• Group ground transport to/from Bordeaux Airport to Retreat Center
• Accommodations: 6 Nights at Retreat Center                        
• Three meals per day starting with dinner on the first night and ending with breakfast on the last day. (excluding one night dinner, taken off-site)
• Use of yoga room and facilities

Accommodations

This retreat center is a charming 17th-century country estate in Southwest France. Its meticulously maintained residence and park are the essences of stillness and seclusion. The grounds include a heated swimming pool, a hard-surface tennis court, and 100 acres of protected woodlands.

Castles, medieval villages, and historical sites dot the surrounding countryside. The region also offers many outdoor activities, world-famous vineyards, restaurants, and music. The weather could not be more ideal: from the end of April until the end of October the area averages less than five days of rain per month. Temperatures range from 18-29 degrees Celsius.

Laura Jane Mellencamp

Laura Jane Mellencamp, C-IYAT, E-RYT 500, MA is the founder and director of Yoga Among Friends, one of the Midwest’s premier yoga studios. Certified in 1989, Laura Jane has made the practice and teaching of yoga her life’s work. In 2016, Laura Jane was accredited as a certified yoga therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists after a 5-year training program. As a clinical psychologist, she enjoys blending her MA in Clinical and Counseling Psychology with her yoga therapy to provide clients with a holistic approach to psychological and emotional imbalances that affect the immune system. Her work has led Laura Jane to participate as a premier provider with Chicago’s Integrated Health Network.

Testimonials:

“Everything was so natural, like windows meant to overlook the snow-covered mountains, but cozy and warm both in our cabins and lodge. Ideally located for a retreat and meals were created by a delightful chef.  Laura Jane led us with just the amount of yoga and activity to keep it still a relaxing retreat.”— Marla

“The Icelandic Yoga Retreat was magical. The lodgings were cozy and clean, the yoga room was beautiful (especially at night!), amenities were perfect (sauna, hot tub under the stars, expert masseuse), and we were treated to three expertly and lovingly prepared meals a day by our dedicated chef. The twice-daily yoga practice was accessible to all levels and Laura Jane made a point of teaching the whole of yoga, not just the physical practice. We had a wonderful group of human beings and it was a pleasure spending time with each one.” —Julie D.

A trip to Greece had been on my “bucket list” for many years. The experience with Laura Jane in Amorgos was beautiful, peaceful, and exceeded my expectations about visiting Greece! We practiced well-thought-out yoga classes twice a day, and still had plenty of time for outings on the island, or time to relax by the pool. The group was a true sangha, a community, of friendly open people. Old friends reconnected, and new friends were made by each yogi. I feel confident about traveling with Laura Jane and through True Nature again!” —Kay G.

“My experience on Laura Jane’s retreats are always unique.  Travel changes people no matter what the destination.  Yoga changes people too.  When combined you have a transformation that changes the heart.  Everything you see, taste, and experience is better and I return home with my “cup full”.  The friendships I made on retreat will last a lifetime, we shared and were there for one another.  I loved every minute and will never forget the beautiful yoga room by the Aegean Sea.  An amazing trip made even more special by one of the best mentors and teachers in the Chicago area.  Ευχαριστούμε, Thank You!” —Cathy C.

“I am so excited to attend my third retreat with Laura Jane and this amazing community of yogis. There is a reason so many of us keep coming back year after year. Beyond the incredible resort we are staying at (and “incredible” doesn’t do it justice), Laura Jane creates such a warm and welcoming atmosphere in which to explore your yoga practice regardless of where you are at in your life. The twice-daily practices and daily sutra study, combined with the beauty of the Baja peninsula and the phenomenal food, make this a retreat everyone should experience!” —Bobby P.

“I try to never miss Laura Jane’s wonderful yoga retreats! They are the one time of the year that is just about me. I don’t have to take care of anyone or anything other than myself. The combination of yoga, healthy food, journaling, quiet time, a wonderful guide, and amazing friends is just what I need to regenerate for the year ahead. Not to mention that Prana Del Mar is a real gem!” —Kandice H.

A French lifestyle is about simple living and enjoying the best moments in life. France has it all. Dordogne offers everything that travelers head to France for: beautiful chateaux, lush gardens, ancient castles, a bucolic landscape of vineyards, forests, and rivers. Experience the rich culture, classic art, sophisticated fashion, detailed architecture, and culinary flavors that France has to offer on retreat.

Some of the possible options for tours and activities during your France retreat include:

• Castle Tours
• Truffle Hunting
• Explore Marqueyssac Gardens 
• Canoeing
• Excursion to Plum Village
• Explore local towns and cities
• Horseback riding
• Wine Tastings
• And more!

*Activities not included in the price of tuition unless otherwise mentioned. Availability subject to change.

Please be sure to review Our Policies.

Registration

Click Here to Register Now! – 

Paying an initial non-refundable deposit of $350 and $35 Payment Processing Fee (added to the tuition rate upon registration) will lock in your tuition rate and hold your space for the trip.

For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.

Getting There 

Included in the retreat is a shuttle from the Bordeaux Airport (BOD) to the retreat center. There are daily domestic flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Bordeaux. The domestic flight is just over one hour. Before booking tickets, please be sure you have received your official confirmation note that the retreat has met its minimums. There will be one group airport shuttle each way based on our flight window guidelines. Be sure your flights align with the provided flight windows if you wish to use the group shuttle. The drive time to the center is approximately 1.5 hours. 

Travel Insurance

We cannot emphasize more the importance of travel insurance. As we all know, especially as travelers, “life happens.” Whether it’s family, work, mother nature, or a change of heart, it is important to be prepared in case you need to unexpectedly change your travel plans. Often for less than $150, you can purchase a travel insurance policy and be protected in the event that you need to make a change or need to be covered financially prior to or during your trip. 

We have partnered with two insurance companies: Trawick International and CSA Travel Insurance (available for U.S. Residents only). 

Read more about our insurance partners and their policies here. We encourage you to research the insurance company and policy that best meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you have questions about traveling abroad? After you register, we will provide you with a Participant’s Package with helpful information. Also, be sure to check out our Participant FAQs. If you have other questions, feel free to write to us at info@truenaturetravels.com and let us know how we can help!

Save $200 on full-price (shared only) of $2995 USD until April 1st, 2023!

Shared Accommodations – $2795 USD (Full Price $2995 USD)

Single Accommodations – $3195 USD

A non-refundable $35 Payment Processing Fee will be added to the tuition rate upon registration. 

For technical questions or alternative payment options, please contact us.

Please Note: The venue has implemented a mandatory vaccination requirement for all guests. All participants will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon arrival at the venue.

Cancellation

• Initial deposits and the $35 registration fee are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• 50% of payments are refundable up to 90 days before a retreat excluding the initial deposit and the $35 registration fee.
• 89 days prior to a retreat, tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Full tuition is refunded if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment. The $35 registration fee is not refundable.
• True Nature Travels is not responsible for any loss incurred due to currency conversion rates.
• Full tuition is refunded* if the trip is canceled due to low enrollment.

*Refundable amounts do not include applied credits.

If you wish to cancel your spot on a trip you must submit your cancellation by email to info@truenaturetravels.com.