CAN WE TELL YOU ABOUT... YOGA RETREATS

Little French Retreat, Gascony, France

Any concerns about going on a yoga retreat vanish the minute you walk through the door of this farmhouse in rural Gascony, France. As soon as you are welcomed by Tamsin and her two adorable dogs, you know you’re going to be just fine. After an evening meditation (optional) and a blissfully early night, the days start at a respectable 8am with two hours of yoga in the studio. With a focus on pranayama ( breathing technique) and several rounds of reviving sun salutations, you’ll feel amazingly alert and like you’ve been stretched a few inches taller. A vegetarian feast provides a hearty brunch – the kind of food you intend to cook but never quite manage – from inventive smoothies to nut butters, colourful salads and vegetable fritters. Afternoons offer silent walking in the forest, through farms and wildflower fields, free time for snoozing or reading in the garden and another two-hour early evening yoga session before an equally delicious evening meal. Groups are kept small (maximum of six), which makes for an intimate and friendly atmosphere. On our beginner’s yoga weekend we all had a shared aim to relax, rejuvenate, learn about yoga and perhaps discover something about ourselves along the way. And, without exception, we gained all of that and much more. If wellbeing came on prescription, it would look something like this. littlefrenchretreat.com