Reconnect Retreats
Intimate, all-inclusive Spring, Summer & Autumn escapes, centred on connection – to self, nature, food and like-minded souls
Reconnect in the heart of L'Occitane
Sun 7th - Sun 14th June, 2026
Let go, show up, and fall in love with life again; reconnect.
This is the best gift you can give yourself, a space to rest, reflect, recalibrate and reconnect to your inner authentic self, and retune to your inner creativity.
The world is moving at an incredibly fast rate with much turbulence, this is a chance to find your inner centre, calm and strength for healthy relationships and life.
With 25 places available, book your space with just 15% deposit now.
Beautiful South East France
This is a truly body and soul-nourishing retreat set in the heart of L’Occitane, one of France’s most beautiful and biodiverse regions. June here treats us to long, sun‑filled days — with around 9–10 hours of sunshine and easy warmth perfect for outdoor movement, shared meals, nature walks, and ecstatic dance under open skies
With a maximum of 25 guests, this intimate gathering is designed to foster deep, meaningful connections. With yourself, with the land, with healthy, sustainably produced food, and with others, while exploring the wisdom of shared life experience through group discussions, and engaging with food, music, movement and nature
At the heart of the retreat is the theme of reconnection: a chance to slow down, step away from the busyness of everyday life, and rediscover the natural interconnections between the food we eat, the ecosystems that nourish it, and our own physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
Here, you can pause, reflect, and engage fully with the rhythms of nature, mindful living, and authentic human connection.
A safe place to switch off, embrace more playful nature and explore authentic living
Reconnect with food & nature
Think chalet-style catering – but for a Spring / Summer Retreat. Every meal is intentionally prepared by Sustainability & Nutrition focused chefs, using local produce, including locally foraged food and from the beautiful enormous gardens onsite, with deep respect for sustainability – seasonality, diversity, human and planetary wellbeing, and reduced food waste.
Expect vibrant, plant-forward meals complemented by sustainably sourced meat and local seafood, with stories behind every ingredient being interwoven into daily discussions and workshops – from the soil it was grown in, and waters they’re farmed in, to the nutritional benefits it brings. Each plate is a celebration of the season, region flavour and health for people and planet.
Explore stunning gardens, woodlands, open fields, daily birdsong. Your chance to ground and relax in a quiet safe space, surrounded by nature. And experience a guided tour of the beautiful L’Occitane region, and cultural highlights
Reconnect with self & others
Reconnect
* With Nature – explore the interconnections of the food we eat, the soil it comes from, and the land that surrounds us, and the health of our environment and ourselves;
* With Self – through rest, reflection, movement, and nourishment;
* With others – through shared meals, discussions, excursions, music dance creativity, and freedom of expression
Each day is carefully curated to offer a blend of inspiration, restoration, and exploration.
2026 Inaugural L'Occitane Sustainable Dinner & Ecstatic Dance event - Sat 13th June
As part of the Retreat, you’ll gain exclusive access to a pioneering event for the region, marking the first in a planned series of seasonal celebrations.
2026 Summer Seasonal Sustainable Dinner & Ecstatic Dance Event– a creatively curated three-course menu showcasing the very best of the season and region, with a focus on sustainability and food that supports both human and planetary health. You’ll be joined by local guests in the region, as well as your fellow retreat goers.
After the dinner, the evening unfolds into an Ecstatic Dance journey led by internationally experienced DJ and ecstatic dance curator Marc JB, offering an immersive celebration of movement, music, and connection.
This event is a first of its kind in the region, and your retreat place includes your ticket, giving you the opportunity to be part of its inaugural celebration.
Your Retreat Hosts
Julie Cleijne
Julie is a Nutrition-trained Naturopathic Chef, Sustainability Educator, Keynote speaker and Award winning Sustainable Recipe developer, specialising in creating plant-forward, seasonal, low/zero-waste, and sustainably locally sourced menus that tell the story of their origins, and their role in human and planetary health.
Her food ethos focuses on food as medicine that nourishes, protecting and supporting thriving gut health, to support overall immune health and mental wellbeing, and positive ageing.
Julie is of Dutch heritage, with a rich multi-cultural family, and has lived in Australia, France, Scotland & England. Her food is also therefore heavily inspired by global food sustainability & health traditions.
Marc Jb
He is passionate about Ecstatic Dance DJing and community as a way of opening into the new potentials of relating and collaboration in a New Earth.
Julie & Marc's Reconnect Ethos
Julie and Marc’s paths crossed while living in London’s South East, a vibrant area with green spaces and a thriving sociable artistic community.
They share a life journey of choosing to live authentically according to their own rhythms, not following the often-common beaten path. They are both inspired by an innate curiosity about our world and the value of human connection, creativity, and embracing freedom of expression.
This retreat embodies their philosophy: wellbeing is nourished when we reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with the natural world—through nourishing food, music, dance, play. It is a space to celebrate the joy of movement and shared experience, and to connect deeply with the environment around us, all while living authentically and freely. Whether that means dressing creatively, moving freely to music, or simply letting curiosity guide the day, this is a space to fall in love with life, through playful living, and to reconnect.
