Pause & Come Home to Yourself
-> SOLD OUT
Join Carolyn Anne Budgell from May 25-30th, 2026 on the quiet shores of Arcachon Bay, where wind-swept pine trees meet the ocean and time slows down. We will come together for five nights and six days of Spa Yoga, Restorative and Somatic Movement, Breathwork, Mindfulness Workshops with unique Workbooks, reflective self-inquiry, ocean air, and nourishing connection in the South of France.
Each day includes guided sessions, spacious time for rest, shared group meals, and the gentle rhythm of the tides.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, spaciousness, or simply a break from the constant forward motion of everyday life, this intimate retreat offers a rare opportunity to soften, listen deeply, and reconnect to your own inner rhythm
Arcachon Bay, Atlantic Coast of France
Tucked away on a peaceful curve of the Bassin d’Arcachon, our private villa is a peaceful haven, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, just 30 minutes west of Bordeaux. This region is beloved for its wide sandy beaches, charming villages, and laid-back coastal energy. While less traveled than the Riviera, the Atlantic side of France holds a natural, raw beauty that is grounding and refreshing.
The villa itself offers direct access to the beach, comfortable rooms, cozy communal spaces, and elegant simplicity. Picture morning meditations with the sound of the wind, long exhale afternoons under the sun, and evenings of deep rest.
The pace of life here encourages you to slow down, to feel your feet in the sand, and to let the ocean breeze clear the mental clutter.
Daily Offerings Include
Spa Yoga and Restorative Movement sessions indoors and outdoors
Guided Meditation and Breathwork classes
Deep self-reflection + mindfulness workshops with curated workbooks
Group meals (Brunch and Dinner)
Ample free time for strolling along the spectacular 125 km of sandy ocean coastline or swimming in the private pool
Sauna and Cold Plunge tub onsite
Visit to a local Farmer’s Market
One Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure
Retreat Cost (in Euros) includes all accommodations, linens, 2 meals per day, Welcome Gift, all classes & workshops
The Power of Villa La Tosca and the Region
Our sanctuary for this retreat, Villa La Tosca, was built in 1903, right on the beach in the village of Taussat, at the heart of the Arcachon Bay. It is a historical example of the seaside architecture that gave the French coastline its unique and characteristic houses, combining stone, brick and wood. At Villa la Tosca, you can enjoy long interludes in our gardens or in the ecological swimming pool, where aquatic plants provide a natural filtration and it's as if you are swimming in a river. You can breathe in and soak up the scents of the sea while taking long walks on the beach or through maritime pine forests.
What makes this location so special is that the initial towns around the bay were created to treat patients with respiratory issues, the subtle alliance of water, air, sand, mud and pine trees create a unique ionized air that is nourishing for our body, mind and soul. The strong tides of the bay pull out the water to leave the mud exposed to the elements. It is truly an experience with the rhythms of Nature, with a cleansing and deeply peaceful atmosphere.
It’s a place where time stretches, breath deepens, and the outside world fades into the background.
This is your time to
Rest deeply
Unplug intentionally
Feel nourished and supported
Reclaim your energy and clarity
Connect with a like-minded community
Why Retreat?
In the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget how vital it is to step away, even briefly, in order to return with a clearer heart and steadier mind.
This retreat invites you to:
Rest your nervous system through restorative yoga and quiet nature
Reconnect to your intuition and inner knowing
Unplug from digital overwhelm and reconnect to the present
Reflect on what matters most in the company of like-hearted people
Reset your rhythms through nourishing movement and deep stillness
Giving yourself this time is not indulgent—it’s essential. When we pause, we remember. We remember who we are, what we care about, and how we want to show up in our lives.
What’s Included
✔️ Spa Yoga and Restorative Sessions Daily
✔️ Guided Meditation and Breathwork classes
✔️ Mindfulness + journaling workshops
✔️ Welcome Gift and notebook
✔️ 2 Group Meals daily — Brunch and Dinner
✔️ One Dinner out at a local Eatery
✔️ All Yoga props: Bolster, Mat, Blocks are available
✔️ Ocean access steps away + free time
✔️ Cozy, comfortable accommodations
✔️ Exclusive use of the Villa and property — pool, sauna and cold plunge tub
✔️ Visit to a local Farmer’s Market
✔️ One Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure
Travel Instructions
Closest airport: Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
From the BOD airport, it’s a quick 30-minute drive to the retreat location.
Taxis and Uber ride shares are available.
