For August 2012, we are thrilled to be returning to the gorgeous Les Passeroses Retreat Centre, in South West France.

The location is rural Charente, an hour from Bordeaux.

YA Retreats ran our first Escape here in August 2011, and were blown away by the beauty of the natural surroundings, and  exceptionally high standard of accommodation and chill-out areas.

This region in France, with its fields of vines, maize and sunflowers, is famed for its rolling countryside and exquisite light.

Sitting amidst this countryside, Les Passeroses in an immaculately restored farmhouse, oozing with beams and character, yet with some super-contemporary touches (rain showers in the bathrooms, Egyptian cotton bed linen, comfy rugs).

In addition to the secluded gardens, chill-out areas include a fabulous Moroccan-inspired lounge, crafted from lime mortar and locally sourced oaks.

With sofas, drapes and comfy cushions, it's the prefect place to drink a mint tea, chat, or watch the sunset.

Outside, set in low in the side of a hill, the oval pool is surrounded by decked, tiled terraces, and furnished with solid wooden loungers, parasols and chairs. The whole area is dotted with palms and Cyprus trees.

The centre has two dining areas - a large indoor space and a beautiful outside dining terrace and seating area, which works as an extension to the Moroccan Salon.

In the evening, glass lanterns create a magical, candle-lit atmosphere.



Travel
For information about travel options, scroll down to the end of the page. The nearest station is Angouleme, from where you can be transferred to the retreat centre. There is also the (cheaper - currently around £130 return) option to take Easyjet flights from London to Bordeaux, and then the train to Angouleme.


Boutique accommodation
There is accommodation for ten guests in the main house, and further rooms - furnished to the same high standard - in The Stables, a minute's walk away.

Rooms are large and simply, stylishly decorated. They are of a very high 'boutique' standard, and come equipped with good quality, crisp bedlinen, soft luxury towels, solid oak floors and views.

Rooms are single, or twin/double, with one triple. Prices are calculated accordingly. All prices are per person, and fully inclusive (of all accommodation, yoga and food), for the full five days.

Large triple room, en-suite: £450 per person (fully booked)

Twin/double room, private en-suite: £550 per person.

Large room for single occupancy, private en-suite: £745

You can book online, using the google check-out system button above. If you would rather pay by cheque or bank transfer (UK only), drop us a line via the contact form.

Prices include: all accommodation; two yoga and meditation classes a day (one in the morning; one in the evening); use of the pool and all facilities, and all meals.

Arrivals are after 4.30pm on August 18th; departures before 11am on 23rd.

Prices exclude:  travel and any treatments booked.

Yoga and meditation
All classes are optional, and are suitable for everyone - including total beginners.

Rough schedule
8.30am - 10am: hatha yoga & meditation

9.30am: breakfast! Fruit salad, muesli, home-made bread and jams.

10.30am-5.30pm: free time to lounge by the pool, read, have a massage, visit nearby villages....

1pm: lunch - al fresco, if possible! Three courses.

5.30-7pm:  restorative yoga & meditation

7.15: dinner: delicious, home-made food that is organic and locally sourced where possible.

All classes take place in the inspiring yoga space - a former barn with dramatic tented ceiling and solid oak floors. Large doors open onto far-reaching views over the pool, into the countryside beyond.

By plane: There are also plenty of flights to nearby Bordeaux - fly London-Bordeaux with Easyjet, then catch a train (60 minutes) to Angeloume, where you will be transferred to the retreat centre.