Your daily reconnect activities
Your 7 day retreat experience includes accommodation in luxury Villa with heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and enormous natural gardens to enjoy. All daily meals are provided (except Rennes le Chateau excursion lunch). Drinks and light refreshments are available throughout each day. A defined allocation of alcoholic beverages per person per evening is included. Additional alcohol can be purchased from the retreat bar at published prices.
Note: Travel (train or flights) to and from the venue is not included. Transfers from train stations or airports are included, by prior arrangement
Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome dinner
Sun 7th June
Group Train Travellers
- Meet London St Pancras – 6.30am
- Travel together on Eurostar to Paris – 8.00 – 10.30am
- Travel together on SNCF Paris to Toulouse 12 midday -15.00
- Collected by our hosts and drive to the beautiful Domaine de Bize – Arrive 16.00
Independent Travellers
Make your own way to the venue, or to Toulouse or Carcassonne for collection. All collections need to be pre-arranged before booking
PM – Arrival
- Introductions – meet the venue hosts, chef team & retreat hosts
- Tour of the grounds with the hosts
- Welcome dinner
- Overview of the week’s programme
- Set intentions for the week
- Evening activity (e.g. Music expression, Talk)
Day 2 – Excursion – Mirepoix Market Tour, Cooking Workshop & Lunch
Mon 8th June
AM
- Morning sunrise walk / meditation (optional)
- Morning movement / chi gong (optional)
- Seasonal nourishing breakfast
Excursion – Mirepoix market tour
A journey from market to plate – celebrating food, and farmers in the heart of L’Occitanie.
Join Sustainability expert & Naturopathic Chef Julie Cleijne for a sensory-rich day experience that begins in the vibrant, historic town of Mirepoix, home to one of the region’s most celebrated local food producers’ markets.
Discover the Market like a local
We begin with a guided tour showcasing the best of what the region has to offer – from organic farmers and regenerative growers to local artisan producers including cheesemakers, bakers, and small-batch winemakers.
Together, we’ll explore:
- Seasonal produce and plant diversity
- Sustainable farming practices and what they mean for health and biodiversity
- The stories behind the food – directly from the producers themselves
This is more than just a market tour – it’s a celebration of local food culture and how farming directly impacts human health and planetary health.
From Market to table
After the market tour, we’ll return to Domaine de Bize to collectively cook (guided workshop) and share a meal of seasonal produce sourced from the market.
Here, you’ll enjoy:
A Sustainable cooking workshop
Watch, learn, and ask questions as Julie walks you through recipes and techniques with a focus on gut health, regenerative food principles, combined with traditional regional recipes and techniques. Topics vary by season and can include:
- Traditional L’Occitanie recipes
- Seasonal produce
- Gut-friendly elements to add to meals for physical and mental wellbeing
- Eating for brain and immune health
- Low-waste cooking techniques
- The importance of diversity in our diets
A nourishing, seasonal lunch
Relax into a slow, delicious two-hour dining experience. Every dish is from locally sourced ingredients, seasonal, and crafted with intention – showcasing the best of the market’s produce. Local natural wines included.
Late PM
Free-time – Pool, walk, rest, play.
Evening
- Seasonal delicious Dinner
- Evening group talk/music session
Day 3 – Workshops & Relax
Tue 9th June
AM
- Morning sunrise walk / meditation (optional)
- Morning movement /chi gong (optional)
- Seasonal nourishing breakfast
AM activity
Somatic Breathwork Workshop with Marc
Using the breath and some body movement to release stuck emotions, take yourself on a journey into release and reconnection.
Energetic Arts Workshop with Marc
Workshop and talk about becoming aware of how we navigate life with our energy. Learn tools to help you tailor your energy to keep it clear and your energetic boundaries in integrity.
Lunch
PM
- Fermentation Talk & Workshop – Julie will lead this workshop on fermentation, including fermented foods and drinks, and how to incorporate into your daily life for optimum health.
Late PM
Free-time – Pool, walk, rest, play.
Evening
- Dinner
- Evening group talk
- Music expression session
Day 4 – Rennes le Chateau & Lac de Montbel
Wed 10th June
AM
- Morning sunrise walk / meditation (optional)
- Morning yoga or chi gong (optional)
- Breakfast
Excursion – We visit the amazing Rennes le Chateau, a striking hilltop village overlooking the Aude valley with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside. Though small in size, it has become one of the region’s most talked-about places due to the layers of history, symbolism, and unanswered questions connected to it. Over the years it has drawn writers, historians, and curious visitors intrigued by its church, its stories, and its sense of atmosphere. Beyond the speculation, it’s simply a striking place to spend time — walking quiet streets, taking in the landscape, and experiencing another facet of this distinctive part of France.
You’ll be free to enjoy lunch at one of the many lovely restaurants or cafes.
