WORDS BY: LUCIA ORTEGA
Journal /Entry 01
Ola Wozniak on Living a Life Less Linear
WORDS BY: Ola Wozniak
Jul 10, 2025
“Community has rooted me in Lombok. There’s a kind of connection here on a very human, everyday level that feels rare nowadays.”
Ola Wozniak, founder of Lombok-based surf and yoga retreat, Xanadu.
Like all the best detours, Xanadu started with a feeling. The kind that tugged Ola out of the city and into Lombok’s surf-soaked rhythms.
During her near-decade navigating a corporate 9-5 in Dubai, Ola would daydream about slower, salt-sprayed days. The more time she spent in the water, the louder that dream called. So she answered.
Fast-forward to Lombok, 2019. Ola built a space that isn’t just about surf and yoga – it’s about soul. Xanadu hums with the quiet cadence of island life and the kind of connection that makes strangers feel like family. What started as a solo project is now a living, breathing collective. One shaped by community, built with care and rooted in the beauty of the place it calls home.
We caught up with Ola to trace her journey from conference calls to coconut trees – and how a “one-year plan” turned into six and counting.
What is Xanadu?
Xanadu is a boutique eco-retreat serving up surf and soul in equal measure – think expertly curated surf and yoga immersions for both the capable and the curious. Perched above the swell, its hillside hideout offers ocean views that whisper ‘stay’ and doorstep access to Lombok’s best breaks.
“It all started from a simple desire: to create the kind of space I was always looking for on my own travels.”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m originally from Poland, but my path has taken me across the world. I studied in the UK and Madrid, then moved to Dubai, where I spent seven years in a fast-paced corporate job. Eventually, I felt the pull to do something more meaningful and aligned with the life I truly wanted. I decided to take a leap and move to Lombok to open a business I’d been dreaming about for years. The plan was to stay for just 12 months, get things up and running, and then head back to Dubai. But I quickly got hooked on the island’s slower rhythm, the simplicity of village life and the feeling of being more connected to nature. Six years later, I’m still here – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How does Xanadu fit into the picture?
Xanadu has, quite unexpectedly, become my way of living. Not just in a professional sense, but in terms of lifestyle and values. It all started from a simple desire: to create the kind of space I was always looking for on my own travels. I used to go on surf and yoga holidays around the world, and I’d often think, how amazing would it be to create something that ticks all the boxes? So I did. I dreamt of a place where like-minded people could come together, experience something meaningful, and build real connections. What began as a personal dream has grown into my creative outlet – and now, with a bigger team, it feels like a collective one. It’s become something we build and shape together, combining our ideas and energy to create truly special experiences for a growing community of guests. And that shared creativity, that sense of collaboration, has made the journey even more rewarding.
"I would say I'm a Swell Chaser (obvs!), a Wellness Wanderer and a Cultural Explorer."
What drew you to Lombok?
What I fell in love with in Lombok was how raw and real it feels. It’s so much quieter than Bali, and the waves here are very forgiving – perfect for learning and progressing without pressure. What really stood out to me, though, was the atmosphere in the water. The lineup felt friendly and welcoming, and as a woman, I never felt intimidated – something that, unfortunately, isn’t always the case in more male-dominated surf spots. But what truly surprised me, and ultimately rooted me here, was the sense of community. I didn’t realise how much I was missing that until I experienced it in Lombok. There’s a kind of connection here, on a very human, everyday level, that feels rare in big fast-paced cities nowadays. That’s been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey.
Lombok, where time
tides out.
Solo lines. Solid swell.
Pure Lombok.
Lombok serves up dreamy peelers, warm water and uncrowded breaks
What does travel mean to you?
As cliché as it sounds, it really is a way of seeing the world – and life – from a different perspective. It allows me to take a step back from the day-to-day (yes, I need to get away from the island from time to time!), to gain distance, clarity and inspiration. Travel fuels my creativity and gives me a boost of energy that I often don’t even realise I need until I’m out there, moving through new places. It also expands my sense of what’s possible. We often grow up surrounded by people who follow the same path, and it starts to feel like that’s the only way to live. But when you travel, you see just how many ways there are to shape a life. It opens your mind, your heart and, maybe most importantly, it gives you the courage to carve out your own version of the story.
What’s been your most memorable surf experience to date?
It’s hard to pick just one, because there have been so many memorable surf moments – each of them stays with me for a different reason. But those that I cherish the most are the times when it’s just me and a couple of friends out in the water, with no one else around. One memory that really stands out was a recent birthday trip to our secret spot. It was just the three of us, catching perfect waves for hours until it got dark. It felt like a private wave pool – the light was golden, the air was still and the only sounds were the ocean and us cheering each other on. It was one of those rare moments where you feel totally free, like a kid again. Pure magic.
Outside of catching waves, what’s something that everyone has to do when in Lombok?
There’s more to Lombok than just surfing. You can hike Mount Rinjani – a volcano with a crater lake – or spend your days snorkelling in clear waters. But what truly left a mark on me was something deeper: a chance to understand the people and culture of this island. One of the most powerful experiences I’ve had here was joining the Sasak Culture Workshop, which we now take all our guests from Xanadu Retreat to. Even after living in Lombok for three years at the time, I was completely amazed by the stories. Run by a local female collective, the workshop offers a beautiful, honest glimpse into Sasak traditions, from traditional rituals to the very real belief in black magic. It’s not polished or curated – it’s real and rooted. And through that, you begin to understand not just the island, but the incredible people who call it home.
What can ARRIVAL guests expect from their Xanadu experience?
First and foremost, complete ease. From the moment you arrive, you can fully let go and slip into a state of relaxation. Everything is thoughtfully organised for you, so there’s no need to make decisions or worry about logistics. Just roll out of bed, follow the Xanadu flow and let our team take care of the rest.
What should ARRIVAL guests be packing for their Xanadu experience?
Bring your bathers, a couple of yoga outfits and light, comfy clothes – Lombok stays warm all year round so you don’t need much. Don’t forget sun protection: a good reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses will go a long way. And make sure to pack a refillable water bottle – we don’t use plastic bottles at Xanadu. It’s part of our commitment to reducing waste and protecting this island that we are lucky enough to call home.
Chasing freedom in the waters Ola now calls home.
Ready to feel the magic for yourself?
Lombok Reverb is an ARRIVAL-only drop with limited spots and maximum magic. See Lombok through our lens and feel the warmth of Ola’s hospitality firsthand.
Xanadu Lombok: A Women-Only Surf & Soul Takeover by ARRIVAL
Indonesia
22—29 Nov, 7 nights
Xanadu Lombok: A Women-Only Surf & Soul Takeover by ARRIVAL
Indonesia
22—29 Nov, 7 nights
