Mná Mindfulness Retreat

29th September to 1st October 2023

An Unparalleled Retreat Rejuvenating Both Mind and Body

Join us at the exclusive Logis du Paradis, nestled within the breathtaking Cognac region of France, for a very special mná retreat aimed at rejuvenating both body and mind. Led by Martin Towey, a qualified mindfulness teacher, this retreat introduces participants to various practices that help cultivate awareness, kindness, and compassion towards oneself and one's experiences. The backdrop of the magnificent French countryside and the gathering of mná from across France and beyond adds to the allure, promising a very unique experience together.

About the Retreat

This tailored Mná Mindfulness Retreat offers a unique blend of relaxation, meditation, and opportunity for connection. Relax into daily mindfulness sessions with Martin, designed to nurture your mental wellbeing and guide you in developing a mindful approach to your daily life. Interspersed with the mindful practice will be "time out" to rest and relax by yourself and enjoy the warmth and friendship of others...

About Your Teacher

Martin Towey, a diploma-trained teacher in mindfulness-based interventions, is your guide for this retreat. Having personally witnessed the transformative effects of meditation, Martin dedicated himself to teaching others the skills of mindfulness. His experience spans across a variety of courses and workshops, his teachings underscored by an adherence to the Good Practice Guidelines set by the Mindfulness Teachers Association of Ireland.

About Your Hosts

Olive and Charlie will be your hosts for the week, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience from start to finish. Having made the move from Ireland to France some years back, they fell in love with the Charente region and have dedicated themselves to creating retreats that combine quality instruction and authentic French experiences, from the delicious local food and wine to visits to unique local attractions.

About the Venue

The luxurious Logis du Paradis will be your home for the retreat. This 18th-century complex, featuring a former Cognac distillery, is built around a classic Charentais courtyard. Surrounded by the vineyards of the Grande Champagne Cognac region, the beautifully renovated cottages offer comfort and tranquility, while the grounds and countryside provide ample opportunity for relaxation or exploration.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

  • Welcomed at Angoulême train station at 12.30pm, you will be transported to the luxurious Logis du Paradis.
  • Settle in over a delightful lunch from 1.30 – 2.30 pm
  • The afternoon session will ease you into the weekend programme with an opening mindfulness session.
  • From 5.00 – 6.30 pm take time out, relax and enjoy your beautiful surroundings.
  • Enjoy a first taste of local French cuisine with a welcome dinner at 7.00 pm.

Day 2: Connect with Nature and Mindful Practice

  • Start your day at 7.30 am with some mindful movement based on hatha yoga.
  • A nourishing breakfast will be served at 8.30 am.
  • Ease into the morning mindfulness experience with a body scan.
  • Enjoy a fresh nourishing lunch from 1 pm to 2 pm.
  • Return to relaxation with a mindfulness session connecting with the surrounding nature. 
  • Savour more free time before apero and dinner served from 6.30 pm.
  • Unwind and prepare for rest with a ‘Sleep Well’ relaxation session – with candles and music, optional, from 9.00 pm.

Day 3: More Mindful Practice and Farewell

  • Begin your final day with an early morning yoga session at 7.30 am.
  • Breakfast will be served at 8.30 am.
  • Ease and enjoy more more mindful practice honing skills you can take home and continue to use.
  • A leisurely lunch will be served from 12.30 – 1.30 pm
  • The afternoon will offer a closing mindfulness session to round off the weekend and prepare for  departure.
  • We will leave Logis du Paradis at 4pm and return you to Angoulême train station from where you will depart for home.

Travel Arrangements

In order to ease your travel arrangements, we will provide complementary transport between Angoulême train station and Logis du Paradis to correspond with the following trains: 29th September: train departing Paris Montparnasse 10:10am, arriving in Angoulême 12.23pm & 1st October: train departing Angoulême 5.26pm, arriving in Paris Montparnasse 7.34pm. If you are flying between Dublin and Bordeaux with Aer Lingus, we will provide complementary transport between Bordeaux airport and Logis du Paradis.

Cost

The all-inclusive cost of this Mná Mindfulness Retreat is €480 per person sharing. If you wish to avail of a private room, the all-inclusive cost is €780. The fee covers all accommodation, tuition, food and wine. Complimentary transport between Angoulême train station and Logis de Paradis is provided at pre-agreed times on both the 29th September and the 1st October.

Book Now

It's time to treat yourself to a truly immersive experience in the heart of France's Cognac region. To secure your spot, simply select a Shared Room or a Private Room at the Logis du Paradis using the buttons below. With limited spots available, we encourage you to book soon to avoid disappointment.

Like a Gathering of Old Friends

Olive and Charlie were so kind, generous and hospitable and really couldn’t do enough for the group and to make our stay as comfortable as possible. There was a lovely balance between our sessions and local trips. It became like a gathering of old friends after the first night at dinner...I’ll certainly be back!

Miriam Glynn

Far Above My Expectations

My Painting holiday with Ceangal was far above my expectations: our hosts Olive and Charlie were very generous with their time, local knowledge and transport to beautiful local painting sites and towns. Our introduction to gourmet French cuisine, cooked lovingly by Maggy our very talented chef, was a real treat.

Olivia Hayes

Genuinely Warm & Welcoming

This weekend exceeded my expectations. Olive & Charlie are wonderful hosts, immediately creating an environment which is genuinely warm & welcoming. Which in turn makes the group dynamic work effortlessly. I really cannot recommend it highly enough and look forward to my next trip to Olive & Charlie.

Jennifer Callan