OVERVIEW

ELEMENTAL ENERGY

Join us for a week of diving into a journey through the elements using the lens of movement, meditation, and magic. Exploring the elements offers ways for us to get to know ourselves in depth using the wisdom of archetypes while encouraging spiritual journeying and deep introspection. This week will help reveal the tools you didn't realize you needed and will leave you feeling validated, equipped, and on a new journey for being. Each day we will focus on a different element and how this energy is showing up (or not showing up) in our lives. We will play with some lighthearted assessments to see how well we are balanced in the elements throughout our lives as well as playing with some fun ways to cultivate any “missing elements”. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and entertained!

Throughout the week, we’ll embrace the five elements as our guide—earth, water, fire, air, and space—to align our inner rhythms with nature’s cycles. From grounding rituals to energizing workshops with astrology and archtypes, these experiences will serve as the foundation for a transformative journey. Begin with an opening circle to set intentions, and close with a gathering to reflect on newfound insights and practices you can carry forward into daily life.

Below is a glimpse of the unique activities that will support your path toward longevity with this themed itinerary:

EARTH ELEMENT
Grounding Yoga, Guided Nature Meditation Walk, Hands-on Earth-based Crafting Session, Archetypal Discussion

WATER ELEMENT
Yoga Flow, Coastal Boat Trip, Lunch on Board, Personalized Readings

FIRE (SUN) ELEMENT
Morning Yoga, Daytrip to St Emilion Wineries, Fire & Cacao Ceremony

AIR + ETHER ELEMENTS
Spa Treatments, Restorative Yoga + Soundbath, Exploring the Astrological Charts, Closing Circle

**Please note that this program will be a bit unique from our usual EPM retreats. We will be creating an intimate circle of guests with a focus on the inward personal work in the container of a safe space for everyone to explore, learn, and go within. Although we will still enjoy our usual day trips and cultural outings, this retreat will keep the focus on time to renew and grow, while allowing the outings to just enhance our daily themes with some cultural elements. Please come with an open heart, mind, and spirit and in the right space to allow yourself the space to renew throughout the week.

LOCATION + ACCOMMODATION

On this special retreat, we will have exclusive use of the stunning Villa la Tosca in southwest France on the coast outside of Bordeaux. Nestled on the beach, enveloped in the scent of pine trees, Villa La Tosca offers the ideal setting for a retreat from the noise of the world: a stunning property on 4000m2 of land on the Arcachon Bay. The daily movement of the tides and the natural environment diffuse a quality of ionized air and energy that exist nowhere else.

ARCACHON BAY: SAND DUNES, CHARMING BEACHSIDE TOWNS, NATURE PARKS, LOCAL DINING.

The Arcachon Bay is renowned for its healing and soothing properties for the respiratory system. The villa is located in a culturally rich area, surrounded by nature preservation parks, unique coastal towns in close proximity and near to the Dune du Pyla (Highest sand dune in Europe).

Our time during the retreat will take us around the natural landscapes near the villa, as well as on a boat to explore the unique coastline. Then we’ll venture inland one day to visit the world-famous wine region of Bordeaux getting to explore the wineries around beautiful St Emilion.

CUISINE

Healthful, local food is part of the retreat experience. The food is simple and delicious, using fresh ingredients from the local markets and prepared onsite at our villa. Breakfast is provided at the villa each morning, and our dinners and lunches will be either enjoyed on site or out on our day trips. We will have a private chef for our time at the villa and, besides nourishing meals on-site, we will also enjoy a lunch on board during our private boat day, a couple of wine tastings and lunch out during our day in St Emilion (Bordeaux’s premier wine region), and a cozy local dinner in the village. We’ll even learn some Ayurvedic tips to incorporate into our week, as well as back at home.

*In the yogic tradition, meals on our retreats are vegetarian. When the company was founded, we wanted to create consistency and integrity within our yogic lineage as well as finding the most consistent way in each location to leave a light footprint. We know not all our guests are vegetarian, but we ask that they be open and understanding of the principles that guide this choice for just the few days that we are together. That said, breakfast is an open menu with all diets being represented, so there are usually options of meat / fish. Plus, a couple of the provided meals at sea-based locations will have an option for seafood, and of course guests can choose whatever they prefer from menus when we are on our own for a few meals during the week. Special allergies can be addressed and noted.