If you’re arriving by train from Paris or another city, Bordeaux’s central station connects easily to the airport and to car rentals.
We’ll send out detailed arrival instructions in advance.
Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate, connected group experience.
Save your spot with a $500 CAD deposit
A detailed welcome email with all the retreat info will land in your inbox within 48 hours of purchase. Please complete the sign up form immediately before or after purchasing. You’ll find more room info and rates in the form.
“I wanted to quickly remind you again how special that retreat was! You’ve set the bar high for the next one I attend. It was a truly connected, cathartic experience for me. I do a fair amount of plant medicine ceremonies and this left me feeling every bit as healed and held, so thank you very much. You created a perfect container to fill my cup and open my heart again. Thank you! ”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Check in - Monday May 25th, 2026 at 3pm (The first class will begin at 5pm)
Check out - Saturday May 30th around 11am
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Our retreat Villa is located in the South West of France, 35 minutes from Bordeaux, in the heart of the Arcachon bay. It’s a quick 35 minutes from the Bordeaux International Airport and 20 minutes from Biganos Train Station or 2.5 hours from Paris. More travel and arrival information will be sent closer to the retreat date.
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Villa La Tosca is a guest house - with 8 suites, two yoga spaces, an ecological swimming pool, sauna and cold plunge tub, vast gardens and steps directly onto the beach - that has been designed in the spirit of a luxury lodge, where every detail has been thought out for the comfort and enjoyment of its guests.
A home with a generous, lively soul, where warm, attentive, personalized details and relationships are woven with care. -
Steps-away from the sandy beach and ocean
Infinity ecological pool (chlorine-free!)
Sauna and Cold plunge tub
All Yoga + Meditation props included
Group Stand Up Paddleboard Adventure
Open-air dining space
Quiet nooks for journaling, reflection, and simply being
Daily housekeeping service
Additional Massage services available
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BY CAR:
From Paris: 635 km on the A10, exit 10 towards Lège-Cap-Ferret/Andernos les Bains/Martignas-sur-Jalle
From Toulouse: 287 km - 3 h
From Bordeaux - Mérignac airport: 40 km - 40 mins
From Bordeaux St Jean train station: 60 km - 1 h
From Biganos Facture train station (direct train connection with Bordeaux and Paris) : 14km - 24 minsBY TRAIN: Bordeaux St Jean TGV station, Biganos Facture train station
BY AIR: Bordeaux Mérignac airport BOD
Airport Transfers / Carpooling not available.
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Double Occupancy Booking Note:
Double occupancy rooms must be booked with a travel companion. If you wish to be paired with a roommate, you must book a single occupancy room and request a roommate placement.
Roommate placement is not guaranteed, and should a roommate not be found, single occupancy rates will be applied without exception.
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Yes! We can put a mat down for you and you slide into the class whenever you arrive, or simply meet us at the first dinner. This is your retreat. Take your time. Unfortunately, discounts cannot be offered for this.
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We are working with a local chef and regional farms / producers to provide 1 Hearty Brunch and 1 Gourmet Dinner daily during the retreat. Many of the meals will incorporate locally caught seafood and cheeses from nearby farms. Vegetarian / Vegan or Gluten Free diets can easily be accommodated.
This retreat also includes one Dinner out to a local Eatery.
Please ensure that you communicate extra dietary information clearly in a separate email, after registering.
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Absolutely. A retreat is a lovely way to care for your growing body and to prepare for the changes that lie ahead. Carolyn is a certified prenatal instructor and has also been through the experience herself. She offers many tips and modifications for pregnancy.
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Things you won’t need to bring are linens, bedding nor yoga mats or props! A detailed reminder what to pack will be sent out one month prior to the retreat.
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Fill out the Sign Up Form, The deposit (non-refundable) can be sent by purchasing directly through Carolyn’s website shop. A confirmation email will be sent within 36 hours, welcoming you to the retreat and to share more information with you.
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Credit Card is accepted through the store on Carolyn’s website, PayPal or Wise Transfer (for International participants). If you’d prefer to receive an invoice first, let us know via info@carolynannebudgell.com.
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The deposit is non-refundable. Please note that it is the responsibility of the participant to schedule travel and plan accordingly to arrive on time. Please note that there shall be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, extreme weather situations or any force majeure conditions, as well as travel delays or illness.
We wish we could compensate people for unforeseen circumstances, but we have incurred expenses.
If you need to cancel and there is adequate advance notice, the remainder (after the non-refundable deposit) might be refunded, only if your spot is filled.