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France Renewal Yoga Retreat
With Melissa Smith-Wilkinson + Richard Wilkinson
JULY 5 - JULY 10, 2021
Opening the shutters, light pours onto my skin.
I remember my first love.
And I am returning to her day by day within me.
About
Return to your first love. To love and nurture yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can offer.
Join us for a nurturing, restful getaway for the body, mind and soul in the French country side. Just a 3 hour train ride from Paris, and you’re in the midst of the beautiful Frenchwine country. Organically sourced homemade meals daily, 2 yoga classes daily, 3 Yoga Nidra sessions, a cognac tasting, and a day to explore on your own.
Accommodations
We have a variety of lovely accommodations available (full list below with pricing) in a country side cheateu built in 1880’s, all with ensuite facilities. The beautiful rooms are suitable for single or shared accommodation with either twin or double beds. There’s a private pool and pool house available for our guests, a meditation garden for reflection and several quiet spaces for total relaxation. Should you wish to arrive early or stay later, email Amanda for availability and rates.
Transportation
Flights, transports such as train or car, and transfers are not included. Once registered, we will send out a complete packet of easy travel suggestions for best routes, flights, and trains. On your free day we work together to organize enough transport to nearby towns or for excursions (not included) and have bikes available for those who would like to explore nearby villages and the countryside. It will be the beginning of sunflower season - which is truly breathtaking! (See Location and getting there below for more details.)
Meals
Beautifully prepared homemade and organic vegetarian meals and predominantly Ayurvedic. If you have any special dietary needs and would like to discuss with us please send us an email. Ayurvedic diet is clean, fresh and seasonal. All organically grown on site or sourced locally. Wine can be added to your meal for an additional cost.
Add ons: Ayurvedic sessions with Amanda, Thai Yoga massage or Yoga therapy with Melissa, Private meditation session with Richard, and Massage/Reflexology and other spa treatments are available at an additional cost and must be booked and paid for in advance, prior to arrival.
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Where
WHERE
Chez Vallee
St Germain de Vibrac
Charante Maritime
17500
France
Airport transfer
Airport transfer from and to Bordeaux airport (just over an hour by car) is charged at €90 per person each way (minimum of two people) during off peak hours. At morning and evening peak periods, there is a €50 supplement.
By train
There is a free coach transfer from Bordeaux airport to Bordeaux St Jean train station. The journey to our local town of Jonzac takes 50 minutes and collection from Jonzac station is €15pp. If arriving at Angoulême train station (from Paris) we provide a collection service at €60 per person (minimum of two people)
All transfer arrangements are made directly with Amanda at Chez Vallee.
Tel: 0033 (6) 40 33 23 82
Email: contact@praanawellness.com
Praanawellness.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
What to Expect
Monday, July 5th, 2021
Arrival anytime between 2pm-5pm*
Dinner and Restorative Yoga Class
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 6-7th
Rise and shine juice/tea
Yoga
Organic Brunch
Free time to swim, read, relax, explore on foot, or bike
Yoga Nidra
Delicious Dinner
Restorative Yoga or Guided Partner Thai Yoga Massage
Thursday, July 8th
Sunrise Yoga and Meditation
Organic Brunch
Day to explore on own - activity examples: a lazy day around the pool, receive a treatment, visit vineyards, or a trip to Bordeaux for a wine tour (Additional cost for tour and transport)
* this day may interchange with another depending on local events or festivals
Friday, July 9th
Rise and shine juice/tea
Yoga
Organic Brunch
Free time to swim, read, relax, explore on foot, or bike
Yoga Nidra
Special Dinner will feature the local Apértif, Pineau and Cognac with dinner
*All around Chez Vallee are Cognac vines. The Pineau is made from these vines and a glass of Cognac will be available after our meal.
Saturday, July 10th, 2018
Yoga
Continental Breakfast
Departure
Morning Sessions:
Learning to listen to body through the marriage of breath and movement is the gift of a sustainable yoga practice. We take an integrated, balanced approach that focuses on pre-hab (preventing injuries and encouraging healthy movement through all stages of life). In the morning sessions, Melissa or Richard may intertwine mantra, pranayama, and strength building postures with slow transitions adaptive your body’s ability. We will finish with a restorative pose and either enjoy the sounds of nature for our savasana or Richard will guide us in segments of yoga nidra meditation. The class is ideal for all levels of experience.
