About the Trip
Join us for six unforgettable nights on the breathtaking shores of Arcachon Bay near Bordeaux, France. This luxury yoga, Pilates, and wellness retreat combines movement, relaxation, nature, exceptional food, and coastal adventure in one of France’s most beautiful seaside destinations. Set on a stunning beachfront estate with direct beach access, this retreat offers elegant en-suite accommodations, lush gardens, a beautiful outdoor yoga shala, natural spring-fed pool, sauna, ice bath, and peaceful spaces designed for deep rest and renewal. Designed for those seeking restoration and inspiration, this France wellness retreat includes yoga, Pilates, meditation, breathwork, sauna, cold immersion, beach walks, chef-prepared meals, and meaningful connection. Whether you’re looking to recharge your nervous system, improve your wellbeing, or simply slow down and enjoy the beauty of coastal France, you’ll have the freedom to do as much or as little as you like. Our days begin with yoga, Pilates, breathwork, meditation, and mindful rituals, followed by beautiful chef-prepared breakfasts overlooking the water. Afternoons invite beach walks, massage treatments, tea ceremonies, evening seaside fires, mud bathing, wine tasting, French cooking classes, paddle boarding, surfing, ceramics workshops, natural dye workshops, sailing trips, or simply relaxing poolside beneath the French sun. We’ll explore the famous Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe, along with nature parks, the Le Teich Bird Sanctuary, and charming coastal villages. Optional day trips include Saint-Émilion wine country and Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its beauty, architecture, and world-class food and wine. Evenings are for connection, sunset dinners, and unforgettable chef-prepared meals inspired by the region’s incredible culinary traditions. Breakfast and dinner are included daily, featuring fresh local ingredients and the elegance France is known for. This retreat is for those craving beauty, movement, connection, exceptional food, and a reset that feels both luxurious and deeply restorative. Come move. Come breathe. Come experience France with us.
Hosts
Melissa Joy Schoeller
Founder of Ritual Union Retreats and Hola Yoga, Melissa Joy Schoeller has led more than 100 + yoga, wellness, fitness, and adventure retreats around the world. Her retreats are known for blending movement, meaningful connection, exploration, and unforgettable experiences in beautiful destinations worldwide.
Melissa’s approach is rooted in community, personal growth, and creating spaces where people can slow down, recharge, reconnect with themselves, and build lasting friendships. Whether leading yoga, Pilates, fitness classes, sound healing, hiking adventures, or retreat experiences, her goal is simple: help people come home to themselves while experiencing the beauty of the world.
Highlights
Saint Emilion: Chateau Tour, Lunch & Wine Tasting
Spend an afternoon exploring the charming village of St Emilion with a wine tasting, chateau tour and lunch. Afterwards we will have time to roam the beautiful streets, local cafes and rich French culture of one of France's most iconic wine regions.
Fresh Food, Michelin Star Chef
Fresh, local, seasonal meals thoughtfully prepared by our Michelin star chef. Enjoy a week of nourishing meals. Tea infusions, local wine, mocktails, house-made kombucha. Everything is homemade, wholesome and delicious. All dietary needs can be accommodated. Veg, meat, seafood options. This area is known for their oysters.
Pyla-sur-Mer Sand Dune
The Dune du Pilat is a massive natural monument and the tallest sand dune in Europe. Located on France's Atlantic coast, it offers a dramatic landscape where a vast pine forest meets the ocean.
Sailing
Market Day
Wander the charming village streets filled with local treasures, flowers. An authentic taste of slow French countryside living. Market day is on Sunday - 30 min walk or 10 min bike ride from our villa.
Sauna & Cold Plunge
Restore and recharge with our sauna & cold plunge- designed to support recovery, relaxation and nervous system reset. The perfect way to unwind after yoga and our French beach and countryside adventures.
Spring- Fed Pool
Refresh in the beautiful spring-fed pool- perfect for slow mornings, sunnyy afternoons and peaceful moments between yoga, meals and adventure.
