SOUTH OF FRANCE RETREAT
Our relaxing retreats are run by Nicki Pulvertaft and Becky Bieraugel twice yearly in the stunning countryside of the South of France with daily yoga, freshly prepared local cuisine and optional day trips.
With a small group of 6 to 10 guests we all stay together in a beautiful old villa with private pool, several outdoor eating and relaxing areas, and 9 gorgeous bedrooms that can be rented privately or shared.
To book or send an enquiry please email nicola@powderhill.com
“Your soul is your best friend. Treat it with care, nurture it with growth, feed it with love.”
— Ashourina Yalda
THE LOCATION
Our group stays for 4 nights at the beautiful villa ‘Le Mas du Figuier’ (House of Figs) in Vezenobres with teachers Nicki and Becky living on site. The villa has its own beautiful swimming pool, light-filled yoga studio and lots of private areas to relax and unwind. Up on the hill the small town of Vezenobres is a delightful place to explore……..
To book or send an enquiry please email nicola@powderhill.com
THE YOGA
We come together morning and late afternoon to practice. Classes run for around 90 minutes with the option to drop into the shala early to ground, meditate or just relax. Classes are designed to suit our guests and are inspired by the season’s energy. In our spring retreat we spend our time a little more energetically with a focus on opening and we often make use of the warmth and sunshine to move the class outdoors. Our autumn retreat is more grounding, with a deep sense of going inwards and nourishing ourselves. We encourage our guests to take what they need from the time spent on the mat and to use their body’s wisdom and intuition to guide their personal practice.
FOOD FOR THE SOUL
We take our food seriously on our retreats! We feel it is as much part of the yoga as the time we spent on our mats. Therefore we like to add a big dollop of soul onto your spoons! How we feed ourselves affects our bodies, minds and the environment around us so we take care to only cook with the best local ingredients. We design our ayurvedic inspired menus according to the season and offer up an array of flavour packed vegetarian and vegan meals that will nourish and hopefully inspire. Breakfast, afternoon tea and a hearty supper are all included but we recommend you explore all the wonderful cafe’s and restaurants for lunch. We also provide a picnic lunch and an opportunity to check out local restaurants on our optional day trips.
ROOMS AND PRICING
The villa has a total of 9 luxury bedrooms, beautifully furnished with wonderfully comfortable beds, fresh cotton bed linen and are meticulously clean . All rooms can be hired privately or shared with a friend.
£1300 private room
£795pp shared room
Some rooms are en-suite
Double or twin beds
All rooms have charging points (EU plugs)
To book or send an enquiry please email nicola@powderhill.com
DAY TRIPS
UZES
After breakfast we offer the opportunity to be driven to the delightful market town of Uzes (about a 30 minute journey). A bustling square overflowing with local artisans and food producers offering up their finest wares and delicacies for us to sample or purchase. After a couple of hours exploring we convene at a fabulous alfresco restaurant to people watch and enjoy a meal and maybe a cold glass of beer. Trip costs 40 euro plus the price of your lunch.
CASCADES DU SAUTADET
After breakfast we hop in our scooby doo van to take the hour’s journey to the dramatic Cascades Du Sautadet. An oasis of cavernous pools, waterfalls and streams where we lay out a typical french picnic (vegan and veg) to enjoy under the shade of a low slung branch. After lunch (or before) the brave can take a dip and the even braver can try out the rock jumping just like the locals! After we have had our fill we meander back to the villa for evening yoga. Trip costs 60 euro which includes your picnic.
PONT DU GARD
After breakfast we make our way by car to the mesmerising Pont du Gard. A 45 minute journey brings us to the ancient Roman aqueduct bridge that was constructed in the first century AD to transport water over 50 km. It is the highest of all Roman aqueduct bridges and is by far the best preserved. After exploring the area we stop for a picnic by the banks of the river and then the adventurous can take a plunge into the very cool waters to refresh themselves before heading back to the villa for afternoon yoga. Trip costs 50 euro which includes your picnic ands entrance fee.
Upcoming retreats…
AUTUMN RETREAT 2022
Weds 14th - Sun 18th September
Soften the senses, go deep, nurture yourself with warming foods and enjoy a more restorative practice. Email Nicki to reserve a room or ask any questions.
To book or send an enquiry please email nicola@powderhill.com
SUMMER RETREAT 2023
June 2023 TBC
Sign up for a Vitamin D blast, delicious seasonal food, and long bright days to rekindle your inner fire. Email Nicki to reserve a room or ask any questions.
To book or send an enquiry please email nicola@powderhill.com
What to expect…Read Nicki’s blog post describing a typical day on the retreat. And to book or send an enquiry please email nicola@powderhill.com
In the words of our guests… We hope they inspire you to join us next time!
…..outstanding centred yoga moving energy chakras practice stunning lovely wonderful escape pause reset relaxation yum privileged lucky wonderful safe relaxed space quiet freedom peace sleep headspace grateful calm restorative open coconut chia seed pudding balance explore fabulous delicious beautiful love compassion magic self care whole body mind stunning food meditation soul calming special superb loving gorgeous no pressure flowed rest cats refreshed big comfy bed amazing……….
TESTIMONIALS
“I have absolutely loved every minute of the four days. Beyond my expectations and one of the best retreats I have been on. Thank you for looking after me and supporting me at a very vulnerable time. I feel refreshed, fitter and stronger”
- Vicki, France , 2019
Absolutely loved it! The perfect balance between yoga and chill out time. So well thought out and put together. Lovely energy and people. Going home feeling calm and centred. Chocolate mouse a triumph!
- Helen, France, 2019
Relaxing, beautifully welcoming and an absolute must for all.I loved the focus on self care incorporating the whole body and mind. Food ideas will be taken home and emulated-stunning food!
- Anon, France, 2019
"I first met Nicola through a friend and was drawn to her kind, generous and creative spirit. As a yoga teacher she has a special kind of calming energy that enables you to feel safe and supported during the session. I felt truly uplifted after our class and the breathing exercise that she showed me at the end of our session has become an essential part of my daily routine."
Louise, London, 2013
'“Amazing location! It was great to be able to have the stunning walk up to the village. The teachers always make or break a retreat and you guys both make it! xx”
- Sally, France, 2019
“I had wonderful few days of relaxation and me time in Morocco, passing away the hours either chilling by the pool, or having treatments, with the highlight of the days schedule being the two Yoga classes. I had only attended six Yoga lessons before the retreat, but I still felt I got as much out of the classes as those that had been doing them for years, and enjoyed them enormously. It is also very easy to hire a cab and go into Marrakech should you so wish.
I came back fully recharged and ready to dive back into usual busy London lifestyle, along with the determination to continue with my Yoga learning.
- Dee, Morocco, 2014
To book or send an enquiry please email nicola@powderhill.com
