired by her adventures. Her adventures are influenced by her love for surf and her love for the ocean has led her to promote conservation. She shares her spectacular photos and engaging stories of travels, surf, and healthy living through inspirational films, writings, a personal blog, and posts on her social media accounts.

Her childhood consisted of natural forts, flower leis, free diving and adventuring in Ka’u, the lava desert of Hawai’i’ Island. She relocated to Australia and its easy to see why the whole country fell in love with her. She is the ultimate sea gypsy. She credits the sea as being one of her greatest teachers. If that is the case, then she is certainly one of the sea’s most elegant students. It is no wonder why she is one of my favorite surfers. Her graceful style and cheerful smile make a sunny day in Australia even brighter. She is a true ambassador of free surfing culture and constantly shows the world how one lady sliding mermaid can have a massive influence for positive change in the world.

She is an ambassador for Toms Footwear, Conner Hats and Seea Swimwear. Her writing and photography have been published in Foam Symmetry, Destinations Magazine, Surfing Magazine, and on the websites of Tourism Queensland & Deus Ex Machina. She has selflessly given an impressive amount of time and energy supporting organizations such as Save the Kimberly, Sea Shepherd, Living Ocean, Misfit Aid and Assist a Sista.

Besides her professional accomplishments, Chrystal laughs loud, smiles often and fills the room with a glowing energy. She has made an enormous impact on my life. She is sure to influence yours as well. She embodies all that Santosha Society believes in: travel, surf and a healthy yogini lifestyle. We are so very grateful to add her to the Santosha Society family and are very proud announce that she will be our “inspirational surfer” for the upcoming trip to Sri Lanka. Chrystal, you are truly one of a kind. Keep showing us the way.

The best thing you could do today is take a look at her ever popular photographic journal through stunning images on instagram: @thedawnchronicles. and read her stories on her website : The Dawn Chronicles

Crew page photo of Chrystal from lens legend Ming Nomchong

Room Details

Details coming soon

Bali Villa Details

Staff – One of the greatest experiences of staying in a villa is the personalised service provided by a dedicated staff. The Villa has a team of professionals led by a long-serving manager who also acts as the villa’s spiritual advisor, arranging the temple ceremonies that form part of the day-to-day rituals.
Chefs – The villa’s private cooks are trained in local and international cuisine and are in charge of the market shopping and preparation of all guest meals. They will happily prepare dishes from the villa’s suggestion menu, as well accommodating special requests and dietary requirements.
Cleaning – Attendants look after the daily cleaning and tidying requirements at the villa.
Location – Pererenan village, Canggu, south-west Bali.
Rooms – 6 bedrooms: 5 king-size beds and 1 queen-sized bed. ( plus a daybed in the TV room)
Living – Joglo living pavilion with guest kitchen and bar; dining and kitchen pavilion with seating for 12; barbecue pavilion;
Yoga – Riverside yoga studio
Spa – In villa treatments may be selected from a comprehensive spa menu and can be carried out by professional beauty therapists by arrangement (extra cost applies).

Mentawai Surf & Yoga Escape - The Waves

Scarecrows
Your New Frontyard – A long lefthander wraps around the front of the Island for rides of up to 200 yards. Picking up most available swell and surfable on any tide, and at any size, Scarecrows is one of the most consistent breaks in the Mentawais. A wave of many moods depending on swell size and direction, the length of the wave ensures a little of everything is on offer. On a good day out front a surfer will find, open faces perfect for carving, long racing walls and multiple barrel sections… sometimes all on the one wave! A fun wave, suitable to surfers of all abilities and skill levels. The reef here is deep by Mentawai standards, though the inside “Curry Bowl” section can get shallow and challenging at low tide, rewarding those who commit with a more intense barrel!

7 palms
Good option for some fun on small days Only a short ride from Togat Nusa, Seven Palms peels off along the reef in front of a scenic limestone coved beach. The wave tends to close out when the swell gets too big so is generally saved for a bit of a change on those smaller days. It is a fun, rippable wave capable of throwing out the odd barrel. Suitable to surfers of any skill level, those looking for more of a challenge can push themselves further up the reef to a sometimes makable faster barrel section.

