Yobaba Lounge Wellness Retreat, France

Estate of calm

The house and grounds are such a beautiful space to be in I have very little desire to leave. Only the clear, turquoise tinted waters of nearby Lac du Montbel entices us to exit the confines of the chateau garden.

We travel quietly to the lake on the night of the full moon. Observing our evening ritual of noble silence, which begins each night at 8:30pm and finishes at lunch the following day. Sunshine has warmed the water throughout the afternoon. We slip quietly into the lake as the sun dips and the full moon rises. And there we are, 10 naked silhouettes creating ripples over the dark, still surface. As a triathlete I’m naturally drawn to open water swimming, but this is something else. Spiritual, enchanting, as much an individual experience as a collective moment. And one which, along with so many aspects of the retreat, I’ll remember for ever.

The details

B&B with raw or continental breakfast from £95 for a large double room or £150 for a suite. 5-day retreat including all food from £975 per person (based on a couple sharing a large double room) or £1,250 single occupancy. Flights with Ryanair to and from Carcassonne to East Midlands, Liverpool and London Stansted from £24.99. Free airport transfers available. Visit Yobaba Lounge.