France Retreat
Gorges du Tarn, Causses | 22 - 27 May 2027
Ignite your creativity in rugged Southern France
What happens when you intentionally step away from the mad rush of everyday life and your dependence on your mobile phone? Are you ready to arrive in a place of presence, of slowing down, of wild beauty, soaring cliffs and stars flung across a dark sky? This is an invitation to you to hit pause, and be in an expansive and creative landscape. Join us for 5 nights in southern France at a nature retreat exuding calm elegance and understated luxury. Ignite your creative fire in exclusive workshops with calligraphy artist Betty Soldi, transform your energy levels in daily yoga sessions with Nina Butler, and savour regional, organic cuisine, served al fresco overlooking the breathtaking Gorge du Tarn. This is the ultimate immersive, curated experience; without your phone, with your eyes wide open, your body enlivened, and your mind at ease.
Anticipate a journey with …
Understated luxury
Almières has only five unique guest suites; each is spacious, filled with light and exudes a rustic charm. Owners Marise and Monia have thoughtfully blended the historic materials and form with understated elegance, and inviting comfort. Every detail has been meticulously considered and sourced from local artisans. The abundance of clean air, spring water and no light pollution is part of the experience of wellbeing, authenticity and inner peace cultivated here.
Creative inspiration
Betty Soldi, a wordsmith, creative thinker and calligraphy artist, will be joining us over the duration of the retreat and leading two exclusive creative workshops. Betty’s multifaceted workshops are an inspirational journey across the page, into history, over the landscape and into the soul. Be prepared to shake off the cobwebs and let your heart fly across the page as Betty guides us towards a new perspective on and an exploration into lightness - above, below, within and without.
Yoga & poetry
Thrive on daily yoga and meditation with acclaimed international yoga instructor, Nina. Each morning we’ll thrive in a transformative, strengthening and uplifting Vinyasa session. In the evenings, we’ll wind down with a delicious blend of relaxing Yin and poetry reading. Nina’s teaching style is accessible and adaptable to the needs of our retreat group. There is no judgment or pressure placed on attendance or performance.
Regional produce
Throughout the retreat, all meals will be prepared by a private chef on site, and will comprise mostly of regional, seasonal and organic produce. We will have a delicious, nutritious vegetarian brunch, and dinner together. Throughout the day healthy snacks, coffee, tea and water is available. Nina will also source some regional wines for those who want to try with dinner.
A digital detox
Discover a region in France that is surprising, wild and unspoilt. Our retreat is set in a national park, with very low population density, rich historical significance and stunning natural beauty. You are invited to slow down and experience being in a place, rather than passing through it. You are invited to set aside your devices and tune into another frequency - that of light, sky, birds, trees and rivers.
Authentic Lozère
Your retreat guide, Nina, visited the Grands Causses Regional National Park to scout the location, meet the venue owners, and get a sense of this unique region. This retreat is carefully curated, informed by this research. You are invited to sit back, trust the process and soak up the splendour around you. We will be embarking on two excursions - a river float and a guided hike to the unforgettable Point Sublime.
Guest reviews of InRetreat
“It is very apparent Nina has very high standards for her retreats. I loved that all I had to do was book my retreat, and Nina took care of every single detail thereafter. It was a well organized, worry-free, magical, and wonderful retreat, and I can’t wait to go on more in the future!”
— JANELLE, 2024“I can hands down say that my retreat in Switzerland is up there with one of the best experiences of my life. My mental and physical strength was tested to the limits and there is no greater feeling than overcoming those challenges, surrounded by amazing, like minded individuals. Nina carefully curates magical expeditions where all the little details have been thought of and you feel in such safe hands. I have made friends and memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I cannot recommend InRetreat enough!”
— FAITH, 2024“Anyone looking for an immersive getaway filled with beauty, adventure, nature and wonder should book a retreat with InRetreat. In just a few days, you will forget about the hassle of everyday life and you will treat your mind, body and soul to a transformational, relaxing and grounding experience. The venues are breathtaking, the food is exquisite and the activities are great fun! And Nina’s positive energy, adventurous spirit and welcoming smile are the cherry on the cake!”
— ALEXANDER, 2025“Nina is a natural leader who is skilled at planning and executing out of this world experiences. She considers all details and works tirelessly to make the experience great for all. Her yoga and mindfulness help to unite the group and create a space where everyone can really unwind and enjoy! This was my fourth retreat with Nina which is a testament to the experience she creates and the exception human being she is!”
— JESSICA, 2022“The retreat was an amazing experience! I was nervous to go alone, but quickly met all the other amazing people in the group (most of who were also traveling solo) Everything was well organized and seamless. The yoga sessions were perfect for any level. It was a great atmosphere to unplug and enjoy nature and the company of new friends from around the world”
— KAREN, 2024“This past week was filled with laughter, heartwarming stories, insightful conversations, moments of vulnerability, self-renewal, and the forging of deep connections with fellow retreat participants who quickly became friends. Nina's calming and secure energy not only permeated the yoga classes but also extended to the entire group. She created a safe space where we could fully embrace our authentic selves, free from judgment or inhibition.”
