June 24-27  |  Starting at 1888€

South of France Retreat:

Joie de Vivre

OUI, I AM IN

What to Expect

BOOK WITH A FRIEND

AND BOTH SAVE 200€

A pause on the shores of the South of France.

Our Hyères Retreat is a gentle reset, an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and return to yourself through embodied practices, Mediterranean light, and the quiet pleasure of simply being. Joie de vivre means a deep, embodied joy in being alive, the art of savoring life’s simple pleasures.

During the week, we’ll take a pilgrimage walk in Sainte-Baume to the sacred grotto linked to Mary Magdalene. A steady, accessible hike. A moment of deep devotion to the sacred feminine.

❋ Pleasure in Practice

We balance guided sessions of yoga, meditation and ritual with intuitive flow, long meals, swims and slow conversations. Plenty of space in between. The rhythm is intentional but spacious. Grounded and expansive.

❋ Magdalene Pilgrimage

We hike to the cave of Sainte-Baume, where Mary Magdalene is believed to have lived in devotion and solitude. Inside the cool, quiet grotto we gather in stillness, in shared devotion to the sacred feminine path.

❋ Expert Facilitation

Held by Eva Estlander and Julia Hackzell, with decades of teaching, ritual work, and embodied study between us, you are guided with steadiness and depth.

❋ Joie de Vivre

This is the art of being fully alive, a warm and welcoming space where you arrive exactly as you are, held in feminine devotion. Remember your radiance, your sacred yes, and fall in love with the goodness of life!

Our retreat in the South of France is a newly built seaside sanctuary on the Presqu’île de Giens in Hyères, just 180 metres from the sea.

The villa is spacious, light filled, and quietly luxurious, designed in natural tones that mirror the land and sea around it. Six bedrooms with private bathrooms create both privacy and comfort, while sea facing terraces, a pool under open sky, and a grounding sauna offer space to soften, indulge, and fully exhale.

Set on the Giens peninsula just outside Hyères, we are surrounded by coastal paths, turquoise waters, and the charm of the old Provençal town with its markets, narrow streets, and nearby boats to Porquerolles. It is a place where mountain and sea meet, and where life naturally slows down.

Meet Your Guides

  • eva estlander

    With over a decade of teaching both yoga and meditation, including seven years living in Mexico, I bring a unique perspective to the practice. Known for my chakra yoga classes, I'm passionate about the unseen and tapping into our cyclical essence of being.

    As an international yoga teacher and retreat leader, I've honed my craft, leading students to profound discoveries on and off the mat. For half a decade, I've been training new yoga teachers about the subtle body and energy anatomy, empowering them to go beyond what the eye can see.

    My teachings and offerings go beyond yoga poses; they encompass meditation, spirituality, cacao ceremonies, sound healing, and the moon —all tools for holistic wellness and self-discovery. This is the magic I want to share with you.

  • JULIA HACKZELL

    For me, guiding others through yoga and somatic practices feels deeply sacred. This has become a big part of who I am at my core. I value presence over perfection.

    Throughout my youth, I traveled a lot and lived abroad; this is when I first started teaching yoga in 2015. My teaching journey has taken me around the globe, from the serene beaches and detox centers of the Philippines and Bali to Iceland, Sweden, and finally back home to Finland.

    I believe in the wisdom of the human body and resonate deeply with the teachings of embodiment and somatic practices—these experiences have led me to understand myself as an extension of the universe.

    I’m forever enchanted by the boundless wonders of life and nature; my path is one of learning and heartfelt devotion to all beings and Mother Earth.

    My mission is to guide each heart to its truest calling.

Day One

Arrive & Meet

As everyone arrives, we take time to settle in, get comfortable, and begin connecting with those around us. The journey starts here.

Check-In

15:00 Arrive, unpack, and soften into the rhythm of the space.

Opening Yoga Practice

15:30 A grounding and nourishing practice to arrive fully in the body, release travel energy, and open our retreat in presence.

Welcome Circle

17:00 Our first gathering in circle. Intention setting, connection, and an opening into the days ahead.

French Dinner

18:00 A beautiful shared dinner to savor the flavors of the South and begin weaving community around the table.

Day Two

Wake in the Warmth of Côte d'Azur

A day to soften into movement, nature, and simple pleasures.

Morning Yoga

8:30 A grounded and energising practice to awaken the body and meet the day with presence.

Brunch

10:00 A leisurely French breakfast shared in the golden morning light.

Midday & Afternoon

12:30 Time to rest, explore, journal, swim, wander the countryside, or simply enjoy unhurried moments.

Wine Tasting

A relaxed wine tasting experience together among the vines. Exact timing will be shared on site.

Gentle Yoga & Integration

A slow practice to soften the body, regulate the nervous system, and integrate the day beneath the southern sky.

Evening

Dinner on your own (not included).
Enjoy a meal at your own pace at a local restaurant or savour a quiet evening of reflection.

