The Art of Stillness
Yoga & Writing Summer Retreat
with Alicia Anka & Nico Luce
A Sanctuary for Body, Mind, and Soul
Join us for a rejuvenating retreat that blends the grounding power of yoga with the freedom of self-expression through creative writing and journaling. Each day will unwind at a gentle pace, inviting you to reconnect with your inner landscape while savoring the beauty of southern France.
Daily Rhythm
Morning Vinyasa Practice – Energizing flow to awaken the body and mind.
Afternoon Journaling & Creative Writing – Guided prompts to explore your life, emotions, and dreams.
Evening Yin Yoga – Deep, restorative postures to release tension and invite reflection.
Leisure & Discovery – Time to wander the château grounds, use the pool, harman and gym, stroll through the tiny village, or venture into Toulouse or the breathtaking Haute-Garonne countryside.
Who It’s For
Whether you’re an experienced yogi, a budding writer, or simply seeking renewal, this intimate retreat welcomes all levels of yoga and writing experience. Our small group of 14 participants ensures personal attention and a warm, connected community.
What You’ll Take Home
A refreshed body and a calmer nervous system
Pages of personal writing and new creative practices
Deeper clarity about your intentions, emotions, and dreams
Friendships and memories rooted in a stunning French landscape
About Alicia Anka
Alicia has been writing since she was a little girl. She’s always been fascinated by words and how you can use them to create worlds in which to live. She teaches writing to middle and high school students, runs writing workshops for adults and writes fiction, personal narratives and most recently songs. She believes there is true power in journaling as a tool for processing feelings, uncovering truths and creating a meaningful life for oneself. Alicia found yoga thirty years ago when she stumbled upon a free month of yoga and meditation at a spiritual center in San Diego, California. She had been looking for something that would feed her spiritual side, as well as help her with chronic back pain, and yoga proved to do both. Over the years, she has had a dedicated practice of various types of yoga including: Bikram, Ashtanga, Sivananda and Vinyasa Flow yoga. She is a certified Sivananda, Vinyasa Flow, and Yin teacher, as well as kids yoga teacher. In her kids classes, she strives to create a fun and supportive environment where kids can gain flexibility and strength while relieving stress and building self-awareness and confidence. In her adult yoga classes, she uses a combination of everything she has learned throughout her own journey in yoga and in life to help students get in touch with their bodies and breath, as well as their hearts, through a dynamic, alignment-based practice. She believes that yoga is a way of life, and creating a consistent yoga practice can help people find a sense of inner peace within today’s chaotic world. She enjoys teaching because of the sense of community it brings to her life and feels that in giving, we truly receive.
The Setting
Situated in the department of Haute-Garonne, one hour from Toulouse and its international airport, Château Rieucazé is nestled at the top of a hill, offering captivating views of the valley and the Pyrenées mountains to the south. Located on the edge of a tiny village, the main house is backed by a courtyard of eighteenth century barns and enjoys 10 acres of park and gardens ensuring complete privacy.
The historic château was constructed in 1786, just 3 years prior to the outbreak of the French Revolution, belonging to the family of the Comte Du Pac until 1960. The property encompasses a sprawling park with gardens designed under different themes: French, English, Asian and Mediterranean. The grounds also includes a large pond where koi fish and wild ducks swim, a salt-water pool, a handmade mosaic Hammam, a weight room and a large greenhouse.
The château can host up to 14 people in 8 rooms, with either private or shared bathrooms. The interiors of the house have been meticulously restored, preserving numerous period features, including intricate plasterwork, marble fireplaces, wainscotting and beautifully detailed hardwood floors throughout the main rooms. The house has been artfully revived to recapture its authentic charm and elegance, balanced with modern elements and imbuing it with the enduring ambiance of a genuine home.
The retreat runs from Saturday to Saturday and include two daily classes and two vegetarian meals. The program throughout the week has a strong foundation in meditation, pranayama and asana infused with eastern philosophy & spirituality.
The morning asana practice will be dynamic Vinyasa style designed to refine the biomechanical actions of establishing a strong foundation, powerful core integration and individual expression in each pose. The evening session will be a gentle Yin & Restorative yoga class to calm the mind and relax the body after a day of sightseeing, hiking or mountain-biking. Both yoga classes are open to all levels of experience or fitness and will be offered in English.
Sample Daily Schedule:
8:00 to 10:30 Meditation, pranayama & dynamic asana practice
11:00 to 12:00 Brunch
12:00 to 18:30 Afternoon Journaling & Creative Writing as well as free time to enjoy the property or sightsee
18:00 to 19:15 Gentle yin & restorative practice
19:30 to 21:00 Dinner
Discover the beauty of the Pyrenées region and treat yourself to a week of transformative yoga practices, delicious healthy meals, relaxing facilities, historic surroundings and meaningful connections to like-minded people.