Late PM
On our return, we’ll visit the stunning Lac de Montbel, where you can swim in the beautiful emerald green waters, or simply relax on the river bed and take in the natural beauty.
Evening
- Dinner
- Evening group talk
- Music and/or dance expression session
Day 5 – Workshops & Relax
Thu 11th June
AM activity
Inner Joy Meditation Workshop with Marc
Join Marc for a guided meditation visualisation journey to reconnect to our deepest, inherent joy.
Musical instrument expression Workshop – Marc will lead you on this practical workshop exploring self expression through music, exploring world musical instruments
Lunch
PM
- Sustainable Food Workshop: – Julie will lead this workshop, with hands-on cooking session
Energy, Immunity & Healthy Ageing, and Global cuisine sustainability traditions
A focus on food as long-term support, exploring how diverse, consistent eating patterns sustain energy, immunity, and wellbeing over time.
Global Food Wisdom
Be inspired by global cuisine and sustainability traditions
Late PM
Free-time – Pool, walk, rest, play.
Evening
- Dinner
- Evening group talk
- Music and/or dance expression session
Day 6 – Excursion – L’Hers-Vif River Kayak & Picnic
Fri 12th June
AM
- Morning sunrise walk / meditation (optional)
- Morning yoga or chi gong (optional)
- Breakfast
Excursion – Kayaking trip. Enjoy the beautiful setting of the l’Hers-Vif river Kayaking from our little village of Belpech to Mazères, drifting through peaceful nature.
Lunch – We’ll pack a delicious picnic to enjoy on the banks of the river.
Late PM
Free-time – Pool, walk, rest, play.
Evening
- Dinner
- Evening group talk
- Music and/or dance expression session
Day 7 – Workshops, Relax & Ecstatic Dance, Summer Sustainable Dinner Event
Sat 13th June
AM
- Morning sunrise walk / meditation (optional)
- Morning movement /chi gong (optional)
- Seasonal nourishing breakfast
AM activity
Free time – Relax at the Domaine
PM
Free-time – Pool, walk, rest, play.
Evening
2026 Summer Seasonal Sustainable Dinner & Ecstatic Dance Event– a creatively curated three-course menu showcasing the very best of the season and region, with a focus on sustainability and food that supports both human and planetary health. You’ll be joined by local guests in the region, as well as your fellow retreat goers.
After the dinner, the evening unfolds into an Ecstatic Dance journey led by internationally experienced DJ and ecstatic dance curator Marc JB, offering an immersive celebration of movement, music, and connection.
This event is a first of its kind in the region, and your retreat place includes your ticket, giving you the opportunity to be part of its inaugural celebration.
Day 8 – Reconnect Roadmap & Depart
Sun 14th June
AM
- Morning sunrise walk / meditation (optional)
- Morning yoga or chi gong (optional)
- Seasonal nourishing breakfast
We wrap things up with our last Workshop to finalise your personalised Reconnect Roadmap, packed with practical rituals for you to implant around food, music and movement, that you can take forward into your daily lives
The Retreat Venue
Serenity amidst nature
Situated 1.5 kilometers from the center of the medieval town of Mirepoix in the heart of Cathar country in the Ariège, the Domaine de Bize is a spectacular venue for spending a relaxing week reconnecting with nature, and connecting with others.
Surrounded by 4.4 hectares of parkland, a heated swimming pool with summer kitchen and jacuzzi, it comprises a manor house and an annex building that provides luxurious accommodation for all guests. See more on their website
Relax and slow down
The heated swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind and relax, taking in the natural surroundings.
The beautifully decorated dining spaces provide stunning backdrops to relax and enjoy sensational seasonal daily meals, including outside terraces, where we will host our Ecstatic Dance Event
Accommodation
Accommodation is comprised of stylish modern bedrooms, Our accommodation is designed for comfort and connection, with a selection of spacious double and triple rooms that are ideal couples or friends for sharing. Most rooms have their own ensuite bathroom, while a small number share well-maintained bathrooms immediately adjacent.
Guests joining solo are warmly welcomed and can get in touch if they’d like to be paired with others joining on their own.
Final Retreat pricing reflects your chosen room option (superior with ensuite, or standard with shared bathroom), allowing you to select the arrangement that suits you best.
Join us
Book your space
The retreat investment starts from £1,435 per person, with 15% deposit required to secure your space. Final pricing depends on the accommodation you choose. Final balance is due 8th May
Accommodation options:
✨ Superior Rooms – with a private en-suite bathroom
✨ Standard Rooms – with a shared bathroom located just adjacent to the room and shared with other guests
Your final balance will reflect the room category selected at the time of booking. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend booking early to secure your preferred option.
If you’re unsure which room type is right for you, just reach out — we’re happy to help you decide.
Travel to & from the venue (Train or flights) is not included in the above quoted price.
See our full Terms & Conditions for our Refund & Cancellation policy. Your deposit payment confirms your acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
