Manoir Mouret Retreats
Andillac, France
Magical, accessible nutrition and movement retreats to ignite your joie de vivre
Set in the gorgeous rural village of Andillac, this 1850s-built 'maison de maitre' is your base for restorative movement, nutrition and wellness retreats. Experience being close to nature and mindful movement and learn daily wellbeing practices to take home. The house exudes elegant comfort and charm, with fresh, light-filled accommodation, landscaped gardens, wildflower meadow, a heated pool, sauna, a movement studio and tennis courts.
our Reviewer sarah garbett says of her move for life retreat:
‘Move for Life and retreating with experts and fellow guests who care about their longevity, rather than the number of squats it takes to form a peach-shaped bum, was just the personal refresher I needed’
our Reviewer emma douglas says of her nutrition retreat:
‘The food is spectacular. Head chef Hayley North - herself a trainer to retreat chefs - prepares feasts of seasonal, local produce that are creative, innovative and a treat for the senses. Colours that pop, and flavours that contrast and complement, are all served with tales of the ingredients’ provenance’
Queen of Retreats says:
‘Margaret and Jack Reckitt, the inspiring British couple behind Manoir Mouret, are superb hosts with a strong ethos on accessible wellbeing. They run their retreats with a team of highly professional experts who care deeply and are attentive to individual needs. This is an intimate and peaceful setting to reflect, revitalise, switch off or re-connect as you wish, and linger over joyful communal meals’
Experiences
Join French Field to Fork, a culinary retreat, with a house party vibe. Kathy Slack, a food writer and cook, and Kirstie Young, a food photographer and stylist, will teach you how to create mouth-watering, seasonal dishes and then photograph them. Enjoy suppers on the terrace, discover all about wine-making with hosts Margaret and Jack Reckitt and visit local producers and markets.
Movement retreats, led by inspirational teacher Asha Hibbert, are designed for those who enjoy regular exercise and want to explore the benefits of different movement practices, including personal training, yoga, qigong and mobility work in a fun supportive environment.
In your free time, you can take a dip in the heated pool, use the sauna, bat some balls on the tennis court, work out in the small gym area, play ping pong or have a few shots at the basketball hoop. Enjoy an optional massage treatment (extra charge) and do a digital detox - recommended but not compulsory.
The picturesque surrounding countryside is criss-crossed with walking routes and the quiet country roads are perfect for cycling.
Locally, you can visit medieval hilltop villages with weekly markets and charming cafés, or the UNESCO city of Albi with its stunning 12th century cathedral, food market, cobbled shopping streets and Toulouse Lautrec Museum. Manoir Mouret is at the heart of historic wine-country and surrounded by excellent boutique family wineries.
Spaces
The renovated manoir was originally built by the village's master winemaker. The house is blessed with spacious rooms and terraces, including a large central barn 'hub' where you can share meals or chat over drinks, a central courtyard for atmospheric al fresco dining, and quiet rooms for workshops, movies, and reading.
The bright, airy movement studio has wooden flooring, a mirrored wall, sound comfort and air conditioning, as well as props, mats and blocks. You’ll find cardio equipment in a small gym area, and massage treatments take place in a private studio.
Walk or relax in five acres of tranquil gardens full of mature fruit and walnut trees, and stunning wildflower meadow overlooking the village church.
Enjoy the swimming pool, heated from May until September, socialise or relax in the shady pool house, or play tennis on the all-weather court.
High standard bedrooms are spread across the main house and the adjoining courtyard barns and are furnished in an individual style blending rustic and modern chic, with fresh decor and designer fabrics. All bedrooms are en-suite and thoughtful spa products from L’Occitane are provided, along with robes.
Sustenance
Manoir Mouret has a large, organic potager where Margaret and Jack grow more than 30 varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruit, all of which are used in your retreat meals.
Dishes are homemade, seasonal and predominantly plant-led vegetarian, providing guests with delicious food on retreat and inspiration to take home with them.
Movement retreats might start with a pre-class snack, such as homemade blueberry muffins, banana oat smoothies or granola bars. A two-course brunch might feature overnight oats and a frittata, or fruit salad followed by oat pancakes with hummus, spinach and confit tomatoes. A typical dinner is smoky lentils and harissa roast cauliflower with aubergine and white cabbage salad.
French Field to Fork retreats focus on savouring your food, with a late lunch meal, enjoyed slowly and mindfully., and suppers on the terrace. A typical spread might feature a buckwheat Mediterranean tart, goats’ cheese and peach salad, roast garden potatoes and homemade kimchi. Mini desserts feature, in moderation of course. Two-course breakfasts, featuring different daily choices, are enjoyed after early morning qigong practice. Light suppers may include spicy warming soups or ancient grain salads.
Teas, coffee and water are available all day, as well as fresh fruit to snack on, and there is a non-alcoholic cocktail each evening. A mindful and moderate approach to alcohol and caffeine is supported on each retreat.
