Yoga and Wellness Escape in the French Countryside

The retreat is based at the Yoga Loft Retreat, a private villa in Sauveterre-la-Lémance, a small village in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It sits right on the edge of the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne, surrounded by vineyards, chestnut groves, and fruit trees. The location is about as far from the hustle of city life as you can get on this side of France.

The yoga studio has been specifically designed and built by Samantha's partner, Alun. It's a separate, airy space with underfloor heating and smart lighting, right next to the house. Sessions focus heavily on breathing techniques and alignment, with a mix of Hatha, Yoga Synergy, and Vinyasa styles. Samantha gives a lot of individual attention, and guests regularly comment on how much more flexible they feel after just a few days. Classes run twice a day from Monday to Thursday, with a restorative session on Sunday evening to ease you in.

What really sets this retreat apart is the setting and the flexibility. The villa has three floors, six bedrooms, two kitchens, three terraces, a heated pool, and plenty of lounge areas. The property is private and quiet, with lots of walks from the doorstep that are mapped by the local tourist board. The first day includes a guided walk up to the local chateau. For going further afield, there are electric bikes to rent, and Samantha is happy to help arrange trips to local markets, vineyards, or the nearby towns of Sarlat, Monpazier, and Cahors.

There are also optional extras available from the local team: beauty treatments with Nelly, massages with Arna, and life coaching with Georgia. These need to be booked in advance as availability is limited. The retreat is intentionally small, capped at six people, which keeps everything personal. It's a chance to actually relax, eat well, and focus on your practice without feeling like part of a big retreat machine.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation in a private room - Daily yoga classes (2 per day, Monday-Thursday, plus Sunday evening) - Daily meditation and pranayama classes - 3 daily meals (brunch and dinner, with light snacks on arrival) - Nature hike with a trusted guide - Wifi connection - Parking - Luggage storage - Group excursions/activities - Use of the heated pool and property amenities

What's not included

- Flights - Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Additional treatments (massage, beauty, life coaching) - Visa fees - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Electric bike rental