Life in Balance Yoga Retreat

Antugnac, France

NC
Nicole Catenazzi
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1 review
Nov 10 - 17, 2018
Group size: 7 - 12
Life in Balance Yoga Retreat
Antugnac, France

Nicole Catenazzi
  • Email address verified
  • Facebook verified
  • LinkedIn verified
1 review

Nov 10 - 17, 2018
Group size: 7 - 12

About this trip

Find deep feelings of tranquility, joy and relaxation in the South of France! 


Experience what better life balance feels like by immersing yourself in the practices of yoga and meditation, outdoor activities, and on-site workshops while enjoying the comforts and amenities of an all-inclusive travel experience. 

This retreat is for you if...

  • You want to invest in yourself and your overall well-being by experiencing the practices and tools to find a better life balance
  • You want to recharge your batteries, relax and restore your body
  • You want to feel grounded and are looking to be at one with yourself, nature, and your surroundings
  • You want to get back the simplicity of life and give yourself the time and space to stop overthinking and just be present
  • You want the feeling of ‘home’ when you’re away, without all of the stresses of home life
  • You want to deepen your yoga practice and find a sense of balance that you can take back home with you
  • You want to be taken care of; allowing yourself to focus on yourself and your practice while we take care of the rest. You just need to get yourself there! 

Life in Balance

Everything in life is about the yin and yang. Positive and negative, ease and effort, love and loss, personal and professional, health and indulgence – we are constantly looking for that sweet spot where we can find our centre, our balance, even in the midst of whatever life might throw our way. But how do we embrace our experiences to find that balance? 


The practice of yoga brings a greater sense of balance to your life by allowing you the space and awareness to just be you and to feel present, during the good, the bad, and the ugly moments of life. Allowing oneself through the practice of yoga to be fully present and connected to what we feel and why we feel it brings us to a place where we can live more mindfully. And with that mindfulness, we are able to come that much closer to the sweet spot: that balanced place in the middle of it all where we feel peace and tranquility. 

The Setting

Take a moment for yourself in the beautiful nature of the French countryside.


Nestled in Southern France, close to the border with Spain, the villa benefits from glorious sunshine most of the time, but still with green and lush vegetation. Walk anywhere round the villa and you’ll be constantly taken aback by the beautiful view of the Midi-Pyrenees Mountains.

Watch the mist rolling in the Valley below, and see the sun travel across the sky by reaping the benefits of the South facing property.

Discover your own slice of peace and tranquility, be that in the woodlands, amidst the vines, or on top of the nearby Mont Sec.

Here, you’ll savour every single minute outside as much as you enjoy the comfort of the retreat house.

The Accommodations

Home-like comfort

Welcoming guest accommodation is provided in a 12th century stone coach house which has been recently renovated and restored to provide a relaxed farmhouse feel with the modern comforts you need.

A mixture of private and shared accommodations is available to suit your travel preferences and budget. All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms.


For those looking for additional privacy, a self-contained studio apartment is also available.


Communal gathering

Gather in a communal dining room for meals and retreat to one of the 2 living rooms to relax with other guests or curl up with a good book. On cooler days, sit back and enjoy the warmth of a roaring fire in the stone fireplace. 


Professionally-appointed yoga studio

You will find all the creative inspiration you need whilst here. Our morning and afternoon yoga practices take place in a large, bright studio with views of the Pyrenees and nearby mountains. After practice, bask in the sun from the large terrace that opens to the studio. 


The studio is perfectly equipped with yoga mats, bricks, blocks, straps, eye bags & blankets. You are welcome to bring your own mat and props if you prefer, but it is not required. 

The Food: French Cuisine, Retreat-Style!

Nutrition is just as important as exercise when it comes to maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. So whilst you are focusing on your yoga practice and enjoying all of the activities, our retreat chef will be working just as hard to provide you with healthy but exceptionally tasty food. 


Using locally sourced and seasonal produce, including eggs from the property’s chickens and produce from the garden where possible.

The food is vegetarian and often vegan. All other dietary requirements can be catered for, just let us know when you book.

