Retreat testimonials
Nicola Crosswell:
A day in my wellbeing journey
"It was with some trepidation that I signed up for the breathing workshop at the Retreat at La Moulin de Latreille. I had never done anything like it before or in fact any retreats.
On arrival we began with the cold plunge which I was truly nervous about and could have easily have dipped out of, excuse the pun. I am so glad I didn’t. What an amazing experience, that made you feel completely invigorated and alive! Truly a fantastic way to start a well being journey.
The setting at the mill is breathtakingly beautiful, surrounded by nature at its best. The energy of the environment is tangible.
After the ice baths, over looking the weir and water lilies, we experienced a class of yoga followed by a delicious organic lunch. A walk around a wild flower meadow prepared us for the main event.
The breathe workshop was beyond anything I have experienced. In a converted barn, or 'the Ark' as it is called, a perfect space for any workshop. It began with a sound bath, of which the vibrations reflected the peace and harmony that was presence between everyone who was there which lead into the breathing workshop. This, I must say was a challenge, an hour of breathwork that sends you deep into yourself. You truly have to do it, as the benefits, the emotions, go beyond words.
A heartfelt thank you to Darren and Debbie, who held the workshops. You were so amazing, professional and personal at the same time, made me feel in a very safe space.
The hosts Fi & Giles, were incredible, a massive thank you, I think everyone involved felt as if we were of one big family.
The combination of the environment, the work shop, the people, the love and the energy created, was such a wonderful experience. I am hooked and cant wait to do it again. Merci fille fois!"
Barbara Horton:
“This was the first time I’ve ever done any kind of retreat..
..and wow - I wasn’t disappointed! I wasn’t sure what to expect and the thought of ice baths at 8.30am made me slightly apprehensive to say the least! I’ve never been more pleasantly surprised - can you believe I actually enjoyed them! The location is stunning - it’s a truly magical place and hosts Fi and Giles were so welcoming I felt as if I was home.
Debbie and Darren hosted fantastic activities from breath work classes to yoga and sound baths. To be immersed within these experiences in surroundings this beautiful you really come out feeling like a renewed version of yourself ready to take on the world. The peace and positive mindset have been the biggest things I’ve taken away and it was fantastic to do that surrounded by like-minded people who are also on their wellness journey.
Will definitely be attending again and can’t thank those involved enough."
Seán Morgan:
“What can I say… 5 days of peace and personal growth.
I have just completed a 5 day retreat and it brought me a level of peace that I didn’t know I needed or that I could even achieve.
Our hosts Fiona and Giles literally couldn’t do enough for us, I was treated like family from the moment I arrived.
Darren and Debbie delivered a bespoke programme that was tailored to be flexible each day, so much so we decided to sack off the last day and visit some absolute stunning towns and scenery. Having never been to France, I was glad of this.
The venue provides the seclusion needed to remove yourself from the day to day nonsense our lives thrown at us.
Fresh water swimming, beautiful walks (I chose to begin my day with a scenic run each morning) mountain / hill walks, mediation, sound baths, yoga and even canoeing!
I know the thought of it is dreadful, but the cold plunges by the end of the week were easy. They started my morning the right way and now I’m home I miss them, so much so I’ve ordered one for the family.
Make sure you visit the Gouve - it is out of the world.
When I got home, I took my children to build a dam in the woods. Without sounding like an awful person, I haven’t done anything like this in a long time. My wife is equally happy with the new me.
I’ve been asked to provide a short testimony, this is as short as I can do and I feel I’m missing loads more.
Thank you everyone and I look forward to the next one.”
Cecile Martel:
"It took me some time to put words to such an experience ...
Not only because English is not my mother tongue but because this is unlike any past experience.
For me, there's a before and an after. Although I wasn't lucky enough to experience a multi-day retreat, those 24 hours of breathing, yoga, and cold bath workshops remain a wonderful little break in my life. It was both a rich human experience and a journey deep within myself. Everything was "wow !" the place (magical, welcomed by exceptional hosts as this mill nestled on the riverbank), a very beautiful and powerful energy.
Darren and Debbie, thank you so much! You both showed a deep willingness to share the best of yourself, your own experiences and knowledge, I felt wrapped in love and kindness, learned a lot that will stay useful for the rest of my life.
Can't not say something too about the delicious, healthy and tasty meals we had thanks to Fiona and Giles for making these moments possible, and offering us the chance to enjoy the magic of their living space.
P.S. I know now, with the right help, advice and support, that we all are capable of bathing at 5°C !"
