Living My Billabong Surf Dream

I grew up in Southern California, downloading Billabong desktop wallpapers onto the family computer. For the past couple of years, I’d been daydreaming over the Bonanza Instagram, so when I saw they had partnered with Billabong for their 17th edition, it was a done deal. No thoughts—just immediately entered my credit card info. And just like that... Chance was off to France!

Book the Trip!

One of my 2025 goals was to finally solo travel abroad. Booking this retreat felt like the perfect intro—a solid balance of adventure and structure. After a couple of layovers and some chicken enchiladas in the sky, I landed in Biarritz. Within an hour, I was off to wander: got a crêpe, spoke questionable French, and was amazed at how much Biarritz reminded me of my hometown. I think they actually call it the California of France? (Someone fact-check me!)

The next day, I met up with Rosalie, my new Belgian friend, and we Ubered to the villa, chatting the whole way. The moment we pulled up, it was instant warmth—the kind you feel when you realize you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. We were greeted with fresh banana bread and coffee, courtesy of the amazing Frida, who runs all the meals at Bonanza and makes everything feel like a little celebration.

The villa was straight off a Pinterest board—stunning, full of Basque architecture and cozy character, overlooking the ocean. I met my roommate for the week (hi Taylor!), and we were gifted the cutest Billabong x Bonanza welcome bags.

We spent the rest of the day in the sun, getting to know one another, and ended the evening with a delicious home-cooked dinner. That first night was just the start of the dreamiest, core-memory kind of week.

Surfing in the South of France

I came into the week with some years of “surfing” in Newport Beach—which really just means I’d paddle out and chat with my friends. So I was very much still a beginner and eager to learn.

Each morning started with a surf lesson. The instructors? Local legends full of energy, who genuinely wanted us to catch waves. They tailored feedback to each of us and made every session both encouraging and hilarious.

We would all cheer each other on, bobbing in the lineup in our colourful wetsuits and giggling over wipeouts. It felt surreal to look back at the villas perched on the green hills.

Bonanza Knows How to Brunch

Should I make a full section dedicated to the food? After every surf session, we came back to a full breakfast spread. Think: baguettes, whipped cream cheese, jam, soft scrambled eggs, fresh greens, cheese, fresh juices, coffee… all with an ocean view. I’m serious when I say I will never be the same.

Some dinners we ate out, others Frida cooked for us, and one we made together (our final night, where everyone shared recipes). But no matter the meal, it always felt thoughtful, cozy, and beautiful—with flowers, playlists, and candles (Theresa crushed it!). The kind of details that made even a Wednesday night dinner feel like a special occasion.

Afternoons & Special Moments

Afternoons were our oyster. The schedule was perfectly balanced: structured, but with plenty of room to do your own thing. If you wanted to read by the pool (yes, there was a pool at the villa), explore town, nap in the sun, or shop local boutiques, the time was yours.

That said, Bonanza also organized some really meaningful moments:

• Surf Theory with Amanda: We learned how to read a surf forecast, choose the right break, and approach a lineup. I walked away feeling not only more confident but genuinely excited to keep surfing post-Bonanza.

• Yin Yoga with Elin: Gentle movement led by Elin—exactly what we needed mid-week to relax, stretch, and ground.

• Workshop with Patrizia and Marie from GUTS: A group conversation about intuition, storytelling, and trusting yourself. We got deep and even shared a few tears. Special moments!

Postcards from Biarritz

By the end of the week, my French was 1% better, I’d tried new foods, surfed several beach breaks, and made real connections with amazing women from around the world. We were strangers on day one, and sharing inside jokes by day two.

That’s truly the Bonanza magic—the people. Everyone is kind, curious, funny, creative, and down for it all. Amanda and Elin have built such a genuine, welcoming, and special community of women.

I left France feeling full, recharged, and reconnected. And above all, I’m so grateful I got to live out my surf dream in such a beautiful place with the most beautiful people.

Xx Chance