Day Three

Sainte-Baume Pilgrimage

A day of devotion, nature, and deep remembrance.

Morning: Wake Up & Light Breakfast

A gentle breakfast together before departing for the mountain.

Morning Transfer to Sainte-Baume

Pick-up and journey to the sacred mountain.

Pilgrimage Hike & Initiation

An intentional walk through ancient forest and mountains toward the cave traditionally associated with Mary Magdalene. Silence, prayer, energy work, and manifestation meditation within the cave’s quiet presence.

Late Lunch Back in Hyères

Return to Hyères for a late lunch at your own choice (not included in retreat price).

Sacred Integration Practice

A slow, intuitive practice to weave the mountain’s energy back into the body. Through breath, subtle movement, and deep listening, we anchor the initiation into our bodies, allowing what was awakened in the cave to settle and integrate within.

Evening: Dinner Together

A shared dinner to close our pilgrimage day, gather in reflection, and soften into community after the mountain.

Day Four

Closing & Completion

A gentle morning of integration and intentional closing.

Final Morning Practice


08:30 A closing practice devoted to integration and remembrance, gently anchoring what has been opened and awakened within.

Closing Circle


10:00 A conscious completion of our retreat. Space to share insights, anchor intentions, and gently close the container we have created together.

Brunch


10:45 / 11:00 One last meal together.

Check-Out


12:00 Departure and goodbyes.

OUI, I AM IN

Accommodation Options

All bedrooms are shared (2 guests per room).
Each bedroom has its own designated private bathroom.
Prices are per person.

Bedroom 1: Master Suite with Bathtub

Queen-size bed
Freestanding bathtub
Open sea views
Most spacious layout

Our most premium room with added space and softness.

2188 € per person

Bedrooms 2–5: Queen Rooms

Queen-size bed
Private designated bathroom
Light-filled, natural tones
Shared with one other guest

Four beautiful rooms, each with its own character and layout. While similar in comfort and design, sizes and views may vary slightly. All are designed in soft Mediterranean simplicity.

1988 € per person

bedroom 6: twin room

Two separate single beds
Private designated bathroom
Light-filled, natural tones
Shared with one other guest

Designed in the same soft Mediterranean style, with its own private bathroom and a calm, comfortable layout.

1888 € per person

What’s Included

  • Accommodation in luxury villa

  • Private designated bathroom for every bedroom

  • Daily yoga practices and workshops

  • Magdalene pilgrimage day & Sacred Integration Practice

  • Daily brunch

  • Welcome dinner on arrival day

  • Wine tasting experience

  • Retreat materials and curated practices

  • Private Pool and Sauna + Gym access

  • Free WiFi

  • Free on-site parking

What’s not Included

  • Flights and travel to Hyères

  • Airport transfers

  • Travel insurance

  • Lunches (unless otherwise specified)

  • Some dinners (as outlined in the schedule)

  • Optional activities outside the program

  • Personal expenses

Book Now

FAQ

*Please read through :)

BOOK WITH A FRIEND

AND BOTH SAVE 200€

  • No. The retreat is open to all levels. All practices will offer variations and space to move at your own pace.

  • The retreat will be held in English.

  • We are a small, intimate group of 10 guests maximum. This allows for personal guidance and spacious group dynamics.

  • Yes. Many guests attend solo. Rooms are shared with one other participant, and we intend to create a welcoming space for connection.

    *If travelling with a friend, please mention this in sign-up form <3

  • You will receive a detailed packing list prior to arrival. Comfortable practice clothing, walking shoes for the pilgrimage, and light summer layers are recommended.

  • The Sainte-Baume pilgrimage involves walking uphill on uneven forest terrain for approximately 45–60 minutes each way. If you enjoy being outdoors and feel comfortable walking uphill on natural terrain, you will be absolutely fine.

    We will take breaks as needed and move at a steady, supportive pace. However, participants should feel confident walking uphill for an extended period.

  • The easiest way to reach Hyères is to fly to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport or Marseille Provence Airport. From either airport, we recommend renting a car and driving to the Presqu’île de Giens.

    Nice Airport: approximately 1.5 hours by car
    Marseille Airport: approximately 1.5 hours by car

    If you do not have a driver’s licence, alternative options include:

    • Airport bus or train to Hyères town
    • Taxi or rideshare from Hyères train station
    • Coordinating shared transport with other retreat participants

  • Airport transfers are not included. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the retreat location.

  • To secure your place, a non-refundable booking fee of 222 € is required.

    Your space is confirmed only once this payment has been received.

  • By submitting your registration and paying the booking fee, you enter into a binding agreement and commit to the full retreat price.

    The total retreat amount is due regardless of attendance. Payments are non-refundable. No exceptions will be made due to cancellation, illness, personal circumstances, or travel disruption.

    We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.

On y va!

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