OVERVIEW

FORM & FOCUS - Wellness + Creativity Retreat

After several years we are finally returning to one of our favorite locales: the south of France! We have a new partner with Chateau de Berne, part of the prestigious Relais & Chateau group of hotels and who also offer a Michelin starred dining experience onsite as well as a sprawling estate of wilderness paths, a winery, and focus on nature and wellness with their large spa facilities.

We are splitting our time between the hotel’s amazing sprawling estate and a couple of the highlights of this region - the LAVENDER & SEA. We’ll enjoy day trips to the Gorge du Verdon and lavender fields of Valensole’s Plateau as well as a private boat around the Gulf of Saint Tropez with a stop in this quintessential jewel of the Côte d'Azur. The other days we’ll really learn how to relax and enjoy this retreat from our hectic day to day while we take a guided hike in the various nature trails on the estate, have a chef-led cooking class on-site, plus a wine tasting with cellar visit, and spa treatments.

Julian will lead the group in daily art classes and help to find new ways of seeing and experiencing this incredible location. Then Erin Lewis, our collaborator from Eat Pray Move will lead us through optional yoga and meditation classes to prepare our bodies and minds. Both yoga and art work together to find focus in the many layers of smells, sites, and sounds that abound in this amazing part of the world. Like countless famous artists who flocked to this part of France in year’s past, we’ll draw upon the light, color, and nature to get our creative juices flowing. *NO PREVIOUS ART OR YOGA BACKGROUND REQUIRED. All levels are welcome, and participation is voluntary. Projects and classes will be offered as a completely exploratory, unintimidating and personal experience.

LODGING

Tucked away in Provence's hinterland, in 1,272 acres of wild scenery, a little lane winds its way through forests and olive groves to Château de Berne's five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel in Provence. The voyage begins with the Château organic wines, grown on 370 acres of plots. A wild, natural paradise, home to this iconic wine estate, Château de Berne hosts an exciting palette experiences overflowing with the pleasures and refinement of Provence's envied lifestyle. This five-star property boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant acclaimed for its eco-friendly cuisine, sprawling grounds, nature trails, a luxurious spa, and plenty of spots to relax and take in the French sunshine.

With only 34 rooms and suites overlooking the vineyard, Château de Berne combines luxury, peace and voluptuousness in a stylish décor, subtly evocative of traditional Provence lifestyle. With a smaller number of on-site guests, it’s easy for each guest to feel like the large estate is one’s own private garden. Graced with its iconic vineyard and pristine wilderness, Château de Berne is a sensory experience unto itself, a pleasurable and refined embodiment of the feel of the south of France.

CUISINE

Healthful, food is part of the retreat experience. Château de Berne is a paradise for fine dining and gastronomy lovers. Chef Louis Rameau and his team offer guests a variety of unique and meaningful culinary experiences. We will discover his flavourful cuisine in the refined setting of our Michelin-starred restaurant "Le Jardin de Berne" or at "Le Bistrot" set inside La Cave tasting room.

Our program includes daily breakfast and dinners, plus selected lunches. We will enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, and we will participate in an extensive private cooking class led by the chef one day for lunch, as well as of course a wine tour and tasting during the week.

*Provided meals are vegetarian with a couple having a pescatarian option, although daily breakfast is an open menu for all guests to enjoy whatever they choose on the menu. Plus a few selected meals, guests will be on their own to dine as they wish. Thus allowing all diet preferences to be accommodated. Special allergy and dietary restrictions can also be noted and taken care of.

ACTIVITIES

Not only will we take advantage of the amenities and beauty of our hotel and their sprawling grounds. But we’ll enjoy some cultural activities such as a visit to the picturesque village of Moustier Sainte Marie “Known for its beautiful pottery and rosy tiled buildings, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie sits at the western entrance to the Gorge du Verdon (often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of France”). The bookends of towering limestone cliffs makes the town feel at once cozy and prolific” — Conde Nast, as well as the famed chic town of St. Tropez. This jewel of the Cote d’Azur is one of the must-stops on the French Riviera. We’ll enjoy a boat ride from Saint Maxime across the Gulf of St. Tropez and have some time to explore the town before returning. Back at the hotel we’ll learn some French cuisine with the chef during our private cooking class. One evening we will enjoy a led winery visit to the cellars and wine tasting, and of course we’ll indulge in a spa treatment to finish the week!

WELLNESS

Daily practices will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in the mindfulness nature of the trip. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced, and can range from gentle, restorative, and vinyasa flow. Plus meditations such as yoga nidra, guided meditation and/or walking meditation will be offered. Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with a small intimate retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. Our yoga and meditation classes during our time in Provence will take place at beautiful setting in the spacious spa facilities or in the gardens.

* Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 days / 5 nights (Jun 15-20, 2025)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $3995 (shared deluxe room*), +$1450 (single classic room), + $1750 (single deluxe room)

  EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: SAVE $200 UNTIL MAY 15, 2025

• Deposit to hold space = $1,500

• Max # Guests = 14
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  ** 50% of final balance due 120 days before retreat start date, and remaining 50% due 60 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Luxury Hotel accommodation

• Daily Yoga classes in gorgeous settings around the spa and gardens

• Daily Creativity and travel-journal classes

• Daily breakfast

• Daily dinners and selected lunches

• Welcome reception

• Daytrip to the lavender fields around Valensole’s Plateau

• Visit to the town of Moustier Sainte-Marie

• Stop to see the Gorges du Verdon

• Guided nature walk around estate

• Private cooking class with chef + lunch

• Private wine tour and tasting

• Private boat with swim stops in the bay of Saint Tropez

• Visit to town of Saint Tropez

• Spa Day + Treatment

• Walking meditation

• Artisan craft workshop

• Group airport transfer

• Taxes

* airfare not included

*tentative schedule, activities may be substituted based on weather and seasonability. All activities are carefully chosen based on the best experience for the guests.

LOCATION / TRAVEL:

• Hotel is located near the village of Lorgues

• Nearest international airport: Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport (NCE)

• One group transfer will be offered at 2:00pm on arrival day from Nice airport to the hotel, and one return transfer at 10:00am on departure day. It is just over an hour’s drive.

• Nearest train station: Gare des Arcs Draguignan (20min drive from hotel and easily reached by taxi)

• Next closest airport: Marseilles Provence International Airport (MRS). This is also an option and is about 1hr30 from the hotel. No group transfers are provided from this location, but we can offer guidance to options of arrival from here.

• For guests arriving outside of the group transfer or from another location other than Nice Airport, we can offer guidance to the best way of arrival by train, bus, or private car.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• * YOGA MATS AND ART SUPPLIES ARE PROVIDED *

• Bathing suit

• Yoga clothes

• Smart phone with camera and/or digital camera

• Plug adaptors / converters

• Light layered clothing, sun hat