September 1 – September 6
The Secret of joy
Join us for a transformative yoga retreat at Metta Villa. We offer you mindful mornings with meditation and yoga, afternoons of nature, workshops, and surprises, and we will conclude each day in shared unity. Led by 3 experienced teachers in an ecological oasis.
About the Retreat
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Welcome to “The Secret of Joy” retreat at Metta Villa, where we will shift and clear our focus to discovering beauty in life’s simplicity. Join us on a sensory journey, a rediscovery of the magic in every moment. Embrace a digital detox if you choose, stepping away from the constant hum of our phones – returning to the hum of our hearts. C’est ça le “savoir-vivre”.
Our days commence in silence, providing a mindful start to sharpen awareness. Dive into an extended morning practice, featuring an hour of meditation and pranayama, followed by a brief break and a two-hour yoga session integrating physical practices with chanting, philosophy, journaling, and storytelling – the essence of our retreat.
Afternoons are yours to explore or unwind. Experience nature by the river in the forest with a picnic, engage in a Thai massage workshop, indulge in a restorative yin practice, and discover surprises like the fusion of Yoga Nidra and Yin yoga.
We conclude each day as a unified group, cherishing the shared moments and the newfound joy in life’s small wonders. Join us in this transformative journey of sensory rediscovery at Metta Villa.
Example Schedule:
07:30 – 08:30 Meditation and Pranayama
08:45 – 10:45 Yoga
11:00 – 12:30 Brunch
12:30 – 16:00 Activity and/or free time
16:00 – 18:00 Workshop
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner
21:00 – 21:30 Essence of the day
Opening circle will start at 16:00 on the first day and the closing circle will end at 14:00 on the last day
Teaching Team
Lars
Lars has travelled the world exploring different forms of movement and self-expression. He is incredibly passionate for how the body works and moves. He will help you release the inner rivers of your body (fascia) which will help you move with more ease, authenticity and grace but also give you a real sense of presence in the world.
Chris
For Chris, life is an adventure waiting to be explored. Her passion for movement and and spending time in nature is contagious, inspiring those around her to embrace the joy of living. Curiosity, clarity, and joie de vivre are values, that infuse into her daily work and personal life. All about Chris here
Pascale
Pascale finds inspiration for her yoga practice in life. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, mindful and with a good pinch of humor, she invites you to come into your body, to create space for what is in the moment and to live yoga off the mat. All about Pascale here
Metta Villa
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Welcome to METTA VILLA – a sanctuary where respect for living beings, altruism, and cooperation converge to create an exceptional retreat center. Surrounded entirely by beautiful nature, METTA VILLA stands as a beacon of harmony, inviting individuals to embark on a journey of transformation and healing.
With a deep sense of welfare and compassion, we encourage our guests to cultivate kindness towards themselves and others, fostering an environment of personal growth and understanding.
Our dedication to ecological consciousness is mirrored in our practices inspired by permaculture principles. With an organic vegetable garden and orchard, we supply our kitchen with fresh, locally sourced produce, ensuring a wholesome and healthy dining experience. Meals at METTA VILLA are thoughtfully crafted to be vegetarian or vegan, reflecting our commitment to environmental preservation.
In line with our mission to foster genuine connections, we maintain a digital-disconnection policy, enabling guests to focus on what truly matters – themselves and their fellow retreat-goers.
Within METTA VILLA, a light and spacious Yoga Shala awaits, offering a inviting space for meditation, movement and community activities. The Yoga Shala features floor to ceiling windows. Nature is embedded in the structure with trees growing through the floor of the deck, Metta Villa has one of the most beautiful Yoga Shalas in Europe.
Our communal areas, including the dining room and lounges, encourage camaraderie and heartfelt conversations, while the library serves as a treasury of spirituality and personal development literature.
As you venture into the vast one-and-a-half-hectare park surrounding METTA VILLA, you’ll discover an enchanting world of ornamental plants, aromatic gardens, bamboo forests, and diverse fauna. The experience is further enriched by our 16-meter swimming pool and sauna, offering both relaxation and revitalization.
METTA VILLA stands as a true haven, where the principles of respect, compassion, and ecological harmony merge to offer an extraordinary retreat experience.
Delicious Food
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At METTA VILLA, the culinary philosophy finds its roots in a deep connection with nature and a dedication to nurturing both body and soul. They give precedence to the quality and sourcing of their ingredients, opting for organic and local produce that mirrors their commitment to sustainability and flavor.
A distinctive facet of their approach lies in the fact that much of the food they serve is cultivated right on their premises. Their owners passionately tend to the gardens, ensuring the freshest and most vibrant produce graces each plate. With our retreat takingplace in September, the garden will be full of amazing fresh ingredients. So that almost 80% of the food will be from the site itself!
Ensuring guests’ well-being is their top priority, leading them to go the extra mile in accommodating allergies and intolerances. The kitchen team carefully creates each dish, providing a safe and satisfying dining experience for all.
Highlighting their commitment to a balanced and conscious lifestyle, their food is entirely vegetarian. Enjoy the nourishing tastes of carefully prepared dishes that honor nature’s abundance and the ingredients.
Pricing
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- Camping / Campervan 900.-
- Double Room 1200.-
- Triple Room: 1100.- (only one room available)
- Single Room: 2100.-
If your financial situation does not allow you to pay the full price please get in touch, there may be an opportunity for a scolarship price.
Included in the price:
- 5 overnight stays
- 3 dedicated teachers & coaches
- Afternoon snacks
- Brunch & dinner
- All yoga and mindfulness classes
- Outdoor activities
Location, Travel & Transfer
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We will be holding our Yoga Retreat in the south of France near the Pyrenees. One of the best ways to plan your travel is Rome to Rio
Please get in touch with us should you need assistance with travel arrangements.
Opening circle will start at 16:00 on the first day and the closing circle will end at 14:00 on the last day
Via Road
If you are travelling by car please enter the following address into your Satnav:
METTA VILLA
1601 chemin du Tourounet
64270, Salies de Béarn
There is parking available on site. Please let us know if you plan to arrive by car. There might be people who want to share a ride.
Via Train
If you plan to arriva by train, make sure that you make your reservation as soon as possible. Trains in France tend to be well booked and prices increase significantly when you book short notice. The closest train station is Puyoo, from there we can arrange a taxi to pick you up.
Via Air
The closest airport is Biarritz or Bayonne, but its also possible to book to Bordeaux or Toulouse and then take a train from there.
A taxi from the airport in Biarritz costs approximately €150. For this price you might just as well rent a car (if booked well in advance prices for a full week are around €200)
Impressions
Questions & Terms
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For all questions please email me at info@larsekm.com
Upon receipt of your registration, I will confirm your participation, and the registration is binding from that date on. Please make sure you read the Terms & Conditions associated with your booking.
Insurance is your own responsibility. Please make sure you get travel insurance to cover you in case of sickness or illnesss or any other unfortunate event!
The facilitators/the teachers shall not be held liable for any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to persons. The participant waives any claim against the company/the teacher for any such loss, damage or injury.
