About the location
With the peaks of the Pyrenees on the horizon and a stunning coastline of long, rocky beaches punctuated by cliffs that plunge into the Bay of Biscay, Biarritz is every bit as dramatic as the course is peaceful, but just as rejuvenating.
Situated in the heart of Basque country, in the south-western corner of France, the famous resort and the picturesque coastal town of Bidart offer a perfect setting in which to learn about the vitalising effects of raw food and yoga, and to reflect, collect and grow.
This retreat takes place in Bidart in accommodation which offers luxurious rooms with great facilities that show off the splendour of the area.
Situated three kilometres south of Biarritz is the town of Bidart, and the Ferme de Bassilour Estate, which offers sensational views of the Pyrenees from its sprawling, verdant grounds. Guests can stay in either the Domaine de Bassilour, an elegant 18th century mansion, or La Ferme de Basillour, a lovingly, luxuriously restored 16th century Basque farmhouse.
Set in a gorgeous landscape, your accommodation provides a homely, comfortable atmosphere, and feature individually designed rooms with views of the Pyrenees, as well as flat-screen TVs and WiFi. The Chateau’s annex – La Conciergerie – offers a heated indoor swimming pool, and a reading room with a fireplace.
Sun-loungers are provided for guests who wish to soak up the sun, and if yoga and massage aren’t enough there are tennis courts in the vast grounds, which are a pleasure to roam. The grounds of the Bassilour Estate are a perfectly peaceful location to indulge in harmonising, energising yoga.
Instructor Caroline Beliard is a dedicated yogini who is happy to share her insights with others. She graduated from the Californian school of Julie Rader, creator of Mukti Yoga, before studying Hatha Yoga in France, and she continues to study Prana Flow with Shiva Rea in the United States. While maintaining a focus on breath and vinyasas, she varies and adapts her classes depending on the season, the energy of her students and the chakra she wants to focus on.
When the weather is right, the garden can also be the perfect classroom for chef Emelie’s raw food nutrition and aromatherapy lessons. Though, there are also professional kitchens at hand. Emelie studied international law but retrained as a chef, specialising in raw and living food. Today, she is dedicated to healthy, fresh, organic cuisine.
There is a wealth of distractions in the area, not least the gorgeous beaches. As well as the waves that made Biarritz the birthplace of European surfing, warm temperatures late into the year make it a sunbather’s paradise. There are no finer ways to drink in Biarritz than strolling from the lighthouse to the Rock of the Virgin, taking in the town’s historic architecture and outstanding natural beauty along the way.
Shoppers are spoiled for choice on Biarritz’s boulevards. As one of France’s most exclusive resorts, it is no surprise that the latest couture is on offer, but there are also countless boutique grocers, chocolatiers, cheese shops and patisseries to while away the hours. Further out of town lie beautiful Bayonne and the forest of La Landes while 25km to the south is the Spanish border and, just beyond that, the historic city of San Sebastian.
Features
- Qualified, friendly instructors with many years’ experience
- Professional kitchens and idyllic outside settings for yoga and raw food lessons
- Luxurious, homely accommodation
- Beautiful gardens in both locations
- WiFi available for all guests
- Heated swimming pool
- Cosy reading room with warming fireplace
- Includes access to a hammam
- Stunning natural beauty and gorgeous beaches
- Stay on a pretty estate in Bidart, just 5km from Biarritz airport
- Includes arrival airport pick up
- Welcome drink
- Massages, treatments and therapies on offer
- Close to the stunning Biarritz coastline, perfect for trying a surf lesson or two if you wish