RENEW & RESET Health Retreats
Kickstart a healthy lifestyle away from distractions, in the beautiful Loire Valley, France.
EARLY SUMMER RETREAT
Wednesday 4th June - Sunday 8th June 2025
Book your spot'I have been to many retreats in the past but this one was definitely the best and most memorable."
What to expect from this health retreat
Throughout this health retreat, you will be guided with expert coaching, cooking workshops, nourishing food, physical challenges and a therapeutic massage, allowing you to experience a healthy and positive lifestyle that truly nurtures you.
You’ll learn about nutrition, and how it can support your health and wellness. Physically you’ll be led by expert yoga instructor Jamie Blowers so you leave rejuvenated and renergised but crucially, empowered to make informed choices and adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Your stay with us will be an incredible reset, where you will be guided and motivated to enhance your life with healthier routines upon your return.
"Just the restorative reset I was hoping for and much much more!"
Manage your Health, The May Way
Whatever life stage you're at, understanding your needs and managing your health is the key to a happier life.
Allow yourself to prioritise your health and well-being, in the company of experts and like-minded people and you’ll leave revived, rejuvenated and re-energised, liberated to truly thrive in any phase of your life.
"May herself has that rare gift of making sure that every guest feels included & special. She has an amazing knowledge on nutrition & her morning cookery demonstrations were practical & informative."
“I loved every minute of May’s retreat. It was so relaxing, I felt really looked after and we ate the most amazing, nutritious food. I enjoyed the daily yoga sessions and my massage session was just what I needed. I can’t wait to go back!”
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If you have imagined going on a yoga health retreat but never managed to commit to one in your busy schedule.....
....NOW is the time to go for it and book that health retreat you’ve always dreamed of! Join us for this 4-night retreat in the Loire Valley, France.
Exquisite location
This retreat is based at Chateau de la Vigne, a holiday property I have owned and run for the past 20 years.
Built in 1877, set in private lush grounds, our elegant chateau and its two gites are conveniently located between the historic cities of Saumur and Angers in the heart of the Loire Valley; a Unesco world heritage site that is simply stunning!
"Running my first health retreat 8 years ago was an incredible experience both professionally and on a personal level. I urge anyone who is interested in improving their lifestyle and making changes to their health and wellness to prioritise a health retreat in their busy schedules."
"Amazing opportunity to detox, enjoy yoga, learn more about nutrition and wellbeing in such a beautiful Chateau in rural Loire Valley"
A WORD FROM ME!
"Live the life you imagine – you deserve it!”
Whether it’s a family gathering or an adventurous trip of a lifetime, a holiday to me signifies a time when I’m allowed to withdraw from the usual day-to-day activities, break from routine and attempt a period of rest and relaxation, with the aim of resuming my normal lifestyle with vigour and energy 2 weeks later.
Well, that’s the theory but as many of you will agree, long-distance travel, being away from home conveniences and the challenge of another language and culture can mean that your holiday routine and activities are far from restful nor relaxing and you return at the end of a long-awaited holiday without fulfilling the fundamental aim of relaxing and recharging.
A health retreat, however, quite simply offers you the perfect opportunity to do just that; retreat from the day-to-day routines with the sole purpose of focusing on your own health and wellbeing, both mentally and physically.
I do hope you can join me; you won't regret it!
May x
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the health retreat?
- Pre-Retreat Guidance
- Daily Morning & Evening Yoga Sessions
- Daily Exercise Activity Sessions
- Therapeutic Massage
- Cooking/Nutrition/Personal Development Workshops
- Delicious Healthy Meals/Snacks/Juices/Smoothies
- 4 Nights Luxury Ensuite Accommodation
- Local Wine Appreciation Vineyard Visit/Tasting
- Transfers from & to Nantes Airport or Angers Train Station
What benefits to expect from this retreat?
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You’ll learn what to eat and why?
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You’ll learn how to cook healthy nourishing food.
