Our team consists of enthusiastic people with a passion for the ocean, nature and healthy food. The South West Algarve is still untouched and many fall in love with the area.
We are Niek and Katrien, the owners of One Life Lodge. Our journey in the Algarve began more than 15 years ago, shaped by our shared passion for surfing, nature, and the outdoors.
Katrien was born in Antwerp, Belgium. After studying Marketing, she spent several years traveling and working in tourism in the Alps—where she met Niek. They instantly connected through their love of outdoor sports, mountains, and the ocean. This adventurous spirit eventually led them south, toward the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Algarve.
Katrien first discovered Burgau 22 years ago during her travels. She immediately fell in love with the dramatic coastline, the turquoise sea, the warmth of the Portuguese people, the sunshine, the food, and the incredible waves. It felt like a place where life could be lived fully and simply. A few years later, she launched her women’s surf and yoga retreats, which have now been running successfully for 18 years. The Algarve proved to be the perfect setting for women to slow down, surf, reconnect, and find joy in nature.
It did not take long before Katrien convinced Niek to move permanently to the Algarve. Together, they built a life anchored in the outdoors and raised their two sons, Morris and Louis—now both enthusiastic surfers. With more than 15 years of living here, they have developed a deep knowledge of the coastline, the community, and the rhythms of the region they call home.
In 2015, we bought the lodge that is now One Life Lodge. We completely refurbished it and transformed it into a warm, inviting space designed for retreats and holidaymakers. Today, we live just a short walk away with our two children, ensuring a personal touch for every guest who stays with us.
Our eye for detail, combined with our welcoming approach, creates an atmosphere where guests can truly unwind. One Life Lodge brings together everything we love about the Algarve: nature, comfort, surf, community, and the serenity of an unspoiled coastline. It is a place to relax, reconnect with family and friends, and experience the beauty of this extraordinary region—one sunrise, one moment, and one wave at a time
At One Life Lodge and Chicks on Waves, our mission is to create a space where women, families, and groups can reconnect with themselves, with each other, and with the natural beauty of the Algarve.
Chicks on Waves was born from Katrien’s desire to offer women a true retreat from the intensity of everyday life—busy schedules, constant responsibilities, and the pressure to keep going. Through our women-only surf and yoga retreats, we provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where you can slow down, be cared for, and rediscover your own rhythm.
For one week, we take care of you. Our passionate team of warm, caring women welcomes you as if wrapping you in a soft blanket. You are invited to move at your own pace, enjoy nourishing meals, soak up the sun, and experience the peaceful nature that surrounds us. Surfing is at the heart of our retreats—not for performance, but as a mindful practice. It allows you to get out of your head, disconnect from daily life, and be fully present in the ocean. Mindfulness, community, and joy are woven through every moment.
Our Chicks on Waves retreats take place in spring and fall, aligning with the best small, playful waves that make learning or improving feel natural and fun.
During the rest of the year, One Life Lodge opens its doors to families and groups seeking a beautiful, spacious, and comfortable lodge to enjoy holidays together. Whether gathering for relaxation, nature, or shared experiences, the lodge offers an exceptional setting to slow down and spend meaningful time with one another.
At the core of everything we do is one intention: to offer a place where people can feel at home, connected, and inspired—surrounded by nature, supported by community, and immersed in the peaceful rhythm of the Algarve.
