Lindsey Holland is one of the original fashion bloggers, launching her online career 15 years ago and quickly becoming a trusted voice in the industry. Her work with leading global brands cemented her place in the fashion world - but it was a deeply challenging period in her personal life that led her somewhere entirely new. A solo surf retreat in Portugal shifted everything, inspiring the creation of her retreat brand, Marnie Rays.
The idea for Marnie Rays began during one of the hardest seasons of my life — a time when I felt completely disconnected from myself. My joy and spark had disappeared, and I didn’t recognise who I was anymore. In search of healing, I turned to the water. Swimming became a daily ritual, something steady and grounding.
Eventually, I booked a solo surf retreat in Portugal, hoping to learn something new. What I discovered was far more powerful. The ocean demanded presence and taught me to surrender, to feel peace even amid uncertainty. Out there, held by the sea, I felt myself return.
When I came home, I kept chasing waves and began sharing my journey online; honestly and openly. The response was overwhelming. So many women reached out saying they felt the same. That connection, that shared longing to feel alive and whole again, became the seed of Marnie Rays.
It’s a space for women to reconnect; to themselves, to nature, and to each other. You don’t need to have surfed before or know what’s next; you just have to show up. Because it’s in those wobbly, uncertain moments that we rediscover who we really are.
I want to continue growing Marnie Rays in a way that truly reflects our ethos, values, and the positive impact we hope to have on both people and the planet. It’s a big goal, but I’d love for Marnie Rays to become a certified B Corp one day. As we keep running retreats where we’re creating spaces for women to rediscover joy in the ocean and in themselves, we’re also expanding our locations and communities around the world.
My dream is for Marnie Rays to evolve into a brand that empowers women, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, beyond the retreats; through film projects, funding meaningful initiatives, and other creative collaborations that amplify women’s voices in the surfing world and beyond.
As your readers will know, this part of Cornwall is so magical and I’m excited to bring a full length retreat after our sell out Sunday Salt Session day event here in May 2025.
Picture this:
Morning waves and salty hair.
Long coastal walks.
Fresh coffee after your surf session.
The kind of early-summer energy that shakes off winter and makes you feel alive again.
Here’s what’s waiting for you:
A typical day at Marnie’s often begins with making the most of our closeness to the beach. Many of our guests come from busy cities and love to soak up every bit of coastal calm. Some choose to rise early for a mindful walk by the sea, alone or with their new friends, while others enjoy a slower start and head straight to breakfast. Our retreats are about taking what you need.
Back at the house, the smell of fresh coffee and a beautiful home-cooked breakfast prepared by our guest chefs fills the air. We gather around a big table to eat together before heading out for our morning surf lesson. The next few hours are spent with our coaches; starting with on-land briefings and stretches, then plenty of time in the water catching waves. A post-surf coffee (and maybe a pastry, they just taste better after hours in the sea!) is a much-loved ritual.
Lunch might be shared at the house or enjoyed at one of our favourite local cafes. Afternoons are your time to recharge; whether that’s exploring coastal paths, relaxing with a book, napping, or swimming in the sea! As the day winds down, we come together again for a long, juicy yoga stretch on the beach before getting ready for the evening. Dinner might be in town, a sunset pizza on the beach, or a special meal cooked by our incredible chef.
We love ending each day gathered around good food, full hearts, and the kind of connection that makes you feel truly at home.
