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Chocolate Suitcase

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Yoga Retreats

Yoga Retreat South of France in 2022


Spend 7 days + 6 nights in the world famous South of France. Luxury meets eco-consciousness on a one-of-a-kind property that overlooks fields of vineyards and mountain ranges. Take invigorating yoga classes on an outdoor deck, bike through picturesque villages, learn about French wine from local vineyard owners and dine in a Michelin star restaurant. This boutique, French country retreat experience is truly off-the-grid and will melt away the everyday stresses of life.

This retreat is limited to 10 guests and is expected to sell out quickly.
Enjoy life’s simple pleasures in one of the area’s most breathtaking regions - famous for their organic and sustainable wines!

What's Included: 
7 days + 6 nights shared accommodations at an environmentally conscious retreat center owned by my friend and Rick Steves colleague Rolinka Blooming, and held exclusively for Yoga Forest guests:  Eco Guesthouse and Retreat Center Ferrairolles
The property is in the Languedoc wine region in the South of France tucked between the Pyrenees Mountains and only 30 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea; enjoy the vineyards, olive groves and an organic garden on-site

The expertise of Chris Coleman, an experienced yoga instructor with decades of travel guiding and living and working experience in France. 
Daily yoga classes in breathtaking indoor and outdoor practice spaces with spectacular views of the nearby mountain ranges
Several excursions to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, food and culture of southern France:

-Biking tour through picturesque vineyards, villages, gorges and ancient castle ruins with a mountain side picnic
-An interactive wine tasting and food pairing night on the property; tour of a local vineyard and winery
-Excursion to Collioure, a former fishing village on the edge of the sea, that was the inspiration for the Fauvist painters with brightly colored vistas
-Exhilarating guided mountain hike with spectacular views
-Time to explore the quaint local French villages nearby - shop for treasures to bring home or dine al fresco while sipping wine on a cobblestone street side cafe and patio
-A multi-course luxury lunch at the nearby world-famous Michelin star restaurant.
-Plenty of free time to explore the property: wander through vineyards, walk to a local village, read in a lounger or take a dip in the ecological swimming basin

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (one lunch will be pay on your own). All meals will be  inventive vegetarian cuisine with a strong global influence.
2 local glasses of wine with each dinner 
Round trip private transportation from Perpignan to the retreat property (approx 1 hr, pick up from train station)
A private dedicated Facebook group with your fellow travelers, a detailed itinerary, a suggested packing list and constant support and communication leading up to and during the retreat. Let someone else handle all the logistics and planning. You just sign up, pack up and go!

What's Not Included:
Round trip airfare to Barcelona El Prat (BCN) (recommended)
Train from Barcelona to Perpignan, France  (about a 1 hr 20 min journey) - or other transportation to Perpignan as desired.
Trip insurance, personal shopping and additional wine

The Investment: (double or triple occupancy, en suite baths)
Details to come once dates are set!




Learn More

Please note:
You will need to leave the US on Sunday, June 13 in order to arrive by Monday, June 14th. Taking more time in Europe before or after is encouraged- especially on the front end…  no better spot than beautiful  Barcelona to stay a few nights to bookend your retreat!
This is a eco-friendly and fully autonomous property that is  off-the-grid. 
Also please note that there is no WiFi access at the retreat property and cell service is spotty. Guests are encouraged to take time away from their devices to reconnect with nature, themselves & other guests.
If you are traveling with a friend(s), please email us to indicate your preferred roommate(s)  after sending in your deposit. All other guests will be placed with a carefully-chosen roommate.


Find out more

YOGA Retreat FAQs

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1. Do I have to be good or experienced at yoga?

Not at all, yoga is a personal practice. All yoga classes (and all activities) on the trip or retreat are completely optional. You may participate in as much, or as little as you'd like. All yoga classes and meditation practices will be accessible for beginners, or those "out of practice."                            


2. What kind of people go on yoga retreats?

Men and women, friends, couples, and lots of solo travelers, some guests have little yoga experience, while others have been practicing for years.  All are welcome and will be embraced in the inclusive environment of these retreats. Please note: In order to maintain a peaceful, safe and responsible group environment,  retreats are adults-only.  All guests must be 18 or older by the travel dates.

3. What should I bring?

A month prior to the retreat, you will be sent a full itinerary and recommended packing list; but mostly comfortable clothes, some good books and a journal to jot down life-changing thoughts! In most cases the on-site yoga studio is fully stocked with mats and props, but feel free to bring your own mat or mat towel if you prefer.  A good blog on travel packing by my friend Sarah: https://adventureswithsarah.net/search?q=packing

4. Do I need a passport?

Yes! If you don't already have one, please apply at least 10-12 weeks prior to our trip. Visit the travel.state.gov website to get started. If you already have one, please make sure the expiration date is more than 6 months after your return date. You will not need a visa for destinations in Europe and Central America, but you will for retreats to Asia.

5. What about COVID-19?

Please refer to the CDC guidelines and the most recent updated travel information.  At this writing some countries are testing people and/or requiring a self-imposed quarantine after entering the country.    We are optimistic that international destinations will be much more accessible for the dates of our trip.

6. What if I need help booking travel?

We can assist with finding proper flights. If you choose to travel on different dates than the group, you are responsible for your own transportation to the retreat center. You can choose to fly home when the retreat concludes; or choose to explore more on your own. However, those staying beyond the retreat dates are responsible for their own ground transportation arrangements to return home.

7. How does payment work?

After your $500 non-refundable deposit is received, your remaining cost will be divided into two equal payments. The first is payable 60 days after your deposit, the second 120 after your deposit. If you would like a personalized payment plan, Chocolate Suitcase is happy to accommodate upon request. Any spot booked within 60 days of the retreat departure will need to be paid in full upon booking. 

8. What happens if my plans change?

Travel insurance can minimize the considerable financial risks of traveling.  It is a personal decision if you'd like to buy trip insurance to protect against illness, natural disasters, and other emergencies impacting your trip.  Check out Rick Steves’ site on this topic:   https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/travel-insurance    Companies such as Travelex and Travel Guard offer comprehensive packages that serve as your primary coverage; they'll take care of your expenses regardless of what other insurance you might have (for instance, if you have health insurance through your job). That means they pay first and don't ask questions about your other insurance. This can be a real plus if you want to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.    Chocolate Suitcase is not liable for these instances, and will expect on-time payments up until the full amount is received. 


Once you've paid your deposit, you've taken up a spot someone else cannot, so the deposit is non-refundable, except in extreme circumstances.  If for some reason you must cancel before the trip, 75% of your total cost will be refunded if the request is received in writing at least 6 months before the start of the trip (less the deposit); 50% will be refunded (less the deposit) if at least 3 months before the start of the trip;  and 25% refunded (less the deposit) if at least one month before the start date. Within one month, no refunds will be given.  


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