Amassa means to gather; and with this intention we’ll come together as a community for the purpose of conscious pause. We’ll retreat to the embrace of nature, the potential of our bodies, nourishing locally-sourced meals, and days spent simply in the rural French countryside.

Amassa Place is a restored bucolic hamlet in Gascony, Southwest France - a beautiful wild place to gather not only with each other, but to convene with nature itself. Consisting of sixteen acres of woods, rewilded meadows, and flowering gardens; this idyllic backdrop will give us opportunities to move, connect, and creatively renew. The accommodations are thoughtfully curated and intentional, blending old French charm with modern comfort, to provide both communal and secluded spaces.

Days will start with a morning 90-minute vinyasa practice in a sun drenched stone studio, with a focus on movement and pranayama that stimulates energy and cultivates presence. Following practice we’ll have brunch complete with coffee & tea, fresh fruit, and prepared dishes. You’ll be able to choose how you want to spend your days - with options to curl up in a garden with a book, to swim in one of two outdoor pools with views of the countryside, to take a stroll through the woodlands, warm yourself in a wood burning sauna or enjoy a massage, to indulge your inner artist with a sketch pad or journal, or simply rest deeply. Whether you feel called to group activities or solitude, this retreat will be an invitation to be guided intuitively: to slow down, listen inward, and enjoy the simple rhythm of local living.

In the evenings we’ll meet for another 90-minute vinyasa practice, releasing the energy of the day with dynamic movement to help prepare the body for rest and inspire resonance. Following practice we’ll have a nourishing chef prepared dinner al fresco (as often as possible) at a family style dining table on the terrace. After dinner you’ll be welcome to retire to a nearby lounge chair for conversation and linger under the clear starry night skies, or tuck in early to embrace deep regenerative sleep.

This will be an opportunity to step away from routine, anchor yourself in the rhythms of nature, satisfy your body through movement, reinvigorate your relationship with art and creating, and embrace the practice of yoga.

We'll also experience the best of southern France together; including a visit to a local market, a wine tasting, and an unforgettable fine dining experience. Throughout the retreat, a private chef will prepare nourishing, locally inspired meals using seasonal ingredients, allowing every meal to become part of the experience. This retreat has been designed to balance exploring French culture with deep rest - whether you're exploring charming villages, sharing long dinners under the stars, or finding stillness in nature.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Gascony (often called the "Tuscany of France"), we'll call the beautiful Amassa home for the week. This thoughtfully restored stone hamlet sits on 16 acres of gardens, woods, and meadows, offering panoramic views, peaceful walking paths, beautiful yoga studios, and plenty of quiet corners to simply breathe. All houses have been renovated to enhance their original features and atmosphere. They are beautiful and thoughtfully designed, allowing you to relax and feel at home. Each house has its own lounge with comfortable sofas and a table for drawing, writing or creative work, all perfect for enjoying a book, puzzles or board games. Each room has its own modernized ensuite with rain showers and a bathroom. All houses have lovely terraces with comfortable deckchairs offering quiet space, with access to the gardens.

Amassa is designed for total wellbeing. Its 16 acres of woods, fields and garden promote physical mental and spiritual restoration. The combination of Amassa’s tranquil and spacious countryside setting allows you to deeply unwind. Integrating outdoor activities like forest bathing, mindful walking, foraging and star gazing all help to ground you and reconnect with nature. The seclusion and absence of city noise and distraction helps reduce stress and fosters a sense of calm and inner peace, allowing you to disconnect from your everyday life and providing a safe space to pause, reflect and learn.

Thick stone walls keep the studios cool in summer. Huge double height glass doors frame the views of the countryside, and there are polished concrete floors with underfloor heating and a wonderful wooden ceiling with exposed 100-year-old rafters and beams. The studios are equipped with integrated sound systems, and a full range of yoga, pilates and barre equipment including mats, bolsters, blankets, straps, eye cushions, pilates weights and balls. There are toilet and shower facilities in the barn.

Shoots & Leaves is a a bespoke London-based catering company specializing in delivering great food and great service. S&L has worked closely with Amassa since 2023, and have a detailed knowledge of the local shops, markets and suppliers.

We will be eating fresh, veg-centric meals with the option for both meat and fish, focused on local, seasonal ingredients and a family-style service that encourages connection and comfort. There is also a focus on delivering low/no waste retreats. The intention is to end meals feeling nourished, relaxed, and inspired.

We will be in touch regarding flights and arrival times prior to the trip. Transportation to & from the airport is included as long as your flights align with the allotted time windows of our scheduled shuttles. You are responsible for your own transportation if your flight arrival times fall outside of our scheduled window.

A $500 USD non-refundable initial deposit will secure your spot on the retreat. The remaining balance will be split into 6 monthly installment payments (beginning 10/1) with the total amount due 60 days prior to the retreat start date, or, you may choose to pay in full. 

Please note, our cancellation policy is as follows:

Deposits secure your spot on the trip and are strictly non-refundable. Refunds for the balance payments vary depending on timing: for cancellation requests submitted with more than 90 days of retreat date: 100% of total amount (less deposit) will be refunded. Cancellation requests within 90 days of the retreat: no refunds given, no exceptions. Nobody books a retreat with the intention of canceling it, but unexpected events do occur, so we highly suggest purchasing travel insurance. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including weather, injury/illness, or personal emergencies. No refunds or credits will be granted for failure to attend, complete or for arriving late or leaving early.

Please do not book your flight until you have received a confirmation to do so. You will be provided with instructions on when to arrive/depart. 

An information package will be sent 30 days prior to departure and will include the retreat schedule, recommended packing list, and trip details. 

It is your responsibility to confirm your passport has 6 months validity prior to departure from your origin. If you refuse to comply with the entry laws of the host country or region, Afterglow does not consider this a valid reason for receiving any refund. 

Is this retreat for me? 

Our retreats are for everyone, and we have a wide range of movers on our retreats; whether you practice daily or are new to yoga. As always, everything in yoga classes is optional, and our teachers will accommodate you wherever you are at. 

I've never travelled before and I don't have anyone to go with. Can I come alone?

Yes! We had a big group at our last retreat - no one went into it knowing each other, and everyone left as great friends. You definitely won't be alone. We set up a group chat to communicate with one week prior to the retreat to check in & update each other as you start your travel from where ever you may be. We can pair you up with a roommate.

What do I need to pack?

30 days before your retreat, we'll send you a guide of what to pack and bring. 

Is there WiFi?

Yes, and it works well :)

Are laundry machines onsite?

Yes, there will be a laundry machine for you to use as well as an iron & ironing board.

Are there hair dryers?

Yes, each house has a hair dryer.

Are towels and toiletries provided?

We provide everyone with a shower towel and pool wrap for their use whilst on site. There will be Amassa hand soap and shower gel, but we advise you to bring your own shampoo and conditioner.

What is the schedule like?

We will send out an itinerary one month prior to our trip. There will be lots to do, but also, plenty of downtime to relax and take in the beauty of Southwest France. 

What type of travel insurance do I need and why is it mandatory?

Your insurance will need to cover emergency medical and trip cancellation/interruption. This is to protect you in case of any unforeseen circumstances either before or on your retreat. We suggest www.insuremytrip.com. (We recommend your policy covers medical, evacuation, trip cancellation, and trip interruption). 

What are the travel requirements needed for this trip?

Aside from required travel insurance, you must have a valid passport to travel to France. Make sure the expiration date is valid for at least 6 months after the end date of your retreat.

Do you offer monthly payment plans?

Yes! Once you've paid the deposit amount, the remainder of your balance can be split and paid by the remaining months left until the full balance is due. You also have the option to pay in full.