Telescopes
When its on this long lefthander would have to rank as one of the funest waves in the world.
Requiring a more specific swell direction, Telies is not as consistent as some of our other spots but, once the swell direction is good and lines start wrapping around into the bay at Mapadegat, it really is a sight to be seen. Long rides of over 200 meters are possible, as predictable section after section offer ample opportunities to whack, carve, trim and pull in! Considering the quality of wave, Telies is quite forgiving, the reef here is relatively deep, though the wave should definitely not be taken too lightly. Big swells see large sets breaking further up the reef as barrels reel quickly down the line and into the regular takeoff zone, slowing down briefly before walling up and concentrating again on the inside tube section.

Icelands
Rarely a day goes by when there isn’t some form of surfeable wave at this swell magnet An average day at icelands will see a steepish takeoff, followed by a shorter ride with opportunity for a couple of turns and the occasional barrel. However, once a big W-SW swell hits Icelands it truly starts to show itself, transforming from a small swell ‘go to’ spot into somewhat of a beast. A powerful left, the takeoff is steep, as the wave jacks quickly out of deep water throwing out a heaving barrel, for anyone who has what it takes…..

Suicides
A right hander which breaks over a shallow and very live reef, Suicides is best surfed on a high tide. Those who aren’t lured too far up the reef by an enticing, yet unmakeable section, can negotiate a steep takeoff straight into a barrel before coming through to the next section and chance for a couple of turns as the wave fattens out into the channel.

Embok Tikus
A fun playful left hander hidden around the corner from Icelands, fun for those looking for something a little mellower , longboarders or intermediate surfers. A great place to check if the swell is big and want some shelter.

Secrets
When the waves are big there are options to explore some secret spots that start to work. We have some perfect setups around for longboarding and mellower fun waves. There are are plenty of other fun waves tucked around the islands , fun for the whole family.

The Boats
All surf transfers in the neighbourhood are included. A traditional dug out canoe, powered by two 40 horsepower Yamaha engines will transfer you safely to and from the surf at speeds of up to 20 knots.
Day trips on the speed boat down to Lances right ( HT’S ), Lances Left or up to the Playgrounds Area are $300USD per day for up to 8 People.

Please note that this is not a beginners trip, we can accommodate for mellow cruiser styles and waves including longboarding, but you must be able to ride a wave, duck-dive and look after yourself out there.

Sri Lanka Villa Details

8 air conditioned bedrooms
4 en-suites & 4 bathrooms
6 Double rooms & 2 shared rooms
2 swimming pools with umbrellas & sun loungers
Open Air Yoga pavilion
Huge 400m beachfront property laced with towering palm trees
In house chef and cleaning staff for your daily needs.
Local Transportation (at your own expense)

Photography

We love to take photos and we will have a photographer floating around to capture your waves and dreamy days free of charge. We are really looking forward to making art at this amazing destination with you.

Please Consider approching the photographer if you would like to shot any commercial products.

Getting to the Mentawai Surf and Yoga Retreat

There are a few things to consider prior to your departure. Overall the trip is as simple as showing up at Padang airport on the 1st October where you will be met by a Togat Nusa employee who will guide you onto your last leg from Padang to the island.

GETTING TO PADANG

You will need to arrive in Padang the day before your trip date (1st October) as the ferry departure is first thing in the morning (2nd october). Once you arrive at Minangkabau International Airport (PDG) and have collected your luggage, You will be met at outside by our friendly Togat Nusa representative. Who will organise everything you need from that point onwards. You will be shown to the waiting vehicle(s) for the entertaining 40 minute ride from the airport into Padang city. We will book a hotel for you, and you can pay on arrival to the hotel. (transport around Padang is all included in your fee) Padang city is an interesting place and our staff will happily provide you with some suggestions of things to do, or you may just want to rest up after your flight.

On your return another night in Padang is recommended as the ferry arrives in padang at 6.30pm. You will be picked up the next morning and taken to your flight.

GETTING TO THE ISLAND

You will Be picked up from your hotel by our friendly staff at 6am and guided to the Mentawai Fast Ferry for a 3.5hour trip to the island resort where you will be greeted by pure paradise.