ACTIVITIES

Guests will not only enjoy the grounds of the Villa La Tosca, but also we’ll be incorporating daily activities both on and off site to add to the full retreat experience. Each day we’ll enjoy yoga and meditation time as well as an Ayurveda workshop. Since our week will be themed with the elements, we will enjoy the first part of the week in the earth element with a Guided Nature Meditation Walk and Hands-on Earth-based Crafting Session. Then we move on to the water element with a Coastal Boat Trip and Lunch on Board to explore the beautiful coastline of this part of France. Next we’ll explore the fire element by participating in an activity that needs sunshine - wine! We’ll have a day trip to the gem of the Bordeaux wine region, St Emilion, for some winery tours and tastings, and close the day with a Fire Ceremony. Finally on our celebration of the air and ether elements, we’ll enjoy spa treatments on site with a special yoga nidra and sound bath healing session.

WELLNESS

Daily meditation and yoga will be offered in a way to relax, stimulate, and help guests grow in their own personal practice. Classes are open to all levels, beginner to practiced.* Style and class levels will be determined and moulded to fit participating students' needs, and with our limited retreat class size, students will be able to get personalized attention and comfortability to deeply explore their practice. We’ll be practicing in the villa’s stunning yoga shala overlooking the lush garden. In addition to our yoga classes each day there will be elemental-themed classes/meditations focused to find the elements in your own life. Plus, personalized birth chart astrology readings will be given to each guest in a one-on-one session with Amy.

AMY COMMANDER

Amy found yoga in 2003 after a knee injury from long distance running. Following the advice of a friend, she started taking classes in an effort to help get her knee healthy enough to continue running in marathons and racing. It did not take long for her to realize that yoga was a much healthier and more sustainable form of mental and spiritual exercise, eventually leaving running behind in favor of yoga. In 2008, Amy opened her first yoga studio that she successfully ran for over twelve years. In addition to being a studio owner and having over 14 years experience actively teaching, Amy is an accomplished intuitive. Having completed her advanced training with Astrologer Debra Silverman, Amy enjoys providing in-depth astrology readings to support members in their healing journey. She is also a certified master Reiki healer, an oracle/tarot reader, and certified holistic nutrition counselor. After losing one of her closest friends to cancer in 2020, Amy went back to school for nutrition, successfully graduating from IIN (Institute for Integrative Nutrition). Amy has since started a new business, Yogi Bites, offering nutrition services of all kinds, including home baked goods. She is the owner of “The Studio”, in St Augustine Florida.

*Participation in classes and activities is optional throughout the retreat. All levels welcome!

WHAT PAST GUESTS ARE SAYING

DETAILS / PRICING

• 6 Days / 5 Nights (Jun 8-13, 2026)

• Inclusive Retreat Price = $3995USD (shared room*) + various upgrades and single room supplements available during registration

• Deposit to hold space = $1500

• Max # Guests = 14
  * Guests traveling alone can choose the shared room and we match up based on guest profile. Rooms are spacious with separate beds and private bathrooms.
  ** 50% of final balance due 120 days before retreat start date, and remaining 50% due 60 days before retreat start date.
  Read full cancellation policy in our Terms & Conditions.

INCLUDED*:

• Exclusive use of Villa

• Accommodation (spacious bedrooms each with private bathrooms, linens)

• Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• Welcome Aperitif Reception + Orientation

• Transportation to/from day trips

• Daily yoga / meditation classes

• Daily elemental-focused class or meditation

• Use of estate premises (gardens, trails, pool, sauna, cold plunge, etc.)

• Guided nature meditation walk

• Private coastal boat trip

• Lunch on board private boat

• Daytrip to St Emilion Bordeaux wine region

• Winery visit with tour + tasting lunch

• Evening fire ceremony

• Crafting class

• Visit and dinner in local village

• On-site spa treatment day

• Soundbath

• Personalized birth chart reading

• Taxes

* airfare not included
**activities may change based on weather or unforeseen circumstances

LOCATION / TRAVEL:

The villa is located in the South West of France, 40 minutes from the city of Bordeaux in the town of Lanton, in the heart of the Arcachon Bay, where the garden gates open right up onto the beach. Close to the towns of Cap Ferret and Arcachon. 

Airport: Bordeaux Mérignac airport (BOD) is about 35min from the villa and reachable by taxi.
Train station: Bordeaux St Jean TGV station (40min) which offers connections to Paris in 2.5hrs. Biganos Facture train station (20min). Both easily accessible by taxi.

SUGGESTED PACKING:

Besides the basic packing and travel needs, here are a few things to think about bringing with you.

• Yoga mats and props are provided

• Bathing suit (on-site pool, boat day, etc)

• Layers of clothing for weather changes

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Plug adaptors / converters

• Journal