An endless stream of hardbodies is headed for the surf…

…Shaggy-haired blondes hauling surfboards, athletic trios of twentysomethings in sports bras and spandex, and barefoot dudes in board shorts. At sunrise, Sydney’s Bondi Beach is filling up with beachcombers, surfers, and photographers. Swimmers cut through the water in the pool at Bondi Icebergs, seemingly oblivious to the waves bursting over the side. It is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen (and I am surrounded by beach 360-degrees on my home island of Guam).

Pastel-colored buildings line the cliff, giving this seaside beach a European feel.

There’s a convivial vibe as the sun peaks over the horizon. I am not a morning person, but I am not sorry to have leaped out of bed and run down to the beach all in the name of photography. The light is ethereal as it streams through the pounding waves and makes silhouettes out of the beachgoers. I can see how surfing is not a pastime here, but a lifestyle. Certainly, an appreciation for natural beauty must accompany it and Bondi Beach is easy to love.

My stomach rumbles and I remember that I haven’t had my morning cappuccino, much less breakfast, so I head to Lush on Bondi. The cafe oozes charm inside and out. I sit and watch dog-walkers, skateboarders, and the bird that is trying to steal my breakfast. Australia’s most iconic beach lives up to the hype so much that I have to pry myself away.

I’m wearing a custom-made dress I designed and sandals from Bali. Photos of me by Mike Selva.

What’s your favorite beach?