Of course, you can’t travel all the way to France without sampling some of the local wines, so we will provide you with local wine at dinner, and the opportunity to visit a local winery.

Booking Information

Deposit

To reserve your spot on this retreat, you need to place a 200€ deposit and agree to the terms terms and conditions when booking. Your deposit is non-refundable, unless we are able to find another participant to take your place.  


Cancellation

A participant may cancel their booking at any time, providing that the cancellation is made by the person submitting the booking form and is notified to us in writing. Cancellation will take effect the day such notification is received by us. If such cancellation is made within less than 60 days before the start of the retreat, we will retain your deposit of the retreat. 


However, if another person can be found to take your place, then we may offer you a refund at our discretion. There will be no refunds provided if you cancel your booking within 60 days of the retreat.

Bookings are for the stated period of the retreat. There are no refunds for an unused portion of the retreat. If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of your Insurance Policy, you may be able to make a claim on your insurance.


This is just a portion of the full terms and conditions of booking your retreat. The complete terms and conditions are available here (PDF).

Frequently Asked Questions

How many participants will be there? 

To ensure a calm, tranquil and intimate experience we are limiting this retreat to 12 participants. This is the perfect retreat for you if you want to meet like-minded people and share the wonders of yoga and self-realization with them. 


I’m travelling with a friend. Can we share a room? 

Yes you can! Make sure you each choose the same accommodation type when booking to ensure you are placed in the same room. 


Do you offer a payment plan?

Yes we do! Once you pay your deposit, please email nicole@nicolecatenazzi.com if you would like to arrange to pay for your spot in installments. We will work with you to make sure you can register in a way that meets your financial needs. 


Are flights included?

No, the cost of your flight is not included. 


Are kids permitted?

This is an adult-only retreat. Guests must be 16 years of age or older to participate. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian who is 18 years of age or older and share the same room.

 

Do I need to bring my yoga mat?

The studio is perfectly equipped with yoga mats, bricks, blocks, straps, eye bags & blankets. You are welcome to bring your own mat and props if you prefer, but it is not required. 


I have certain dietary requirements, can these be accommodated? 

Yes they can! To ensure enough time for proper menu planning, please let us know upon booking whether you have any dietary requirements. 


Do I have to do all the activities? What if I want to go off on my own? 

All of the activities listed are included in your stay but they are also completely optional. You can participate in what we offer as much or as little as you wish. 


You are free to travel off the retreat site at any time. Because the location is rural, we recommend you rent a car at the airport, or arrange for a private driver to pick you up. If you need help with arranging a private driver just let us know and we can coordinate that for you. 


The accommodation option I want is sold out. Do you have a waitlist? 

Yes we do! Please email nicole@nicolecatenazzi.com to be added to the waitlist for your preferred accommodation option. We will let you know if a spot opens up AND we will honour any discount codes that were available at the time of your email to us. 


Are the activities in English?

All the retreat's activities (yoga classes, hiking, cycling tours etc.) will be led in English. Both your guides speak fluent French and can assist with any translation or comprehension in any other circumstances. 


What’s the weather like in South-West France in November?

This region in the South of France enjoys mostly sunny weather in November, with mild temperatures perfect for walking around and even eating outside in great comfort with a light sweater or jacket during the day. The evenings and early mornings will see lower temperatures but the venue has gas fired underfloor central heating throughout the house, with temperature controls on each level, plus additional wall heaters in the yoga studio. There is also a large open fire in the main living room for colder days!


For outdoor activities, we recommend being prepared for rain or shine, so pack clothing items you know you'll be comfortable in for any and all activities. 


Is the venue safe?

The venue is based in an exceptionally secure location, with security gates on the edge of the property, and no passing traffic. Each room can be locked with a key (one key per room). Whilst we cannot say that the risk of theft is non-existent, it is exceptionally unlikely.


Anything else?

As with any overseas trip, we recommend that all participants make sure they cover themselves with the necessary travel and health insurance for the duration of their trip.

