YOGA ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA
WITH MARITZA!

A Week long Self-Romance in the Heart of Provence
June 20 - 27 2019

Second YEAR 

The Alpes Maritimes and the Golden Corniche

No other region in France offers such a rich alliance of sumptuous landscapes and French cultural heritage than the southern region of Provence. This district called Alpes Maritimes includes la Côte d’Azur -the spectacular coastline that extends from St-Tropez to Monaco - packed with gorgeous beaches, luxury hotels, belle époque villas and magnificent scenery, but the heart of Provence is in the hills that bind the Mediterranean sea to the foothills of the Alps. Known as “l’arriere pays” (the back country) this is where the magic of the prestigious coastline transforms into the poetic, red rock scenery of the Golden Corniche, exposed full south in glittering mediterranean light. This is where you find the Provençal rural charm of small hilltop villages that has inspired artists for decades, and continues to entice world-wide visitors today with their unabashed beauty and largely unchanged way of life. Known for it’s balmy climate, this legendary province sums up everything enviable about the French lifestyle.

THE RETREAT LOCATION

Located in the highland, fifteen minute above Cagnes-sur-Mer, our retreat takes place on a secluded private estate perched on a hill, with spectacular panoramic vista, overlooking the azure blue Mediterranean sea in the distance in sharp contrast of the Alps behind. Cannes is thirty minutes away, Nice’s International Airport is twenty-five minutes away and Monaco forty-five minutes. The beach is only twenty minutes away, yet the rural, rolling hills setting of the hinterland offers the most serene atmosphere for a retreat. This is Provence at it’s absolute best! A region of terraced vineyards, redrock scenery, magical landscapes of orchards, olive groves, lavender fields, aromatic plants, truffles and honey, with fortified ‘bastide’ towns and famous medieval villages with cobblestone streets… The location of this Retreat, central to many of the natural and cultural treasures of this region cannot be matched (certainly not on that budget) and is simply priceless!! It will provide a fabulous home-base for easy access to lavish sight-seeing, without having to compromise our yoga schedule. The famous locales of St.Paul, Vence, Grasse, Mougins, Gourdon, Vallauris, Tourettes, etc… long coveted by great artists like Matisse and Picasso for their indescribable charm and cultural lifestyle, are all within fifteen to thirty minutes drive of the Villa… Wow!..

Unique to this region is the ethereal feeling of being so very much away from it all… while being steeped in the bucolic wonder of Provence, yet also within arm reach of the glamorous resort towns and sandy beaches of the French Riviera.

THE RETREAT VENUE

We have the privilege of staying in a stunning five-acres, secluded fenced domain, built on a plateau on top of a hill with a large lawn and a superb pool in the center, surrounded by palm trees, wild olive trees, and lavender shrubs.

The venue itself is a traditional Provencal Mas with the interior looks of a 19th century manor. The whole estate is perfectly appointed to support the services of a family-style luxury resort, with multiple spaces to lounge, dine and play. The facility encompasses a huge living room with abundant light streaming through large french doors opening to the pool and garden on two sides. Comfortable common spaces include, formal and informal dining spaces, a game room, an exercise room, multiple outdoor lounging areas including around the pool, a monastery look-alike enclosed patio and various covered and uncovered terraces.

Each of the ten Provence style bedrooms is uniquely decorated, blending modern amenities with beautiful antiques and designer drapes in a french vintage, eclectic style, A few rooms are cozy and small with a sloped French roof and share an adjacent bathroom, other rooms are spacious with ensuite bathroom, some open onto large private terraces and patios. All rooms have a charming, provençal, relaxed home atmosphere with hotel quality bed mattresses.

The Villa’s amenities include a large Pool, a Sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi Spa, with a pool house and shower. Our practice takes place in a wonderful, sizable room, elegantly designed for seminar activity, featuring polished wood floor and bathed in beautiful light through an entire wall of sliding glass doors. This will make for an enchanting yoga space allowing the aromatic fragrances of Provence, bird songs, and the entrancing singing of the cicadas to mingle in the interior space. Yoga Props will be provided (aside from personal yoga mats).

Since the entire Villa is at our disposal, the fully equipped, gourmet-style kitchen will be open for everyone’s use at anytime, if desired. A laundry room will also be available for self-service during the week.

The incredible location of this secluded venue, the pine scented air, the beautiful light, the ideal mediterranean climate in the month of June -just before the tourist season, will make this Yoga Retreat -finely curated by your French native teacher- a rich, unique and authentic immersion in the best of French Culture. Truly a bucket list experience and a little slice of heaven at a compelling budget cost for this world renown, most idyllic place on earth.

YOGA

Days will begin with an invigorating morning yoga practice that will act as a catalyst for awakening body and senses to the delights of the day ahead. Following Maritza’s alignment-based and moderately paced, expert sequencing, will give everyone the opportunity to dive progressively deeper in one’s practice at one’s own pace during the course of the week. In the quiet space of the early evening, we’ll gather again in the peaceful yoga room, for a subtler, more restorative and exquisite sunset practice -including pranayama and meditation, to unravel and integrate the experiences of the day and to soften into the night. You’ll quickly align with the pace of “slow” French country-living and find real pleasure in each moment.

Immerse yourself in French Culture. Immerse yourself in your yoga practice. See where this unique SELF-ROMANCE INTO THE HEART OF PROVENCE takes you….

