* 2 – 4 April : Yoga with Lama Shaath (in French & English). Cost 350€ (Euros).

This weekend is suitable for all levels of yoga experience from the beginner to the more advanced practitioner. It will comprise of four extensive yoga sessions, each with a different theme, ranging from dynamic Yang practices to more passive and restorative Yin sessions that will include Pranayama, Meditation and a Healing Through Yoga class. There will also be a morning meditation or silent walk, and an introductory talk on Ayurveda and nutrition. Full details
 
* 28 April – 5 May : Yoga Retreat with Yogi Manmoyanand (in English). Cost 795€ (Euros).

Every spiritually matured mind craves for the understanding of the self, but under present-day conditions, many people do not have the time to completely devote themselves to the search of their inner self. However busy such a person's life, one's mind is never free from spiritual contemplation. The retreat is meant for any person who has a persistent thirst, but has no time or direction. The programme is designed to provide maximum learning and practice opportunity in a short span of time. Full details

* 6 – 13 May : Yoga Retreat with Yogi Manmoyanand (in English). Cost 795€ (Euros)

As above.

* 19 – 26 June : Creative Writing with Jan Fortune-Wood (in English). Cost £580 (pounds sterling).

Join Jan Fortune-Wood for a week of creative writing workshops, mentoring and inspiration in the company of a small group of writers. The focus will be on making your writing come to life, whether you are working on fiction or poetry. We will explore starting points, imagery and structure and ways of bringing precision and vividness to your language. Each participant will have two half hour mentoring sessions during the week and there will be opportunities to share work in progress as well as time to write and relax. Full details

* 26 June – 3 July : Create Your Inner Yoga, with Lynn Kelley-Piper (in English). Cost 795€ (Euros).

This week is devoted to listening and being with the Self, to rediscover and nurture who you really are. It will allow you the time and space to create inner harmony, strengthen your body and mind with stillness and movement that together take you to a deeper place. It will rekindle meaning in your daily life. It is an exploration into our Original Breath, Pranayama, Asana, Chakras, Meditation, The Sutras, Ayurveda,  Yoga Nidra, as well as sound and movement to compliment your  Viniyoga immersion. Full details

* 17 – 22 July : Feu et Lumière dans le Yoga, with Hélène Guiter (in French). Cost 590€ (Euros).

Five days of intensive yoga practice to connect us with the fundamental principles of fire: Fire of the stomach - vital for health, proper digestion and the assimilation of all types of food. Fire of the breath - the vital principle of breathing which, targeted with Pranayama, purifies the whole body (physical, enegetic, psychological). Fire of the axis - to heal the split tendencies of the personality and unifies the whole being. Postures (asanas), breath-work (pranayama), concentration (dharana) and eye techniques (drishti) and meditation (dhyana) will help us to activate and channel this fire, the source of lightness, light and joy. Full details

* 24 – 30 July : Yoga with Jean-François Beaulieu (in French). Cost 530€ (Euros).

Jean-François returns for a workshop exploring the fundamental principles of yoga. Using asanas (postures), pranayama (breath work) and the silent art of meditation, he will lead us towards a greater awareness of the relationship between body and spirit to guide us gently towards a union of our whole being. Meals will be prepared together as a group, in order to foster a shared sense of responsibility – and fun! - among participants. Full details

* 30 July – 7 August : Emotional Healing Retreat with Dugald Davidson (in English). Cost £350 (pounds sterling).

Letting go of past hurts and emotional traumas is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. We become free, less burdened, able to look forward to the future with optimism. The negative emotions, which hold us back spiritually, are dissolved, allowing us to live the life we were born to lead. We can learn to love life, love others, and love ourselves. Full details

* 7 – 14 August : Art & Yoga with Karen Stamper (in English). Cost £700 (pounds sterling).

Refresh, recharge and relax as you learn to draw, paint and improve your yoga practice in a supportive, creative and inspiring environment. The Art workshops will be fun and designed to inspire confidence and creativity using a variety of different materials and techniques including pencils, paints, charcoal, pastels and collage. They are ideal for beginners and those who ‘dabble’. The Yoga workshops are suitable for all levels and will work to stretch out your aches and stiffness, align your joints, calm the nervous system and quieten the mind. Full details

* 17 – 24 September : Finding Your Voice in Writing, with Crysse Morrison (in English). Cost £535 (pounds sterling).

This course is for anyone - pure beginner or more experienced writer - who wants to explore their creativity and develop a personal voice in writing. Tutor Crysse Morrison will help you explore all aspects of style and narrative, including using memories, imagining characters, describing settings and using dialogue. The emphasis is on enjoyment and fun, and ideas are adaptable to any genre from poetry to novels. Includes one-to-one sessions to discuss and advise on personal work. Full details

* Sat 16 - Thrs 21 October : What's Your Story? with Thea Euryphaessa (in English). Cost £650 (pounds sterling).

We are each a never-to-repeated life trying to weave our unique story into the ongoing tapestry of the world. Question is - what's your story? Drawing on storytelling, poetry, myth, dreams, and ritual, this retreat will help nurture creativity, evoke natural talents, and draw out each individual’s gifts. The focus will be on awakening each individual’s sense of purpose and cultivating a deepened sense of self-identity. Full details

* 10 – 17 November : IBS Treatment Help Retreat (in English). Cost £1989 (pounds sterling)

A week-long retreat for sufferers of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) who wish to learn how to cure their IBS using the holistic approach of Ayurveda and Yoga. Learn how to cook special recipes that help cure IBS for good. Receive personalised guidance in the use of Ayurveda and Yoga for the management of IBS. Pamper yourself with Ayurvedic massages. Full details

Meals

Meals are normally prepared by Frances and a second chef under the guidance of Alex and consist of delicious, fresh, home-made vegetarian dishes inspired by Ayurvedic nutritional principles, adjusted to western foods and culture. Most of the ingredients we use are organic and grown in the local area.

Meals are served on a terrace overlooking the valley, or in the communal living/dining room when the weather is not suitable for eating outdoors.

Families

Families with children are welcome and can be catered for on most events. People wishing to accompany a family member / partner /friend are welcome to stay with us during an event while not taking part, depending on room availability, for a reduced price.

Ayurveda trainings at Gardoussel

Gardoussel Retreat regularly hosts Ayurveda events organised by the European Institute of Vedic Studies (www.atreya.com). Please see their website for details of Ayurveda trainings, workshops and correspondance courses offered in England, Switzerland and France. Subjects include Ayurvedic Massage, Marma Therapy, Ayurvedic Nutrition, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Jyotish (Vedic Astrology).