The retreat runs from 23 to 29 December 2026, seven days and six nights. You should plan to arrive in the afternoon on day one, which leaves time for a stroll around the village and the lake before dinner and meeting the other four guests. The last day is departure day, with check-out in the afternoon and time for a gentle yoga session or a last walk if you are not leaving in the morning.

The week mixes organised activities with a lot of free time. Jo leads meditation, mindfulness and relaxation sessions and guided winter nature walks. There is creative writing and soul writing, visits to medieval towns and castles in the Pays Cathare, and stargazing when the southern French skies are clear. Christmas Eve is marked with a relaxed celebration, and Christmas Day is a feast with the group plus a Secret Santa exchange. All of it is optional.

What separates this from a standard yoga week is the group size and the reason people come. It is capped at five women, all single, and the point is company over Christmas rather than training. Jo and Bob have run retreats in this part of southern France since 2006 and tailor each day to the group in front of them — guests describe programmes being reshuffled for heat, mood and energy, with trips further afield to cooler lakes and rivers when needed.

Jo is a certified nature therapy guide, meditation and mindfulness instructor, spiritual wellness and breathwork coach, past life regressionist and hypnotherapist with over 19 years of experience. She uses forest bathing, meditation and nature walks in her work, and she and Bob also run residential courses for guides and coaches seeking accreditation in nature therapy and natural wellness.

The setting is the village of Escueillens, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, woodland and quiet country paths. Carcassonne, the medieval market town of Mirepoix, Limoux and the Cathar castles are all within reach for day trips. Carcassonne airport and the train stations at Carcassonne and Bram are about 25 minutes away, and transfers from all of them are included.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in a private gîte or private room - Airport and train station transfers from Carcassonne airport, Carcassonne station and Bram station - 3 meals daily, served with wine - Water, tea and coffee throughout the day - Welcome drink - Daily meditation classes - Daily yoga classes - Guided nature hikes - Excursions and all listed activities - Creative and soul writing sessions - Christmas Eve celebration and Christmas Day feast - Secret Santa gift - Free wifi - Free parking - Transportation during the retreat

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary