Overview
Perched in the serene landscape of Gascony - often called the Tuscany of France - Amassa Place is a beautifully restored rural hamlet designed for connection, calm, and creative renewal. Set within sixteen acres of woods, rewilded meadows, and flowering gardens, the retreat offers expansive views of gently rolling hills, hilltop villages, and wide horizons that invite deep breaths and lingering moments of presence. The heart of the property includes two purpose-built studios housed in a restored old barn, outdoor saltwater pools with panoramic views, and comfortable stone cottages set around peaceful gardens. Each house features thoughtfully curated spaces that blend old French charm with modern comfort, creating a welcoming backdrop for rest, reflection, and movement. Your days will begin with morning yoga in one of the light-filled studios - a grounding way to ease into the gentle rhythm of retreat life. There will be plenty of opportunities to swim, lounge by the pool, explore the surrounding countryside on foot, or simply enjoy the quiet with a journal or good book. Shared moments - from communal meals prepared with fresh ingredients to evening gatherings under the stars - will create opportunities for connection and ease. Throughout the retreat, you might choose to rest deeply, stroll through gardens and woodlands, practice yoga or pilates in the barn, or wander the nearby villages known for their local markets and rustic charm. Whether you choose to join group activities or carve out time for solitude, this retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect to nature, and experience the restorative power of simplicity in a peaceful and spacious setting. This retreat is an opportunity to step away from routine, nourish your body and soul, and return home feeling refreshed, inspired, and more deeply grounded.
Highlights
Daily vinyasa, yin, and meditation practices in the barn studio and outdoors, surrounded by open skies and rolling countryside
5 nights / 6 days staying together at Amassa Place, a lovingly restored rural hamlet with stone cottages, gardens, woods and meadows to wander
Long, lazy afternoons spent swimming, sunbathing, or resting by the saltwater pools with views stretching across the hills
Delicious, home-style meals made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, cooked by our favourite chef @beththefreerangechef
Plenty of free time to nap, read, journal, or find your own quiet corner in the gardens or under the trees
Two inspiring creative workshops led by @celestehartley
An evening meal out at a local village restaurant to enjoy simple, traditional French food
Two magical herbal workshops led by Abi from @20a.aromatherapy
A walk along part of the nearby famous Camino de Santiago trail
Hosts
Our retreat hosts are all experienced yoga teachers, workshop hosts and chefs who love nothing more than creating memorable, magical experiences for our guests. *Please note - hosts are subject to change depending on availability*
Jenny Clark
Jenny is a yoga teacher, paddle board instructor, writer and Founder of The Wild Times. She has created and held over 80 retreats across the UK and in Morocco, Italy, Sweden and Greece.
Jenny always aims to create a very relaxed, non-judgemental environment on her retreats, where guests can connect to themselves, to others and to nature. She teaches and blends together a range of yoga and meditation styles; vinyasa, mandala vinyasa, yin, yoga Nidra, paddle board yoga.
In her classes you'll find a 'you do you' attitude, a focus on feeling into your body, belly and heart over creating shapes, options for different levels of yogi, a sense of humour and practices themed around the natural elements, with poems and meditations too.
Beth Alexander
Beth is our resident Wild Times chef, cooking on most of our retreats. She takes inspiration from cuisines around the world, from Italy to India, creating nourishing, vegetarian meals for guests to enjoy.
She cooks intuitively using simple seasonal ingredients with minimal waste whilst exploring all the flavours and textures and colours. Over the last 11 years she's learnt to adapt. Whether it’s cooking in the woods over fire, on an Aga in a luxury 13th-century castle, or a Moroccan kitchen with minimal facilities, no shared language and marauding peacocks, it always comes together.
"Bringing together ingredients to feed people is a simple and essential way to show you care, to connect with your tribe and unite over what makes us all human."
Celeste Hartley
Celeste is a UK based artist and poet, joining us again to co-host and lead two inspiring creative workshops. Her work focuses on bringing to life the small and intricate moments of life that reminds us we are all alive, connected and part of a magic we cannot define.
She swapped a busy city London life for a slow existence by the coast and you’ll normally find her by the sea doing her little blue drawings or in her studio creating.
Abi Titterington Lough
Abi Titterington Lough is the founder of 20A Aromatherapy and Neighbourhood Apothecary, based in Hackney, London. As a scent designer, holistic practitioner, and event facilitator, she creates and delivers bespoke experiences across the UK and Europe.
In her aromatherapy workshops, Abi's approach is rooted in exploring the full spectrum of a plant’s potential; weaving together the physical, psychological, emotional, intuitive, and spiritual dimensions, alongside history, myth, folklore, and symbolism. Her sessions invite participants to connect with themselves and the natural world, leaving them more attuned to their inner landscape and the wisdom that resides within.
