Calm - Clear - Connect
Hosted at the beautifully tranquil L'ancienne Distillerie, this retreat will focus on developing a deeper awareness of self, enhancing our understanding and ability to make important connections to heart, body and mind. Working in collaboration, Yoga Teacher Tina West and Mindfulness Instructor Martin Towey, will introduce participants to movement and mindfulness practice that will cultivate calmness, clarity and sanctuary in the body, and foster awareness, kindness, and compassion towards oneself and one's experiences. The backdrop of the magnificent French countryside adds to the allure, promising a taste of France and its very special offerings.About the Retreat
This Yoga and Mindfulness Retreat offers a unique blend of physical and mediative practice and cultural immersion. There will be daily yoga and mindfulness sessions with Tina and Martin, designed to connect to our bodies and senses, and to develop a mindful approach to our daily lives. You will have time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, and savour quintessential French cuisine.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, Introductions and Self-Care
12.00 Arrive at the beautiful L’Ancienne Distillerie
13.00 Enjoy a delightful introduction to French cuisine with lunch to suit all tastes and food preferences
Session 1
14.30 An introduction to concepts of yoga, meditation and creative pathways to mental & physical care
16.30 Rest, relax or wander…bikes available if you wish to explore the local vineyards and villages
19.00 Connect with your fellow travellers over a delicious French welcome dinner
Session 2
21.00 Yoga Nidra session – breathwork and sleep meditation (optional)
Day 2: Calm and Connect
Session 3
07.00 Early Bird Vinyasa Flow Yoga
08.00 Sunrise Meditation
08.15 Hatha and Restorative Morning Practice
09.00 A nourishing breakfast to suit all tastes
Session 4
11.00 Mid-morning meditation – an introduction to Qi Gong with interactive reflection
13.00 Lunch – French style
Session 5
14.30 Silent sensory walk with creative practice
16.30 Savour more free time, rest, grab a bike or wander before apéro and dinner
19.00 Apéro and evening meal
Session 6
21.00 “Freeing the Voice” – a combination of soul singing and restorative chant (optional)
Day 3: Clarity
Session 7
07.00 Early Bird Vinyasa Flow Yoga
08.00 Sunrise Meditation
08.15 Hatha and Restorative Morning Practice
09.00 A nourishing breakfast to suit all tastes
Session 8
11.00 Mid-morning meditation and Qi Gong in the garden
13.00 Lunch – French style
Session 9
14.30 Mindful movement in the vineyards with creative practice (2)
16.30 Visit to the fascinating Guillon-Painturaud distillery with cognac, pineau and wine tasting
19.00 Apéro and evening meal
Session 10
21.00 Yoga Nidra (optional)
Day 4: Closing, self-care and farewell
Session 11
07.00 Early Bird Vinyasa Flow Yoga
08.00 Sunrise Meditation
08.15 Hatha and Restorative Morning Practice
09.00 A nourishing breakfast to suit all tastes
Session 12
11.00 Free time for self/group activity
12.30 Lunch – French style
Closing Session
14.30 Closing session and opportunity to feedback and share
16.30 Depart L’ancienne Distillerie for Poitiers
This enriching and restorative retreat itinerary is designed to provide you with a unique balance of immersive yoga & mindfulness practices, and explorations of the local culture and beauty of the Charente region. The itinerary is subject to change but only for the better. We can’t wait to welcome you to this special experience!
About Your Yoga Teacher
Tina West is a Theatre Director, Dramaturg and Lecturer in Performing Arts. She trained as a Hatha yoga teacher with the Jyoti-Yoga School Scotland and became a certified Hatha Yoga Teacher in 2016. She has been a yoga practitioner for 20 years. Her method is rooted in the empowerment of the individual to discover synergy between mind, body, and breath to develop awareness of the self and ability to expand safe practice. Hers is a creative yoga practice that builds physical strength, flexibility, mobility and mental wellbeing combining hatha flow, pranayama, yin, meditative and restorative practice.
About Your Mindfulness Teacher
Martin Towey, a diploma-trained teacher in mindfulness-based interventions, is your mindfulness instructor 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 are underscored by an adherence to the Good Practice Guidelines set by the Mindfulness Teachers Association of Ireland. Martin is a regular visitor to France and a long-standing member of the Ceangal team.About Your Hosts
Olive and Charlie will be your hosts for this retreat, 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
Fall asleep to the sound of the tinkling fountain, wake to bird song and when the stills are working, smell the unique aroma of cognac on the breeze. Set in 2 and 1/2 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland and surrounded by vines, L'Ancienne Distillerie is a calm, restful property situated in a peaceful hamlet just outside Cognac. Formed around a traditional Charentaise farmhouse, the accommodation has been created through the sympathetic conversion of the 150 year old buildings that made up the former cognac distillery.Travel Arrangements
If you are travelling from Ireland, from another airport, or arriving by train, let us know and we will work with you to ensure optimum travel options. If travelling from Scotland, we recommend travelling Ryanair Edinburgh to Poitiers on 12th October and Ryanair Poitiers to Edinburgh on 15th October. In order to ease your travel arrangements, we will provide complementary transport between Poitiers airport and L'Ancienne Distillerie corresponding with these flights.Cost
The all-inclusive cost of this Yoga & Mindfulness Retreat is €660 (ca £564) per person sharing. If you wish to avail of a private room, the all-inclusive cost is €980 (ca £840) . The fee covers all accommodation, tuition, food and wine as well as complimentary transport between Poitiers airport and L'Ancienne Distillerie at times corresponding to the above flights on 12th and 15th October.Book Now
It's time to treat yourself to a truly immersive experience in the heart of France's Cognac region. In order to secure your booking, a 50% non-refundable deposit must be paid. The remaining balance is due by 12th August 2024.
