Spring vitality Retreat

 

7 – 11 June 2023

Lesse, Ardennes, Belgium

Escape from everyday life to recharge yourself
Guided by
Peter Roussel and Ellen Paalman

Want to Join?

Dates

Wed 7 June – Sun 11 June 2023

Arrival on Wednesday from on 15:00 and  the retreat ends on Sunday at 12:00.

Prices

  • €1068 for a single room
  • €1608 for a couple suite

These prices include:

  • 2  yoga sessions with Peter & Ellen per day.
  • 3 afternoon workshops with Peter
  • silent meditation in nature
  • a guided forest bathing session
  • 2 healthy vegetarian meals a day
  • 4 nights at the gite in single room or couple suite

These prices do not include:

Transportation to the Ardennes

How to get there

We will be staying at ‘La Grange de Lesse’ near Redu in the Ardennes in Belgium.The easiest way to get there is by car (3 hour journey from The Hague). We support carpooling, so let us know if you have place available in your car or if you are looking for a ride.

Booking & more info

Book your spot

Bookings are to be paid in full at time of booking. Making a payment means you agree with the terms and conditions.
Rooms will be allocated to guests.

If you have questions email Ellen: ellen@byoga.co.uk

Vibrant and rejuvenating

In spring the energy that has been accumulating beneath the ground in winter explodes above. It’s the season for rapid growth, vibrancy, vitality, creativity, fresh opportunities and new beginnings.

As humans, we are part of nature and we thrive when we live in harmony with natural cycles. Peter and Ellen have developed a yoga retreat program that supports the re-connection to this vibrant, uplifting and rejuvenating spring energy, so we can feel refreshed and enjoy life to the fullest.

The morning practice: yoga

Ellen . Through the combination a meditation, breath work, restorative and dynamic movement, we unwind and re-energize ourselves.

The afternoon practice: workshop

The afternoon sessions will be workshop style where more details and techniques of the practice are taught and experienced. Peter will teach the afternoon sessions

Forest Bathing

One afternoon Peter will take you on a shinrin-yoku session. Shinrin in Japanese means “forest,” and yoku means “bath.” So shinrin-yoku means bathing in the forest atmosphere, or taking in the forest through our senses. Different cultures have known for centuries that being in the forest makes us feel better. The sounds of the forest, the scent of the trees, the sunlight playing through the leaves, the fresh, clean air — these things give us a sense of comfort. They ease our stress and worry, help us to relax and to think more clearly. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us.

Beautifil gite, healthy meals

The Gite

For the 5th time we are hosting a retreat in ‘La grange de Lesse’. This beautiful gite, near Redu in the Belgium Ardennes, has a large space for our  yoga practice. The beautiful gardens surround the house and you can just walk into the forests form the doorstep.

The gite can accommodate max 9 guests. It has several bedrooms some with private shower and toilet. You can book a room for yourself (single room) or book a couple suite for 2.

Healthy simple meals

Ellen & Peter love to cook and on this retreat they will do the cooking themselves. They will serve two delicious, nourishing vegetarian meals per the day, a brunch after the morning practice and diner in the evening. All meals are prepared with fresh, mostly organic ingredients, combined in a way that promotes good digestion. You can expect delicious Indian curries (Peter’s mother was born in India) and lots of fresh salads.

Please inform in advance about any dietary requirements.

Schedule

During this retreat we will follow a simple schedule that allows for ample opportunity to practice, but also leaves you with free time to reflect, connect and explore the surrounding area. Brunch will be a help-yourself buffet, while dinner will be served family-style in dining room or outside on the garden terrace.

Wednesday

  • 14:00 – 16:00 arrival
  • 16:30 – 18:30 Opening Session
  • 19:00 – 20:30 Dinner

Thursday – Friday – Saturday

  • 08:00 – 10:00 Yoga class
  • 10:30 – 12:00 Brunch
  • 12:00 – 16:00 Rest* / Forest Bathing
  • 16:00 – 18:00 Yoga workshop
  • 19:00 – 20:30 Dinner
  • 20:30  -22:00 Rest*

Sunday

  • 08:00 – 10:00 Yoga
  • 10:30 – 12:00 Brunch
  • 12:00 – 13:00 Departure

All practice sessions, workshop sessions and meals are optional. Although full participation is encouraged you may choose not to attend a session.

* Resting time can be used to sleep, walk, write, read etc.

FAQ’s

How many spaces are available?
To keep the retreat intimate we only have 9 spaces available. This allows us to provide plenty of personal attention during the practice sessions and have group discussions where everyone has the opportunity to be heard & seen.

Do you have a cancellation policy?
If for some unforeseen reason you are no longer able to attend the retreat the following policy is in place:
Cancellation 4 months before retreat – Full refund.
Cancellation 4 – 2 months before retreat – 50% refund
Cancellation 2 months before retreat – No refund (unless you find someone to take your place).

Are the practices suitable for all levels?
The aim of the retreat is to create a space where you can dive deep into your practice. Having taught mixed level studio classes for many years, both Ellen and Peter are skilled at accommodating a wide variety of bodies & abilities. The sessions will be accessible to established beginners, as well as intermediate & advanced practitioners.

Can I bring my non-practicing partner/friend/child with me?
This retreat is structured around having space for ourselves. Non-practicing individuals cannot be accommodated.

Do you offer ride share?
Let us know when you book if you would be interested in offering or receiving a ride share. We will connect you where possible.

What are the sleeping & bathroom arrangements?
Most rooms are single occupancy for maximum privacy and reflection time. Some of them come with a private shower and/or toilet. There are a limited number of couples/friend suites. All the couples suites have a private bath room and toilet. The rooms will be assigned on a first come first served basis.

Do you cater for food sensitivities, allergies and other dietary choices?
Our menu for the week will be vegetarian and we can accommodate most food requirements. Inform us of any dietary needs before you book your spot.