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 and Introductions
- Arrive at the luxurious L’Ancienne Distillerie.
- Settle in over a delightful lunch from 1.30 – 2.30 pm.
- The afternoon session from 2.30 to 4.30 pm will introduce concepts of yoga and mindfulness meditation, opening pathways to physical and mental awareness.
- From 4.30 to 6.30 pm take time out, relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings or simply rest.
- Enjoy a first taste of local French cuisine with a welcome dinner at 7.00 pm.
- After dinner, there is an optional pre-bedtime “Breath work and Sleep Meditation” session.
Day 2: Cultivating Calmness and Connection
- Start your day at 8 am with some mindful movement based on hatha yoga.
- A nourishing breakfast will be served at 9 am.
- A Meditation & Mindful Movement session will follow after which an interactive reflection.
- Enjoy a fresh nourishing lunch from 1 pm to 2 pm.
- The afternoon session will take in a sensory walk in the local area followed by a creative journaling/writing exercise.
- Enjoy Chocolate with a Twist…a nourishing Self Care Practice
- Savour more free time before apéro and dinner served from 6.30 pm.
- Our optional after-dinner “Freeing the Voice” session will combine soul singing and restorative chant.
Day 3: Clarity
- Start the day with a awakening yoga session at 8 am.
- Breakfast will be served at 9 am.
- Followed by some Qigong in the garden.
- A leisurely lunch will be served from 12.30 – 1.30 pm.
- The afternoon will offer some mindful movement amidst the surrounding vineyards.
- After which you can take time for yourself to explore the local countryside or simply rest.
- The final dinner will be followed by an optional pre-bedtime relaxation session.
Day 4: Closing practice and farewell
- Begin your final day with an early morning yoga session at 8 am.
- Breakfast will be served at 9 am.
- Practical Mini Yoga and Mindfulness Practices to take away.
- A leisurely lunch will be served from 12.30 – 1.30 pm.
- The afternoon will offer a closing session…an optional opportunity to feedback and share.
- Departure from L’Ancienne Distillerie in good time for travel home.
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.
Please do not book your flights/trains before we confirm minimum sign-ups. We will inform you at the earliest date possible.
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.
REGISTRATION CLOSES 6PM ON 6TH JULY 2024
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.
Flexible payment plans are also available so please do not hesitate to get in touch if this may be a better option for you. With limited spots available, we encourage you to book soon to avoid disappointment.
Please be advised that all transactions are in Euro. We recommend consulting your bank about potential exchange charges.
REGISTRATION CLOSES 6PM ON 6TH JULY 2024
Register Your Interest
Is the thought of immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the French countryside while nurturing your mind, body, and spirit appealing to you? If yes, our Yoga and Meditation Retreat from 12th to 15th October 2024 is indeed worth looking forward to.
As we are in the process of fine-tuning some details of this retreat to ensure it provides a transformative experience, we are currently not accepting immediate bookings. However, we recognise that you might already be considering this retreat for your future plans.
Once you express your interest, you'll be among the first to receive updates about the retreat. We'll keep you informed about when bookings will open and any exciting details or enhancements to the itinerary as they are confirmed.