Schedule
Example Schedule | Schedule subject to change / the weather / your mood / going with the flow. Do as much or as little as you like.
Previous
Next
Thursday
From 4pm: Arrive, settle in, explore
4.30pm: Welcome drink + light snacks by the pool
5.30pm: Opening Circle
7.30pm: Dinner
9pm: Gentle Yoga Nidra / grounding meditation
Friday
7am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
7.30am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation + optional journaling time
9am: Breakfast
10am: Trip to the local market
12pm: Walk along the Camino de Santiago with a packed lunch
4pm: Afternoon snacks
5.30pm: Yin yoga
7.30pm: Dinner
Saturday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation + optional journaling time
10am: Brunch
12pm: Creative workshop with Celeste
2.30pm Afternoon snacks
Free time: walk, rest, swim, read
7pm: Dinner at a charming local restaurant
Sunday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation + optional journaling time
10am: Brunch
12pm: Herbal Workshop with Abi
2.30pm: Afternoon snacks
3pm: Creative Workshop with Celeste
5pm: Sunset sauna
7.30pm Dinner
Monday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8am: Final vinyasa yoga, meditation + reflection
10am: Brunch
12pm: Herbal Workshop with Abi
2.30pm: Afternoon snacks
3pm Sauna
6pm: Yin Yoga
7.30pm: Final dinner
8.30pm: Fire Pit & Reflections
Tuesday
7.30am: Tea, coffee & fruit available
8.00am: Vinyasa yoga, meditation & closing circle
9.30am: Brunch
11am: Goodbyes
What's included
What's Included
Accommodation in a beautiful, peaceful retreat venue
Daily guided meditation
Minibus transfers to and from the airport (only if you are on the recommended flight times)
Yoga mats & bolsters
7 x yoga classes (60–90 minutes) including vinyasa, yin, and restorative practices, suitable for all levels
One evening meal out at a local French restaurant
Seasonal, home-style brunch, dinner and afternoon snacks prepared on site using fresh, locally sourced ingredients by @beththefreerangechef
A walk along part of the famous Santiago de Compostela route
A trip to the local market (transfers included)
2 x wood fired saunas with views of the sunset overlooking the valley
Two creative workshops with Celeste Hartley
Two aromatherapy & plant workshops with Abi from 20a Aromatherapy
Wild Times goodie bag
What's Not Included
Transport to and from the retreat (if not on the recommended flight times)
Travel insurance - make sure you have it upon booking, thank you
Flights
Tickets
Shared Room Twin or Double - Fig House (Room One)
Freestanding bath, separate shower and toilet. South and west windows and own front door
$2,373.00/pp
Shared Room Twin or Double - Fig House (Room Two)
Beautiful room with west facing window and roof window to star gaze from bed! This room has a few steps to access it. The private shower and toilet for this room is right next door with separate access.
$2,373.00/pp
Shared Room Twin or Double - Fig House (Room Three)
This gorgeous room is set apart from the others in Fig House, with its own door from the terrace outside. It has triple windows onto the woods / west facing and an ensuite shower and toilet.
$2,373.00/pp
Shared Room Twin or Double - Vine House (Room One)
A gorgeous room with French double doors with heavy linen curtains (no shutters or blackout curtains) to the terrace, and private garden area. Beautiful black and white tiled floor. Ensuite shower and toilet.
$2,233.00/pp
Shared Room Triple - Vine House (Room Two)
A cosy room with painted floor boards and window facing West over the woods. Ensuite shower and toilet. This room has one window so can be darker than other rooms.
$2,233.00/pp
Solo Double - Quince House (Room One)
Beautiful room with dual aspect south and east windows. Ensuite shower and toilet. This could be a twin room for friends or relatives, or a solo for an individual. The lounge in Quince is the communal space for the whole group.
$2,513.00/pp
Solo Double - Quince House (Room Two)
Cosy room with single window to east. Ensuite shower and toilet. The lounge is the communal space for the whole group.
$2,513.00/pp
Shared Room Double or Twin - Quince House (Room Three)
Beautiful room with French double doors directly onto terrace, with garden and pool beyond. Ensuite shower and toilet. This room is suitable for people with disabilities. As the room opens into the communal lounge space, possible late night sound from the lounge needs to be considered.
$2,373.00/pp
Gallery
Location: Gascony, South of France
Nestled in the heart of Gascony, Amassa Place is a serene rural retreat - quiet, spacious, and surrounded by rolling hills.
Amassa Place sits on 16 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodland in southwest France, offering a peaceful escape from everyday life. The restored rural hamlet includes charming stone cottages and a bright barn studio for yoga, meditation, and workshops, along with welcoming communal spaces for meals and gatherings.