— SOFIA, 2023
Where this retreat is located
VILANKULOS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Our sanctuary for this retreat lies at the tip of the São Sebastião Peninsula on Mozambique’s Indian Ocean coast. Established in 2000, this wildlife initiative has gained widespread respect in conservation and ecotourism circles as a leading example of the ideal cooperative alliance between government, private investors and local communities. The reserve itself comprises 43,900 hectares of protected coastline, dunes, freshwater lakes, forests, mangroves, reefs, and open ocean. This means that in one wilderness reserve you can experience bush safari, marine exploration and gain insight on the traditional fishing and agrarian lifestyles of indigenous communities. The rich biodiversity of this sanctuary is astounding: There are over 350 recorded bird species, 60 mammal species including zebra and wildebeest, 505 indigenous plant species, 5 species of turtle alone, and an abundance of sea life.
We have chosen October as an ideal time to travel to Mozambique, with dry, calm days and lots of sunshine. October average temperatures: maximum 32°C/ 90°F - minimum 21°C/ 70°F.
AZULIK LODGE
Situated on top of a cliff with views over the azure Bazaruto archipelago, Azulik Lodge is a boutique resort with exceptional, personalised service. The space is divided into a lodge and a villa. The lodge comprises 4 suites, which are semi-rigid thatched tents (bungalows) with an en-suite bathroom, outdoor shower and some also have an outdoor bath. Each bungalow has its own private viewing platform to soak up the endless vistas, as well as a queen-sized bed, hammock, seating area, and modern eco-friendly amenities. There is a lodge pool, dining area and bar. The villa is a luxe hideaway, with two large suites with en-suite bathrooms, and outdoor showers and baths. Connecting the two villa suites is an open-plan living area, with pool, bar and seating. Throughout the lodge and villa, there is stunning, unique decor that could be described as boho-chic meets Afro-Swahili-Ottoman splendour. Every inch to every viewing deck is breathtaking. Just being here is both calming and uplifting. The onsite staff is professional and welcoming, providing top-class service with a friendly, accessible manner.
Booking and travel
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5 nights luxury accommodation
Exclusive access to entire resort for our retreat group
Return international flight Johannesburg JNB - Vilanculos VNX
Private helicopter transfer Vilanculos airport to Azulik Lodge
Private boat transfer Azulik Lodge to Vilanculos harbour
Private Ground transfer Vilanculos harbour to airport
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks)
All beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic
Daily yoga and meditation sessions with Nina Butler
Day trip - boat charter and snorkeling in Bazaruto marine park
Half-day trip guided SUP in mangrove estuary & sunset drinks
Guided safari drive and sunset drinks set up
Half-day trip to Ilha Osorio for snorkeling and beach lunch set up
Vilanculos Wildlife Sanctuary community school visit
Gift bag
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Flights to/from Johannesburg International Airport (JNB)
Visas
Spa treatments
Gift purchases and additional excursions
Gratuities
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ARRIVAL
Fly into OR Thambo Johannesburg International Airport (JNB). Our flight to Vilanculos departs JNB at 11:00am, so we will meet at International departures by 09:00am on 24 October. Ensure your flight gets in before 09:00, with a time buffer for delays.
We can assist you with booking a hotel in Johannesburg if you arrive early for the retreat. We have a suggested option for those arriving on 22 October (2 nights pre-retreat) and those arriving on 23 October (1 night pre-retreat). Please see details below.
DEPARTURE
On 29 October, our return flight from VNX to JNB arrives at JNB at 15:30pm. Schedule your onward flights from JNB no earlier that 18:00pm.
We are able to assist you with booking a hotel in Johannesburg post retreat, as well as organising any additional travel in South Africa. Please don’t hesitate to ask.
PRE-RETREAT JOHANNESBURG ACCOMMODATION
Option 22- 24 October 2027
We strongly suggest you consider arriving 2 nights prior to the retreat start. We can offer a package of 2 nights luxury 5-star accommodation in Johannesburg at an acclaimed health hydro to ensure you recover from your travel and feel rested and pampered. We will arrange taxis for you to/from JNB airport.
Twin suite p/p US$ 600
Single suite p/p US$ 900
Option 23 - 24 October 2027
For those arriving just the night before our retreat start, we suggest a convenient airport hotel stay. There are 2 airport hotels we recommend. The InterContinental Hotel (5-star) or the Marriott Protea Hotel (4-star).
InterContinental
Twin or single room US$ 600 p/night BB
Marriott Protea Hotel
Twin or single room US$ 200 p/night BB
CONTACT US FOR BOOKINGS & QUESTIONS
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** Early bird rates applicable to bookings made before 1 August 2026 **
Twin occupancy suite p/person Azulik Lodge
Full package price - US$ 4,099
Early bird rate - US$ 3,799
Deposit - US$ 1,200
Single occupancy suite p/person Azulik Lodge
Full package price - US$ 4,799
Early bird rate - US$ 4,499
Deposit - US$ 1,400
Twin / double occupancy suite p/person Azulik Villa
Full package price - US$ 5,299
Early bird rate - US$ 4,999
Deposit - US$ 1,500
Single occupancy suite p/person Azulik Villa
Full package price - US$ 5,999
Early bird rate - US$ 5,699
Deposit - US$ 1,700
Your InRetreat guide
Nina integrates poetry, personal transformation and unique insights to her practice, enriching body movement with meaning. Her classes are playful, flowing and accessible to all levels, offering an inclusive space where everyone can discover their own personal edge and cultivate presence in a grounding and nourishing atmosphere.
Contact us with questions about this InRetreat
