The Art of Living Well

Join us on a travel and wellness retreat in the luxurious French region of Provence

Join us for an extraordinary experience in Provence – the breathtaking sight of lavender fields in bloom in September! This phenomenon occurs only once every six years and is made possible through our special relationship with the owner of the exceptional La Bastide de Lavande.

Our luxury retreat, taking place September 14th – 20th, 2027 has been curated for those who want to continue their love of travel, cultural immersion and culinary adventures, as well as future-proofing their bodies with daily strengthening, stretching, and breath work at all levels.

Nestled in a palatial and private estate that has paired all modern amenities with the charm of a countryside Bastide, this immersive experience invites you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

Begin each day with core and balance yoga and breath work sessions by the lavender fields to awaken you for the day ahead, then savor a nourishing breakfast crafted from local, organic ingredients.

After breakfast, scenic daily activities include strolling through the historic market village of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a visit to the Musée de la Lavande in Luberon and private tours and tastings at an award-winning local winery, a unique olive grove, and a Provençal chocolaterie. Truffle hunting with a delightfully trained huntress named Molly, a cultural excursion to the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence and an exploration of the enchanting village of Gordes will round out the week.

In the afternoons, unwind with guided meditations, journaling under the 300-years-old Sycamore trees and holistic spa treatments or pétanque games and relaxing by the heated pool with a glass of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or a home made tisane.

Each evening enjoy a gastronomic tour of the South of France with a three-course dinner en plein air made by our native Provençal Chef, and optional wine pairings by our Parisien co-host.

We can’t wait to share this magical and one-of-a-kind experience with you!

Daily Itinerary

8am – Sunrise & Serenity 

Begin the day with a guided yoga and mobility session, designed to awaken and enliven your body for the day ahead, moving through poses that focus on core, balance, stretching, strengthening and breathwork.

9am – Provençal Breakfast

Chef-prepared seasonal breakfast, featuring farm fresh eggs, organic produce, charcuterie, scratch made baked goods and freshly brewed coffee and tea 

10am – 3pm – Daily Curated Tour

Each day a luxurious, bespoke experience awaits you:

  • Vineyard Walk and Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Tasting and Luncheon
  • Visit the Musée de la Lavande and lavender distillery in Luberon
  • Learn how to make chocolate at a Provençal Chocolaterie , includes a creating and tasting workshop
  • Market Village Tour of L’Isle -sur-la-Sorgue
  • Guided excursion through the town of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, visiting shops and museums and historical sites
  • Explore the charming village of Gordes, dotted with quaint shops and bistros, and visit a family-owned olive grove
  • Forage for truffles with Molly, the truffle huntress at Les Fréres Jaumard

Upon returning to La Bastide de Lavande

  • Relax in the heated pool overlooking the lavender fields
  • Sip on our refreshing house made lavender-infused lemonade, or a glass of local wine
  • Join in or watch a casual game of Pétanque under the trees
  • Book a private massage or spa treatment

6:30pm – Twilight Meditation and Daily Reflection (optional)

Join us as we meet on the terrace to journal about the day

7pm – Three-Course Dinner

Beautifully prepared evening meal, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients, wine pairing option available

While all daily events and tours are included, please note that they are optional. It is our intention that every guest feel free to choose their level of participation each day.

FAQs

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The food is exquisite!

Five Stars! Five Stars! Five Stars!

To wake up and be able to come out in front of the lavender field and do a morning yoga session was truly enjoyable. The best way to start your day!

— Linda N.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I have traveled all around the world, but I have never been to a place like this!

— Marla L.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

It’s beautiful! We did a lot of things we would never do in the United States!

I met a lot of interesting people and had good conversations. I laughed a lot!

Very unique experience!

— Gary N.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

It was culinary artistry!

— Leonard L.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The warmth and positivity – I felt rejuvenated and refreshed!

— Patricia V.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I don’t think you can improve the experience. This is one of the best experiences I have had!

— Sandeep V.

Justin Thoms, M.D.

Dr. Thoms graduated from Kenyon College with a B.A. in chemistry and philosophy. After receiving his medical degree from Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, he did his internship and residency at North Shore-LIJ in New York. He completed the Aufranc Fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at the New England Baptist Hospital in Boston. He is the Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital and Director of the Joint Replacement program for Constitution Surgery Center East (CSCE).

Dr. Thoms specializes in orthopedic treatment of arthritis for knees and hips. This includes non-surgical treatment modalities as well as a high volume of knee & hip replacements. He also performs revision surgery for patients who have had previous surgery, including joint replacements that have worn out or failed.

One of the non-surgical, research-backed modalities recommended by Dr. Thoms is yoga, which inspired him to become a co-developer of the Hathaletics program.   

Dr. Thoms was awarded Top Doctor by Connecticut Magazine. 

Kate Thoms

Kate Thoms is the founder of Hathaletics, a physician-supported yoga program created to help enhance mobility, maintain longevity, support injury prevention, and boost mental clarity and concentration in all bodies and Hathaletics Retreats, which creates bespoke health, wellness and travel experiences. She is a 200hr certified yoga teacher through the international Yoga Alliance registered school, Yogatrotter Academy. Kate also has a Bachelor of Arts from Kenyon College and an Associate of Science in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University

Alric Rahtkens Barrué

Alric Rahtkens Barrué graduated with an HND in Catering Management from Ferrandi Paris, the School of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. He is also a certified Personal Trainer through Træner Akademiet in Aarhus, Denmark.

After completing several internships between Copenhagen and Paris, he met Kate and Justin, with whom he found shared interests in culinary endeavors, travel and bodywork. 

Trilingual in French, Danish, and English, Alric, a native Parisien with French and Danish heritage, brings valuable expertise in local Provençal products and wines. 

As a competitive bodybuilder, he also has extensive knowledge of nutrition and training.

Together, his deep understanding of catering and fitness, as well as his cultural knowledge of France, makes him the ideal co-host for our retreat.