Return to Your Inner Rhythm
Before the day begins, the tide has already shifted. Light stretches across the Atlantic. Wind moves through maritime pines. Salt and forest mingle in the air. Waves rise and fall in a perfect rhythm. Bare feet meet cool sand. Breath deepens without effort. Here, in this coastal simplicity, your nervous system softens — and your inner rhythm begins to re-emerge.
THE INVITATION
Join Carolyn Anne Budgell for five nights on the shores of Arcachon Bay, where life unfolds at the pace of the tides.
We gather in a private beachfront villa for restorative yoga, somatic movement, breathwork, reflective inquiry, nourishing meals, and spacious coastal living. This immersion is designed to create the conditions where clarity and renewal arise naturally. Each day includes guided practice, unstructured time for rest, and shared meals in community — all held within the steady rhythm of sea and sky.
Whether you are seeking clarity, steadiness or a return to a slower cadence, this intimate retreat offers space to soften and listen deeply.
THE SETTING
Nestled along the peaceful curve of the Arcachon Bay, our retreat home rests directly on the beach, just 30 minutes west of Bordeaux.
Beloved for its wide sandy shores, charming seaside villages and understated elegance, this region offers a quieter beauty than the Riviera — natural, expansive and grounding.
Historically known for respiratory healing, the subtle alliance of ocean air, pine forest, sand and tidal movement creates a uniquely restorative atmosphere.
Our home for the week, Villa La Tosca (est. 1903), embodies refined simplicity:
Comfortable rooms
Cozy communal spaces
Ecological swimming pool
Sauna and cold plunge
Private beach access
Morning meditations to the sound of wind through pines. Long afternoons beneath open sky. Evenings of deep rest.
Here, you remember your pace.
DAILY OFFERINGS
Spa Yoga & Restorative Movement
Supported, nervous-system-regulating practices - indoors and outdoors.
Guided Meditation & Breathwork
Grounded sessions designed to cultivate clarity and steadiness.
Reflective Inquiry Circles
Mindfulness-based exploration with a curated workbook for integration.
Coastal Living
Spacious afternoons for beach walks, swimming, stillness, or quiet connection.
Onsite Thermal Ritual
Sauna and cold plunge experiences supporting circulation and vitality.
Local Experience
A visit to the village farmer’s market and one guided Stand Up Paddleboard experience on the bay.
ACCOMODATIONS
Each room or suite includes a private washroom and is designed to support rest, reflection, and quiet luxury.
Rates are in CAD.
-
In the Garden House. 3 Single Beds or 2 Twins. A cozy lounge and seating area perfect for reading, and serene views of the Villa and surrounding oak trees.
Double Occupancy$2990 CAD per person
Triple Occupancy $2490 CAD per person -
In the Garden House. 3 Single Beds or 2 Twins. With a cozy indoor seating nook, private terrace and outdoor lounge, this suite exudes peace.
Double Occupancy $2990 CAD per person
Triple Occupancy $2490 CAD per person -
Sea views over Arcachon and Cap Ferret. 1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds, opening onto a beautifully vaulted outdoor loggia with a period marble fireplace.
Single Occupancy $4990 CAD per person
Double Occupancy $3490 CAD per person -
Sea views with direct access to the garden terrace and beach. 1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds. A calming ground floor location, with private lounge seating.
Single Occupancy $4990 CAD per person
Double Occupancy $3490 CAD per person -
Garden view loft with skylight. 1 King Bed (cannot be split). A second floor attic-style room with pine parquet floors, velvety fabrics, pebble-floor bathroom.
Single Occupancy $4490 CAD
Double Occupancy $3190 CAD per person -
Garden and treetop view suite with a warming fireplace, and french chateau inspired decor. 1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds.
Single Occupancy $4490 CAD
Double Occupancy $3190 CAD per person -
The largest suite in the villa, with panoramic ocean and garden views. 1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds. Two private terraces with space for taking in the surrounding landscapes and a Jacuzzi tub.
Single Occupancy $5490 CAD
Double Occupancy $3790 CAD per person -
On the two upper floors of the villa. A Panoramic ocean and pine forest views. 1 King Bed or 2 Twin Beds. Two-level belvedere suite with private patio, Nespresso pods, Jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower.
Single Occupancy $5490 CAD
Double Occupancy $3790 CAD per person
YOU WILL BE SUPPORTED TO:
• Rest your nervous system through restorative practice
• Reconnect to your intuition and inner tempo
• Reset daily rhythms through movement and spacious ease
• Reflect on what matters most within like-hearted community
INCLUDED IN YOUR STAY
– Five nights accommodation at Villa La Tosca
– Daily restorative & somatic yoga practices
– Sunrise + sunset guided meditation and breathwork sessions
– Reflective inquiry circles with printed workbook
– Welcome gift and journal
- Enjoy two daily communal meals highlighting the freshest local French ingredients (brunch & dinner)
– Exclusive use of pool, sauna & cold plunge
– Private beach access
– Farmer’s market visit
– Stand Up Paddleboard experience
– Daily housekeeping service
Flights and travel insurance not included.
SAMPLE DAILY RHYTHM
Morning Meditation
Spa Yoga Practice
Brunch
Spacious Afternoon (beach, rest, paddleboard, exploration)
Inquiry Circle or Breathwork
Dinner
Evening Integration Practice or Sauna Ritual
TRAVEL
Fly into Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD).
Villa La Tosca is approximately 30 minutes by taxi or car.
Detailed arrival guidance will be provided upon registration.
RESERVATION & PAYMENT
Your place is secured with a non-refundable deposit of $700 CAD.
Remaining balance is divided into two instalments:
• January 15, 2027
• March 1, 2027
Payment may be made via e-transfer (for Canadian banks). Credit card and PayPal payments are available (4% processing fee applies). Payment plans available upon request.
Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate, connected group experience.
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
-
Check in - Friday May 28th, 2027 at 3pm (The first class will begin at 5pm)
Check out - Wednesday June 2nd around 11am
-
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.
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.