CÔTE SAUVAGE

Shaping Moments on the Edge of the Atlantic
Biarritz, France
21-25 May 2026


Welcome to a journey that flows with the rhythm of the ocean—rooted in craft, connection, and the wild spirit of Biarritz. Designed for the curious, the free-spirited, and those who long to make with their hands and move with the tides, this retreat is a tribute to surf culture, Japanese craftsmanship, and the slow, sensory beauty of the French Basque Coast.

in the flow of pronoia

Set along the golden curve of the Grand Plage, Côte Sauvage is more than a retreat, it’s a creative ritual by the sea.

Led by a master of the craft, SF Bay-Area based artist Scott Constable, you’ll shape your own wooden bellyboard using antique Japanese hand tools, then ride the Atlantic on something made entirely by your hands. Each day carries its own rhythm—sunrise yoga, intimate conversations, wild foraging, and coastal feasts under open skies.

RESERVE YOUR SPACE

Moments That Move You

  • Rituals of Reconnection

    Balance movement and stillness. From morning yoga, meditation and journaling, body surfing, and Basque culinary influences, these shared rituals invite you to reconnect—with your body, your senses, and each other.

  • Close-up view of intricately textured wood grain.

    Crafted by Hand, Carried by Sea

    Turn raw wood into a rideable work of art. Over five days, you’ll carve, shape, and bring to life a board that carries your rhythm and intention, using Japanese antique hand tools. It’s a meditative act—grounding, focused, and quietly powerful.

  • Close-up of green flowering plant stems with small buds and tiny flowers, outdoors with overcast sky and blurred trees in background.

    Rituals of Gathering

    Wander and discover. From mindful walks along coastal trails, foraging for wild herbs and edible plants, to sharing stories and tastes inspired by Basque traditions.

Each Côte Sauvage retreat is its own wave—shaped by place, season, and the people who gather.
Explore our upcoming programs and find the one that speaks to you.


Where the Day Begins

Each day begins with a return to yourself. Through sunrise yoga, breathwork, a quiet meditation, or an early warm mug of coffee in the open bread kitchen, we arrive—present, open, and grounded. With salt on our skin and stillness in our breath, we gather for a light breakfast before stepping into the affirming, creative rhythm of the day.

Drift into the Afternoon

As the sun climbs, we slow down. Afternoons offer space to rest, explore, or create. For those called to move, you can use the time for a meditative nature walk, surfing, cycling, or somatic workshops. As golden hour nears, we gather again—stories shared, reflections written, and the day softened by the light. Evenings unfold around the table, with fresh Basque flavors and the warmth of good company.

Living room with white sofa, stone wall, wooden coffee table, and stone fireplace, adjacent to a dining area with large windows and door leading outside.
Bright, spacious kitchen with white cabinets, terracotta hexagon tile floor, a central island with a wooden top, and large windows letting in natural light.

Those Who Hold the Space

Behind every Côte Sauvage moment is someone who listens, guides, and nurtures with care. Our team is comprised of artists, guides, surfers, foragers, and storytellers—each bringing their own rhythm, presence, and quiet mastery. They are here not to lead from the front, but to walk beside you, to hold space for your unfolding, and to share in the beauty of making something by hand, heart, and tide.

A woman with brown hair and glasses standing outdoors on a sidewalk with cars, trees, and buildings in the background. San Francisco WHISK


  • Maggie is an Immersive Experience Designer, Herbalist, Bathroom Curator, and founder of WHISK.

    She is certified in facilitating Reiki, as well as leading transformational breathwork and meditation journeys.

A man with curly blond hair and a beard is measuring a piece of wood on a workbench in a workshop.


  • Artist, designer, and co-founder of Wowhaus, Scott Constable brings his philosophy of Deep Craft to Swell Break.

    With decades of experience in sustainable woodworking and public art, Scott offers quiet, masterful guidance as you shape a board using vintage Japanese hand tools.

A woman with dark brown, shoulder-length wavy hair smiling and standing with her hands in the pockets of a white jumpsuit, against a gold-toned wall.


  • Annsonia is a Paris-based Canadian Yoga teacher and teacher trainer. Her teaching is rooted in the fluid nature of a Vinyasa practice, but also showcases her passion for the details of alignment and science of functional movement. Her creative teaching continuously evolves as a combination of those 3 elements, and brings together a vibrant tapestry of cultures, experiences and endless inspiration.

A woman wearing a dark apron, standing outdoors in front of a wooden wall with a vertical piece of textured metal art. She is smiling and has her hands behind her back.

  • Jocelyn Ueng is a Taiwanese-Chinese American chef. Having trained in California, Denmark, Taiwan, and Japan, her food focuses on wild & foraged ingredients and traditional fermentation techniques.

    Prior to becoming a chef, Jocelyn worked as a strategy consultant in the private and nonprofit sector. She’s cooked at some of the world’s best restaurants, including The French Laundry, Satoyama Jujo, and most recently, noma.

What You’ll Take With You


Not a souvenir, but something quieter, something that stays. A steadier breath. The memory of salt on your skin. A board shaped by your hands.
Côte Sauvage isn’t a linear line—it’s a tide, a rhythm, a return.

Here, you’ll remember how to listen. To yourself. To nature. To others.
And when you leave, you’ll carry the stillness, the spark, and the board you shaped, something real, something lasting, made entirely by you.