What’s included

  • Yoga classes
    Twice daily classes (morning and evening) on full retreat days. Energizing vinyasa flow classes in the morning, and calming hatha, restorative and yoga nidra classes in the evening.
  • Food
    Daily breakfast, mid-day snack and dinner
  • Wine
    Wine is included with dinner
  • Coffee and Tea
    Daily coffee and tea service
  • Accommodations
    Choose for a variety of private or shared accommodations to suit your preferences and budget
  • Onsite activities
    Including yoga, meditation and other workshops
  • Cycling Tour
    1/2 day tour led by a professional cycling guide
  • Hike to Mont Sec
    1/2 day hike
  • French cooking class
    Onsite with a private chef
  • Winery tour
    1/2 day winery tour and tasting in the local village
  • Free time
    All of the above activities are included as part of your retreat experience but are completely optional. You are free to enjoy time to yourself at any point during the retreat.
  • Bath cosmetics
    All bathrooms are equipped with basic bathroom cosmetics such as soap and shampoo
  • Wireless Internet
    The retreat venue is equipped with WiFi. Please note that due to the rural nature of the venue, WiFi may not be available or strong in all areas of the venue.
  • Hair dryer
    All bathrooms are equipped with a hair dryer.
  • Group airport transfers
    Single-trip group airport transportation (Carcassonne and Toulouse airports) is provided on November 10 and November 17. Pick up times will be confirmed with individual participants.

What’s not included

  • Car rental
    Should you wish to explore the region on your own, we recommend a car rental. Parking is available at the retreat venue.
  • Massage therapy
    We can book this for you in advance (payable to the masseuse)
  • Flights
    You are responsible for covering your airfare. Group airport transfer to the venue is included (see above)

Available Packages

Shared Occupancy: Triple Room

The 'Occitanie' room offers a single bed in a shared triple room (3 single beds) with an ensuite bathroom. 


This large room has double windows overlooking the courtyard. The bathroom has a double sink. 

€850
Shared Occupancy: Triple Studio Apt

The 'Old Bakehouse' is a beautiful self-contained studio apartment on the ground floor.  A well equipped kitchen and a walk-out patio makes this  apartment is perfect place to stay with extra privacy and freedom. The Courtyard has its own front door, but is still attached to the retreat house.


3 Single beds (female-only occupancy) + kitchen + bathroom + terrace

€950
Shared Occupancy: Aude (Twin, Female)

The Aude is a large bedroom with high ceilings and a view of the garden and the mountains. The bathroom boasts a large bath. A twin bed is provided in this room, which is shared with another female guest occupying a double bed. 

€1,000
Deposit: €200
Shared Occupancy: Aude (Double bed)

The Aude is a large bedroom with high ceilings and a view of the garden and the mountains. The bathroom boasts a large bath. A double bed is provided in this room, which is shared with another guest occupying a twin bed. 

€1,100
Deposit: €200
Private Single Occupancy: Galamus Room

The 'Galamus' Room has high ceilings and overlooks the landscaped garden. A double bed and an en-suite bathroom is provided in this room.

€1,550
Deposit: €200
Private Single Occupancy: Mont Sec Room

The Mont Sec is a bright room with double windows with views of the nearby mountain. A double bed and ensuite bathroom is provided in this room. 

€1,700
Deposit: €200


Itinerary

Sample Itinerary
Timing and activities are subject to change

7AM: Tea, Coffee, Fruit

7:30-9AM: Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation Practice

9AM-10AM: Breakfast

10AM-1PM: Off-site excursion or free time

1PM-2PM: Light lunch

2PM-5PM: On-site workshop or free time

5PM-6:30PM: Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation Practice

6:30PM-8PM: Dinner 

Your Organizer


NC
Nicole Catenazzi
1 review
I am passionate about helping people find their potential, their power and their peace through yoga, meditation and expressive writing. Find me at www.nicolecatenazzi.com/yoga

Reviews

This was one of my best experience I've ever made. Everything was great. Nicole helped us a lot when we had troubles with our flight to get to Toulouse. We missed one flight so we also missed our transfer. She helped us to find out which would be the best option to get to Antunac. That was super. And the place we stayed was stunning and wonderful. Everything was perfect. Food, Yoga, adventure. Thanx a lot for this awesome week.
By Bianca M for Life in Balance Yoga Retreat on Nov 20, 2018