FOOD

All meals served at the Villa will be expertly prepared by a professional, local chef, combining delicious French cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farmers, presenting all the produce vitality that this mediterranean region has to offer. Nutritious vegetarian and some fresh fish options will be offered. Dietary requirements will be noted in advance and accommodated. Brunch is delicious and copious buffet style. Our three course plated Dinners will be served French style, around communal tables every evening, when we’ll enjoy casual-chic cuisine and each other's company. Regional wine tasting can be included on a couple of occasions. Other Provence delicacies sampling, can be part of individual afternoon explorations in the surrounding villages or towns, if desired. Additionally, the fully equipped kitchen will be open on a self-serve basis at all times, with hot water and a choice of fine teas, coffee and fruits.

EXCURSIONS

This  world-renown region is so rich with sublime sightseeing both in nature and culture, with tons of memorable places to explore and wonderful cultural experiences to sponge up, that the choice of daily activity will be varied and abundant!..
You’ll quickly align with the pace of “slow” French country-living and find real pleasure in each moment.

One of the exciting highlights of the week will be a boat excursion from Cannes to mythic Saint-Tropez! We will depart mid-morning and cruise the superb coastline for ninety minutes. Lunch time in St Tropez will be an opportunity to try the delightful local cuisine with a whole afternoon left, to stroll at one’s leisure (you can walk everywhere in “St Trop” and there is lots to see!). Explore the old town, window shop -or wallet shop (oh la la!!), visit one of the hip beaches or enjoy people-watching while seeping on a drink at a famous Café terrace facing the jazzy yacht harbor. Returning early evening will bring us back into Cannes by sunset, brimming with the day’s excitement just in time for an hour practice session and restful dinner and night at home.

On another occasion we’ll be heading for one of Cannes’ Private Beach Club after morning yoga. Everyone will find a personal lounger and parasol reserved at the edge of the water for an afternoon of lazy, luxe lounging and sea swimming. Just bring a good book and sunscreen… “C’est trés chic!”

Free afternoon adventures can include exploring ravishing neighboring villages and medieval bastides with their exquisite Art Galleries, heading for a long stroll on Cannes glamorous Croisette, visiting Grasse -the nearby world’s perfume capital, driving to Nice or to one of the closest public beaches for a dip in the sea, or simply sun bathing or shade lounging by the majestic pool on the property. All these options and much more will be detailed by Maritza and can be selected in small groups.

 Lots of rich and scrumptious experiences will await both within and outside the Gate of our Retreat Domain.

PRICING (per person)

Early Bird / Standard Rate
Early Bird Deposit due by 1/30/2020

PREMIER SUITE Double (2 Single beds)
$2350/ $2600 (Deluxe Bathroom)

PREMIER STUDIO Double (Twin beds or King)
Charming, very Private, Terrace/loungers
$2550 / $2700 (Ensuite bathroom)

DELUXE TRIPLE (3 single beds)
$2050 / $2200 (shared bathroom)

MANSARD SINGLE (King bed)
small, cozy, slanted roof
$2250 / $2400 (shared bathroom)

DELUXE SINGLE (King or Queen)
$3050 / $3200 (limited availability)

Premier Suites: all unique in charming Provence style. Variables include, spacious room size / private Terrace with view or Patio / Mini fridge / deluxe bathroom, etc…

Mansard bedrooms: located on the second floor these rooms are small and cozy with a sloped French Roof and share an adjacent bathroom with one other room. Best as Single or possibly Couple Share. Info upon request.

OPTIONAL EARLY ARRIVAL ADD-ON NIGHT -It is possible, if desired to arrive one day early at the Villa, anytime after 3PM on 6/19 with additional Friday night accommodation in your assigned room. One extra Yoga practice session with Maritza will be offered. No meals provided on Friday but the kitchen will be open to all with snacks provided. Take-out from the nearby organic market is another great option. Please inform me if you are interested.

Early arrival extra day/night ADD-ON COST per person: $80

*Not included in package: Airfare, Car rental share, gratuities*

PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION POLICY

All prices listed are per person. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to hold your space. Final payment must be received by 03/20/20 to be eligible for the Early Bird pricing. Cancellation Policy: In the event of cancellation, your entire payment will be refunded less the $500 deposit if the cancellation is made before April 20, 2020. Payments are non-refundable after this date unless we can fill your space. You may purchase travel insurance for trip cancellation and travel protection.

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION

Plan on arriving in Paris on Saturday 6/20/20. Connecting flights from Paris-Nice are cheap and frequent. Paris-Nice Train is also an option if your time/schedule permits. Car rental group-share for the week and ride to the retreat venue from Nice, on arrival day, will be coordinated in small groups according to your flight arrival time, with Maritza’s personal assistance. Private Airport Pick-up/drop-off in Nice can also be arranged at additional cost if necessary. Please plan on arriving in Nice airport on Saturday June 20/20 between 1:00 and 4:00 PM. Unless you have reserved the Friday-early-arrival (Extra Day option above). Everyone should plan on leaving the Villa after yoga & breakfast before Noon on June 27.

No Visa is required to enter France from the US.

THE REGISTRATION PROCESS:

• To register please submit the form below stating your Room package preference and a few words about yourself. 

• Mail a $500 deposit check made out to MARITZA to the address below. Your space will be reserved only once your deposit is received.

• If you prefer to use an online payment service please contact me, but you will need to cover the extra service charge.

• If your first choice of room is no longer available I will contact you with other available options.

• Since most people are traveling alone, we will match you up with a roommate. You may discuss this with me, but “trust is a must!..”

For Payments: MARITZA, PO Box 575, San Geronimo, CA 94963 .

For questions and inquiries email me directly: maritza@maritzayoga.com 

Please use the Form below to Register and Reserve your space