In Biarritz, women-run Bonbon Community is redefining what a wellness retreat can be

From Indonesia to Ireland; Sydney to South Africa, surfing takes place around the world – pretty much anywhere with water and waves. First invented in 400AD, with stand up surfing – the surfing we know and love today – being popularised in Hawaii and gaining worldwide recognition in the 20th century, riding breakers almost seems like basic human instinct. From reed-bound boats in Peru, to the fibreglass boards we know today, wherever we can, humans have found the means to surf.

It should come as no surprise, then, that over 35 million people surf worldwide. From the everyday wave rider to the fair weather surfer, a pretty large chunk of the population find joy carving their way into barrels. And yet, of that 35 million just 35 per cent of them are women. That’s a gender imbalance that Bonbon Community is aiming to address with their vibrant surf and yoga retreats on the sunny shores of Biarritz – inviting both women and men to experience, in the words of the two founders, “the retreat way of travelling.”

Sitting in southwest France in the country’s coastal Basque region, just a short drive from the Spanish border, Biarritz is nicknamed French California thanks to its laid back culture, wide stretches of beach and, crucially, world class waves. Catnip, then, for surfers and holidayers alike.

It’s the perfect spot to hole up with like minded travellers and hone your surfing craft, nourishing your body with daily yoga classes and incredible food to boot. That’s the name of the game at Bonbon community, a wellness community bringing together food, movement, wellbeing and joy.

Founded in 2022 by Michelle Planting and Francesca Zilliacus, Bonbon was born from the simple desire to celebrate moving your body well. As a holistic wellness coach, Michelle was interested in the ways we can find balance through exercise and nutrition, while Francesca was using the body-mind connection to ease stress. Over a glass of wine, the idea for Bonbon blossomed, built from a desire to combine their passions into a retreat that allowed busy professionals to move their bodies and find genuine connection.

“Our goal is to inspire a kinder, long-term, and balanced approach to wellness, highlighting the simple yet often overlooked aspects; joy, being kind to yourself, connecting with like-minded people, eating nourishing food, moving your body in any form that suits you, and spending time in nature,” Michelle and Francesca tell Vogue Scandinavia. “For anyone feeling fed up with the endless routines and wellness hacks fed to you on socials, we got you. Bonbon was created as a counterweight to all that and today’s wellness culture, which often emphasises strict routines and a performance-driven mindset that can be counterproductive.”

The key element of Bonbon is this idea of wellness without restrictions. There are no juice cleanses or limiting diets here. Instead, the day might start with a sunrise yoga session to get the blood flowing. Then, after a nourishing breakfast, you’ll head to the beach to spend the morning on the waves. Lunch might see you feasting on baguettes, cheese and Iberico ham on the sea wall, washed back with a cold beer. Afternoons are spent exploring the town; visiting Biarritz’s myriad stores, cafes and bars, before apéro in the garden at sunset and dinner and wine cooked by the in-house chef. Imagine the ultimate holiday with friends, happily organised by someone else.

Food takes a particular focus in the special retreats where Bonbon community invite a guest chef to bring their unique flavours to the kitchen. This fall will see LA-based chef Chloe Walsh (of @chloecooks Instagram fame) bringing her much-loved Mediterranean-accented food to the Bonbon Community retreat, with an extra focus on the meals. Whether it’s tuna crudo with vibrant slices of blood orange, fresh cavatelli with garlic and ricotta kale sauce or a simple pan con tomate with sardines, Chloe’s food speaks perfectly to the Bonbon ethos; nourishing the body as well as the soul.

In our increasingly online world, there’s nothing more important than genuine, human connection; disconnecting from our digital spaces and giving our brains a break. Out on the water, floating in the undulating water of the Atlantic, is like active meditation. “It teaches you to let go of control, while also challenging yourself,” Michelle and Francesca tell Vogue Scandinavia. “It’s a way to be present, to have fun and play around. Nothing makes us feel more free and alive than being in the ocean, and that’s something we want to share with our guests.”

Signature Edition: 23rd – 28th of September

Special Edition with Chloe Walsh: 30th September – 5th October