All transfers from arrival at the airport out to the island and back are included in your package.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is mandatory for your personal safety. Travel Insurance packages start at $60 and up we like to use World Nomads. A decent travel insurance package will provide coverage for the following: trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay, baggage coverage, travel delay, emergency medical and dental, emergency, medical transport and evacuation, and travel accident insurance.

PASSPORT AND VISA

The most important thing to remember is to make sure that you have an updated passport and a valid VISA. You will not be permitted to enter Indonesia if your passport is going to expire within six months of your departure or if you are from a country that requires a special VISA to enter.

Most travelers coming from the US, Australia, and Europe are issued tourist visas upon arrival, but if you carry a passport from other countries it is worthwhile checking to see if you need a visa. The standard tourist VISA is applicable for up to 30 days. If you plan on staying longer in Indonesia you must apply for an extended stay VISA at your local Indonesian Embassy prior to departure or in Singapore.

WHAT TYPE OF HEALTH PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?

Most travelers usually update their tetanus and hepatitis shots before traveling to any remote region of the world.
Malaria is a reality in some parts of Indonesia including the Mentawai Islands; consult your doctor for more information.
If you take a prescription medication make sure you bring the necessary paperwork that goes with it in case of an emergency.
If you are prone to seasickness please bring something to counteract its effects such as dramamine or bonine.
For more information please consult your doctor.

We cannot be held liable for changes to travel arrangements or delays brought about by external influences or transport providers.

What to bring along

The best advice when packing for a retreat is to pack as light as possible.

BOARDS

There are waves suited to all different types of surf craft, but a really good tip is to bring boards for the types of waves YOU want to ride. When the swell is up, there is plenty of options so don’t feel like you need to bring a big step-up board. Most people bring 2-3 boards, and dont forget to check with your airlines about surfboard fees.

Out of the water

Photocopy of travel insurance and passport
Cash (Indonesian Rupiah) to settle any extras that you buy.
Camera and video camera and lenses/accessories
Sandals or thongs
Beach towel
Laptop and smartphone (optional)
Flash drive (for photos)
Insect repellant (please avoid bringing aerosols to the island where possible)
Malaria medication if recommended by your doctor
First aid kit for yourself and/or the tropics – we do first aid equipment
Sun cream and zinc and after sun products its hot out here
2 pin European/indonesian Electrical adaptor
Reef walkers or booties – if your feet arnt used to the reef
Books – you are welcome to swap from our collection if you finish those that you bring
Small backpack or waterproof carry bag
Spray jacket
Sports or stainless water bottle (please help us to minimize plastics in the area)
yoga mat

CAN I CHECK MY E-MAILS WHILE AT THE RETREAT?

Wireless Internet is available in the Bar/restaurant area for guests to email, skype and check surf reports and tell all your friends how amazing this is.

Additional Optional Extras

Divine Treats :
A hammam (Moroccan steam bath), a rejuvenating indulgence to deeply relax, traditionally followed by a gommage, an exfoliating massage-scrub, a body mask and then a full body massage. Unwind with this heavenly afternoon treat (500 dh / approx: $55).

Paradise Valley :
Our local guides can drive you inland into beautiful Paradise Valley. Explore its’ streams, waterfalls and pools, take a picnic, walk, swim and relax (30 min drive, 300 dh -$33 min 2pp, 150 dh – $15 pp min 4 people).

Agadir :
A trip to this area would not be complete without a visit to the Agadir Souq (main market), perfect for gift shopping. Agadir beach is a huge sandy bay, great for swimming, walking, sunbathing and lots of tourist activities, restaurants, cafés etc.

Essaouira :
This lively and artistic town makes for a popular mid week break, an
ideal place for shopping, eating and experiencing a bit more of
magical Morocco. Transport for the day (vehicle & driver 800 dh
approx $80).

Camel riding, horse riding, quad biking, jet skis.
We can arrange for you to take-in this dramatic coastal and hillside region on a quad bike, jet ski, camel or on horseback. Excellent horses and guides are available to suit all abilities. Camels and horses can even pick you up from our front door! (from 180 dh per hour approx $18).

Prices in USD and may change based on currency rates

Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald

Photojournalist, surfer and adventuring story teller

"...And she lived a life full of manifested dreams"