Rediscovering our joie de vivre on a Nourish retreat at Manoir Mouret in France
Emma Douglas reviews an accessible wellness break based on holistic nutrition at a 'maison de maitre' in the idyllic rural village of Andillac where she relishes sustainable rural living, local organic produce, energising workshops and the restoration of her natural sleep rhythm
‘Accessible wellbeing’ is an enticing prospect for a caffeine-rich, sleep-poor city dweller like me ready to reignite her joie de vivre. Greeted on arrival by Manoir Mouret hosts, Margaret and Jack Reckitt, I’m delighted with my new home-from-home with its stunning views over local wine-country, ambient cicadas and welcome gift of natural products.
Dining on our first evening al fresco under fairy-lit trees in the Manoir’s courtyard, our sociable group – from different walks of life, aged between 30s and 60s - enjoys layered tians of Mediterranean vegetables, tangy goats cheese salad and buttered potatoes fresh from the soil. By the arrival of spiced roast peaches for dessert, I’m an early convert to ‘accessible wellbeing’ and all it might offer.
“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”
The concept of the Nourish retreat - on my stay, this was designed and led by registered nutritionist Fiona Berry - focuses on wholesome ‘real food’, movement and a mindful approach to individual energetic needs, all underpinned by a sense of joy and appreciation.
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.
Our culinary journey follows a daily rhythm. Breakfasts include homemade yogurt with compote and omega-rich seeds, kimchee pancakes, guacamole and eggs on bakery rye, accompanied by garden fruits and signature kefir courtesy of Jack, co-host and Fermenter-in-Chief. Lunch is the main event, featuring root vegetable tarts, bean patties with chimichurri, wild mushroom lasagna, rainbow slaws and ripe tomatoes with first-press olive oil from the neighbouring farm. Bite-size chocolate desserts are a favourite, purely for their serotonin-boosting qualities. Lighter suppers aid digestion and preparation for sleep, with optional wine for those after more fermentation.
The movement is energising and restorative. We gather daily in the wildflower meadow for pre-breakfast qigong. Our movement patterns are based on the ‘8-piece brocade’ sequence, combined with skin brushing and tapping of acupuncture points, to stimulate blood flow to the vital organs and awaken the senses. We work up our appetites further on scenic hikes - particularly special at first and last light - and have the luxury of a swimming pool, tennis court and gardens.
The mindful approach is a welcome re-set as Fiona guides us through reflective workshops. We look at balancing energy through the primary influence of sleep routines and embrace a pre-bed meditation complemented by lavender products. We cover nutrition for our life stage and micro-nutrient needs, learning the significance of our gut make-up or microbiome which nutritionists regard as our ‘second brain’ and from where 70% of our immunity stems.
Seasonality and ‘energetics’ - the chain of events bringing food to our plates - are focal points, highlighting the power of choice we have as consumers to drive change far beyond our own wellbeing. We explore the longevity of populations with thriving centenarians (famously Barbagia, Sardinia and Okinawa, Japan) who share plant-focused diets, regular movement and - most importantly - strong social connections.
Fiona, who glows with good health, is a beacon of common sense amidst a mass of available advice. There is laughter - even tears - as we ponder the balance struck in our busy lives and the micro-changes we can make to ensure a life well lived, whatever that means to each of us. The pondering continues during personal massages, communal digs in the kitchen-garden and a visit to the local olive farm. Some are happy to reflect further in nearby hill-top village shops and café bars.
Movie night features “The Hundred Foot Journey” - a foodie film set in the market town of St Antonin-Noble-Val. A perfect choice, since on our final day we venture into its cobbled streets on a mission to prepare a locally sourced meal. Our main-course team conducts a research recce, tasting all available freebies before selecting an array of ingredients from an improvised menu. St Antonin farmers are rarely grilled so intensely on the precise heritage of their produce, but the ‘energetics’ are short, so we have a good story to tell.
Back at base, based on experimentation, a wing and a prayer in Manoir’s impressive kitchen, we serve our ‘Mediterranean symphony for the senses’. All teams triumph with their contributions to the communal feast. Wine flows and the convivial celebration epitomises joie de vivre. Nourishment comes in all forms, and a last night of spontaneous music and dancing eventually melts into new sleep routines and a final night of restorative rest.
Nourish Retreat is big on nature and nurture, making space for relaxation in a special part of the world and as much learning as desired. A week on, I’m walking further to independent producers who care about their produce. I take longer to appreciate the variety and combination of flavours on my plate. Coffee is for enjoyment rather than daily dose, timed to respect my renewed quality of sleep. Thriving as a centenarian may be a longer-term goal, but there’s no time like the present to make better choices. Call it a gut feeling.