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You’ll kickstart an exercise regime and leave feeling energised and motivated to continue.
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You’ll initiate a healthier way of eating and leave with the knowledge and tools to achieve your health goals.
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You’ll meet like-minded women in a safe and nurturing environment.
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You’ll regain your mojo!
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You’ll reduce your stress levels, work through your anxieties and leave bolstered with a new understanding of this phase.
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You’ll feel re-balanced and calmer.
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You’ll sleep better.
When is the next yoga health retreat?
The next retreat runs Sunday 5th - Thursday 8th May 2025.
Where do we stay?
This is an intimate retreat in a historic home! The Chateau is large and luxurious with a rustic chic feel. It has 5 bedrooms- 3 double, 1 twin and 1 four-bedded room – all ensuite. The top floor has a very large king bedroom with an ensuite bathroom/separate shower, plus a four-bedded sharing room, with an ensuite shower room. On the middle floor, there is a double room with an ensuite bathroom, another double room, and a twin room with ensuite shower rooms. The reception rooms downstairs are spacious and well-furnished; perfect for large groups! Guests will also be accommodated in the adjoining Coach House and Farm Cottage. All the rooms are beautiful and well furnished and accommodation will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Sharing rooms are only allocated upon request.
What if I am not sure it is the right retreat for me?
You’re welcome to email me at may@simpkin.com with any questions or concerns about whether this is the right retreat for you.
If you’re struggling to motivate yourself or your health regime is a little haphazard, a health retreat is a perfect opportunity to kick-start a healthy lifestyle!
Is this an extreme detoxification retreat?
Absolutely not..this is not The May Way! The programme and menus have been designed to support your body's natural detoxification processes to improve your overall health and wellbeing over the long term.
How about personal growth and reflection
This retreat provides an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth, as part of informal group discussions. Nothing heavy or weird! Just wholesome chats that can encourage more self-awareness when it comes to your health.
What is not included?
Flights & Travel insurance
Now is the time!
If you’re struggling to motivate yourself or your health regime is a little haphazard, a health retreat is a perfect opportunity to kick-start a healthy lifestyle!
How much does it cost?
The 4-night retreat costs £1650pp – all-inclusive OR £1550pp for 2 sharing
These retreats offer exceptional value and spots are limited – don’t miss out!
A £250 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot and payment plans are available.
Full payment will be required 8 weeks prior to arrival.
Do you have to be good at yoga?
This retreat is open to all levels of yogis from beginners to long-time enthusiasts. Our expert instructor, Jamie Blowers runs renowned teacher training courses and has years of experience behind him; you’ll know you’re in good hands within seconds!
I'm not as fit as I used to be; will I be ok?
This retreat caters for all levels of fitness from beginners to regular exercisers. This retreat will kickstart your fitness potential and invigorate a new regime that you can continue as part of your daily routine. Our expert instructors are incredibly motivating and inspiring; you'll be amazed at what you're capable of!
How do I get there?
The easiest way? Fly into Nantes airport from London Gatwick* and we’ll pick you up.
We will arrange transfers for the flights listed below, so feel free to go ahead and book these once you’ve confirmed your spot.
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Wednesday 4th June 2025
EasyJet Depart London Gatwick (GTW) 09:05 Arrives Nantes (NTE) 11:30
Sunday 8th June 2025
EasyJet Depart Nantes (NTE) 10:35 Arrive London Gatwick (GTW) 10:55
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The Paris option?
Take the Eurostar to Paris Gare to Nord and then the Metro to Paris Montparnasse. From there, take the TGV directly to Angers (St Laud), around 1½ hrs. We will collect you from Angers.
Alternatively, fly to Paris Charles de Gaule and take the train directly from the airport terminal (Roissy) to Angers (St Laud), around 2 hrs. If the timings don't suit you, you can consider making your way to the Paris Montparnasse for more TGV options to Angers (St Laud).
We will pick you up from Angers station.