Evening sessions:
The evening sessions may vary and could include some slow yoga and movement, partner yoga, community activity or discussion, or restorative yoga with Melissa. Yoga Nidra guided meditation with Richard will conclude each evening. As we dive deeper and deeper into the phases of this extraordinary meditation practice.
Teachers
MEET YOUR TEACHERS
Testimonials
TESTIMONIALS
"These past few days have all been about connecting on the mat and off. So happy to have met all these beautiful yogis. Nurturing body and soul at Prana wellness in France. Beautiful Ayurvedic cooking by Amanda graham and restorative yoga by Melissa smith. Heaven on earth.."
-An, 2016.
"Great new friends. Beautiful Country. Love this place. Enchanting."
-Patricia, 2016
Investment
INVESTMENT
Pricing for this retreat varies based on your room selection. Price excludes service fee. Additional costs: flights, transfers, car rental, gratuities, alcohol, excursions and meals during excursions. What is included: Daily yoga and yoga nidra, two daily substantial meals (delicious vegetarian food) as well as tea and fruit in the morning and an afternoon snack (if you are spending your free time at Chez Vallée).
Greniere II (4 twin beds, shared bathroom)
$1723 per person - 2 spaces left! Perfect for a couple of girlfriends or solo travelers
$550 Deposit
$1223 Balance due by April 15, 2020
Best Value: $1723 in full ($50 savings)
Ensuite 4 $1723 per person (2 people sharing, one king bed) 2 spaces left!
$550 Deposit
$1223 Balance due by April 15, 2020
Best Value: $1723 in full ($50 savings)
Ensuite 1 $1840 per person (2 people sharing, twin beds, single shower) - SOLD OUT
$550 Deposit
$1340 Balance due by October 1, 2019
Best Value: $1840 in full ($50 savings)
Ensuite 2 $1996 per person (2 people sharing, twin beds, shower and claw bathtub) - SOLD OUT
$550 Deposit
$1496 Balance due by October 1, 2019
Best Value: $1996 in full ($50 savings)
Ensuite 3 $1896 per person (2 people sharing, twin beds, double shower) - SOLD OUT
$550 Deposit
$1396 Balance due by October 1, 2019
Best Value: $1896 in full ($50 savings)
The Greniere, ensuite 4 & 5, have a shared bathroom with shower.
Ensuite 5 $1623 per person (ensuite 5 is 3 people sharing with 3 twin beds)- SOLD OUT
$550 Deposit
$1123 Balance due by October 1, 2019
Best Value: $1623 in full ($50 savings)
Secure your spot by making a $550 non-refundable or transferable TODAY!
Deposit and later payment includes a $50 admin and transaction fee. When you pay your balance, it will be the full ensuite price less $500. To save the fee, pay in full now to secure your space.
$550 Deposit
Balance due April 15, 2020.
Venmo: @Melissa-Smith-821
Zelle direct transfer from your bank: Set up your account. Enter melissainkl@yahoo.com (Melissa Smith) to send.
PayPal (which includes credit card options) choose below.
Pay Deposit Now
Best Value!
Greniere II
Pay in Full
Payment in full is due by April 15, 2020.
There is no refund or transfers for the deposit. We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance in case of any emergencies or travel delays.
Terms and Conditions of Booking:
Prices do not include flights, trains, excursions, treatments or airport/train/car transfers. Rooms are shared unless stated otherwise and allocated prior to the retreat. Expressing an interest in a retreat cannot hold a place without a deposit. All deposits are nonrefundable without exception. Please note the balance of retreat payment is due in full April 15, 2020. Failure to do so may result in a reallocation of your place without a refund or credit. We recommend reviewing any travel insurance you have in place or purchasing travel insurance as well as updating your health insurance for overseas travel. Cancellation 12 weeks prior to the holiday will allow for a 50% refund. Cancellations after 12 weeks prior cannot be refunded. If cancellation is imminent, we welcome replacement attendees (transfer of your full amount to another student) at no additional cost to you. You are responsible for finding someone to take your place and making financial arrangements with them. Making a deposit is taken as acceptance of all of these terms and conditions.
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