Outside, you’ll find saltwater swimming pools with panoramic views, woodland paths, sun-drenched terraces, and a firepit perfect for evening conversations under the stars. Quiet corners for reading, reflection, or simply soaking in the calm are scattered throughout the property.
With its mix of rustic charm, modern comfort, and natural beauty, Amassa Place provides the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect with nature, and recharge your body and mind.
Trip Tips
Do
Arrive and settle in on Thursday afternoon, where a welcome drink and snacks will be waiting for you. Minibus transfers to and from the nearest airports are included if you’re arriving on the recommended flights; otherwise, we’ll guide you on the best way to reach Amassa Place, including the option to hire a car. The beginning of the retreat is all about grounding and settling into the pace of life here. After getting to know each other over a relaxed dinner, we’ll ease into the week with a gentle Yoga Nidra session before turning in for a restful first night. Each morning, we’ll flow through vinyasa yoga, with yin and/or restorative practices offered in the afternoons or evenings. Classes by Jenny are themed around the natural surroundings, weaving the outdoors into your practice. Celeste and Abi will guide four led workshops over the 6 days, offering an opportunity to create, play and explore. All activities are optional, so whether you choose to swim, read, nap, explore the gardens and woodland, or simply relax, the pace is yours to set. On our first day, we’ll head out to a beautiful local countryside village to explore the weekly market, before walking together along a section of the Camino. Throughout the week, you can enjoy self-guided walks across the property and surrounding meadows and woodlands. You can spend free time lounging by the saltwater pools, with the option to swim, sunbathe, or sauna. On one of the evenings we will visit a local village for a dinner out together. We also leave lots of space on our schedule for plenty of time to rest, journal, walk or sit quietly by the pools and soak in the rolling hills. If you have any questions about the retreat you can always email us and set up a call with the Founder Jenny before booking.
Stay
Amassa Place is a restored rural hamlet set on 16 acres of gardens, meadows, and woodland in the heart of Gascony, around an hour from Toulouse in Southwest France. Our retreat venue offers a spacious, peaceful sanctuary surrounded by gently rolling hills and open skies - perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. The hamlet blends rustic charm with thoughtful design. Stone cottages provide cosy accommodation, while the newly restored barn studio offers bright spaces for yoga, meditation, and workshops. Communal areas are welcoming and relaxed, perfect for meals and gathering. Outside, the saltwater pools, terraces, gardens, and woodland paths invite exploration, quiet contemplation, and carefree relaxation. A firepit offers the ideal spot for evening conversations under the stars. Our beautiful French retreat home combines modern comfort with rustic, natural beauty to create a grounding environment where your body, mind and spirit can rest and reconnect.
Eat
All the food on the retreat is prepared by Beth the Free Range Chef, our chief Wild Times chef, long-time collaborator and friend. Beth has fed our guests wonderfully on our retreats across the UK, Italy, Ibiza and France. She also has a cookbook coming out in early 2027 - stay tuned..! It is all nutritious, wholesome and vegetarian. Snacks, drinks and meals are provided. There will be fruit and a hot drink station for you to help yourself to throughout, with herbal teas, coffee, fresh mint, lemon and ginger. There will be fruit and a hot drink station for you to help yourself to throughout the days, with herbal teas and coffee in the mornings and at mealtimes. We can cater for most dietary requirements if you let us know beforehand - please fill the form provided upon booking to let us know of any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Reviews
FAQs
Who is it for?
The Wild Times retreats are for anyone who wants to re-wild and relax. We welcome everyone over 18 of any ability - just come with an open heart and mind. To get the most out of our yoga retreats, we recommend taking part in at least 3/4 yoga classes before joining. (If you're unsure if it's for you, drop us an email with any questions and we can always have a call! Jen)
Do I need yoga experience?
Not at all! Whether you’re a regular practitioner or just finding your yogi legs you are very welcome, and we try to offer different options in our classes where possible. Also, we really aim to create a very relaxed, non-judgemental environment, where you can do as much or as little as you like - everything is optional!
Do I need equipment?
For the yoga: Yoga mats, blankets, bolsters, blocks and straps are provided. Please bring warm layers and socks for the yin yoga and yoga Nidra classes.
Where is it?
Amassa Place, Maroux, Southwest France.
The best way to reach our venue is either by the group transfer, or by car if you're hiring one - which we recommend if you wish to explore further afield.
The nearest airport is Toulouse Blagnac airport and the nearest train station is Toulouse Matabiau if you wish to come by train.
Danena is a one-hour drive south from Catania airport, on the island’s east coast.