*Please do get in touch with other flight/travel options and we will do our best to arrange transfers to suit
The car option? Of course, you can always drive; it takes 5 hours from Calais and it’s an easy run all the way through.
What does each day look like?
Keep scrolling down and you will see a sample daily schedule!
What sort of food will we eat?
The food is mainly plant-based, and naturally gluten-free but will include dairy, eggs and fish. Keep scrolling down and you will see a sample retreat menu!
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Beautiful Chateau Sett
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Fresh and Vibrant Meals
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Likeminded Company
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Nutrition Coaching
Click, right click or highlight to edit meEXAMPLE DAILY PROGRAMME
We encourage you to participate in this comprehensive programme to ensure maximum benefit is gained during your stay. However, we appreciate you may prefer to opt out of some activities, in which case you are very welcome to do so.
We also include local outings during the afternoon schedule.
|
Time |
Activity |
Where |
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08:00 - 08:30 |
Morning Tea |
Chateau |
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08:30 – 09:45 |
Yoga |
Studio |
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10:00 – 10:45 |
Breakfast |
Chateau |
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11:00 – 12:15 |
Cooking Workshop |
Walnut Kitchen |
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12:30 – 13:15 |
Power Walk/Fitness Session |
Courtyard |
|
13:30 - 14:15 |
Lunch |
Chateau |
|
14:15 - 17:30 |
Personal Time |
|
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17:00 - 17:30 |
Afternoon tea |
|
|
17:30 - 18:30 |
Yoga |
Studio |
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18:30 – 19:30 |
Personal Time |
|
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19:30 – 21:30 |
Dinner |
Chateau |
|
After Dinner |
Evening Personal Development/Reflection |
Salon |
HEALTH RETREAT SAMPLE MENU
Post-Yoga ENERGISER
Energy Booster Juice/Smoothie
Revitalising BREAKFAST
Avocado & Poached Egg on Sweet Potato "Toast"
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Selection of Teas & Coffee
Nurturing LUNCH
Thai Salmon Fishcakes with Asian Ribbon Salad
Afternoon Tea Boost
Apricot & Coconut Bites
Gourmet DINNER
Courgette Carpaccio Salad with Toasted Hazelnuts
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Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Curry with Radish Raita & Brown Rice
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Raw Cashew Cheesecake with Raspberry Chia Jam
Before Bed
Selection of Sleep Enhancing Teas
Yoga Health Retreat | Loire Valley
“I have just come back from a 4-day retreat lead by May which was both relaxing, informative and fun. May knows everything you might want to learn about nutrition and manages to convey it in a relaxed and fun manner along with lots of ideas for simple, time-efficient recipes. She is brilliant at inspiring others to try and eat and cook in a more healthy way. Thank you.”
SECURE MY SPOT PLEASE
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Alfresco Meals
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Exciting Programme
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Power Walks
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Outdoor Exercising
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"Give yourself the break you deserve”
I’ve put together a fantastic schedule, based very closely on my previous years’ highly successful retreats with an expert team and I’m absolutely thrilled to be sharing this dream break with you all.
We’ll practice yoga twice daily, walk or cycle in the peaceful and tranquil French countryside, cook some fabulous recipes together and enjoy delicious healthy meals as well as learn exactly how to make the best of your coming years, naturally.
BOOK MY SPOTRE-JUVENTATE
With a relaxed programme of discussions, activities, massage treatments and lots of friendly advice, we will explore, over the 4 days, what it really means to “eat and live well” and how to do so in our busy lives.
Learn MoreRE-ENERGISE
This retreat is open to all levels of fitness enthusiasts and yogis, from beginners to long-time enthusiasts. Our expert instructors have years of experience; you’ll know you’re in good hands within seconds!
Learn MoreRE-PLENISH
You’ll leave the retreat empowered with knowledge and tasty recipe ideas, let alone new friends, (plus a goodie bag) woth a clear idea of how to embark on and sustain a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, you'll feel accomplished and inspired!
Learn More Hot