Evening Beach Fires
Unwind with a cozy evening beach fire by the sea- sunset skies, good company, and the perfect end to each day of the retreat.
BEAUTIFUL Garden Yoga Shala
Practice Yoga & Pilates in the stunning shala- surrounded by nature, frsh air and peaceful beauty. Overlooking the sea & garden, the perfect space for movement and restoration.
Wine Country
Located in Bordeaux wine country, enjoy local wines with meals, along with fresh mocktails and non alcoholic options available for an additionall charge. Our villa is stocked with really good local wines.
All Day Tea Ritual
Enjoy all day tea , coffee & water with fresh herbal infusions- an invitation to slow dow, nourish and savor the simple beauty of retreat life
On-site Massage
Indulge in optional on-site massage services for the perfect reset- give your body the extra care it deserves during your retreat.
Breach Front Baby!
The beach is right out front! Slow walks, ocean dips and beautiful sunsets whenever you like.
Surfing
Option to surf along the beautiful French coastline- whether you are a beginner or experienced, it's the perfect mix of adventure, ocean air and playful movement.
What's Included
What's Included
2-3 Classes Daily
RU Swag Bag w/goodies
Sauna & Cold Plunge
Spring Fed Pool
WIFI
Tea & Water
Bath Robes
Beach Towels
Organic Toiletries- Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap
Brunch & Dinner
Coffee
What's Not Included
Massage
Alcohol
Opional Excursions
Transportaion
Flights
Bikes
Snacks & Specialty Coffee Drinks
Gallery
Accommodation
Leau Vive - 2 twin beds
Perfect for two people. Ensuite bathroom. Sea View, 3 terraces,Jacuzzi bathtub. Spacious
FROM$3,800.00/pp
Le Papillion - 2 twin beds
Perfect for two friends or solo travellers. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$3,600.00/pp
Le Chaudiere - 2 twin beds
Perfect for two friends or solo travellers. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$3,400.00/pp
Le Bassin - 2 twin beds
Perfect for two friends or solo travellers. Ensuite bathroom. Sea View with terrace.
FROM$3,700.00/pp
La Verandah - 2 twin beds
Perfect for two friends or solo travellers. Ensuite bathroom. Sea View with Terrace.
FROM$3,700.00/pp
La Foret - 2 twin beds
Perfect for two friends or solo travellers. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$3,600.00/pp
La Source - 2 twin beds
Perfect for two friends or solo travellers. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$3,600.00/pp
La Source - 3 Twin beds
Perfect for 3 friends. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$3,300.00/pp
Le Confort - 1 double bed - sharing a bed with a friend.
Perfect for two friends or a couple. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$3,300.00/pp
Le Confort - Private Room.
Perfect for one person. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$5,000.00/pp
Le Bassin - Private Room
Perfect for one person. Ensuite bathroom. Sea View with terrace.
FROM$5,300.00/pp
La Vue - Private Room
Perfect for one person. Ensuite bathroom. Sea View, Terrace, Bathtub
FROM$5,400.00/pp
La Verandah - Private Room
Perfect for one person. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$5,300.00/pp
La Foret - Private Room
Perfect for one person. Ensuite bathroom.
FROM$5,000.00/pp
Trip Tips
Getting There
By Plane: Bordeaux Mérignac airport By Train: Bordeaux St Jean TGV station, Biganos Facture train station By Car: From Paris: 635 km on the A10, exit 10 towards Lège-Cap-Ferret/Andernos les Bains/Martignas-sur-Jalle From Toulouse: 3 h From Bordeaux - Mérignac airport: 40 mins From Bordeaux St Jean train station: 1 h From Biganos Facture train station (direct train connection with Bordeaux and Paris) 24 mins
Reserve Your Spot
Space is limited! Secure your spot with a 15% deposit and pay the remainder of the retreat in full by 60 days before when the retreat begins, or sign up for a monthly payment plan which requires a $500 deposit to secure your spot.