This unique Retreat is being offered for the first time!

>>Art & drawing classes, at different locations in the beautiful walled town of Saint-Emilion, with Karen Iredale Lucas.
>>Workshops on nutrition for longevity with Emma Ellice Flint
>>Nourishing meals for vitality, longevity & overall mood balance.

4 Nights & days to restore and to energise, with a focus on living well, physically and mentally.

"Having reached midlife, I understand more than ever that looking after my physical and mental health can make a profound difference to my overall sense of vitality" Co-host, experienced Nutritionist & Chef, Emma Ellice Flint

"When I was studying art, my main thesis focused on how art can help improve mental health - art can awaken the creativity in a person & becomes a mood enhancer!" Co-host, professional artist & experienced art tutor, Karen Iredale Lucas.

The Retreat venue is the incredible private house 'Maison des Cordeliers', nestled in a quiet back street within the walled town of Saint-Emilion.

Guests will gather here for:
>Breakfast, lunch and dinner;
>Attend nutrition workshop;
>Work on developing art skills (as well as around the walled town of Saint-Emilion);
>Enjoy each other's company or sit in a quiet spot, inside or in the walled garden, and simply relax.  

Accommodation is a short stroll down the street to L’Auberge de la Commanderie.
Unfortunately there is no disabled access at the hotel. 


To book your place please follow the link below.

If you would like to ask any questions of Emma or Karen, please fill out your details on the contact page here, adding to the subject line 'Saint-Emilion Retreat'.

Emma Ellice Flint BHSc(Nut) is a clinical nutritionist and former chef with a passionate interest in supporting women's health.
During Emma's 12 years of clinic experience, she has helped thousands of people and has come to understand which foods make a real difference to our feelings of vitality and why.

Learn from Emma about why these foods are good for your mind and overall body health during the Retreat. 

During the Retreat, the focus will be plant-based eating with some dairy included, displaying the power of food to balance and heal us at all stages, but particularly for longevity and to help support mood balance.

- Eat together with Emma, Karen and the team.

- Watch a cooking demonstration with Emma and ask her questions. 

- Hear why these foods are good for longevity and vitality.

Karen Iredale Lucas M.A. & P.G.C.E. is an amazing art tutor, with an MA on drawing as a process, and a professional artist who has exhibited her work all over the world.

She has a wealth of experience in both exhibiting & teaching others throughout her life; Having combined exhibiting professionally as an artist alongside tutoring adults at all levels - Degree level, Art foundation & A level.

Read more about Karen here on her website.

Karen says "Saint Emilion is a stunning medieval village. The village features limestone buildings that glow at sunset and stimulate the desire to create. The gentle hills around Saint Emilion are full of lush vineyards that undulate over the surrounding fields which are ideal for sketching & painting in watercolours".

"The process of drawing in such an environment allows one to drift away into this picturesque world of golden hues where silence surrounds you, broken only by the occasional dog barking way in the distance".

You will be shown demonstrations on how to mix colours, techniques in paint application & drawing methods by Karen. There will be one-to-one tuition during the course of the painting sessions.

If you have previous experience with watercolours and brush techniques, what better place to explore your artistic talent? In particular, the cathedral provides an ideal focal point. Or if you are a beginner, Karen can help you find your sketching skills and guide you in the use of watercolour.  

Equipment: Watercolour sets and paintbrushes can be provided at an additional fee. Please bring your own sketchbooks. See more details of what to bring here. 

The Retreat House:
The wonderful retreat house, Maison Des Cordeliers, is a private home. You can feel Saint-Emilion's traditional architectural influence here, whilst enjoying its sympathetic renovations. Emma says, after visiting the Maison "it feels so welcoming and I instantly felt relaxed; We all ate outside at the garden table, it was dreamy in the beautiful twilight".

Saint-Emilion:
Saint-Emilion is a UNESCO village, just 47km east of Bordeaux, and is renowned for excellence in food, wine and beauty. The accommodation and retreat are within the walled village of one of France's most picturesque towns, just steps from everything Saint Emilion has to offer.

With its winding cobbled streets and amazing views up and down the naturally undulating hills, you will fall in love with this town as we have!

What's Included:

>> Daily morning or afternoon art sessions for two and half hours with Karen as your guide, suitable for all levels; At different locations around the walled town of Saint-Emilion.
>>Nutritional workshop and cooking demonstration with Emma, with a focus on longevity and mood balance.
>> All nourishing meals included, curated by Emma using locally sourced fresh & seasonal ingredients.
>> Non-alcoholic drinks, teas and coffee available throughout the day.
>> Early evening apéritif together in the walled garden (weather permitting), to reflect and unwind from the day's events (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink offered).
>> Traditional Saint-Emilion style accommodation in private or shared rooms (all en-suite) at L’Auberge de la Commanderie.
>> A guided morning trip to the historic food markets, transport included.
>> A guided afternoon walking tour to the nearby vineyard, with wine tasting included.

What's not included:

>>Airfare/transfers/travel to and from Saint-Emilion.
>> Travel and medical insurance.
>>Parking: Private car parking is available at the hotel,  at a pre-booked rate of 25 € per night. 
>>Art Supplies: Please bring your own art supplies, or alternatively contact Karen, and she will arrange to bring them at an additional cost. See further details here.

Number of Guests:
Karen and Emma particularly dislike going to Retreats were you feel like the organiser has packed in the number of people to make that extra bit of money - this is not the case here, there are only a maximum of 10 guests. 

Commencement of the Retreat:
We will gather at Maison Des Cordelier for an apéritif to begin the Retreat at 5pm on Friday 16th June. Check-in to your room at L’Auberge de la Commanderie is from 3pm on that day.

Conclusion of the Retreat:
Our final meal together will be lunch on Tuesday 20th June, after this, we will say our goodbyes.