Ola’s journey is an inspiring story of courage, reinvention, and passion. She left behind the corporate world in Dubai to embrace a completely new life on the serene island of Lombok, Indonesia. As the co-founder of Xanadu Surf and Yoga, Ola now lives a dream that many only wish for: a life filled with surfing, yoga, and a deep connection to nature.

My name is Ola, and I am the co-founder of Xanadu Surf and Yoga. I’m originally from Poland, but I’ve spent most of my adult life living abroad. The most significant change in my life occurred when I made the decision to quit my corporate job in Dubai, where I had lived for seven years. I wanted a slower pace, something more connected to the earth, so I packed my bags and moved to Lombok, a small island in Indonesia. I’ve truly fallen in love with this lifestyle here.

Lombok has become my sanctuary, where I get to start each day in the ocean, feeling the saltwater on my skin and the peace it brings. My decision to open Xanadu Surf and Yoga here was natural, as I wanted to share the surf and yoga experience with others in this tranquil paradise. The plan is to expand beyond Lombok, but for now, this island is home.

Surfing was something I came to later in life. I was in my late 20s or early 30s when I first tried it, and it all started in a wave pool in Dubai. The experience was so exhilarating that just a few weeks later, I found myself at a surf camp in Bali. From that moment, surfing became an addiction. It wasn’t just a sport; it became a way of life. Every morning, I wake up thinking about the waves, wondering whether the conditions will be right for a good surf session.

But surfing is more than just physical movement to me. It’s a form of meditation, a way to find peace when life feels chaotic. When I’m in the water, it’s like everything else fades away. If I’m feeling frustrated or down, all I need to do is submerge myself under the water, and I instantly feel better, even if it’s not the best surf day.

What I love most about surfing is how it teaches you patience and to slow down. Every wave is different, and so is every surf session. Some days, everything falls into place, and you feel unstoppable. Other days, nothing clicks, and you might feel frustrated. It’s in these moments, though, that you learn the most. Surfing is humbling, and it forces you to let go of control. It’s something that’s difficult to explain, but it’s one of the most beautiful things about the sport.

I chose Lombok because it’s much less developed than Bali, and it offers a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere. There’s a sense of community here that’s so special. The local village is small, and you actually get to know people, which is rare, especially when you come from Europe where many of us have lost that personal connection. It’s this sense of community that makes living here so fulfilling, and I’m so grateful for the life I’ve built.

Being able to live this way, surfing every day and sharing my love of yoga with others, has been an incredible journey. It’s not always easy, but it’s the life I’ve always dreamed of, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Thank you for reading my story! It’s a privilege to be able to share my experiences, and I hope it inspires you to follow your own dreams, just as I did.