Reserve my space

What’s Included

  • Accommodations

    Located just a short journey from the beach in the heart of the French Basque region, your stay offers a quiet space to unwind after long, sunlit days. A home near the sea, where every night ends with a stunning sunset and every morning begins in stillness.

  • Healing Rituals

    Morning breathwork, meditation, and workshops set the tone, with soul-soothing rituals throughout. Begin with gentle movement — like sunrise yoga— and find quiet moments to reconnect and return to yourself.

  • Meals

    Each day flows with the rhythm of shared meals—relaxed breakfasts, seasonal lunches, and delicious healthy dinners. All meals are included, with options for dietary modifications. Whether by the sea or at the table, every bite invites connection and calm.

  • Bellyboard & Sun

    Start your day with optional morning restorative activities, then take your handcrafted bellyboard into the water for an unforgettable ride, feeling the flow of the waves beneath something you shaped by hand.

  • Workshops

    You’ll craft your own wooden bellyboard by hand, using antique Japanese hand tools and techniques to shape something both beautiful and lasting—alongside other activities like mindful forest foraging to deepen your connection to place.

  • Transportation

    From the moment you land in Biarritz, we’ve got you. Private airport transfers and all retreat transport are included, so you can move through each day with ease — every kilometer bringing you closer to the sea.

A bright, minimalist bedroom with a bed on the right, decorative pillows, windows with sheer curtains on the left, and a small bathroom area with a mirror and sink at the back.
Bathroom decor featuring a green vase with dried eucalyptus leaves, a framed mirror, a clear textured glass container, a window, and an old stone sink with modern gold fixtures.
Bright bedroom with large windows, a bed with a colorful striped blanket, and a view of greenery outside, separated by a glass partition from a bathroom area with terracotta tile flooring.
RSVP

Come as you are, leave with salt on your skin, stories in your heart, and something only the ocean could have given you.

Know Before You Arrive

  • We suggest flying into Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) — just a 10 minute scenic drive from the retreat. A private transfer will be waiting to welcome you and bring you directly to our meeting point by the sea.

    If you're coming through Paris (CDG or ORY), the high-speed train from Gare Montparnasse offers a peaceful ride down to Biarritz. Barcelona (BCN) is also an option, though it involves a bit more planning.

    You may arrive at the retreat location from 4:00PM. onward on Day 1. If you're arriving early or later than planned, just let us know — we’re happy to help with alternate arrangements. On departure day, transfers leave the retreat at 3:00PM., giving you time for one last breath of Atlantic air.

  • Biarritz in late summer is warm, breezy, and kissed by the sea — so think layers, comfort, and ease.

    We recommend bringing a swimsuit, comfortable sandals or sneakers, a sunhat and sunscreen, and beachwear for slow afternoons by the ocean. For the workshops, pack clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or oily, and a light waterproof jacket for the occasional misty morning.

    If you have your own wetsuit, bring it along — otherwise, rentals are available locally. Evenings can get cool, so a few cozy layers are always a good idea.

    Pack light, but pack with intention — you’ll want space in your bag for a few handmade memories.

  • Absolutely — and many do.

    Swell Break is designed to be a space of connection, not only with others, but with yourself. Whether you're arriving solo or with a friend, you'll be welcomed into a thoughtful, inclusive community where stories are shared, boards are built, and new friendships are shaped as naturally as the waves.

    There will be plenty of quiet moments for reflection, and plenty of chances to connect — so come just as you are. You won’t be alone for long.

  • Airfare to and from Biarritz, travel insurance, and meals, activities, or transportation not listed in the itinerary are not included in your retreat package. It will be your responsibility to plan for how you’d like to transport your board home. If you plan to continue your travels within Europe, we can hold onto your board and ship it for you to your final destination on a requested date. Plan to cover the cost of shipping, packing, and any import fees.

    Additional costs may apply for spa services, surfboard rentals beyond what’s provided, or airport transfers outside the scheduled windows. Personal shopping, and any damages caused to retreat property or equipment are also the responsibility of each guest.

    We’ll cover everything that brings the experience to life — the rest is yours to shape as you wish.

  • All bookings for Swell Break are final and non-refundable. We’re unable to offer refunds for cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances, including medical or family emergencies, which is why we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your plans. They may be transferred to another guest, space and circumstances permitting. Please inquire if you can no longer make it after you’ve registered.

  • You absolutely can — and we wholeheartedly encourage it.

    Biarritz is only the beginning. After the retreat ends, you’re free to continue your journey — whether that means renting a car to explore the rugged Basque coast, hopping on a train to the French countryside, or flying onward to another corner of Spain.

    Your return transfer to Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is included, but the path beyond is yours to shape. If your soul calls for more salt air, slow mornings, or small adventures — follow it. Swell Break may end, but the rhythm doesn’t have to.

Ready to join us but have questions?

Let’s connect. Book a call with our team and feel into whether this retreat is the right wave for you.

An aerial view of several surfers riding waves and waiting in the water at the beach.
Woodworking workshop with hand tools hanging on a pegboard, clamps on the workbench, and a drill press.

Sponsor the Retreat

Interested in becoming a sponsor for Côte Sauvage? Discover how your brand can be part of an immersive, design-forward retreat experience on the Atlantic coast.

Explore brand integration opportunities, cross-promotion, and retreat exposure in our detailed press kit.

Download PDF Press Kit